The Best Security Systems for Your Home

Components of a Home Security System

Home security systems have come leaps and bounds since they hit the market and they only ever get better as the years go by. You’ll be hard pushed to find a system without all the bells and whistles, but they are often customisable or come in different package options. Sometimes they are complex enough that they will need to be installed for you, mainly to ensure the wiring is integrated properly. The usual features are:

• The control panel or main hub. This is the beating heart of any security system as it processes the signals from any sensors and devices

• Contact sensors. These are placed on entry points and are designed to detect when windows or doors are opened

• Motion detectors. Any movement can be picked up by these, either via ultrasonic waves or infrared technology

• Glass break detectors. Tuned to the shock waves or frequency of shattering glass, they alert the main hub if activated

• Cameras. These can be suited to be both indoors and outdoors and come with different recording styles and capabilities

• Keypad. You can arm and disarm the home security system from this point

• Siren. Either activated internally, externally or both, an alarm prevents an intruder from carrying on

• Monitoring service. This is a charged-for service that provides round the clock surveillance. Any alarm that’s triggered is noted by the monitoring centre and they can call you and/or the emergency services

You do not have to have all these components, as it’s entirely up to you how many you would like. If you live in a small flat, you can make do with a single motion detector and an entry sensor, but this will be less than ideal for a much larger four bedroom house. Think about how to best protect your home with your own setup for a home security system.

Looking for alternative options? See our top tips for securing your home.

Smart Home Security Systems

Integrated over Wi-Fi, these systems give you complete control through your smartphone and interconnected devices. Whether it’s checking on a camera’s view or seeing if a window has been opened, you can keep an eye on your home even when you’re not there. Additional components can easily be integrated, making them a good personal choice, especially when they are designed to be installed yourself.

You can expect smart home security systems to do the following:

• Provide alerts, for motion detection or otherwise

• Remotely activate and access cameras

• Integrate with other smart devices

• Allow for two-way communication

• Permit automation, like activating smart light bulbs if any motion is sensed

• Allow for Cloud storage

Benefits and Drawbacks of Home Security Systems

There are sometimes features that overlap between traditional home security systems and smart ones, but they do have strengths and weaknesses.

Benefits

• Easy to control

• Integration with other devices

• Automation

• Peace of mind

Drawbacks

• Won’t necessarily work without an internet connection

• Can be expensive

• Challenging with limited technical knowledge

The Best Indoor Home Security Systems

SimpliSafe Edinburgh

This system also features a temperature sensor and a water sensor for an extra level of protection. You can sign up for the monitored service or you can use it as a standalone system. With both an internal and external camera, this alarm can fit both categories and can be the best security system for a home.

Verisure

If you’re after the best tech, Verisure offers a fully customisable range, which you can add to as much as you like. From an integrated siren, speaker and keypad, allowing you to talk to the monitoring system, to the ZeroVision smokescreen, you can get ahead of the competition by making use of these ingenious products. Though they may not be absolutely necessary, they are considered by some to be the best home security systems in the UK.

Ring

Another company that offers a customisable package, Ring gives you the option to have both indoor and outdoor monitoring. Their iconic doorbell camera can be remotely accessed when you’re not home and a range extender can be useful if you’re in a larger home. As a home security system, it can be easily fitted yourself.

The Best Outdoor Home Security Systems

eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro

Security floodlights are incredibly useful and they’re even more effective when linked to a camera. The second generation of floodlight camera from eufy is well received on Trustpilot with a 5 star rating. The AI person recognition software locks, tracks and records and the lights are motion activated.

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera

The outdoor home security system from Arlo boasts a wireless floodlight camera - the very first in fact. You can make use of the rechargeable battery or pair it with an Arlo solar panel or charging cable. Notifications are sent to your smartphone, where you can also take control of the system.

Yale Floodlight Camera

The trusty supplier has their own version of the outdoor floodlight camera, which is easily integrated into your smart system. It can be linked with smart speakers and their app. You’re also able to make use of two-way audio so you can communicate with anyone spotted on the camera.

Found this interesting? Read about the best security cameras, both indoor and outdoor, in our related article on this type of home security system.