The Best Home Security Systems

Introduction

Protecting your property with one of the best home security systems of 2021 is an excellent way to prevent burglary and maintain peace of mind. However, there are a ton of options available, and knowing where to start can be a challenge. What’s more, dealing with false alarms, monthly fees, and everything else involved with a security system can be a hassle. 

The good news is that we’re here to help. In this article, we’re going to look at the best home security systems so you can find a security system that provides the protection you and your family need while fitting in your budget. Let’s get started!

6 Benefits of Home Security Services

There are a lot of elements to consider when looking for the best security systems of 2021. Of course, home security services protect your home and valuables, but they also do a lot more. Here are the top six benefits of home security services.

1. Protects Your Home

The most obvious reason to get a home security system is to protect your home from burglary. Most people have either been the victim of this kind of crime or know someone who has. 

Burglars are always on the lookout for easy targets, and if your home is not secure, thieves can break in and steal your jewelry, electronics, and other high-value items. Worse still, property criminals often take irreplaceable items, like one-of-a-kind jewelry and family heirlooms,

If you’ve ever been the victim of burglary, you know how it feels. It’s a violation of your private space and that of your family’s. A home security system can help to prevent this from happening to you. Plus, video footage taken by your security cameras can be used to catch and convict criminals.

That said, most burglars are scared off by alarms, and your home security system can quickly notify the local authorities. Using security equipment and monitoring services is an excellent way to protect your home. Plus, in many cases, the simple presence of a security system is enough to deter crime and make your neighborhood safer for everyone.

2. Provides Remote Access to Your Home

One of the standout features of modern home security systems of 2021 is the ability to access your home remotely from your smartphone. It’s nice to be able to pull up the footage taken by your security cameras for peace of mind. Some systems also include a speaker system so you can talk to would-be burglars and scare them off.

In addition to access to your security camera footage, many systems also include smart keyless door locks, smart lighting, and smart thermostats, all of which can be controlled remotely from your mobile device. 

3. Monitors Activity In Your Home

Having a home with security cameras has a lot more to offer than security. It’s also a great way to keep tabs on everyday activity within your home. For example, you’ll be able to see what your kids are doing and who they invite over to the house even while you’re at work.

What’s more, with electric door locks, you can lock or unlock the doors to your home remotely. This feature is an excellent way to let your kids in after school without having to worry about them always having a house key.

4. Lowers Homeowners Insurance

Many insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners insurance if you have a security system on your home. So, while you’ll be paying a monthly fee for security monitoring, the insurance on your home can go down by up to 20%. The reason for this discount is the decreased likelihood of burglary and damage being done to your home by criminals.

5. Offers Additional Safety Perks

The remote access provided by a home security system can also monitor your smoke and carbon monoxide detector. You can set your system up so that you receive notifications if your smoke detector is going off or if the air inside your home has high concentrations of CO2, which can be deadly if it’s not discovered in time.

Many security companies will also notify the authorities immediately if smoke is detected in your home. This feature significantly reduces the response time of firefighters and local police.

6. Gives You Peace of Mind

It’s a nice feeling knowing your home is safe and secure. Home security systems provide peace of mind and confidence that your home and family is protected. With less to worry about, the more focused, productive, and healthy you can be.

Things to Consider In a Home Security Service

The sad truth is that over two million homes are broken into in the United States each year. A home security system is your best bet to avoid becoming one of them. With that in mind, there are many factors to consider when it comes to home security services.

Burglar Alarms and Asset Protection Devices are Only Part of a Home Security System

It’s easy to install a ring alarm security kit and assume you’re safe, but the alarm is only part of a true home security system. Burglar alarms use sensors on doors and windows. When the alarm is set and the door or window is opened, the alarm is triggered.

If a thief has broken into your house and they trigger an alarm, most will run away. However, with a full professional monitoring service in place, the authorities will be contacted the instant when the alarm goes off. When this happens, law enforcement can respond immediately and have a much greater chance of making an arrest.

A home security system can also alert you to environmental dangers, including fire and flooding. What’s more, asset protection devices can be installed for additional protection for your valuables. For instance, putting one on a jewelry box will let you know if it has been tampered with. 

Don’t Worry About Power Outages

Many people question the effectiveness of smart home security systems in the event of a power outage. In movies, criminals often cut the electrical cables to a home’s security system before they break-in. However, almost all security systems contain backup battery power so they will still function even if the power is out.

You can also opt for a solar-powered system. These types of systems are more expensive but do provide a powerful backup source of energy even if there’s no electricity.

There Are Affordable Options

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to protect your home. Many home security services are budget-friendly, while still being effective. For instance, it’s simple to get an alarm system with sensors for your doors and windows on a budget.

Nonetheless, the more you spend, the more features you get. You can get intruder alerts, mobile smart home capabilities, and asset protection devices. That said, if you can’t afford the extras, don’t worry. A simple system can keep your property just as safe as a more advanced one.

DIY vs. Professionally Installed Home Security Systems

In recent years, DIY home security systems have become popular. They often come in starter packages that include hub controls, a couple of cameras, and some door and window sensors. From there, you can buy additional equipment as you see fit to protect your home.

While DIY kits are great for those who like to do things themselves around the house, they do require minor electrical installation and mounting that can be challenging for some. Plus, professionally installed systems offer the expertise of the installer, who can make recommendations based on the size and design of your home. 

Whichever you choose, go with the best home security that’s right for your unique situation. There’s a wide range of equipment and professional monitoring services to choose from, so you’re bound to find the perfect match.

Choosing a Home Security Service

When it comes to choosing a service provider for your security needs, there are a couple of key factors to think about. For starters, look at how long the company has been in business. A general guideline is to choose one that’s been around for at least ten years.

Also, look for modern equipment and updated professional monitoring service. You should be able to find customer reviews online for various security tech, as well as testimonials from those using various services. 

Once you have that figured out, determine how far away the professional monitoring center is from where you live. If the location is more than 250 miles away, there could be delays in relaying signals and slower response times in the event of an emergency because of it.

Top Home Security Companies

There are a lot of home security companies out there. Discovering which one is right for you can be a challenging process. Here are some of the top security companies and a brief description of each, beginning with SimpliSafe and including each company’s SecureScore from safehome.org.

SimpliSafe

SecureScore: 9.3

SimpliSafe was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2006. SimpliSafe offers professional-grade security equipment and professional monitoring services at reasonable prices and with no long-term contracts. 

Today, SimpliSafe has over three million customers in the United States. SimpliSafe has also recently expanded into the United Kingdom, offering the same services across the pond as of 2019.

Vivint

SecureScore: 9.2

Vivint is a company that specializes in smart home technology. So, while the  primary focus of Vivint is on protecting homes and keeping families safe, Vivint also offers smart technology and professional monitoring as part of the fully-integrated Vivint system.

Vivint offers professional installation, in-home consultations, and 24/7 professional monitoring and customer support. Vivint has over 1.5 million customers in the United States and Canada. 

Cove Security

SecureScore: 9.0

Cove is a new company that entered the security industry in 2018. The company has become successful so quickly due in large part to its professional-grade equipment, low-cost professional monitoring service that has been around since 1978, and a no-pressure approach to sales.

Another thing that makes Cove stand out as a company is that they don’t require long-term contracts for professional monitoring. You’re free to pay for the service month to month with no further obligation. On top of that, they offer a lifetime warranty on all of their equipment. 

ADT Security

SecureScore: 8.7

Even if you know very little about home security companies, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of ADT. As a company, ADT is a large one, with a large footprint across the United States with over 200 professional monitoring and service locations. ADT has been in business for 145 years.

ADT offers a wide range of services for residential and commercial customers. The company sells equipment, security for renters, and monitoring security services of all kinds. You can get DIY and professionally-installed solutions. 

Frontpoint Security

SecureScore: 8.4

Frontpoint Security is devoted to DIY solutions. The home security company offers top-notch startup packages that include a central hub, cameras, and sensors, along with 24/7 professional monitoring support all at a reasonable price. 

What makes Frontpoint stand out is its excellent customer service. Frontpoint is a good example of what a small company can do when it takes a simple monitoring service and refines it to perfection.

Brinks Home Security

SecureScore: 8.1

Brinks is a large company that offers smart home solutions compatible with smart home devices. Its professional monitoring service is excellent, with fast response times coupled with cutting-edge technology. Brinks provides excellent service and world-class security.

Abode

SecureScore: 8.0

Abode is an excellent home security company that offers a wide range of equipment and devices. It offers equipment professional monitoring via a smartphone app for no monthly fee. Plus, with no long-term contracts, it’s easy to try Abode’s services and cancel if you don’t like them. 

Home Security Pricing

The pricing for home security services varies depending on the equipment you purchase and the extent of that professional monitoring service you choose to go with it. For the most part, equipment starter packages are reasonably priced. However, if you have a large home and need a lot of extra equipment, it can add up fast.

With all home security services, there is the initial cost for the equipment and the monthly charge for professional monitoring. As for startup packages, prices range from $99 to $599 depending on what’s included and the quality of the equipment. 

• Startup home security equipment packages range from $99 to $599.

That said, you can get a home security DIY kit for $199, such as the one from SimpliSafe, that comes with a base station, wireless keypad, one motion sensor, and one entry sensor. For most homes, that’s an excellent start. However, if you want to put sensors on every door and window in your house, it’s going to cost extra.

As far as home security monthly monitoring plans are concerned, they start as low as $3 per month and go up from there. Some of the bigger companies have plans that start at $29.99 and grow depending on the level of service and how much equipment needs professional monitoring. 

• Monthly home security monitoring plans range from $3 to $59.99 and up.
• The average monthly cost of most home security monitoring plans is around $14.99 to $29.99.

5 Key Features of Home Security Services

When it comes to protecting your home and family, it’s crucial that you know the capabilities and limitations of your security system. Here are five key features to consider when it comes to home security. 

1. Monitoring Capabilities

One of the key features of most smart home security systems these days is remote monitoring. This feature enables you to view remote video using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. By logging in to your security system, you’ll be able to see what each installed camera is recording at that moment.

This monitoring home security feature grants significant peace of mind because you are able to check on your home at any time. You’ll be able to see if the kids have arrived home safely or if there are any suspicious individuals lurking around your property. 

Many home security monitoring systems enable you to control the cameras remotely and even access an intercom system. What’s more, you can answer the front door remotely or trigger the alarm instantly if you see any suspicious activity.

2. Camera Setup

While this is certainly related to monitoring capabilities, one of the factors you should consider carefully when installing your smart home security system is your camera setup. Often, the startup packages will come with one or two cameras, but you should probably consider more if you have a large property.

Depending on your monitoring needs, you can have cameras installed on the outside and inside of your home. From there, these cameras can be accessed remotely through your home security system so you can keep an eye on everything going on at home. 

Plus, many of these monitoring security cameras have motion sensors too, so you can set your smartphone home security app to receive alerts if a camera senses activity. In this way, you can see vehicles parked across the street and any strangers that approach your property.

3. Safety Features

Although you probably got your security system to protect against burglars, there are other ways it can help you to stay safe. For instance, many security systems come with carbon dioxide monitoring. 

Carbon dioxide is a gas that is nearly impossible to detect, but that can build up inside the home. It is poisonous to people and animals, so it’s crucial to have a carbon dioxide detector in your home. Fortunately, many smart home security systems come with CO2 monitoring.

What’s more, a lot of security systems also integrate with your smoke detectors to alert you of fire in the home, even remotely. The bottom line is that the best home security systems protect against more than just burglars. 

4. Energy Efficiency

The best home security system is one integrated with smart home devices that enables you to control many different aspects of your home remotely. This includes things like monitoring and controlling your home thermostat from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

So, this means you can adjust the temperature in your home while you’re away or according to the current weather. In this way, you can save money on energy bills and have an efficient means of monitoring your home.

You can also do similar things with the lights in your home. By setting them up for remote control, if you forget to turn the lights off because you were in a hurry this morning, you can log on and turn them off from your phone. Some systems even have an energy monitoring feature to optimize such things accordingly.

5. Emergency Alerts

One final feature to point out is the integration of a wellness monitoring system into your home security. Emergency alerts are simple buttons that can be pressed in the event of an injury or other health issue that immediately notify the authorities and send help.

While wellness monitoring systems can be used by anyone, it is particularly useful for the elderly in case of a fall or cardiac event. In this way, older individuals can live independently without the fear of something happening that they can’t handle. 

What’s more, advanced wellness smart home security systems offer monitoring of an elderly homeowner’s activities. Loved ones with access to the system will be able to check for unusual activity, such as staying in bed for long periods. 

FAQ

Do you still have questions? If so, we may be able to address them with these FAQs.

Final Thoughts

Homeowners and renters need to consider how they are going to protect their property, possessions, and loved ones. One of the most effective ways to deter crime and prevent theft and property damage is to install the best home security system. 

After conducting extensive research, the three best smart home security services are SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Vivint. SimpliSafe is the best value for your money, while Frontpoint offers a top-notch DIY solution. Finally, Vivint is perhaps the best professionally-installed home security system on the market.