Type “best home security system” into Google and you’ll get a pile of top ten lists. Most of them are written by people who’ve never fitted one. Half the products are the same box with a different logo.
So let me save you some time. There isn’t one best system. There’s the best one for your house, and it depends on a handful of things you can work out in about ten minutes. Here’s how.
Start with your house, not the product
Walk round your place and look at it the way a burglar would. Which doors can’t be seen from the road? Is there a side gate? A back door hidden behind the garage? Ground floor windows with a flat roof underneath? Those are the spots that matter, and they decide what you need far more than any brand.
A flat on the third floor has different weak points to a detached house with a long drive. A terrace has a back alley. A bungalow has windows at head height all the way round. Write down your weak points before you look at a single product, because otherwise you’ll end up buying whatever’s in the shop window.
The bits every decent system has
You don’t need all the gadgets. But the best home security system for most houses has the same few things at its core.
A proper alarm with door and window sensors. This is the base. Something that knows when a door or window opens while you’re out or asleep.
Motion detection inside. A backup for when someone gets past the first line. Make sure it copes with pets if you have any, because nothing kills your trust in an alarm faster than the cat setting it off.
Cameras on the entry points. Front door, back door, driveway. They put people off before they try anything, and they give you something to show the police if they do.
An app. Boring but useful. Arm it from the car, check the camera from work, get a message when the kids get home.
Monitoring. I’ll come back to this one.
Monitored or not?
This is the biggest decision, and it’s the one people skimp on.
An unmonitored alarm makes a lot of noise and hopes someone nearby cares. On a busy street, maybe. On a quiet road at 2pm on a Tuesday, when everyone’s at work, probably not. A monitored system sends a signal to a team who ring you, then a keyholder, then the police if needed.
It costs more every month. For most homes I’d say it’s worth it, and if you’re away a lot, it definitely is. If you’re on a tight budget, a good unmonitored system with phone alerts is better than nothing. Just know what you’re getting.
Wired or wireless
Wireless is quicker to fit, causes less mess, and is easier to add to later. It’s what most houses get now, and it’s perfectly reliable if it’s installed properly. The batteries need changing now and then, that’s all.
Wired is sturdier and suits big properties or new builds where cables can go in before the plaster. If you’re doing a full renovation, ask about it. Otherwise wireless is fine.
Don’t pay for what you won’t use
Some systems come loaded with extras. Voice control, smart plugs, flood sensors, a siren the size of a dinner plate. Some of it is handy. A lot of it you’ll stop using after a fortnight.
Ask yourself what you’d actually use every week. If the answer is “arm it, check the camera, get alerts”, you don’t need the premium package. Spend the money on better coverage instead, like an extra camera at the back or a sensor on the garage door.
Who fits it matters as much as what you buy
I’ve seen great kit fitted badly and it was no better than a cheap system. Sensors in the wrong place, cameras pointing at a wall, panels where anyone can reach them from outside.
So get a proper site visit before you commit. Anyone who quotes without seeing your house is guessing. Check they’re accredited with NSI or SSAIB. Ask what happens if something breaks in a year, and who you ring. And get two or three quotes, not one.
Things people get wrong
They buy on price alone, then discover monitoring wasn’t included. They cover the front door and forget the back. They never test it, so a dead battery sits there for months. Or they put cameras too high, so all they get is the top of someone’s hat.
None of that is expensive to avoid. It just takes a bit of thought at the start.
What it costs
There’s no honest single figure. A basic wireless alarm for a small home is a lot cheaper than a full setup with cameras and monitoring for a big house. If anyone gives you a price over the phone without asking about your property, be a bit wary.
What I’d say is this. Spread the cost over the years you’ll use it, and compare that with what a break-in costs, in stuff and in stress. It looks different that way.
Where we come in
We’re Invision Security, based in Essex. We fit alarms, CCTV and access control in homes and businesses across the county, and we always start with a visit. We’d rather tell you that a simpler system will do than sell you more than you need.
If you’re trying to work out the best home security system for your own place, a free survey is a good first step. You’ll hear what you actually need, and what you can leave out.
FAQs
What is the best home security system for a small house?
Usually a wireless alarm with door and window sensors, one or two cameras on the main entry points, and app control. Add monitoring if you’re out a lot.
Is a monitored system worth the money?
For most people, yes. It means someone acts when the alarm goes off, even if you’re away or can’t hear it.
Can I fit a security system myself?
Some wireless kits are designed for DIY, and they can work for a small flat. For a bigger home, a professional fit gets you better coverage and proper support.
How long does installation take?
A typical home is done in a day. Bigger houses, or ones with cameras and access control as well, can take longer.
Do I need cameras and an alarm?
They do different jobs. The alarm tells you something’s happening. Cameras show you what. Most homes do best with both.