20 best car alarms
There is an unspoken competition between car alarm manufacturers and burglars. The former invent new ways to defend themselves, and the latter tirelessly learn to overcome them. The simplest security systems these days become an obstacle only for children. But the more complex the alarm system, the higher the price the car owner has to pay. Today in the domestic market you can find both affordable devices and sophisticated security systems. How to choose the most suitable option for your car?
- Until recently, one-sided models dominated sales, and also entered all the TOP and ratings. But today, the lack of feedback is becoming a major disadvantage. And the sound emitted in a large city can be heard at a distance of up to 100 m.
- Two-way car alarms look much more attractive in terms of reliability. In case of unauthorized entry into the car interior, the car emits not only a sound signal, but also triggers an alarm on the owner's key fob. Some modern models allow you to assess the degree of threat by looking at the key fob display. The range of such systems reaches 3-4 km in a megalopolis.
- Alarms with GSM and GPS modules are becoming even more advanced. They allow you to keep in touch with the machine via mobile communication or using satellites. The rich functionality of some of them allows you to monitor the movement of the car in the event of theft.
- A very useful and convenient function in modern car alarms is remote engine start. Thanks to this option, it is possible to warm up the car without leaving a cozy apartment or house.
Best Low Cost Feedback Alarm
Feedback models have become one of the most popular types of car alarms. Their main difference from simple systems is that when trying to break into a car, the owner on a special pager (always supplied in the kit) will see what is happening with his vehicle - the corresponding indicator will light up.
4 Centurion X6
Feedback in car alarms has one significant vulnerability. Using a simple scanner, attackers intercept the signal sent to the owner's pager and gain full access to all options. Manufacturers are aware of this vulnerability and are constantly improving protection technologies. In particular, this model uses a floating code system.
In simple terms, at the time of interception, the system automatically changes the access code and blocks it for strangers. The codes are constantly changing, so the possibility of interception is practically excluded. It is worth noting that such technologies are not new, but as experts note, in this car alarm they are implemented as efficiently as possible. It should also be noted such an advantage as the range. Here it is 1200 meters. This is a lot for such an inexpensive alarm system, and allows the owner to receive information about his car, even being at a considerable distance from it.
3 Scher-Khan Logicar B
This is one of the most popular models of the Korean brand. The price of the system is slightly lower than that of competitors, while the signaling communication range is 1.5 km. The complex has adaptation to vehicles with both manual and automatic transmissions. The proprietary MAGIC CODE PRO radio signal encryption algorithm protects against scanning, interception and smart hacking.
One of the advantages of this complex is the ability to remotely and automatically (for example, by time) start the engine, which will be especially convenient when operating a car in winter. To control the system, a special key fob is used, which has all the necessary indicators, including the level of feedback and the presence of a signal. The complex works silently, without attracting too much attention.The keychain is powered by a standard AAA battery.
2 DaVINCI PHI-370
Closed loop alarms do not have to be expensive. There are also budget models that work no worse than top market leaders such as Starline. The main advantage here is the price. This is one of the most inexpensive models on the market today. At the same time, as experts note, in terms of quality and reliability, it is not inferior to competitors. In addition, there is a very informative display showing everything you need. Sensors work on seven sides of the car, and the exact location of the impact point is displayed on the key fob.
As for the shortcomings, the acoustic shock sensor should be noted here. It is located in the body of the alarm itself, and reacts to changes in the acoustic background at a given distance. What is the risk for the car owner? First of all, the possibility of frequent false alarms. If the sensor is adjusted too sensitively, it will react even to small noises. And by decreasing the sensitivity, you risk missing the moment of real picking the lock.
1 Alligator C-200
This is one of the most reliable budget models from the Taiwanese manufacturer. All data is transmitted over a communication channel protected by dynamic KeeloqTM code. This guarantees high system reliability and protection against eavesdropping. In case of an attempt to steal the car, the Anti-HiJack mode will block the engine start. In the security mode, the alarm is absolutely silent and has protection against false alarms, which will allow the owner not to worry for no reason.
The set of the security complex includes a keychain with a Russified menu. Control is carried out using 4 mechanical keys, each of which is responsible for its own separate action. If the alarm is triggered, the key fob will notify the owner with a sound signal, while the part of the car that has been tampered with - doors, hood or trunk - will blink on the LCD display. In the alert mode, the communication range is about 1200 meters.
Best Low Cost Auto Start Alarm
Autostart is a handy feature that allows you to remotely start the engine. It is enough to press a button on the pager (and in some models, simply set the timer), and the car will start on its own. This option will certainly be appreciated by car owners who actively use the car in winter.
4 TOMAHAWK 9.7
The Taiwanese company Tomahawk produces a wide range of car alarms. Their main difference from competitors is their affordable price. In fact, this is a budget model, but with the maximum set of functions. Here, not only feedback is implemented, but also the ability to control the engine remotely. In addition to the standard autostart of the car engine, there is a timer that allows you to set up the car for certain periods of time. A very convenient and necessary function, especially in the realities of the Russian winter.
The system also has protection against false positives. Before giving an alarm signal to the owner, the automation first processes it and looks for the root cause. If one is not found, the signal is regarded as false and does not go to the pager. Separately, it is necessary to say about the range, which here is 1300 meters, and this is the best indicator in the budget segment. With such an alarm, you do not have to park your car close to your home. The radius is quite enough even to leave your car in the nearest parking lot.
3 CENMAX Vigilant ST-7
This is the most attractive option in terms of price - cheaper than competitors in the TOP-3, a set of features will delight even picky car owners. All sensors can be adjusted in sensitivity and, importantly, have small dimensions. A small LCD display shows all system parameters - from the communication level and battery charge to the integrity of a particular element of the car.
Auto start of the engine is able to start the car at temperatures up to -40 degrees, which is especially important for Russian frosts. Competent setting of the system completely eliminates false alarms and allows you to reliably protect the car from burglary. As the advantages of the system, buyers highlight the relatively low cost, ease of use and an informative key fob. Weaknesses include the lack of a keychain cover and installation difficulties.
2 StarLine A63 ECO
Compact and efficient complex - that's what we can say about this car alarm. The kit, in addition to the main module, the transmitting device and the key fob-pager, contains all the wires necessary for connecting. A special 3D sensor, which is mounted together with the system, monitors the integrity of the car body and its position in space, and in case of suspicious deviations, it will immediately inform the owner about it.
A distinctive feature of the system is the automatic arming of the car, which will be especially relevant for inattentive motorists. The channel through which all data is transmitted is encrypted, which ensures high reliability of the entire system. Automatic engine start, which the system is equipped with, starts the car without any problems in any frost. Another important feature of this car alarm is an extended warranty period of 36 months.
1 KGB GX-5RS
Only an alarm installer can appreciate all the benefits of two-channel protection. In simple terms, the system first sends a signal to the owner through the most open channel, and if it is not intercepted and there is no interference, a second signal is sent, already through a closed channel, and only after that you get the opportunity to control. Of course, all this sounds too primitive, but in general terms, the technology is clear.
In this model, the two-stage protection system is implemented at its best. This is noted by both the specialists who conducted the tests and the owners of the cars on which this model is installed. The keychain, or rather its informativeness, will also please. There are tons of useful icons showing everything that happens to your car. Protection against false positives allows you to immediately determine whether a real blow was inflicted on the car, or it was a cat that jumped onto the roof. The range, however, is not that great, only 900 meters. At this distance, you can make auto start and activate the protection system.
The best alarm with auto start: price - quality
Below are the best car alarms with a convenient autostart function with the best value for money.
4 ZONT ZTC-700S
This alarm cannot be called budgetary, but if you carefully study the functionality and technical characteristics, it becomes clear that the price is fully justified. Let's start with the fact that we have before us a model with feedback and autostart, working both on a standard encryption channel and on GSM technology.
The owner can drive his car using any smartphone, regardless of the operating system installed. There are many convenient functions in the menu. Even autostart is implemented at the highest level. It can be adjusted both in time, and this will surprise no one, and in temperature overboard. The most convenient option that allows you to always keep the engine warm and save fuel if the temperature outside is not low enough. The system also stores the entire history of vehicle movements: mileage, number of engine starts and stops, route and other data. You can view the history in a special application, and carry out the necessary analysis there.
3 Scher-Khan LOGICAR 6i
The functional system Scher-Khan LOGICAR 6i rounds out the three best alarms with automatic engine start in terms of value for money.Signal coding is carried out according to the proprietary MAGIC CODE PRO 3 standard, which has been tested on many Sherkhan car alarms and has shown excellent results. If necessary, you can set a two-digit access code to the salon, which is known only to the owner and is entered from the key fob. The system easily copes with its functions even at extreme temperatures from -85 ° C to + 50 ° C.
The engine can be started remotely by pressing a button on the pager or automatically (set the start time or the minimum temperature value). The system is perfectly adapted to work on vehicles with both automatic and manual transmission. The communication range between the pager and the unit reaches 1500 m, which is convenient if you often leave the vehicle in the parking lot. The key fob displays important information such as signal strength, battery charge and temperature inside the car.
2 Pandora DXL 3210i
The second place in the rating of the best alarms with autostart function is taken by the Pandora DXL 3210i. This is one of the most reliable systems on the market (and this is why it is so expensive). The complex protects 12 zones outside and inside the vehicle, including not only the doors, hood and trunk, but also such parameters as pressing the brake pedal and monitoring the motion sensor. A special SLAVE-mode allows you to transfer control of the system from the Pandora's key fob to the original car key.
To facilitate the installation of the alarm, the kit includes all the necessary wires and ties, and the firmware of the complex can be done independently via the USB port. The sensors working in the system are configured individually. The alarm is controlled by means of a remote control with an LCD display, which displays all the current information about the state of the car. It has an optimized user menu in Russian and a sealed body.
1 Sheriff ZX-1090
Before us is a budget car alarm, which we could not miss past our top. We'll talk about the technical aspects below, but I would like to start with the reviews, which are very numerous on the Internet. One gets the impression that this is the best model on the market, at least for its money. First of all, buyers who decide to install this model praise it for its reliability and durability.
Now for the characteristics. The signaling works on the system of two-channel encryption and dynamic code change. It is almost impossible to hack it using the banal interception method. The sensors are installed on three sides, and this can be called a disadvantage, if we ignore the initial cost of the system. Also, the disadvantages include the relatively small radius of coverage. Here it is only 700 meters away. On the one hand, this is quite enough, but many leading brands, such as Starline, have almost doubled this value long ago.
The best alarm system with GSM
GSM alarms are the most advanced type of car security systems. In addition to the many functions inherent in the head microcontroller, it constantly keeps in touch with the owner via a GSM signal. Notifications about actions with the car come in the form of SMS-messages or a call. In addition, you can easily track where the car is at any time.
4 PRIZRAK 8GL
Not every car owner is ready to install an alarm for that kind of money, but it got into our top due to its characteristics, and the cost can be attributed to a disadvantage, but in fairness, we note that a system with such a set of options simply cannot be cheap. So, we have a Russian-made product that outstripped many of its competitors, both in basic functionality and in the presence of additional options.
The system is telematic, that is, it has the ability to connect via the GSM module. But unlike most models, it uses a three-way connection.That is, in the event of a failure of the mobile signal or disconnection of your smartphone, you will continue to control your car, but using a standard radio signal sent to the pager. The alarm system with Glonass technology works, and allows you to constantly track the location of your car, and the developers call the best energy saving system the main achievement.
3 Alligator SP-75RS
The Alligator SP-75RS car alarm has a large number of protective functions at an affordable price. The use of a double dialog code helps prevent electronic hacking. The system has protection against radio interference, as well as a quick response to the signal. The alarm is versatile in use, it can be installed on cars with gasoline or diesel engines, with a manual or automatic transmission. The device provides remote engine start (with the required delay) from a distance of up to 600 m.
Motorists in reviews are flattering about the availability of many functions and an affordable price for the Alligator SP-75RS car alarm. Double dialogue provides reliable protection against electronic hacking. Of the minuses, there is a fast discharge of batteries, a limited range of the key fob.
2 StarLine Twage B94 GSM Slave
The popular alarm system with the StarLine Twage B94 GSM Slave GSM module ranks second in the rating of the best security systems for a car. This is a great model with good functionality for little money. The built-in 3D sensor accurately determines the position of the car in space and, at the slightest deviation from the norm, will immediately inform the owner of this by sending a notification to the mobile phone or key fob-pager. Intelligent autostart can be used to start the engine at a specified time.
The communication range of the unit and the StarLine pager is about 2 km, and then the GSM-module is responsible for controlling the parameters of the car, which is capable of reporting the exact coordinates of the vehicle at any time. Two stages of signal protection guarantee high resistance of the system to attempts to read the code. If an attempt is made to steal, the engine start and all electronic controls of the car will be blocked. The complex is able to control all vehicle systems: from climatic to light.
1 Pandora DXL 5000 S
The Pandora DXL 5000 S is rightfully considered the best alarm system with a GSM module. This is a full-fledged security complex with many functions and excellent potential. Of course, the system costs a lot of money, but it is the best option for car theft protection. In addition to a well-developed signal transmission with monitoring the stability of data exchange (protection against jammers), the complex is equipped with a GSM module, thanks to which it is possible to control parameters such as temperature and battery voltage.
Pandora is controlled from any device that has Internet access. In a secure personal account, you can change the parameters of the complex, start the engine and control the operation of the car's systems. In addition, thanks to the GSM-module, you can get the exact coordinates of the vehicle at any time. For quick work with the alarm, a key fob with an informative LCD display is provided. The built-in module keeps statistics of vehicle movements and updates them every month.
The best telematic car alarms
Telematic security systems have become a new type of car alarms. They allow you to control the inaccessibility of your vehicle using your mobile phone.
4 Pandect X-1100
The Pandect X-1100 car alarm does not have the full range of telematic functions. But for some, not all of them are needed. But the option to notify relatives about an accident involving the owner's car can be very useful. It is a pity that it is impossible to locate the car on the map. The alarm has no control via the Internet or a mobile application.You can disarm the car with a standard key with a radio signal, as well as using a mobile phone. Validation takes place using two RFID tags, which limits the range of vehicle users. A GPS receiver or a module for automatic engine start can be connected to the device.
In the reviews, motorists point to such advantages of the Pandect X-1100 system as a built-in GSM receiver, wireless communication with the relay unit, and an affordable price. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the stripped-down telematics, the need to purchase additional modules for autorun.
3 StarLine M96L
The maximum level of car theft protection is provided by the StarLine M96L alarm system. It has a built-in lithium-ion battery and GPS beacons. Even if the system is disconnected from the on-board network, the auto device will remain operational by sending a signal. This allows you to track the location of the car at any time. A distinctive feature of car alarms from old StarLine models is control via a mobile phone. A Bluetooth port is used for communication. The smart filling is able to send SMS to the owner, where the error codes are indicated. The possibility of connecting a second SIM card will not be superfluous for travel lovers.
Car owners who have installed the StarLine M96L alarm system note a number of positive aspects. This is the possibility of autonomous work, dual communication with the phone (GPS and Bluetooth). By the disadvantages of the system, motorists include the lack of support for keyless bypass of the immobilizer.
2 ZTC-701M Slave
It is believed that telematic protection systems are very expensive, and not everyone can afford them. But here we have a product of a Chinese brand, which claims to be the best manufacturer of budget alarms, and that is why it got into our top. So what is there? Let's start with the setup. In reviews of telematic systems, owners who decide to install them often complain about the lack of flexibility of these settings. That is, there are a lot of functions, but it is very difficult to deal with them in a mobile application. Here this drawback was eliminated, and you can configure the system from the website, where each owner has a personal account.
As for the purely technical aspects, here they are average. For example, the range of the radio signal is only 600 meters. Manufacturers focus on mobile positioning, so they apparently forgot about the standard signal. Three sides of protection. It is also quite small, considering that the closest competitor Starline has long passed the mark of seven sensors and has no plans to stop.
1 Prizrak 840
Car alarm Prizrak 840 has a full range of functions that are inherent in this category of security systems. The model allows you to control the car using a standard key or a mobile application. As protection, the owner is provided with wearable radio tags or a pin code is entered using the standard auto buttons. The alarm is equipped with an ultra-compact blocking relay, to which you do not need to pull wires. Therefore, the installer can be implemented anywhere in the car. Communication with the central unit is carried out through the power cable, which solves the problem of radio interference. The model allows you to remotely start the engine bypassing the immobilizer.
Car enthusiasts and experts note such positive qualities of Prizrak 840 car alarms, such as rich functionality, reliability, high resistance to theft. The disadvantages of the system include the high price.
When choosing a car alarm, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Radio protocol type. The most secure dialog is considered (installed in most systems), since during its operation, data is exchanged between the module and the pager via an encrypted channel.
- Availability of a secure data transmission channel. This function will protect car dealers from "smart" hacking.
- The presence of a GSM module.Allows the system to work at any distance between the owner and the vehicle, and effectively manage a large number of parameters.
- The range of the system. It ranges from 1200 to 2000 meters and determines the distance at which control can be carried out using a pager.
- Informative keychain. It is worth taking a closer look at the models, the pager of which displays a large number of different parameters. This means that the system monitors everything that happens to the car.
- Remote engine start. The function allows you to start the power unit using a pager or mobile phone.
- The number of security zones. The more there are, the more reliably the car is protected from external influences.