Home Security Systems: Your Options for 2023

Shopping for a security system may be challenging, but there is no need to go into it blind. We’ve created this guide to bring you up to speed on what’s currently available on the home security market and to help you understand features and pricing.

This guide covers everything from home security system features and accessories, to payment options and contractual obligations. It also shines a light on factors that you may not have thought about (but are highly critical). And of course, we break it down into simple-to-understand language and easy-reference sections. Enjoy!.

What are Home Security Systems?

Let’s begin with the basics. Consisting of various pieces that work cooperatively to protect your home, a home security system includes some or all of the following: entryway sensors, motion sensors, security cameras, a base station, video doorbells, home automation controls, floodlights, panic buttons, glass break sensors, keychain fobs, smart smoke detectors, smart carbon monoxide detectors, and water leak detectors. Each is explained in more detail below.

Entryway Sensors

• Core Function – Also called door & window sensors, they are the backbone of a home security system. They sound the alarm when a door or window is open (and the alarm is set). This deters criminals and alerts the homeowner of a security breach.
• How it Works – Entry sensors come in two parts, a magnet and a sensor. The two components form a magnetic field when in close contact with each other. However, when the door or window they are attached to opens, the magnetic field is disturbed and the sensor signals the base station to sound the siren.
• Key Features & Tech – Many systems on the market are targeted to the homeowner who wants to avoid paying for professional installation. These DIY systems include easy-to-follow instructions and entryway sensors that are installed with adhesives or velcro. If one of the sensors is triggered, the system will send a mobile alert to the homeowner.
• Add-ons and Integrations – Some systems allow users to automate IoT devices based on the entry sensor’s status. For example, when a door opens, the base station can signal smart lights to turn on. Also, users can purchase more entry sensors to protect every door and window in their homes. It’s highly recommended to place an entry sensor on every possible first-floor entryway and on easily-accessible second-floor windows.
  

  Security Cameras

  • Core Function – Security cameras are mounted inside and outside of the home to keep a constant watch for safety. Many cameras record continuously and notify the homeowner when activity occurs. Just the presence of a camera is sometimes enough to deter a criminal.
  • How it Works – Today’s cameras offer continuous recording or motion-activated recording. Either way, they record video and often send real-time alerts. You’re the first to know if it is the pizza guy or a porch pirate on your property.
  • Key Features & Tech – The best cameras deliver HD image quality, mobile access with live-streaming, two-way voice, pan and tilt, and more.
  • Add-ons and Integrations – Some cameras work with home automation platforms. This allows users to configure various rules, like pre-set to record at 3pm to ensure the kids arrive home safe from school.

  Video Doorbells

  • Core Function- A first line of defense, video doorbells help to protect your home from package thieves and burglars. Many doorbell cams let you see and talk with front-stoop friends and visitors from virtually anywhere. Homeowners and neighbors have even used them to identify car thieves. With car theft on the rise, these cameras are a welcome tool for many.
  • How it Works – The easy DIY video doorbells replace your existing doorbell. The devices sport a little camera that records activity and takes still shots to be seen and shared. And of course, it works like a doorbell, too.
  • Key Features & Tech – Mobile access, monitoring, and control via mobile app is perhaps the best feature to look for in a doorbell camera. Other features include HD image quality, cloud storage, night vision, two-way talk, and more.
  • Add-ons and Integrations – Similar to home security cameras, some doorbell video cameras can be integrated into home automation ecosystems for more convenient (and smart!) controls.

  Home Automation Controls

  • Core Function-Home automation streamlines everyday tasks to make our lives easier and more efficient. Smart controls allow users to remotely control and automate everything from lights and thermostats, to garage doors, cameras, and even coffee makers. Home automation also enables families to ensure the safety and security of extended family members — like older loved ones who are aging in place.
  • How it Works- Depending on the platform, smart home automation controls work via mobile commands (smartphone or tablet), voice commands, or both. You set the rules, and the house reacts accordingly. Turn down the lights!
  • Key Features & Tech – The features and tech range from simple commands (like turning on a reading light) to powerful AI-driven surveillance technology. It’s up to the user to decide how futuristic they want their home. The sky’s the limit with smart home automation controls.
  • Add-ons and Integrations –Many platforms can support literally hundreds of smart devices. This means users can customize their systems to their heart’s content. A lot of them also work with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to allow for hands-free voice control.

    • Floodlights

      • Core Function- Floodlights serve one purpose, to shine light on suspicious activity. After all, the perimeters of most homes are extremely vulnerable, and a floodlight shores up the defense to ward off intruders.
      • How it Works – These motion-activated devices “flood” a yard or driveway with a bright light. Criminals prefer the cover of darkness, and floodlights completely eliminate the dark and expose the bad guys.
      • Key Features & Tech – Many floodlights can be mounted in just minutes. Most boast ultra-bright LEDs, and some have a built-in siren that sounds when motion is triggered. Today’s best floodlights double as security cameras.
      • Add-ons and Integrations – Depending on your platform, you can set customizable motion zones, custom scheduling, fully-integrate into a smart home ecosystem with mobile controls, and the list goes on.

      Panic Buttons

      • Core Function- These wall-mounted devices have a built-in help button. The life-saving button is pressed in the event of a medical emergency or home invasion. They summon help immediately.
      • How it Works – Many control panels have a built-in panic button that works via landline, Wi-Fi, or cellular to send a signal to the monitoring center (if the user has professional monitoring). In a time of crisis, simply press the panic button and rest assured that help is on its way.
      • Key Features & Tech – These devices are fairly simple. And simple is exactly what you want when precious seconds could save a life. Some control panels with panic buttons have two-way voice so you can talk directly with responders.
      • Add-ons and Integrations – N/A

      Glass-Break Sensors

      • Core Function- As the name suggests, glass-break sensors detect glass breaking. The moment a security breach is detected, the alarm sounds and alerts are sent. These sensors are often sold separately, but they’re highly effective and work well alongside of magnetic window sensors.
      • How it Works – Mount them near a window, as the sensors have tiny microphones that detect the high-frequency sound of glass breaking. When glass breaks, the sensor triggers the alarm and alerts, hopefully making the burglar tuck tail and run.
      • Key Features & Tech – N/A
      • Add-ons and Integrations – N/A

      Keychain Fobs

      • Core Function- Keychain fobs allow users to remotely arm and disarm their system. Many keychain touchpads also include a panic button, which offers peace of mind when coming and going in the dark.
      • How it Works – Hook the small device to your keychain, or keep it in your pocket or purse. If you forget to arm your system when you leave your home, just take out your keychain fob and you’re back in business. These devices are powered by batteries, and are helpful if your system doesn’t offer mobile access.
      • Key Features & Tech – The best keychain fobs have a long battery life and are small enough to not be a bother. While most have remote arm/disarm buttons, not all include a panic button.
      • Add-ons and Integrations – N/A

      Smart Smoke Detectors

      • Core Function- Fires often happen when the homeowner is away, rendering the traditional smoke detector useless. But a smart smoke detector not only sounds the alarm, it also sends real-time alerts to your smartphone.
      • How it Works – The app-based device installs in just minutes with plug-and-play ease. Anytime you need to access, monitor, or control the smoke detector, just open the app and everything is right there for you.
      • Key Features & Tech – Smart smoke detectors often send low-battery notifications straight to your smartphone, integrate with IFTTT and other smart platforms, offer helpful voice instructions when smoke is detected, and more.
      • Add-ons and Integrations – Most smoke detectors offer seamless integration with third-party platforms. Also consider CO detectors and water leak sensors (mentioned below).

      Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

      • Core Function- These life-saving devices send real-time alerts and notifications to your mobile device. That way, you’ll never walk into a home with a CO leak and risk a potentially fatal outcome.
      • How it Works – Similar to the smart smoke detectors, these devices come pre-configured and ready to go. Just plug it in and follow the easy setup instructions in the companion app. Anytime it senses CO, the alarm will sound and you will get an instant alert(s).
      • Key Features & Tech – Users should look for long battery life and a sleek companion app with convenient mobile access and controls.
      • Add-ons and Integrations – Connect a smart CO detector into a home automation system to access everything on one user-friendly dashboard.

      Water Leak Detectors

      • Core Function – This device is worth its weight in gold, as water damage can be devastating. If your home springs a leak while you’re away, don’t worry, a water leak detector will notify you, allowing you to call the plumber asap.
      • How it Works – Put the sensor near faucets and other appliances/fixtures that have the potential to leak. If (or when!) a leak occurs, the sensor will sound an alarm and send you a mobile alert.
      • Key Features & Tech – Some water leak detectors communicate with smart water valves to shut off your water at the source (if needed), thereby limiting or even eliminating water damage. Smart! Some water leak sensors also have built-in freeze, flood, and humidity sensors, too.
      • Add-ons and Integrations – Same as smoke and CO detectors listed above.

      In other words, a home security system is a network of electronic devices that protect and secure your home or apartment from criminal activity such as burglars, thieves, and home intruders.