No WiFi? No Problem. This $199 Device Monitors Your Property Anyway

Canadian startup CabinPulse has launched a multi-sensor monitor that tracks temperature, power outages, air quality and more - and doesn’t need WiFi.

At $199 CAD (~$145 USD) with a $10 CAD (~$7 USD) monthly subscription, it makes reliable property monitoring possible in areas with frequent WiFi-disrupting power outages, or where a year-round WiFi internet isn’t affordable, practical - or possible.

Key Features

CabinPulse packs multiple sensors into a single device: high accuracy temperature monitoring, humidity tracking, air quality monitoring, power outage alerts, and even smoke alarm detection. It also boasts built-in low power bluetooth with support for additional external sensors - like leak sensors, door sensor and motion detectors - coming soon.

The device connects to all major carriers in Canada, the US and Mexico with automatic network switching. It supports both LTE and 3G, ensuring seamless connectivity wherever it’s deployed.

Conditions are checked in real-time and alerts are sent near-instantaneously via SMS and email to unlimited contacts.

A built-in 2000mAh battery provides up to 3 days of operation during power outages and is rated to operate from -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C).

How It Compares

Unlike WiFi sensors that require existing internet infrastructure, CabinPulse creates its own cellular connection and will continue working during power outages - often when monitoring is most critical and WiFi devices fail. 

Even WiFi setups with an expensive uninterrupted power supply (UPS) will often fail in outages lasting more than a few minutes - while CabinPulse will continue monitoring for days.

And while competitors often lock you into a single carrier, CabinPulse automatically selects the strongest available signal from all major carriers including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile in the United States, and Bell, Telus, Rogers, Videotron and SaskTel in Canada. Additional sensing features, 3G fallback option, built-in uptime monitoring, lower cost and comprehensive network coverage make CabinPulse a better choice than other options like MarCELL or Sensaphone.

Setup and Dashboard

Setup is plug-and-play: insert the device into any standard outlet, enter the activation code online, and monitoring begins. No network configuration or technical knowledge required.

The companion app and web dashboard offer real-time monitoring with 5-minute data collection intervals and unlimited instant updates on demand, at no cost. The platform supports customizable alert thresholds and multi-user access with unlimited contacts. 

For businesses managing multiple locations, a “Fleet View” provides a consolidated dashboard to monitor all devices at once.

Users can pause their subscription once annually - useful for seasonal needs where you might only need monitoring for 6 months per year.

Use Cases

CabinPulse targets property owners in areas with poor or no WiFi internet connectivity. Primary use cases include vacation homes and cottages prone to freeze damage, RV monitoring for pets, remote equipment rooms or buildings requiring environmental tracking, and agricultural buildings like greenhouses where WiFi infrastructure would be impractical or expensive to install.

Limitations

The device is designed for indoor use only and emphasizes temperature and power outage monitoring over security, though security oriented bluetooth add-ons are coming soon.

• No IP-rated weatherproofing
• No built-in camera
• Requires at least minimal cellular coverage

Our Verdict

At $199 CAD (~$145 USD) for the hardware and $10 CAD (~$7 USD) monthly for unlimited connectivity, CabinPulse fills a specific niche: highly reliable remote monitoring without infrastructure requirements and at a monthly cost far below what year-round WiFi would cost. It won't compete with your WiFi smart home system - and isn’t meant to.

For environmental monitoring of vacation homes, cottages, industrial sites and off-grid locations - places with spotty internet and unreliable power - it's a practical and affordable layer of protection against the catastrophic damage that’s possible in the unforgiving extremes of the North American climate. 

The 3-year warranty and Canada-based support add value, while features like multi-carrier connectivity and lengthy battery backup address real pain points in remote monitoring, positioning it well above any alternatives.

CabinPulse is available for $199 CAD at CabinPulse.com and on Amazon.