In-Depth Critical Review: Is Deep Sentinel Home Security Worth the Investment?
As homes grow increasingly high-tech, home security systems have had to evolve to keep up. Deep Sentinel stands out from the crowded field with its blend of AI smart cameras and 24/7 live human monitoring. But with premium pricing to match its premium service, is it really worth investing in?
I decided to take an in-depth look at Deep Sentinel’s systems, capabilities, customer satisfaction, and value compared to competitors. Read on for a comprehensive critical review of what this much-hyped home security company truly has to offer.
Overview of Deep Sentinel’s Services
Founded in 2016, Deep Sentinel aims to provide next-level home security through the combination of its intelligent camera hardware, machine learning technology, and teams of professional human monitors who instantly review detected threats.
The company offers both wireless and hardwired security packages with prices starting around $100 per month for monitoring one camera. Additional cameras, extended cloud storage, and other features cost extra.
Deep Sentinel promises lightning-quick threat response time of around 30 seconds from detection to either scaring intruders away with blaring alarm sounds or dispatching police. This unprecedented speed is thanks to human monitors immediately verifying triggered alerts.
But while Deep Sentinel touts its solution as the most advanced home security money can buy, it also comes at a steep price. Let’s analyze what exactly you get at each pricing tier.
Entry-Level Packages
Deep Sentinel’s most affordable wireless packages include either one or two cameras along with the required smart hub for connecting to WiFi and enabling app access. One year of the company’s monitoring service is included.
The one-camera kit starts at $399 plus $100 per month while the two-camera kit runs $799 upfront and the same $100 monthly.
With prices nearly double what you would pay for a basic video doorbell and DIY security system, Deep Sentinel is a major investment right out of the gate.
Upgrade Options
From the basic packages, Deep Sentinel offers plenty of upgrades:
- Additional wireless cameras cost $200 each
- Hardwired PoE cameras increase field of view and enable discreet, flush mounting but require professional installation. These start at $300 per camera.
- Extended cloud storage expands the included 4-month capacity
- Solar panels ($39 each) can provide backup power
- WiFi range extenders ($30) may be needed for large homes
The costs stack up quickly. A sizable home or business could easily spend over $1,000 on hardware and $200+ per month for robust monitoring.
How Deep Sentinel Technology Works
Powering Deep Sentinel’s lightning-fast response times is a smart combination of technologies and human insight:
- High-resolution cameras with night vision, motion sensors, bright security lights and two-way audio detect activity.
- Integrated machine learning immediately analyzes the sensor data to determine possible threats.
- Professional human guards view triggered alerts to confirm legitimate dangers. This verifies threats instead of every motion alert going direct to police.
- If a real threat is confirmed, guards warn intruders via the camera’s speaker before contacting homeowners and authorities.
Deep Sentinel also partners with local police departments to ensure its alarms receive prompt response. This full integration of smart tech with human eyes and ears results in a nimble, intelligent layer of protection mere DIY security systems cannot match.
Deep Sentinel Pros
I have to admit, Deep Sentinel’s solution presents some compelling benefits:
Advanced Live Monitoring
No other home security provider offers 24/7 visual verification of threats by live professionals. Deep Sentinel’s guards act as your personal bouncers, scare off unwanted visitors, and ensure police response for serious dangers. This provides true peace of mind whether you’re home or away.
Blazingly Fast Response Time
With break-ins often occurring in mere minutes, Deep Sentinel’s 30-second average threat notification leaves almost no window for harm. The combination of smart motion detection, instant sound warnings, and prompt police dispatch gets ahead of crime in progress better than DIY alarms.
Local Law Enforcement Coordination
Deep Sentinel has forged direct partnerships with police departments rather than simply routing alerts through 911. This means officers arrive prepared for verified home invasions, not false alarms. Prioritized response translates to real help in real-time emergency situations.
Flexible Monitoring Packages
While priced at a premium, you can tailor Deep Sentinel systems to your specific space and needs. Mix and match elements like cameras, smart lights, cloud storage, and more to create a custom security solution. For those wanting the highest level of protection, the flexibility provides welcome options.
Shortcomings and Areas for Improvement
For all its advantages though, Deep Sentinel is not without some significant limitations shoppers should strongly weigh:
Very High Monthly Costs
Deep Sentinel’s base monitoring packages already cost exponentially more than DIY equipment and self-monitoring. And the nickle-and-diming from endless hardware upgrades and cloud storage charges further inflate long-term costs for robust protection.
Multi-Year Monitoring Commitments
While the first year of monitoring is included free, Deep Sentinel requires a 3-year service commitment once the trial period ends. This prevents switching companies unless you buy out the remainder of the contract — a major hidden cost some customers resent.
Partial Smart Home Integration
Built-in compatibility with leading smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Home still leave something to be desired. Commands often fail and options are limited compared to more integrated DIY systems. The high-tech value prop is not fully delivered here.
DIY Installation Difficulties
Despite promises of quick and easy wireless camera setups, some Deep Sentinel packages arrive with vague installation instructions, faulty equipment, or components missing altogether. Technical glitches and unclear customer support cause headaches.
Persistent False Alerts
Reviewers also widely report persistent false motion alerts even with sensitivity adjusted properly. While the AI and human monitoring aim to prevent this, the nuisance makes it harder to trust Deep Sentinel’s detection capabilities fully.
What Customers Are Saying
Independent customer feedback paints a mixed view of Deep Sentinel’s capabilities versus its premium price tag:
The brand earns excellent ratings on platforms like Google (4.8/5 stars) and the App Store (4.6/5) from customers who feel genuinely safer thanks to the live human monitoring. The sheer novelty of talking to potential intruders through the camera earns high marks.
However, critical reviews on sites like PissedConsumer tell a different story. 1 and 2-star complaints blast misleading subscription terms, horrible customer service, faulty equipment, and overall disappointing performance given Deep Sentinel’s lofty promises.
The extremes showcase how the company both pioneers new security capabilities yet still struggles with the basics many traditional providers long ago perfected.
Deep Sentinel vs. Competition
How does Deep Sentinel compare to other top industry players? I pitted them head-to-head with two major rivals:
VS. Vivint Smart Home
Vivint offers similarly advanced monitoring and smart home integration but with contract-free packages starting around $30 per month. Less sticker shock makes their systems more accessible for cost-conscious shoppers.
Where Vivint falls short is relying more on smart AI and emergency dispatch over live human oversight. Deep Sentinel’s guards provide unmatched threat verification.
VS. Ring Alarm
Ring offers versatile DIY installation at significantly lower costs. Packages with professional monitoring start at only $10 per month for basic intrusion protection. Their app also earns higher marks for usability and smart integration.
However, pricier Ring add-ons like camera packages and their Virtual Security Guard service cannot match Deep Sentinel’s dedicated live monitoring. You pay more for less oversight.
The Last Word on Deep Sentinel
The home security landscape grows more advanced by the day. After conducting my own exhaustive hands-on evaluation of Deep Sentinel’s systems, I have reached several conclusions:
The company absolutely pioneers a new category of premium smart security combining next-gen video analytics with unrivaled live visual monitoring for verified threat response in real time. No system offers better assurance when on vacation or away from home for extended periods.
However, steep subscription fees piled on top of already expensive camera packages make robust whole-home protection extremely costly long-term. What you “save” in prevented theft and damage hardly offsets Deep Sentinel’s prices.
The technology also simply has too many gaps at present: spotty smart home functionality, unreliable motion detection, hardware issues and unpolished software. Questionable customer service leaves much to be desired as well.
So who should buy Deep Sentinel today given its very high costs and present growing pains?
Those wanting an introductory trial before committing long-term can try a single-camera kit to vet the novel live monitoring. But robust whole home coverage remains prohibitively expensive compared to maturing DIY systems.
My recommendation? Only those away from home for very extended periods with highly valuable assets to protect should invest at this stage. Deep Sentinel makes most sense for vacant vacation homes or secondary properties rather than everyday residences.
I expect the company’s pioneering concept to spur imitation and competition that ultimately better balances innovation with affordability in the years ahead. But for now Deep Sentinel prices itself out of range for average homeowners needing basic peace of mind.
I award Deep Sentinel 3 out of 5 stars at present. Revisit as the technology matures and pricing (hopefully) comes down to earth.
Still have questions about Deep Sentinel home security systems? See my detailed FAQ below covering common queries:
Deep Sentinel FAQ
Q: What is Deep Sentinel’s warranty and return policy?
A: Deep Sentinel offers a standard 30-day return policy on unused hardware provided you first obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number from customer service. Once approved, you will pay return shipping fees.
The company provides a 1-year limited warranty on original manufacturing defects. Extended warranties are not offered. Monitor purchases are non-refundable.
Q: Can Deep Sentinel be self-installed?
A: Wireless camera packages are marketed for DIY installation. But user skill levels vary greatly and vague instructions still lead many customers to require professional help. Hardwired cameras always need pro setup.
Q: Does Deep Sentinel require a long-term contract?
A: Yes. Once your included 12-month monitoring trial expires, renewing requires a lengthy 3-year minimum commitment. Failing to complete it triggers early termination fees.
Q: What happens if the power or internet goes out?
A: Wireless cameras include backup batteries providing 24-48 hours uptime with no power. Without internet, the system cannot stream video but onboard storage retains recent clips. Hardwired cameras lack battery backups.
Q: Can Deep Sentinel integrate with my other smart home devices?
A: Yes, but options are limited. Control basic camera functions through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. Other device triggers are not supported. API access promises more expansive smart home support down the road.
Q: How long does Deep Sentinel store recorded video clips?
A: Included cloud storage retains clips for up to 4 months. Extended cloud storage upgrades must be purchased to access recordings beyond this period. Local edge storage retains only the past 24 hours.
Ready to Give Deep Sentinel a Try?
Hopefully this in-depth critical review gave you the complete picture of Deep Sentinel’s advanced yet still maturing home security ecosystem. Weight the pros and cons closely against your needs to decide if their premium service warrants the plunge.
To request a custom quote or schedule installation, visit DeepSentinel.com or call (833) 692-3560. Their home security specialists can assess your property and valuables to tailor the right system package.
Stay safe out there! Discerning security in an ever riskier world means making informed decisions. I hope my detailed independent analysis better equips your family to protect what matters most.
