Smart Home Security

With Alexa, Siri, Google and more, the smart home security options seem endless. Finding a starting point can feel daunting, which is why we’ve come up with this guide to help you get started.

Pro or DIYer?

Before you even begin, ask yourself if this is something you’re wanting to tackle yourself or would you rather have a professional handle it? In order to do it yourself, you’ll need to be proficient in your home wireless setup and basic electrical work. The benefit of doing it yourself is that you can choose exactly when, where, and how you will monitor your home security. You may even be able to save some money as well, as you won’t be forced into contracts with monthly costs.

A professional on the other hand will be able to guide you through different equipment options and handle all installation and setup. Keep in mind the fees associated with installation, activation, and whether or not there is a contract or any fees associated with canceling.

What Options Are Available?

Smart Doorbells

The smart doorbell may be one of the fastest rising stars in the smart home security field. A smart doorbell will alert you when someone is at your door without them ever even needing to ring your doorbell. Many smart doorbells have motion settings that can notify you when anyone or anything has any movement in any of the zones you’ve identified. You can also use the doorbell like an intercom system, where you can talk to the person on the other end. Most of the smart doorbells offer video via a mobile app that you can view in real-time. In order to view a video that is not in real-time, you will need a cloud subscription to whatever service is selected.

Popular smart doorbells include:

Ring Video Doorbell Pro
The Ring Pro features 1080HD video, two-way audio, customizable motion zones, and infrared night vision. In addition, the Ring Pro allows for motion-activated alerts, video on demand with live view and is compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows 10 Devices. Ring is an Amazon product, so its compatibility with Alexa will be better than most.

Arlo Video Doorbell
Arlo Video Doorbell is designed to capture what traditional video doorbells can’t. You can be notified when motion is detected and receive a call on your phone when your doorbell is pressed. The Arlo doorbell boasts a built-in siren that can sound automatically when an event is triggered, or be activated remotely. Arlo is compatible with Alexa and Google.

Eufy Video Doorbell
The Eufy video doorbell comes with AI technology and their sophisticated algorithm, stating that the camera intelligently detects body shape and face pattern. Ensuring you are only alerted when a human, and not a squirrel, is at the door. Unlike many of the other smart home products, the Eufy doorbell is designed to protect your home as well as your wallet, as all of their security products are one-time purchases that combine security with convenience.

Smart Home Security Cameras

Security cameras have become an affordable peace of mind, whether your goal is to watch for intruders or just check in on your furry friends throughout the day, there are several options to choose from. Most cameras include standard features such as HD video, night vision, cloud recording, and motion alerts, but here are some of our top picks:

Arlo Pro 3
The Arlo Pro 3 is a rechargeable indoor-outdoor home security camera that has a lot of features that make it stand out from other systems. It is very easy to set up and use. Beyond the basic functions that the majority of security cameras have, it also has a lot of extra security features, such as a built-in siren and arm/disarm modes. It also offers advanced alerts including person, animal, vehicle, and package detection. The Arlo Pro 3 is a solid product and is ideal for surveillance camera setups that require multiple cameras.

Wyze Camera
With a price point of less than $30, how can you afford not to try this camera?! Not only is this a great budget camera, but it’s actually just a great camera. It features HD live streaming, motion alerts, night vision, a decent app, and, best of all, 14 days of free motion-based cloud storage. The Wyze camera also features a built-in microSD card if you want local video storage rather than relying solely on a cloud-based solution. Wyze works with Alexa voice commands and features motion detection zones and the ability to listen for and alert you to special frequencies, like smoke alarms. You can monitor multiple cameras in the app, which makes it a great wireless security camera for setting up a home security system.

Final Thoughts

With all the options available, you’re sure to be able to build a smart home security system within your budget. Not only for security but also for peace of mind, we believe incorporating some security pieces into your home should be a necessity. You will never regret not having the ability to protect your home, yourself, and your loved ones.