An advanced smart security system outfitted with utilities such as security cameras, touch sensors, Passive Infrared motion sensors, alarm systems, and keypads is designed to provide distant protection for your home. Additionally, choosing a monthly subscription plan can ensure consistent monitoring.
There are plenty of alarm systems to choose from with many major companies getting in on the act. That can make it difficult to select just one option. So, we’ve gone through the best offerings on the market to make it easier for you to choose.
The Ring Alarm Pro is built to support and cover 75 products at one time.
- It features a built-in Eero mesh router for Wi-Fi.
- It offers an LTE radio for internet backup.
- It comes with a local storage for Ring cameras via an SD card.
Some users consider Ring as the stand-bearer of the industry and the Ring Alarm Pro acts as the all-in-one hub for their products.
It comes in several packages with the base package only providing the base station itself. However, there are other packages with different add-ons. These include the Base Station + 8 piece/14 piece kits as well as bonus cameras and extenders depending on what you choose.
Whole Home Router
The Alarm Pro is equipped with an Eero 6 Wi-Fi router that can maintain 75 devices at only one time. This covers any Ring device within a range of 1500 square feet and a maximum bandwidth of 900 Mbps.
In terms of compatibility, The Ring Alarm Pro only works directly with Amazon Alexa although it can also be controlled on smartphones with Ring’s supporting app.
Cellular Backup
When it comes to backup power and connectivity, it comes with an LTE radio which can be set up with a separate SIM card to provide a cellular network, in the case of an emergency. On top of that, you’ve got a backup battery that can provide 24 hours of power when the device is running on low power mode.
In conclusion, the Ring Alarm Pro is a very handy smart alarm system that provides excellent coverage for the entire Ring product range.
- It features a backup battery for 24 hours – on the low power setting.
- It features a USB Type-C port for external battery charging.
- It comes with the Ring Lightning Bridge.
- It is seamlessly integrated with Amazon Alexa.
- It cannot work with other smart home hubs
- It does not allow 24/7 video recording.
- Its local storage is locked behind a paywall.
Vivint’s line-up of tailor-made security systems were designed to suit the customer’s needs.
- These security systems by Vivint features an app to help manage everything remotely.
- They are high-end devices installed by professionals.
- They feature SmartDrive technology for 24/7 monitoring.
Vivint’s line-up of smart alarm systems may be expensive yet it comprises some of the most secure and versatile security systems out there.
Unlike other systems, Vivint’s products are custom-tailored to suit a client’s home.
The base kit provides the main hub along with a few extra sensors. You can also purchase additional equipment such as a video doorbell, video camera, smart thermostat, smart plug, and more.
Main Hub
The main hub is a wired touchscreen device that can run for 24 hours on a single charge. The hub uses Wi-Fi to interact with its sensors and can also use an LTE network for connecting to the internet if required. The hub also consists of a speaker, microphone, and siren for added security.
The main hub and all corresponding devices can be monitored and controlled via a single app. On top of that, you can also use Alexa and Google Home for voice control.
Finally, the Vivint Carguard system can sync your alarm directly with your car. This way, you can monitor your security system even when you’re on the go.
- Each system is tailor-made for the customer.
- They are high-end devices that enforce better security.
- No long-term contracts are required – only monthly contracts.
- They are fully integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
- These security systems by Vivint are less affordable than other well-known systems.
- There are no DIY options – everything is checked and installed by professionals.
If you want to a system that gets the job done without a monthly subscription, the Yale Sync Smart Home Alarm is your best bet.
- This smart home alarm requires no monthly subscription fees.
- It is easy to install and affordably priced.
- It can be managed using its proprietary app.
The Yale Sync Smart Home Alarm is a simple yet effective alarm setup that gets the job done with minimum fuss.
Its biggest selling point is that it doesn’t require a monthly subscription plan or contract to use these devices.
Despite its simple look, this alarm system has several useful add-ons which can be purchased separately and installed at your leisure. There are key fobs, smart locks, additional sensors, pet-friendly sensors, panic buttons, smoke alarms, and even smart plugs that are compatible with the Yale Sync App.
- It features a simple notification system.
- It supports future add-ons.
- It offers a versatile base package.
- It comes with a backup battery in the case of power outages.
- It features compatibility with Philips Hue.
- Some users have claimed that the app is not very user-friendly.
- This device is not available in the US.
- It only features Ethernet connectivity – no cellular connectivity.
This alarm system by ADT provides a system loaded with excellent support structures.
- It is compatible with Google Nest.
- It supports home automation.
- It features a variety of sensors.
The ADT Alarm System is one of the oldest home security systems in the world and their products benefit from all those years of experience in the industry.
It has three different ways to control the security system: through the main hub, the ADT app, and an online portal.
The base package includes a touchscreen hub that uses a cellular network for backup along with three door/window sensors and one motion detector.
There are several add-ons that can be purchased separately too. These include a variety of sensors, cameras, and other similar devices. It’s also worth noting that these devices use Z-Wave radio instead of Wi-Fi to connect with one another.
In conclusion, this alarm system by ADT is a secure setup that gives plenty of security and control to anyone’s home.
- It allows the ability to set up automatic routines.
- It uses Z-Wave radio instead of Wi-Fi.
- Connectivity to cellular services is available.
- It is less affordable than most of the products on this list.
- It does not feature DIY options during installation.
- Some users have claimed that the app is not user-friendly.
The SimpliSafe Alarm System is an alarm system that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
- It features affordable hardware and services.
- Contracts are not required.
- The installation process is beginner-friendly.
The SimpliSafe Alarm System is everything you would expect from an up and coming smart security system. It is easy to set up and supports Wi-Fi connectivity, but most importantly – it comes at an affordable price.
There are several packages with various add-ons and services. The Foundation pack provides the base station, a wireless keypad, one motion sensor, one entry sensor (window/door), a yard sign, and decals.
These packs can be customized depending on whether you want additional sensors and cameras.
It is powered through a dedicated power cord but it has a backup battery for emergencies along with cellular connectivity if you need it.
The monitoring features can be separately purchased as well. The app provides cloud storage for your videos and also the ability to arm/disarm the device at a touch of a button.
One thing to note is that the SimpliSafe Alarm System doesn’t require a subscription. This means that you won’t be notified of any alerts but the alarm will still sound at home.
To sum it all up, this alarm system is simple, affordable, and easy to use without any fuss.
- It offers both cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- It supports up to 100 sensors.
- Users can set up “secret” alerts.
- There is no Z-Wave, Zigbee, or IFTTT support.
- It is only compatible with Amazon Alexa.
- There are no automation features.
- It is missing plenty of original sensors and smart devices, although some third-party options are compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contract or subscription?
This depends on the system you are going for. Older companies still rely on contract methods because their systems are complex and tailor-made to each customer. However, DIY-friendly systems take on a subscription-based approach to provide archive storage.
Do I need a stable Wi-Fi connection?
Most devices have considered the possibility that there might be power cuts. Therefore, these devices are equipped with a backup cellular connection. It is highly recommended to pick out a base device that has backup cellular and backup power.
Can systems be hacked?
Smart alarm systems can be vulnerable to hackers who are trying to access the Wi-Fi network and disable any door locks and sensors. Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take such as changing the password regularly, checking the camera feed and system history for unusual activity, and setting up two-stage authentication.
Can I install the system on my own?
Yes, most modern smart security services encourage you to install these devices by yourself. These devices are wireless and run on batteries alone.
Best Smart Alarm Systems: The Verdict
Although these systems can cost you a pretty penny, they add an extra layer of protection along with several other features such as connectivity options, ease of use, and how much value their subscription services can offer.
By taking all these things into account, you will find a smart alarm system that works for you and keeps your home safe all year round.
The Ring Alarm Pro is built to support and cover 75 products at one time.
- It features a built-in Eero mesh router for Wi-Fi.
- It offers an LTE radio for internet backup.
- It comes with a local storage for Ring cameras via an SD card.