If the thought of getting a home security system raises alarm bells — How much do these things cost? Is there a yearly fee? Do I have to get in a professional to install it? Is it hard to use? — let us put your mind at rest by telling you that the best home alarm systems nowadays are surprisingly economical and user-friendly, a breeze to set up all by yourself, and come with no contract or fees.
From as little as £40, you can start deterring intruders, monitoring your property, and protecting your home and family.
How do I choose a home alarm system?
There are three main types of home alarm systems to choose from.
Contact sensors attach to windows or doors and alert you if these have been opened, either by way of a loud siren, or a notification on your smart device.
Motion sensors can sense any movement in their field of “vision” and again, depending on how you’ve set them up, either alert you via siren or a smart notification.
Camera security enables you to see any action happening either inside or outside of the house via an app on your smart device, and you also have the option to record and playback video footage, too.
Home alarm systems come in many forms and can be a mix and match of the above main types, i.e. the Ring Alarm 10-piece home security kit includes three motion sensors, and four-door and window alarms, and you can also sync it with home security cameras (or smart doorbell cameras) to get the fully-comp home security experience.
Whether you want a simple intruder siren at the front door with an on-off switch, or if you want to be able to monitor every door and window in your house, as well as any movement both inside and outside via a smartphone or tablet, you’ll be able to find something for you on our list of the best home alarm systems below.
Here's the shortlist:
Blinks Outdoor Wireless Weather-Resistant 4 HD Security Camera System
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Best safe home alarm systems:
1 of 10Yale Sync IA-320 Sync Smart Home Security Alarm System
Best self-monitored home security system 2021: The Yale IA-320 smart home security alarm system is a six-piece system (smart hub, keypad, contact sensor, external siren, and two motion detectors) but can accommodate up to 40 accessories if you want to expand. You can pair it with your Alexa and Google Home, and it has a large range which means you can protect all areas of your home and garden easily plus, you'll also get live updates on your phone when movement is detected which is so handy.
£188.99
- Rrp: £269.99
2 of 10Tiiwee X3 Home Alarm System
Best simple home alarm system: This home security system is economical, simple to install and use, doesn't come with contract fees and will work straight away. The kit comes with three loud door or window alarm sirens plus it's designed to deter unwanted guests, and one main control for activation and deactivation.
£66.97
3 of 10Blinks Outdoor Wireless Weather-Resistant 4 HD Security Camera System
Best weatherproof home alarm systems: If you want cameras to add to your existing alarm system, then the Blink Outdoor security camera system is for you. This four-camera kit — an Amazon bestseller — is wireless, weather-resistant, and it has infrared night vision so you can clearly see what's happening around your house. It's a dream for finding peace of mind no matter what.
£109.00
- Rrp: £274.99
4 of 10Ring Alarm 10-Piece Home Security System Kit
Best smart home security system: The ultra popular and highly-rated Ring Alarm system will send notifications to your smart device if someone has entered a room or opened a window or door via their free app. It comes with all you need to protect your home and family; four door and window sensors, three motion sensors, an quality keypad, and a range extender for larger homes. It can also be paired with the hit, security favourite Ring doorbell.
5 of 10Thurstar Security System
Best home alarm systems for small homes: You can't really top the Thurstar security system on its value. It's really ideal for smaller homes and comes with a base station, window and door sensors, contact sensors, plus easy to use remote controls. You can also control it via the app or even by voice control. "I am really impressed," reads one five-star review for this kit. "It really does work well. I bought two sets as they are well priced and did a whole house."
6 of 10JC Wireless GSM & WiFi Security Alarm System
Best pet-friendly home alarm system: Motion sensor alarms are a great security idea in theory, but if you have any four-legged friends running around when you're out of the house then you could find yourself with an issue. Enter the JC wireless and pet-friendly home security system with pet immunity. "It works perfectly if you place it correctly," wrote one loving cat owner. "It always triggers for people and never my cats, even if I try to trick it by walking on all fours!"
7 of 10AGSHome Wireless Smart Home Alarm Security System
Best contact sensor home security system: Another value for money home alarm system is the wireless smart version from ASGHome that includes five contact sensors for windows and doors, two remote controls and the loud alarm siren. You can get a message on your phone whenever a window or door is opened, plus you'll also be immediately alerted if the alarm goes off while you're out and about. One satisfied customer explained, "The alarm is loud and is very responsive, the siren activates immediately when a window/door is opened, followed by a notification on my phone from the app."
8 of 10KERUI Home Security System
**Best cheap home alarm system:**The KERUI wireless home alarm system is efficient but a home security that isn't overly complex or pricey. The Amazon's Choice kit has three contact sensors, two motion detectors, two wireless remote-control alarm-activating key fobs, and an effective horn alarm. This kit can also support up to 30 additional wireless detectors.
£29.99
9 of 10Eufy 5-Piece Security Home Alarm Kit
Best home alarm systems with easy installation: This five-piece home security set from Eufy can be set up easily and in no time at all. The Installation is simply fixing the keypad and motion detectors to their mounts, popping them into place and then downloading the monitoring app onto your smart device. "Brilliant system. Easy to install. Does everything I need it to do," wrote one very happy customer, and another added, "The system is incredibly easy to set up; pairing sensors is a breeze and new sensors are reasonably priced."
£119.00
- Rrp: £159.00
10 of 10Honeywell Home HS342S Wireless Home and Garden Alarm Kit
Best home alarm system with dummy siren: It's well known that an intruder is less likely to break in if your property is noticeably alarmed and protected. The two large sirens that the Honeywell home security kit has plus the visible motion detector bright red flashing LED lights make it clear your home is protected. One buyer said it "makes a good noise [and has] some great features like anti-tamper on the control unit and outside box" which is a lifesaver.