Honeywell Lyric Security System vs. 2GIG GC2 (Go!Control)

The Lyric Controller and the 2GIG GC2 (Go!Control) are both great wireless security panels. However, the Lyric Controller is slightly more modern than the GC2. The Lyric Controller is Honeywell's flagship security system, while the GC2 has been mostly replaced by 2GIG's newer GC3.

When it comes to compatibility and features, the GC2 keeps up with the Lyric Controller quite well. Both panels can interface with Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors and 2GIG Sensors. This is because they are both designed to function with 345 MHz wireless RF sensors. However, the Lyric is capable of interfacing with the fully encrypted Honeywell Six Series Sensors. There are no encrypted sensors that will function with the 2GIG GC2.

Both the Lyric Controller and the GC2 can do virtually everything one would expect out of a modern security system. Both offer WIFI and cellular connectivity, and both are capable of connecting with an interactive services platform. However, the Lyric Controller will access Total Connect, while a 2GIG GC2 will access Alarm.com. Both of these services are relatively equal, and the choice of which one is better mostly comes down to personal preference.

In terms of appearance and design, the Lyric wins hands down. The Lyric appears much sleeker and more modern than the GC2. Most users find that the Lyric fits in with their decor better than the GC2. While both panels are roughly the same size, the touchscreen on the Lyric is much larger and generally more satisfying to operate. If appearance and navigation is a big issue for you, then we would definitely recommend the Lyric.

Finally, the Lyric beats the GC2 in some other miscellaneous ways. The Lyric has a built-in camera, while the GC2 does not. The Lyric supports more than twice as many wireless zones than the GC2. Interestingly though, the GC2 can support 16 more user codes than the Lyric.

Overall, while the Honeywell Lyric Controller is more advanced than the 2GIG GC2, a GC2 will work just fine in most security setups. If you already have a 2GIG GC2, then there's not much reason to rush out and upgrade to a Lyric Controller or a 2GIG GC3. But if you are in the market for a new system, then the Lyric Controller would generally be preferred over the GC2.