Best Home Security System for You
Which Is Best Home Security System?
Which is best home security system? It should have excellent and reliable crime deterrent features such as cameras, sensors, and alarms. The system also need to offer usability by remote monitoring and control, easy set up.
By the way, is home security system necessary? Yes, it is. According to the law enforcement authorities, crime rates are falling compared to the previous year, but we think differently. Many people don’t feel safe. The rising penetration rate of home security system is reflecting the insecurity that they feel.
Crime Rate in U.S.
Why Do People Need Home Security System?
In 2022, the violent crime rate went down slightly to 380.7 from 387 per 100,000 people. However, the property crime rate rose to 1,954.4 from 1,832.3 per 100,000 people from the previous year. The hike of the property crime rate was mainly due to larceny-theft, which means unlawful carrying, taking or riding away of others’ property.
Moreover, the violent crime rate was not as low as mid 2010’s, which was 369.1 to 373.7 per 100,000 people from 2013 to 2015. So, many people believe that they are not safe. As a result, the penetration rate of home security system have been rising consistently.
In 2020, about 20% of households in U.S. had home security systems, which reached 25% and 27% in 2022 and 2023, respectively. This year can see roughly 28% of penetration rate.
Home security system can be very useful because it can deter crimes and warned early criminal trial. In addition, the system may allow you to monitor in remote area through smartphones.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System
When selecting a home security system, some crucial elements to make sure you choose the right system based on your own needs. Here’s key factors to focus on.
Wired or Wireless System
Wired system is typically more trustworthy but needs experienced installation and often drilling. Therefore, it is most desirable when you build a new home or make renovations.
On the other hand, wireless system is easier to set up, portable, and suitable for renters. However, it may rely on Wi-Fi or batteries, which may require periodic maintenance.
Monitoring Options
Hired monitoring is a service that monitors system 24/7 and calls the emergency services if a threat is recognized. This offers peace of mind but generally needs a periodic fee.
Self-monitoring is that you monitor the system through a smartphone and determine when to call the emergency services. No regular fee, but you need to pay more attention than a hired monitoring.
Scalability
Make sure that the system can expand on your needs. If you want to attach more cameras, sensors, or other equipments in the future, select a system that you can expand easily.
Smart Home Integration
If you use or are going to use smart home devices, ensure that the security system is compatible with platforms presented by Google, Amazon, or Apple. This integration lets you set up easy automation and controls.
Easy Set Up
Choose systems that are easy, both in set up and daily use. Some systems are Do-It-Yourself and can be easily initiated with minimal tools, while others need experienced skill.
Mobile and Remote Access
Currently, most home security systems have a mobile app that includes real-time alerts and notifications. The app typically provides remote access and controls. Ensure compatibility with both Android and iOS.
Emergency Power and Connectivity
Select a system with an emergency battery in case of blackout. System that can be convertible to cellular network in case of Wi-Fi failure is ideal for reliability.
Reputation and Reviews
Read customer reviews carefully and refer to evaluations of the system’s performance and reliability. A system with a good reputation may keep you safe in the long run.
Compliance with Regulations
Ensure to comply with laws with regard to video surveillance, especially for outdoor cameras. In some regions, recording others without permission could raise legal problems.
Privacy and Cyber Security
Make sure that the way the company treats your data, especially if using cameras or cloud storage. Look into that the service provider follows encryption standards and how it manages your information and data.
Installation and Service Costs
Check with the costs that associated with the home security service are reasonable. There are generally three types of costs for the service. Upfront costs contain equipments price and set up fees. Next is monthly fees, which may happen if you choose a hired monitoring. In addition, maintenance, battery replacement costs are possible.
Noteworthy Home Security Services
Here are some of reliable home security services that present better systems, experienced monitoring, and advanced technology.
ADT
ADT is one of the most famous home security service providers, which presents experienced set up and 24/7 monitoring. The company offers wide range of devices that contain cameras, door sensors, and smart locks. Smart home integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa is available. Besides, emergency battery and cellular connection are supported.
First of all, ADT is the most reliable company with long-standing reputation. Also presenting 6-month refund guarantee that is longer than home security sector average. However, it requires higher cost, especially pricy monthly fee. We recommend ADT for homeowners who want a trustworthy, full-service, but are not sensitive to price.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is a home security service for whom seeks a relatively low price and highly flexible options. The company provides a wireless home security that is a DIY-friendly and suitable for self-monitoring. It may fit renters well.
Its easy-to-set up wireless system does not require long term contracts. Furthermore, the company offer affordable monthly plans and integration with smart home devices. This service is highly flexible and budget-friendly.
Ring Alarm
Ring Alarm is a home security company that is owned by Amazon, which provides video doorbells and affordable home security packages. Its strengths are easy set up, scalability, hired monitoring at low price, and nice integration with Amazon Alexa.
Many people like that the company offers a wide range of cameras and video doorbells at low price. However, some people are concerned about privacy and data security due to its ownership.
Brinks Home Security
Brinks Home Security is known for responsive 24/7 monitoring service, which provides hired initiation or DIY installation. You can use mobile app control for smart home integration.
Reliable name due to long business record, high quality devices, and flexible set up options are advantages. In contrast, long term contract for experienced monitoring may be a burden.
Vivint
Vivint is a premium home security service that excels in cutting-edge technology and high-quality smart home integration. The company offers a wide range of smart home automation that is integrated with security service. Glossy and contemporary style with 24/7 monitoring is outstanding.
However, high-quality equipments and excellent services require relatively high upfront cost and monthly fee. Of course, you can use a finance program to pay. To sum up, Vivint suits tech-savvy homeowners who want full-scale smart home integration and high-quality devices.
Top Pick Is Vivint
Every company here offers trustful home security services, but the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and whether you prefer DIY or experienced set up.
Among them, Vivint stands out in the home security system sector for some noteworthy features and key advantages that make it remarkable. Here’s what makes Vivint outstanding.
Full-scale Smart Home Integration
Vivint is well known for integrating home automation with security. It keeps working with smart door locks, temperature controllers, lighting, and garage door regulators. This lets you to automate routines through the Vivint app or voice assistants like Amazon Alexa.
You can control your entire smart home and security system with Vivint Smart Hub. It features a touchscreen interface that makes it easy to manage.
Stylish and Cutting-edge Devices
Vivint presents some of the most stylish, charming, and cutting-edge devices in the home security sector. Its devices that include cameras, sensors, and control panels are glossy, contemporary, and built for performance.
The company’s surveillance cameras include evolved functions such as AI-powered human detection, night vision, and two-way talk. Its Doorbell Camera Pro can detect and deter thieves, which uses light and sound warnings.
Experienced Set Up
Unequal to many DIY services, Vivint provides professional establishment, making sure that all devices are installed correctly and fine-tuned for your home. This is a critical point if you’re not tech-savvy or prefer an easy installation.
24/7 Monitoring and Support
Vivint lets you receive 24/7 experienced monitoring through its signature monitoring system that gives qucik emergency response. This service is highly evaluated for fast and trustful response times.
The company is also known well for customer support that is very responsive and helpful to solve problems.
Custom Automation Rules
Custom automation rules, which is a type of service that you can design highly tailored security and automation actions. For example, you can make the system arm when you lock the door or every night at 11:30 pm.
AI and Smart Technology
Smart AI to distinguish between real threats and false notifications. For instance, surveillance cameras can detect when someone is loitering on your property and send alerts.
Vivint offer proactive deter feature, which cameras can actively deter potential intruders by making noisy sound or lighten when someone dawdles around your property.
Unique Security Add-on
An exclusive Car Guard feature that monitors your auto for disturbances, wherever you park. It sends warning if your car is disturbed or if it’s moved. Vivint also contains features like water leak detectors, smoke alarms, and Carbon Monoxide sensors for entire-home protection.
Scalability
The systems are highly tailored and scalable, which allows you to start small scale and expand your system over time. Therefore you can add more surveillance cameras, detectors, or smart devices as your needs change.
Convenient Mobile app and User Interface
The smart home app is highly evaluated for its usability. It lets you control your system from anywhere. Such as live video, arming or disarming the system, locking or unlocking doors are available.
Financial Options
You are able to finance the cost of devices to install, so you can settle it off over longer period, rather than paying a lump-sum upfront cost. This allows you to buy at more affordable price and make it more accessible to whom are looking for a premium system.
Drawbacks
Relatively Higher Costs. Vivint’s premium services go with higher costs than many DIY systems. The devices and experienced monitoring fees can be on the high-end area, but the cutting-edge features and technology can justify the price.
If you decide to finance the devices, Vivint generally requires a long-term contract from 3 to 5 years, which result in more cost burden. However, if you pay for the devices upfront, you can save interest expense.
Vivint Summary
Vivint excels in full-scale smart home integration, cutting-edge technology. Moreover, AI-powered security features, which make it the best pick for those who want a premium, tech-integrated home security service.
Conclusion
Why do people need home security system? We think that they don’t feel safe. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the crime rates are decreasing from the year prior, but the penetration rate of home security system is rising steadily. This reflect their feeling of insecurity.
When selecting a home security system, there are some crucial elements to make sure. Such as type of system, monitoring option, smart home integration, scalability, emergency power, privacy policy, and costs are factors to consider.
Based on our criteria, Vivint is top pick for home security service. The company is well known for full-scale smart home integration, advanced technology. In addition, AI-powered security functions, which make it the top pick for those who require a high-end, tech-oriented home security service.