Skip to main content

Sens8 smart security system protects your home without costly subscription fees

SENS8
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe is certainly priceless, but that doesn’t mean that we’re looking for solutions to be pricey. Alas, even if a smart security system doesn’t have a high up-front price tag, the associated monthly subscription costs that many of these smart cameras and sensors require quickly add up. But there’s one company looking to break that model. Meet Sens8, the smart home security system that promises to be affordable from start to finish.

On Wednesday, January 3, Sens8 launched an all-in-one smart security device that purports to offer comprehensive monitoring, but without the hefty price tag. Featuring Smart Alert Technology, this system claims to reduce false security alarms, helping to cut down on emergency service disruption, as well as wasted costs. Sens8 boasts advanced motion and passive infrared sensors in order to detect intrusions and potential threats, and the 1080P HD live-streaming camera will capture footage for homeowners whenever they need it. Plus, thanks to its night vision capabilities, you’ll have eyes even in the dark.

But the Sens8’s real calling card is the fact that users aren’t required to pay fees to use the device or access video footage. All recorded content is kept in an unlimited cloud storage space that is both encrypted and entirely free via a direct API connection to Dropbox. That means that the only cost associated with Sens8 should be its initial $169 price tag.

Furthermore, Sens8 features humidity, temperature, and ambient light sensors, which are said to provide “useful feedback on the home’s environment health.” While that seems like a nice add-on, the primary functionality of the smart home system certainly lies in its various security features, like a 95dB alarm and two-way speaker, its backup battery (which promises to last two hours), and the ability to automatically arm and disarm the Sens8. Of course, there’s a free companion app available for both iOS and Android users — anytime a threat is detected, users will receive a smartphone notification, and homeowners can choose to contact the police directly via the app should a threat be confirmed.

“We take pride in providing families with a high-quality, cost-effective security system, without sacrificing functionality or design,” said Yang Liu, founder of Sens8. “We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home, without spending hundreds of dollars a year. That’s why we’ve also developed a security system that minimizes false alarms, eliminating unwarranted expenses, and giving homeowners peace of mind that their family and home are safe.”

You can buy the Sens8 for $170 from Amazon.

Editors' Recommendations

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Save money on your utility bills with these smart home gadgets
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

Smart home gadgets can do more than respond to voice commands or automate your household -- they can also save you money. It might require a hefty initial investment, but once your smart home is up and running, it’s not uncommon to see big reductions across most of your utility bills. If you’re looking to save a few extra bucks every month, here are some easy ways to save money with smart home devices.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat

Arguably the best way to save money on your energy bills is by switching to a smart thermostat. These come in all shapes and sizes, but your best bet is to spring for a premium model that offers advanced learning capabilities -- such as the Nest Learning Thermostat. Products in this category give you the best control of your HVAC system, as they’ll actively monitor your usage and suggest ways to be more efficient.

Read more
HomeValet launches the Smart Box, a secure container for all your deliveries
An image showing how to use the app to open the Smart Box

HomeValet is a company attempting to modernize the home delivery experience. It just announced the launch of its Smart Box and app, a device that delivers a contactless and secure place to store your groceries and packages.

If you haven’t heard of HomeValet, they’ve been a leader in contactless home delivery for years now. They create outdoor containers for delivery drivers to place your orders in when you aren’t home or don’t want to interact with others -- something seen more with today’s pandemic climate.

Read more
This South Korean smart home hack is one more reason you should secure your home
Alexa listening indicator.

While most Americans were trying to take advantage of Black Friday sales last weekend, hackers in South Korea pulled off what is perhaps the most damaging hack in smart home history. The as-yet-unidentified hackers recorded photo and video from more than 700 different apartment complexes and held it ransom or sold it outright for Bitcoin.

The entire incident is the stuff of nightmares -- the realization of fears about the smart home industry and what it means to allow cameras and other recording devices into the home without sufficient safeguards in place.

Read more