Why would I want a \u2018smart\u2019 security system?<\/h2>\n
Home security no longer means slapping a big, ugly box to the side of your house, nor does it demand an expensive professional to hardwire your new system in place.<\/p>\n
The smart home has ushered in a DIY security revolution: you can now build a decent security system in less than 30 minutes, with your smartphone acting as the controller.<\/p>\n
Smart home security systems beat traditional ones not just by eliminating hefty installation fees and long-term contracts, but in sheer convenience too.<\/p>\n
What do I need to get started?<\/h2>\n
Smart home security encompasses a wide range of gadgets, from cameras to doorbells<\/a>, sensors to smoke alarms \u2013 but don\u2019t let it overwhelm you. Sure, maybe you want the full Fort Knox, but for the humble homestead a couple of indoor cameras and sensors can do the trick.<\/p>\n Most smart home systems revolve around a hub, which connects to your Wi-Fi and talks to all the other \u2018smart\u2019 devices around the house. Cameras and motion sensors are the most common of these, but you can also add water leak sensors, smoke detectors and glass-breaking sensors.<\/p>\n Read more about smart home security:<\/strong><\/p>\n Smart systems give you more insight into what\u2019s happening than traditional systems, including notifications on your phone when sensors are triggered, and video clips of any suspect activity taking place.<\/p>\n Using your phone, you can arm\/disarm the system remotely, and, if you have any smart locks, lock your doors with the tap of an app. Some smart locks even let you create \u2018virtual keys\u2019 so friends and family can enter the home when you\u2019re not there, while cameras and doorbells can be trained to recognise familiar faces and let you know who\u2019s knocking.<\/p>\n It depends on your setup. Companies like SimpliSafe offer comprehensive systems made of a central hub and a few sensors, with the option to add cameras, key fobs and sirens as desired.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not sure how many devices you need, look out for \u2018starter kits\u2019. These serve as a great jumping-off point, and are often better value than buying individual devices.<\/p>\n And while most smart security systems are designed to keep drill usage and cable-running to a minimum, some do offer professional installation should you still want it.<\/p>\n Smart home companies are gradually adapting to renters and flat-dwellers. Still, you\u2019ll hit some limitations. For example, an outdoor camera might not be an option in a shared building, and you\u2019ll want to check with your landlord before chopping off the deadbolt for something smarter.<\/p>\n Luckily, some security systems work great for flats too, as do many of the indoor cameras and sensors you can pick up individually. We\u2019re even starting to see smart doorbells that are perfectly designed for apartment living.<\/p>\n This matters more if you\u2019re buying devices piece by piece, as you\u2019ll want a certain amount of interoperability to keep things running and reduce the number of apps.<\/p>\n My advice is to choose the system that best works for your home, and worry about the rest later. Luckily, many major systems support both assistants anyway.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a die-hard Apple user, you can build a decent security system around its HomeKit platform, thanks to a growing number of individual devices that play nicely.<\/p>\n There can be. Most systems offer a level of service for free, but some will require monthly payments to let you store video footage in the cloud or access special features like person detection.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need all the bells and whistles, but you should consider paying for professional monitoring if your system supports it, so you can dispatch the authorities if needed.<\/p>\n Paying for cellular backup is also worth it, in case your Wi-Fi goes down.<\/p>\n Our picks of smart home security gadgets should help keep your belongings safe<\/em><\/p>\nWhat\u2019s so smart about them?<\/h2>\n
Should I buy a package system?<\/h2>\n
What if I rent or live in a flat?<\/h2>\n
How important are HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant?<\/h2>\n
Are there a lot of ongoing fees?<\/h2>\n
What are the best smart home security gadgets?<\/h2>\n
Ring Video Doorbell 4<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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