Best Home Security Systems Sold Online

The SimpliSafe system is a top home security options that covers most users with everything needed to secure a property, without extra Wi-Fi and smart home integrations. As such, this simple-to-install DIY setup is an excellent choice for many home owners. You can choose to outfit your property with security equipment including security cameras, battery-powered motion detection sensors, a base station and more. Once your system arrives, it's up to you to install it yourself. No worries, though, as SimpliSafe made this very easy.

Each sensor comes with a pre-applied sticky tab on its detachable backs. Just peel and stick with absolutely no wiring necessary. If you need to move something, the sensors detach from their backings, exposing the sticky tabs for easy removal that doesn't damage your walls. Once all that's done, the only task that remains is to plug in the base station to a standard power outlet.

With all of your sensors in the correct locations, you'll put the keypad into pairing mode, and then pair everything together by pressing a button on each sensor, and then giving it a name on the keypad. If you'd like to make additional tweaks to the system, you can head over to the SimpliSafe's user-friendly web portal or via the equally sleek SimpliSafe app. The entire setup process is smooth, and most homes can be easily secured in a matter of hours. Of course, those with dozens of windows and doors will have a slightly longer experience, simply because of the time needed to name each sensor.

Some home security companies come with all of their devices paired so that they are truly plug and play, but this is about as painless a self-install security system process as you'll find anywhere. Shopping around is always wise, but for straightforward home security, we feel confident saying that SimpliSafe is among the very best options on the market.

Arlo is known for its high-quality video and artificial intelligence features. Users can choose from a variety of notification settings, and the world-class Arlo cameras and sensors easily detect people, packages, or pets, leading to very specific and helpful notifications. The stellar video quality and ease of installation of these cameras makes them among the very best for any home security system. And, all but the indoor camera are completely wire-free. Color night vision also provides high-quality nighttime footage. There are also zoom and track features to help you get the best images. Outdoor cameras have a spotlight built-in, which enhances color night vision as well as discouraging potential intruders.

These much-loved cameras work with the Arlo Smart Hub base station, but not all require it, as some can function relying on a Wi-Fi signal instead. Of course, the Smart Hub increases both the range as well as the battery life of each of the cameras attached to it. Those who prefer to have local storage for camera footage are in luck as Arlo's Smart Hub is a perfect choice. This lets you access the footage without needing to rely on a cloud server.

Of course, all of these sleek and effective security features contribute to a more expensive bottom line. The Arlo system itself is on the pricier side, and if you want all of the best in smart detection features, you'll need select one or more of the add-on options including 24/7 continuous video recording.

Yet, all things considered, Arlo is still an excellent choice for many users, including those who already have Apple’s HomeKit, as this is one of the very few home security systems to support it. And, rather than contribute to the exclusionary world of compatibility, the Arlo also works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa smart home systems. You also can call 911 directly from Arlo's mobile app, and it will connect you to the emergency services departments closest to your home.

Vivint's admirable array of gadgets give a unified user experience, but up-front costs may prove too expensive for many customers. The overall user interface and experience is far superior to that which you get with any of the standalone security devices and systems. Thankfully, the benefts go far beyond Vivint's diverse array of entry, environmental, or glass breakage sensors, as both the Vivint app and the central console, which appears much live a touchscreen tablet attached to your wall, give you all of the necessary information right at the tip of your fingers in an easy-to-use and understand layout.

Two primary problems have plagued the integrated home for years. The first is an issue of power. WiFi can quickly drain any devices batteries, but routers often lack communication with low-energy radio protocols like Z-Wave or Zigbee. The second problem is with continuity, as some brands will work with Alexa and Google assistants, but not Siri, while others are Apple-exclusive.

Among the best home security systems available, Vivint solves both of these problems. The Vivint Smart Hub has a Z-Wave receiver built into it, so low-energy devices like flood sensors and motion detectors work seamlessly with the larger system. And since all the devices are proprietary or curated by Vivint, everything communicates without issue.

Paying for each of the devices is no small chunk of change, and even minor overpricing on a few items can quickly add up to some serious cash. But, many people will be more than happy to hand over the cash to save the hassle and challenges of do it yourself home installation, integration, and testing. If the benefit of no-added stress is worth more to you than the hundreds of dollars you might save by outfitting your house with a DIY security system and a few standalone devices, Vivint's an outstanding option for all of your home security needs.