And although a home security system can't stop a determined burglar from breaking into your house, it can discourage someone from breaking in if they know you have it (PDF), frighten someone away if they do get in, summon cops or firefighters in case of an emergency, and save you anywhere from 8 to 15 percent on your home-insurance premium. Still, if you want more peace of mind about the safety of your family and the security of your belongings, and if you want to know that someone will call emergency services should the need arise, a security system can play a valuable role. According to the FBI, the number of property crimes dropped in 2017, continuing a trend of over 25 years. You've probably worried about the safety of your home at some point, but it's important to know that most homes and apartments will never be burglarized. As a former editor for Electronic House and Big Picture Big Sound, I've written buying guides for multiple consumer-electronics products, and I've written articles covering technology for The New York Times (which is now Wirecutter's parent company), Wired, Woman's Day, Men's Health, and other publications. I've covered consumer electronics for more than 15 years and have tested scores of smart-home devices, from remotes and security cameras to AV receivers and speakers. We also sent security companies detailed questionnaires about their products and services. In the process of writing this guide, we interviewed peers, home security consultants, police departments, and insurance agents. Unlike the Ring Alarm system, however, it doesn't offer outdoor cameras or self-monitoring options you also can't add any non-SimpliSafe devices, and live customer service is available only from 9:00 a.m. It also has add-ons such as a video camera, a doorbell camera, smoke alarms, and additional sensors. SimpliSafe has a better-looking system than Ring, with voice prompts and support for Google Assistant as well as Amazon Alexa (but not Apple HomeKit). Plus, you get 24/7 live customer service.īy subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy. It's also one of the few systems to provide both arming and disarming via Alexa voice commands with a four-digit PIN. It also integrates with several third-party devices via the Works With Ring program, which includes brands such as First Alert, GE, Kwikset, Leviton, Schlage, Yale, and others, giving you more customization choices than other systems offer. You can expand it with a variety of Ring security cameras, including indoor, outdoor, and video doorbell cameras. Ring Alarm is the most comprehensive system we tested, with the most affordable monitoring plan we found. We found Ring Alarm to be the most affordable, comprehensive, and easy-to-use DIY home security system that has both self-monitoring and professional-monitoring options and doesn't lock you into a contract. Home security systems often require long contracts and pro installation, but there are smart systems you can install yourself that include a monitoring plan to keep tabs on it-and only when you want that. Read the full guide to home security systems. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter.
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