The best smart home security appliances| buying guide

Sometimes buying a smart home security system can be a bit confusing,as after all we become a bit choosy for purchasing anything for our beloved home,right?

Don’t worry , we’re here to help. The editors at helloaana bring you a complete guide for deciding and installing  a smart home security system at home.

 The smart home security systems typically include sensors that detect when doors and windows are opened, additional window sensors that can “hear” if glass is broken, motion detectors (usually activated when residents are absent and adjusted to ignore pets), and cameras and video doorbells that record video clips on a remote server or a local hard drive.

 Fire alarms, water-leak sensors, and smart home devices such as automatic lights can also be part of a  smart home alarm system.

 Systems are usually controlled by a central control panel, keypad, and/or a Smartphone app, and many rely on the owner’s Wi-Fi connection or a wireless communications protocol like Z-Wave. While smaller homes may need only a few sensors, larger homes can require much more extensive installations.

What is smart home security?

The Internet of Things has made it easier than ever to set up a smart home in which you can remotely control your door locks, lights, thermostats, vacuums, lawn mowers, and even pet feeders, using your Smartphone and an app.

 It’s also made it simple (and relatively affordable) to monitor your home from pretty much anywhere. Smart security systems are highly customizable and available as do-it-yourself kits or as full-blown setups that include professional installation and monitoring.

Depending on your needs you can go with a system that you monitor yourself, or pay a subscription fee to have your home surveilled 24/7 by professionals who will contact your local fire and police departments when alarms are triggered.

You can even take advantage of on-demand monitoring services for when you’re away on vacation. Of course, the more coverage you have, the more you can expect to pay.

If you’re not ready for a dedicated security system, there are plenty of individual devices available that let you monitor your home from anywhere using your phone or tablet, including indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, motion sensors, and smart locks.

WHY smart home security?

Over the years, homes have always been under threat from all kinds of external factors. Ever since people have been creating territories and places to stay, they’ve been attacked and vandalized – for whatever reason. In the year 2021 and beyond, this kind of behavior and unfortunate activity will not exactly disappear like perhaps we’d like it to.

That’s why we need to make sure we all protect and secure our homes properly. When we think about enhancing our homes, we consider the look and feel, and in terms of the functionality, we think about how it’ll benefit us in terms of the luxurious side.

Here’s what you need to know when deciding how to secure and monitor your smart home while you’re away.

Smart home security installation

A smart home security system connects to your Wi-Fi network so you can monitor and control your security devices using your Smartphone and an app.

 Entry-level systems usually include some door and window sensors, a motion detector, and a hub that communicates with these devices using one or more wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or a proprietary mesh network.

You can add extra door, motion, and window sensors to provide coverage for your entire house and build a comprehensive system that includes door locks, garage door openers, indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras, lights, sirens, smoke/CO detectors, water sensors, and more.

A word about wireless protocols: In a perfect world, all home security components would use the same wireless standard to communicate with the main hub, but factors such as power requirements, signal range, price, and size make it virtually impossible to settle on just one.

All of the systems we’ve tested feature an app that lets you use your Smartphone as your command center to arm and disarm the system, create rules, add and delete components, and receive push notifications when alarms are triggered.

Most apps also allow you to do things like view live and recorded video, lock and unlock doors, change thermostat settings, and silence alarms. Some apps will even use your phone’s location services to automatically arm and disarm the system according to your physical location.

The more expensive systems usually come with a wall-mounted panel that acts as a communications hub, with a touch-screen display that allows you to do everything the app does. The display lets you communicate with a professional monitoring service when an alarm is triggered and view video from any of the installed security cameras.

DIY Home Security Systems

Do-it-yourself security setups are ideal for budget shoppers because they can save you a bundle on installation charges and subscription fees.

Most DIY systems are easy to install and are sold as kits that you can configure to suit your specific needs. As your needs grow you can order additional sensors and other components at your convenience and pair them to the system in a matter of minutes.

Your basic entry-level DIY system might only support one or two wireless protocols and usually offers a limited selection of add-on components, while more expensive DIY systems will support multiple wireless protocols and are compatible with dozens of add-on components.

 Some DIY systems are self-monitored, which means you’ll receive alerts when devices are triggered, but it’s up to you to contact the local authorities if there’s a break-in or a fire. However, DIY vendors are increasingly offering professional monitoring services.

Smart home security camera

Did you know you can check in on your entire household from anywhere in the world?

With the Control app on your Smartphone or tablet, you can watch live and recorded footage from the connected surveillance cameras throughout your indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Whether you simply want to check on the outdoor plants, watch your dog from your desk at work, or scan the premises right before bed, you will have immediate access to your home from any location and at any time of the day or night.

Want to take your surveillance to the next level? Set up your system so that you receive alerts on your smart device when any movement is detected.

Choose from a variety of sophisticated camera types that integrate seamlessly with Control.

MI Wi-Fi 1080p Full HD 360° Viewing Area Smart Security

To Installing a MicroSD Card, make sure that the power to the security camera is already disconnected.

Adjust the camera lens upward until the MicroSD slot is revealed, then insert the MicroSD card into the slot (the side with contact points mustbe facing down). Note: Please turn off the security camera’s power supplybefore inserting or removing the MicroSD card.

Please use a genuine MicroSDcard manufactured by a qualified supplier and make sure that the card’s totalstorage capacity is 64 GB or less, with a reading/writing speed of no less thanU1/Class 10.

If the Indicator Light shows following : Flashing orange rapidly: waiting for connection,Flashing orange slowly: system upgrade in progress,Steady blue on: connected/device status is normal ,Flashing blue: network error.

Secure, Smart, Easy. See what matters most. Detects motion and sends you alerts right away. Advanced night view helps guard you while you sleep. Privacy mode and safe local storage ensures your privacy. High definition video. Live view and two-way audio. Get a detailed look at your room. Share every memorable moment.

The Qubo Smart Home Security Camera is a 1080p Full HD Wi-Fi/Wireless camera with Full HD monitoring & superior night vision, which will give you a clear view of your surroundings even in low light conditions.

You can have crystal-clear real life video streaming through the Qubo Mobile App. The two-way talk feature with echo cancellation allows for clear conversations. It also comes equipped with first of its kind AI features like Person Detection, Built-In Alarm System etc.

You can create smart routines as per your requirement for playing automated loud siren. For example, as soon as a person is detected, the camera will ring an automatic alarm. All these features make it a perfect Smart Home Security Solution.

Smart home security with siren

Home security with siren Factors to Consider

Weatherproof

Not every alarm siren is designed to be placed outside. If you plan to install a security siren outside of your home, double check where your siren should be placed and if it’s designed to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture and humidity.

Alarm system connectivity

Many alarm sirens come in both DIY and monitored security system packages. If you own an alarm system, and purchase a separate siren make sure your siren connects to your existing system for a seamless security system with connected equipment to help monitor your home.

Installation

Before buying, understand how the siren should be installed some wireless sirens are easy to install with a few screws to secure the siren to the ceiling or wall, which is perfect for renters. However, some require wiring – especially those connected to an alarm system.

Benefits of smart home security Sirens-

• Extra home security – Even if you have a fully-monitored home security system, alarm sirens are extra home security gadgets to help alert you of any emergencies.
• Thief deterrent – Once an intruder sees the strobe light and the loud alarm wakes your neighbors, they’ll think twice about taking another step towards your home.
• Loud and clear alerts – If danger is near and you miss a mobile notification from your security system; the siren’s high-decibel alarm will make sure you’re aware.
• Easy visibility – In the event of an emergency, your alarm siren’s loud alert and lights will make it easy for emergency responders to spot your home without question.

Installing security sirens is the best way to always get loud and clear alerts when your home is in danger. Before buying, don’t forget to consider the top features and buying factors for your home.Take a look at our top recommendations then browse Amazon’s best-selling security sirens for a full list of alarm siren choices.

Considering a security siren for your home? We’ve researched some of the top products to help you in your decision.

SENIOR WORLD Juvo Wonderlite

• Motion sensor led light-comes on automatically when it detects motion in the dark. Switches off automatically after 30 secs if no further motion or if adequate light is detected
• 3 Settings- on, off and auto. Elegant and compact design. Uses samsung led (40 lumens) and japanese pir sensor
• 2 Min installation- battery operated. Elegant and compact design. Uses Japanese PIR sensor. 3 AA batteries included
• Total flexibility-stick or affix it anywhere and put the Juvo wonderlite in it or make it stand on its side wherever you need light. bedroom, bathrooms, main door, stair-aside, bedside,cupboards etc
• Energy-efficient led night lamp provides bright and long lasting illumination
• The Door / Window Home safety alarm from Juvo is a great way to feel safer at home.

Juvo wonderlite comes on automatically when it detects motion in the dark. So you can stop worrying about elderly family members or kids tripping in the dark & hurting themselves.

Smart home security door sensor

Live smart and make your life easier. Door Sensor allows you to improve the safety and security of home and family. With discreet compact design, these entry sensors provide instant and reliable performance as part of your security system.

Door Sensor, provides a simple way to monitor your house or office, such as side door, window, garage etc..

Add smartness to your home with door sensor. Receive alerts if windows open or close. And set other smart devices/lights to turn on when triggered by door/window open or close. And create automated routines like Good Morning, Goodbye, and Goodnight.

Smart Door Sensor is easy way to install via screws or 3M tape. Once your device is paired with your phone, you’ll always know the status of door opening and closing wherever you go!

It connects to ONLY 2.4G Wi-Fi, No Central HUB or complex wiring required.

Before you buy a door sensor make sure it consists-

• Smart features and automation –  If you like to stay connected to your home while you’re away, consider door and window sensors with mobile apps and alerts. Most of the sensors we chose in our lineup connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and can send updates directly to your phone.
• Your smart assistant (Alexa, Apple Home Kit, Google Assistant) can connect to home devices like door sensors. You can include one that plays well with others in automations like turning off the lights when a door closes or triggering a camera when the door opens.
• Alerts and notifications – If a door opens and nobody’s home to answer, does it make a sound? It does if you have mobile alerts or notifications through your contact sensor. These devices aren’t locks, so they’re best paired with devices like smart locks.
• Location and fit – Where you install your sensors changes the way they function. Window and door frames are the most common places for contact sensors, but they also fit on medicine cabinets, drawers, safes, the refrigerator, or anything that opens and closes.

Wireless door sensor protect any unwanted entry from door or window. If anyone tries to enter in house in unwanted manner, security system will get activated and send alert on all registered user mobile numbers and application.

PIR motion sensor detect the motion in protected area using the passive infra-red rays. All the Sensors are wireless and can be connected easily. Connect your sirens with the main unit and convert your home into an High – Tech security.

The Door / Window Home safety alarm from Juvo is a great way to feel safer at home. It automatically triggers a loud piercing siren (105 db) when the door/ window is opened & scares any intruders as well as alerts you & your family members to any possible intrusion.

It has an extremely Loud 105 db siren which can also work as a Chime to announce visitors/ guests during the day.

It needs a 2 mins installation. No tools required. Simply stick it where required.No messy wires or electrician required. Battery operated Perfect for Vulnerable windows/ doors at home or offices.

Mengshen Door and Window Alarm – Wireless Burglar Alarm with 105db Loud Sound and Bright Light, (Includes 1 Alarm and 1 Remote Control)

• Voice and Light Alarm: 108db loud alarm and bright light, can effectively scare the thieves and intruders away,
• Magnetic Sensor Alarm: Sensitive, lower false trigger rate
• Multi-funciton Security Alarm: It has the function of arm, disarm, emergency alarm and doorbell, widly meet your demand,
• Easy Operation: With remote control, it will be very easy to operate,
• Low Consumption: Two AAA batteries ( not included ) for over 1 year standby time.

It has compact, small and innovative design, giving you all-round security. It can be used for at least 1 year, avoiding the trouble to change battery frequently. The loud alarm can deter thieves effectively. Remote control, more convenience. Easy to operate and install. With 105 dB alarm, low battery indication.

Smart home security locks

A Smart home security locks is typically part of a robust smart home security setup, but you don’t have to invest in a full-blown system to use one.

If you’re using a home automation hub to control things like lighting and thermostats, you can add a Z-Wave or Zigbee smart lock to the system without much effort.

 Alternately, if you don’t have a home automation hub, look for a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth lock that comes with its own mobile app.

 Smart locks use standard pre-drilled holes and are fairly easy to install. Some models use your existing keyed cylinder and deadbolt hardware and attach to the inside of your door, while others require that you remove your existing interior and exterior escutcheons and replace the deadbolt and strike hardware.

Smart locks can be opened and closed using a mobile app and will send a notification when someone locks or unlocks a door, and most allow you to create permanent and temporary access schedules for family members and friends based on specific hours of the day and days.

There are plenty of smart lock models to choose from, including keyless no-touch locks, touch-screen locks, combination keyed and touchpad locks, and locks that you can open using a biometric fingerprint reader.

Yale J20 is a secure Smart rim door lock that allows you to lock and unlock your door –with RF Card Access and Pin. It allows you to lock and unlock your door – no matter where you are.

Access keyless entry, see who’s coming and going, grant virtual guest keys, and check whether the lock is open or closed. Enjoy peace of mind, protected by the latest Yale Smart Lock with 180 years of security expertise built in.

You can connect Yale J20 smart door lock through Bluetooth module and bridge it to the local Wi-Fi network. The Yale Link Wi-Fi Bridge allows you to access your lock remotely or outside of Bluetooth range. Control and monitor your door from anywhere all from your phone through Yale App.

OPEN Door Two Smart Door Lock with 5-Way Unlocking, OTP Time Bound Access, Activity Logs, Fingerprint, Pass code, NFC Card and Emergency Key Access for Home

• 5-way Unlocking: Unlock using Fingerprint, Pass code, Bluetooth, NFC card, or Emergency keys. Register up to 100 Fingerprints and add up to 100 NFC Card users.
• OTP for Guests/housekeepers/employees: One-time pass code for guests with expiration. Customizable pass code scheduler for remote control.
• 360⁰ fingerprint access and superior sensor: Superior fingerprint sensor that detects the slightest touch. Hardy sensor that stays good for years to come.
• Door Requirements: 32 – 60mm door thickness, Wooden Door | Battery : 4 Nos. AA batteries (4 Duracell batteries included), Battery life : 8 months to 1 year.
• Manage your smart lock with Tusk Smart Home mobile application for Android and iOS, available on Google Play Store and Android App Store.
• The handle side can be changed easily.
• Door two is a sturdy smart lock designed to keep your spaces safe. Receive alerts & notifications when someone uses your door lock or when the battery is low.
• Pass code-hide feature: Add decoy numbers before and after your pass code combination to unlock when someone is watching. OPEN Door two smart door lock with 5-way unlocking, OTP time bound access, Activity logs, Fingerprint, Pass code, NFC card and Emergency key access for home or office. Door two has 5-way access options with 8 months of battery life running on 4 AA batteries. If the battery is empty, quickly jump-start using a USB cable connected to a power source.

Some other  smart home security appliances for your knowledge-

Smart Thermostat

The nest learning thermostat 3rd generation is a Wi-Fi based thermostat that lets you control your home heating and air conditioning system with an app or using your voice.

If you tell it when you usually go to bed, the Nest will make sure the house is at your set temperature by then. It figures out, not just your schedule, but also calculates the time it takes to make your house comfortable.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

You’d all agree with me when i say, with time of the essence cutting seconds can make a big difference in the day. Thus, allowing a smart vacuum to clean your floors while you handle other chores can save you time and energy for the moments you’re needed most.

The large wheels of the vacuum cleaner roll over carpets and climbs over door ledges to get to the mess. we really admired RoboVac’s  feature of automatically returning to the charging base when power is low, ensuring it’s always charged and ready to vacuum. It uses drop-sensing technology to avoid falling down stairs and off of ledges.

Wi-Fi Smart Plug

Smart plugs as the entry point for anyone interested in trying out a connected home device. These help you to program the plug to turn on or off on a schedule or even based on your location.

Dog Camera

Here’s an essential indoor home security camera to keep an eye on your four legged friend. The major benefit of the camera is that it lets you toss treats to your pet when you’re out and about.

Smart Speaker

Stream music, listen to news, know about the weather and do a lot more with a smart speaker. The Amazon Echo is a Bluetooth speaker powered by alexa, Amazon’s handy voice assistant. Alexa works with a number of smart home devices directly and lets you control plenty of others via pairings you can create yourself. You can use Alexa to control most of the gadgets in your house with the sound of your voice.

Smart Wi-Fi Router

Wi-Fi is everything, period! This is, in particular, you realise once you start spreading things like smart speakers, smart light, smart plugs and smart all else from room to room. After all, those connected gizmos won’t do you much good if they can’t, you know, connect.

Smart Display

Smart displays are great voice-controlled assistants for your home that often have full touchscreen display and are great devices for managing your smart home, offering a number of unique things that take advantage of built-in display.

Smart smoke alarms

This device takes the traditional smoke alarm and brings it into the digital age, with Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to communicate and pinpoint exactly where a fire is located. The really nice thing about these alarms is that they can send the alerts to your phone so you can be aware of any issues even when you’re away from home.