Keeping our homes safe is a key priority – and so it should be! Not only is it essential to keep our property and belongings safe, but also ourselves and our loved ones! Yet a recent study showed that 75% of homes in the UK don’t have home security systems! When looking into the reasons why, it appears that many people feel they are either too expensive or too complicated to fit – but this couldn’t be further from the truth! If the excess that you pay on your home insurance is £200 then you could actually secure your home with an alarm system for the same price you would have to pay if someone broke into your home and you had to make a claim!
The time has come for all homeowners to protect what is theirs, and the best way to do this is with home security. We have created this article to include all the key aspects that you need to consider before you buy so that you can get your home and family protected as soon as possible. We have even included some of the best home security systems available to purchase at the moment so that you can get moving and protect yourself.
Best Pick Home Security System – SimpliSafe 7 Piece System
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Last update on 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
There is nothing worse than feeling unsafe in your own home – and if this is how you are feeling then we understand why you are in a hurry to purchase the best home security system that you can find. Here you will find some of the best products that we have considered and the key features that you need to consider when you buy.
Key Parts
Different home security systems are going to come with different parts included in the kit which will decide whether they are going to be suitable for your home or not. We really like kits that will allow you to add on extensions over time, as this allows you to buy the initial kit to protect your home, but then continue to add on different sensors and pieces of security as and when you can.
When purchasing your first home security system you should make sure that as a minimum the kit comes with:
- Base unit – This is used to connect all of the sensors together, usually using your WiFi connection. This unit also usually acts as the siren should your alarm be triggered.
- Control panel – Although many home alarm systems can now be controlled from your phone we would always recommend making sure that you still have a control panel just in case.
- A door sensor – These will be connected to the door itself and to the frame and when the connection is broken the alarm will be triggered.
This is where variations in home security system kits tend to start occurring, as different manufacturers will include various add ons. This largely comes down to personal preference and cost….
- Multiple door sensors – Chances are you have at least a front and a back door to your home, so looking out for models that come with two door sensors is always going to be a good idea!
- Window sensors – Similar to a door sensor, these are added to the frame and the window itself and when the window is opened the connection will be broken and the alarm activated.
- Motion detectors – These are best fitted in main walkways and entrance halls and will detect ANY motion. These are great for if you don’t have sensors on all the windows or doors as they will pick up someone walking through the house when you aren’t at home. Just make sure that if you have pets you opt for models that come with “animal sensors”. These will pick up when it is a pet, not a person, that is wandering the house and will avoid your sensor going off unnecessarily.
- Siren – You may think that all alarm systems are going to come with a siren but actually not many systems now do! They will have a siren that sounds from the base unit but this is going to be kept inside. If you are wanting an external siren for the wall of your home then this is usually going to have to be an additional purchase!
- Security camera – If you’re wanting to be able to keep a really close eye on what is happening in your home, or maybe just check up on your pets during the day, then look out for kits that come with an indoor (or outdoor) camera. The ultimate in home security!
- Booster unit – If you have a larger home, or a home with thick walls, then you may find yourself struggling for signals for some of your sensors. A booster unit is the best way to avoid this. It will “bounce” the connection through parts of the house where you have less signal so that you can be sure all of the sensors are working all of the time.
TOP TIP: We would always recommend checking how responsive each set up actually is. Many manufacturers will actually advise on how reactive the sensors are to the mm. For example, some sensor connections only have to be broken by about 5mm to set off the alarm!
Power
Next, you are going to need to think about how you actually power all of this kit! The two options that you will have are battery powered and mains powered with pros and cons for both.
Mains powered options are going to be the most reliable as you never need to worry about the battery running out. You will also normally find that the higher spec models with more features are mains powered. However, unless you are an electrician you are going to have to be prepared to get someone in to fit the security system for you which is going to add to the expense. Battery powered options can be easily fitted by you, so will be much cheaper for the initial set up, plus the batteries tend to be pretty reliable. We found that most will last between 3 and 6 months without needing recharging, so it’s not bad if you only need to charge the system twice a year! Just bear in mind that for the time you are charging (sometimes up to 24 hours) you are going to be without your security system!
TOP TIP: If you are worried about not having your security system working whilst it is charging then look out for models that allow you to purchase additional batteries so that you can just do a quick swap!
Best Budget Home Security System – AGSHome Smart Alarm
- 🚨 AGSHome SMART ALARM: A smart way to protect your house with AGSHome Wireless Home Security Alarm System. No contracts or SUBSCRIPTION FEE. 8-piece kit includes the 1 alarm siren station, 5 windows door sensors and 2 remote controls. The distance between the sensor and megnet had to less than 1 CM
- 🚨 SIREN & APP NOTIFICATION: 120 decibel alarm siren helps deter intruder. Check in from anywhere in the world and receive real-time alerts and notifications when your alarm is triggered through your smart phone.
- 🚨 COMPLETE ALARM CONTROL: Arm and disarm the AGSHome alarm remotely through the Smart Life APP, Key Fob, or Voice Control (Work with Alexa, Google Home, or Siri shortcut).
- 🚨 EXPANDABLE SYSTEM: Design the perfect security system to suit your home. Add extra door and window sensors, motion sensors, keypads, water leak sensors, doorbell, etc. Supports expansion of up to 20 sensors and 5 key fobs or key pad controls to customize your alarm system.
- 🚨 EASY SETUP & NETWORK: Pre-linked wireless accessories make installation fast and simple. Wi-Fi connection, Only works on 2.4GHz network, does NOT support 5GHz networks.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Live Streaming and Mobile Connectivity
You used to find that home security systems would work by sounding an alarm if anyone was breaking into your home and then your neighbours would come running – but sadly this just really isn’t the case anymore! If your neighbours are anything like ours, then they would probably be more likely to sit at home feeling frustrated at the fact that your alarm is still going off!
But, this is something that you don’t need to worry about anymore thanks to live streaming! Providing you have a decent WiFi connection at your home (and have a smart device that is going to be compatible) you can connect to your home alarm system anywhere around the world! These alarm systems will notify you if one of the sensors is activated so that you can deal with the situation how you see fit.
Many of these “smart” alarm systems will come with additional features too which we will look at below!
TOP TIP: Most “smart” alarm systems are going to need an app to connect to on your phone. Check that the app is going to be compatible with your phone and that you are going to be able to connect to it in the places that you spend the most time (for example when you’re at work) otherwise these may not be right for you!
Emergency Response
We did find with some home security systems that you do have to pay extra for emergency response – usually in the form of a monthly/annual subscription – which may be a little off putting but really the amount is negligible in relation to the benefits from being able to keep your home safe.
These alarm systems are designed so that if a sensor or barrier is activated and you don’t enter the code in the correct amount of time, a call will be sent out to a security centre, who will then ascertain whether the emergency services need to be called. This is a super addition for anyone that is wanting maximum security for their home, or possibly someone that is away from home a lot and doesn’t have the option to keep “checking in” on the app.
The Best Home Security Systems Have…
Thanks to the wide range of home security systems that are now available, this also means that there are a wide range of additional features for you to be able to choose from! Here are some of the best ones that we found!
- Scheduled systems – We really like smart alarm systems that will allow you to programme set times for them to come on and off. This is great for if, like us, you are a little forgetful when it comes to switching the alarm on! Simply set the main times that you are going to be away from home, for example between 9-5, Monday-Friday and the alarm will automatically switch on and off during these times.
- App controls – Make sure to check exactly what you are going to be able to control using the app. Many will actually allow you to switch your security system on and off using this, which saves you having the dash for the keypad or is great for if you only remember to switch the alarm on once you get to work! We also like that many of them will “sense” when you are nearly home and ask you if you want to switch off the alarm! How clever is that?
- Sleek design – You may not think that the design of your alarm system matters, but it is going to be on show in your home all the time, so we think it is worth investing time in. Look out for modern and compact designs that won’t take up too much attention in your home. Most are going to come in either black or white so think about what colour your walls are and what is going to blend in the most.
- Face recognition – Some of the best home security cameras have face recognition software so it will be able to figure out the people that are coming into your home and whether they are “safe” or not! It’s still under debate as to how well this system actually works but in well-lit areas it seems to be pretty reliable!
- Fitting Your Alarm – Make sure to check what options actually come with your kit for fitting the different parts of the alarm. Some will come with really strong stickers so that you can literally stick the sensors wherever you want, others will have screws for the larger parts which means screwing into the wall which is going to be off-putting for some people!
Best of the Rest
- Picture Perfect Surveillance - Live-stream and record footage in crystal clear 1080p HD. The 135° diagonal field of view on your outdoor security camera allows you to see exactly what is happening in and around your home.
- Half-Year Security from 1 Charge - Avoid frequent trips to charge the battery and enjoy 180-day battery life from just one charge.
- Detailed Night Vision - View recordings or live footage in crisp clarity, even at night, for a clear view of who’s there.
- The Alerts That Matter - Human detection technology enables your outdoor security camera to intelligently detect body shape and face pattern. Ensuring you are only alerted when a person, and not a stray cat, approaches.
- Ready for Any Weather - With an IP67 weatherproof-rating, this outdoor security camera is built to withstand the elements.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- This Alarm Pack is ideal for apartments and 1 bedroom homes.
- Get started with a home alarm system for your house or flat with Ring Alarm Pack - S. This 5 piece pack includes a Base Station, Keypad, 1 Contact Sensor, 1 Motion Detector, and a Range Extender.
- Whevever you are, you can arm and disarm your Ring Alarm system with just a click in the Ring app.
- Compact and secure, Alarm Contact Sensors mount to door and window frames and alert you when they are open. The discreet Motion Detectors mount to room corners or flat walls and send you real-time notifications whenever motion is detected at home. Use the Ring app to control it all from one simple dashboard.
- Ring Alarm is quick to install and easy to use. Simply follow the steps in the Ring app. Add additional Motion Detectors, Contact Sensors, or an Outdoor Siren to expand your whole-home protection to suit the size and layout of your home.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Blink Outdoor is a wire-free battery-powered HD security camera that helps you monitor your home day or night with infrared night vision.
- With long-lasting battery life, Blink Outdoor runs for up to two years on two AA lithium batteries (included).
- Blink Outdoor is built to withstand the elements to help you protect your home indoors or out, come rain or shine.
- Get motion detection alerts on your phone with the option to customise motion zones in the Blink Home Monitor app so you’re only alerted when you need to be.
- See, hear and speak to visitors with Live View in real time and two-way audio features on your Blink Home Monitor app (live view is not continuous).
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
What warranty comes with a home security system?
Most “smart” alarm systems are going to come with between a 1 and a 3 year warranty. We did find some that would extend the warranty providing you have registered the system though which is always worth doing! It is worth mentioning though that most alarm systems can last for over 10 years providing they are well maintained so they are definitely going to be worth the money!
Do I have to pay a monthly subscription for a home alarm system?
No! There are now plenty of alarm systems that do not require any monthly subscription. Some recommend this if you are wanting the extra features such as emergency response and constant recording if you have a camera.
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