Selecting the most appropriate home alarm system for your home requires a lot of consideration. It is quite challenging to decide which system is the most effective out of the numerous ones available in the market today This highlights the most important things to consider while choosing a Home Security System, a general overview of the existing systems, and the best brands to approach.
Key Factors To Consider
When researching home alarm systems, keep the following factors in mind:
- Coverage area – Ensure that the sensors should cover all the entries and rooms you wish to monitor. Take note of the limitations when choosing the range.
- The options available for monitoring – A majority of companies provide professional monitoring services that can be obtained through an additional monthly charge. Also, there are programs for self-monitoring.
- Smart home compatibility – If you desire to have a smart home, then you should consider a system that is compatible with smart locks, lights, thermostats, etc.
- Some of the factors that define the usability of the security system include;
- Scalability – If you may in the future need to add more devices, ensure that the system is expandable.
- Contracts and fees – Beware of contracts with long terms and conditions that tie you down, and additional fees you did not bargain for. Additional charges may include monthly fees if professional monitoring is being done.
- Reputation and reviews – The best practice before buying a system is to go through professional and customer reviews.
Different Home Security Systems
Home alarm systems typically fall into three main categories:
Professionally Monitored Systems
The most traditional type is the professionally installed and monitored systems. In case of alarm activation, a monitoring center is notified and may call for emergency response. Some services require a monthly fee for round-the-clock monitoring but for many homeowners, it is well worth the added protection.
Self-Monitored Systems
Self-monitored systems send mobile alerts right to the homeowner if a sensor picks up on something. You can then proceed to take more action such as reporting the culprit to the police. The monthly monitoring fees are missing, but it leaves you with the responsibility of doing it, and it is not very costly.
Smart Home Security Systems
Smart home systems rely on wireless connectivity and smart devices to notify the homeowners and enable them to control the features. Examples include arming and disarming the system through a smartphone app and being notified when kids arrive home from school.
Top Home Security Brands
Now let’s cover five of the top-rated home security system brands in the industry:
1. Vivint – Vivint provides homeowners with a personalized system and it is being monitored around the clock. All equipment arrives already professionally installed and ready for use within the first 24 hours. Vivint has earned high ratings from customers for its advanced technology and quick reaction time; however, the cost of the service is rather high, and it gets even higher if you choose the highest level of monitoring response. Long contracts ranging from four to five years are also prevalent.
2. ADT – ADT is one of the oldest and most recognized home security companies serving seven million plus customers. They are professionally installed and can be rented or purchased for anyone’s use. A plus is that ADT’s monitoring network is nationwide and extends to Canada. Despite this, the consumers find that the customer service varies with different outlets despite being consistent in their provision of quality products.
3. Frontpoint – Frontpoint offers the best DIY security and professional security systems, month-to-month service, and good customer service. Several packages and the options in monitoring packages and equipment are wide and economical. Frontpoint also has the advantage of compatibility with various smart home technologies. The main disadvantage is the scarcity of the product in some regions of the country.
4. SimpliSafe – For a relatively affordable cost and straightforward installation process, this gets two thumbs up. It is cheap, easy to install, and easily portable especially if you are transitioning from one house to another. In terms of the costs of monitoring, it’s not very expensive either. In terms of service and equipment, SimpliSafe works quite well but it is not as advanced as its higher-tier counterparts in terms of smart home compatibility or camera resolution.
5. Ring Alarm – If you already own Ring video doorbells and cameras, it might be wise to stick with them since the company’s existing technology integrates well with Ring Alarm. If you’re looking for the easiest integration, however, the Ring Alarm security system may be your best option. Installation requires approximately 20 minutes and the no-contract month-to-month service allows you to cancel or modify monitoring at any time. It offers many features for its price range but some features are only available with the Ring Protect subscription plan. Moreover, the sensor range may be wider.
The Best Home Alarm System for You
In the matter of determining the best home security system, it is important to know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for a specific brand. It is crucial to identify an option that provides dependable equipment, good monitoring, a clear pricing policy, and friendly customer service for your specific residence type. This guide will help you compare different system types and leading home alarm brands to assess their advantages and disadvantages. Think about where you are willing to sacrifice and find the best balance between rational security, costs, and flexibility for guarding your home area.
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