Securing your home against intrusions and theft has changed dramatically in recent years. From wireless technology to smart home integration, you can now protect your assets via your smartphone. Let’s explore the top home security systems and their benefits.
What Do the Top Home Security Systems Have In Common?
Before diving into the top home security companies, let’s draw attention to the advanced features any effective crime deterrent system is going to include.
Wireless Technology
If you’re old enough to remember seeing extensive networks of cables running along door frames and under windows, you can imagine what a relief it is to invest in a wireless home security system. Modern systems don’t only save you from staring at cluttered wires, but also the complex installation process and its fees.
Wireless home security systems usually require no professional assistance to install. Plus, you can reposition your setup at any time. This means you aren’t stuck with the same camera angles or annoying PIN codes. You can make changes as your monitoring skills evolve.
Smart Home Integration
A new era of home security is dawning, thanks to the arrival of smart devices that interact with one another to protect your home. From smart locks at your entrances to a smart speaker that serves as your command center, these devices provide accessible monitoring and protection. 1
Smart cameras and lights are essential elements of a modern home security system, allowing you to keep eyes on your home and activate lights from anywhere in the world. With mobile app control, you can set timers and automate tasks to ensure your home looks occupied at all times.
24/7 Monitoring Services
If you take home security seriously but don’t want it to consume your free time, you can leave it to the professionals. But unlike in the past, when reaching your security agent depended on a landline connection, modern professional home monitoring services offer 24/7 communication directly to your smartphone.
Since two-way communications are available around the clock, customer service is instantaneous and improved. The result is faster response times, which can make a world of difference in a crisis.
In fact, many monitoring services provide direct lines to emergency personnel. 2 Having an immediate connection to police, fire, or medical services can give you peace of mind and potentially save lives. Furthermore, entrusting surveillance tasks to a professional monitoring service often results in less false alarms.
Do the Top Home Security Systems Really Work?
As impressive as these advanced security features sound, do they really prevent crime? The answer is a resounding yes. According to Alarms.org, homes without security systems are 300 times more likely to be targeted. 3
The presence of home security technology deters criminal activity, but let’s not gloss over what “criminal activity” entails. The average cost of a home burglary is thousands of dollars, not including the potential damage to your home or the sentimental value of possessions that are stolen. 4 The right security system can prevent all of that, and strengthen your family’s peace of mind as a result.
Save Money While Protecting Your Home
Home security systems don’t only protect the assets you have; they can also help you save money on your home insurance premiums. According to Heartland Security, homeowners can receive discounts on their insurance rates when they install a security system. 5
In order to be eligible for such a discount, you’ll have to speak with your insurance agent and provide proof of your recent security upgrades.
Secure Your Rental Home
Home security is just as important for renters as it is for homeowners. However, since renters are more likely to move out, they need monitoring services that won’t charge them exorbitant cancellation fees. That’s where contract-free monitoring services come in.
With a contract-free service, you can protect your assets on a month-to-month basis and avoid long-term commitments. 6 In the meantime, you get the same quality monitoring services that can be customized to your liking. And since there’s no invasive installation process, you don’t need your landlord’s approval to get started.
Top 3 Home Security Systems
So, which home security company utilizes all of these features and practices to best effect? The following three companies set the standard when it comes to home security:
1. ADT Security Services
ADT brings you the best of both worlds. Not only do they have over 140 years of experience, riding generations of advancements in home security technology, but they’re also compatible with third-party smart devices like Google Assistant.
Having said that, ADT’s binding contract has yet to reach the age of modern conveniences. The minimum contract length is 36 months (or 24 months in California), and the service, while top-notch, doesn’t feature self-monitoring technology. 7 But don’t let these drawbacks stop you from exploring ADT, as they offer a 6-month money-back guarantee if you don’t enjoy their services.
2. SimpliSafe Home Security
If you want comprehensive home security but more control over how much you pay, SimpliSafe is a great alternative. With monthly subscription plans and easy DIY installation, SimpliSafe keeps your house protected without the long-term commitment.
As for technology, SimpliSafe provides smart cameras that connect to their professional monitoring service, Live Guard Protection, in emergencies. Depending on the package you buy, you can also gain access to motion sensors, panic buttons, auxiliary sirens, and so much more, to interact with your base station. 8
3. Ring Alarm Security System
As far as DIY systems go, the Ring Alarm might be the most convenient of the bunch. The package can include any combination of motion detectors, cameras, plus door and window sensors, which you can monitor via the Ring mobile app. You pick and choose which features you’re interested in, depending on the level of security you need.
Professional monitoring services are offered through the Ring Protect Plus Program, but they’re optional. For renters and homeowners alike, this popular package can provide you with peace of mind for a reasonable price.
Trust Your Home to These Security Systems
Feeling comfortable and secure at home is a wonderful luxury, and many people don’t fully appreciate it until they’ve been the victim of a burglary or home invasion. Thankfully, these top home security systems offer comprehensive solutions, no matter your income or commitment level.
With such convenient and cost-effective solutions available, more renters and homeowners are taking charge of their home security with advanced technology. The question is, which packages and features will help your family feel protected and at ease?