Comparing the Top Alarm System Mobile Apps: Alarm.com, Total Connect 2.0, Alula, and Napco Prima

In today’s connected world, managing your home or business security system from your smartphone is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re arming your alarm remotely, checking live video, or getting alerts about system activity, the mobile app that powers your system plays a crucial role in your security experience.

Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of four leading mobile apps used to control professional alarm systems: Alarm.com, Honeywell/Resideo’s Total Connect 2.0, Alula, and Napco Prima. We’ll explore features, usability, reliability, and customer feedback to help you understand which solution might best fit your needs.  Each of they apps and services are available at SafeHomeCentral.com.  They provide affordable, No Contract monitoring.

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1. Alarm.com App

Overview:

Alarm.com is a powerful and widely-used mobile platform for home and business security control. It’s available for iOS and Android and integrates with a wide array of alarm panels including Qolsys, 2GIG, DSC, and Interlogix.

Key Features:

• Arm/disarm system remotely

• Real-time push notifications and text/email alerts

• Geo-services (automated actions based on your location)

• Live and recorded video viewing (with compatible cameras)

• Smart home automation (lights, thermostats, locks, garage doors, etc.)

• Scenes for automating multiple devices

• Multi-location management

• Apple Watch and voice assistant (Alexa, Google) support

Reliability:

Alarm.com is known for high uptime and excellent app reliability. It uses encrypted communication and redundant servers to ensure fast response and continuous operation.

User Ratings:

• App Store: 4.7/5 (over 700K reviews)

• Google Play: 4.6/5 (300K+ reviews)

Pros:

• Rich features and automation options

• Smooth and consistent performance

• Regular updates and excellent integration with smart devices

Cons:

• Some features require upgraded service plans

• Not all devices and brands support every feature (depends on panel)

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2. Total Connect 2.0 (Honeywell/Resideo)

Overview:

Total Connect 2.0 (TC2) is Honeywell/Resideo’s mobile app for compatible alarm systems like Vista and Lyric panels using AlarmNet communication modules. It’s also used with certain ProSeries panels.

Key Features:

• Remote arm/disarm and bypass zones

• Instant push/email/text alerts

• Video doorbell and camera integration

• Control Z-Wave devices (locks, thermostats, lights)

• Location-based arming reminders

• Apple Watch and voice assistant integration

Reliability:

TC2 has improved greatly in recent years. While earlier versions were criticized for instability, current versions are more reliable with faster loading and better server uptime.

User Ratings:

• App Store: 4.6/5 (100K+ reviews)

• Google Play: 4.1/5 (55K+ reviews)

Pros:

• Clean interface, especially on newer devices

• Well-integrated with Honeywell’s full product ecosystem

• Z-Wave automation support

Cons:

• Slower response time compared to Alarm.com

• Interface updates lag behind competitors

• Limited third-party device support

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3. Alula App

Overview:

Alula provides an all-in-one platform for managing alarms, video, and automation. It’s designed primarily for Alula Connect+ and BAT-Connect communicators that can retrofit older systems like DSC, Honeywell, and GE/Interlogix.

Key Features:

• Remote arming/disarming and zone status

• Notifications for activity and alarms

• Live and recorded video (Alula cameras)

• Control of Z-Wave devices (lights, locks, thermostats)

• Scene and automation creation

• Dealer branding for customized support

Reliability:

Alula has a solid track record, especially for retrofitting older systems. While its app isn’t as flashy as Alarm.com’s, it performs consistently with minimal bugs or crashes.

User Ratings:

• App Store: 4.4/5 (1K+ reviews)

• Google Play: 3.9/5 (2K+ reviews)

Pros:

• Excellent for converting legacy systems to modern mobile control

• Clean, user-friendly interface

• Built-in automation support

Cons:

• Limited camera selection

• Fewer smart home integrations than Alarm.com or TC2

• Smaller user base and slower feature rollouts

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4. Napco Prima App

Overview:

Napco Prima is the newest player among the four, designed for Napco’s modern all-in-one security systems. This app focuses on simplicity and tight integration with the Prima self-contained panel.

Key Features:

• Arm/disarm from anywhere

• View system status and zone activity

• Event history

• Push notifications for alarms and activity

• Smart automation (lights, thermostats, locks)

• Simple user interface

Reliability:

Since Prima is newer to the market, its app is still evolving. While it functions well for basic alarm tasks, its stability and automation features are not yet as mature as others.

User Ratings:

• App Store: 3.5/5 (few hundred reviews)

• Google Play: 3.7/5 (fewer than 1K reviews)

Pros:

• Clean and intuitive design

• Great option for Napco fans and installers

• Fast remote control functions

Cons:

• Fewer automation and smart home features

• Limited third-party device support

• Not ideal for video or advanced integrations

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Conclusion: Which App is Best?

Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for the most feature-rich, smart-home integrated, and user-favorite app, Alarm.com is the clear winner. Total Connect 2.0 is a solid second choice, especially for users with Honeywell systems. Alula is a great option for modernizing legacy panels, and Napco Prima is worth a look if you’re starting with a Napco system and prefer simplicity. Contact SafeHomeCentral.com for affordable, No Contract alarm monitoring!