Best Home Security Systems

Home security basics

A home security system will have a few basic components: a keypad unit or base station, at least one or two sensors, and a monitoring station. The keypad is the brain of the system, usually mounted on a wall in a high-traffic area of your home. The keypad allows you to arm and disarm your system, and some systems can even be armed remotely from a cell phone. Sensors come in two pieces. One piece, you'll place on the edge of a door/window, and the other piece you'll place next to it on the door/window frame. The door and window sensors will be able to tell when a window or door is closed.

If the system is armed and a motion sensor detects that a window or door has been opened, an alarm will sound and an emergency signal will be sent to a remote monitoring service station. Representatives at these remote monitoring stations have been trained and certified to respond to home security emergency signals. They'll have tools to contact you and ask if the signal trip was a fluke, and they'll contact the authorities in the case of an actual emergency.

Installation and activation fees

Sometimes, an alarm company will claim to charge a low monthly fee, then hit you with a host of upfront fees. Usually, they'll be classified as activation or installation fees and can cost you hundreds of dollars, so be wary. If you have an alarm company representative knocking on your door trying to sell you a contract, make sure you're explicitly clear on understanding upfront fees. You might be paying more out of pocket than you'd like. However, some top-tier home security companies won't charge anything for installation or activation. Check out our home security reviews if you want to learn more about the top-rated home security companies. 

Contracts and warranties

It's normal for a home security company to lock you into a three- to five-year contract. A three-year contract is more convenient because a shorter contract means more versatility for you. While a five-year contract might translate into a lower monthly fee, it really depends on the company. Either way, you need to be absolutely sure that you won't be moving in that three to five year period or your home security provider could penalize you. You might be able to pass the contract onto the next homeowner, but if you insist on keeping your system and moving it to your next location, you'll probably have to pay a moving fee and renew your contract. Make sure you ask a home security representative all these questions before you sign on the dotted line.

Monitoring options

Security systems are linked to a monitoring center via a Wi-Fi, landline, or cellular connection. Cellular connections are becoming more common, but landline connections still have their place in less expensive systems. Landline connections can still contact the monitoring center even if the power goes out. However, most cellular security systems will have backup power that will last a few days in the case of a power outage. As for Wi-Fi-enabled security, you have to rely on a stable broadband connection or your home security system is going to be out of commission.

Equipment

Typical home security equipment consists of the following:

Control panel—This is the brain of your home security system. The control panel allows you to arm and disarm your system and is usually mounted on a wall in a busy area of your home, such as the kitchen or living room. A lot of WiFi-compatible home security systems will have an app that allows you to arm and disarm your home security system from a mobile device.

Window/door sensors—Window and door sensors are the bread and butter of your home security system. These basic sensors are mounted on your doors or windows and alert the keypad unit of a break-in when a door or window is opened. Every security system will have at least one or two door/window sensors.

Motion detectors—A motion detector detects movement inside or out of a home. Some motion sensors are advanced enough to detect the difference between a human and a pet such as a cat or a dog. If movement is detected, it alerts the keypad unit.

Smoke detectors—These detect fire and smoke in your home and send alerts to the keypad unit.

Carbon monoxide detectors—These detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and sounds an alarm when it gets too high.

Yard sign—This is the unsung hero of your home security system. Most burglars will pass up your home if they see a yard sign out front. They want an easier target, and a home security system complicates things.

Security cameras—Security cameras will be classified as interior or exterior cameras. An exterior security camera is manufactured to withstand elements such as snow or rain, while an interior camera isn't. In most cases, you should be able to monitor video surveillance from a security app and even store footage for a regular fee, but it depends on the company and package.

Home automation

Home automation is becoming much more popular as it becomes more affordable. Home automation includes tools such as light control, remote door locks, thermostat control, doorbell cameras, and even small appliance activation all from a mobile app. These devices can communicate with your mobile app and each other using advanced z-wave technology. However, it's important to know that these features are almost never standard with basic alarm systems. Chances are that you'll have to purchase an advanced system from your home security provider if you want to have home automation functionality. Most of these tools such as smart lights and remote locks operate on a Wi-Fi connection so they won't function if the power is out.

If you decide that home automation is for you, ask your preferred home security provider what packages and home automation devices it offers. When it comes to home automation, not every company is created equal, and some companies will be able to offer you more options than others.