Looking for the best home security system to protect your property against criminal activity? While having a burglar alarm is definitely worthwhile, a comprehensive home security system will allow you to monitor your home more closely. Plus, it's possible to receive warnings, triggered by sensors around the home.
Not sure whether you actually need a home security system – smart or otherwise – read our handy guide: do you really need smart home security cameras? Then, find more advice and information about home tech over on our technology home page: The Hub.
What is the best home security system?
The best home security system is the , which allows you to monitor your home. It looks sleek and stylish, too.
Complete with a high quality camera that allows you to stream real-time video straight to your smart phone, this smart model makes it easier than ever to monitor your home remotely. Plus, it'll notify you if it does pick up any untoward activity.
Considering a home security system so you can keep an eye on your pets, rather than to check for burglars? You may be better suited to browsing our pick of the best pet cameras.
How to buy the best home security system
Our recommended retailers for the best home security system
When shopping for the best home security system to suit your needs, there are a few factors worth bearing in mind. These include:
Compatibility
If you're looking to connect your home security system with a wider smart home system, you'll want to check whether the camera system you're considering is compatible with the system you already have in place – or might invest in.
Battery life
If you are going for a wireless home security system – which will, of course, be easier to fit than a wired in one – check how often the batteries will need changing in the various elements, and thing about whether this is practical due to their proposed positions.
Appearance
If you're conscious about the aesthetics of your home, it's worth bearing in mind that not all home security systems are born equal when it comes to appearance. Consider which option will best blend into your scheme if you're looking for a subtle approach to home security.
The best home security systems you can buy right now
1. Canary All-In-One Indoor Security System
The best home security system: a simple, high quality system that won’t look out of place in your living room
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The monitors your home while looking sleek and stylish at the same time. Here's everything you need to know about it:
High quality camera
Whether you place it on your coffee table or your sideboard, the high quality, 1080p HD camera will stream real-time video to the connected app, enabling you to check up on your home wherever you happen to be.
Notifications
If your device does happen to pick up anything out of the ordinary, it’ll send a notification to your phone (or any other first responders you've listed) so you can see what’s happening. This allows you to tap through quickly to the authorities. The siren is loud at 90+dB, too.
There's a built-in speaker and microphone, too, so you can talk through the camera (Canary Membership required).
Night vision
Thanks to automatic night vision, it's possible to monitor the security of your home around the clock. So, should you hear a bump in the night, you can check what's going on, without having to leave the safety of your bedroom.
No installation required
Unlike some systems, this model does not require installation, meaning it can be set up in a matter of minutes. Simply download the free, accompanying app, place your camera in your desired location and connect it to the internet.
Plus, if you're looking to share the responsibility of monitoring your home's security, it's worth noting that more than one smartphone can be connected to the camera via the app.
Additional features
As if keeping your home secure wasn't enough, this offering from Canary also monitors air quality, temperature, and humidity, so you can improve the overall health of your home. Finally, it has a privacy mode that completely shuts down the camera and microphone.
Shop more home security systems available from Amazon
2. Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera
The best home security system for two way talking: a touch more intelligent, a touch more expensive, but still super stylish
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
While not as subtle in appearance as some of the other models in our round up, the certainly won't look out of place amongst your living room smart tech. Here are our favourite features:
Live stream straight to your smartphone
Designed to live stream full HD 1080p video, straight to the app on your phone, you'll never have to worry about what's going on, when you're not home. Plus, you can expect to benefit from a wide-angle view, enabling you to pan out and view a large proportion of your room.
Two-way communication
If you’re at work and you want to check in with everyone at home, the Nest Cam allows you to two way communicate with the people in the room. Be that the cat, a burglar or a partner who should be doing the housework. We're joking about the latter.
Intelligent motion sensor
With its intelligent motion sensor, this camera also sends notifications to your phone to alert you to any out-of-the-ordinary movements and a Nest Aware subscription opens up a whole host of other intelligent features, too.
Video history
In the instance that something untoward does happen, this model also allows users to go back in time with three hour history. This footage could be the difference between the police catching a trespasser, or not.
Browse the full range of home security systems available from eBay
3. Panasonic KX-HN6012EW Home Monitoring & Control Kit
Best home security system for larger properties: an intelligent system that does more than just protect your home
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This clever is perfect for larger properties. Plus, it allows users to expand other elements of a smart home system. Here's everything you need to know about it:
Create a cohesive smart home system
Designed to enable users to build a cohesive smart home security system, this model comes complete with a camera, motion sensor, window and door sensor and a smart plug that can be used to control lights and appliances.
Connectivity
All of the devices connect together using Ultra Low Energy (ULE), as opposed to Wi-Fi, meaning you're at lower risk of your home security system being vulnerable to hackers.
Large range
Designed with larger properties in mind, this system works over a range of up to 300 metres, so you can ensure your entire property is protected.
Expand your smart home system
Using a combination of the smart plug and the app, you can set up your smart home, too. This is perfect for those looking to design a large smart home system that's interconnected.
Live stream straight to your smart phone
As with other cameras, the Panasonic home security system can live stream to your phone and send you notifications triggered by the sensors. This is perfect for those who want to keep on top of their home security from remote locations.
Try John Lewis & Partners for more home security systems
4. Yale Smart Home Alarm
Best whole-home security system: a smart, intricate system with the price point to match
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
With a whole host of features on offer, the has plenty to offer those looking to build a comprehensive home security system. Here are our favourite features:
Comprehensive system
Whether you’re setting the alarm system using the number keypad, tuning into the real time video via the app or using the smart plugs to remotely control the lights from wherever you happen to be, Yale gives you free rein to design the best home security system for your home. Mix elements of old security systems with modern approaches for a system that best suits your requirements.
Enhance your home security system with accessories
In addition to the basic home security system, there is a vast array of accessories that you can connect up to your system, including key fobs and key pads, a smoke detector and a pet friendly PIR motion detector, for additional protection.
Easy set-up
Those worried about connecting their system up will pleased to learn that Yale pre-connect the elements to the hub, so it’s just case of putting a component in its rightful position.
See Ebuyer for a greater selection of home security systems
5. Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit
Best basic smart home security system: a hybrid that hooks up to Alexa
Specifications
Reasons to buy
For those looking to set up a basic home security system, the has plenty to offer. Here are some of our favourite features:
Build a home security system that suits you
Although this starting kit doesn’t include a camera, you can easily connect video cameras from Arlo and Samsung, should you wish.
The pack does come with three sensors – the Multi Sensor, Motion Sensor and Presence Sensor – which will provide you with accurate notifications should there be a reason for you to be alarmed.
Connect to the Alexa eco-system
You can hook the system up to any Alexa-enabled device, which is handy for pre-setting tasks while you’re asleep. With the option to also connect up Bose speakers, connected door locks and a Moisture Sensor, this is a great home security system once it’s fully set up.
Browse the full range of home security systems available from Currys PC World
Looking for more specialist home tech advice?
- Keep your home secure with the best keyless door locks
- Light up your front door with the best porch lights
