In 2017, there were almost 1.5 million burglaries reported through the United States. This accounted for almost twenty percent of all estimated property crimes.
The rate of crime fluctuates based on the time of year and the exact location. With so many national burglaries, however, it’s important to take any steps you can to keep your family and property safe.
One of the most popular ways to do this is with a home security system. Most people have thought about getting one but are put off by the idea of a monthly contract.
A great alternative is self-monitored systems. Continue reading to learn all about the best self-monitored home security system.
What Is a Self-Monitored Home Security System?
A security system helps keep your home safe from intruders. The way they do this varies.
Most have alarms that will go off if someone tries to enter your home without a passcode. Some of them include video cameras that survey your property. Some security systems include extra precautions against fire.
Most security systems will include different safety measures together in a single product. The more features a security system has, the more expensive it is.
The term ‘self-monitored’ means the system is watched by you. It’s a cheaper option and many people prefer the control this gives them.
The alternative is professional monitoring. That allows someone from the company to watch your home for you.
How Much Does a Security System Cost?
The costs of security systems vary wildly. Some systems need only a one-time payment while others need a monthly subscription. Many factors come into play when determining the cost of security systems.
A few of the greatest factors in determining price includes:
- Manufacturer of the security system equipment
- Self monitored security system versus professional monitored
- Extra features
- Home’s location
- Extensiveness of setup
- Home’s size
Other considerations might come into play. Each situation and security system are unique. Some people won’t mind spending more for extra security or convenience, while others prefer to pay for the basics.
Features to Look For
The most basic security systems include two things.
First, they include basic security cameras. These are typically located at your home’s access points. Second, they include an alarm system that will alert you if someone tries to break into your home.
Some security systems only provide one of the two things mentioned. These two features, however, are the most common. There are a lot of extra features you could get with your self-monitored security system.
Door Bell Camera
A doorbell camera lets you see who is at the door without having to get up. Usually, these cameras can be accessed through a mobile application. Sometimes they are accessed through a screen inside your home.
For many, a doorbell camera serves as protection against possible intruders. It isn’t rare someone hopes to gain entrance to a home by forcing their way in after the door is opened.
An extra benefit is you can avoid annoying visitors without seeming rude. Door-to-door salesman and people handing out pamphlets are prime examples.
Automatic Flood Lights
Some security systems come with automatic floodlights. Alternatively, these can be installed separately and incorporated into your home security plan.
When movement is detected in your yard, the automatic floodlights flash on. This can startle a potential intruder and cause them to leave. Even if they don’t leave, these lights make them easier to see so you’re aware of the danger.
Cellular or Application Monitoring
This is one of the most popular extra features in today’s modern world. With cellular monitoring, you can see your security camera stream from anywhere. All you need is your cell phone.
This includes streams both inside and outside of the house. Besides protecting against intruders, there are extra benefits with this remote monitoring.
People who use babysitters at their homes can check in on their children throughout the day. The same goes for pet owners. Many like the peace of mind this offers.
Smart Home Integration
Some security systems can be integrated into your smart home capabilities. Others cannot. This might not matter if you don’t have a smart home but is a convenient feature if you do.
Professional Installation
Do you feel as though you can install a security system on your own? If not, you might want to choose a professional installation.
Smoke Detectors
The smoke detectors that come with self-monitored home security systems are more high tech than the ones you’re familiar with. Typically, these are linked up to let the fire department know when they go off. So, even if you can’t get to a phone in the event of a fire, help can be on the way.
How to Choose a Self-Monitored Home Security System
There are several things to consider when choosing a self-monitored home security system. When picking out a system for your home, consider the following items.
Price Range
You don’t want to blow your budget on a home security system. Know what you can spend and stick with it. This will help narrow down your choices.
Upfront Costs vs Monthly Fees
Even self-monitored systems can come with fees if you lease them through a company. The most common option is to pay the full price upfront. Figure out which option you prefer.
Installation Options
There are two installation options when you buy a self-monitored home security system. You could choose to install the system yourself. Many people feel confident in their abilities to do so.
A lot of people, however, don’t feel confident in their abilities to install a system. This is when you could choose to hire a professional installation company. Installation companies may or may not also sell home security systems.
Smart Home Integration
This was briefly touched on in the extra features section above. Deciding whether you want your security system to be integrated with your smart home is a major consideration. If you don’t have a smart home, you don’t have to worry about this.
App Access and Live Streaming
Many modern security systems allow people to have camera feeds streamed live to their phones. This is accessible through an application on your phone.
For some, having constant access to their security systems through their phones is a must. Others don’t care if they have the convenience or not.
Connectivity Options
Consider what connectivity options you’re willing to use. The most common options include a landline, cell phone, and internet. The internet is typically WiFi.
Equipment
Each security system will have different equipment that comes with it. Some self-monitored packages allow you to add on other equipment or buy extras of the ones already in your kit.
Ask yourself what kinds of equipment you must have in your kit. The most common pieces include cameras and alarmed keypads. These are equipped with sirens to scare off intruders.
There are other options you might want. Fire detectors come with certain systems, as do water detectors. Motion and activity sensors are another option, which can be attached to windows or doors.
Company Reviews
You also want to verify the company. A home security system is usually a moderate to high financial investment. You want to make sure you get something that will be worth the cost.
Check online reviews of both the company and the specific system you’re looking at. A few bad ratings might mean nothing, but if bad reviews are the norm you might want to choose a different system.
5 Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems of 2020
The best self-monitored home security system for you might not be the best for your neighbor. From the five following choices, however, most people can find one that works for them.
These five were picked for several reasons. The most important reasons include a solid company reputation and high online reviews.
1. Arlo Pro 2 Two-Camera Installation Pack
This self-monitored system comes with two cameras, a siren, a doorbell, and a base station.
This security system allows you to watch your cameras through 24/7 live feed. Not only that, but you can listen in and talk back from your phone via a built-in speaker.
The siren is incredibly loud. It can be remotely controlled or set to go off for movement or excessive noise. The night vision setting is automatically enabled whenever the light gets low.
There are two different power options, which is really convenient. The included batteries are rechargeable. You can also choose to plug it into a wall.
2. Ring Alarm Self Monitored Security System
This is a nice system if you don’t want to splurge for a set with cameras. Included is a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender.
The really cool thing about this system is that it works with Amazon’s Alexa. Once you’ve integrated the two, you can just ask Alexa about your system. Use the voice activation to check, arm, or disarm from any enabled device.
The system is hosted online and connected to your phone. You can control every piece of your system directly from the base station. That makes it perfect for people who aren’t great with technology.
3. Cromorc Home Security System
This is a larger system that would be perfect for two or three-bedroom homes. It would even work well with larger properties since the cameras operate inside or outside.
Included in the kit are four cameras, a base station, and a monitor with a one TB hard drive. The base station has a built-in WiFi router and two extra antennas.
The cameras are equipped with sensors. You can set them to run at specific times, when motion is dedicated, or continuously.
When an alarm is triggered, you have several different alert methods available. This includes being sent a text or email.
4. SimpliSafe Home Security System
This is touted as the easiest home security system to install yourself and it comes with a lot of features.
The kit includes a siren-equipped base station with a keypad and key chain remote. Included are four entry sensors, motion sensors, security cameras, and smoke or water detectors. There is also a single sensor that alerts you if the glass breaks.
If you want a self-monitoring kit that includes everything, this is the one for you. It features cameras that turn ninety degrees to offer a wide range of views. If placed in the corners of your home, you can see almost the whole room.
You can receive motion alerts via SMS text or email. The footage is live-streamed to your phone and app access is available anywhere in the world. The cameras also operate on automatic night vision.
5. Bibene 2.4Ghz Wifi Sensor Security System
This kit doesn’t have a camera. It can be used with any MIPC security camera, however, if someone wanted to buy it separately.
The kit does come with eight sensors and a main panel. This is another option that can be integrated with Amazon’s Alexa. There is an application that allows you to check live stream video 24/7 through your phone.
Push notifications can be enabled. This notifies you if the alarm is set off. Push notifications are a convenient feature for people who are routinely away from home.
Learn More
Do you still have questions about the self-monitored home security system? Do you want a self-monitored home security system professionally installed at your home or apartment?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to assist you with all your needs.