AJAX vs Hikvision
Introduction
Looking for the best alarm system for your home in Spain?
AJAX and Hikvision are two of our top choices, but which brand is the best fit for your situation?
With over 2,500 secured homes in Spain and unmatched expertise, we help you make the right choice. In this article, we compare AJAX and Hikvision on price, features, and applications to ensure you’re well-informed.
Calculate your costs instantly with our cost calculator and request a no-obligation quote!
Overview of AJAX and Hikvision
At Best Alarm System, quality and customization are our priorities. Both AJAX and Hikvision offer premium security with proven jamming detection, a feature often missing from large national or European companies. Hikvision is our number one choice for apartments and number two for villas, while AJAX is preferred for larger villas with a higher budget. Both brands far outperform competitors, who often provide less specialized solutions.
Hikvision:
Our top choice for apartments due to affordable pricing (starting at €399), compact sensors, and reliable 2G/4G connectivity. Ideal for smaller homes and situations with shutters.
AJAX:
Our preference for villas due to extensive outdoor sensors, sleek design, and advanced app functionality (starting at €799). Perfect for those with a higher budget seeking maximum flexibility.
Comparison Table
Aspect | Hikvision | AJAX |
---|---|---|
Price | From €399 (affordable, premium quality) | From €799 (luxury, advanced) |
Ideal for | Apartments, houses, villas | Houses, freestanding villas |
Sensors | Compact, including curtain sensors for shutters | Wide range, more outdoor sensors |
Connectivity | 2G/3G/4G + WiFi + Ethernet (Hub Medium) | 2G/3G/4G + WiFi + Ethernet (Hub 2 Plus) |
Design | Functional, compact | Modern, sleek (outdoor sensors slightly larger) |
Installation | Simple, wireless | Simple, wireless |
Wireless range | 1,700m (open field), expandable | 1,700m (open field), expandable |
Battery life | 5-7 years | 5-7 years |
App | Reliable, basic functionality | User-friendly, more options |
Controls | App, remote control, tag reader, keypad | App, remote control, tag reader, keypad |
Extra features | Smoke detectors, CO detectors | Smoke detectors, CO detectors, water stoppers, light switches, power sockets |
*Note on pricing: We only offer the AJAX Hub 2 Plus, with full 2G/3G/4G, WiFi, and Ethernet support for maximum reliability. Cheaper AJAX hubs exist, but we don’t recommend them; in such cases, Hikvision offers better value. Always compare apples to apples when evaluating prices with competitors!
When to Choose Hikvision?
Hikvision is our top recommendation for apartments and an excellent choice for houses and villas on a limited budget:
- Affordable top quality: Premium security from €399, with jamming detection often absent in systems from large national or European companies.
- Compact sensors: Specially designed curtain sensors can be mounted between windows and shutters, ideal for apartments.
- Reliable security: Our number one choice for apartments and number two for villas.
Example: Securing an apartment in San Pedro del Pinatar or nearby? Choose Hikvision Starter Package A (€399) for a complete solution.
When to Choose AJAX?
AJAX excels for larger homes and villas where budget is less of a constraint:
- Higher budget: From €799, with more options for outdoor sensors and smart features.
- Larger villas: Wider range of outdoor sensors and advanced app capabilities, such as light switches and water stoppers.
- Sleek design: Slightly more modern, though outdoor sensors are marginally larger.
Example: Securing a freestanding villa in Jávea? AJAX Starter Package C (€799) provides everything you need.
How Do We Make a Difference?
At Best Alarm System, everything revolves around customization and unmatched expertise. We have no exclusive agreements with brands and always choose what best suits your home. With over 2,500 secured homes in Spain and installers with at least six years of experience, we back our recommendations with care. Our passion for security is evident in every detail. We bring all products from both brands to the installation, allowing us to advise and install the best solution for your situation on-site. Quality always comes before speed, and our unique €1,000 guarantee—no break-in succeeds with our active system—proves it. Unlike other providers, where less qualified representatives often focus on quick deals, we put your safety first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AJAX be cheaper?
Yes, with a simpler hub, but it doesn’t support all communication channels (2G/3G/4G, WiFi, Ethernet). That’s why we recommend the Hub 2 Plus, or Hikvision for better value.
What if 2G stops in 2030?
Choose a 4G hub for future-proof connectivity, available with both Hikvision and AJAX.
Are the systems suitable for rental properties?
Yes, both AJAX and Hikvision are wireless and easy to install or remove, making them ideal for rental properties. You can take the systems with you when you move.
Can the systems be linked to a monitoring center?
While AJAX and Hikvision can technically be linked to a monitoring center, we strongly advise against it due to significant drawbacks. A monitoring center introduces a delaying intermediary that must process alerts, which is slower than a direct notification to your smartphone. Under Spanish law, as outlined in the Private Security Law (Ley 5/2014, Article 46) and Ministerial Order INT/316/2011, monitoring centers are only allowed to call the homeowner and cannot directly contact the police unless the homeowner explicitly authorizes it. If you miss a call from the monitoring center, no further action is taken, slowing down the response. Additionally, linking to a monitoring center means losing all management rights over your system, leaving you dependent on external companies with ongoing costs. The Spanish police emphasize that direct reports from homeowners receive the highest priority. For more on the risks of monitoring centers, read our article on private monitoring center risks.
Do I need a monitoring center to alert the police, as some companies claim?
No, this is a misleading claim often used by some companies. Representatives may suggest that the police only respond if an alarm is reported through their monitoring center, but this is absolutely untrue. The Spanish police emphasize that homeowners should call the police directly (via 112) during a break-in attempt, and direct reports receive the highest priority. A monitoring center, often just a call center, adds no value and can even cause delays. With AJAX and Hikvision, a monitoring center is unnecessary due to their excellent outdoor detection. The outdoor sensors trigger a powerful siren immediately, driving burglars away, often before you need to act. Customers frequently report that burglars flee as soon as the siren sounds, often targeting another property nearby. You only need to check the cameras via the app to see how quickly they escape, and police contact is usually unnecessary. Moreover, these companies tie you to expensive subscriptions and multi-year contracts, which, according to TV reports and reviews, are difficult to cancel. Retain control over your alarm system and avoid the pitfalls of subscription-based systems. Learn more about the disadvantages of subscriptions on subscription systems.
Conclusion
For apartments, Hikvision is always our first choice due to its affordable price, compact sensors, and unmatched reliability. For houses and freestanding villas, the choice depends on budget and property type. AJAX offers more options for larger villas, while Hikvision provides excellent value for money. Each brand has unique advantages, and our experts provide on-site advice to find the best fit. We bring all products to the installation, ensuring you can make an informed decision. With our €1,000 guarantee, you’re assured of top quality without the pitfalls of less specialized providers who often focus on quick contracts. Choose security with peace of mind—you’re in good hands with us.
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