If you are purchasing an alarm system, there is a good chance you have heard of the IQ Panel 2 from Qolsys and the Honeywell Lyric Controller. They are two of the top alarm panels currently available.
Both panels offer cutting edge features, and they are similar in many respects. While these panels do have some similarities, there are also some significant differences. In this article, we are going to be covered some of these differences to show you why we believe the Qolsys IQ 2 Panel stacks up better than the Honeywell Lyric for both home and business safety.
The Next Big Thing in Qolsys IQ Panel 2 VS Honeywell Lyric:
- Appearance
- Installation
- Ease of Use
- Wireless Technology
- Communication
- Smartphone Features
The Main Features of Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Vs. Honeywell Lyric Can Help You Improve Your Security
1. Appearance
The appearance of a home safety devices do it yourself might not make a big difference when it comes to the protection it provides, but it is essential if you want something that is going to look beautiful in your home or business. Both panels come with a 7” touchscreen display, but the Qolsys IQ Panel is by far the more attractive of the two panels when it comes to appearance.
To start, the IQ Panel 2 has a screen resolution of 1280 x 800 compared to the Lyric’s 1024 x 600 resolution screen. Furthermore, Qolsys IQ has a slimmer design. It is less than an inch thick, and it has a much more compact design. Even with the touchscreen, the Lyric still has a very traditional alarm panel look to it, whereas the IQ Panel has a look that is closer to that of a tablet.
2. Installation
Both panels have options for DIY installation, and they both use wireless sensors. This means both are relatively easy to install when compared to older alarm systems. With both the Lyric Panel and the IQ Panel, you have the option to mount the panel on the wall or go with a freestanding desk mount.
While both are relatively easy to install, the IQ 2 Panel has the edge in this area. With the Qolsys IQ 2 Panel, all of the necessary components are contained in the unit from the factory. The Lyric Family by Honeywell offers some of the same options as the IQ 2, but some of them are parts that have to be installed. If you want a 24-hour backup battery or cellular communication, you have to buy the parts and add them to the unit yourself. When you get the panel, these parts are standard, and they are already builtin.
3. Ease of Use
Having a touchscreen display helps both of these panels score well regarding ease of use. With swipe and tap controls, operating either of these panels should be relatively easy for most users. However, the Qolsys Panel 2 comes with Android 5 or better software, so the platform should be more familiar to most users, and the system is more intuitive.
Both systems also make good use of the touchscreen by including a range of video tutorials on the system. If you are still new to either of these alarm panels, you can find helpful video instructions that are easy to follow.
4. Wireless Technology
The ability to support wireless technology sensors and devices is a feature you get with both of these panels. With both systems, you have a wide range of sensor options, and they both have a 128-bit encryption for the wireless signals. With the Lyric, the compatible sensors come from the Honeywell SiX series, and for the IQ Panel 2 Plus kit, you have the S-Line sensors from Qolsys.
If you talk about the variety of available sensors, both panels are pretty close to even, but there are some advantages to the IQ Panel 2. Most notably, the IQ 2 Panel has a better wireless range. The Lyric Honeywell has a 300 ft. wireless spectrum, which is impressive when compared to most other panels, but the panel has a 600 ft. the range for one of the most reliable wireless systems currently available.
As an additional point, both alarm panels use Z-Wave technology to connect the system to a range of home automation devices. This includes things like thermostats, smart locks, smart lights, garage door openers, and more. However, the Qolsys IQ2 uses the newer Z-Wave Plus. That means a better range, faster communication, and more reliable performance.
5. Communication
Communication is an important consideration when it comes to alarm systems. It determines how the panel transmits data to the monitoring service, so you want it to be reliable. In some ways, these panels stack up evenly, but this is another area where the Qolsys IQ has a slight edge.
Both panels have options for connecting over your home Wi-Fi or through a wireless cellular communication system. You can also use both Wi-Fi and cellular for dual-path communication to add an extra layer of security to the system’s interface. The IQ Panel 2 comes up better in this respect because the cellular module is built into the unit. With the Lyric security, you have to buy the module and install it in the control system.
6. Smartphone Features
The Lyric and IQ Panel 2 both come with smartphone features that can improve home safety solutions and convenience. With both systems, the user can download an app that allows for controlling and monitoring the system from smart devices. You can also view your CCTV cameras from a phone or tablet no matter where you are, and both panels have options for sending protection alerts to the user’s phone.
With the Qolsys alarm panel, you also have the option to pair up to five smartphones through Bluetooth. Once these devices are paired with the system, they will be seen as authorized arming and disarming devices. When a person with one of these phones arrives home, Qolsys Panel will detect the device and disarm the system wirelessly.
THE CONCLUSION
It’s not that the Honeywell security Lyric is a lousy panel, it has a lot going for it, and it is one of the most panels available. However, the IQ2 Panel outperforms the Lyric in several different ways, and it is one of the most innovative alarm panels ever made. That is why we recommend the Qolsys IQ2 for all of your home and business alarm system needs.
