With better and upgraded technologies urging greater demand for home security, there will be just a few homes left with a watchdog at their house’s entrance. Latest trends in home security systems include easily operable and accurate gadgets that can raise the protection level of your house. You can relax comfortably in your home sweet home and yet be unbothered by any outside activity that may intrude in your home’s privacy. This guide will help the consumers shop smart for the best available home security systems in the market. There are certain features to look for an ideal home security system. Firstly, the security system that you choose should be sensitive to the presence of any unusual activity, be it the presence of a burglar or the fumes of smoke. However, it should not be oversensitive too. You might find plenty other security systems in the market which were susceptible to false noise detection. False detection not only tags your device as inefficient but it also causes you a painful headache. Secondly, take into account the area of your house to be protected. This is because every camera has a different viewing angle and mostly wider viewing angle is preferred. These days wireless security systems have an upper hand in the market because of the ease of handling they provide. The cost for cabling is reduced and while you may or may not be moving, the control of security of your house will still be at your fingertips. Here is a description of the top 10 home security systems.
1. Front Point Security motion sensor
Price: $64.99
The Motion Sensor by Front Point features interactive monitoring of your home interiors in your absence. You can choose a field of view and any person or outsider crossing the field will be detected by the sensor. It can provide coverage up to 30 x 35 feet, which is near about 90 degrees. It is easily mountable on any wall or can even be placed on elevated supports. However, for ensuring optimal coverage you can mount it on any of the corners of your room. It supports wireless sensing and is highly cost-effective for your purpose of home security. Two standard AA batteries are used and a typical battery life is 2-4 years.
USP: It is pet friendly (up to 40 lbs of weight).
Pros: You should go for the product because primarily it is wireless and secures a larger area of your house. Moreover, front-point security is a trusted company and offers this product at a pocket-friendly price making it a must have.
2. GE 51107 smart home wireless alarm system kit
Price: $23.29 onwards
The 120-decibel GE door alarm does not require any wiring during its installation. The alarm is triggered as soon as the door is opened. The circuit, between the magnet attached to doorframe and the control unit screwed on the door breaks when the door is opened. The control unit includes home and away switch, the alarm switch, a keypad, and indicator light. Three AAA batteries will be needed for the keypad, which you will have to buy separately. The product is very inexpensive and is accurate in the sense that it avoids any false triggering.
Product USP: An easy DIY home security system would produce a 120-decibel siren loud enough to wake the dead.
Pros: As compared to the wired security systems, this alarm system successfully works even during blackouts, as all it needs is three AAA batteries to operate. It not only saves on your money but it also saves on your electricity usage as the batteries last a long time. With effective security and ease of installation it offers, it is still as inexpensive as mere twenty dollars.
3. Vivint Go! Control Panel:
Price: $200.00 for activation and $68.00 monthly charges
For keeping a smart and secure home environment, you cannot miss on the Vivint Go! control panel, which provides you with an all-in-one security and home management solution. Its technical specifications include a colored LCD touch-screen display, remote control capabilities, built-in Z-wave home control, integrates two-way voice, GSM radio and a 24-hour back-up battery. In addition to these, it also displays current date, time, and weather. This system provides three forms of protection, viz. burglary, fire, and emergency depending on the options set by the user. It incorporates wireless sensors, which provide perimeter and interior burglary protection. Moreover, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are also present. The 2-way voice communication facility connects the system automatically with a central station operator after an alarm.
Product USP: Combines multiple forms of protection all in a single unit.
Pros: It raises your home’s security level higher and keeps the control on your home on your fingertips with it’s easily operable units.
4. ADT’s personal emergency response system
Price: $49.00 for installation and $29.95 for monthly monitoring
ADT’s Companion Services offer the state-of-the-art security product that fulfils security needs of senior citizens. It is designed to provide a two-way voice communication wherein the senior person wearing a wireless security waterproof wristband or a necklace can receive help just by a single push of a button. It gives 24-hours home security and health monitoring without making the elderly people compromise on their independence. It can cover a range of up to 300 feet and is easy to install and operate. The entire process can be summed up in three different steps:
1- Push button on your wristwatch/necklace for help.
2- This will alert an operator with whom you can communicate via two-way voice communication system.
3- The operator will soon dispatch an ambulance or notify a relative or neighbor.
This offers great ease, comfort and a stress free lifestyle for elder people in your house. They would feel secure and independent for their own care.
Product USP: Takes care and secures the elder people in your house fulfilling their needs in an effortless way.
Pros: The two-station intercom connection ensures that the elder person is able to connect with ADT monitoring professional who is readily available for any emergency help. Moreover, the product has an affordable price.
5. Skylink-SC-100W security system
Price: $125.99 onwards
Equipped with the Rolling Code Technology, this DIY Wireless Security System provides great security and reduces false alarm. Though the 4-zone system works well with small to medium sized houses (approx. 3000 square feet), it will need more accessories to adapt itself to larger houses. It includes a 110 dB piercing siren, a lighted keypad with chime, instant and delay mode and a keychain transmitter for arm/disarm function. It is capable of covering area up to a range of 100 ft. AC Power is needed for its operation and it comes with a 9V alkaline battery back-up. It can work along with 30 Skylink security accessories including Dial Alert.
Product USP: It is an easy DIY wireless security system that does not need any programming to operate and reduces chances of a false alarm.
Pros: It is able to cover quite a good range and provides security with the help of door/window sensors and motion sensors.
6. Honeywell Lynx Plus Basic- L3000
Price: $96.95
Lynx Plus comes in a smaller yet attractive design and is the latest in the league of Lynx Series wireless alarm systems. The kit includes control panel, keypad, siren, dialer, two-way voice system over GSM radio and speakerphone. Lynx Plus can support 25 wireless sensors and is compatible with Lynx entire 5800 series wireless sensors, remotes and wireless keypads. Its all-in-one integrated design combines the installation flexibility for every job. The convenient voice prompt programming feature guides you through the installation process. Therefore, you would not have to pay separate charges for its installation. It supports internet alarm signaling with the 7847i-L IP communicator and can support up to eight X10 devices. Using it, you will be able to activate lights, appliances, garage doors and various other applications just by a push of a button.
Product USP: It has a self-contained architecture, which can support up to 25 wireless sensors and 15 wireless buttons/remotes.
Pros: Lynx Plus is a small and manageable device which is X10 capable and features full voice response.
7. VideoSecu security camera IRX5
Price: $44.99
It is an outdoor surveillance CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) camera with a 3.6 mm wide-angle view lens and 1/3″ CCD. The 420 TV lines high-resolution make the picture on your smart phone or computer visibly clear. The water, dust, and crush resistant aluminum body makes it suitable for out of the house use. You can easily mount it anywhere outside near the area to be protected. There are 28 built-in infrared LEDs specifically for night viewing purpose. Also, a 12 V DC supply is incorporated inside the metallic body.
Product USP: It is weather resistant and so is used for both indoor as well as outdoor purposes.
Pros: IRX5 is the most compact and cost-effective day-night camera for security applications. The advanced light sensor lets it switch automatically from color (during day) to monochrome (during night).
8. First Alert SCO7CN smoke/carbon monoxide alarm
Price: $58.20
Supported by photoelectric smoke sensing technology, this talking smoke/carbon monoxide detector alarm is one of the most popular products from First Alert. Fire leakage and smoke alerts are given out through its loud siren. Its voice location system announces the location of fire or smoke in the house. It not only detects the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide but also reduces false nuisance alarms.
Product USP: It is an eco-friendly smoke/fire detector.
Pros: It is battery operated so it can be used even during blackouts and remote controlling makes its handling easier.
9. Logitech Alert 750e outdoor master security system with night vision
Price: $300.83
The surveillance equipment provides a clear HD-quality video display with night vision. The camera lens offers a 130 degrees wide-angle display and you can easily get instant access to live video by connecting it with your smart phone or personal computer. Its automatic motion-triggered recording and alerts make for an efficient home security device. You would need a Windows based PC for setup and control.
Product USP: Motion triggered recording, weatherproof body
Pros: It is a lightweight model that can be fixed in the outdoors of your home and you can sit and relax while it detects any unusual activity happening outside your house.
10. LaserShield BSK-0013101 home security system
Price: $129.99
This powerful security plug and go system is ideal for family homes, rental homes, and apartments. Its light weighing (only 8.6 pounds) and can protect up to 1200 square feet of area with its wireless detection unit. The rapid response monitoring is helpful during any sort of emergency. It does not take much time in its set-up, which means you would not have to pay for its installation or carry out the DIY. It uses a built-in decibel siren and a built-in back-up battery. The master alarm unit can be attached to up to 12 detection units. In addition, it is a pet-friendly security package for your home.
Product USP: Eliminates installation and programming.
Pros: Its simple handling makes it better than the rest. All it takes is a key chain remote for disarming the unit when entering and arming it back while leaving the house. The low monitoring fee, which is just $25 per month, makes it attractive for the budget saver.
