Home Security
Compare and find the right home security system for you
The Best Home Security Systems
Tip for the reader:
We say that home security saves you an expected $300+ per year. This is based on expected loss from burglary and annual savings on home insurance. We caution that home security without monitoring is unlikely to generate any home insurance savings.
Best DIY Home Alarm System
SecureScore*
8.4
Equipment Cost
Starts at $130
Monthly Monitoring
Starts at $34.99
Contract Period
36 Months
Warranty
3 years
What customers said:
“Recommend this system for the excellent customer service and ease of installation”
Best Expandable System
SecureScore*
8.7
Equipment Cost
Starts at $99
Monthly Monitoring
Starts at $28.95
Contract Period
36 Months
Warranty
Varies
What customers said:
“Called Support a few times who were happy to help, knowledgeable and courteous. I would recommend to everyone”
Best Professionally Installed System
SecureScore*
9.2
Equipment Cost
Starts at $599
Monthly Monitoring
Starts at $29.99
Contract Period
42 Months
Warranty
120 days
What customers said:
“I was impressed and pleased”
Best System Without A Monthly Plan
SecureScore*
8.0
Equipment Cost
Starts at $199
Monthly Monitoring
Starts at $6
Contract Period
No contract
Warranty
1 year
What customers said:
“The automations work really well and the mobile app is very robust and responsive”
Best System For The Money
SecureScore*
9.3
Equipment Cost
Starts at $199
Monthly Monitoring
Starts at $14.99
Contract Period
No contract
Warranty
3 years
What customers said:
“I was a bit concerned with self-installation, but… from opening the shipping box to final system test only took 45 minutes”
Best No-Frills System
SecureScore*
9.0
Equipment Cost
Starts at $130
Monthly Monitoring
Starts at $14.99
Contract Period
No contract
Warranty
Lifetime
What customers said:
“It’s with great pleasure that I can say that their products are excellent, easy to install and that COVE stand behind their products”
Best Integrated System
SecureScore*
N/A
Equipment Cost
Starts at $360
Monthly Monitoring
Starts at $40
Contract Period
1 year
Warranty
Lifetime
What customers said:
“I’m glad I’ve never had an intruder, but I know if I did I could count on Xfinity Home security service”
Best State-Of-The-Art System
SecureScore*
8.1
Equipment Cost
Starts at $399
Monthly Monitoring
Starts at $29
Contract Period
3 years
Warranty
Lifetime
What customers said:
“I’ve had nothing but a great experience with Brinks and no issues with the system”
* SecureScores are based on criteria from safehome.org
Frontpoint: Best DIY Home Alarm System
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Large selection of effective home security sensors
- Simple installation
- Include non-proprietary components so you can mix and match with equipment from other companies
- Excellent monitoring service
Cons
- Home automation and video surveillance is expensive
- Basic electrician skills required for installation
Summary & Features
Frontpoint offers the same security level as a professionally installed system in a do-it-yourself (DIY) kit. The security equipment from Frontpoint is top-notch, including a hub and keypad, three-door or window sensors, and two motion sensors in the base package. You’ll also receive a yard sign, door sticker, and five window decals.
Frontpoint’s base package is priced at $319.95, which is not bad for the amount of equipment that comes with it. Everything is well-made and effective, although there’s nothing innovative here. It’s a simple system that works.
Like other security companies, Frontpoint offers several monthly monitoring plans. Plans range in price between $45.01 and $49.88 per month, which include features like video monitoring. Nonetheless, these rates are generally higher than most DIY security systems.
Before we move on, we should also note that Frontpoint’s monitoring system exclusively uses a cellular signal, which is potentially more reliable than security companies that rely on a combination of wifi and cellular for monitoring.
Warranty: three years for the equipment
Customer Service: full phone support, friendly and responsive
Blue by ADT: Best Expandable Home Security System
Pros
- Extensive range of customization options
- Excellent for those who like tinkering with their equipment
- Works well even in larger homes with enhanced wireless capabilities with three times the range of other wireless protocols
- Top-notch monitoring
Cons
- Blue is complex and extensive, making it overkill for apartments and some living situations
- Designed for those who spend a lot of time away from home
Summary & Features
The Blue starter system comes with a central hub along with sensors and other pieces of equipment depending on your particular needs. Available gear includes additional sensors, cameras, smart locks, and smart lights.
From there, the system responds to voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Once you’re set up, you can choose to monitor your own system or subscribe to a monthly plan of professional monitoring by ADT.
Blue is a fairly new offering from ADT. Still, there are plans to offer additional integration with Google devices, including integration with Nest Cameras, Nest Aware, and monitoring on the ADT app.
Warranty: one-year equipment warranty
Customer Service: available by chat, phone, or email from 8 am to midnight EST.
Vivint: Best Professionally Installed Home Security System
Pros
- Free home security systems consultation
- Knowledgeable Vivint representatives and excellent customer service
- Feature-rich system
- Professionally installed
- Fully integrated with other home automation and monitoring equipment
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- If you’re not interested in home automation integration and monitoring, there are better options for home security
Summary & Features
Despite the trend towards DIY security systems, Vivint offers a security system professionally installed. Vivint is excellent for those who struggle with self-installation or prefer to have an expert putting things together. Vivint offers free home consultations with experienced security professionals who will recommend the best equipment for your home.
Vivint, as a company, is focused on home automation technology and monitoring, which means the security equipment Vivint provides is only one part of the various devices they produce. You can also get video doorbells, automated door locks, cameras, and various third-party devices monitoring devices.
While much of the equipment from Vivint is slightly more expensive than its competitors, Vivint more than makes up for it with service and expertise.
Another advantage Vivint offers is access to their trained Smart Home Pros, who act as sales representatives but are also the same people installing the best home security systems. Each Vivint representative knows how to assess your home’s needs and can offer solutions without selling you the equipment you don’t need.
Warranty: All equipment is covered for 120 days after installation.
Customer Service: You can chat with a Vivint customer service agent online or call Vivint’s toll-free number 24/7.
Abode: Best Home Security Systems Without a Monthly Plan
Pros
- Large range of equipment, including cameras, alarms, and a strobe light
- Professional monitoring available
- Excellent DIY home security system
Cons
- You’ll have to buy some equipment from a third-party depending on your needs
- Some components are a little more expensive than competing solutions
Summary & Features
Abode offers versatile DIY home security systems that don’t require a monthly monitoring plan. It is designed to be easily installed, configured, and operated by you and no one else. On top of that, Abode’s equipment is built to integrate with a variety of third-party devices for home automation, monitoring, and other functions.
With Abode, you can tailor the equipment you purchase to your specific needs. The equipment is configured with long-range sensors for improved connectivity. While Abode’s system is currently DIY, the company does have plans to expand its service to work with professional installers for those who prefer it.
Of course, for those who want third-party monitoring, you can provide access to the equipment to Abode representatives. That way, they can handle monitoring your security system, view your timeline and video feed, and rush an appropriate response to the authorities.
Warranty: One-year equipment warranty
Customer Service: Phone and email support
SimpliSafe: Best Home Security System for the Money
Pros
- Large range of equipment, including cameras, alarms, and a strobe light
- Professional monitoring available
- Excellent DIY home security system
Cons
- You’ll have to buy some equipment from a third-party depending on your needs
- Some components are a little more expensive than competing solutions
Summary & Features
SimpliSafe is a straightforward and easy to install home security system. The equipment offered by SimpliSafe is reasonably priced and there are plenty of options for DIYers. Plus, there’s no need for a long-term monitoring contract with SimpliSafe or other potentially expensive commitments.
Founded in 2006, SimpliSafe is one of the first home security companies to offer DIY solutions. Today, SimpliSafe has over three million customers.
SimpliSafe offers a starter security system package for $229 that comes with a base station, wireless keypad, one motion sensor, and one entry sensor. From there, you can purchase additional SimpliSafe sensors or equipment as you see fit. As for the monthly monitoring service, SimpliSafe doesn’t have long term contracts, instead of operating on a monthly basis starting at $14.99.
You can also opt for the SimpliSafe Interactive Plan, which allows you to connect via a mobile app for monitoring and security alerts. This plan runs $24.99 per month.
Warranty: Three-year warranty on all SimpliSafe equipment
Customer Service: A help center is available on the SimpliSafe website or you can call customer service using a toll-free number.
Cove: Best No-Frills DIY Home Security System
Pros
- Cove offers discounts to first responders, nurses, military personnel, and teachers
- A simple and effective security system
- Equipment is easy to use and install
- Professional monitoring service
Cons
- Few customization options
- Not compatible with smart home ecosystems
Summary & Features
Cove Security is a new player in town that began offering several DIY hardware solutions in 2018. However, what makes it stand out is the method the company uses to match its equipment with the needs of customers.
Instead of offering starter packages, Cove guides users through a survey of questions designed to discover their needs. Cove then configures the best home security systems geared towards your situation.
Overall, Cove offers basic security equipment that’s easy to use but does not have a lot of advanced functionality. The system is run from a central hub with a touch-screen panel. For this reason, Cove’s system needs to be paired with a professional monitoring plan to work properly.
Fortunately, Cove connects customers with the COPS monitoring service, which has been in business since 1978 and handles over three million accounts.
Warranty: one-year warranty with Cove’s basic monitoring plan or a lifetime warranty with the Plus monitoring plan
Customer Service: 24/7 phones support, chat, and email
Xfinity Home: Best Integrated Home Security System
Pros
- Discounts are available for customers who bundle services
- Xfinity installs its own proprietary security equipment
- A convenient monthly bill for home security, internet, TV, and other services
- Excellent monitoring service
Cons
- Prices change constantly based on promotional offers
Summary & Features
Xfinity Home is a security system designed as part of the other services offered by the company. So, instead of having a security system that is separate from other systems in your house, it becomes integrated with everything else Xfinity has to offer, such as internet, television, and cellular services.
Part of the appeal of a system like this is that it provides the opportunity for different features, such as monitoring capability from your home and any television screen in the house. On top of that, you can get an Xfinity remote to control and manage your home security and automation devices all at once, including door locks, smart lights, and a garage door opener.
Xfinity also offers discounts depending on the number of services you get. So, if you bundle home security services and monitoring with internet and television, you can expect to see significant discounts. Since 2010, Xfinity’s home security monitoring service has expanded to include around one million customers.
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on all equipment, except cameras that have a 1-year warranty
Customer Service: Xfinity has a dedicated team of customer support specialists
Brinks Home Security: Best State-of-the-Art Home Security System
Pros
- A choice between DIY and professional installation
- Large monitoring centers
- Lots of equipment options
- High-quality sensors
- Home automation integration
Cons
- Minimum three-year service contract
Summary & Features
Brinks Home Security is a large and long-established company with over one million customers. It has access to significant resources and offers state-of-the-art equipment, and has an excellent monitoring service.
That said, Brinks’s services are restrictive and expensive. The Basic kit comes with general equipment attached to a three-year contract for $199 and a $39 per month bill for home security monitoring and automation.
Nevertheless, it’s an effective service and has some unique features. For example, you can set it so that a select group of people receives live messages when an alarm is triggered, which makes it easier to confirm a false alarm and helps avoid call center issues.
Warranty: two-year equipment warranty
Customer Service: chat and phone support
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.
Do I really need a home security system?
Even the safest cities in the United States experience burglaries every year. In fact, over two million home burglaries are reported in the United States every year. That’s an average of one burglary every thirteen seconds. Despite this statistic, only about 17 percent of residential properties have some sort of security system put in place.
So, at the end of the day, the decision is yours. However, it’s critical to realize that security systems have proven effective at deterring and preventing burglaries and that there are some budget-friendly options for those who can’t afford a full-blown smart home setup.
What types of security cameras are available and how do they work?
Video surveillance equipment has come a long way over the years. Advances in technology have made high-resolution video the standard for commercial and residential security systems. Plus, remote monitoring has become readily available for everyone and a part of the best home security systems.
That said, the main types of security cameras are:
- Indoor cameras: A typically dome-shaped camera with a 360-degree field of view for monitoring an entire area or room.
- Outdoor cameras: Cameras built for durability with weather-resistant enclosures.
- Motion detector cameras: Cameras that don’t begin recording until they sense movement, saving you countless hours of storage space.
- Adjustable cameras: Fitted with motion-driven actuators, adjustable cameras offer remote pan, tilt, and zoom control, or they can be programmed to follow movement.
What’s more, wireless technology has made it possible to mount cameras just about anywhere. You can find wireless versions of all of the above types of cameras. Plus, most security systems offer a variety of monitoring features for viewing and recording camera footage.
What’s better, a DIY or professionally-installed smart home security system?
The short answer is, DIY installation is cheaper while professional installation is easier. That said, there’s a little more to it than that.
The advantage of choosing a DIY home security solution is that there are no installation fees (although there are up-front equipment costs), flexible installation, and a simple and easy solution. However, keep in mind that most DIY kits only come with one or two cameras and a few sensors for doors and windows. For a more advanced setup, you’re responsible for putting it together.
As for professionally-installed smart home security systems, one of the big advantages is having a professional come to your home to assess your exact needs. The installer can explain what kind of equipment is available and make recommendations. With this option, you’ll have to pay an installation fee, but the up-front cost for equipment is usually lower than DIY solutions.
What are smart door locks and how do they work?
Electronic door locks, known as smart locks, are locks that can be controlled remotely. Many home security services are now offering this option as part of their security systems. Basically, a smart lock on your home functions similarly to the locks on most car doors these days and can be controlled wirelessly.
Smart locks can be automated to lock or unlock at certain times during the day. They can also be locked or unlocked via monitoring from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Overall, smart locks are designed to be convenient and it’s nice to be able to lock your doors remotely in case you left home in a hurry and forgot to lock them.
Are smart home security systems tax deductible?
For the average homeowner, smart home security systems are not tax-deductible. However, getting one installed may lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums. The exception is that if you use a portion of your home for business purposes, then you can claim that portion of your house for a tax deduction.
So, if you work from home and have a home office, yes, you can claim a portion of your home security system as a deduction. However, you must exclusively and regularly use that portion of your house for business purposes and nothing else.
Should you get a smart home security system if you rent?
Home security is not exclusively for homeowners. Apartments and rented houses are broken into just as frequently, if not more than owned houses. As a renter, you have just as much of a right to protect your home as homeowners do.
Fortunately, there are many wireless security packages available for renters. Choosing a DIY option may be best because it enables you to install the security equipment you need that can be taken down and reused at a different location if you move.
What are the common components of the best home security systems?
The best home security systems are composed of many different components that all work together to prevent criminals from breaking into your home. While smart home equipment for each system will vary depending on the size of your property and the level of protection you need, most of them will include a selection of the following:
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Motion sensors
- Door and window sensors
- Glass break detectors
- Window stickers and yard signs
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon dioxide detectors
The core of a smart home security system is its door and window sensors and cameras. Sensors detect when a door or window is opened, often triggering an alarm, while the cameras take footage of the intruder that can be invaluable to law enforcement to identify burglars and as evidence for prosecution.
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.
