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Like many other decisions that we make about our homes, choosing a home security system will be a personal decision. What you need depends on your particular situation. There are many options available to suit every budget and situation, thanks to advances in wireless home security technology and home monitoring.
These are the steps to get you started.
1. How much protection do you require? The crime rate in your area and what parts of your house you want to protect or monitor will determine how much protection you need. You can decide if protection is needed while you are away or at home, especially at night.
2. Determine your budget. You can easily increase the cost of a basic home security package by adding more cameras and sensors. However, both professional and DIY home security system prices have dropped significantly. Silva claims that although a $5,000 cost to protect a house measuring 3,000 square feet may have been reasonable in the past, it is now closer to $1500. This is because equipment can be connected wirelessly and is much more affordable than professional installation.
3. You can choose between professional or DIY installation. The decision is based on your availability, level of comfort and budget. DIY systems can save you money on installation. Who would buy a traditional system? It’s usually someone with a higher disposable income. They consider their time more important than extra costs. They don’t want to have to do the hard work of choosing what product. They don’t want the hassle of installing it.
4. Book an in-home consultation. A representative from the security company can visit your home to conduct a consultation and prepare a proposal. Vivint, ADT and Xfinity Home offer this service free of charge, while Brinks (and other DIY companies) can only consult over the phone.
Professional installers can evaluate your security concerns and address any technology limitations (e.g., poor Wi-Fi coverage). A home visit can be dangerous because most security advisors are also commission-based sales reps who may push for a larger system than is necessary.
It is strongly recommended to get at least three custom quotes. These should clearly outline all costs and terms. To make an accurate comparison, you should request similar systems from competing companies. You should consider the terms of the contract (including any fine print), and the professionalism displayed by the company during the bidding and home visit.
What to look for when buying a home security system
When purchasing a home security system, you should consider the following key features: wireless vs. wired monitoring, security (whether it is vulnerable to hackers), as well as the cost. Other important factors to consider include whether you plan to add cameras or home automation equipment to your security system, and whether professional monitoring is required.
Wireless vs. wired
Nearly all home security systems today are wireless. They use encrypted radio frequencies, cell communications, and Wi Fi to protect your home. Although it is still possible to have a wired system with a landline, this is less common as wireless systems are more easy to set up and easier to disarm. While Burglars can cut a telephone line, hacking a radio signal requires greater technical expertise.
Z-Wave radio chip technology is used in many wireless security systems. This network is known for its security. Mitch Klein, executive director of Z-Wave Alliance, says that wireless systems can be bulletproof secure when properly implemented. Klein has over three decades of experience in the custom installation and integration home automation and security systems. It’s not the hardware, but your passwords that get hacked. That’s why you should choose a system with two-factor authentication.
Modern wireless systems can communicate with other connected devices via two-way communication. However, older wired wireless systems work on closed circuits or only one-way communication and can’t communicate to other smart home devices.
You should ensure that your wireless home security system uses high-level encryption, particularly for Wi-Fi traffic. This is the most vulnerable type of communication because it travels over the internet. Tim Rader, ADT’s 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard encryption (AES), says that two-way encryption is crucial for us. “We encrypt video from the camera to the server as well as on the server. We also encrypt Wi-Fi commands sent from the touchscreen to the panel.
Pro-Installed vs. Do It Yourself
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a security system. The cost of a system, whether it is professionally installed or DIY, will depend on your budget. A professionally installed system, such as Vivint or ADT, will be more costly because you are paying for the expertise and time of an installer who will come out to your house and install all the necessary sensors and devices for security. You may also have to pay upfront for equipment, but this can be amortized over your contract’s term.
Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe and Abode offer DIY systems that provide guidance for the placement of sensors. However, you will need to install them yourself. A positive aspect of a self-installed system is that you can start with a small number sensors and cameras to suit your budget and then increase as you have more time and money. Professional installation requires that you commit to the system upfront, and then pay for a second visit if you need additional equipment.
Depending on your budget, level of comfort with installing cameras and sensors, which option is right for you will determine the best. It’s easy to install a security system yourself, since it’s almost all wireless. If you don’t have the tools or desire to drill into walls, most DIY companies offer easy mounting options using tape.
This is a detailed explanation of the differences between DIY and Pro-Installed home security systems.
Pro vs. self-monitoring
Security experts recommend professional monitoring. Klein states that although the decision is up to the individual, professional monitoring is something to seriously consider if you are going to invest in security systems for your home. Klein points out, for example, that self-monitoring can be a good idea, but if your door is opened while you are away, what should you do? He says, “You’re on the beach, you received the notification, but the notification didn’t go anywhere else than you.” Professional monitoring allows you to still receive the notification but also ensures that you know that the monitoring company is always on top of it. Ring professional monitoring starts at $100 per year, which is the best price. Abode also offers short term monitoring starting at $100 per year. This is great if you only need protection for a brief period.
You have two options when it comes to DIY home security systems. One, you can monitor the system through your smartphone or pay a monthly monitoring fee. Two, you don’t need a contract. This may appeal to people with tight budgets. Check out our guide to the Best Home Security Systems in 2023 for a complete comparison of the prices of both DIY and pro-install systems.
Additional Considerations
Make sure that your home security system features and equipment are compatible with your lifestyle. Most home security systems have sensors that can detect if doors or windows are opened, or if there is someone in your home. Other sensors are also available, including fire alarms and glass-break sensors. Many systems also include a keypad or a key fob that allows you to arm and disarm your system as well as an app that can be used to control the alarm. Many systems can now integrate with smart thermostats or door locks, and many other features and equipment are available.
We rated all the companies that offer security cameras. Some have additional features you may be interested in. Vivint cameras use facial recognition technology to distinguish people from other objects. This helps reduce false alarms. Many systems can also be integrated with screen-enabled smart speaker from Apple HomeKit/Siri, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home. A video doorbell, another popular addition to home security, is offered by SimpliSafe, Vivint and ADT.
A home automation system can also be useful. It can be used to enhance security, such as turning on lights randomly when you are away. Also, it can perform useful tasks like shutting off lights when there is no motion or locking your doors at night. You might need a security system that can work with smart home devices such as Alexa, Google Assistant or HomeKit. You can also look into expanding your smart home system by using the Z-Wave protocol.
There is no single solution that will work for everyone, but there are some systems that may be more suitable to your needs. A system that integrates cameras well is a good choice if you live in a single-family residence with a large outdoor space. Front point has the best outdoor security camera system. Ring was the least expensive option. It also has the largest selection of outdoor cameras. Some include night vision and person detection. Ring offers both solar-powered and battery-powered options for those areas that don’t have power cables.
It can be costly and time-consuming to install sensors in a large house. Professional installation is better than DIY. Vivint, our pick for the Best Professionally Installed System, allows you to amortize all equipment costs over a fixed-term agreement.
DIY systems can be a great choice for apartment and condo dwellers. They are easy to set up if you have less space to protect and you can take them with you when you move into a new apartment. Some solutions are tailored for smaller living spaces. Abode’s Iota all-in-one system combines a hub, camera, motion sensor and siren into one device. This is an easy, hassle-free way to make your front door the only point of entry to your home.
Camera integration is an option in all security systems. You don’t have to have cameras in your home or at work. There are many options.
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