Best home security systems in 2023

Who’s it right for?

• Most households looking for a comprehensive and flexible security system

Who is it not for? 

• Buyers on very limited budgets

SimpliSafe offers a range of preconfigured packages, all of which can be fully customised to suit your requirements. For the average three-bedroom semi-detached property, The Tower needs no additional components and is ready to go once the base station is plugged in, combining internal and external cameras, a motion detector, door and window sensors, and an integrated keypad. While The Tower is one of its pricier options, SimpliSafe frequently has steep product discounts, making options, such as this package more affordable. 

Simplisafe users can choose between self-monitoring or professional monitoring, with two flexible monitoring plans available starting at 53p per day. 

Installation

We found the peel and stick sensors incredibly straightforward to install, with no drilling required and comprehensive connectivity instructions. The system was also easy to set up using the dedicated app.

The hardware is sleek and stylish, available in obsidian or white, and incorporates a stylishly contemporary pear-shaped base station. This glows with a steady blue light, and pulses if there is an error in the system. 

System app

With the SimpliSafe app, you can access and control your security system remotely via user-friendly smartphone or tablet interfaces. The app allows you to arm or disarm your system, view live camera feeds, and receive instant notifications in the case of a security event. The system uses end-to-end encryption to protect data, ensuring personal information and video feeds remain secure and private.

All of Simplisafe’s packages are compatible with smart home ecosystems Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control your security system using voice commands.

While the indoor camera lacks the ability to pan or zoom, with a 120-degree lens it already covers an expansive area. Both the picture quality and sound are easily distinguishable, and even the night vision is clear. The motion detection uses heat signatures to differentiate between a pet, a person and an object (a thrown ball, for example), minimising false alarms. 

If you take out one of the monthly subscription plans, you’ll benefit from the 24/7 professional monitoring. In case of any security concerns, with the more advanced monitoring package the SimpliSafe monitoring centre is notified, and they can dispatch emergency services to your location.

Our verdict

While SimpliSafe’s The Tower package provides an excellent home security solution, the initial cost may be prohibitive for some homeowners. However, considering the monitoring plans’ quality, features, and flexibility, we believe it is a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Alternatively, The Essentials package from Simplisafe offers a smaller, more affordable package, which can either be used as it comes (ideal for smaller homes) or expanded, personalised and adapted, so every penny spent on home security suits your home and requirements.

Read our full Simplisafe home security review.

Who’s it right for?

• Those looking for a fully bespoke system

Who is it not for? 

• Users wanting an off-the-shelf package

Verisure has everything you’d expect from a smart home security system, as well as some trademark features like its ZeroVision alarm that can release a ‘fog’ designed to deter burglars. It’s important to note though, that this feature can only be activated by a professional at the NSI certified Alarm Receiving Centre. 

Verisure has a partnership with Arlo cameras which have good quality video, two-way audio, night vision, and sirens. Everything can be managed through the Verisure app and, for £32 a month, Verisure will monitor your home. 

Installation

Although installation is included in the price, the jump off package starts at around £599, which is pretty steep when compared to other systems of similar scope. Add-ons can be discussed and costed with the technician on the day of the evaluation, which you need to book over the phone. You’ll also need to pay a £100 (fully refundable) deposit to book.

Although it can seem like an extra, unnecessary step for someone to come to your house for an assessment, it does mean that you will get a tailored package and a full rundown of how everything works so that you get the best use out of it.

Maintenance is covered in the subscription fee, so if anything breaks it will get repaired asap so you don’t lose any surveillance. Likewise any batteries will also get replaced automatically when they reach 30 per cent, and these can be changed in as little as half an hour once a technician is round, but you will get notified when this needs to happen. It’s this level of detail that scores Verisure top marks on TrustPilot, so whether Verisure is worth it, really depends on your home’s needs and budget.

Verdict

Verisure’s security offering is among the strongest here and it has an excellent record of fitting custom security systems, according to customer reviews and is our pick for the best bespoke home security system service.

Read our full Verisure review.

Who’s it right for?

• Users who require professional monitoring

Who is it not for? 

• Homeowners on a budget

ADT has been a trusted name in home security for many years, and its Smart Home Alarm Package demonstrates its commitment to evolving with modern technology. This comprehensive security system combines traditional ADT reliability with smart home features.

Although we tested the Smart Home Alarm Package, like many security systems, the company’s accessories and packages can be fully tailored to your requirements with additional elements incorporated into the system.

It features a touchscreen control panel that serves as the command centre for your system, and allows you to arm and disarm the system, control smart home devices, and view live video feeds from the cameras. With an 8MP camera incorporated, it automatically captures a picture of the last person who disabled your alarm.

System app

The ADT+ App allows you to manage your home security remotely, and the security company plans to integrate controls for third-party smart home products that use Matter, enabling control of compatible smart lights, thermostats and other smart technologies. 

With efficient contact sensors to detect when entry points are opened or closed, passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors that sense movement and ignore any household pets, and a wireless key fob that includes a panic button for emergencies, ADT appears to have every base covered. 

Installation

The security system is designed for professional installation, ensuring it’s set up correctly and functioning optimally. Upon purchase, ADT will schedule a technician to visit your home and install the devices. This process may take a few hours, depending on the size and complexity of your home. 

ADT offers 24/7 phone support, email support, and live chat, in addition to their online help centre, but our researchers found the customer support team didn’t always know the answers to our questions and took up to 10 minutes to get through. The live chat provided quicker responses.

Your standard subscription includes access to the ADT Remote Operating Centre, which automatically conducts daily system checks, ensuring every device runs optimally. Most technical issues can be dealt with remotely. Depending on the subscription level you choose, you, your keyholders, the police, or a private security guard will be notified in the event of a security breach.

Our verdict

The ADT Smart Home Alarm Package offers an advanced security solution that combines home automation and comprehensive protection. While the higher cost and long-term contract may be a drawback, the system’s reliability, professional installation, and seamless integration with smart home platforms makes it an attractive choice for those looking for a high-quality and professionally monitored home security solution.

Read our full ADT home security review.

Who’s it right for?

• Homeowners looking for a budget security system

Who is it not for? 

• Larger properties with lots of windows

The Hey! Surveillance Kit offers a basic, but good value, home security system which includes a doorbell video and a weatherproof outdoor camera. Both feature motion sensors, full HD live video streaming, two-way communication, and automatic night vision. However, like many smart security systems, more components can be added if required. 

Installation

The system is simple to install using the manual and instructional videos, requiring very little time or effort, and, with direct router-to-device connectivity, there’s no need for a separate home hub. 

System app

The mobile app interface takes a while to navigate, but it includes everything you need to manage your system, such as adjusting the motion sensor range and dimming the floodlights. Live HD video streamed directly to the app allows for simple self-monitoring, while the two-way communication can be accessed from anywhere via your mobile phone. The app also features playback of recorded clips and instant notifications of any unusual activity the system detects.

The Surveillance Kit offers cloud and local storage options for your video footage, giving you flexibility in managing your data.

Our verdict

The Hey! Surveillance Kit provides homeowners with an affordable option for home security and is a great option as a starter kit. While it doesn’t have the capabilities of bigger, more expensive systems, what it does offer is effective and easy to manage. If you do choose to expand your Hey! Security measures, the range is very budget friendly with extra motion sensors coming in at under £22 and cameras under £50.

Read our full Hey! home security review.

Who’s it right for? 

• Small properties

Who is it not for? 

• Large properties with expansive gardens

Ring is one of the leading brands in smart home security and is well known for its innovative doorbell cameras and other security devices. The five-piece Alarm and Indoor Cam Pack offers a mid-priced system that’s ideal for smaller homes, but it can easily be expanded with other Ring products. You can also integrate the system with other Ring smart home devices, such as locks, thermostats, and lights, for a fully connected experience. 

The pack includes the Ring Indoor Camera, which offers full HD video quality, live view, night vision, and two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with anyone in your home. The camera also has motion detection, customisable privacy settings, and integration with Amazon Alexa for voice commands. 

Installation

Setting up the Ring Alarm system was surprisingly easy. The package comes with detailed instructions, and there is also an installation video available on the Ring website. The process takes around thirty minutes, and the devices can be easily mounted using the included adhesive strips or screws, depending on your preference. They also offer a professional installation service to be purchased via Amazon. 

The motion detector has adjustable sensitivity settings, which helps minimise false alarms from pets or other small movements, and the inclusion of the range extender means that the wireless signal between the base station and any other Ring devices is maintained throughout your home. 

System app

The system also integrates seamlessly with the Ring mobile app, which allows you to monitor and control the security system remotely.

An optional Ring Protect Plus subscription covers all your home devices and allows access to its 24/7 Assisted Monitoring. Among other things, this sends alerts to your emergency contacts if your burglar alarm is triggered. 

Our verdict

The Ring Alarm system offers a user-friendly, customisable home security solution for homeowners seeking to protect their property. With optional subscription services and the availability of additional Ring devices, the system can be tailored to meet each household’s specific needs. 

Although this system is ideal for small properties, adding more components to cover a larger home could mean that it’s more cost-effective to purchase a more extensive system from the start.

Read our full Ring home security review.

Who’s it right for?

• Larger families with pets

Who is it not for? 

• Expansive properties with gardens and driveways

Netatmo has a limited home security system catalogue, with only one dedicated package; however, this can be expanded by purchasing additional products. 

The smart indoor camera is the operational hub for the various accessories, such as the indoor siren. It boasts high-resolution 1080p video recording, a wide 130-degree field of view, and infrared night vision extending up to five metres. It can recognise 32 familiar faces, including pets, which can be stored to avoid unnecessary recording. Alerts will indicate if the person is known or unknown, and you can access the footage through the app. 

 System app

The door and window sensors send instant notifications if any movement is detected, and if configured to do so, it will cause the alarm to sound. You can also verify if any windows or doors have been left open via the app. 

Verdict

Our researchers feel that, while this is an essentials-style package, there is much to like in terms of performance and ease of use. However, homeowners wanting peace of mind with their security system would appreciate the inclusion of a video doorbell or any other form of exterior monitoring and a battery backup to guard against power outages. 

Read our full Netatmo home security review.

Who’s it right for?

• Large detached properties

Who is it not for? 

• Apartment or flat owners

Yale’s 11-piece kit, the Sync Home Security kit offers a comprehensive range of devices to protect your home from intruders and environmental hazards. Ideal for larger properties, additional devices can be purchased and integrated into the system if it still doesn’t fulfil your requirements.

Secured by Design, the official police security initiative, has accredited the Yale Sync Home Security System under the Police Preferred Specification scheme.   

The system offers a range of customisable settings, including part-arm functionality, allowing specific areas of your home to be secured while you’re inside; this can be set on the user-friendly app, keypad, remote key fob or via voice assistants. It also includes a helpful geolocation feature that reminds you to set the alarm when you leave the house. 

The motion detectors and contact sensors are sensitive and responsive, ensuring that any unauthorised entry is quickly detected and reported to you via the Yale’s Smart Living Home app.

Not only does the Yale Sync siren provide a loud, live alarm for the exterior of your property, it also includes a dummy alarm as an extra deterrent. 

 Installation

Setting up the Yale Sync Home Security System is a straightforward process thanks to the detailed user manual and helpful installation videos on the Yale website. The devices are primarily wireless, so the installation does not need drilling or running cables. The system is designed for easy DIY installation, and most users should be able to complete the process within a couple of hours. Some users have reported difficulties setting up the live alarm, but our researchers encountered no issues. 

According to Yale, the batteries should last for approximately 18 to 24 months; however, some users have reported slightly shorter lifespans.

Our verdict

The Yale Sync Home Security System offers a comprehensive and intelligent solution for securing your home. With its wide range of devices, smart home integration, and user-friendly app, this system provides peace of mind and convenience for homeowners.

If you’re searching for a smart and efficient way to safeguard your home, this is a solid choice to consider.

Read our full Yale home security review.

Who’s it right for?

• Homeowners who want a reliable starter system

Who is it not for? 

• Users who are looking camera-based security system

The Smart Security Kit is Abode’s entry level system. It’s reasonably priced and comes with the basics to protect your home. The kit comes with the Gateway hub, one motion sensor, a key fob and one door and window sensor.

The Gateway hub is stylish and compact, and comes with features such as an alarm signal for when an alarm has been triggered, as well as a LAN port, a SIM card slot, power connector and battery back-up.

Connectivity is one of the Gateway hub’s strengths: up to 160 partner devices can be connected, which includes voice assistants and additional security devices (including some third-party options), so it’s a good option if you’re looking to upgrade your home security system over time. 

The Gateway hub works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Nest, Phillips Hue light bulbs, Yale, LifX, ecobee, FirstAlert, Z-Wave, and IFTTT. This gives you options to control your smart security system from multiple devices, as well as set up smart light bulbs to power on when you enter your home.

The motion sensor, along with the door and window sensors, enables you to monitor your home through the Abode app.

Unfortunately, at this price point, there’s no camera included and without this, there’s no way of determining what or who triggered an alarm. Upgrade options do include the Abode Cam, as well as a wireless video doorbell.

Installation

The Smart Security Kit can be self-installed. And there’s an option for two monitoring plans – Standard or Pro – or you can choose not to subscribe and have limited controls through the app. The Standard plan gives you access to arm and disarm your system as well as push alerts via the app, among other features, but only the Pro plan includes professional monitoring.

Our verdict

The Abode Smart Security Kit is a good starter option, which offers basic security for smaller homes, great connectivity, and great flexibility for upgrading at a later date.

Read our full Abode review.

Who’s it right for?

• Best for apartments and flats

Who is it not for? 

• Homeowners with large, expansive properties

Arlo’s home security systems stand among the priciest we’ve evaluated, surpassed only by its European partner, Verisure. 

The brand offers an extensive suite of outdoor and indoor cameras, doorbell cameras, and floodlight cameras, all of which carry a high-end price tag. 

This compact security system is an ideal fit for apartments, flats, and other properties with one entrance, and is offered in either black or white. The outdoor camera is designed to keep watch over entry points, and the approach to the property, while the indoor camera, incorporating a built-in privacy shield, secures the living spaces.  

Arlo devices provide strong smart home integration capabilities, supporting Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. This is a standard feature in the industry, with rivals such as Ring and SimpliSafe providing similar integration. 

Installation

Arlo’s home security packages include the hardware to install the system, including screws, wall mounts, USB cables and comprehensive instructions, and are designed for the amateur DIYer.

Verdict 

Positioning itself as a security camera supplier, Arlo’s product range primarily consists of visual and audio equipment, without the inclusion of any sensors, and this system would, we feel, benefit from the addition of at least one sensor. It also lacks professional monitoring services, with subscription users being responsible for self-monitoring, despite the kit’s higher cost. 

That said, Arlo’s offerings are high quality, engineered for simple setup, and deliver a comprehensive, yet compact, home security solution.

Read our full Arlo home security review.

Who’s it right for?

• Homeowners who want to expand an existing system

Who is it not for? 

• Users who are looking for a complete pre-built package

Eufy is a recent entrant in the home security industry, and offers several security packages, with the option to buy more components as needed. Unlike many competitors, Eufy doesn’t have a monthly professional monitoring service. However, customers can oversee their home security system through a dedicated app.

The Eufy 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit is somewhat limited in its equipment offerings, a fact which is reflected in its price tag when compared to other home security systems our experts have reviewed. Eufy suggests their package is suitable for small to large homes, but from our research, it’s apparent that larger residences may require additional purchases, such as cameras and video doorbells. However, these can be purchased separately and easily incorporated into the system. 

Impressively, the keypad can last up to six years on a single charge, making it convenient for homeowners who are away for extended periods. 

System app

The app allows homeowners to manage their Eufy home security system. With an easily navigable interface, the system can be armed, tailored security modes set, and video footage viewed. Instant notifications inform users when sensors and cameras are activated, allowing appropriate actions to be taken.

Verdict

In summary, the Eufy Home Alarm Kit presents a cost-effective solution providing sufficient security if you’re looking for an addition to your home’s camera security system. This adaptability makes Eufy a favourable option for homeowners who prefer a personalised home security system.

Read our full Eufy home security review.

Who’s it right for?

• Airbnbs and holiday property owners

Who is it not for? 

• Homeowners who want a voice controlled smart home

With more Airbnbs and holiday rentals opening daily, Wyze has jumped on the bandwagon and designed a security system specifically for these properties. 

Holiday rentals have unique security requirements, with frequent short-term guests unfamiliar with the property. The owner is often absent when guests arrive, leaving them to let themselves in and navigate the space – sometimes after nightfall. 

System app

The multi-functional app gives users control over their security system, customising it to their particular circumstances.

Wyze’s Lock Bolt allows you to create automatically-expiring access codes, preventing guests from accessing the property after a given period. The lock history is stored in the app, recording exactly when the lock was triggered and whether there were any failed attempts. The Doorbell Pro video lets owners see who approached their property and when while also offering two-way communication and allowing guests to contact their host if necessary. With the option to pre-record a message and a dual-band wifi extender to ensure instant notifications, Wyze has designed a tempting option for Airbnb hosts. 

Departing guests can forget to turn off the coffee maker, lamps, or TV; however, the Wyze plug means you can switch appliances off through the app, giving you peace of mind, and potentially lessening your energy bills. And if your guests arrive after dark, the three motion detection night lights can be linked together to light a path – particularly helpful for stairs or nighttime visits to the bathroom. 

Installation

Installation is quick and easy, even for DIY novices, with all the necessary fixing components included. 

In the UK, Wyze only offers self-monitoring, and there’s no access to Google Assistant or Alexa, which our researchers hope Wyze will address in the near future. 

Verdict

Wyze has produced a security system with the holiday rental sector very much in mind, and appears to have considered everything for both the host and incoming guests. Designed to allow the host to control and monitor the property without disturbing the guests, at a reasonable price, Wyze’s Airbnb Side-Hustle Starter Pack is a good option. However, it would be an even better option if UK customers could access Alexa and Google Assistant!

Read our full Wyze home security review.

Like any other internet-connected device, smart security systems can be hacked. Their reliance on wifi connectivity for system components, such as motion sensors and cameras, makes their signals vulnerable to interception. Thankfully, even though hacking is possible, it’s not necessarily probable. 

In order to breach your particular security system, a hacker must have sufficient knowledge about your technology and its security configurations to select an appropriate method. Additionally, the hacker would require access to your home’s wireless network, necessitating a distinct set of expertise and resources.

However, there are some simple measures you can take to protect your security system from potential hacking attempts. These include:

• Strong passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for your smart home devices, security system, and wifi network. Regularly update your passwords and avoid using easily guessable information
• Two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentications for your smart home devices and accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code and your password
• Robust encryption: When choosing the best security system for homes, selecting one with strong encryption prevents your information falling into the wrong hands. Most systems use end-to-end encryption. This is a method of secure communication that stops third parties accessing your data while it’s transferred from one end system to another, eg from your indoor and outdoor security cameras to the home hub. It scrambles your information, turning it into indecipherable code. 
• Regular updates: Ensure your smart home devices, security systems, and routers are up-to-date with the latest software updates. Updates often include security patches that help protect against known vulnerabilities