BUY BEST HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS AND STAY SAFE!
Home security system is crucial to every home. It minimizes your worries by providing you info about your family and home. A best home security system can notify you about things happening in your home such as when your children return from home. It also protects you from risks of flood, fire, natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide. The best home security system also protects you against terrifying intruders.
By installing a home security system, you can make your loved ones and yourself feel secure and comfortable in your home. As the home security system is a tremendously competitive industry, companies are constantly manufacturing home security systems with new technology. Considering what a home security system is capable of, let’s explain some of the features of a home security system.
Wireless Versus Cellular Monitoring- in a home security system, wireless monitoring illustrates the constant wireless communication between sensors in your home and security system panel. This type of monitoring is utilized in the place of wired monitoring where wires are used to travel signal.
In a home security system, cellular monitoring indicates constant wireless communication between home alarm monitoring center and security system panel. You can implement this wireless communication through cellular technology instead of broadband internet connections and landlines. Cellular and wireless monitoring can be used together.
Crash and Smash Protection- If an intruder breaks into your home and starts smashing the security system panel, the emergency will alert your home monitoring system. When intrusion sensor is triggered, it sends a notification to the monitoring center and if the intruder has smashed the home security system, the panel will not withdraw alarm notification.
Home Automation Technology: it allows you to control your home security alarm system and devices and sensors connected to it through a mobile device. These devices and sensors include temperature and water sensors, door and window sensors, smart locks, smoke detectors, security cameras, glass break detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
The devices and sensors are not limited to the mentioned ones. You can also program thermostats, lighting in your home and electric outlets to run on a schedule that fits your lifestyle. This programming will not only helps to conserve energy but also helps you save money on your electric and gas bills. Through your mobile device or remote control, you have complete control over these devices and sensors even if you are not at home.
2-Way Voice- if an intruder or any other emergency triggers your home security alarm system, an operator from your central monitoring system listens inside of your home and can appall the intruder into leaving. If an alarm is triggered, you can also speak to the operator directly.
Centralized Monitoring- a home security alarm system typically works with a centralized monitoring station that constantly communicates with control panel of your home’s security system ensuring your safety. If something goes wrong, an evidence of either intruder or a fire, both the authorities and the station will be notified.
Backup Power- If due to power loss, your home security alarm system is unable to communicate with the centralized monitoring station, a back-up battery of your home’s security system can be utilized ensuring you and your loved ones continue to be protected. These back-up supplies last at least 24 hours.
DIY Home Security Systems and “Plug and Play” Devices- if you are intended to install a home security system on your own, spending money on a home security system requiring professional installation will be affordable as compared to these devices that can be more cost-effective. These devices protect you no matter if you live in a house or apartment, are easy to relocate and you can control them through a smart phone app.
ASAPeR- an ASAPeR enables you to customize who and how you want contacted in case of an emergency. You can customize how you want required people to be contacted such as through email, text or phone call. The central monitoring station and the listed persons will be contacted all at once instead of contacting one at a time.
Now that you are aware of what features a home security system holds, keeping up with best home security systems of 2016 may be difficult. To ease your process of purchasing one for you, we have listed some of the best home security systems of 2016.
NAME
Front Point
Protect America
Live Watch Security
Link Interactive
Scout
CONTROL PANEL
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
HOME AUTOMATION
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
CRASH & SMASH TECH
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
POWER OUTAGE PROTECTION
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
CELLULAR CONNECTION
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
INSTALLATION PROCESS
DIY
DIY
DIY
DIY
DIY
WARRANTY
3 Years
Lifetime
Lifetime
1-2 Years
1 Year
Below is the detailed description of some of the best home security systems we have picked:
Front Point- Best Home Security System with DIY Installation:
In the category of one of the best home security systems, Front Point is generally rated as the top home security system. It boasts simple DIY installation instructions, top rated GE security equipment and 100% cellular and wireless technology. If landline is down, the Front Point home security system can send a distress call to authorities.
You can setup Front Point home security system yourself which saves you from dealing with inconvenient and costly professional installation equipments. It is completely portable which means when you move you can take your home security system with you.
Front Point is one of the few home security systems that not only provides carbon monoxide, flood and fire alerts but also includes a service that detects breakage in your natural-gas line. It also allows you to connect your mobile device and up to 39 sensors, bringing the security and safety of your home in your hand. Its features for monitoring, customer service, alerts and security devices ranks it at the top of best home security systems. It also offers crash and smash protection that enables it to send alert signals even if someone tries to destroy it. The crash and smash protection is utilized through Alarm.com.
Its smoke detector detects sharp sudden rise in room temperature and smoke associated with fires and its carbon monoxide detector keeps you and your loved ones safe from harm. Its quality home automation feature allows you to command your thermostat, door locks and lights. And if for some reason, its alarm doesn’t respond, the sends an alert to your device.
Its working relation with Alarm.com adds several additional features, one of which is geolocation services. You can customize your security system to notify you when you leave certain perimeter around your home and you have not yet activated your alarm system. It also allows you to pause the recording of certain cameras. For example, when you get home from work, you can stop indoor cameras recording while outdoor cameras remain on and continue capturing video.
The Front Point provides three upgradable packages that require minimum 36 month monitoring contract:
The base protection plan- it costs $34.99 a month. It offers, cellular and wireless connections, fire, intrusion, flooding protection, carbon monoxide, 24/7 professional monitoring and medical emergency support.
The Interactive Plan- stepping up to the $42.99, it offers Crash and Smash protection, monitoring and remote control via your smartphone, remote light and appliance control and geolocation services.
The Ultimate Plan- the $49.99 ultimate plan also provides motion-activated video, live video stream, automated locks, HD and night-vision video and remote thermostat control.
Pros:
30 Day risk free trial
Pets under 40 pounds don’t trip the alarm
Customizable alarm
Cons:
2-Way intercom is not available
Doesn’t work in rural area where cellular coverage is unreliable or weak
One of the best home security systems, the Front Point is relatively inexpensive because of its DIY installation which means free of charge installation. Though the Front Point doesn’t offer a two-way intercom or a lifetime warranty, but it is still on the top of best home security system list because of their customer service that helps to troubleshoot any problem you may have.
Protect America- Best Affordable Home Security System:
Protect America contains a solid lineup of services and products which have consistently been impressing people with their dedication to customer service. In the industry of home security systems, Protect America is one of the most price-efficient security companies. Its affordability and no upfront costs or activation fees makes it one of the best home security systems.
For Protect America, you don’t have to pay for your basic equipment. The company provides you equipment free of cost to help you get started but you have to pay for monitoring services or if you want to purchase any additional equipment.
Its home security alarm monitoring provides a wide variety of connection types including two-way voice landline, cellular antenna and broadband internet. If you choose a landline, a reduced monthly monitoring fee is available. Protect America’s monitoring service also offers a mobile app giving you access to remote system control, live security camera streams and home automation features. The inclusion of mobile app depends on the type of connection you choose. But the additional fee is required for video service.
There is a short delay between when signal goes to the monitoring station and an alarm. It happens even with the best home security companies. This delay offers you time to deactivate the system after an accidental alarm or after normal use. After the delay to verify that you need help, you receive a phone call from monitoring station. The monitoring station sends the police if you provide the incorrect password or if you don’t answer phone call.
With the two-way security system, an intercom directly connects you to the home security monitoring station which already includes the need for monitoring station to call you. The intercom is activated automatically if your alarm goes off. It then enables you to call out for help.
You have to install all the devices from Protect America yourself. The design of Protect America’s home security system and the installation instructions it includes make it easy for even novice users to install. The company can provide and send a certified installer to your home but it will add cost of your home security system. The Protect America support team can be accessed via phone, email or live chat during regular office timing. The team of technical support agents will guide you through any process you need to understand.
The Protect America provides five different security packages. The monthly fee range from $19.99-$52.99 and it depends upon the type of security package you choose. All the packages come with three window decals and a yard sign. The main difference between the most expensive and least expensive package is that the most comprehensive package includes door sensors or fifteen windows.
The quality of this home security system accentuates the Protect America. The Protect America will provide you replacements for any damaged or broken parts and devices. The lifetime equipment warranty is extended to all equipments you may want to purchase to modify your home security system such as garage door sensors, pet-immune sensors and glass break detectors.
Pros:
Transparent pricing
Lifetime warranty
Offers Smart Connect mobile app
Cons:
Cancellation policy with $79 restocking fee
Overbearing sales strategies
Video streaming is available only on broadband and wireless monitoring
The Protect America’s home security system is one of the best home security systems with easy self installation. One of its big advantages is that it records and streams up to two security cameras simultaneously. It doesn’t have a cellular monitoring feature but its low upfront cost and high-end equipment makes it a spectacular choice for a home security system.
LiveWatch- Best Home Security System on a Budget:
If you talk about an all wireless home security system that is more affordable than other home security monitoring services then LiveWatch may be a perfect home security system for you. Then other home security systems, LiveWatch provides much less costly monitoring services. Bit it charges more for equipment.
LiveWatch is not as old as some other home security monitoring companies, but it knows how to satisfy clients. On its website the company offers a variety of best home security equipment. It also offers excellent contract terms, competitive starting costs and home alarm monitoring fees and great customer service. One of the best policies LiveWatch provides is a no-fee early cancellation policy. It combines well with the one year contract making it a though you don’t have a contract at all. LiveWatch provides you the facility of owning your equipment along with offering a generous one year return policy in the case you decide to no longer keep it.
If you already have a home security system installed and you only need a monitoring service then LiveWatch will be a great service for you. Because LiveWatch provides four monitoring packages that range from $19.95-$49.95. Every package offers a connection to up to 40 detectors, smart home appliances and sensors. Buy a home security system outright from LiveWatch if you don’t have any.
This home security system also allows you to keep an eye on your family members with medical conditions. Its proprietary alert feature called ASAPer may be a key feature in keeping you and your family safe. The ASAPer sends quick notifications to the all contacts of your choice at once in any case of emergency. LiveWatch leads in the category of “Plug and Play” devices and these offer both the “Crash and Smash” protection and the ASAPer function.
UL-listed monitoring station of LiveWatch uses an internet connection or a cellular antenna to communicate with your system. The company also offers live video streaming from your home security cameras and optional home automation. The home automation feature is compatible with thermostats, door locks, lighting and more. The monitoring service of LiveWatch is also compatible with two-way intercoms that allow you to speak to a representative in emergency.
Before shipping a selected package to your home, LiveWatch preprograms every device. Later, if you want a different option for some or all of your devices, using the LiveWatch’s 24 hr tech support or instruction manuals you can reprogram it yourself. You can contact the support team by email, phone or live chat which is only available during office hours. The site also provides videos and guides to help you out with the installation process.
LiveWatch holds a wide variety of security devices; you can choose the equipment you want. Each security device is sold separately and it depend on you which device you want to install. The types and number of devices you need depends on the size of your home, how many entry points it has as well as your security goals. All the home security systems include a control panel for managing your devices and sending a trouble signal if a disturbance is sensed by the devices.
A typical LiveWatch home security system includes entry sensors which work if someone opens a window or a door. You can include glass-break sensors, for extra protection, which detects the sound of glass breaking. LiveWatch also sells security monitors and cameras in a variety of sizes and styles. You can also purchase motion detectors to cover areas such as hallways and stairways in case the intruder has passed the other two sensors. But a large pet or anything bigger than 40 pound might set off the alarm.
LiveWatch doesn’t provide technicians to visit your home and check your devices, so it’s your job to install and repair.
Pros:
No termination fee
Affordable
100% wireless
Cons:
No availability of repair technicians
Short warranty
LiveWatch is one of the best home security system making companies. It offers a wider variety of devices and it has customer friendly contract terms which make it one of the best home security companies.
Link Interactive Home Security System:
Link’s professionally monitored systems are UL-listed. Link provides few monitoring plans offering three straightforward options which are Standard, Gold and Elite. The Standard is the basic plan which is $29.99 per month and offers 24/7 professional monitoring. The intermediate is the Gold one which is $34.99 per month and provides pretty much everything you could want from your home security system. The Elite plan costs $5.00 per month and adds video surveillance to your home security system. The best part is that you can pick everything out online.
Link home security system is 100% wireless. It uses the most secure signal possible, the cellular signal. It also includes a battery backup to keep home security system running even in case of a power outage. One of its component is a Go!Control panel which is more than a control panel. It is a panel and a home management solution. The Go!Control has multiple arming options and an integrated two way voice feature. It includes a backup battery and up to 32 user codes to monitor 2 wired zones and 48 wireless zones. The panel is fully voice responsive and clearly communicates status, emergencies, zone descriptions and alarms.
The control panel controls all the other connected devices. Link sticks with 2GIG technology most of the part. Their security device lineup includes door/window sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, keychain remotes and wireless keypads. They also provide safety equipments like home security cameras for extended security, CO detectors and fire/smoke alarms and home automation products. Because of Link’s partnership with Alarm.com, Link’s home security system is protected by Crash and Smash technology.
While the Go!Control panel is the most common way to control your home security system, there are other ways. One of which is PADI Wireless Keypad. It is an all in one system and one of the most efficient home security products. It enables user to safeguard its property by easily arming and disarming their home security system. It can be mounted next to your back or front door, a garage door or any other area of your home.
Two other similar products are the key ring remote and remote panic button. The latter is an on the go personal security device that enables you to manually set off your alarm at any time whereas the former one offers a hassle free way out for arming/disarming your home security system. To signal the control panel, simply press the button for over two seconds. Both devices are small enough fit on your keychain and pocket.
The key ring remote can trigger any Z-wave products within range. It also allows you to turn on the siren and alarm monitoring station. The remote panic button comes with a water-resistant casing offering more protection on rainy days. Both remotes come with lithium battery that can last up to five years.
Home automation is provided with Gold and Elite plans. In addition to home automation services, the Gold and Elite packages also offer text alerts, interactive email alerts and remote control via free mobile app.
Sensors being the key component of any home security system can be expensive but a correct understanding of sensor placement and options can lower your total cost of ownership. For example a room with ten windows can be covered by only one motion sensor and a glass breaker sensor instead of ten for each window saving you $117.
Tilt sensor is a one piece unit. You can mount it on tilting or roll up doors. It communicates with your Go!Control and detects when a door is open past a 45-degree tilt. It can be used for several different applications where you need tilting motion sensor to generate notification or an alarm. A home disaster sensor works with broken pipes, failed air conditioning units and frozen pipes. It is equipped with wireless receivers and 2GIG wireless to detect heat, water and freeze.
Pros:
No installation fee
100% wireless
2-Way voice authentication
Cons:
No professional installation is offered
1 year warranty
Link Interactive offers 24/7 monitoring services and protection and medical and personal safety, intrusion, fire and environmental hazards. On all the plans, Link Interactive provides fully integrated cellular monitoring eliminating the possibility of any hindrance by disabling cable or landlines.
Scout Security- Best DIY Home Security System:
As compared to other DIY home security systems, Scout Alarm goes above and beyond standard features. Scout’s starter kit of wireless home security system includes more equipment than others. It also allows you to add unlimited users to access your system and receive notifications when events occur. Scout contains all the important features required for any home security plan such as easy installation, battery backups and connection.
It becomes easy to secure and monitor your home via mobile app. With just a tap of your smartphone, you can arm, disarm or can set a different mode. Scout allows you to easily customize the actions and alerts. Its home automation services work the same way, Scout home security system can be set up to react to certain situations a specific way. For example, you can instruct Scout home security system to sound the alarm or email you if anyone opens the door you are not expecting.
Unlimited number of users can access to your home security system. So in case your neighbor is pet sitting or checking on your plants, you can give them access to arm and disarm as needed. The great thing about Scout is that you can arm your home remotely if you forget.
This home security system provides plenty of options. You can receive email alerts, push notification and can even have your phone ring in case alarm is triggered. Scout Alarm requires an Ethernet cable to connect to your router; it is common among DIY security systems. One of the benefits of Scout home security system is that it also includes a battery backup and an internet backup ensuring that your home is always protected, regardless of power outages.
There is no free option to use Scout Alarm, you have to pay monthly fee but the lowest price includes cellular backup. The Scout’s mobile app provides you a thorough tutorial to ease your process of setting everything. The detailed instructions are important as you have to set it up for once. When you plug the Scout hub into your router, it connects with all of your selected components of starter kit.
The kit includes two door and window sensors, signs, two key fobs, a motion detector, a door panel and RFID tags. The sign is for your yard and the company provides everything you need to set up the sign in your kit such as stand and screws. In addition to key fobs, the kit includes an RFID sticker that you can attach to the bottom of any item in your home that you need to monitor. So if you want to check on a gun, you just have to place the sticker on the cabinet or its door and it will alert you anytime it is opened.
To disarm your home security system you don’t need a keypad as the door panel and the key fobs works together making it quick and easy to enter or leave your home. You can also arm it remotely after leaving via mobile app. The Scout home security system automatically installs arming and disarming widgets on the home screen of your phone. It means you don’t have to separately launch an app to arm or disarm the system.
Scout Alarm system works with few home automation platforms. If you have Amazon Echo in your home, you can utilize voice commands to find out what’s going on in your home. You just have to ask Alexa to arm your home as you leave or check if you closed the door. Nest products also work with Scout. It allows you to check your home temperature. To automate Scout with other smart products, you can also use IFTTT. More door and window sensors, key fobs or RFID stickers are available if you want.
Though Scout Alarm doesn’t provide the longest warranty, but it does provide one year of protection which you can expect from most DIY home security systems. You can communicate with company’s customer and tech support by email or phone but live chat is not available.
Pros:
Integrates with Nest and Nest cam
Easy to relocate
Backup 3G network
Cons:
Few equipment options
Not compatible with Z-Wave
In spite of monthly charges, the Scout Home security system is one of the best DIY home security systems. It is easy to use. The RIFD stickers ensure your home is more secure within. The siren on the hub is not so loud but the notifications and alerts to your mobile device are quick yet detailed so you can decide whether to call authorities or not.
In addition to knowing about some of the best home security systems in market, you should also be aware of certain things before buying one for you. It is a quite difficult job and you should be clear about your requirements.
Let’s check out some of the important facts that have to be kept in mind while buying a surveillance system:
Need one or more than one camera?
Whether you need one or more cameras depend up on the size and layout of your property. If you need to know about events in the vast outside areas or any room, you will surely need more than one camera for better surveillance. Small businesses or small rooms can be easily monitored using four cameras generally. You have to make sure that each camera can monitor on the key areas of space including windows, roofs, doorways, crawl spaces or anywhere an intruder can access. You can increase the number of cameras according to your requirement.
You want cameras for indoor or outdoor?
Some cameras are designed wither to use indoor or outdoor. Indoor cameras tend to be lighter, smaller and generally less visible than the outdoor cameras. The outdoor cameras are often costly as compared to indoor cameras as outdoor ones have to withstand weather elements and attacks from intruders. Today, most of the security cameras are designed for both outdoor and indoor use. For an extra area of hidden protection, outdoor cameras can be disguised as common objects. You can select a hidden camera and a built-in digital video recorder disguised as anything you want that is not very noticeable.
Light conditions:
If your area of concern is poor lit, you should consider an infrared camera. Cameras having IR features, also known as night vision cameras shoot and record even in complete darkness. They will be important tools in many surveillance areas. Some cameras are not infrared but still function in dim light.
How wide angle or far the security camera can cover?
It depends on the lens size of the camera. You should also consider the focal length a lens can cover and lens size before buying a security surveillance camera. The width of viewing angle depends on the image sensor of the camera. Large image sensors give you wider and better view of the picture by allowing more light into the picture. A sharp lens can help to see almost all around. If you install it in the corner of the room, you will see almost the entire room.
What degree of recording resolution do you need?
To monitor a single area under proximity, about 550 lines are enough for an indoor surveillance system. If you want to use the surveillance system for a longer distance, your camera resolution should be 700+ than can provide satisfactory image quality.
Do you need waterproof cameras?
If you want your surveillance system to work outdoor, then you should consider its features and build quality regarding weather. It gives you a peace of mind if you know that your camera is not going to be affected by wind, snow or extreme rain.
Professional installation or DIY installation:
If you need a home security system that you want company to install, then you can sit back and relax and let the company install it for you. The installer may give you safety suggestions and additional tips for your home. He can show you how you can use your home security system and make sure everything is working properly. The professional installation usually requires upfront cost.
Whereas in the case of DIY installation, you usually get two support options: verbal walkthroughs and electronic prompts. As you set up your system, your company will give you verbal guidance in form of a robotic voice in case of electronic prompts. It will also give you information to ensure about the sensors connectivity and working. With verbal walkthrough you will be able to call an installation professional who will guide you over phone.
What are your options for your home security system?
There are many options considering the types of sensors and also the number of sensors that can be connected to your home security system. Some of the best home security systems mentioned above have many types of sensors which include smoke/fire, door or window, tilt and motion sensor and others. It depends upon your requirement what you want from your home security system.
Many home security systems include monitoring by a central station, remote control via your smartphone, home security cameras, home automation options such as door locks and lighting. At minimum, mobile access allows you to arm or disarm your system and gives you notifications and alerts. Some home security system also gives you control over thermostat, locks, lights and small appliances through a web-enabled device. So no matter what your location is you are always in charge of your home.
We have mentioned the detailed properties and function of some of the best home security systems and as well as some of the basic things to be kept in mind. Considering all the tech options today, you may want to choose a more comprehensive security system to best fit your needs that can provide the best results. Before you choose a particular surveillance system, read and understand the features of various home security systems