Buying Guide: Top Smart Home Security Systems of 2024

What Is a Security System and How Does It Work?

A smart home security system connects to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to monitor and manage your security devices through an app. These systems come in various price ranges and configurations. You can choose a self-monitored setup or opt for a subscription plan for professional 24/7 monitoring, where experts notify local fire or police departments if an alarm is triggered. On-demand monitoring services are also available for added peace of mind when you’re on vacation. Keep in mind that the level of coverage you select will influence the overall cost.

How to Choose a Home Security System

Entry-level home security systems are the most affordable and typically include basic components such as door and window sensors, a motion detector, and a hub that communicates with these devices using wireless protocols like Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or proprietary mesh networks. (Keep an eye on the Matter standard, which is gradually being adopted.) You can expand your system by adding more sensors to cover your entire home, as well as additional features like smart locks, garage door openers, indoor and outdoor cameras, lights, sirens, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, water sensors, and more for a comprehensive setup.

Understanding Wireless Protocols
In an ideal scenario, all home security components would use a single wireless protocol to connect to the hub. However, factors such as power consumption, signal range, cost, and device size make standardization difficult. For example:

• Z-Wave and Zigbee: These protocols are commonly used for smaller devices like door and window sensors, as they require minimal power and can run on small batteries. They also operate in a mesh topology, helping extend the range of connected devices.
• Wi-Fi: This protocol is favored for devices like security cameras that require higher bandwidth for smooth video streaming.

Additionally, Z-Wave and Zigbee devices typically require a hub for connection and use AES 128 encryption, making them more secure than Wi-Fi devices. In contrast, Wi-Fi devices can connect directly to your home network and are managed through an app, offering convenience at the cost of potentially lower security.

When choosing a system, consider your specific needs and the wireless protocol that best suits your setup.

Features of a Reliable Smart Security System

A high-quality smart security system is designed with components that integrate seamlessly and operate according to custom rules. For instance, you can program the system to turn on lights when motion is detected, unlock doors if a smoke alarm is triggered, or start recording with a camera when a sensor activates.

Storage Options

• Local Storage: Some systems use an SD card or solid-state drive for storing video footage, making it a budget-friendly option for DIY users. However, you’ll need to manage the storage carefully to avoid overwriting essential recordings.
• Cloud Storage: This option simplifies storing and accessing videos but may cost several hundred dollars annually, depending on your subscription plan.
• Hybrid Systems: Certain setups combine both storage types or include a dedicated drive with DVR capabilities, allowing time-lapse recording and easy retrieval of specific events.

Control via App
All tested systems feature a smartphone app that acts as the system’s control center. These apps allow users to:

• Arm and disarm the system
• Create and manage custom rules
• Add or remove components
• Receive real-time alerts for triggered alarms

Additional features in most apps include:

• Live and recorded video playback
• Locking and unlocking doors
• Adjusting thermostat settings
• Silencing alarms

Some advanced apps can even use your phone’s location to automatically arm or disarm the system as you leave or return home.

Advanced Features of Premium Systems
High-end systems often come with a wall-mounted control panel featuring a touchscreen display. This panel functions as a communications hub, providing all the app’s capabilities while offering additional features like:

• Direct communication with professional monitoring services during alarms
• Viewing video feeds from installed security cameras

These features make managing your security system more intuitive and efficient, catering to both DIY enthusiasts and those seeking professional-grade security.

DIY vs. Professionally Installed Home Security Systems

DIY security systems are a great option for budget-conscious individuals, as they help eliminate installation fees and often come with lower subscription costs. Most DIY setups are simple to install and typically come in kits that can be customized to fit your specific needs. As your requirements evolve, you can easily add more sensors and components and pair them with the system within minutes.

Basic DIY systems usually support one or two wireless protocols and offer a limited range of add-on components. In contrast, more advanced DIY systems are compatible with multiple wireless protocols and a wide variety of additional components. Some DIY systems are self-monitored, meaning you’ll receive alerts when devices are triggered, but it’s up to you to contact emergency services in the event of a break-in or fire. However, many DIY providers are now offering professional monitoring services as well. If you’re considering a DIY system, check out our guide on building a home security system.

While many security systems feature wireless components that are easily installed with double-sided tape, some high-end systems require professional installation. These comprehensive systems are typically more expensive than DIY setups and often include 24/7 professional monitoring. However, they may come with multi-year contracts and significant termination fees if you cancel early. They typically use touch-screen hubs with RF, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave radios, enabling them to connect and control various components like door/window sensors, locks, cameras, motion detectors, smoke alarms, thermostats, and other smart home devices.

In a professionally monitored system, an agent will first attempt to contact you through the two-way control panel, then reach out to your listed phone number if an alarm is triggered. If you don’t respond, the agent will call 911 to send emergency responders to your home. The benefit of these systems is the convenience: once you order, a technician installs everything and demonstrates how it works. Keep in mind that in some regions, you might need to obtain a permit for a home security system installation.

Both DIY and high-end systems now typically support voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and occasionally Siri. This allows you to unlock doors, adjust thermostats, open garage doors, and arm or disarm the system with simple voice commands. If you prefer to use Alexa, check out our guide for setting up your security system. Many systems also support IFTTT applets, enabling you to create automated actions, like turning on a floodlight when your garage door opens.

Should I Opt for Professional Monitoring?

Regardless of whether you choose a DIY system or a professionally installed one, you’ll need to pay a monthly or annual fee if you want monitoring. In some cases, there may also be a monthly fee to cover hardware costs. With most DIY systems like the SimpliSafe Home Security Kit and Ring Alarm Security Kit, you can purchase the hardware upfront and avoid any monthly fees if you choose to self-monitor. If you opt for monitoring, the fees can vary. For example, SimpliSafe charges $20 per month for its no-contract monitoring service.

Professional monitoring for installed systems is generally more expensive, and we outline these costs in each of our reviews.

What Is the Best Affordable Home Security Camera System?

If you live in a small apartment and want to monitor your space when you’re away, a security camera can be an affordable alternative to a full security system. Most standalone security cameras connect to your Wi-Fi, allowing you to view live footage from your phone or tablet. Many cameras come with built-in motion or sound sensors that alert you to activity. You can typically adjust the motion sensitivity to avoid false alarms caused by pets or passing cars, especially if the camera is near a window, and set schedules to control when the sensors are active throughout the day.

Smart locks are often a key component of a comprehensive smart home security system, but you don’t need to invest in a full system to benefit from one. If you already use a home automation hub for things like lighting and thermostats, adding a Z-Wave or Zigbee smart lock is simple. Alternatively, if you don’t have a hub, you can choose a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled lock with its own mobile app. Smart locks typically fit into standard pre-drilled holes and are easy to install. Some models attach to your existing keyed cylinder and deadbolt hardware, while others may require replacing both interior and exterior components (ideal for homeowners rather than renters).

You can control smart locks through a mobile app, and most models send notifications when the door is locked or unlocked. Many allow you to set access schedules for family or friends, restricting entry to certain times. Key features to look for include geofencing (which automatically locks or unlocks the door based on your phone’s location), voice activation (via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri), IFTTT compatibility, and integration with other smart home devices.

There are many types of smart locks available, including keyless, touch-screen, combination keyed and touchpad locks, as well as locks that use biometric fingerprint scanning.

Homeowners Insurance Savings with Security Systems

Many insurance providers offer discounts for homeowners who have a security system or other protective measures like monitored smoke detectors or sprinkler systems. Providers such as Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm offer such discounts.

“While the insurance discount you might receive for installing a security system may not fully offset the cost of the system, the added peace of mind and protection for you and your family can be valuable, along with any future savings you could see,” says Progressive.

Discounts vary between companies, so it’s a good idea to reach out to your insurance agent to find out how you can reduce your rates and if you’re eligible for these discounts.

Can Home Security Systems Be Hacked?

Like any internet-connected product, smart home security systems are vulnerable to hacking, especially those without encryption. Hackers can use a laptop and specialized software to intercept wireless signals from your system, potentially disabling alarms and sensors. Some devices even allow hackers to generate radio noise that can block communication between the system’s components.

Malicious actors can also hack Wi-Fi-connected devices, such as security cameras and smart locks, to gain access to your home network. With the right skills, hackers could use your network to launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on larger networks. Even more concerning, they could remotely monitor video from your security cameras.

After several Wyze security breaches exposed users’ camera feeds, we no longer recommend their Home Monitoring system or security cameras.

To protect your system from hackers, start by changing the default password to something unique with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Regularly update your password and ensure your home network is secure by reviewing your router’s security settings. Consider using a router with additional security features.

Some security systems use frequency hopping to prevent signal jamming or embedded encryption for extra protection, but these features are not always standard. Check with the manufacturer if you need additional security.

Additionally, monitor your camera access logs for any unusual activity, especially at times when you’re not home. Unexplained activity could suggest a breach. Lastly, ensure your system and connected devices are updated with the latest firmware, as updates often fix security vulnerabilities.