The Qolsys IQ4 (often called the IQ Panel 4 or simply IQ4) is a modern, all-in-one security and smart-home control panel designed for homeowners and small businesses who want power, simplicity, and clean design. In this review, we cover the IQ4’s primary features, how it improves on earlier IQ panels, what real users tend to like and dislike, how it works with Alarm.com and third-party devices, and where it excels—and where it may not be the best fit. If you’re deciding whether the IQ4 is right for you, this article will help you make a confident choice. You can also read our review of Qolsys here.

Primary Features of the Qolsys IQ4

7″ Color Touchscreen and Clean UI

The IQ4 centers your system around a bright, responsive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. The interface is intentionally simple—large icons, clear status indicators, and swipe-friendly menus—so everyone in the family can use it. Whether you’re arming the system, locking doors, or viewing camera clips, the experience feels modern and intuitive.

Fast Platform with Robust Audio

Qolsys built the IQ4 on a high-performance mobile-class processor, which translates to smooth navigation, quick device enrollment, and snappy automation. The panel’s enhanced speakers deliver attention-grabbing siren tones and clearer voice prompts—useful both for security alerts and for day-to-day confirmations.

Dual-Path Communications (LTE + Wi-Fi)

Out of the box, the IQ4 supports cellular LTE and Wi-Fi. This “dual-path” approach means your panel talks to the monitoring platform through whichever path is available, adding redundancy for reliability. If your internet goes down, cellular keeps you connected; if cellular is spotty indoors, Wi-Fi fills in.

Multi-Radio Support (PowerG + Z-Wave + Legacy RF Variants)

One of the IQ4’s biggest strengths is radios:

  • PowerG for encrypted, long-range, two-way security sensors and peripherals.
  • Z-Wave (700-series) for smart-home devices like lights, locks, thermostats, plugs, and more—supporting security-grade S2 and convenient SmartStart inclusion.
  • Legacy RF variants (model-dependent) that can match many existing wireless sensors in homes and businesses. There are IQ4 versions tailored to common legacy frequencies (e.g., many DSC 433 MHz, Honeywell/2GIG 345 MHz, or Interlogix/Qolsys 319.5 MHz). Choosing the right variant helps with takeovers.

Built-In Panel Camera

The built-in, front-facing camera can capture disarm photos and incident snapshots. This helps create an audit trail of who disarmed the system and when, offering an extra layer of accountability for families, roommates, or small offices.

Battery Backup & Flexible Mounting

The internal rechargeable battery keeps the panel operating through typical brief outages. The SmartMount design lets you wall-mount the panel for a sleek, tablet-style look or use a tabletop stand to place it on a counter, shelf, or desk.

Quality-of-Life Touches

  • Bluetooth disarming (when enabled): disarm as you arrive without digging for your phone or code.
  • Photo-frame mode: the screen can display photos when idle, so the panel blends into your space.
  • User code management: add, edit, or delete user codes quickly; handy for guests, cleaners, or contractors.
  • Guided installation prompts: streamlines sensor enrollment and configuration for faster setup.

For official specs and current collateral, see Qolsys’ product page: Qolsys IQ Panel 4.

How the IQ4 Improves on Earlier IQ Panels

Speed, Stability, and Capacity

Compared to earlier IQ generations, the IQ4 feels snappier. The faster processor, modern radios, and optimized software reduce lag while navigating menus, loading settings, and managing larger device lists. If you’re upgrading from an older panel and plan to add many sensors or smart-home devices, you’ll notice the difference.

Better Wireless Experience

The IQ4’s PowerG radio supports secure two-way communications and excellent range, and the 700-series Z-Wave stack is more responsive and power-efficient than previous generations. Together, they make smart locks feel quicker, lighting scenes more reliable, and security sensors more resilient across larger homes.

Enhanced Audio/Voice and Alerts

Earlier IQ panels had capable sound, but the IQ4’s audio hardware is fuller and louder. Voice prompts are clearer, chimes carry farther, and siren tones have more presence—small upgrades that matter in real homes and busy offices.

Refinements for Installers and Power Users

Between guided set-up, better device discovery, and remote service tools (via the Alarm.com platform), the IQ4 trims time on site and simplifies ongoing maintenance. That’s meaningful whether you’re a professional installer or an advanced DIYer working with a pro for monitoring.

Pros and Cons: What People Like (and Don’t)

What People Tend to Like

  • Modern, simple interface: clean home screen, large tiles, and logical settings.
  • Fast performance: menus load quickly; device enrollment is smooth.
  • Strong wireless story: encrypted PowerG sensors and responsive Z-Wave automations.
  • Dual-path communications: cellular plus Wi-Fi provides redundancy.
  • Good audio/siren: audible alerts and voice prompts that are easy to hear.
  • Seamless Alarm.com integration: unified experience across the panel, mobile app, and web.

What Some Don’t Love

  • Price vs. “basic” needs: the IQ4’s premium hardware can feel like overkill if you only want a minimalist alarm.
  • Model selection for legacy sensors: you must choose the IQ4 variant that matches your existing sensors’ frequency. If you own mixed brands across different frequencies, some translation hardware may be required.
  • Wired takeovers aren’t “native” on the panel: you’ll typically use a wired-to-wireless translator module for existing hardwired zones. For very large wired jobs, a hybrid panel (e.g., Qolsys IQ Pro) may be a better fit.
  • Feature depth can be overwhelming: power users love it; casual users may prefer a simpler, set-and-forget experience.

If you need to silence a Qolsys IQ4 see our guide here.

Compatibility & Ecosystem (Alarm.com, Sensors, Smart-Home)

Alarm.com Integration

The IQ4 is designed to work hand-in-glove with the Alarm.com platform. That means you get remote arming/disarming, real-time notifications, schedules and scenes, and unified access to compatible video doorbells, cameras, and thermostats—all from the Alarm.com app and web portal. Automation rules (lock the door when the system arms, turn on lights when the door opens after sunset, etc.) are straightforward to build and tune.

Security Sensors: PowerG and Legacy Options

PowerG wireless sensors (door/window, motion, glassbreak, smoke/heat/CO, flood, temperature, keypads, and more) pair securely with the IQ4, offering long range and two-way supervision. For takeovers, there are IQ4 variants that support common legacy frequencies used by many existing wireless sensors. This helps preserve portions of an older system where it makes sense, while letting you modernize the “brain” of the system.

Z-Wave 700-Series Smart-Home Devices

The IQ4’s 700-series Z-Wave radio supports a wide ecosystem of lights, dimmers, smart switches, plugs, thermostats, garage controllers, and locks. With S2 security and SmartStart, inclusion is more secure and simpler than older Z-Wave generations. You can build room-by-room lighting scenes, lock/unlock doors on a schedule, and coordinate HVAC with arming states.

Video & Doorbells

Through Alarm.com, the IQ4 integrates with supported video doorbells and cameras for live view and clip history in the mobile app. The panel itself can show snapshots or short clips depending on configuration. For homes already on Alarm.com video—or planning to be—the experience is cohesive and user-friendly.

Wired Zones and Specialty Gear

If you’re migrating from a hardwired alarm, the usual path is to add a wired-to-wireless translator that reports each wired loop to the IQ4 as a wireless zone. This works well for small-to-medium takeovers. For large buildings with lots of wired points, elevator interfaces, or specialized commercial modules, an enterprise-leaning panel such as the IQ Pro is often the more scalable option.

Where the IQ4 Excels

  • Modern family homes: intuitive to use, great with locks/lights/thermostats, and app-friendly.
  • Townhomes and condos: strong wireless performance without extensive wiring.
  • Small offices and retail: multi-user code management, reliable notifications, and easy automation.
  • Takeovers with compatible wireless sensors: choose the right IQ4 variant to preserve value.
  • Customers who want “one app” simplicity: panel + Alarm.com delivers a unified experience.

Where It May Not Be the Best Fit

  • Heavy hardwired systems: large buildings with dozens of wired zones may be better served by a hybrid panel designed for expansion modules (e.g., IQ Pro).
  • Ultra-budget scenarios: the IQ4’s premium hardware and features come with a premium price compared to bare-bones panels.
  • Mixed legacy wireless across multiple frequencies: you may need translators or a phased device replacement plan.
  • Desire for “open” local video recording: the IQ4 focuses on integration through Alarm.com rather than acting as a generic NVR.

IQ4 vs. Alternatives

Qolsys IQ4 vs. Qolsys IQ Pro

IQ4: best for homes and small businesses prioritizing wireless convenience and sleek design.
IQ Pro: designed for larger and more complex jobs, offering deep expansion for hardwired zones and commercial-grade integrations.

IQ4 vs. Other All-In-Ones

Compared with other modern all-in-one panels, the IQ4 stands out for its user interface polish, Alarm.com ecosystem, and robust PowerG support. Some competitors may cost less or integrate with different home-automation ecosystems, but few deliver the same combination of ease, performance, and security-grade radios in a single package.

Pricing & Ownership Considerations

Panel pricing varies based on the IQ4 variant, the mix of sensors and peripherals, and whether you’re doing a new install or a takeover. Most owners also choose professional monitoring through the Alarm.com platform, which adds monthly service but unlocks the best remote features. If you’re comparing quotes, look at the whole package: panel + sensors + smart-home devices + installation + monitoring. A well-designed system typically costs less to own over time because it avoids nuisance alarms, connectivity headaches, and premature device replacements.

Tip: If you already have a house full of compatible wireless sensors, the right IQ4 variant can preserve that investment. If you’re starting from scratch, PowerG sensors are a great foundation for reliability and range.

Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Qolsys IQ4 require professional monitoring?

The IQ4 is designed to shine with professional monitoring and Alarm.com remote services. While local functions exist, most buyers choose monitoring for emergency response, automation features, and app access.

Will my existing wireless sensors work with the IQ4?

Often, yes—if you choose the IQ4 variant that matches your sensors’ frequency (and model compatibility). If you have mixed brands across multiple frequencies, we can review options, including translators or a phased upgrade plan.

Can the IQ4 handle smart locks, lights, and thermostats?

Yes. The built-in Z-Wave 700-series radio integrates with a wide ecosystem of smart-home products. We recommend choosing devices known to pair well with security panels for best performance.

What about video doorbells and cameras?

The IQ4 works with supported Alarm.com video products via the Alarm.com service and app. You get live views, notifications, and clip history in one place.

How are firmware updates handled?

Updates are delivered over the air. During professional service visits (or remotely, when appropriate), we can apply updates to keep your system secure and current.

Is the panel camera required?

The panel camera is built in and provides helpful features like disarm photos. If you prefer not to use certain camera features, talk with your installer about privacy settings and options.

Bottom Line: Is the Qolsys IQ4 Good?

Yes—if you want a fast, polished, and security-first smart-home panel with excellent wireless performance and seamless Alarm.com integration, the Qolsys IQ4 is one of the best choices available. It’s especially compelling for modern homes, small businesses, and clean wireless takeovers. If you have a large, highly wired system or extremely specialized commercial needs, a hybrid platform like the IQ Pro may be a better fit.

Want expert help choosing the right configuration for your home or business? Contact Cunningham Security. We’ll design, install, and support a system that fits your space, budget, and goals.

Additional Resources: Qolsys IQ Panel 4 (official)  |  Alarm.com