Resideo Lyric Alarm System vs. Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

The Resideo Lyric Alarm System and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus are two of the most advanced security systems available. Both offer support for some great features, and both provide distinct advantages over other panels. The decision to go with one over the other comes down to preference.

The Lyric and the IQ Panel 2 Plus share some similarities. Both have 7-inch full color touchscreen displays. Both offer WIFI and Z-Wave functionality. Both panels have their own built-in camera and an 85 dB siren. Finally both can support encrypted sensors. The Lyric has the SiX Series Sensors (128-bit AES encryption), while the IQ Panel 2 Plus has the PowerG Sensors (128-bit AES encryption). Additionally, the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus can support the Qolsys S-Line Sensors that utilize rolling code encryption.

However, there are also pronounced differences between these panels. There is only one version of the Lyric. The panel includes a built-in 345 MHz wireless receiver. The panel can support Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors, 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors (firmware update MR3 or higher required), and the encrypted SiX Series Sensors. There are actually three versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz and 433 MHz). Each version can support a different set of legacy sensors. Additionally, all versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus can support 915 MHz PowerG Sensors.

But where these two panels really stand out is in their advanced features. The Lyric is one of the few systems available that is compatible with Apple HomeKit. That alone makes it an excellent option for iOS users who want to build around the HomeKit platform. But the IQ Panel 2 Plus holds its own with advanced features like partitioning, facial recognition, automatic Bluetooth Disarming, and the ability to livestream certain compatible Alarm.com Security Cameras. And while the Lyric only offers standard Z-Wave support, the IQ Panel 2 Plus supports Z-Wave Plus technology.

The Lyric and the IQ Panel 2 Plus also differ in terms of their interactive service platforms. The Lyric works with Total Connect 2.0, while the IQ Panel 2 Plus works with Alarm.com. These services both offer similar features like the ability to Arm and Disarm, check current system status, and control Z-Wave devices. These actions can be performed from virtually anywhere using the respective TC2 and ADC mobile apps on Android and iOS devices. For more information on the difference between these two services, check this helpful FAQ.

The Resideo Lyric Controller does not include a built-in cellular communicator. It can only use IP communication right out of the box. If you want to use cellular communication with the Lyric, you will need to add a separate module. However, the IQ Panel 2 Plus comes with a built-in cellular communicator. Customers can choose between an AT&T LTE version and a Verizon LTE version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. Both versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus are available on the Alarm Grid website.

However, one thing to remember is that you will need a monitoring plan of Gold or higher to activate the cellular communicator inside the IQ Panel 2 Plus for use with Alarm.com. If you have a Lyric Controller with no cellular communicator, then you can use a less-expensive Bronze or Silver Plan with an IP-only communication path. You will only need to upgrade to Gold if you add a cellular communicator to your Lyric System. But keep in mind when using IP only that you will miss out on the optimal reliability that comes with cellular.