There’s old classics like ADT and Frontpoint, and then there’s Notion. Unlike all of the older security companies, which feature separate sensors for movement, doors and windows, glass breaking, and more, Notion simplifies the system with an all-in-one connected smart home sensor. After launching in 2013, Notion received its Series A funding in June 2017 and partnered with three of the top five home insurance providers in the U.S- make sure you check with your insurance company to see if you can get a discount. In the year before they received their Series A funding, Notion has sent over four million notifications and has saved homeowners from over $500,000 in property damages. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Notion is available in the U.S and Canada.
All of this sounds very exciting, and I’m especially intrigued by an all-in-one sensor. I decided to order a starter kit from Notion so I could see what all of the hype is about. In this review, we’ll go over the different components of the Notion starter kit, and we’ll test them to see how they work and how easy setup was. From there, I’ll discuss professional monitoring (or lack thereof), customer support, and finally the Notion mobile app. Security Baron’s review of the Notion security system begins now!
What’s in the Notion System?
The Notion starter kit that I purchased comes with a bridge, three sensors and one sliding door or window accessory- that’s it! I couldn’t believe how small the box was.
While Notion doesn’t provide any security cameras, the system does integrate with IFTTT, so you’ll be able to incorporate a security camera if you wish. Unfortunately, you’ll have to use a separate app, making things a bit more complicated. I also want to note that the Notion system pairs with Nest thermostats, and if your Notion sensor detects a water leak, you can immediately connect with a plumber from HomeAdvisor on the Notion app.
Let’s get back to basics and talk about whats in the box.
Bridge
The bridge covers up to 1800 square feet and enables the sensors to communicate with your mobile app. Notion recommends that you get an additional bridge for each floor with sensors. As you can see, the bridge is tiny and plugs into the wall. It’s like a range extender but for your security system.
If you’re a security expert like me, you’re probably wondering what happens if the power in the house goes out- will the security system go off as well? Unfortunately as of now, the answer is yes. There is no cellular or landline backup, so the bridge is completely dependent on your home’s Wi-Fi. This is a huge drawback of the Notion security system, no doubt.
Sensors
The sensors are where things get really cool. Like I said before, they’re completely multipurpose- they’re all capable of detecting when doors or windows have been opened or closed, sensing movement, sounding alarms, measuring water leaks, and more. Rather than having to buy separate motion, window/door, and water leak sensors, you can simply program these sensors to perform the tasks you want. I absolutely love this feature because it makes the system more minimalist, which means more affordable, and it’s also completely customizable. After you buy a starter kit, you have options to purchase additional sensors individually or in packs of three. That just made things a whole lot easier!
Magnet Accessory
The magnet accessory enables you to turn the basic Notion sensor into a door and window sensor. Simply place it next to your Notion sensor on your window or sliding door, and you’ll be notified if something is opened or closed.
Professional Monitoring with Notion
Gasp! Notion does not include any professional monitoring services with its systems. Instead, your only option is to self-monitor through the Notion mobile app. Keep in mind that if something happens regarding your home’s security or environment, like an intrusion or a gas leak, it will completely land on your shoulders to deal with it. This could be an issue if you’re in a meeting, on vacation or otherwise occupied. The good news is that once you buy the system, there are no additional monthly fees whatsoever.
If you’re looking for optional 24/7 professional monitoring, read our review of the Brinks security system.
Notion Customer Support
If you have any issue with installation or your system’s components not working, you want to know you have a team behind you that actually knows what they’re talking about. Let’s talk customer support.
How Notion’s Customer Support Works
To contact Notion’s customer support team, you can either fill out an online form or call them directly. There’s also an online help center with articles and FAQ’s. I’m a little disappointed there’s no live chat feature, as this is my personal favorite way to communicate with customer support, but a newer company is bound to have fewer customer support options.
Customer Reviews
Who better to ask about customer support than Notion’s customers themselves?
Amazon
On Amazon, the starter kit I purchased received a 4.1 out of five star rating, which is pretty good! I was pleased to see that 70% of the reviews were a perfect five stars. Of the three reviews that mentioned customer support, two were positive.
“I can’t begin to explain how helpful customer service had been. Julian was emailing us back and helping answer questions on weekends and evenings, immediately after we would send him a question,”
read a five star review. Very impressive.
Better Business Bureau
As Notion is a younger company, they don’t have any customer reviews or complaints on the Better Business Bureau. They do, however, have a BBB overall rating of A+, meaning that they’ve had no advertising issues, government actions against them, or complaint history with the BBB. You can’t get much better than that!
The Notion App
Lastly, we’ll discuss the Notion app. As your only option is to self-monitor, the app becomes even more critical.
If you’re an Apple user, the app is called Notion- Home Awareness, while on the Google Play store it’s just plain Notion.
Features
From the Notion app you’ll be able to monitor and control all of your connected devices and receive mobile notifications. You can customize notifications so you will only learn about information you care about.
Reviews
Do Notion’s customers like using the app?
Apple Store
Apple users liked the Notion app, giving it a 4.2 out of five star rating. I’m happy to see that most of the reviews are five stars, although there were only ten ratings so far.
Google Store
The Notion app received a 3.5 rating on the Google Play store, which is definitely mixed. Many people said the app crashed repeatedly. I was glad to see, however, that someone from Loop Labs (which owns Notion) responded to each and every single review offering their help.
Recap of the Notion Security System
Is Notion your perfect match? Let’s review its positives and negatives. The best things about Notion are its:
- Complete lack of monthly fees
- Affordability
- Simplistic design
- Integrations with IFTTT, Nest thermostats, and HomeAdvisor
- Good customer support
- Decent app ratings
While its drawbacks include:
- No cellular backup option
- No security cameras available through Notion
- No professional monitoring option
Still burning with questions or comments? Leave them below- we’d love to hear from you.
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