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The best home security systems have various benefits, including increased security, protection and surveillance. Depending on the system, they can be easily installed without professional help and allow homeowners to monitor their properties remotely via other smart devices within the home.
Our Editor’s Choice is SimpliSafe’s The Tower – ideal for average three bedroom homes. If professional monitoring is your priority, we recommend the ADT Smart Home Alarm Package. Verisure offers some of the best bespoke home security systems and Abode provides some of the best value for money systems for households working on a budget.
Our top picks for the best home security systems balance security, budget, features and flexibility to help you find the perfect home security solution for your needs.
The Tower wins our award for best overall home security system. It’s budget-friendly and comes with a choice of self- or professional monitoring and no lengthy contracts.
Exclusive deal: Get 40% off with code UKINDY40 at checkout
Exclusive deal: Get 40% off with code UKINDY40 at checkout
Verisure fits customisable home security systems designed to match your unique security needs. Professional installation is provided and associated costs are included in your quote.
Ring’s Alarm and Indoor Camera Pack is DIY-friendly – its self-adhesive equipment won’t leave a trace. Ring’s professional monitoring is affordable and packages can be customised.
Telcamm security expert Carlos Dhunay has warned homeowners with CCTV and video doorbells that they could face a £100,000 fine if they fail to comply with legal regulations surrounding their security equipment. For example, home security cameras that record footage outside your property line like a public street or your neighbour’s garden are breaking the law, specifically the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and The Data Protection Act (DPA).
| Provider | Best for | Rating | Review | Find out more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Visit SimpliSafe |
Editor’s Choice | ★★★★½ | SimpliSafe review | Visit Site |
 Visit Verisure |
Best bespoke package | ★★★★½ | Verisure review | Visit Site |
 Visit Ring |
Best DIY | ★★★★ | Ring review | Visit Site |
 Visit ADT |
Best professional monitoring | ★★★★½ | ADT review | Visit Site |
Our top home security systems put to the test
We updated this roundup in June 2024 – our best smart alarm systems are all in stock, and their prices are accurate.
Our experts research and test each product, comparing features, prices and performance to make impartial recommendations for your home. To find out more, read our detailed article on how we review home security systems.
Our Editor’s Choice is SimpliSafe’s The Tower – a ready-made package with no additional equipment needed. Self-monitoring and professional monitoring options are available.
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
SimpliSafe is one of the UK’s leading home security brands and has a catalogue of systems to choose from. We recommend SimpliSafe if you’re after ready-made packages that can also be customised. All its packages are compatible with smart home ecosystems Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Assistant.
Our Editor’s Choice is SimpliSafe’s The Tower – a ready-made package with no need for additional equipment. Self-monitoring and professional monitoring options are available.
The Tower offers both indoor and outdoor protection for your home. The entire system is connected via the Base Station. Most of SimpliSafe’s competitors don’t provide two entry sensors, but The Tower does, providing security for both your front and back doors. Most of its equipment is designed to cover a wide field of view (FOV) – the wired indoor camera has a 120-degree FOV, and the wireless outdoor camera has an ultra-wide 140-degree FOV and night vision.
We also like the features that the keypad offers. When paired with your entry sensors, you’ll be notified about security events, such as when you’ve left your windows open. The motion sensor is equally impressive for two reasons: it can protect an entire room with its 10-metre range and a 90-degree FOV, and it differentiates between human and pet movements.
You can and should judge a smart home security system based on its app and monitoring services. The Tower (and other SimpliSafe packages) ticks all our boxes. With the SimpliSafe app, you can access security features and control your system remotely. The app also allows you to watch your live camera feed, arm and disarm your system and receive instant notifications about security events.
SimpliSafe users can choose between self-monitoring or professional monitoring, and there are two flexible monitoring plans available, starting at 53p per day.
If you take out one of the monthly subscription plans, you’ll benefit from 24/7 professional monitoring. With the more advanced monitoring package, the SimpliSafe monitoring centre is notified of any security concerns and can dispatch emergency services to your home.
SimpliSafe’s The Tower is a comprehensive, ready-made home security system. There’s no need to purchase additional equipment (but the package can be easily adapted with add-ons if you wish), and you can choose self- or professional monitoring.
However, it’s not the most budget-friendly system; there are less expensive options, such as SimpliSafe’s The Essentials package. We’d still recommend The Tower for homeowners looking for high-quality equipment, high-tech features and a flexible monitoring plan.
Read our full SimpliSafe home security review.
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★½ |
| Features | ★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★½ |
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
Verisure is our best bespoke home security system; all its packages are tailored to suit your home’s security needs and each comes with a bespoke quote that includes installation costs.
Verisure has partnered with Arlo, whose cameras have excellent quality video, two-way audio, night vision and sirens.
Verisure offers everything you’d expect from a smart home security system as well as some trademark features, such as its ZeroVision alarm that releases a smokescreen designed to deter burglars. It’s important to note that this feature can only be activated by a professional at the NSI-certified Alarm Receiving Centre.
As Verisure’s packages are fully customised, a technician will visit your home to do an assessment. They will tailor the security system to your home and fully explain how it works, ensuring you’ll get the best use out of it. Add-ons can be discussed with the technician on the day of the evaluation – which you need to book over the phone – and quoted as a package. You’ll also need to pay a £100 (fully refundable) deposit to book the evaluation.
You can manage everything through the Verisure app, and for £32 a month, Verisure will monitor your home. Maintenance is covered in the subscription fee; if anything breaks, Verisure will repair it quickly so you don’t lose surveillance. Likewise, a technician will replace the batteries when they drop to 30 per cent power, but you’ll get notified when batteries need replacing. It’s this level of attention that earns Verisure top marks on Trustpilot. But whether the system is worth it depends on your own household’s needs and budget.
Verisure’s security offering is among the strongest there is. The company has excellent customer reviews and is our pick for the best bespoke home security system service.
Read our full Verisure review.
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★½ |
Who is this system right for?
Who is it not for?
ADT has been a trusted name in home security for many years, and its Smart Home Alarm Package demonstrates its commitment to evolving with modern technology. This comprehensive security system offers reliability, professional installation and smart home features.
We’ve chosen ADT’s Smart Home Alarm Package as our best system with professional monitoring. With its subscription service, you’ll have access to ADT’s Remote Operating Centre, which can perform daily system checks and notify the police in the case of a security event. What we like most about this service, though, is the ability to fix most technical issues remotely.
The package includes ADT’s Smart Home Hub with a touchscreen control panel that serves as the command centre for your system, a bell box with a flashing LED light and ADT Smart Services to control your system via the app.
You can then tailor your system to your needs. Choose to add wireless door contacts, PIR motion sensors, a wifi camera and/or a video doorbell. All ADT’s packages are fully customised to your requirements, and each comes with a bespoke quote.
ADT’s security systems are installed professionally. Upon purchase, ADT will schedule a technician to visit your home and install the devices. This process may take a few hours depending on the size and complexity of your residence.
The ADT Smart Services app allows you to manage your home security remotely, and the company plans to integrate controls for third-party smart home products that use Matter, enabling the control of compatible smart lights and thermostats and other smart technologies.
The standard subscription includes access to the ADT Remote Operating Centre, which automatically conducts daily system checks, ensuring every device is performing optimally. Depending on the subscription level you choose, you, your keyholders, the police or a private security guard will be notified in the event of a security breach.
The ADT Smart Home Alarm Package offers an advanced security solution that combines automation and comprehensive protection. If you want a system with stress-free installation and a professional monitoring plan that includes premium features such as remote tech assistance and daily system checks, the Smart Home Alarm Package won’t disappoint. However, we don’t advise installing an ADT package if you’re not keen on being locked in to a lengthy contract, on a budget or not interested in a professional wired-in installation.
Read our full ADT home security review.
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★½ |
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
Ring is one of the leading brands in smart home security – best known for its innovative doorbell cameras. It offers three preconfigured home security packages, each with small, medium and large options to cater to different-sized homes. With Ring, you get the choice of self- or professional monitoring and options to customise the ready-made packages.
We chose Ring’s Alarm and Indoor Camera Pack as our best for DIY installation thanks to its self-adhesive devices and detailed instruction videos. The installation process takes 30 minutes, and the devices can be easily mounted using the included adhesive strips or screws depending on your preference. Ring also offers a professional installation service that you can purchase on Amazon.
Ring’s Alarm and Indoor Camera Pack includes five pieces of equipment designed to monitor the inside of your home. All devices are connected via the Base Station, which needs to be plugged into a power source and connected to wifi. Also included are a Motion Detector that can be wall-mounted, a Contact Sensor to be installed on doors or windows and a keypad to arm and disarm your system.
The Ring Indoor Camera offers full HD video, a live feed, night vision and two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with anyone in your home. The camera also has motion detection and customisable privacy settings.
However, our favourite piece of equipment in this package is the range extender. It allows you to increase the signal from your Base Station to reach alarm components that might otherwise be out of range.
The security system integrates seamlessly with the Ring mobile app, which allows you to monitor and control the system remotely. An optional Ring Protect Plus subscription covers all your home devices and provides 24/7 assisted monitoring. This sends alerts to your emergency contacts if your burglar alarm is triggered. If you’d like more monitoring features but don’t wish to pay for the Protect Plus plan, the Basic subscription comes with similar features, including package alerts, person alerts and rich notifications, which you pay for per device.
The Ring alarm offers a user-friendly, customisable home security solution for homeowners looking to protect their property. With optional subscription services and the ability to include additional Ring devices, the system can be tailored to meet your household’s specific needs.
Although this system is ideal for small properties, adding more components to cover a large home could be more cost-effective than purchasing a more extensive system from the start.
Read our full Ring home security review.
| Reputation | ★★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
Abode’s Smart Security Kit is an affordable entry-level system providing essential home protection. What we like most about Abode is its affordable self-monitoring plan. It offers premium features, with no contract and is unlikely to break the bank.
The system features a hub, motion sensor, key fob, and one door/window sensor. An alarm, LAN port, SIM card slot, and battery backup are incorporated into the hub. It’s easy to install and no tools are required and you’ll find helpful guided instructions available in the abode app.
Abode’s package allows for versatile control and integration with up to 160 smart home devices, including third-party options. The kit lacks a camera, meaning there’s no way of determining what or who triggered an alarm. However, the kit is designed to be customised and Abode has plenty of add-on options. Alternatively, you could consider upgraded packages that include the Abode Cam, as well as a wireless video doorbell.
Abode offers two paid-for monitoring plans – Standard and Pro – and basic app control without a subscription. The Standard plan includes app alerts and system arming, but only the Pro plan provides professional monitoring. All devices are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and others.
Abode’s self-monitoring plan is one of the best we’ve come across all for an affordable £7.99 per month. Arming and disarming your system, receiving notifications and viewing camera footage are just some of the features included. The only major features it doesn’t include, compared to the Pro Plan, is 24/7 UK accredited Professional Monitoring and 4G backup if wifi connection fails.
Overall, the Abode Smart Security Kit is a solid choice for basic security needs. It offers excellent connectivity and expandability, suitable for smaller homes and those looking to upgrade their home security system over time.
Read our full Abode home security review.
| Reputation | ★★★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★ |
| Features | ★★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★ |
| Customer experience | ★★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
The cost can vary depending on the type of system and brand that you choose. You should also consider any ongoing expenses, such as monthly fees for professional monitoring services.
Check whether your home security system is compatible with your other smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Integrating your smart home security system with voice assistants can make it easier to manage.
Some home security systems are DIY-friendly, while some require professional installation; consider if you want to install the devices yourself or pay for a professional to do them for you.
When comparing the best home security systems in the UK, it’s essential to consider factors such as the ease of installation, features, integration capabilities and cost.
| SimpliSafe The Tower | Verisure bespoke packages | ADT Smart Home Alarm Package | Ring Alarm and Indoor Camera Pack | Abode Smart Security Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £524.93; professional monitoring from 53p a day (Get 40% off with code UKINDY40 at checkout) | Price on enquiry (£299-£599 typical cost); professional monitoring from £32/month | Tailored quote; £199.00 installation fee; annual subscriptions from £35.99 for maintained cover | £269.98; professional monitoring from £8/month | £294.99; monitoring plans from £7.99/month |
| Components | 1 x base station 1 x keypad 2 x entry sensors 1 x motion sensor 1 x outdoor camera 1 x indoor camera | Varies depending on your requirements | 1 x ADT bell box 1 x ADT Smart Home Hub ADT Smart Services; tailor the system to your needs by adding wireless door contacts, motion sensors, a wifi camera and/or video doorbell | 1 x base station 1 x keypad 1 x contact sensor 1 x motion detector 1 x range extender 1 x indoor camera | 1 x Gateway Hub 1 x motion sensor 1 x key fob 1 x mini door/window sensor |
| Power source | Battery | Mains | Battery | Battery; the hub and indoor camera need to be plugged into mains | Mains |
| Connectivity | Wifi | Wifi, Ethernet and 4G sim | Wifi | Wifi | Wifi, Ethernet and 4G sim |
| Maximum volume | 105dB | 105dB | N/A | N/A | 93db |
| Voice assistant | Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Assistant/Google Home | Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Assistant/Google Home | Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Assistant/Google Home | Amazon Echo/Alexa | Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Assistant/Google Home and Apple HomeKit |
| Backup battery | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (up to 5 hours) |
| Monitoring | Self-monitoring, optional paid monitoring | Self-monitoring, optional paid monitoring | Professional monitoring | Self-monitoring, optional paid monitoring | Professional or self-monitoring |
Cost: £359.97 | Components: 1 x smart indoor camera, 1 x smart indoor siren, 3 x smart door/window sensors | Power source: Battery | Connectivity: Wifi | Maximum volume: 110dB | Smart home support: Google Assistant, Amazon Echo/Alexa, Apple HomeKit | Backup battery: No | Monitoring: Self-monitoring
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
Netatmo’s Smart Alarm System with Camera is functional and stylish. The kit offers a basic level of security – ideal for homeowners who aren’t looking for all the bells and whistles.
Included in the kit is a smart indoor camera that has 1080p resolution, a 130-degree view, infrared night vision and facial recognition to minimise unnecessary recording – perfect for pet owners. What we like about this kit is its window/door sensors. The package includes three sensors, meaning you can protect your front and back doors and an additional entry point without purchasing additional security products. The sensors notify you of any movement and can trigger the smart indoor siren.
All devices are synced with the Netatmo Home + Security app, which sends notifications about security events, such as intruder alerts and open windows and doors.
Although this is an essentials package, there is much to like in terms of its performance and ease of use. However, adding a video doorbell and battery backup would significantly enhance the system’s reliability and security of your home, especially during power outages.
Read our full Netatmo home security review.
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★ |
| Features | ★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★ |
| Customer experience | ★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Cost: £499.99 | Components: 1 x smart hub, 1 x live siren, 1 x dummy siren, 3 x motion detectors, 2 x door/window sensors, 1 x full HD indoor wifi camera, 1 x all-in-one indoor/outdoor camera, 1 x keypad, 2 x alarm stickers | Power source: Mains power and Ethernet cable | Connectivity: Wifi | Maximum volume: 104dB | Smart home support: Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Home/Google Assistant | Backup battery: Yes | Monitoring: Self-monitoring
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
Yale’s Sync Home Security System is good value for money. It’s best suited to large homes that require a lot of equipment to cover the entire property.
This Yale security system has the Secured by Design accreditation under the Police Preferred Specification. The package features customisable settings such as part-arm functionality, manageable through the Yale Smart Living Home app, a keypad, a remote key fob and voice assistants. It also includes a helpful geolocation feature that reminds you to set your alarm when you leave the house.
Yale’s home security system offers both DIY and professional installation, giving you full control over your system via the app. If you choose to self-monitor, there won’t be any additional fees – but having a team of professionals monitor your home 24/7 can be reassuring.
Overall, the Yale Sync Home Security System is a comprehensive and intelligent home protection option that is easy to use, includes smart home compatibility and gives you a sense of security. It’s a reliable choice for those seeking a smart way to safeguard their home.
Read our full Yale home security review.
Cost: £249.99 | Components: 1 x essential outdoor camera, 1 x essential indoor camera, 1 x essential outdoor charging cable | Power source: Battery or via an Arlo solar panel | Connectivity: Wifi | Maximum volume: N/A | Voice assistant: Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit | Backup battery: Yes | Monitoring: Self-monitoring
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
Arlo’s catalogue features an extensive suite of outdoor and indoor, doorbell and floodlight cameras, all of which come with a high price tag.
The Essential Flat and Apartment Security Kit is compact and ideal for small properties with one entrance. We like that it comes with both indoor and outdoor cameras – the indoor camera includes a built-in privacy shield, and the outdoor camera is designed to keep watch over entry points.
Arlo’s package is a good choice for smart homes – its devices support Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT and Samsung SmartThings. Amazon and Google support are standard in the industry, with rivals such as Ring and SimpliSafe providing this integration, but other smart home ecosystems are rarely covered. All of Arlo’s systems are self-monitored, and there’s a good variety of plans on offer. Choose the free basic plan, or access more features with the three-tier subscription plans.
Positioning itself as a security camera supplier, Arlo’s product range primarily consists of visual and audio equipment. As such, we feel the system would benefit from the addition of at least one sensor to protect entry points.
Choose Arlo if you’re after high-quality cameras and self-monitoring. But Arlo probably isn’t for you if you’d prefer a comprehensive package with sensors and alarms.
Read our full Arlo home security review.
| Reputation | ★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Cost: £159 | Components: 1 x HomeBase 2, 1 x keypad, 1 x motion sensor, 2 x entry sensors | Power source: Battery | Connectivity: Wifi | Maximum volume: 100dB siren | Voice assistant: N/A | Backup battery: Yes | Monitoring: None
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
Eufy’s budget-friendly Home Alarm Kit is great for basic security needs or as a starter kit you can add to and customise.
This kit is suitable for homeowners who don’t need a comprehensive package. The kit doesn’t include cameras, and its affordable price tag reflects this. The system focuses on protecting entry points with two entry sensors and one motion sensor, and you’ll receive security notifications via the Eufy app.
What we like the most about this kit is the keypad, which allows you to arm and disarm your system, customise security modes and trigger a panic alert. Its battery can last up to six years on a single charge, making it convenient for homeowners who are away for extended periods or who prefer low maintenance.
The app has an easy-to-use interface, providing remote arming and disarming, optimised security modes and video viewing capabilities. Instant notifications inform you when sensors and cameras are triggered, allowing you to take appropriate action. Eufy lacks a professional monitoring service, but you can control the system via the app.
Eufy’s Home Alarm Kit is affordable and offers basic home security. However, there’s a lot to be desired beyond basic security. Large households, which are likely to require cameras or video doorbells, would need to purchase additional components separately. We recommend Eufy if you’re looking to create a customisable system.
| Reputation | ★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Cost: £713.99 | Components: 4 x 4K ultra HD cameras (RLC-810A)| Power source: Power over Ethernet or 12V supply | Connectivity: Ethernet | Maximum volume: N/A | Smart home support: Google Assistant and Amazon Echo/Alexa | Backup battery: Yes | Monitoring: Self-monitoring
Who is the system right for?
Who is it not for?
Reolink’s home security catalogue features a broad selection of surveillance cameras, and its 4K Security Kit consists of four Reolink 4K ultra HD cameras – more than any other package we reviewed.
Reolink’s cameras are easy to install and highly adaptable, allowing you to place the four cameras wherever you need them. Reolink also includes four 18m Ethernet cables to connect the cameras, with longer cables available.
The Reolink app offers a range of standard features, including live video feed, two-way communication and alarm activation. However, we especially like its professional-grade desktop software and comprehensive smartphone app, allowing you to access camera feeds and events from anywhere worldwide without needing a recurring subscription.
Overall, Reolink excels with its high-quality video, multiple camera options and robust storage capabilities, making it ideal for most homeowners. The app is easy to navigate and the cameras are simple to install yourself. Finally, Reolink’s two-year warranty provides peace of mind.
| Reputation | ★★★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★★ |
| Features | ★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★½ |
The cost of a smart home security system can vary greatly depending on the brand, features, components and level of professional monitoring you choose. Our experts found that prices can range from around £150 for a self-monitored, self-installed system to several hundred pounds with ongoing monthly costs for a professionally installed and monitored system.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 275,919 homes in England and Wales were burgled between 2022 and 2023.
When buying a smart home security system, you should consider the following factors to find the right solution for your needs.
Installing smart home security systems can be a straightforward process, especially if you choose a DIY-friendly option. Manufacturers typically include installation instructions and guidelines. It’s best to read these first, as the installation process will differ depending on the brand and type of system.
If you want to set up your smart security system yourself, the installation instructions for most systems include the following steps:
Before installing, decide on the placement of each component, including cameras, motion detectors, sensors and the central hub. You should consider which areas of your home you want to monitor most closely and the range of the sensors and cameras you’ve chosen.
The central hub, or base station, is the heart of your system and connects all of your security devices. If possible, place it in a central location in your home. The manufacturer should provide instructions to connect it to your wifi network.
The cameras should be installed in positions that cover entry points and high-traffic areas and within wifi range of your central hub. Most cameras can be mounted with adhesive strips or screws and, once fixed, should be connected to the central hub according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Attach the first part of the sensor to the door or window frame and the second part to the side of the door or window that opens, ensuring they align when closed. The sensors will detect when the door or window is opened and alert the home alarm system.
The motion detectors should be located in areas where you want to detect movement, such as large rooms and hallways. The manufacturer’s instructions should indicate the optimum mounting height and angle and explain how to connect the sensors to the central hub.
If your system includes smart locks, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to replace your existing locks with the smart locks. However, it’s best to ensure your door is compatible with the smart lock you’ve chosen before purchasing.
Once each component is installed, use the accompanying mobile app to configure your security devices settings, such as motion sensitivity, camera recording preferences and alert notifications.
To confirm that your system is properly connected to the central hub, trigger each sensor yourself, checking the camera feeds and test any other components you’ve installed.
If your system includes monitoring services or smart home automation features, manage them through your mobile app.
Both traditional and smart alarm systems are designed to protect homes from intruders and other threats; however, they differ in functionality and features.
We’ve compared the features of both systems so you can decide which one is right for your home.
| Alarm system features | Smart home security alarm systems | Traditional burglar alarm systems |
|---|---|---|
| Wifi or Ethernet | ✓ | X |
| Mobile app | ✓ | X |
| Professional monitoring | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-monitoring | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landline or cellular connection | X | ✓ |
| Remote arm and disarm | ✓ | X |
| Real-time notifications | ✓ | X |
| Alarms and CCTV cameras | X | ✓ |
| Live video footage, motion detectors, alarms and integration with other smart home devices | ✓ | X |
Like any device connected to the internet, smart security systems can be hacked. Their reliance on wifi connectivity for system components, such as motion sensors and cameras, makes their signals vulnerable to interception. Thankfully, although hacking is possible, it’s not probable.
In order to breach your security system, a hacker must have sufficient knowledge of your technology and its security configurations to select an appropriate method. Additionally, the hacker would require access to your home’s wireless network, necessitating distinct expertise and resources.
Our home tech experts share their top tips on how to protect your security system from potential hacking attempts:
To identify the best home security system for your household, our expert team has examined and reviewed over 75 different packages from 34 providers. We’ve narrowed our selection to the 13 best home security systems after conducting hundreds of hours of research and considering crucial factors.
Our Independent Advisor experts have researched and tested each home security system in order to provide fair, impartial and accurate recommendations. We compare products, features, quality and cost alongside what others in the industry say and how customers have also reviewed their experiences.
Our reviews are determined by the following categories:
We examine 18 elements within these categories including:
All of our home security articles are verified by our in-house team of fact-checkers, to give consumers the knowledge they need to make an informed, up-to-date and confident decision.
Smart home security systems is a system that uses wifi and wireless technology to connect various security components, such as cameras, motion detectors and alarms. A smart home system, which you can control remotely via mobile devices, protects against intruders, fires and other hazards. UK home security systems can be programmed to respond to specific security events, such as opened doors or motion, and often integrate with other smart home systems, including lighting and heating systems, for enhanced security and automation.
SimpliSafe’s The Tower is our top recommendation for a home security system. This comprehensive system combines indoor and outdoor security cameras, a motion detector, door and window sensors and an integrated keypad for a high level of protection and privacy.
Most home security systems on the market today use a wifi connection, with only a few brands, such as Reolink, requiring an alternative connection. With that in mind, we found SimpliSafe’s The Tower to be the most effective home security system for those living in an average three-bedroom home.
Arlo’s Essential Flat and Apartment Security Kit is a great package for renters. It is self-installable and affordable and includes enough equipment to protect a flat or apartment without purchasing add-ons.
This will depend on your needs. The best security cameras boast features such as two-way communication, night vision, motion detection, a wide FOV and high resolution. The Reolink 4K ultra HD camera (RLC-810A) ticks many of those boxes, offering HD video and impressive night vision, ideal for monitoring the exterior of your home.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) and home security cameras both capture and record video footage to enhance the security of a location. The key difference is that CCTV systems transmit video feed to a specific set of monitors via a direct cable connection, whereas modern home security cameras transmit footage over the internet. CCTV video footage is limited to those with physical access to the monitors or hard drive – while home security camera footage, live or recorded, can be accessed from anywhere.
