Protect your home
Home Security Systems Ranked and Reviewed
Latest Security Company Rankings
Which home security system company is best? Based on the latest rankings, here are the top security companies in the most popular categories.
Safety Studies
Safe Home is an Organization dedicated to making communities safer. Here is some of our recent work.
10 WAYS TO STOP CRIMINALS
FROM CHOOSING YOUR HOME
Hardworking criminals can gain access to almost any home. Fortunately, most criminals...
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THE BEST
HOME SECURITY PINs
Is your home security PIN easy to guess? With four digits you have exactly 10,000 choices...
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SPECIAL USES FOR
BASIC SECURITY SENSORS
Magnetic entryway sensors are simple devices packed with potential. These inexpensive...
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What should I watch out for when shopping for a home security system?
Watch out for hidden fees! While some security companies have transparent pricing, others aren’t so clear about charges.
Standard fees are for security equipment and emergency monitoring. Additionally some companies charge for equipment installation and activation. Some also charge restocking fees for returned security equipment, so their “free trials” aren’t truly free. Most important though is that customers who break long-term monitoring contracts might be charged cancellation fees.
The policies of security companies vary widely, so definitely read contract details before making a commitment. Reading home security reviews can also help you get a sense of what to expect from specific providers.
What features do I really need in my security system?
When setting up home security, consider your home in terms of entryways, indoor areas and possibly outdoor areas to guard. Home security systems use various devices to monitor entryways and indoor areas, plus some patrol outside too.
A basic security system includes two types of devices: magnetic sensors to detect door/window movement, and infrared sensors to detect motion indoors. These devices connect to a control panel and high decibel alarms. Ideally you pay for monitoring so that help is sent even when you can’t call 911.
For some shoppers another essential feature would be a medical alert device or wearable panic button. Beyond these devices, essential features depend on your home’s layout. For practicality or peace of mind some common features are keychain remote controls, smartphone access to the system, glass break sensors, video cameras and smoke alarms.
Should I add cameras to my home security system?
Cameras enhance home protection in several ways. Their simple presence can discourage crime. If footage is captured, it can be used to prevent or solve crime. Security cameras can bring a faster emergency response too: By law, security companies can dispatch police more quickly if visual verification of a break-in is available.
But cameras are valuable for more than home security. For example, wireless security cameras let the owner check in online. This makes it possible to keep an eye on your toddler sleeping down the hall, or to keep an eye on your pet when you’re away from home.
Some special features of home security cameras are night vision, motion detection, dome protection and two-way voice.
Why shouldn’t I go with the cheapest security company?
Protecting lives and property is serious business. Choose a serious business! A cheap company might fail you by providing low-quality equipment, failing to replace faulty equipment, or being unable to process emergency calls quickly. With these drawbacks, true security isn’t being sold.
Fortunately, choosing low quality isn’t necessary. The leading home security companies provide good quality at affordable prices.
