Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Review

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The IQ Panel 2 is the flagship panel from Qolsys, a relatively new security company that has already made great strides in the industry. Qolsys sought out to create a modern and easy to navigate security panel that would appeal to every type of homeowner and business owner. In the end, they accomplished exactly that, as the IQ Panel 2 meets all of the requirements that a new buyer would look for in a security system. Overall, it is pleasing to the eye, offers a quick learning curve and presents a plethora of outstanding features and capabilities.


The first aspect that one would most likely notice about the IQ Panel 2 is its sleek, yet humble appearance. It is a simple design, being completely white and with most of the panel consisting of its impressive screen. Yet, this design is perfect for the IQ Panel 2. When not being operated, the system blends pleasantly into the background, in a manner that could almost be described as discreet. But if it is ever necessary for the user to quickly locate their panel, the crisp, white finish of the system will make it easy to pick it out of the scenery. Perhaps most amazing is the sheer thinness of the system. Its compact profile prevents it from taking up too much space on a desk or protruding an excessive amount from a wall. The slim system can also be easily and comfortably held in a user's hand and operated like a tablet if necessary.

Whenever the system is activated, the user will be treated to the panel's big, beautiful 7-inch LCD display screen. It's difficult to imagine a security system with a more appropriate touchscreen display. The home screen includes everything that is needed to operate the system and quickly receive relevant information. The large system disarmed button is easy to identify, and it makes arming the system in a hurry a breeze. The outer portion of the screen presents useful information that can be beneficial for anyone. The top quickly and neatly displays the day's weather, current time and any important system notifications and events. A small panic button in the bottom-right corner is always there if needed, but it is unlikely to ever be disturbed inadvertently.

Navigating the IQ Panel 2 is an absolute joy. The colors are bright, and menu icons and options can be recognized in a quick and efficient manner. Most of the time, a user will likely be sticking to the home screen, where a quick touch of the green system disarmed button will present options for arming away and arming stay. When disarming, the system can be set to snap a photo of the person operating the system. Although the picture usually ends up being not very flattering with the user's concentrated face hovering directly over the system, it is a great feature for security purposes. In the event that an intruder ever manages to disarm the system, a clear picture of them will be waiting right from the camera menu.

Accessing system settings and programming new sensors with the IQ Panel 2 can be accomplished in straightforward manner. The Android 5.1 operating system is fully responsive and lightning fast, making it great for controlling the panel. Once the user has a basic understanding of how to proceed through the menus, they will most likely find that the device is one of the user-friendly security panels they have ever operated. To get started setting up devices, simply press the small grey bar at the top, choose settings, then advanced settings, and enter in the four-digit installer code. From there, most major settings for the system can be easily accessed and changed if needed. Pressing installation, followed by devices, will allow the user to make changes to programming, whether it be RF security sensors, WIFI devices or Z-Wave home automation settings.

Speaking of Z-Wave, the IQ Panel 2 boasts a remarkable number of features, with no add-ons being needed. Any Z-Wave device can be added with ease, and users will surely enjoy a noticeably fast response time when operating these devices. The panel will also easily connect with 319.5 MHz Qolsys RF sensors, allowing the system to function with everything from glass breaks to motions. Qolsys also offers its "S-Line" of security sensors, which utilize top-of-the-line encryption to prevent hacking or spoofing. These sensors are some of the most secure and reliable devices in the security industry, and they can easily connect with the IQ Panel 2. Up to 128 security zones can be programmed with the IQ Panel 2, meaning that users will be very hard-pressed to ever experience a shortage of available zones on their system.

Every IQ Panel 2 system also comes included with a built-in cellular communicator to ensure reliable connectivity with both the end user and the central monitoring station. Users can choose between a Verizon and an AT&T communicator based upon which service works best in their area. Both the Verizon and the AT&T communicators offer LTE speeds for the rapid connectivity that one would expect out of a state-of-the-art security system. Of course, a WIFI card is also included, instantly allowing the system to take full advantage of a dual-path communication setup. By using WIFI and LTE cellular communications together, the IQ Panel 2 will almost certainly never lose connectivity to the network, and it will constantly and continuously maintain the exceptionally fast speeds that will ensure optimal functionality.

To extend access outside the panel, the IQ Panel 2 is designed to connect with the Alarm.com interactive service. This fantastic service is absolutely essential for getting the most out of the IQ Panel 2 system. By using Alarm.com, users can arm and disarm their panel, check the status of their sensors, control Z-Wave devices and view live feeds of any security cameras that they have set up. With the Alarm.com mobile app, it is possible to perform these actions from virtually anywhere in the world, providing users with incredible accessibility for their security systems. This makes Alarm.com the ultimate compliment for the IQ Panel 2, offering complete control both at the panel and away.

Overall, the IQ Panel 2 is a tremendous security system for anyone who wants a complete and convenient setup. The device will work great in any home or small business as a way of ensuring full protection and functionality. New users will have a quick and easy experience in navigating the system and setting up all of their security devices. If aesthetics are a concern, the IQ Panel 2 is second-to-none with its slim, sleek design, neutral coloring and appealing display screen. Qolsys also offers an excellent lineup security sensors, and their S-Line encryption can provide users with complete peace of mind. Finally, the IQ Panel 2 comes loaded with everything needed to get started with a top-quality security setup, including a cellular communicator and instant WIFI connectivity. All of this makes the Qolsys IQ Panel one of the finest security systems on the market today. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants a modern, easy to use security panel with all of the bells and whistles that they would expect out of a system today.

Comments

I ended up going with Honeywell Lyric. For me, the main feature is Apple HomeKit integration. I simply use my phone or tell Siri to arm/disarm before I enter the house, all nicely integrated in one place with rest of my home's automation. I have the panel out of sight in my basement and use small keypads by the entry doors. I used 5800C2W to connect existing wired sensors. I'm very happy with the solution.
Hi Martin, Are you talking about the Qolsys motions or a different motion detector? We've had no issues or reports of failing/falsing motions but if you can clarify the model number of the units you're using, we can certainly try and help.
THE MOTIONS SUCK! OVER 90% OF OUR INSTALLS HAVE HAD FALSE ALARMS DUE TO THE MOTION SENSOR RANDOMLY TRIPPING. IT'S NOT THE MOUTING, THE TAMPER IS SECURE AND THE SENSORS ARE NOT FACING CIELING FANS OR WINDOWS! THEIR ARE NO SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENTS ONLY MASKING WHICH DOUBLY SUCKS!
Have had the panel 2 for about 5 months now. The bluetooth disarming rocks. Just get pretty close to the house, and it senses your phone and disarms! If you have the app, you get a notice on your phone that the panel does get disarmed. Looked at dozens of panels. the Panel 2 is pretty much the gold standard. Flexible, easy to install. easy to add zones, has z-wave functionality, built in camera in the panel, can have image sensors, video cameras, controls the garage door(s). Geofencing is great as well...all built in. control locks, thermostats, lights automatically. You can even upgrade old wireless (like ademco/honeywell sensors) to work with the panel, as well as hard wired zones from an old installed system. Out of the box everything just worked. Great variety of sensors as well. The smash and destroy feature is great.. if someone breaks in and destroys the panel, an alert will go out anyway! having both wifi and cellular.. great combo! Watch their videos on youtube!
You'll want to select the Alarm.com communicator that corresponds to the strongest signal in your area. All of the Alarm.com communicators data is handled by the alarm monitoring company who activates the account.
What kind of cellular connection is needed for Alarm.com since now your able to buy cheaper IoT rate plans (SMS/TEXT only, or DATA only). If there's no point in needing VOICE service I'd like to save myself some money
I've personally had the chance to work with both the Lyric and the Qolsys IQ2. Hands down the Qolsys IQ2 is a more sleek and sexy design. Additionally the glassbreak functionality is good. The encryption adds an extra layer of protection. The photo frame makes the panel a focal point. Even better, the Android based platform makes for a smooth user interface and the capabilities are endless. With Qolsys communication between automated devices is super fast, whereas with Lyric there's a lag typically Additionally the alarm.com app performs better than the total connect. Lyric is good but Qolsys design and functionality provides both advanced technology now with the capability to expand over time. Qolsys is he most advanced panel on the most expansive platform of any panel I've seen. The one negative I've seen with Qolsys is the two way functionality. It's not as loud as some panels. However the IQ2 remote is a perfect compliment and is a great addon that is functional and practical. The video feature is impressive as well. The built in camera will take a video clip anytime the alarm is triggered, allows you to view any alarm.com cameras through the panel, and with the built in camera live video is a capability that will soon be supported. I know you asked for more negative feedback thenproblem is, with Qolsys other than the volume of the panel and 2 Way voice, there aren't any. Lyric is not a bad panel it offers a lot of features but it's not the Qolsys IQ2
Thanks for commenting :) We work on content daily and I went ahead and let our content team know to write a FAQ on "Lyric vs IQ2". So it should be out soon, keep an eye out for it. Once you decide on the system you want make sure to check out our monitoring (https://www.alarmgrid.com/monitoring ).
Thanks for this write up, It's nice to see main features highlighted. I would like to see a more in-depth review listing both positive and negative. How about the bluetooth touches disarming or the builtin glass break sensor or missing HomeKit integration. Would be great to see comparison to other similar panels like Lyric. I'm trying to decide between the two. Thanks.