Andrew Garcia https://www.safehome.org/author/andrew-garcia/

Learn More About Lorex

Between these two security systems, our favorite is Lorex.

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SecureScore™: 9.2/10

Lorex and Night Owl are camera-based, home security systems. Both offer advanced technology to homeowners and renters who are interested in managing their systems on their own. While Lorex has been around for several years, Night Owl is the new kid on the block that is quickly gaining in popularity. Each system offers a variety of features that allow you to customize your system to fit your home. Systems are installed by the homeowner and can be monitored through the company's app that can be downloaded to your phone or tablet.

Overview: Lorex vs Night Owl

Lorex and Night Owl are home security systems that rely on top of the line surveillance cameras to keep eyes on your home, 24-hours a day. Both systems are designed to be monitored by the homeowner through their technologically advanced app. Neither company requires a contract and will not force you to allow a technician to come to your home. All of the equipment from either company must be purchased upfront. There are no monthly fees for either financing or professional monitoring.

  • Both companies offer bullet and drone cameras
  • Installation may be confusing if you don't follow the directions
  • Lorex offers 4K video quality
  • Night Owl is compatible with Google Assistant
  • Cameras from both companies offer long-range night vision

Similarities: Lorex vs Night Owl

Both Lorex and Night Owl both offer local storage with SD cards and security-grade hard drives. Each system offers two-way voice communication that allows you to communicate with individuals who are within range of the camera. Video recording can be customized to meet your individual needs. This includes continuous recording, motion-activated recording or recording that is set to a special schedule. Mobile apps are included for added convenience so you can monitor your system from anywhere.

  • Equipment is purchased upfront
  • There are no month-to-month fees
  • Extensive catalog of devices
  • Customizable systems to accommodate all your needs
  • Apps for iOS and Android platforms

Differences: Lorex vs Night Owl

Both Lorex and Night Owl offer wireless systems, but Night Owl also offers the option for a hardwired system. Night Owl is also compatible with Google Assistant allowing for more consistent home automation. Lorex has been in business longer than Night Owl. Both Lorex and Night Owl offer a wide variety of devices that allow you to create the ideal home security system for your home. Night Owl, however, offers a smart hub that integrates all of the devices into one complete home security system.

  • Night Owl is compatible with Google
  • Lorex can be professionally monitored by third-party monitoring centers
  • Night Owl offers devices that are wired as well as wireless
  • Lorex offers temperature sensors
  • Night Owl offers both DVR and NVR

Features

The features offered by Lorex include the convenient mobile app, local storage with external hard drives, temperature sensors, easy to use equipment, two-way voice communication, and night vision. Push notifications are sent to your mobile app whenever alerts are triggered.

Night Owl offers both NVR and DVR, as well as cloud storage. Two-way voice communication is available with both the cameras as well as the video doorbells. Night vision is also a popular feature. With their voice-activated feature, you can access your system with Google Assistant.

Contracts

Neither company requires a long-term contract or financing plan because all of the equipment must be purchased upfront.

Pricing

With Lorex, you choose the number of devices you need to create the ideal home security system for your property. Equipment starts at $99 and can add up to over $3,000 depending on the size of your home. All equipment is purchased upfront with no monthly fees.

Night Owl allows you to purchase cameras for as low as $200 or customize entire systems buying a few pieces of at a time. Buying a la carte can cost you over $1,000. Cameras can range in price from $80 to well over $200. Wireless Gateway systems and Hybrid Security systems can range in price from $400 to $600. Night Owl does not offer professional monitoring and all the equipment is paid for at the time of purchase.

Equipment

Lorex offers a wide range of cameras that are highly advanced in terms of technology and features. Both bullet and dome cameras are offered, as well as indoor and outdoor security cameras. PTZ and HD MPX security cameras are also offered.

Night Owl offers both indoor and outdoor security cameras. They also have a video doorbell and a wireless security hub for complete home automation and integration with other smart devices.

Installation

Lorex and Night Owl offer instructions for the installation and set up of their home security systems. Systems are designed to be installed by the homeowner.

Emergency Connections

Both Lorex and Night Owl security cameras are meant to be monitored by the homeowner. Both offer video recording that allows you to see what is going on at your home through the convenience of a mobile app. If an event occurs, it is up to you to inform the authorities.

Summary: Lorex vs Night Owl

Lorex offers state of the art technology with all of its devices. If you want to create a personalized home security system that is designed specifically for your home, Lorex is the top choice.

Night Owl is a good system if you want a wired system. Its cameras offer a variety of features and can integrate with smart home systems.


Our Pick
Our pick is Lorex
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SecureScore™: 9.2 / 10 This rating is derived from our editorial team's research, hands-on product testing, and customer surveys.
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