The best home security systems in 2018

By Mark Myerson on Nov 10, 2018, 8:00 am EST under Daily Digest

When you’re away, it’s only natural to worry about your home. These home security systems provide some peace of mind, with smart features that keep watch over your property.

What are the benefits of smart home security systems? These devices can tell you exactly what’s going on in your home, and alert you to intruders.
How effective are motion detection systems? They are very good. Many now use AI to tell the difference between human and feline intruders.
Where can I find more home security systems? Check out our Home Security collection for more great options.

When someone enters your home without permission, they do more than commit a crime. Even if none of your stuff is taken, the act of breaking and entering can leave you feeling violated. With these traumas in mind, it’s definitely worth investing in home security.

There are numerous ways to protect your home nowadays. While traditional cameras and alarms can be useful, they are often expensive and they can cry wolf. In contrast, smart home security systems can alert you to threats, capture the action and even call for help. Here’s our pick of the bunch.

Which home security systems are best?

There are several types of DIY home security systems on the market. Some rely totally on cameras to pick up unwanted visitors. Others use motion detection sensors to spot would-be intruders. Some even use sound to detect breaking and entering.

For the best possible protection, it’s a good idea to blend these options together. For instance, you could have a Wi-Fi-connected camera in your front yard, and motion sensors inside your home, or vice versa.

Furthermore, some home security systems are more proactive than others. It’s worth investing in a system that will alert you to threats and take action, rather than simply recording the crime.

With that in mind, check out these top picks.

Honeywell Smart Home Security Base Station

The Honeywell Bas Station offers facial recognition

This Alexa-enabled smart camera doubles as the brain of your home security network. The device uses motion detection and facial recognition to sort friend from foe. The Base Station also provides mobile alerts, and it can even play sounds to deter intruders.

Price: $349 USD

Circle 2 Wireless Home Security Camera

You can place the Circle 2 camera anywhere

Thanks to a rechargeable battery, this smart security camera from Logitech needs no cables. The 180-degree lens works day and night, and Circle 2 sends smart alerts to your phone. In addition, the app actually produces a daily highlights reel.

Price: $179.99 USD

Wink Lookout Smart Home Security Suite

Wink Lookout Smart Home Security Suit - The best home security systems in 2018

Wink Lookout can call 911

With two door sensors, a motion detector and a siren, Wink Lookout provides a great home security starter kit. You can add sensors as needed, and the app makes it easy to react to threats: you can sound the siren, call 911, or call a local contact.

Price: $199 USD

[tweet_box]These home security systems provide some peace of mind, with smart features that keep watch over your property.[/tweet_box]

Presence by Netatmo Outdoor Security Camera

Presence by Netatmo knows who is in your yard

You can think of Presence as more like a watchdog than a simple security camera. Thanks to intelligent software, the camera can tell the difference between a pet and a human intruder. It can also alert you when a car pulls in to your driveway.

Price: $299.99 USD

Nest Secure Smart Alarm System

The Nest alarm makes it easy to check in

The folks at Nest know what they are doing when it comes to smart home devices. This alarm is no exception, providing foolproof protection. Whenever you arrive at or leave your home, you simply tap a keychain tag on the device.

Price: $399 USD

SimpliSafe Compact Home Security System

Even if the power is cut, SimpliSafe will keep watch

If someone tries to break and enter, SimpliSafe will automatically alert the police and sound a 95dB siren. It stays live through power cuts, and even smashing up the keypad can’t stop this smart security system.

Price: $229.96 USD

Ring Alarm Smart Home Security Kit

The Ring Alarm kit offers impressive coverage

This comprehensive kit includes a contact sensor and a motion detector to keep your home covered. The app provides mobile alerts, and it can use cellular networks as a backup when your Wi-Fi is down. You also have the option to pay for professional monitoring with Ring.

Price: $199 USD

Elgato Eve Motion Wireless Motion Sensor

It doesn’t get more affordable than Elgato Eve

The most affordable solution here is the Elgato Eve. This standalone motion sensor can be placed anywhere thanks to a long-lasting battery. The device sends updates to your iOS devices via Apple HomeKit.

Price: $48.56 USD

Aura Home Motion Detection Device

Aura can detect intruders through walls

There are several impressive features that make Aura stand out. Firstly, this device can detect motion through walls. In addition, Aura can interpret motion and keep track of family and friends. It’s a seriously smart system.

Price: $199 USD

The best home security systems

All of these home security systems offer something different. Your choice should depend on your budget, your home, how long you spend away from home, and many other factors. But no matter what your needs are, the home security systems above should keep your property protected.

How do you protect your home when you’re away? We would love to hear your reviews and lifehacks in the comments.