;DIY Systems;NESTOLOGY;Luxury Brands (Control4, Vivint)
<b>Average Cost</b>;$500 - $7,000 (piecemeal);★<b>$3,900 - $19,000 (complete and seamless)</b>;$45,000-$150,000+ (hardware & install)
<b>Installation</b>;Self-installed, mix-and-match devices;★ <b>A few days setup, no massive servers required, minimal disruption</b>;Requires dedicated space, weeks of work
<b>Privacy</b>;services with data collection. Voice assistants may record and store interactions;★ <b>Can be configured as a fully local, offline system with no cloud dependencies</b>;Proprietary cloud-based infrastructure, limited user control over data.
<b>Integration and Aesthetics</b>;lacks a cohesiveness, multiple applications, subscriptions and logins required;★ <b>Unified dashboard, no app juggling, one seamless system</b>;Fully integrated, but locked into a rigid ecosystem—expensive upgrades, limited flexibility
<b>Future-Proofing</b>;Rapid obsolescence, devices become outdated quickly;★ <b>Modular, open course, easily upgraded components, adapts over time</b>;Locked ecosystem, costly updates
<b>Ease of Use and Maintenance</b>;No support, DIY troubleshooting;★<b> 3 months premium support, easy fine-tuning. Optional yearly plan: can be transferred to new owner</b>;Ongoing dependence on specialists for updates & maintenance