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Best smart home security systems in 2024
The most reliable and comprehensive smart home security systems available
Smart home technology can be fun and convenient, but it can also save lives, property, and a lifetime of memories. These days, powerful security cameras, dependable Wi-Fi networking, and straight-to-consumer home security systems are more reliable, available, and affordable than ever. Coupled with constantly refined smart home devices, now's a better time than ever to protect your loved ones and belongings from emergencies.
Best smart home security systems with outdoor cameras in 2024
Keep an eye on your property with the most thorough security systems around
Smart home security systems are an easy way to protect and monitor homes from a cellphone or by using an AI assistant. Since the industry has boomed over the last ten years, there's a vast security system array with many features and setups available. Installing a custom smart home system means picking and choosing the features that matter to you and best fit your household, like 24/7 monitoring/recording, smart motion zones, smart detection, loud sirens, in-house storage or upgrades, and smart home security cameras. Beefing up property protection is easy with a home security system that fits your needs and utilizes the technology you already have with the options on this list.
The best 15 smart home deals from Prime Early Access are still alive
From speakers to smart cameras, from backlights to locks, these are the deals to see
It doesn't have to be intimidating or expensive to break into the field of smart home devices. In fact, the entire industry has gone to lengths to make the processing of setting up your smart devices as easy as possible. Most devices support one of the three main voice assistants, and a great deal offers compatibility with third-party programming methods, including IFTTT applets. And for the rest of the day, Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale ensures you don't have to make a huge investment to get some of the best smart devices on the market.
Google swears this is your very, very, (very) last chance to add a Nest Detect to your system
Expand your Nest Secure while you still can
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What's the only thing Google likes more than introducing new products and services? You, in the back? Yes, that's right: killing them off. Last fall, we spotted the writing on the wall as the Nest Secure home security system was being retired, including its Nest Detect sensors. In the months since we've had a few opportunities to snag more of those sensors as they sporadically returned to the Google Store, but now we're getting word that they're finally about to leave for good.
When it comes to monitoring your home security, Arlo cameras are some of the best out there. The Arlo Ultra 2 may have just been released, but the original Arlo Ultra is still a solid option. The camera had a bit of a rocky release in 2018, but since then the company has ironed out the launch issues. Right now you can get an Arlo Ultra kit with the hub and two cameras for $450 at Amazon and Best Buy.
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Netatmo may not be the first brand that comes to your mind when you think about smart home security, but the French company does a lot of things right. Its cameras come with no hidden fees, but offer local storage, backups to Dropbox and an FTP server, face recognition (though not super reliable), alarm detection, Google Assistant integration — perks that usually cost a lot with competitor products. However, in my review of the Welcome camera, one of the aspects I lamented most was the sluggish Android app. Two years later, it's finally received a big refresh.
Ring's 14-piece smart security system is down to just $230 and comes with a free Echo Dot ($100 off)
Ring's home security system is one of the most popular on the market, thanks to its features and the expansion possibilities it offers. With this deal, you can get a 14-piece kit and a free Echo Dot for just $230, which is $100 less than the usual price.
The bundle is particularly complete as it includes two motion sensors, eight door sensors, two keypad control units, a wireless range extender, and the mandatory base station. The kit can still be expanded at a later stage thanks to additional modules. Amazon is also throwing in a free third-generation Echo Dot speaker, which will probably be one of your favorite ways to control your alarm system.If you're looking for top-notch security, you can also subscribe to the professional monitoring option for $10/month, which includes unlimited video recording and cellular backup.Buy: Amazon
At $200, Ring's home security system is one of the most popular on the market, thanks to its features but also its relatively appealing price. However, you can get it for just $150 today if you're a Prime member and receive a free Echo Dot speaker with your purchase.
Arlo is at CES 2019 with a few interesting announcements. The security camera maker is expanding its portfolio with more integrations and a new security system.
After the last update to the Google app brought very little to discuss, version 8.8 is now in circulation and it is continuing the trend of smaller but more frequent updates. In this round, the teardown brings up the curious "dreamliner" name that was also spotted in AOSP after Android P Developer Preview 3. We can also see that there's a new command in the works for Routines that will allow users to control their security systems.
Security cameras come in all shapes and sizes, and there are a ton of different potential configurations. But if you need DVR storage at up to 1080p resolution, support for up to 8 cameras (with four conveniently included), and intelligent motion detection with alerts, ANNKE's solution might be for you. Better, we have a coupon (TTXS6D5Q) that brings the whole package down to $78.09There are a lot of decisions to be made when it comes to security cameras. Sometimes you don't need or want centralized storage, and indoor/outdoor environments need to be taken into account to determine precisely which cameras are best suited for your application. But this bundle by ANNKE is flexible and inexpensive.To start, it has four indoor/outdoor weatherproof (IP66) cameras with IR night vision, giving you enough to get started in any environment. Add in the 8-channel DVR, and you have the capacity to upgrade down the road, and even mix and match camera types based on your specific needs. It also supports two additional wireless channels if you can't always route cables.
Nest announced its Secure alarm system in September, but the starter pack just became available for purchase today. And to go with that, Nest has updated its app to support the features of the Secure.
More and more companies are coming out with smart security camera systems these days. NETGEAR joined the trend a while back with its Arlo systems, and they're not half bad. Now, you can get a 5-pack of Arlo security cameras for just a penny under $400 - that's an incredible $80 per camera.Arlo's system works like most do - you set up a number of cameras (in this case, five) around your house and connect them wirelessly to a base unit. The motion cameras, which can be used both indoors and outdoors, are actually completely wire-free, as they use batteries and are positioned with magnetic mounts. You can view live or recorded videos from virtually any device via the free Arlo app. The models included in this kit are the previous-gen VMS3530, but they'll still get the job done just fine.The current Amazon price of $399.99 for a 5-pack means that each is costing you about $80, which is a pretty damn good deal. On the topic of Amazon, you can actually use voice commands via your Amazon Alexa or Echo Show to view live video (Fire TV support is coming soon). We don't know how long this deal will last for, so don't snooze if you're looking to outfit your home with security cameras.Source: Amazon
Blink, the company that makes affordable and portable home security cameras (see my full review), has been on a bit of a roll over the past few months. First, it added Alexa support to arm and disarm the system and inquire about the latest recorded videos, then it announced an outdoor camera, the Blink XT, with weather-proofing, 1080p video, and an IR night vision sensor. Now it's releasing a whole host of upgrades and gear to complement its system.