A Complete Guide to Home Security Systems in 2024 | SafeHome.org (2024)

Do You Own or Rent Your Home? This Helps to Determine Which Security System is Right for You.

Now consider your personal living situation. Do you own your home, or are you renting? This matters greatly, as it will influence the type of system you choose and the money you will spend.

When you own a home, you have different factors to consider when choosing a security system. Homeowners typically stay in place for longer than renters, so they often choose a system with longevity in mind. This allows them to spread the costs over a longer period of time. Also, homeowners can make major changes or modifications to their home, so this might influence their decision.

Renters, on the other hand, may need to seek a landlord’s permission to make changes to the home. They may also be hesitant about spending a lot of money to purchase a system they may not be able to take with them when they move.

Also, there are contracts to consider. A renter must be careful not to lock themselves into a contract they might not be able to get out of. If you rent, consider contract lengths for rental or purchase/rental options that allow you to keep the system and take it with you when you move.

Now, this isn’t to say that home security options for renters are thin pickings. Quite the contrary – more and more companies are offering fantastic security systems for renters at affordable prices.

Buying Home Security Equipment vs Leasing

If you’re renting, consider how long you plan to stay at your current location. If you’re only staying for a couple of years, then look into a security system with do-it-yourself (DIY) installation and purchased equipment, rather than something that’s leased.

Now we get that this might seem counterintuitive, but the reason is that most security companies that lease out their equipment will require professional installation and a mandatory long-term contract. That’s a pretty big commitment for a renter, and usually a waste of money. If you decide to leave, you still have to pay to cancel the contract. Note though, that some providers will allow you to transfer your system to a new property, but that usually comes with contract renegotiations.

If you purchase a DIY system, it moves with you when you go. It takes minimal effort to take down and set up most DIY systems, and some companies will even send you a care package of fresh adhesives for your sensors and other installation must-haves if you tell them you’re moving.

If you own your home, and are planning to stay awhile, you may want to choose a more permanent solution with a lower upfront cost but longer contractual obligations. If you’re renting (or are a homeowner but plan to move in the near future) consider going with a company that has a higher upfront cost, but that gives you ownership of the equipment. This way, you’ll see lower monthly costs and the benefit of being able to take the equipment with you when you move.

Another benefit of owning the security equipment is that you can source extra sensors (and other options) from commercial retailers, rather than having to buy direct from the company. Full service companies typically charge premium fees for their equipment. Looking elsewhere is yet another way to save money.

If you prefer to lease equipment rather than purchase, the upfront cost will definitely be lower, but in reality you’re still paying for that equipment over time, most likely in your monthly service fees. So again, consider the overall cost. Additionally, if you want extra sensors or fancy options or add-ons, the cost of that monthly subscription may rise.

Or… you may simply be told that you cannot get the options you want. Sometimes the company won’t have what you’re looking for, doesn’t offer it to customers in your area, or has compatibility issues that were not considered. You’ll want to think about the scalability of the system you sign up for, especially if you want to upgrade or make changes to your system down the line.

What to Look For in a Home Security System

Home Compatibility

Here’s another big factor to consider. It’s important that your monitoring system is compatible with your home. Overly sensitive alarms leading to false alarms can cause a nuisance, while on the other hand, you do not want an alarm that doesn’t sound when it should.

Note that some systems are better for certain areas and living conditions. For instance, some systems are well suited for rural areas, while others can be used pretty much anywhere.

With this in mind, there are three connectivity types that will power your system, and these are:

1. Wi-Fi
2. Landline
3. Cellular

Let’s take a closer look at what these options are all about, and to see which is right for you.

Wi-Fi

Today, most modern security systems rely on broadband, which means they need a Wi-Fi connection to function properly. Wi-Fi is best for home automation systems. Although the availability of broadband connectivity has dramatically increased in recent years, not every house has this type of connection, especially in rural areas. Or, such areas may have broadband connectivity, but poor or unreliable coverage due to the location. Obviously, this presents a problem, as you need a security system that offers reliable 24-hour service for peace of mind.

Landline

If broadband or Wi-Fi is an issue, you may want to consider a security system that utilizes a landline. Landline monitoring is the least expensive option, but it’s not always the most secure. If a criminal wants access to your home, they could easily cut the wires and disable the entire system. While this is always a possibility (and therefore a concern), it’s actually not too common.

Cellular

Cellular is least susceptible when it comes to tampering, but it also tends to be the most expensive of the connectivity options. If you do go with cellular, you must ensure your area has good cellular coverage. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to reliably access your security system remotely to check on alerts or to view security camera live-feeds.

You also need good coverage so that your security equipment can communicate with the monitoring station and work with compatible devices and sensors. Think of it in the same way your computer wirelessly connects to your printer and interacts over the same network. If you have a security system with remote sensors and a smartphone app, all of this technology needs to properly interact in order to make your system truly safe and secure.

Home Automation Options

These days homes also differ when it comes to intelligence. More and more of us have begun to partially and fully automate their homes. It’s becoming more affordable every day, it makes for an easier and more convenient life. But let’s be honest: it’s also novel and interesting. Controlling your home with your voice or with the push-of-a-button is an excellent way to relax and still get things done (and show-off to your neighbors).

Just as with other aspects of your home, though, it’s intelligence is something to consider when you’re selecting a home security system.

Many security systems today are compatible with smart home automation devices, like Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Not all of them are, though. So, if you’re looking for a security system that works seamlessly with home automation features – like unlocking your door remotely from your phone, controlling the AC, voice-activated lights, etc. – then be sure the system you choose is compatible with third-party automation platforms.

You’ll find that some equipment is compatible with almost everything, while other equipment is only compatible with specific systems or devices from the same company/brand. For instance, you may find it hard to search for a security system that works with smart thermostats from Google Nest, even though they’re some of the most popular smart thermostats today. That’s because the Nest Thermostat doesn’t support Z-Wave, which is what most security systems use today for inter-brand communication.

Additionally, getting each and every device to communicate properly, and to maintain this functionality, can be frustrating and difficult. However, the more compatible a security system is with other smart technology in the home, the fewer problems you’ll have with the system and its components.

So be sure to look into the platforms that your system works with.

Common Features Found in Home Security Systems

For many, the features of a home security system are incredibly important and top the list of things to consider when it comes time to buy. However, you need to strike a balance between the features you want and how much the system costs. Also, you wouldn’t want to pay for features you don’t need and won’t use, which can happen when you purchase standard home security bundles.

Don’t fall into this trap. Instead, save money by choosing a system that meets your needs perfectly, and only pay for what you are going to use. For instance, why pay for a security bundle with ten window sensors when you only have six windows? That’s money down the drain.

So write down exactly what you want monitored in your home or apartment, and then make sure the system that you’re considering checks all of the boxes (equipment, devices, add-ons, etc.) to meet your needs.

However, it’s generally better to have too many features than it is to have too few features, so be sure to do your homework. Also, it’s important to note that almost all major security companies will customize a system that works specifically for your home and budget.

Here’s a comparison of some of the most common features available from a few of the top rated security companies:

Now, here are the most common options and features to look for when shopping for a security system:

• Control Panel – A control panel monitors the security equipment, has a siren or other alarm, and can communicate with emergency dispatchers. Some control panels have a simple digital display, while others may feature a full-color touchscreen for managing the system. But it’s the 21st century after all – so the majority of people are controlling their systems from their smartphones. This is why a sophisticated touchscreen digital display is becoming less and less of a selling point.
• Remote Control – Most home security systems now offer remote controllers that fit onto keychains. These typically have a convenient button that can arm and disarm the security system, and can alert the monitoring station if there’s an emergency or break-in. These remote controls are a quick and easy way to access your system, and they work very much like the key fob that comes with many new cars on the market.
• Sensors – Sensors come in a number of different styles. Making sure you get the right ones is perhaps the biggest consideration when it comes to finding a home security system that makes sense for you. Some sensors are essential, while others may not truly enhance your security experience. Sure, extra sensors might give you added peace of mind, but they’ll come at a price. Generally, the bigger the house, the more important the extra sensors become. Here are the sensors and detectors that you’ll want to consider:
  • Motion Sensors – These sensors are generally placed at entryways and in large rooms. As the name suggests, motion sensors send an alert (or alarm) whenever they detect motion, and they often work hand-in-hand with security cameras (they activate the cameras to record the motion). This way, you’ll be able to see the perpetrator (or the plant that fell from the counter) and even keep a recording of it for evidence or what have you.
  • Door and Window Sensors – These are similar to motion sensors, but they only detect if the window or door they are attached to is opened. These can be great for doors and windows that are on the other side of your house, or the rooms you visit less frequently.
  • Freeze Sensors – These sensors will alert you about very low temperatures that could potentially freeze pipes. This allows you to wrap the pipes or take other preventative measures to keep pipes from freezing and breaking.
  • Heat Sensors – Different from smoke alarms, these sensors are set off by rapidly rising temperatures indicative of fire. They do not need to detect smoke to be activated, so if there isn’t much smoke present (or the smoke is blowing the other direction) these sensors will still work to help keep you and your home safe and secure from a potentially catastrophic house fire.
  • Flood Sensor – Most useful in flood-prone areas with basem*nts, Flood Sensors alert you when water levels are detected so that you can take the necessary action to prevent further damage to your home.
  • Glass Break Sensors – These sensors are set off by the high frequency sound of glass breaking, alerting you of vandals or burglars. Needless to say, if someone breaks your window to gain access to your home and valuables, you’ll be the first to know.
• Security Cameras – Security cameras can provide video recordings and a live view of your house and surroundings. The best motion sensor security cameras can detect the slightest movement and begin recording immediately. You can also monitor your property remotely using your smartphone if your particular system allows for it. This feature is especially important if you travel or work long hours. They can even help protect your pets! To find your perfect fit, see our favorite security systems with cameras.
• Home Automation – Installing a security system in your home is a convenient occasion to add home automation. Home security companies provide mobile apps that can control home lighting, thermostats, surveillance cameras, and more. But be sure to carefully check equipment compatibility. To help you on your way, here’s a list of our favorite home security systems with automation.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors – These detectors will alert you if and when the carbon monoxide in your home reaches life-threatening levels. As you likely know, carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so you may not realize there’s a leak until it’s too late. But with a quality carbon monoxide detector, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered.
• Smoke Alarms – Smoke alarms alert you of high levels of smoke, signaling a potential fire. Although they are often purchased with a battery and used separately from your system, having a smoke detector wired into your house and into your alarm system is a smart choice for most homes. This solution is safer and can reduce the risk of loss when it comes to life and property.
• Two-Way Voice – Another nifty feature, two-way voice allows you to speak directly with the call center of your security system monitoring service. You can two-way talk either through the control panel in your home, or remotely with another device such as a smartphone (if your system allows for it). You can let the monitoring station know if it’s a false alarm, or if there’s a serious problem like a medical emergency or security breach.
• Mobile & App Support – Mobile access for home security systems enables you to monitor and control your home remotely, from anywhere in the world. A smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer can be used for arming a system, viewing live security video, controlling lights, unlocking and locking the door, and even controlling the air conditioning.
• Guarantees and Warranties – Many companies offer warranties for their equipment that covers equipment failure within a given time frame. They may also provide relocation guarantees with discounted or free installation services, in the event you move while still under contract. Not all companies offer guarantees or warranties, so go over the contract with a fine-toothed comb before you sign it.
• Cellular Monitoring – Many alarm system control panels use cellular signals to communicate with emergency operators. Others use landlines or broadband internet connections as mentioned previously. Cellular systems are generally the least vulnerable to tampering, but they are also the most expensive. Be sure to learn which type of connection the company offers before signing up for an alarm system.
• Landline Monitoring – Landline monitoring provides the most stable connection when a reliable cellular or Wi-Fi network isn’t available. Traditionally, landline home security was the least expensive, but cellular networks today are becoming more affordable. Also, as we discussed, a landline connection carries a certain risk. That is, a burglar can cut the wires to disable your system. While this isn’t common, it’s something to keep in mind.
• Flood Lights – Often combined with motion sensors, flood lights can be used to light up a large area so you can see who is on your property and scare them off.

Home Security Installation Methods

Installing home security systems can be overwhelming, so for some people it’s best left to the professionals. However, if you count yourself among the DIY crowd, there are many systems that can be easily installed by homeowners and renters; this can also save you a lot of money. With that said, there are benefits and drawbacks of both installation methods. So let’s have a closer look.

Professional vs DIY Installation

Professional installation ensures that everything is up and running properly. And the installation professional can give you a walkthrough of the system so that you can familiarize yourself with the different features and how to use them. This option is best for those who will be living in their current home for a long time. However, if you think you’re going to move relatively soon, then a system with DIY installation may be the best choice for you. It will certainly save you money.

So ask yourself an important question: “What type of person am I?” Professional installations are best for busy adults, non-tech-savvy people, and those who aren’t good with tools (although many DIY systems only require a single screwdriver for setup). The elderly may also benefit from getting professional installation, rather than over-burdening themselves with a DIY option.

But if you have the time and the skills, DIY installation is a smart choice. Many companies that offer DIY installation have comprehensive manuals – and even video tutorials – on how to set everything up. Also, companies now provide easy-to-use apps that will guide you through the connectivity between devices and the control panel.

One of the main issues with a DIY system is that if problems arise during the setup, it’s going to be between you and the customer service team to figure them out. What seemed like a quick setup could turn into hours of troubleshooting and headaches trying to describe what’s going on to folks who aren’t there looking at it. These problems aren’t the norm, but if you don’t have the troubleshooting skills — or time, or patience — it’s something to consider.

Finally, it’s also worth noting that wireless systems usually do not need professional installation. Such systems are virtually plug-and-play, with no wires to run through walls, and user-friendly connectivity processes. These wireless systems allow for easy-install with basic tools and minimal skills.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of both types of installations:

Professional Installation

The Pros

• It can be a major time saver – All you need to do is set up the appointment for the installer to come by your house and get everything installed. You won’t need to spend hours toiling over what goes where, getting everything drilled and screwed in, and then realizing it doesn’t work right and you have to troubleshoot to find where you went wrong, and then having to redo it all again. The professional knows exactly how to set up the system.
• It will have a professional appearance – The professional will install everything flawlessly, so that all the cameras, sensors, and the control panel are level and properly secured. DIY installations can get sloppy if not done properly.
• You’ll get an experienced walkthrough – At the end of the installation, the installer will walk you through how to use the system and how to take full advantage of all the features. If you do it yourself, you may never come across certain features.
• There may be a bundled discount – Sometimes professional installations come with extra equipment, or even discounts on the monthly plans. This can offset some of the cost of the professional installation and make it more economically attractive. Check with your system provider to see if they offer any such discounts.

The Cons

• Higher upfront costs – Some providers may advertise professional installation as free, but really the cost is built into a higher monthly fee or higher equipment costs. Generally, the costs for a professional installation can range from as low as $99 for a basic system, up to $1,500 or more. Often this cost depends on what features you want and how big your house is. As mentioned, you should compare the upfront costs, along with the total cost of the monitoring service over the course of the contract, to see if the “free” installation is worth it.
• Appointment scheduling can be a hassle – If you’re busy and only home in the evenings, scheduling an appointment can be a pain. Also, some companies give a window of up to eight hours when their installer will show up, so you’ll need to be home that entire time to wait for them. Taking the day off work for a security system installation may not be realistic.
• Your system may not be fully customizable – While the professional installer sets everything up nicely, they tend to follow a strict install routine, which may not be exactly to your specs. Also, you might want additions and upgrades later, but these may not be compatible with your system setup. So remember to consider scalability, especially if you’re particular about what you want.

DIY Installation

The Pros

• You have full control – Professional installers tend to follow a strict routine when it comes to how to install and set up a security system. When you do it yourself, you can fully customize where the devices go. You can then add on any additional devices, or change out old ones, whenever you want. DIY installation offers the freedom to really make your home security system your own.
• Lower costs – Doing it yourself eliminates the need to pay an expert to do it. You can easily save hundreds of dollars this way, possibly more, as many companies that offer DIY install have cheaper monthly plans.
• No appointments to keep – You can install the system whenever you want. There’s no need to wait on the installer, or to reschedule if something changes. This is a great way to work on the system after hours, on weekends, or whenever you have the spare time to set it up and get it operating and protecting your home.
• Get a great sense of satisfaction – Anyone who has finished a DIY project knows the satisfaction that comes with it. There’s nothing else like seeing your own handiwork come to fruition. And if something goes wrong down the road, you’ll feel empowered to fix it on your own, rather than feeling helpless and needing to call an expert. You’ll know all about your security system by the time it’s operating, and you can feel confident about using and maintaining the system well into the future.

The Cons

• DIY installations can be tough and time consuming – DIY can be time consuming, especially if things don’t go smoothly. If you’re busy and have a hectic schedule, DIY install might become a much bigger hassle than you bargained for. You have to weigh the low price of the DIY installation against the value of your time (and patience!).
• There may be troubleshooting issues – When things don’t go as planned, you may have to spend hours figuring out the issue, possibly seeking help through the company’s customer support. Even then, you may not fully solve the issue. Not all customer support personnel are helpful, and it can be difficult to explain and understand the issue if you’re not exactly sure what’s wrong.
• High upfront equipment costs – You may have to buy the equipment yourself to install it, which only adds to the upfront cost. With professional installations, you’ll likely be renting the equipment, with the costs built into the monthly subscription fee. If you don’t mind paying more upfront, you could save money over time by going the DIY route.
• You won’t get a professional walkthrough – With no walkthrough, there’s a chance you might not fully comprehend your new security system, and you might miss out on some neat features or pro tips. Control panels and apps can have a lot of hidden functions you may not discover on your own, or even see mentioned in the user’s manual.

Comparing Home Security Systems by Company

By now you should know what to look for when it comes to features, technology, and the specifics of a security system. But what about the companies behind these systems? What do you look for to ensure the company is worth buying into? And how do you compare the security system companies to one another?

Here are a handful of important things to consider when choosing a home security company. While there might be other considerations, these are the main factors that can (and will!) impact your service:

• Does the company serve your area? You wouldn’t want to fall in love with a company that only serves, say, the state of Florida when you live way up in Minnesota. This happens, so be sure you understand the service area.
• How fast is the response time? The reliability of a home security company is easily measured — and it’s measured in ‘average response time.’ If a system has 24/7 professional monitoring (many do), then the response time is how long it takes for the monitoring center personnel to reach out to the homeowner after a security breach. The faster, the better. Some companies have this down to 15 seconds. Steer clear of companies that take longer than 30-45 seconds.
• What is the customer service like? Most people don’t even think to consider customer service, until it’s too late. Some security companies don’t exactly have the best track-record of satisfying customers when it matters the most. While others get outstanding marks across the board. So be sure to find a company with A+ service; you’ll be glad you did.
• Do they require contracts? While contracts aren’t all bad (as we’ll discuss), be wary of companies that require long-term contracts on all of their plans. If you’re a homeowner and plan to stay put for several years, a contract isn’t a deal-breaker. But if you rent, for instance, and plan on moving around, it’s best to find a company that doesn’t require you to mortgage your security system, if you will.
• Do they offer a money-back guarantee? A money-back guarantee (and other customer-friendly policies) is the security company’s way of standing behind their products and services. Look for a generous money-back guarantee, because you just never know. Many companies offer 30-day, 60-day, and even 90-day money-back guarantees. This is a great way to take the risk off your shoulders.
• Does the company offer ‘scalable’ systems? Some security companies only offer ultra-basic home security systems that do not accommodate additional devices or integrate with home automation platforms. So be sure to find out if the company offers add-ons and options, as well as systems that are compatible with third-party platforms. These are all important factors to consider.
• Does the company offer DIY installation? Some companies actually require professional installation. While this is great for some people, it simply doesn’t work for others. So it’s nice to at least have the option of DIY install. When comparing home security companies, be sure you understand their installation methods.
• Count the cost. We really dig into this important consideration in our ‘Cost of Home Security’ section below. But get a good feeling of the average price-points when comparing security companies. And don’t forget to look past the advertised pricing — as there’s always more to the story.

Reading Security Company Reviews

It’s the digital age, so security system company reviews are easy enough to find. They can also be extremely helpful in narrowing down your choices and digging deeper into a particular system. In fact, you can learn pretty much everything about a security company and their offerings by reading an in-depth review.

A really solid review will share the pros and cons, the ups and downs, and pretty much everything you should know before you pull out your wallet. It’s entirely possible (and encouraged) to fully understand each system you have your eye on – the features and tech, the contracts, warranties, everything.

But unfortunately, not all home security company reviews are created equal. There are lots of websites that are just trying to push products, making their reviews completely unbiased and downright misleading.

So here’s what you want to look for in a review:

• The company/reviewer is a true authority. If the reviewer isn’t a home security expert, keep searching. There are enough quality sources out there that really know home security, so it’s silly to waste time reading the opinions of amateurs. The one exception is the consumer who owns the actual system they’re reviewing. These reviews are typically not in-depth or detailed, but they give you a sense of customer satisfaction.
• They share the pros AND cons. If a review is 100% glowing and has nothing negative to say about a security system, then it’s probably a fake review. By fake review we mean unbiased and not trustworthy. No security system is perfect. So look for reviews that tell the whole story about your potential purchase.
• They test the security systems. Ideally you want to read a review written by someone who has tested the system. This way, they can share specifics about how it functions. Taking the thing out of the box and actually testing it is the best way to get a full picture of the product.
• They score the security systems. It’s nice to see an easy-reference chart that scores the different categories. This score chart helps you to see how a particular offer stacks up against other similar security systems.
• They are very thorough. Too much information is better than too little information. Look for reviews that are easy-to-navigate from section to section, with each section detailing everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t.
• They are helpful. You should get a sense that the review is actually helping you to make a wise decision on your home security purchase.

Final Words

Choosing a home security system can seem intimidating at first, especially when you’re trying to decide which one best fits your lifestyle and living arrangement. But the more understanding you have of the different options, the better off you’ll be when it comes to finding the one that makes sense for you. Hopefully, this guide has helped you to get a better grasp on the options and what to look for so that you can make the right choice.

The good news is that there are plenty of options. From features and technology, to the different installation methods, monitored vs. self-monitored, warranties, guarantees, customer service, and more. No two companies are exactly alike, and each one has something new and unique to bring to the table. This means that you’re sure to find a system that suits your needs — and your budget!