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The best security system for your home, from DIY to pro installation
A home security system can help keep your home safe. You don't need to spend a fortune to secure your home, and thanks to mobile technology, our options now extend far beyond locking the front door.
Home security devices that leverage mobile connectivity, apps, and sensors are endlessly improving each year.
Smart video doorbells record video and audio feeds in real time when you have visitors. Motion and sound sensors can be used inside and outside along with digital door locks and night-vision cameras.
Also: What are the best security cameras for protecting your home?
However, not all innovative home security products are created equally, and some are more costly to set up than others. To demonstrate, a professionally installed system could cost more in the long run if the provider requires a contract, installation fees, and a professional monitoring service subscription.
A few select devices can be enough to protect your home (and office) against intruders by alerting you when suspicious activity is detected, giving you peace of mind when you're away.
I've rounded up the best home security devices suitable for different budgets and homes. My top picks will help protect both you and your property.
- Subscription not required
- Wireless and versatile
- Extendable
- 24/7 monitoring available
- Expensive to set up outside of sales events
SimpliSafe Haven Home Security System features: Base station and a backup battery | Keypad | Entry and motion sensors | Panic button | Sirens | No drilling required
My top pick is the SimpliSafe Haven home security system bundle. It can help protect your home from intruders and detect safety threats inside, like water damage and fire. You can't beat the 15-piece kit, especially as the pack is currently on sale with a 50% discount at $255.
The kit includes a base station, keypad, panic button, wireless siren, smoke detector, water damage detector, temperature sensor, key fob, four entry sensors, and two motion sensors. At the moment, the company will also throw in a free indoor camera and one month of 24/7 monitoring at no cost.
You can also choose to add extra devices like glass break detectors, indoor or outdoor cameras, and yard signs.
Review: SimpliSafe Home Security
Luckily, no drilling is required so this system works well for homeowners and renters alike. The base station comes with a backup battery to ensure your home remains protected, even if you're dealing with a power cut.
Alternatively, Amazon has an eight-piece SimpliSafe kit available for $192.
- Versatile
- Ability to add or remove modules
- Easy installation
- Affordable
- Subscription required to unlock all features
Ring Alarm Pro Security Kit, 14-piece features: 14 accessories for home security | Eero Wi-Fi 6 router | 24/7 professional monitoring available
You should consider the 14-piece Ring Alarm Pro security kit if your home has multiple bedrooms. This pack contains a base station, two keypads, eight contact sensors, two motion detectors, and an alarm range extender for blanket home coverage.
As a bonus, the kit has a built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router that provides Wi-Fi coverage of up to 1,500 square feet. If you need even more coverage, you can pick up an Eero Wi-Fi extender.
Also: This Ring camera hack helps me keep a close eye on my most dangerous tech
Ring products tend to be user-friendly, and this kit is no exception. You can install the security network yourself, and you don't need to drill anything.
According to Ring, this bundle can protect up to eight windows or doors with added protection from motion sensors in vulnerable hallways.
Ahead of Memorial Day, Ring is offering a discount on its kits: $114 off the 14-piece set and a $90 discount has been applied to the 8-piece option.
- Excellent value
- Compatible with home ecosystems
- Tool-free
- Expansion could become expensive
Abode Iota All-In-One Security Kit features: Voice assistant compatibility | Backup battery | 93dB siren | Cellular backup | compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home
The Abode Iota All-In-One Security Kit is another ZDNET top home and office security pick. The bundle includes an HD camera, motion sensor, 93db siren, and two-way voice channel. You can place the camera in a hallway, living room, or perhaps with your main window in view.
Also: Amazon's Ring Spotlight Cam Pro uses radar for motion tracking
The camera is compatible with Wi-Fi and 4G cellular networks, so the device can automatically switch to 4G if your Wi-Fi connection fails. Plus, the security bundle is compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
According to Abode, your overall network can support connections from up to 160 devices -- although this would be overkill for most homes.
Right now, the Iota All-In-One Security Kit is on sale for $270, which is 17% off its $329 full price.
- Wireless
- Budget-friendly
- Limited without additional accessories
Arlo home security system features: All-in-one sensors| Eight detection functions | Emergency response | Free subscription trial
Arlo is a vendor worth exploring if you want to improve your home security without breaking the bank. And with a build-your-own bundle option, you can choose the right equipment to meet your needs and budget.
The company has recently launched the Arlo home security system, an entry-level package with a keypad hub and two all-in-one sensors. Sure, it's a basic system, but you don't have to do anything more than plug in the hub and mount the sensors wherever you want them. And like other options on this list, no drilling is required.
As an entry-level kit to introduce you to the capabilities of intelligent home security, Arlo's new offering is at a great price point, especially with its current discount of $30. Best of all, there are no service contracts, so you can cancel at any time.
- Focus on user-friendliness
- Extensive range of security products
- Large systems will be expensive outside of sales events
Cove features: 2-way cellular monitoring | 24/7 customer support | professional monitoring | sensors, cameras, and more
Cove's home security systems are highly customizable and flexible, including touchscreen panels, door and window sensors, motion detectors, smart doorbells, indoor and outdoor cameras, and environmental devices.
Cove boasts of a short installation time and you can sign up for a professional monitoring service which is good value for money. The Cove team will provide a two-way communication platform, text message updates, and phone calls -- and will also contact emergency services on your behalf if you cannot be reached when an incident occurs.
At the time of writing, Cove has a promotion for any new security system. You can enjoy up to 65% off equipment and an HD camera will be thrown into your bundle, for free.
What are the best security systems of 2023?
I recommend the SimpliSafe Haven as the best security system on the market. You can protect entry points like windows and doors with smart door locks, sensors, and cameras. Should an intruder manage to trespass, monitoring systems can send you alerts immediately -- and these measures can make all the difference.
Security systems that you can set up and monitor yourself tend to be the most popular. However, some systems offer subscriptions for people in higher-risk areas, providing professional monitoring or the ability to store and record footage. The best security systems on the market balance security, usability, and connectivity.
Home security system | DIY installation | Professional monitoring? | Price |
SimpliSafe Haven Home Security System | Yes | Subscription | $255 |
Ring Alarm Pro security kit, 14-piece | Yes | Subscription | $266 |
Abode All-In-One Security Kit | Yes | Subscription | $270 |
Arlo Home Security System | Yes | Subscription | $180 |
Cove | Yes, or professional | Subscription | Varies |
Which security system is right for you?
Today's smart home security products can offer you peace of mind both in and outside of your house. Unlike businesses, homeowners usually don't need to invest in heavy-duty solutions. Instead, a few carefully selected devices placed around your front porch, garden, and ground floor windows can be more than enough to protect your home.
I recommend at least one camera, a video doorbell, a smart lock, and window sensors if you're building your home security system for the first time. Large properties can also benefit from additional security devices.
Choose this home security system… | If you need… |
SimpliSafe Haven home security system | A robust home security system. This all-in-one solution is perfect for protecting your home and all of its entry points. |
Ring Alarm Pro security kit, 14-piece | A robust DIY security system. You can install the kit yourself and protect every entryway and potentially vulnerable area with abundant accessories. |
Abode All-In-One security bundle | A smart ecosystem-compatible option. Abode is compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home. |
Arlo home security system | A budget-friendly option. You can't go wrong with the price point for this entry-level security system, and you can always add more accessories as time goes on. |
Cove | Professional monitoring. If a hands-off approach to home security is important to you, Cove has you covered. |
How did I choose these security systems?
I, along with other ZDNET experts, have tested several security systems over the years. Together, we have surveyed the best security systems on the market to provide in-depth advice on how to protect yourself at home, at work, and online.
I have researched the best security systems on the market, weighed their pros and cons, and judged them based on price, ease of installation (for DIY systems), whether they offered professional monitoring services, smart features, and customer reviews.
Why are sensors important in a DIY home security system?
Sensors are the key to effective, discreet home security. There are many different kinds of sensors, including infrared, magnetic, audio, and motion sensors. Their application depends on the type of security product involved.
Also: The best driveway alarms
For example, motion sensors are used for video doorbells and cameras, while other door and window products may combine motion and magnetic sensors to detect unauthorized entry.
Do you need an internet connection?
For smart home security systems, the answer is usually yes. Compared to business security systems that are often monitored remotely, home systems offer you power and visibility -- and this generally requires internet connectivity and a mobile device.
Also: The best internet providers
Some products include both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, so your device can use a mobile network if your home hub fails.
Do you need a subscription?
Subscriptions aren't always required, but you may prefer one. Without a subscription, a basic security system may notify you when a sensor detects activity without providing access to video feeds or recordings.
If you want access to your camera's feed history, it's worth signing up for a subscription. Plus, subscription services will usually sweeten the pot with additional security layers like professional monitoring, automatic emergency calls, or multiple device monitoring.
Are there alternative home security systems worth considering?
While my top picks for the best security system can suit a variety of functions and uses, maybe all you need is a standalone camera or two. You don't always need to invest in a full system to improve your home's security, so the below products are also worth considering:
Best price
Vivint Smart Home Security System - Professional monitoring
Homeowners who need a professional security service should check out Vivint, a trusted brand that provides 24/7 monitoring.
BEST PRICE
Ring Alarm Security Kit, Five-piece - 2nd generation
This kit is an affordable entry into Ring's security ecosystem complete with a base station, keypad, and sensors.
BEST PRICE
Comcast Xfinity Home - Over a million customers
This system offers professional home monitoring for $10 per month, customized to your wishes. Cameras and alarms are part of the package.
BEST PRICE
Wyze home monitoring - Three months of free professional monitoring (but watch out for auto-renew)
Wyze offers an affordable, customizable home security system with discounts available when you sign up for a monitoring subscription.