Key takeaways
- Smart home security is the use of technology like sensors and alarms that connect to your smartphone to further secure your property.
- Benefits of investing in smart home security include insurance benefits, mobile alerts, and integrations with other smart home technology.
- The best smart home security systems include SimpliSafe, Ring, and ADT.
Are you looking to increase security at your smart home? Today’s market offers many smart home security systems and installers to choose from — and they all offer their own unique takes on how to best secure your property and add more convenient features.
In this post, we explain what smart home security is and go over its benefits. Then, we’ll list the top smart home security systems and help you decide which one to pick.
This post covers:
- What is smart home security?
- Benefits of smart home security systems
- Top 5 smart home security systems
- Smart security systems for larger properties
What is smart home security?
Smart home security is a way for you to keep your home safe using the latest technology. You can depend on sensors, cameras, smartphone apps, and more to keep your smart home secure.
In the past, homeowners and property managers securing their properties could only depend on brass locks and keys as security measures. But these days, innovators in the access control and security industries have increased functionality and convenience by introducing more technology into the mix.
Some home smart security system devices include:
- Sensors
- Cameras
- Smartphone apps
- Environmental hazard sensors
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
Benefits of smart home security systems
While some obvious benefits of smart home security systems include increased peace of mind and increased property safety, there are some other benefits that you may not have expected.
The benefits of security systems for smart homes include:
Mobile alerts
These days, the best smart home security systems come with smartphone apps that you can use to make changes and review alerts, even if you’re far from home.
For example, you’ll be able to see a live view of any cameras or sensors, helping you ensure that your property is free of any danger.
Integrations with other smart home technology
Smart home security systems are a great way to leverage the benefits of other smart technology you might already have in your home. Alternatively, if a smart home security system is your first piece of smart tech, it’s a great way to get started in the world of smart technology.
Other smart home devices that work with security systems are:
- Thermostats
- Smart lighting
- Speakers
Insurance benefits
When insurance companies set rates and premiums, they take a look at a variety of factors to determine how much you have to pay.
After you’ve installed a smart home security system, insurance companies will see that you’re handling yourself more responsibly and they’ll lower your rates to match.
Are smart home security systems worth it?
Yes, smart home security systems are worth it. They can protect you from all sorts of threats, from intruders to natural disasters — while increasing the overall functionality of your smart home.
However, if you’re focused on costs, you can cut down on expenditures by ensuring that the smart home security system you invest in doesn’t have monthly fees.
Top 5 smart home security systems
The top smart home security systems include:
1. SimpliSafe
Founded in Boston in 2006, SimpliSafe has expanded to serve homes across the country.
SimpliSafe’s features include:
- Professional monitoring. Choose between different tiers of professional monitoring from a SimpliSafe center depending on your needs.
- Integrations. Integrate SimpliSafe products with other popular brand offerings, like Amazon or Google voice assistants and August smart locks.
- Multiple products. Protect your home with a variety of entry sensors, environmental hazard sensors, and keypads.
How much is SimpliSafe per month?
Depending on the features you want, SimpliSafe costs between $10 and $30 per month. Higher-cost tiers grant benefits like professional monitoring and integrating with your smart home.
On the other hand, you can also forgo monitoring and avoid paying a monthly fee.
2. Ring
Ring Doorbells are one of the most popular single-family smart home security systems in today’s market.
Their features include:
- Ease of installation. Easily add a Ring Doorbell to any door. Maintenance is also simple because of the Ring’s removable, rechargeable battery.
- Expanded product line. Augment their flagship Ring Doorbell with products like cameras and subscription plans that unlock 24/7 professional monitoring.
- Installer support. If you’d prefer to let specialists handle an installation, you can enlist a Ring installer who can make specific recommendations for your property.
3. ADT
As one of the access control market’s most experienced companies, ADT has been serving customers since 1874.
ADT features include:
- App-based administration. With ADT’s Control app, you can manage alerts and send directions to smart home technology like lights, your thermostat, and locks.
- Hazard detection. In addition to security features, ADT can help protect against environmental dangers with sensors that detect carbon monoxide and water leaks.
- Monitoring capabilities. Choose between ADT’s monitoring plans to unlock features like video storage and integrations and automations to improve the efficiency of your smart home.
4. Vivint
Founded in 1999, Vivint has expanded from its Utah origins into one of the access control market’s most dependable players.
Vivint’s features include:
- Smart hub functionality. Vivint’s Smart Hub can knit your smart home together by communicating on major frequencies like Z-Wave and WiFi.
- Outdoor specialization. Vivint’s Outdoor Camera Pro has features like spotlights and noise alerts that can deter intruders.
- Integrations. You can integrate Vivint devices and use them with Google, Amazon, and Nest devices.
- Vivint security system cost. The cost of a Vivint security system depends on the amount of cameras and sensors that you buy. On top of that, Vivint security systems come with a monthly cost between $30 and $40 depending on the level of monitoring that you want.
5. Abode
Abode offers cameras, doorbells, and more with a focus on simple self-installation.
Count on Abode for features like:
- Monitoring capabilities. Choose from their Basic, Standard, or Pro tiers of monitoring. Depending on your preferences, you can get extra help with monitoring from a professional center or monitor your property yourself.
- Extended camera functionality. Abode’s cameras come with benefits like motion detection capabilities and battery power, making it one of the best wireless security systems.
- Sensor integrations. In addition to their cameras, Abode further secures your property with sensors that detect broken glass, opened or closed doors, and environmental hazards.
Smart security systems for larger properties
While these solutions work well with single-family homes, property managers in charge of gated communities or larger, multifamily apartments can also use technology to upgrade their residents’ living experience. And the best multifamily access control system is ButterflyMX.
ButterflyMX is installed in more than 10,000 buildings and has more than 20,000 five-star reviews, making it the best choice for multifamily and commercial smart security and access control.
ButterflyMX’s features include:
- Intuitive smartphone app. With our app, residents can easily swipe to open doors or gates and text Virtual Keys to visitors — increasing their convenience and satisfaction while maintaining high levels of security.
- Adaptability. Whether you’re managing a building with a few units or a vast, gated community, ButterflyMX can craft a purpose-built solution for your property. Complement our Intercom with our Keypads, Card Readers, Vehicle Reader, Elevator Controls, and more.
- Flagship intercom. Our Intercom comes with a wide-angle lens to ensure that visitors are seen in the frame. Choose between 8- and 12-inch models. What’s more, we support surface-mounting, recessed installations, and pedestals to fit the needs of every property.
- Integrations. ButterflyMX integrates with the most popular smart lock and property management software systems in the industry — and we provide a one-stop shop where you can make changes and edit permissions with the powerful ButterflyMX OS dashboard.
