8 Affordable smart home security devices that won’t break the bank
Looking for smart home security on a budget? Then it might be best to skip out on a full security system with contracts and installation fees. Instead, you can opt for standalone security devices that help you cover the essentials, whether that’s an outdoor security camera, an indoor motion sensor, or a smart door or window sensor. Take a look at some of our favorite smart home security devices below.
Security systems used to come with long, intimidating contracts, often amounting to two-plus years. They also required a committed professional installation where they’d drill holes in your walls, run wires, and give you limited control over your security system via a control panel.
My, how times have changed. Nowadays, there’s a burgeoning market for affordable smart home security devices that emphasize DIY setup and enhanced user experience. Instead of forking over large chunks of money to have a full security system installed in your house, now you can buy a variety of interconnected smart security devices like cameras, motion sensors, smart locks, all of which you can install on your own.
Smart home security devices also do a lot of the work for you, so you don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring your devices to ensure your home is safe and sound.
Samsung SmartThings Hub Smart Home Automation Controller
Do you want to connect your smart home security devices to one central hub that you can manage from the same app? Samsung SmartThings makes for a great affordable smart home hub that’s compatible with more than 40 brands, so you’ll have no trouble building out a smart home security system within the Samsung ecosystem. The hub lets you automate Good Morning, Goodbye, and Goodnight routines that will automate your security system to perform specific actions throughout the day. For example, set your hub to Goodbye mode and it will fire up your security devices. Then it can send you alerts if the unexpected occurs.
Price: $57.99
A smart hub that connects your smart security devices under one app
Blink XT2 Indoor/Outdoor Smart Security Camera
It’s hard to find such a high-quality and versatile security camera at such a reasonable price. The Blink XT2 camera runs on two AA batteries so you can place it anywhere inside or outside of the house, as long as you’re in WiFi range. Its weather-proof exterior ensures it will function in even the harshest outdoor conditions. And a two-year battery life means you won’t have to worry about it failing when you need it most. It also works with Amazon Alex. If you have an Echo device in your home, you can simply ask the Blink camera to show you a live feed or record an event.
Price: $99.99
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- A highly versatile and affordable security camera
Igloohome Keybox 2 Smart Remote Access Lockbox
Leave a spare key safely back at home without worrying about the wrong person discovering its whereabouts. This Igloohome Keybox 2 allows you to grant access to your home remotely through an app. You can create Bluetooth keys or personalized PIN codes that last from anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, to permanent access for family members and loved ones. The Keybox 2 also gives you access logs so you can see who entered your home and when. Maybe it’s time to retire that fake rock that hides your spare key.
Price: $149.99
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- An activity log shows you everyone who entered your home
Kangaroo Siren Smart Keypad Alarm
If you want basic smart home security without the costly add-ons like security cameras, consider the Kangaroo Siren Smart Keypad Alarm. At its most basic, the keypad alarm pairs with Kangaroo intrusion sensors placed by your doors and windows to alert you to any unusual activity while you’re not home. And when you are home, the keypad has a built-in siren that will sound off if any of your sensors are breached. It’s a great basic smart security system with plenty of room to add more equipment if you want something more sophisticated.
Price: $69.99
An extremely affordable smart security system
Kwikset Premis Touchscreen Smart Lock
Keep a better gauge on who enters your home with the Kwikset Premis Touchscreen Smart Lock. It replaces the traditional deadbolt key with a keypad that allows for up to 30 unique user and guest codes for family and service professionals. From the app, you can check your lock status, lock and unlock the door remotely, monitor who has entered the house and control the lock completely through Siri. And this Kwikset lock is far from an eyesore, giving your doors a subtle but modern look.
Price: $229
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- Lock and unlock your doors remotely
Ring Alarm Smart Home Security Kit
You don’t need to go all out to give your home comprehensive security. The Ring Alarm Smart Home Security Kit is a great affordable option to keep your home safe while you’re not there. The Ring Base Station pairs with contact sensors that you can place on all the windows and doors throughout your house. It also comes with a motion sensor that detects any movement inside your house once your system is armed. And if you don’t want to deal with self-monitoring your Ring security system, you can opt for Ring’s professional monitoring service that covers your 24/7, even if your Wi-Fi goes down.
Price: $199
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- Ring professional monitoring works when your Wi-Fi is down
Sensative Z-Wave Plus Strips Invisible Window Sensor
Some window and door sensors are an eyesore. But Sensative Z-Wave Plus Strips are practically invisible. But they’re just as effective as any intrusion sensors on the market. They use magnetic fields to detect when a window has been opened to alert you accordingly. And they’re compatible with other Z-Wave hubs or products, so it pairs seamlessly with any Z-Wave smart security or smart home hub for easier automation and control.
Price: $49.95
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- These sensors are as thin as two stacked credit cards
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect gives you full transparency over who comes through your doors, even while you’re away from home. It offers a number of useful features beyond those of a typical smart door lock, like its DoorSense technologies that can tell you if your door isn’t closed all the way. And with its Auto-Lock technology, you can rest easy knowing if you forget to lock your door on your way to work, you can lock it remotely through the app. It also works with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, so you can use it within almost any smart home ecosystem.
Price: $209.47
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- Syncs with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa
If you’re on a budget, it’s worth dodging full-scale, expensive security systems in lieu of the array of standalone affordable smart home security devices that are flooding the security market. That way you’ll have more control in terms of your budget, both by choosing more affordable smart home security devices and by keeping it to the essentials you need to make your home smarter and more secure. What are your favorite smart home security devices?
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