Security home alarm system: The 4 Best Home Security System of 2023

Smart Security Without Contracts or Subscriptions

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Photo: Rozette Rago

Published March 13, 2019

We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing cameras, sensors, and ear-piercing alarms, plus more mundane devices, to find the best ways for you to protect your home without adding another big subscription fee to your life.

Essentials

Outdoor Wi-Fi camera

2 picks, $58–$453

An outdoor Wi-Fi camera lets you see what’s going on outside your home, whether you’re worrying about prowlers, waiting for packages, or wanting to know whose dog is peeing on your flowers.

Outdoor Wi-Fi camera

2 picks, $58–$453

An outdoor Wi-Fi camera lets you see what’s going on outside your home, whether you’re worrying about prowlers, waiting for packages, or wanting to know whose dog is peeing on your flowers.

No wires

This is the best battery-operated outdoor Wi-Fi camera, and it gives you up to seven days of cloud storage for free.

No wires

Arlo Pro 2 plus Base Station

Read the review
The Best Outdoor Security Camera

This is the best battery-operated outdoor Wi-Fi camera, and it gives you up to seven days of cloud storage for free.

$250 from Amazon$58 from Lowe’s$453 from Walmart

Never miss a moment

This model includes person recognition, as well as Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home compatibility plus free 24-hour cloud storage that you can increase for a fee.

Never miss a moment

Logitech Circle 2

Read the review
The Best Outdoor Security Camera

This model includes person recognition, as well as Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home compatibility plus free 24-hour cloud storage that you can increase for a fee.

Buy from Amazon

Smart smoke alarm

3 picks, $35–$119

A standard smoke alarm can wake you up at night if it detects a possible fire, but a smart one can notify you whether you’re next door or in the next state.

Smart smoke alarm

3 picks, $35–$119

A standard smoke alarm can wake you up at night if it detects a possible fire, but a smart one can notify you whether you’re next door or in the next state.

An alarm that tests itself

A sleek design, sensitivity to slow- and fast-burning fires, self-testing, and a straightforward app make Nest’s Protect a great smart fire-safety device.

An alarm that tests itself

Google Nest Protect

Read the review
The Best Smart Smoke Alarm

A sleek design, sensitivity to slow- and fast-burning fires, self-testing, and a straightforward app make Nest’s Protect a great smart fire-safety device.

$119 from Amazon$119 from Lowe’s

Add Wi-Fi with a battery

Roost’s battery can give any 9-volt–powered smoke detector the ability to send you remote alerts about potential fire situations.

Add Wi-Fi with a battery

Roost Smart Battery (Second Generation)

Read the review
The Best Smart Smoke Alarm

Roost’s battery can give any 9-volt–powered smoke detector the ability to send you remote alerts about potential fire situations.

$35 from Roost

A smart listener for dumb alarms

When you activate Guard Mode, your Alexa speaker will listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send you alerts.

A smart listener for dumb alarms

Amazon Echo

Read the review
The Best Alexa Smart Speakers

When you activate Guard Mode, your Alexa speaker will listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send you alerts.

$100 from Amazon

Smart outlet

4 picks, $23–$160

Even something as simple as a smart plug-in outlet can be a crime deterrent because it can automatically or even randomly turn the lights on and off when you’re away so that potential burglars think you’re home.

Smart outlet

4 picks, $23–$160

Even something as simple as a smart plug-in outlet can be a crime deterrent because it can automatically or even randomly turn the lights on and off when you’re away so that potential burglars think you’re home.

The best smart plug

Reliable, compact, and easy to use, the Wemo Mini works with both Android and iOS devices and supports Alexa, HomeKit/Siri, Google Assistant, Nest, and IFTTT for control and automation.

The best smart plug

Wemo Mini

Read the review
The Best Smart Plugs

Reliable, compact, and easy to use, the Wemo Mini works with both Android and iOS devices and supports Alexa, HomeKit/Siri, Google Assistant, Nest, and IFTTT for control and automation.

$23 from Walmart$40 from Amazon

Best for lamps

This kit has two outlets that can dim lights, and its mesh network is great for larger homes.

Best for lamps

Lutron Caséta Wireless In-Wall Dimmer 2-Count Starter Kit

Read the review
The Best Smart Plugs

This kit has two outlets that can dim lights, and its mesh network is great for larger homes.

$159 from Amazon$160 from Walmart

Budget pick

This controller comes in a pair for less than most single plugs. It also offers Alexa and Google Assistant support and includes an integrated night-light.

Budget pick

iClever IC-BS11

Read the review
The Best Smart Plugs

This controller comes in a pair for less than most single plugs. It also offers Alexa and Google Assistant support and includes an integrated night-light.

Buy from Amazon

Best for outdoors

This weatherproof smart plug has two outlets that you can control independently.

Best for outdoors

iClever IC-BS06

Read the review
The Best Smart Plugs

This weatherproof smart plug has two outlets that you can control independently.

$27 from Amazon

Nice-to-haves

No-contract security system

3 picks, $160–$279

You don’t have to get locked into a multiyear monitoring contract to have some peace of mind. A no-contract security system lets you activate professional monitoring only when you need it.

No-contract security system

3 picks, $160–$279

You don’t have to get locked into a multiyear monitoring contract to have some peace of mind. A no-contract security system lets you activate professional monitoring only when you need it.

No-contract security

The third generation of SimpliSafe is the most affordable and comprehensive of the no-contract systems we tested. It’s also easy to install and use, and it works with some Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.

No-contract security

SimpliSafe The Essentials

Read the review
The Best Home Security System

The third generation of SimpliSafe is the most affordable and comprehensive of the no-contract systems we tested. It’s also easy to install and use, and it works with some Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.

$160 from Best BuyBuy from SimpliSafe

Works with smart-home devices

The Abode system’s gateway supports lots of smart-home devices and works without a monitoring plan.

Works with smart-home devices

Abode Smart Security Kit

Read the review
The Best Home Security System

The Abode system’s gateway supports lots of smart-home devices and works without a monitoring plan.

$220 from Abode$279 from Amazon

Budget pick

This system offers just the basics you need for security and has the lowest optional monitoring fee.

Budget pick

Ring Alarm

Read the review
The Best Home Security System

This system offers just the basics you need for security and has the lowest optional monitoring fee.

Buy from Amazon

Smart locks

3 picks, $1–$299

A smart lock lets you leave your house without bulky keys, and it can allow you to check and activate the lock even when you’re not home or to issue temporary access for guests.

Smart locks

3 picks, $1–$299

A smart lock lets you leave your house without bulky keys, and it can allow you to check and activate the lock even when you’re not home or to issue temporary access for guests.

A keypad for easy access

This keypad lock allows you quick exit and entry without the need to carry keys or a smartphone, and it offers wide compatibility with other smart-home devices.

A keypad for easy access

Yale Assure Lock SL (YRD256) Connected by August

Read the review
The Best Smart Locks

This keypad lock allows you quick exit and entry without the need to carry keys or a smartphone, and it offers wide compatibility with other smart-home devices.

$299 from Amazon

One-touch unlock

The touch-based unlocking mechanism is the most convenient method for simple everyday use but not ideal for guests. The Kevo Plus upgrade adds remote access for more flexibility.

One-touch unlock

Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock 2nd Gen (2016)

Read the review
The Best Smart Locks

The touch-based unlocking mechanism is the most convenient method for simple everyday use but not ideal for guests. The Kevo Plus upgrade adds remote access for more flexibility.

$250 from Walmart$246 from Amazon$1 from Wayfair

Upgrade the deadbolt you own

This simple affordable model is for anyone who prefers to keep their existing deadbolt. Remote access and compatibility with voice-control assistants require the $70 Connect adapter.

Upgrade the deadbolt you own

August Smart Lock (3rd Gen)

Read the review
The Best Smart Locks

This simple affordable model is for anyone who prefers to keep their existing deadbolt. Remote access and compatibility with voice-control assistants require the $70 Connect adapter.

$135 from Amazon$150 from Walmart$136 from Home Depot

Smart garage-door controller

2 picks, $30–$52

Never worry if you left the garage door open. A smart garage-door controller lets you know—and lets you close an open door from wherever you can get an Internet connection on your smartphone.

Smart garage-door controller

2 picks, $30–$52

Never worry if you left the garage door open. A smart garage-door controller lets you know—and lets you close an open door from wherever you can get an Internet connection on your smartphone.

Easy to-install garage smarts

The MyQ Garage is impressively simple to set up and use, and of the units we tested, it’s compatible with the most garage doors.

Easy to-install garage smarts

Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub

Read the review
The Best Smart Garage Door Opener Controller

The MyQ Garage is impressively simple to set up and use, and of the units we tested, it’s compatible with the most garage doors.

$52 from Amazon$30 from Lowe’s$30 from Home Depot

Camera ready for extra security

This model is a little harder to install than some others, but it can integrate with cameras for added security.

Camera ready for extra security

Gogogate2

Read the review
The Best Smart Garage Door Opener Controller

This model is a little harder to install than some others, but it can integrate with cameras for added security.

Buy from Amazon

Doorbell camera

1 pick, $100–$229

If you can spend a bit for peace of mind, the subscriptions for these cameras are low enough to be worth the investment. They let you answer the door from anywhere and can alert you to packages or prowlers, or notify you when the kids get home.

Doorbell camera

1 pick, $100–$229

If you can spend a bit for peace of mind, the subscriptions for these cameras are low enough to be worth the investment. They let you answer the door from anywhere and can alert you to packages or prowlers, or notify you when the kids get home.

For 24/7 security

The Hello’s 24/7 video recording, along with AI-powered motion detection and facial recognition, makes it a more advanced option.

For 24/7 security

Google Nest Doorbell (Wired)

Read the review
The Best Smart Doorbell Camera

The Hello’s 24/7 video recording, along with AI-powered motion detection and facial recognition, makes it a more advanced option.

$172 from Walmart$100 from Home Depot$229 from Lowe’s

Things to skip

Full-contract security system

Full-contract systems may come with cheap equipment but can lock you into long contracts with steep penalties if you try to get out of them, and they offer little benefit over non-contract systems.

Subscription-based Wi-Fi cameras

Some security cameras do nothing, or nearly nothing, without a hefty monthly fee. Those cameras may offer some benefits over fee-free models, but if you’re at your fee limit, you can get by with a camera that doesn’t change beyond the hardware.

Further reading

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Why a Professionally Monitored Security System Is Usually the Best Option

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

The Answer

Advice, staff picks, mythbusting, and more. Let us help you.

Photo: Michael Hession

Published July 2, 2020

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Home security systems have all sorts of interesting add-ons, including sensors, cameras, key fobs, and super-loud sirens. However, one of the most important considerations is whether you should sign up for professional monitoring. Because monitoring involves the potential to summon law enforcement or the fire department to your home, it’s a weighty decision, all the more so if you are sensitive to the idea of interacting with the police (see What it means to go pro). After weighing the pros and cons, we’ve concluded that using a professional monitoring service is overall the most reliable way to watch over a home security system. We hate recommending another monthly fee for something you will (hopefully) never use, but we believe that the one time you need it, it’ll be worth the cost. Here’s how we came to that conclusion.

Pro monitoring vs. self-monitoring

First, a quick explainer for anyone who has no experience with security systems. You can find two types of monitoring options for DIY home security systems: professional and self.

All security systems can include door/window sensors, motion sensors, glass-break sensors, smoke detectors, cameras, panic buttons, and more. When one of those is triggered by an event, such as motion or smoke, it sets off a loud siren inside the home’s base station, which is the box that wirelessly links all of those sensors and other security devices together. For example, Ring Alarm (our top pick) blasts a 112 dB siren, which sounds about as loud as a rock concert, lawnmower, or motorcycle. A smartphone alert typically follows within a few seconds, via text or push notification.

If you have a professionally monitored system, a call center watches your setup 24/7 and gets pinged when something triggers your alarm. Within about a minute of the initial siren, that monitoring service then calls any of your phone numbers on file to make sure everything is okay. To dismiss an alarm, you need to answer the call and provide a code number or code word as verification. If you don’t have the code or don’t answer the phone, the service automatically contacts the police or fire department. A monitoring subscription can cost $10 to $50 a month, depending on the company and the options you select.

A self-monitored (or unmonitored) system sounds the siren and sends you smartphone alerts, but the buck stops there—if you aren’t home to hear the siren, it’s on you to notice the notification on your phone and then determine what follow-up actions to take. And if you put your phone on silent or don’t have it at hand 24/7, you may miss the alerts entirely.

What it means to go pro

If you opt to subscribe to a professional monitoring service, that means necessarily that your security system may trigger a visit to your home from the police or fire department. If that’s the outcome you’re looking for, monitoring is what you need. If not, this might not be the right solution.

We recommend the Ring Alarm system because it gives you the choice between self-monitoring and using a professional service. And because there’s no contract, you can choose to add the monitoring service for short-term occasions, such as when you’re out of town.

With a DIY security system, such as Ring Alarm or SimpliSafe, you can also choose what areas of the home are covered by professional monitoring. For instance, if you’re worried about specific doors and windows, you can choose to have contact sensors only in those particular areas. If you aren’t worried about a break-in or don’t want to involve the police, you could opt to install only smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. That way, a professional monitoring company will contact the fire department only when a smoke alarm is triggered.

Why people choose to pay for monitoring

Say you’re in a movie theater when someone opens a window at home. That would trigger your security system. A smartphone notification would come in about three seconds of that alarm.

With a self-monitored security system, you’d need to make sure you have notifications enabled on your phone and have a game plan for what to do when the alarm goes off in a given scenario, whether you’re in a theater, on a beach, or at work. That might include checking indoor cameras to see if there’s activity or calling a family member or neighbor to check who opened the window (and hoping they are home and willing to respond). Things get more complicated and intense if the fire alarm goes off or something triggers a glass-break sensor. Self-monitoring also means you need to have your phone on you 24/7 and to avoid turning on Do Not Disturb mode.

With professional monitoring, you get that same smartphone alert, but it is followed by a phone call from the monitoring service. If you’ve trained yourself to ignore your phone, you should probably go pro. A professional monitoring company is trained to react quickly when you can’t or won’t. SimpliSafe (our runner-up security system) also offers Video Verification, a feature that allows the monitoring company to view your camera footage (with your permission) when an alarm is triggered. This feature allows the call center to confirm something like a break-in more quickly and provide that information to the police, if needed.

It’s important to note that professional monitoring doesn’t actually stop or deter crime or lead to more arrests. But we think it does provide valuable peace of mind—you know that you have a 24/7 safety net. And pro monitoring is especially effective when it comes to fire emergencies: According to the Department of Homeland Security, a small flame can turn into a major fire in less than 30 seconds. Monitoring ensures that someone else will respond when you’re not able to, which can save not only your home but even someone’s life.

Other considerations before you go pro

Although we recommend professional monitoring, you have a few things to consider before signing up for a service. If you don’t respond to the alerts and phone calls, the monitoring company will contact the police, who may visit your home whenever an alarm is triggered. That’s great if there’s an actual emergency, but not so much for false alarms—especially considering that some localities will fine you if your system cries wolf. Before investing in any security system, contact your local police department to find out the rules and regulations in your area, such as whether your city or town requires a permit to install one, which isn’t uncommon.

We don’t recommend security systems that require a lengthy service contract. We like Ring Alarm because it has no contract, so you can start and stop a pro monitoring plan as you please—that way, you can subscribe only as needed, such as when you go on vacation or out of town. Ring Alarm also offers the most affordable monitoring plan among the systems we’ve tested, just $10 per month. SimpliSafe is another contract-free system we like, though its monthly fee is a bit more. (We’ve tested systems that charge four times that amount, which is a sizable outlay multiplied over the years for something you hope you’ll never have to use.)

And if you’re worried about how much you’re spending on monitoring, contact your insurance broker. Many companies offer discounts—often sizable ones— for monitored security systems, making the leap even more of a no-brainer.

Further reading

• Vivint Home Security System Review: Pro Install vs. DIY

  by Rachel Cericola

  The Vivint Smart Home security system is reliable and easy to use, but expensive and quirky unless you want the convenience of a pro install and maintenance.

• The Best 4K Monitors

  by Dave Gershgorn

  If you’re a video-editing pro or love to watch high-res movies, the best 4K monitor is the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE.

• The Best VPN Service

  by David Huerta and Yael Grauer

  A virtual private network (VPN) is a useful way to improve security or privacy in certain situations, but it’s difficult to find one that’s trustworthy.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).

• About Wirecutter
• Our team
• Staff demographics
• Jobs at Wirecutter
• Contact us
• How to pitch

• Deals
• Lists
• Blog
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top-10 rating according to KP

Home security systems are not one device, but a set of sensors and cameras that work as a “single organism”. Some of them are designed only to frighten the thief, and not report the violation to the owner or the police, but such systems are ineffective: most attackers will be able to distinguish them and will not abandon their plans. The best home security systems are “smart” models with a GSM module and combined with “Smart Home” systems.

In the basic configuration, these security systems will not send an alarm directly to a private security company (PSC) or the National Guard. However, the owner of the house will be notified of possible intruders, after which he can immediately call the police. However, most models allow sending alarm messages to several numbers, which means that you can also set up automatic notification of the private security company with which the contract has been concluded.

Editor’s choice

Penetration control IPRO 6

IPRO 6. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

Russian system with a large starter set of sensors. The user receives a GPS module, two wireless motion sensors, a wireless door open sensor, a siren and two key fobs to control the system. It is also possible to complete the module with sensors for smoke, temperature, water leakage, gas leakage, etc. That is, on the basis of this system, you can build a full-fledged “smart home” system. It is possible to connect a speaker and a microphone for two-way audio communication with the specified numbers. When installing a special sensor, it is also possible to control the water heating boiler via SMS and the application.

Main features

Pros and cons

The basic set of sensors is sufficient for a small room, it can be easily expanded

Top 9 Best Home Security Systems of 2023 according to KP

AJAX StarterKit Cam

AJAX StarterKit Cam. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

Alarm kit with photo-verification of alarms. It will not only warn you about breaking and entering, but will also send a series of photos of violators. The backup battery will allow the instrument to continue operating even during a power outage. Another important advantage is the presence of three independent communication channels, the system can be connected to the control panel of security companies (PSC). Thanks to this, you can always get the necessary information.

Main characteristics

90 021

Pros and cons 90 013

Possibility to connect to the control panel of a security company, easy setup and management using the free Ajax 9 application0003

Short battery life

PS-Link “Security and video surveillance” PS-1206

PS-Link PS-1206. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

This set includes a Wi-Fi router and Internet access. Motion sensors and a magnetic door sensor are configured by default to work independently, but you can create your own set of actions in the application that the device will notify about. The application on the phone has a history of events that can be viewed at any time if there is Internet access. The system has a built-in microphone and speaker, so the owner can not only see what is happening in the room, but also hear. You can record to an SD card or cloud storage.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

Easy to install and update software, cameras have a wide viewing angle

Difficult to find additional sensors, requires Wi-Fi network for operation

Guardian Universal

Guardian Universal. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

Data transmission technology is protected from false positives. The ability to connect additional sensors makes this system expandable to the desired size. A low price will allow you to assemble a system that is best suited for your home.

Main Specifications

Pros and cons

Can operate in a wide temperature range, which means it is especially suitable for cottages, country houses, garages, outbuildings, low probability of false alarms

No cameras in the basic set – they must be purchased separately

Livicom Livi Smart Home

Livicom Livi Smart Home. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

A smart home kit will allow you to control the security system remotely, set up a routine and reactions to certain events. Connecting to the Internet using a network cable will help ensure a stable signal, and an additional 3G modem will provide a backup communication channel.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons 900 13

Good starter set of sensors, easy network management

Does not work in freezing temperatures, does not support 4G (only 3G)

Perenio PEKIT01

Perenio PEKIT01. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

The security system based on the “smart home” system is easily configured and installed even without the participation of specialists. The ability to connect to Wi-Fi will provide a more stable network. This inexpensive model will be a great start to create a security system.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons 900 13

Large set of sensors included

High cost of additional sensors, no camera included

REXANT Watchman

REXANT Watchman. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

Budgetary GSM-alarm system. It is equipped with a sound siren, and is also capable of sending an alarm signal via the GSM network to the specified numbers. The kit includes an IR motion sensor and a keychain from which it is controlled. The sensor does not require an electrical connection: it is powered by three AA batteries. They last an average of 6 months of battery life. There is a charge control function: if the batteries run out, the alarm will warn the user about this.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

The sensor does not respond to objects weighing less than 15 kg – the alarm will not work because of a cat or dog. There is a function to automatically return to the security mode of the object after an alarm

Inability to connect to Wi-Fi, sensors lose sensitivity at low temperatures

Xiaomi Mi Smart Home kit

Xiaomi Mi Smart Home kit. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

The model of a popular Chinese manufacturer allows you to assemble a complete smart home system. You can connect not only security sensors to it, but also other devices. A convenient application allows you to track all events and set the schedule for devices.

Main features

90 058

Pros and cons

Ease of connection and installation, large selection of sensors and accessories

Servers located in China, users report equipment failures

Atis LCD

Atis LCD. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

This model of the security system is capable of simultaneously calling six numbers if necessary. A large set of sensors allows you to set up security without buying additional equipment.

Key features

90 021

Pros and cons

Built-in microphone, standalone operation

Impossible to set up without a mobile phone or a special key fob

Eldes PITBULL PRO-3G-ECO

Eldes PITBULL PRO-3G- ECO. Photo: yandex.matket.ru

A compact security system that allows you to add up to 10 phone numbers to the list of authorized users who will receive information about alarms. Installation and initial configuration will take no more than 30 minutes. All processes are described in detail in the instructions. Easy to understand even for a beginner.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

Convenient bracket for ceiling or wall mounting, up to 16 wireless sensors can be connected to the device, incl. smoke detectors, key fobs, etc.

Additional sensors are expensive

How to choose a security system for your home. Expert advice

Maxim Sokolov , an expert from the VseInstrumenty.ru online hypermarket, told Komsomolskaya Pravda about the basic rules for choosing a security system for your home and about what characteristics of security systems you need to pay attention to in the first place.

Security systems with GSM – equipment that uses mobile communications to transmit information. It requires a separate SIM card to work. From it, in case of an alarm, the user will receive a call and / or an SMS message. Most security systems are equipped with a powerful sound siren, designed to scare away the criminal.

Equipment

Equipment is the main criterion. For a garage or a small country house, one motion sensor is usually enough. For an apartment, a combination of an open door sensor and several motion sensors (one for each room) is recommended. For residents of the extreme floors and owners of private houses, it is important to have sensors for open windows. Possibility of expanding the system – for many alarms, you can buy additional sensors, incl. gas, smoke sensors, etc.

Type

The systems can be equipped with wireless or wired sensors. The main advantage of wireless is ease of installation. However, they will need to change batteries from time to time, and their signal strength may be reduced due to physical barriers in the way. Wired sensors do not need batteries, and in terms of signal strength, they are considered more reliable. But with them, on the contrary, difficulties may arise during installation. Usually they are recommended to be installed during repairs in order to hide all the wires in the walls. There are also combined security systems – they can work with both wireless and wired sensors.

Home security alarm: how to get the right offer

Apply now for an online assessment with Edilnet and protect your safety while saving money.

Find out what factors increase the cost of a home burglary alarm. Our short guide explains how to save money by choosing the most convenient economic offer and the project that best suits your needs. Follow the advice of industry experts and protect your safety and your wallet.

Home burglar alarms: how to choose in the jungle of offers

The first trap to avoid when we want to protect ourselves from burglars is not to unwittingly put ourselves into their hands. How? Picking at random from a forest of sentences containing the words “best alarm system” . You should be aware that there is no one size fits all home security alarm that can meet all needs in the same way.

Traveling without the right information or improvising as “experts” renders useless the help that technology with remote control and smart options provides today. For this reason, the pre-inspection, during which a designated professional designs a customized alarm system for your home and your family’s habits, is critical.

This will be the evidence you will provide, along with his experience, to guide the selection towards the right type of intruder alarm, wireless or wired, surround or perimeter, and orient the required budget.

Home burglar alarms: what drives up the price

But what factors should be considered when considering an offer for a home burglary alarm? In the following list, you will find out what determines the price of an alarm system and what variables make the price fluctuate even by a few hundred euros.

Expansion

It may seem trivial, but calculating the volume and area of ​​the perimeter is the first element to consider in order to create an effective home security plan. In particular, what and how many access points – doors, windows, French windows – are there and where they are located. At the first stage, you can act on your own, armed only with a tape measure, a calculator and a pencil to mark calculations and cards on a piece of paper.

Technology

The typology of the alarm system is characterized by different technologies for the operation of the main elements, in particular the control unit and sensors. Even the simplest wireless system, without cabling, ie. without running wires, can be combined with advanced sensors. For this reason, the alarm system must be custom built and the choice of sensors—infrared, microwave, or mixed technologies—as well as the possible installation of cameras—CCTV (Closed System) or IP (Digital Network)—should be studied and considered.

Installation and maintenance

When evaluating Home Alarm Installation, be careful not to be enamored with DIY flattery. Under certain conditions, creating and installing an alarm system on your own can be convenient. For example, if you are good with circuits and electrical equipment, or if you are a tech lover, or if you enjoy spending a few hours a week doing home repairs.

However, even in these cases, it must be remembered that home security is not a game, and that a WiFi solution, much appreciated for its simplicity, nevertheless requires installation and configuration. If something doesn’t work properly, the effectiveness of your home’s intruder alarm system can be compromised, not to mention security.

Moreover, the installation of a wired alarm system, with wiring and connection to a telephone line, requires the intervention of a professional in this field. Finally, when you are considering buying an intruder alarm, read the warranty and service terms with due care. Fast and efficient customer service is a necessary complement to what we call the right burglar alarm.

Home burglary alarm price table

In this table you will find an overview of the market, for information only, which may be useful in evaluating the elements of a home alarm cost estimate.

• Wireless alarm from 200.00 € to 600.00 € depending on the number and complexity of accessories.
• Wired alarm from 180.00 € to 500.00 € N.B. the price refers to more or less complex standard kits and does not include possible variations for specific needs.
• from 50.00 € to 200.00 € also in this case the range is dictated by the accuracy, reliability and type of operation of the device.
• Labor from €18.00 to €25 per hour depending on the complexity of the work required and the area where the sale and installation takes place. In fact, labor costs are lower in some regions than in others. Moreover, some companies offer installation services included in the final price.

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First of all, I would like to thank the blog Edilnet, with whom I have been collaborating for several years, and would like to contribute to this article by delving into the issue of installation costs and prices.

Recently, the price of home alarms has dropped significantly. Currently, the financial investment in the purchase of a security system is very small compared to what you get in return. Whether you decide to purchase a DIY kit or a system that requires professional installers, the price is unlikely to exceed 1,000 euros. Let’s see what the costs will be depending on the components that we need.

A basic set of security alarms, consisting of a control unit with a telephone dialer, a siren, two detectors, costs about 500 euros with an average quality. The detectors are connected wirelessly, while the siren is usually wired. A non-expiring SIM card for combining with a GSM switch is included in the price. With this system, we already guarantee a good level of protection for our home.

The control unit is usually the most expensive part. Prices range from 250 euros for basic models to 1000 euros for professional models from well-known brands such as Bentel or Tecnoalarm. The price is affected by the presence of a dialer to send an alarm to the owner of the house, via mobile or landline, the number of numbers that can be called, the number of zones that can be monitored, and the ability to connect to the Internet for remote control. We do not recommend these last types of control units as the security level can never be complete and sabotage attempts from the network are possible.

The price of the alarm system increases depending on the number of motion detectors installed. The indoor Pir sensor is not that expensive, around 40-50 euros if it is of average or good quality, a little more for a dual technology sensor or a microwave sensor. An outdoor sensor starts to cost more, requires a higher degree of protection to withstand the weather, can cost up to 200-300 euros, in this case we also mean detectors that are installed in pairs for infrared barriers around the perimeter.