The 11 Best Smart Home Security Systems in the U.S. and U.K. (in 2022): Pros, Cons, and Cost

The installation of smart home security systems previously required expert installation. The contracts used to be lengthy and ongoing maintenance cost a lot of cash. However, modern security systems make it easy and affordable to keep a home safe. These systems offer a wide range of features and are great for people who want their homes to be secure even in their absence.

When it comes to choosing a smart home security system, there are many factors to consider. The following is a review of the 11 best smart home security systems in the U.S. and U.K., based on features, ease of use, and price.

What is a smart home security system?

A smart home security system is an interconnected system of devices that work together to secure your home. These systems usually include a combination of motion sensors, door and window sensors, smart locks, security cameras, and sirens. Some smart home security systems can also be controlled remotely via a mobile app.

Security cameras, for example, are fantastic tools for monitoring your home since they may provide evidence in the event of a break-in. Home security systems with smart locks can also help to deter criminals, as well as give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is secure.

Most smart home security systems are upgraded with sirens, cameras, and sensors. Because they connect to Wi-Fi easily, you won’t have to worry about finding an electrician who will leave wires all over the place.

What are the benefits of a smart home security system?

There are many benefits to having a smart home security system, including:

– deterring burglars and criminals

– being able to monitor your home remotely

– being able to control your security system remotely

– receiving alerts if there is a break-in

Factors to consider when choosing a smart home security system

There are many factors to consider when choosing a smart home security system, such as:

– your budget

– the level of security you need

– whether you want to be able to control your system remotely

– whether you need professional installation

– the size of your home.

If you’re looking for a smart home security system on a budget, the Wyze Cam 1080p HD Indoor Wireless Smart Home Camera is a great option. This system includes a smart home camera and door/window sensors, and it can be controlled remotely via the Wyze app.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive smart home security system, check out the below list of the 11 best smart home security systems in the U.S. and U.K., based on features, ease of use, and price

6 Best Smart Home Security Systems in the U.S.

ADT (U.S & U.K)

ADT

ADT is one of the most popular home security companies in the United States and for good reason.

The company has been in business for over 140 years and offers a comprehensive suite of smart home security products and services. It serves both U.S and U.K customers.

Their services are cost-effective and offer 24/7 security. Users can remotely access their alarm systems and control their house’s lighting through their smartphones or computers using ADT Smart Home.

ADT offers professional installation of its smart home security systems. The company also offers a wide range of smart home automation products and services, including thermostats, lighting controls, and video doorbells.

On the downside, ADT packages including all-day monitoring cost more than $30 per month, quite a hefty price. Besides the high monthly fees, users don’t get cameras in the base package.

Cove

Cove

Cove is one of the easiest smart home security systems to install. It is a great option for people who want a smart home security system but don’t want to deal with the hassle of professional installation.

The company offers a do-it-yourself installation video that walks users through the process step-by-step. Cove features a 24/7 monitoring and cellular backup, RapidSOS monitoring technology, and it works with Alexa and Google assistant.

Entry sensors, glass break sensors, carbon dioxide, and smoke alarms, cameras, and motion detectors are all features available in the Cove smart home security packages.

The Cove smart home security system is based on the Cove app, which is available for Android and iOS devices. In general, it is a reliable security system that gives users all of the security and safety measures they’ll need to protect their homes.

On the downside, it fails to offer smart locks, smart thermostats, and other home automation products. It also lacks a self-monitoring option, and its smartphone controls will cost users around $28 per month.

Arlo Ultra

Arlo

Arlo Ultra is a wire-free smart home security camera that offers users crystal clear 4K video quality. The camera has a 180-degree field of view and can zoom in up to 12 times, making it great for surveillance.

It also features night vision and two-way audio, so users can see and speak to people who are on their property. The camera is weatherproof and can be used indoors or outdoors.

Arlo Ultra also offers a smart Siren feature that can be used to scare off intruders. The phone will notify you about unusual motions, including those caused by passersby, animals, or vehicles.

The biggest downside of Arlo Ultra is its price tag. The camera starts at $399, making it one of the most expensive smart home security cameras on the market. Furthermore, most of the features above are included in the video storage subscription plan. Although users are offered a free one-year trial period, they will have to pay $9 per month for the video storage subscription plan.

Frontpoint

Frontpoint

Frontpoint is a smart home security company that offers professional installation of its security systems.

The company has been in business for over ten years and offers a wide range of smart home security products, including doorbell cameras, glass break sensors, indoor and outdoor cameras, motion detectors, and smart locks. It also has smartphone app control, all-day professional monitoring, and 24/7 video recordings.

Users can see security videos on their televisions, plus the system doesn’t have wires that burglars can cut. All systems come with Frontpoint ID protection, which protects users’ identities. The best part is that all of these features are available for free.

Although the features are available for free, the monitoring plan that includes mobile control and professional monitoring costs $34.99 per month. Aside from the high monitoring costs, there is no option for professional installation. Frontpoint also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a three-year warranty on all of its equipment.

One of the downsides of Frontpoint is that it doesn’t offer smart thermostats or other home automation products. Additionally, the company requires a long-term contract for its services, which can be costly for some users.

Ring

ring

Ring‘s alarm pro system has an advantage over competitors with an Eero Wi-Fi 6 router built into the system’s base unit.

In addition to dependable security performance, users gain access to tons of extra features such as cellular-powered backup, local processing, and storage for all their Ring devices. Ring Alarm Pro security system is also compatible with smart home devices from Amazon, Google, and Zigbee.

The only downside to this system is that it lacks a few features that some of the other smart security systems on the list have, such as smart locks, and a monthly subscription is required for local video processing and storage.

For US customers, The Ring Alarm Pro costs $199 for the base station, one contact sensor, one motion detector, and one range extender. The monthly subscription for professional monitoring and local video storage starts at $14 per month.

For UK customers, The Ring Alarm Pro costs £179 for the base station, one contact sensor, one motion detector, and one range extender. The monthly subscription for professional monitoring and local video storage starts at £12 per month.

Simplisafe

Amazon

SimpliSafe is one of the most popular home security systems, with simple installation and expert monitoring service. It serves both US and UK customers. The SimpliSafe system comes with everything you’ll need to secure your home, including two monitor sensors, a key fob, SimpliCam, and five entry sensors.

With SimpliSafe, you completely control your security system, including the equipment you choose and monitoring services you get from the manufacturers. The security system is ideal for customers searching for a security system that doesn’t require additional WiFi and home integrations.

On the downside, the system lacks a bell box. A bell box is an external device that makes a loud noise to scare off burglars and notify your neighbors of an attempted break-in. So, if you live in an area with a lot of crime, this may not be the best option. Buyers also complain about upfront costs. Because you must purchase all of the security equipment at once, the expense may be high.

For US customers, SimpliSafe costs just $15 per month. This makes it one of the most affordable smart home security systems on the market today. For UK customers, the cost is £19.95 per month with no long-term contract required.

5 Best Smart Home Security Systems in the U.K.

Abode

GoAbode

By incorporating a motion sensor, key fob, door or window sensor, and Hub with an internal siren, Abode has revolutionized the home security business. The fact that it is also compatible with more than 160 smart security products makes the Abode system a pretty good option. Users can connect the Abode system to other systems such as Amazon’s Echo, Google Home, and IFTTT.

The security system also works with Philips lamps as well as LifX smart lights. Once the system is up and running, it shuts off the speakers and lights after the owner leaves the home.

On the downside, the Abode system costs more than some of the other smart home security systems on the market. Additionally, customers have complained about false alarms with the system, as well as customer service issues.

The starter kit costs £279 and the monthly pro monitoring plan starts at £19 a month.

Vivint

Vivint

Vivint is the best overall smart security system, ideal for people searching for a small security system that does not require them to lift a finger. It is high-end equipment with pro installation, 24 hours a day monitoring, smart home features, and state-of-the-art security technology.

Users also gain Smart Deter lurker detection, which is the most effective wireless security system available. Vivint smart home security systems also include an impressive variety of smart home automation devices like the SkyControl panel, doorbell cameras, and smart locks.

One downside to this system is that it requires a professional installation, which can be costly. To have the full smart home security experience with Vivint, customers need to purchase the company’s smart home package, which starts at £39.99 per month.

Yale Sync Smart Home Alarm

Amazon

Anyone searching for a cheap smart security system cannot go wrong with Yale. The Yale Sync Smart Home Alarm is an all-in-one security system that includes a smart Hub, a PIR motion sensor, an external and internal siren, a keypad, door and window sensors.

The system is fully prepared for the hub, with sensors that are quick to react. Its range of 200 meters makes garage and shed protection easy. The system doesn’t require any professional installation, so users can save on installation costs. Additionally, the Yale Sync Smart Home Alarm is one of the more affordable smart security systems on the market.

One of the downsides to this system is that it lacks some of the features that more expensive smart security systems have, such as smart home automation and remote monitoring. Another downside is that the kit doesn’t include a camera; thus, someone would have to purchase Yale cameras separately. Alternatively, users would need to purchase expensive kits to have cameras included.

The Yale Sync Smart Home Alarm Kits’ prices range from £171 – £412.

Somfy Home Alarm Video Kit

Somfy

The Somfy Home Alarm Video Kit is an excellent smart security system for people searching for a sleek and modern design. The system includes a smart Hub, door and window sensors, a key fob, an indoor camera, and an outdoor camera.

The Hub has a battery backup in case of power outages and requires no professional installation.

Somfy is one of the loudest smart home alarm systems ever tested (112 decibels). The siren sounds quickly when the sensors are activated. The system includes an internal siren as well as a remote-controlled external siren, which may be placed on the outside of the building to scare away anyone with bad intentions.

Users can adjust the motion sensor’s sensitivity so that the system can account for small animals such as pets. The Somfy system is also compatible with smart home devices from Amazon, Apple, and Google.

Unfortunately, Somfy lacks an external monitoring option, despite its hefty price of £349.99 for the base station, contact sensor, motion detector, and keypad. Another downside to this system is that it does not include a siren, so users would need to purchase one separately. Additionally, the backup battery stays on for only 6 hours, which is quite small.

The monthly monitoring plan for the Somfy Home Alarm Video Kit starts at £24 a month.

Minut

Minut

Minut Smart Home Alarm is a small alarm that hangs from the ceiling. It combines a motion sensor and a siren. Since it is only intended to cover a single room, users should consider placing it in a hallway or an entrance.

The system is designed to be used in conjunction with the Minut app, which allows you to arm and disarm the alarm, as well as set up alerts. The motion-detecting technology has quick, correct sires. Minut Smart Home Alarm has the added benefit of notifying users when other house alarms go off. For example, users are notified when carbon IV oxide or smoke alarms go off.

It also comes with a backup battery that provides six months of service. Minut plans starts at $10 for the Standard plan and $15 for the Pro plan. Additionally, you can pay £10/month for Minut Response Service to have a responder send to your home when there’s noise in your property.

On the downside, Minut Smart Home Alarm doesn’t include a key fob, so users would need to purchase one separately. Additionally, the company doesn’t offer any monitoring services, so users would need to find their own way to monitor the system. It’s also one of the quietest smart alarm systems on the market, so you may not hear it when it goes off.

Conclusion

In order to get everything you want out of a smart home security system, you must do some research. Consider the cost, simplicity of use, important features, and presence or absence of cameras while narrowing down your options. Generally, the best smart security system depends on your needs.

We hope this guide has helped you learn more about smart home security systems. If you have any further questions, please leave a comment down below. Thank you for reading!