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SimpliSafe home security systems can be easily tailored to fit your needs. Simply add or subtract devices and equipment as you wish.
When choosing a home security system for your home, you may be tempted to start by choosing between a DIY setup or professionally installed systems with monitoring services. Remember to make your decision after considering the equipment, installation, monitoring options, and other features you want. Here is some information to keep in mind about these parameters when shopping.
Equipment choices
Do you only need to monitor your entries? good Video doorbell For your front door and External camera Covering your back may be all you need; Easy to install and monitor yourself. If you want to keep a close eye on the inside and outside of your home with 24/7 monitoring and quick access to emergency response services, you’ll need a more powerful system. Specialty and professional brands offer home security packages that contain most, if not all, of the equipment you need to get started, and the ability to add individual devices as needed.
Smart home and artificial intelligence
Most home security devices are compatible with Alexa and Google Home smart hubs, but if you prefer Apple HomeKit or another smart home ecosystem, you may have to do a little more shopping and comparing to find a system that’s compatible with your existing smart home devices. Don’t worry about compatibility too much Matter makes it easier to connect previously incompatible devices (Although it hasn’t made it to security cameras yet.)
Smart home features are always changing, especially with artificial intelligence. In just the past two years, SimpliSafe has added AI facial and motion detection to aid its surveillance agents, ADT has added support for Nest’s familiar facial recognition features, and Arlo has increased services to include AI detection of fires, barking, screaming, and more. You’ll have to pay more for these features and consider your privacy if you’re interested in higher-end upgrades.
Arlo’s new security brand is a perfect fit for your ultra-compact home security system.
stabilizing
Keep in mind You will need to install all this equipment. While there’s not much to installing a security camera or even a wired video doorbell, whole-home systems can be more demanding to install and set up. Some are environmentally friendly and use an adhesive to apply devices without leaving permanent marks but not all systems do this. If you’d rather leave it to an expert and have them guide you on how to use the system, a professional home security service may be the perfect solution.
Monitoring and alerts
Almost all home security systems allow for self-monitoring, most likely via an app on your phone. They will also send you push notifications when there is an event, such as when a package is delivered to your door. Basic sensors can send alerts about a specific sensor being triggered or tampered with, while adding a camera allows for more sophisticated recognition. You can customize these alerts to only get the information you want (for example, when someone is detected), while most automatically ignore things like vehicles.
SimpliSafe remains one of the best DIY security systems.
Professional monitoring and emergency features
Think about whether you want to be responsible for all the monitoring or if you want some support. Most systems allow you to add a professional monitoring plan, and some even require it from the start. These services often cost more than $30 per month, and sometimes much more if AI features are added.
More advanced features, such as facial recognition, glass break sensors, and communication with emergency services, may not be available from all manufacturers and devices. Consider the level of monitoring you want, who you want to do it, as well as your emergency response options, when choosing a home security system.
Expandability
Most home security systems allow you to purchase individual sensors or compatible devices and add them, one at a time, whenever you want to upgrade or address a specific issue. But they approach this in very different ways. Some only allow you to purchase their own branded devices, while others are compatible with a variety of third-party smart home devices. Some have very limited additional options, while others have many options. No matter what you decide, we recommend reviewing the add-on options on a security system’s website to see what potential upgrades will look like.
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Initial costs
We listed “cost” last for a reason. A complete home security system will likely cost you at least a few hundred dollars, so be prepared for that. There is a possibility of spending a lot more on equipment or a lot less. Also keep in mind that the size of the system greatly affects the cost. Starter systems, like many of the systems we’ve mentioned here, typically cost between $150 and $300, and allow you to add other compatible devices over time. Larger systems with 10 or more devices will cost at least several hundred dollars and can reach $1,000 or more, depending on the technology involved.
Ongoing costs
Ongoing costs can carry a little more weight when choosing the best security system. Expect an ongoing monthly fee from a professional service and perhaps a contract to lock you into those fees for a year or two (although we preferred the options without a required contract). Signing a contract may not be ideal, but it may also come with free equipment or installation and lower upfront costs.
If you are comfortable with self-monitoringDIY systems may not come with any ongoing costs. Monthly subscriptions (no contract) for cloud storage, enhanced features, and perhaps even professional monitoring are usually an option with DIY systems, and often for a lower monthly fee than professional services.
You will be alerted every time this door is opened.
Privacy and security
Always look for a brand that will keep your data safe and has a good track record of security, encryption, and protection against data breaches. This isn’t always easy – many security companies have had issues in the past with breaches, privacy violations, or even employees spying through home security cameras.
We look at a company’s current practices, track record, and how they have been improved in the past few years when making recommendations. SimpliSafe is always one of the leaders in security, which is one of the reasons why it earned the top spot on our list. While the ring He had mistakes in the pasthas improved in recent years, and has even rolled back its policy of providing police with video footage, so we feel comfortable recommending Ring at this time.