You’ve probably heard of the term “smart home”, and may even have a friend or two with smart home features: a smart speaker, smart television, smart light bulbs, even a smart refrigerator! While smart home features are designed for convenience and to make your life just that little bit easier, that’s not their only purpose.
Smart security is an important segment in the smart device industry. From door sensors, to keypads, smart locks, and smart security cameras, there are many options on the market that are designed to make your home more safe and secure. Some systems can even be retrofitted to your existing security, such as easy-to-install smart door locks. All these systems provide an extra level of security beyond a basic manual door lock or home alarm system.
While an extra level of security may sound like a welcome addition to your home, your first question may be a simple one: is it worth it? These systems can range in price, from the simple and affordable to the more expensive and comprehensive. Ultimately, is the initial investment worth the short and long-term security they may provide? Let’s take a closer look at this question and some smart home security devices which might just fit the bill and be right for your home.
DO YOU NEED IT?
Home monitoring systems have existed for several decades, pairing alarms with additional security features that are usually bundled with a monthly fee. For example, ADT Security, a maker of popular home security systems (including smart home security), ranges in price from about US$37 a month (about $9 per week) to $53 a month (about $14 per week). While smart security systems aren’t necessarily a holistic alternative to traditional home security systems, they can provide a more budget-friendly way to secure your home and safeguard it in the unlikely event of a burglary or home invasion.
The abode Essentials Starter Kit, for example, is a $189 wireless smart security system which works in tandem with Amazon Alexa devices, such as Amazon’s Echo series. While perhaps not as comprehensive as a security system from ADT, the adobe system may do the trick for you. A smart security system isn’t the only option, however, as many different devices fit different niches.
SMART INDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS
Indoor security cameras provide passive video surveillance—you guessed it—inside your home. Set up a camera indoors to safely and remotely monitor the goings-on; anything from active situations to suspicious activity. As a bonus, they can be used as impromptu baby or even dog monitors if other options aren’t presently available.
Our pick is the Amazon Cloud Cam, which provides a crisp 1080p HD live feed with prompt notifications and 24-hour clip storage, available for just $119.99.
SMART LOCK
Your door lock is one of the first lines of defense to deter any would-be invaders. While a traditional mechanical door lock may suffice for some, a smart lock can augment a traditional lock’s already stout defense and provide an extra layer of protection at a crucial entrance to your home.
Our pick for one of the best smart locks on the market is the August Smart Lock Pro, with features like remote monitoring from your home, voice recognition, and automatic unlocking (provided your phone is in your pocket), all with easy installation.
SMART DOORBELL
It may leave you thinking, “Who in the world needs a smart doorbell?” the first time you come across one, but don’t dismiss the concept entirely. Smart doorbells feature automatic alerts to your phone, HD video monitoring, and give you the ability to see, hear, and speak to visitors without ever opening the door, all from the comfort of your phone, tablet, or PC.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is our pick from the smart doorbell segment. It features everything listed above, as well as Amazon Alexa integration and works with a wide range of operating systems like Apple iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows 10 devices. Did we mention the lifetime theft protection offered by Ring, which guarantees free replacement if your smart doorbell gets stolen?
HOLISTIC SMART SECURITY
These are just three systems filling different niches, but there are many, many more smart home security devices to fill almost any need. Consider a smart home alarm system too, like the Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit with Amazon Alexa integration.
Your options are nearly limitless, meaning you can tailor your smart home security devices to fit your specific needs. We’re entering a new era in home security, and all these devices are worthy investments to help ensure that you, your family, and your possessions have some of the best security around.
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