If you have a garage, then it is important to keep it secure to prevent theft and burglaries. Unfortunately, the garage is an often overlooked gateway for thieves. If your garage is attached to your home, then it is even more imperative that you secure it from thieves. The garage door is the entryway that many people use the most. It is easy to drive away and forget to put it down. Fortunately, home security technology has come a long way. Many alarm systems allow you to open and close the garage door when you are away from home. Others can send alerts to your phone when the door is ajar. Here are the best home security systems for garages.
1. Frontpoint – Best Overall Garage Security (Editors Choice)
Frontpoint offers advanced home security equipment and sensors, excellent customer service and 24/7 professional monitoring. You can design a customizable home security system that gives you exactly what you want. The price-lock guarantee means that the cost of monitoring your Frontpoint home security system will never increase.
Frontpoint is one of the top home security systems for garages because the system allows you to remotely operate your garage door. Simply pair the Frontpoint Garage Door Controller with your current garage door opener and you can open and close your garage door from anywhere in the world. You can receive notifications and alerts whenever your garage door is opened or closed. Simply check the Frontpoint App to see the status of your garage door. The Frontpoint Garage Door Controller features a built-in sensor that detects moving objects within the area. If a moving object is detected, a visual and audible warning is triggered.
Frontpoint also offers a wireless Wi-Fi Outdoor Camera that can be used to monitor outside your garage. It features 40-feet of detection in night vision mode.
The Frontpoint system is easy to install. All the security system components are configured. The sensors are already preprogrammed so the devices are ready to use right out of the box. You won’t need to break out special tools for wiring or drilling. Everything is super simple to install.
Pros
- Easy DIY setup
- Professional, 24/7 monitoring
- Wire free home security
- Powerful encryption
- Fully-integrated home automation
- Redundant backups for power outages
- Price lock guarantee
Cons
- Upfront costs for equipment.
- Requires a one-year or three-year monthly monitoring contract.
- Top-tier plan required for live video recording.
Frontpoint offers a customizable DIY home security system that includes excellent garage security features like a smart home garage door opener and outdoor camera.
With Frontpoint, you will be required to purchase the equipment upfront. Although Frontpoint’s security system is pricier than some competitors, it works well.
2. Vivint – Best Home Automation
Vivint offers comprehensive home security and automation. The company offers everything that you need to secure your garage, and keep a watch on the rest of your home too.
Vivint’s Smart Garage Door Opener allows you to open and close your garage door from anywhere, receive notifications and alerts when the door is left open and prevent unauthorized entry.
The Smart Garage Door Opener is part of a complete home security system that allows you to secure and monitor your home. The SkyControl Panel is the hub and controls the system. You can add smart locks, garage door control, outdoor cameras and more to the system.
The Total Front Door package lets you control your garage door, smart lock and doorbell camera from anywhere. It comes with professional installation and includes access to the Vivint Smart Home app. Vivint offers 24/7 monitoring. It also works with Google Home, Amazon Echo and Nest Thermostat.
Pros
- Complete home security and automation
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- High-quality video monitoring and recording
- Extensive smart home integration.
Cons
- Equipment is expensive unless you purchase a monthly monitoring contract
- Monthly monitoring costs are expensive
- There is a charge with installation/activation
Vivint’s Smart Home Security Systems combine security and surveillance, 24/7 professional monitoring and smart home control in one easy-to-use system. This system is an excellent choice for anyone looking for solid garage door security.
The price tag for Vivint’s Smart Home security system is pricey depending on what features you choose. Plus, Vivint requires a monthly monitoring contract unless you purchase the equipment up front. To gain access to Vivint’s features, you will need to have a monitoring monthly plan.
3. ADT – Best App Control
ADT offers alarm systems customized for your home. The systems are customized in a way that works best for you and your budget. ADT’s Garage Door Monitor allows you to check on your garage door anytime. You can use your smartphone to check whether your garage door is locked and get alerts when it is opened. ADT also allows you to automate garage door functions using Amazon Alexa and modes. You can ask Alexa to open and close your garage door.
ADT offers several outdoor security cameras that you can use to keep an eye outside your garage. They are motion-activated and provide crisp, clear images and weather-proof design.
Pros
- Customizable alerts and notifications
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Live video footage and recorded clips
- Control from virtually anywhere
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- Indoor and outdoor video monitoring
- 140+ years of experience
- Smart home control
- Live stream from mobile device available
Cons
- Expensive system
- Monthly monitoring is required
- Top tier plan required for video monitoring
ADT is a well-known security company that has been in business for more than 140 years. This makes ADT a great option for anyone who wants reliability and expert customer service. They can help you design the perfect security system for your budget and needs.
While ADT offers an excellent product, it is more expensive than some DIY systems on the market. However, you are paying for a well-known product that comes with a 6-month money-back guarantee.
Why Garage Door Security Is Important
Of all of your outside doors, your garage door is probably one of the most at risk when it comes to security. Garage door openers usually feature an emergency release lever. This lever has a cord that hangs down. All you have to do is pull the cord and the door opens. Anyone with a clothes’ hanger can reach into your garage and pull the cord. Once thieves break into your garage, it is usually pretty easy to gain access to the inside of the home.
A home security alarm can significantly increase your garage security. Add outdoor cameras to the exterior of the garage and you have a very secure access point.
Garage Doors & Home Automation
The newest home security offerings on the market feature not only security but automation, as well. So, you can open and close your garage door while you are at work or away on vacation. Many also feature automatic notifications and alerts that let you know if you left the door open or if someone is moving around inside your garage.
Features of Garage Security Systems
When choosing a garage security system, look for the following important features. These are some of the most helpful features of garage security systems.
Specialized Alert Zones
Multiple alert zones allow you to monitor different areas of your property with certain equipment. This feature is especially helpful if you have a larger home.
Door Locks
Most alarm systems work with smart door locks. These allow you to lock and unlock the door remotely. Many feature instant alerts and notifications, which can help protect against unauthorized entry to your home.
Mobile Alerts
A home security system that includes mobile alerts for your garage sensors is very helpful. This lets you instantly know if the door is open or closed. You can also receive alerts when outdoor cameras when there is movement outside of your garage. This can help prevent a burglary before it even happens.
Remote Access
Remote access is helpful as it allows you to remotely open and close your garage door. You can use this feature to let your pet sitter into your house while you are on vacation or to open the garage door for the kids while you are at work.
Entryway Sensors
Entryway sensors let you know if someone has opened or closed your garage door. Many times, these sensors send an alert right to your phone when they are triggered.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors can be used to detect movement both inside and outside of your garage.
Outdoor Cameras
Outdoor cameras allow you to monitor the exterior of your garage. Make sure you choose cameras with infrared LED night vision so you’ll get crisp, clear images outside even when it is pitch black outside.
Outdoor Lights
You can use outdoor security lights to illuminate your landscape outside your garage door. This can help prevent break-ins by deterring thieves. If you have outdoor security cameras, then look for smart outdoor lighting that works with these cameras. Many cameras will automatically start recordings when motion is detected.
Garage Door Control
Choose a system that offers smart garage door control. These sensors work with your current opener to allow you to control your garage door from afar.