Yale Smart Alarm Starter Kit [NO Subscription Required] | 5 Pieces | Arm, Part-Arm, Disarm | Control 4 Security Areas | Real-Time Alerts | Compatible with The Yale Home app

I recently upgraded to the new Yale Smart Alarm system and decided to enhance our security by adding this sensor to our back gate. It works flawlessly and integrates well with the system. However, I noticed that it’s significantly larger than typical indoor sensors. While I understand the need for weatherproofing, it seems unnecessary for it to be this bulky—surely it could have been made more compact without sacrificing durability. That said, I’m very happy with its performance and would still recommend it to anyone looking to secure their outdoor areas.

I don't think I'll ever go back to a regular alarm system, this one is very easy to use and highly configurable.There are some design oversights that they should address. For instance, I chose to wire in the hub - but the ethernet cable they provided was too thick to allow the cover to close - even the power cable was too thick but did eventually go with some force. Therefore I had to cut away some of the plastic and use one of my own, thinner, ethernet cables to make it work (yes, I threaded the wires in the channels, according to the instructions).We did get a false alarm from one of the (admittedly poorly positioned) motion sensors when we were out - my partners iPhone phone went off like a siren, which was good (though perhaps not so great if you were in a theatre or something, for example). My android phone was attached to the car (and I always have it on vibrate) and I didn't get any notification at all. Might be fixable in my phone settings. The sensor itself had just been propped up on a shelf, so I will put the false alarm down to poor installation rather than a fault with the product. Will report back if I get any more once properly installed.The door contact is really useful, I like that you can make the hub chime whenever someone opens it, even if the house is disarmed.The fobs could be better, they're far too big and don't attach to a regular keyring nicely. However, you don't really need it as you can just disarm with your phone before you even enter the house. We've given ours to trusted family members (grandparents etc) who appreciate the large buttons and ease of use.The outdoor siren, I must admit, doesn't sound as loud as the old one, but it's loud enough to draw attention, especially in the dead of night. Of course your phone will be the first thing to alert you. I love that we can disarm false alarms even when we're away, or if we need to disarm it for a visitor. Rejoice the fear of the house alarm going off all night while we're on holiday is no more.The build quality could be better, it's all cheap plastic but so long as it works that's the main thing.I bought this in the sale for what I thought was good value for money compared to other brands. It's worth waiting for a sale.I like that it's all wireless so we can take it with us when we go.

Very good

it’s interesting that almost every reviews is via the Amazon Vine programme - each have 4 or 5 starts. While the actual purchases are scored lower… This maybe another of those rare reviews, which is based on an actual purchase.I had an old wired system which I replaced with this (plus a few extra PIRs). My property is stone built, and from one side of the house to the other, the signal encounters 3, 2ft thick (once external) walls, plus a solid block internal wall… so let’s call it challenging for wireless!I must have the hub central, but it otherwise does a reasonable job reaching sensors at either end. While they show as “poor” signal, but still seem work.I’ve not tried any other smart alarm system. So jumping from wired to wireless and smart feels like a significant step forward.Delivery was quick, packaging was adequate and build quality is as you’d expect from a company as big as Yale.Setup was easy, enable Bluetooth and setup WiFi… each sensor has a QR code, which adds it to the system. The internal battery of the hub arrived drained and took most of the day to charge… the app shows the battery level, but that one visual seems very slow to update.I’ve only played with it for a few days but:To Know: The sensors goto sleep for a minute or two after being triggers, and may remain asleep until movement has stopped. This makes testing quite difficult, time consuming and feels rather hit and miss.Like:Ease of use and features. Settings to adjust volume (the hub has an internal siren, and tunes for acknowledgments). You can set the delays too. A sensor test is available for placement (with the above warning). There is an option to send a notification to set the alarm if you leave home and forget (geofencing). each sensor has its own sensitivity settings, tamper and customisable name and locations. I don’t know if this stuff is standard nowadays, but it’s nice to see.There are installation details and videos from within the app.Yale have a good range of sensors (eg not all systems have pre-open alarms)Can share system with other users, intended for second properties and renting/B&B, as well as family members. The app allows multiple systems/propertiesRemote usage is the obvious game changer for me.There is a log of actions, and if you setup names, it’s pretty helpful to see who does what/when.You can separate your sensors over up to 4 zones (areas) giving the usual 3 settings(arm/off/home) for each.Yale support is quick, responsive and helpful so far.Dislike:Guests do not receive all notifications (they only seem to goto “owners”). If you setup zone (areas) a guest can only use 1 or all.Fobs, (in general) why security alarms allow 1press disarming is beyond me. just keep your fob safer than what you’re protecting!There are odd limitations:Some settings can’t be changed while it’s armed (which makes some sense) but you don’t always get told that’s why it’s not permitted.Testing is difficult due to sensors sleepingNeeds:More warning about loss of WIFi. I believe the system will continue to work, but unless you setup a secondary (assuming your phone is primary) method of deactivation, you may not want to go home until the internet is back. Setting up the Keypad felt very much optional.The keypad has a “quick set” option, which allows the alarm to be armed with 1 button. However, once set, the same 1 press, can change between the alarm modes (home/away) without needing a password. This feels wrong to me. I expected moving “secured” to be 1 press, but “less secure” to require a password …disarming DOES always require a passwordA schedule (automatic arm) would be nice to see. And because of sensor sleep, something to aid testing and placement.I’ve not lost my internet yet, so that’s to be tested - neither have I extended sensors outside… but generally, I think it’s a good investment for an “old-fashioned” intruder alarm system. adding cameras and door bells (which are supported but I don’t need) would improve the security profile, adding visitor notifications - rather than the “it’s too late, somebody is in your home” system.Sure Yale costs more than most, but I’m happy with the features and the fact that a subscription isn’t required (and features aren’t limited because I choose not to have one) scored highly for me.I considered X-Sense (no pre-open sensor), SimpliSafe (limited with no subscription) and a few others, but ended up with Yale (which I wasn’t my first option!)….so, why only 2 stars. That is because I’m still talking to Yale support about PIRs and their placement. Currently I can walk past the PIR on the stairs, which isn’t what I expect. I will update this review when I’m happy I understand the cause or limitations.Update: I was recommended to ensure the PIRs at below 2.1m from floor. Which may be low for many homes. I decided to move my PIR away from the stairs, and It’s better, but I’m still uncertain! Not enough to return it, but enough to wonder about the security provided!

This works well overall, but compared to my older Yale Alarm Fobs, it falls short in one aspect—the silicone strap for attaching it to a keyring. A proper metal loop would have been much more durable and practical. The silicone strap feels less reliable and detracts from the otherwise solid functionality of the fob.

This item arrived nicely packaged in a cardboard box. I've heard good things about Yale, and my house alarm has been broken for a while now so this was definitely needed. I chose the starter set but there are other sets available, as well as you can purchase the individual items separately. I really like this set, as it has everything that I need for my small house. In the set you get the alarm hub, sensors, keypad and keyfob. It was easy to set up and use, as there are clear instructions included. I like that you can use the keyfob or keypad or even the app on your phone to activate/deactivate the alarm, so I can access my house easily, as well as my family when needed. It is quite expensive but you get what you pay for. If you had a bigger house, I would say to try another set though, or you can add to this set but it'll be more expensive then. Good set for me though, would recommend