To say that home security has caught on in recent years is to state the obvious. More Americans, both homeowners and renters, are looking to electronic home security to keep them safer. They all have one thing in common: they want the best home security system they can get for their budgets.
The great thing about modern home security is that there are so many options. Anyone looking to invest in the best possible home security package doesn’t have to take anyone’s word for it. That includes you.
You can do your own research. You can define ‘best’ for yourself. Whatever combination of features, components, services, and financial considerations makes up your ideal security system is doable. You are in complete control.
Top-of-the-Line and Professionally Installed
If money is no object, you can always invest in a top-of-the-line, professionally installed system. This is a system with all the latest bells and whistles. They are sold and installed by big names like Vivint. Why go with a system like this? There are plenty of reasons:
- Hassle-Free – A professionally installed system is a hassle-free system. Installation is a breeze for you. All you need to do is stand around and watch the technicians do their thing. They install the hub. They mount the cameras. They make sure every device is communicating properly.
- Full Function – Choosing a professionally installed system almost always guarantees every piece of equipment will fully function out of the box. There will not be any compatibility issues. Every piece in the system will be able to communicate with every other piece. Easy.
- Quality Equipment – Top-of-the-line security systems are built using high quality equipment. At least they should be. If you are paying for a professionally installed system, you should not be getting cheap components.
You will pay more for a top-of-the-line package. But you do get what you pay for. The combination of professional installation and high-quality components is worth the price if you can afford it.
Entry Level and Professionally Installed
You can still get an entry level, professionally installed system even if your budget cannot afford a top-of-the-line option. Entry level systems generally consist of a hub, sensors for first floor windows and doors, perhaps a motion sensor or two, and at least one camera.
The benefits of professional installation remain the same. All the components will also work out of the box. However, you may have to settle for less expensive components from lesser-known brands.
DIY Home Security
Are you the kind of homeowner who prefers to do everything on your own? If so, you have not been left out of the modern home security environment. You have plenty of DIY solutions to choose from. Do your research and make your pick.
A major advantage of DIY is getting more for your money. You have the ability to stretch every dollar as far as it will go. Of course, price and quality are related, so keep that in mind. But you can still get more for your money by handling installation yourself.
Wireless Makes It Easy
Thanks to wireless technology, DIY home security is easier than ever before. We are no longer talking about the old days when installing a home security system meant ripping open the walls and running cables and electrical wires.
Today’s wireless home security is easy enough to install for anyone who knows how to use a wireless router. Better yet, most wireless home security devices now come with companion mobile apps. Setting them up is super easy for anyone who knows his way around a phone.
The one thing you need to be careful about with DIY home security is device compatibility. It is best to choose a brand and ecosystem and stick with it. If you do choose to invest in third-party components, be sure they are compatible with your ecosystem before you buy.
The Question of Monitoring
I am guessing that the best home security system for you is one that is monitored. Why? Because if no one is monitoring your system, it does nothing but make noise. And that might even be questionable. A DIY home security system without an audible alarm doesn’t even do that much.
You basically have two options for monitoring: professional or DIY. Professional monitoring is handled by a remote monitoring center staffed with fully trained professionals. Vivint is a great example once again. Professional monitoring is available on all the systems they install.
DIY security monitoring involves setting up your system to send alerts to your phone and/or email. You need to allow the companion mobile app to alert you with audible notifications so that you are made aware whenever an alarm is triggered.
It’s Time to Get on the Home Security Train
If all of this is foreign to you, perhaps it’s time you seriously think about getting on the home security train. So many other people already have. In fact, an estimated 94 million U.S. homes have some sort of security component installed. That translates into just over 50%.
Wireless cameras are by far the most common security devices in American homes. The doorbell camera saw the most growth in 2024. Most importantly, an estimated thirteen million additional households are expected to install home alarm systems in the next 12 months.
It is clear that homeowners and renters alike want home security. They feel safer and more confident with cameras, sensors, and automated lighting protecting them. How do you feel about it?
Decide What You Need and Want
Getting on board with home security starts with research. Figure out what you need and want. It’s also a good idea to come up with a budget.
When all is said and done, you get to define the best home security system for you. Ask questions and take input from other people. But make the final decision yourself. You know what is best for you, your family, and your property. No one else does.
