Burglar alarms have just gotten smarter. Now you can observe and protect your property using a wireless home security system which is more customisable than traditional home alarms.
If you are looking to protect certain locations in your home, would feel comfortable having video surveillance outside your property, or would like to check for intruders even when you are not home – you can control all of this using a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet.
If more protection is what you want, here are our top recommendations for the best home security systems to keep you and your property secure.
What is smart home security?
A smart alarm works in the same way as a standard burglar alarm, except it uses wi-fi to connect the system and notify you using an application. It will alert you with a siren when any of the sensors are triggered, just like a traditional alarm – however it allows you to have more control and customise your settings.
Instead of a panel by your front door, you can control the settings of your home security system using an app on a smart device. This allows you to activate and disarm the alarm, even if you are out of the house. It will also inform you if any of the motion sensors have been triggered and in what location.
What to consider when buying a smart home security system
The kit
You will need to check that your smart home security system comes with a sensor that will suit your needs. For example, if you have pets, you will need to adjust the height of your sensor or have one that detects human heat so your dog or cat won’t trigger it by accident. Another thing to look out for is keypads and fobs. Some systems feature keypads and fobs that make activating and disarming the alarm easier than with an app. This may come in handy if cleaners or other individuals let themselves into your home.
Installation
Most smart alarms will be easy to install yourself, but it is good to know if you will require a professional to set it up before your purchase.
Smart device compatibility
For smart alarms to work, you will need a tablet or a smartphone to control the settings and alarms. Many systems are voice-controlled through Google Home or Amazon Alexa. When choosing your device, it is good to check what system it is compatible with.
Monitoring services
Depending on your needs, some smart home security systems will come with an optional subscription service that will monitor your home alarm and contact the emergency services if there appears to be a break-in. Subscriptions for professional monitoring can range from £8 to £19.99 per month.
The best smart home security systems UK
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission for purchases made through our links, we never allow this to influence product selections. Why trust us?
Best overall smart home security system
The Yale Sync Smart Home Alarm family kit is one of the best overall smart home security alarms on the market. It comes with six devices u2013 a smart hub, external siren, keypad, contact sensor, and two motion detectors to keep your family safe and secure. Not to mention it can be paired with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Philips Hue smart light bulbs and has a range of 200 metres so you can protect different rooms in your home. This smart alarm will also provide you with live updates to your smart home if it detects any movement. In addition, the Yale Smart Home Alarm contains no monthly fees, so your upfront payment is your only expense.
Pros
• Customisable
• Cheaper than other alarm systems on the market
• Compatible with up to 40 smart devices
• It comes with loud external sirens
Cons
• No professional monitoring provided
• Complex command phrases for Alexa
Review: “Bought this alarm early last week and so far been very impressed. Quality is a lot better than I thought considering the price - the bell box is sturdy, and all components modern and neat. My husband used video instructions to fit the alarm and set up the app, and he found both fairly simple. The main incentive to buy was the fact it can be integrated with Philips Hue and Alexa, which we’ve had for a while, so it seemed like a good choice. I also like the fact it’ll remind me on my phone if I forget to set it! Definitely made the right decision – good integrations, easy to use app and quality product.”
Best outdoor security camera smart system:
This security camera alarm system from Blinks is a good pick if you are looking for extra security. This four-camera kit is wireless, weather-resistant (perfect for unpredictable British weather), and has night vision so you can view what is happening outside your home rain or shine u2013 dark or light. You can also get motion detection alerts on your phone in customisable motion zones in the Blink Home Monitor app, so you will only be notified when you need to be.
Pros
• It contains a two-year battery life
• Live video streaming
• No monthly fees
• Weather-resistant
Cons
• No siren or bell box
• Professional monitoring not provided
Review: “All setup and working within 15 minutes. Works from wi-fi and via mobile phone. Will be adding more to the system! I added the second camera and it synchronised perfectly. Also bought a 256GB USB stick to plug into the ‘Sync’ unit, therefore no subscription required. Night view with no street lighting has a good clear picture of my driveway due to the integral IR light.”
Best no-contract home monitoring smart security system:
This versatile and easy-to-use SimpliSafe Home Security 7-piece System is ideal for smaller households and comes with a base station, keypad, SimpliCam, two entry sensors, and one motion sensor. It is also pet friendly as it designed with precision-engineered sensors to detect heat signatures of human intruders and not roaming pets. In addition, the package includes a 24-hour live video stream, intruder and motion alerts, an internal microphone and night vision. However, the biggest disadvantage of the SimpliSafe system is that it does not contain an external siren or bell box, which is the first alert to an intruder that your home is protected.
Pros
• Easy DIY installation
• Security camera included
• Voice control by Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa
• Professional monthly monitoring option
Cons
• No external siren
• Higher up-front costs
Review: “I bought this Simplisafe alarm system after a lot of research, and it is definitely worth the time I took. Really easy to set up in minutes; adding additional sensors, siren and cameras is a doddle. However, my entire house and detached garage are now fully protected. I also signed up for the optional monitoring service, and this works great as well. I would highly recommend this product to anyone considering an alarm install.”
Best smart device home security system
This highly rated Ring Alarm will alert you on your smart device when someone has entered a room, window, or door via the free Ring application. You can also pair this smart security system with the best-selling ring doorbell, so all your systems are in sync. This 5-piece kit includes a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender. You can also purchase a kit according to your needs. A seven, nine and ten-piece kit are available.
Pros
• Affordable
• DIY installation
• Different range of cameras
• Alexa compatibility
Cons
• No professional monitoring
• No outdoor siren provided
Review: "I chose the Ring system as it seemed straightforward to install myself, can be controlled by an app and can be easily added to and updated going forward. A bonus is that it can be integrated with my existing Ring outside cameras and the Ring doorbell. Installation was fairly straightforward.”
Best budget smart home security device
If you are looking for a budget smart home alarm system, then this extremely reasonable wireless system from ASGHome is a great choice. Controlled by an app available on iOS and Android smartphones, you can be alerted when motion is detected around windows, doors, and other entries. If an intruder is detected, you will receive a push alert on the alarm will issue a loud noise. The system comes with five contact sensors for windows and doors, two remote controls and the alarm siren.
Pros
• Affordable
• App connected
• No subscription
Cons
• App is not the easiest to use
Review: “This wireless Alarm System is brilliant. The fact it’s under £60 and the amount of cool features this offers when it comes to home security makes this gadget a great value for money.”
Best simple and standard home security alarm
If you have looked through these smart security systems and you think that they do not fit your needs then this simple and straightforward home alarm does not require a smart device but provides exceptional home security.
Best standard home alarm
If you live in a smaller home, flat, or looking to protect your mobile home, then the Tiiwee X3 Home Alarm System would be a great pick. It is a simple smart system that is easy to install and doesnu2019t have any contract fees. The kit comes equipped with three-door or window alarms that are loud and designed to discourage burglars and comes with one central control for activating and deactivating the alarm. For example, when you are at home, you can switch the status button to u201cat homeu201d, and the system will be activated. Then if an intruder attempts to enter your home, the loud alarm will sound immediately.
Pros
• Simple
• Loud alarm
• No added fees
Cons
• Not smart device connected
Review: “Bought this product based on the reviews it had received, and I have to say I’m very impressed. Being on a budget, finding a security solution for my home was exhausting as the pricing was always out of reach, but this alarm is beyond fantastic for such a great price.”
Are smart home security systems worth it?
Smart alarms give you more control over your home security; however, they don’t always come with an external alarm that is placed in the front of your house, which can act as a deterrent to intruders. In addition, many smart home security systems will offer professional monitoring services. Still, they are not as comprehensive as those provided by traditional alarms as they will not dispatch the police if the alarm has been triggered.
However, if you are looking for a way to view what is going on outside your property and monitor your home even when you are out of the house, then the smart system would be an excellent investment.
Popular articles to read next
The best home alarm systems to keep you and your home safe 24/7