The Hum by Verizon is an all-in-one hum connected car system designed to add modern smart features to most vehicles manufactured after 1996. So, what is Hum? It consists of a small hum device that plugs into your car’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD-II) port. This device, working with the Hum app, provides services like vehicle health diagnostics, 24/7 roadside assistance, crash detection, and location tracking. It’s an effort to bring the safety and convenience features of new, high-end cars to the millions of older vehicles on the road today.
This guide moves beyond the marketing to provide a complete hum by verizon review. We will delve into its core features, break down the true hum verizon cost, weigh the pros against the significant cons found in user reviews, and compare it directly to its top competitors. By the end of this article, you will have a clear, comprehensive understanding of whether the hum system is the right choice for you and your family.
The Core Explanation: What Exactly is the Hum Connected Car System?
At its heart, the Hum system is a combination of hardware and software that communicates with your vehicle’s internal computer and connects it to Verizon’s cellular network. This connection enables a wide range of remote services, from checking your engine’s health on a smartphone to automatically calling for help after a crash. Understanding the what is the hum connected car system begins with its three fundamental components.
How Hum Works: The Three Core Components
The complete Hum experience relies on the seamless interaction between a data-gathering device in the car, an interface for the driver, and a mobile application for remote access and control.
The Hum OBD Reader
This is the “brain” of the system. It is a small, discreet hum obd reader that plugs directly into your vehicle’s OBD-II port—the same standardized port that mechanics use to run diagnostics, typically located under the dashboard. This reader draws power directly from the car’s electrical system and houses the essential technology for the hum service to function. Inside is a GPS for location tracking, an accelerometer to detect events like collisions, and a 4G LTE cellular modem to transmit data. This component is responsible for collecting all the raw data about your hum car’s location, movement, and any diagnostic trouble codes.
The Bluetooth Speaker (Select Models)
For certain models, a separate speaker unit serves as the primary in-car interface. This device clips onto the driver’s sun visor and features several large buttons, including a red emergency button for 911, a blue hum customer service button for support, and a phone button for hands-free calling. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing it to function as a hands-free speakerphone. A critical change is that newer entry-level models no longer include this speaker, making all interactions dependent on the smartphone app.
The Hum Mobile App
So, what is the Hum app? Available for both Android and iOS devices, the Hum app is the central hub for interacting with the system’s data and features. From this application, you can view a comprehensive dashboard of your vehicle’s status. What is the Hum app used for? You can check for diagnostic trouble codes, monitor your car’s location, and review detailed driving history. The app is also where you set up alerts for speeding or location boundaries, request roadside assistance, and track maintenance. All information collected by the hum device is processed and presented to you through this intuitive mobile hum interface.
A Breakdown of Hum Models: Hum+ vs. Humx
Verizon offers two distinct service tiers, each with a different set of hum features and a corresponding monthly price point. Your primary decision is choosing between the foundational Hum+ and the premium Humx verizon hum plan.
Hum+ (2nd Generation)
This is the entry-level version of the hum service. It provides all the core safety, security, and diagnostic features. Subscribers receive access to Automatic Crash Response, the Mechanics Hotline, Vehicle Diagnostics, 24/7 Pinpoint Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Assistance. It also includes location-based features like Vehicle Location tracking, Speed and Boundary Alerts, and a comprehensive Driving History log. In-Vehicle Wi-Fi can be added for an additional monthly fee. This current generation of Hum+ consists only of the hum obd reader and the mobile app; it does not come with the visor-mounted Bluetooth speaker.
Humx
Humx is the premium offering, bundling all the features of Hum+ with several significant upgrades. The most notable additions are the inclusion of the Bluetooth speaker for one-touch assistance and the integration of an In-Vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot as part of the standard subscription. The Wi-Fi can connect up to ten devices to Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Humx also includes “Number Share,” which allows Verizon mobile customers to link their phone number to the speaker, enabling them to make and receive calls directly from the visor unit.
Table 1: Hum+ vs. Humx Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hum+ (2nd Gen) | Humx |
| Crash Response | Yes | Yes |
| Pinpoint Roadside Assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Diagnostics | Yes | Yes |
| Mechanics Hotline | Yes | Yes |
| Stolen Vehicle Assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Location | Yes | Yes |
| Speed & Boundary Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Driving History | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Speaker | No | Yes |
| In-Vehicle Wi-Fi | Optional Add-on | Included |
| Number Share | No | Yes |
The Deep Dive: Is Hum by Verizon the Right Choice for Your Car?
The value of Hum by Verizon is best understood by examining its core verizon hum features. The system is a subscription-based service bundle aimed at providing safety, convenience, and peace of mind.
Key Features Explored: A Trio of Protection
Hum’s extensive feature set can be grouped into three main categories: proactive vehicle maintenance, reactive safety services, and ongoing driver awareness.
Vehicle Health & Maintenance
One of Hum’s primary goals is to demystify vehicle maintenance. The system constantly monitors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that trigger a “check engine” light. When a code is detected, the Hum app on android and iOS provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the issue. For more complex issues, the hum car service includes the “Mechanics Hotline,” which connects you directly with an independent, ASE-certified mechanic for unbiased advice.
Safety & Emergency Services
This suite of features forms the core of Hum’s safety proposition. The cornerstone is the Automatic Crash Response system. When a crash is detected, the system automatically alerts a Hum emergency response agent. If you are unresponsive, the agent can dispatch emergency services to your vehicle’s precise GPS location. In non-crash situations, Hum by Verizon provides 24/7 Pinpoint Roadside Assistance. With the push of a button, you can request help for flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, or running out of fuel.
Location & Driver Awareness
Leveraging its GPS, Hum offers a powerful set of tracking tools. The Vehicle Location feature allows you to see your car’s position on a map. In the event of theft, Stolen Vehicle Assistance enables Hum agents to provide law enforcement with the car’s real-time location. These capabilities are particularly useful for parents of teen drivers, who can set Speed & Boundary Alerts. A detailed Driving History log provides hum mileage tracking, fuel consumption, and maximum speed for every trip. The system also calculates a “Safety Score” based on behaviors like hard braking and rapid acceleration.
Primary Use Cases: Who Benefits Most from Hum?
- For Parents of Teen Drivers: The monitoring tools offer significant peace of mind, providing the information needed to coach new drivers.
- For Owners of Older Vehicles: For those with cars built after 1996, Hum for car is an affordable aftermarket solution to add crucial safety and diagnostic features without buying a new vehicle.
- For Families and Road Trippers: The Humx model, with its built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, is appealing for families, transforming a car into a mobile entertainment and productivity hub.
Clearing Up Confusion: Myths, Risks, and Common Concerns
While the hum features are appealing, a critical look at real-world performance reveals several significant concerns. Addressing these is essential for a trustworthy hum by verizon review.
Myth vs. Fact: Will Hum Drain Your Car’s Battery?
A frequent concern is the device’s effect on the car battery. While Verizon states the what is a hum device is designed to enter a low-power “sleep” mode, a substantial number of user complaints point to the Hum as the cause of significant battery drain, leading to dead batteries and repeated jump starts. The risk is real and well-documented by users, particularly for cars that are not driven daily.
Concern: Can the Hum Device Cause Electrical Problems or False Alerts?
Another serious concern is potential interference with a vehicle’s electronic systems. Users have reported unexpected check engine lights, erratic sensor behavior, and reduced engine performance allegedly caused by the device. The reliability of the diagnostic feature is also a point of contention, with some users receiving a flurry of false diagnostic codes while others report the device failing to detect genuine mechanical issues.
Privacy Considerations: Understanding the Data Hum Collects
The Hum system tracks and records a significant amount of data, including the start and end points of every trip, precise GPS coordinates, speeds, fuel efficiency, and specific driving behaviors. This extensive data collection has raised privacy concerns among some users. Potential customers sensitive to location and behavior tracking should be fully aware of the breadth of information the hum verizon connect system gathers.
Important Clarification: Hum by Verizon vs. HUM Nutrition
A common point of confusion in online searches is the similarity in name between “Hum by Verizon” and “HUM Nutrition,” a completely unrelated company that sells vitamins. Searches for “Hum reviews” often yield results for both. This article pertains exclusively to the verizon hum connected car system.
Practical & Actionable Advice: Getting Started with Hum
For consumers still considering the Hum system, this section provides the practical information needed to move forward.
Vehicle Compatibility: Checking the Hum Compatibility List
Hum compatibility extends to most gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles manufactured in or after 1996. However, it is not compatible with all-electric vehicles (EVs). Before purchasing, it is essential to check the official hum compatibility list on Verizon’s website to confirm your specific vehicle is supported.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install and Set Up Your Hum System
The installation is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed in under 20 minutes.
- Create Your Account: Download the app Hum and follow the prompts to create an account.
- Charge the Speaker (Humx only): If you have the Humx model, fully charge the speaker before installation.
- Locate Your OBD-II Port: Find the port under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Install the Hardware: With the ignition OFF, firmly plug the Hum OBD-II reader into the port.
- Activate with a Drive: Start the engine and drive for 10-15 minutes to allow the system to activate. The Hum app will notify you when it’s ready.
Understanding the Costs: A Full Breakdown of the Verizon Hum Plan
The pricing for the hum plan involves more than just a monthly fee.
- Monthly Subscription Fees: Typically $10/month for Hum+ and $15/month for Humx, plus taxes and fees.
- Equipment & Activation Fees: There is often a one-time activation fee (e.g., $40) and sometimes an initial cost for the hardware.
- Contract & Early Termination Fees (ETF): The service usually requires a two-year contract. Canceling after the 14-day grace period triggers a significant ETF, which can be as high as $120 for Hum+ and $175 for Humx. This is a frequent source of customer complaints.
The Real User Experience: A Balanced Look from Hum by Verizon Reviews
Customer hum by verizon reviews reveal a deeply polarized reception.
- Pros: Users praise the ease of installation, the peace of mind for monitoring family members, and successful vehicle recoveries after theft. Some find the diagnostics helpful.
- Cons: Widespread complaints target poor hum customer service, with long wait times and unhelpful support. Critically, there are numerous reports of the Automatic Crash Response failing in real-world accidents. Device-induced battery drain, inaccurate alerts, and aggressive sales tactics are also common themes in negative reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use Hum without a Verizon mobile plan?
Yes and no. For the base Hum+ model, you do not need to be a Verizon Wireless mobile customer. However, to use the key features of the premium Humx model, like its Wi-Fi hotspot, a Verizon data plan is required.
How accurate is Hum’s mileage and location tracking?
Hum’s Driving History uses GPS for hum mileage tracking and to log trip start and end points accurately. However, a notable limitation is that it does not display the specific route taken on the main map. GPS accuracy can also be affected by environmental factors like underground garages or tall buildings.
What happens if the Hum device is unplugged?
If the Hum OBD-II reader is unplugged, it immediately loses power and all functions stop, including tracking. This is a significant vulnerability for the Stolen Vehicle Assistance feature, as a thief could simply remove the device.
What is the Hum customer service number for support?
The primary hum customer service number is (800) 711-5800. This number can be used for technical support and to access the Mechanics Hotline. The hum roadside assistance phone number is accessed through this main line or directly via the app or speaker.
Conclusion
Hum by Verizon presents a compelling proposition for retrofitting an older vehicle with modern safety and diagnostic features. For its target audience, the feature set is well-conceived, filling a clear gap in the market.
However, the decision to commit to the Hum system must be weighed against a significant body of evidence from real-world users. The risks of battery drain, electrical interference, and inaccurate alerts cannot be ignored. Most concerning are accounts of the core Automatic Crash Response feature failing in emergencies. These issues are compounded by negative feedback about customer service and a rigid two-year contract with high termination fees, which creates a considerable financial risk for dissatisfied customers.
Before committing, potential buyers should carefully consider the alternatives and the potential downsides highlighted in this guide. While Hum may perform flawlessly for some, the documented variability in its performance warrants a cautious approach.
لا تعليق