5 Ways Technology Improved Home Security Systems - and who offers the best smart home security systems

Yolisa Motha
Internet Provider Comparisons

In the ‘90s and early 2000s, home security consisted mostly of a basic alarm system with beam sensors by the windows or doors and an outdoor security camera at the property’s entrance. Before that, security experts believed that a dog and a lock around your gate was good enough. Not very advanced. Today, there is no limit to the ways in which technology has improved home security solutions.

Let HomeLinkd help protect your home by looking at how technological advancements have become a game changer for home security products and offers two state-of-the-art systems from Vivint and ADT for homeowners.

What makes up a home security system?

Technology has changed the way we protect our homes, and the valuable people and belongings inside of them.

A home security system is a comprehensive piece of equipment that gives you – the homeowner – the control —instead of leaving it up to emergency services. It may incorporate several devices and tools to give you 100% protection.

These features could be the ability to lock or unlock doors with a touch of button; the ability to view your front door on your phone while you’re away on holiday; or the ability to detect the difference between cars, people and animals.

5 ways tech has reshaped home security

1. Smart Body Heat Detectors

Smart body heat detectors will sound off an alarm if a person comes across one of the sensors. It cannot be duped by extra layers of clothing or a plastic bag, as some criminals have tried to do. They can also tell the difference between human and pet heat, ensuring that your pets will not set off the alarm during their evening patrol.

2. Mobile Integration

Almost everything can be done with an app on your phone —and monitoring your home’s security is one of them. Features like triggering or turning off an alarm, pushing a panic button, reviewing video footage on a particular day or receiving a smoke detection alert can all be set up and sent to your mobile device.

3. Smart Locks

You can lock and unlock doors with a smart lock through a mobile app on your phone. This comes in handy when you’re on vacation and you’re waiting for your house sitter to arrive. It’s also helpful when you’ve already gotten in bed, but you haven’t locked all the doors.

4. High-Resolution Video

Long gone are the days of grainy, pixelated video footage! Video surveillance has seen major upgrades in the last few years, with cameras upgrading from 480 pixels to 720 and 1080 pixels. You can also find cameras in 4K HD footage, which is the same quality as many smart TVs and smartphones.

5. 24/7 Professional Monitoring

In the past, homeowners were left to fend for themselves when an intruder broke into their home. But with advances in technology, you can now have your home professionally monitored by a security company 24/7.

This means that even if you’re not home, someone is always keeping an eye on your property and will alert the authorities if there’s any suspicious activity.

Security System for your home: What’s to come?

1. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Machine learning is not new to the security systems of airports or government buildings, but it is new for security systems. Machine learning and AI make it easier to detect threats, monitor unusual or new behaviors, recognize patterns and so much more. It’ll be like having your own FBI agent looking after your home.

2. Mini Microphones

The mobile assistants on our phones (Siri and Alexa) will soon be getting a promotion. Our future homes will soon have mini microphones built into them so that you can access voice commands wherever you are in the house.

3. Health Sensors

Health sensors will be able to store all our medical history, track certain things like blood-oxygen levels, and alert you if you are showing signs of sickness or medical trouble.

What are some of the components of a home alarm system?

A home alarm system is a comprehensive piece of equipment that gives you control. It may incorporate several devices and tools to give you 100% protection. Here are some of the components:

1. Security Camera

Home security cameras are one of the most important pieces of a security system. These cameras deter burglars and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your home is being monitored. Keep your doors and windows covered at all times with this important piece of security equipment.

2. Security Lights

Home security lights are another important piece of a home alarm system. Lights are a great deterrent for burglars and can also help you see at night if someone is lurking around your property.

3. Home Security Monitoring Service

A professional monitoring plan is an optional add-on for a monthly monitoring fee but is highly recommended. These products and services provide monthly monitoring of your home and will notify you – and the authorities – if there is an emergency at your home.

4. Home Security System App

A home security system app is a great way to control your system from your phone. These apps allow you to arm and disarm your system, view live video footage, and even receive alerts if there is activity at your home.

The Best Home Security Systems with HomeLinkd

HomeLinkd has two unique and trustworthy home security systems that's on offer. Take a look at the pros, cons, features and prices below:

1. Vivint Smart Home

About Vivint's Security Services

The forward-thinking advanced smart home security by Vivint gives you 360 degrees of protection: Your front door, the inside of your home, and the outside. You’re able to monitor all aspects of your home from their easy-to-use app on your phone or tablet.

Top Home Security Components

  • The doorbell camera offers two-way conversation and one-way video so that you can see who’s at your front door.
  • The camera offers a 180-degree view of your front door and the surrounding area.
  • Night vision allows you to see visitors or intruders clearly.
  • Customized alerts and notifications, paired with smart visitor detection so your phone doesn’t alert you every time a car drives past.
  • The ultimate feature in our opinion is Vivint’s Sky Integration which allows you to turn on lights, open your front door or garage and more.
  • The entire system is customizable depending on the size of your home. If you’re living in a free-standing, double-storey home or a small bachelor flat in a building, you can pick and choose which features you’d like.
  • The system is wireless, remote controlled, and you’re provided with 24 hours of assistance from their security personnel, 7 days a week.

Price

Smart Security System Monitoring package at $29.99 per month

Smart Home Monitoring package at $39.99

Smart Home Video Monitoring at $44.99 per month.

Cons

There is an installation fee of $99, which is once-off and you’ll have to purchase the equipment before installation which costs $549.99. However, you can pay off the equipment cost over 60 months at $9.17per month with no interest or down payment.

2. ADT Home Security System

About ADT

‍ADT is one of the longest-standing and most trusted names in home security. Their security systems come in a variety of packages that cover front door monitoring, pet motion detection, quick access to fire and police authorities, garage and lighting controls, and more.

Top Features

  • A digital keypad, which looks similar to a smartphone, is provided so you can get a hold of the fire and police departments.
  • ADT’s security packages include sensors for flooding, carbon monoxide, glass breakage and window or door breakage.
  • An “away” mode is optional for when you’ve gone away for a weekend.
  • Alerts to your phone can be set up, but if you’re not near your phone, you can also set up email notifications.
  • Smart locks and smart plugs allow you turn your lights on or off; and lock or unlock your doors.

Price

Complete Monitoring Bundle at $36.99 per month

Premium Bundle 2 + Cell Guard at $44.99 per month

Command Tier 1 Remote Access at $52.99 per month

ADT Command Tier 3 + Video + Home Automation at $62.99 per month

Cons

There are installation fees for all packages starting at $99 once-off, which the fourth package having a $199 installation fee. In addition, most of the packages are DIY installation and you’ll have to buy the full security system to get professional installation.

Our Runner-Up for Best Security: Wyze Home Monitoring

An up-and-coming home security system that offers users a free 14-day trial with no contracts or commitment is Wyze Home Monitoring System. It is a DIY smart home option to ensure your belongings, loved one and home is protected at all times.

Top Features:

  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control.
  • Receive motion and sound alerts directly to your phone.
  • Wyze Cam can pan and tilt vertically to give you a 360° view of your room.
  • Two-way audio lets you have a conversation with whoever is in the room, even if you’re not home.
  • Night vision gives you a clear image even in low lighting.
  • 14-day event history means you can go back and view activities from the past two weeks.
  • Timelapse videos give you a summary of the activity over a set period of time.
  • Free 14-day trial with no contracts or commitment

Price:

After the 14-day trial, Wyze Cam costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year for up to 5 cameras.

If you're deciding which home security system is right for you, and would prefer to install it yourself rather than finding a systems coming with professional installation - Wyze may be the best choice for home security.

There are no installation fees and no hidden monthly charges. You only pay for the camera itself and the subscription.

Who offers the best smart home security system?

In our opinion, Vivint offers the best as it is slightly more affordable than ADT. Moreover, their top features are better equipped for a family home as you’re able to see and speak to visitors at your front door from the Vivint app. The entire security system is also wireless which makes it easier to install.

We understand that each home is different and what works for one, might not work for another. If you’re not entirely convinced that a home alarm system is for you or if you want to explore other options, HomeLinkd has got you covered.

Check out 2 of the best home security systems on the market.

Which security system is the best for home automation?

Looking for the best home security options that include home automation?

These plans allow you to control your home’s security system and other devices from a mobile app. This is convenient if you want to arm or disarm your security system when you’re not at home. Home automation features can also include controlling your lights, locks, garage door, and thermostat.

One of the best home security systems for home automation device would be the ADT Command Tier 3 + Video + Home Automation as it includes a control panel with a built-in touchscreen, Z-Wave technology for connecting to other devices, and cellular backup in case of a power outage.

This package also includes video monitoring so you can see who’s at your door even when you’re not home.

Home Security Systems - Frequently Asked Questions

Is a home security package the same as an alarm system?

An alarm system is a part of a home security system, but there are other components that make up home security. An alarm system will detect intruders and notify the authorities, but a home security system includes additional features like surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and smart locks.

Do I need a home security system if I have an alarm system?

If you have an alarm system, you might not need a home security plan as they both serve the same purpose of detecting intruders and notifying the authorities. However, if you want additional features like surveillance cameras and smart locks, then you would need a home security system.

What is a smart home security system?

A smart home security system includes additional features like surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and smart locks. These features can be controlled from a smart home device, such as a mobile app.

Who are some of the best home security companies?

There are many home security companies to choose from, but some of the best include ADT, Vivint, and Frontpoint. These companies offer different features and packages to fit your needs.

All-in-one security: how much do home security systems cost?

Home security systems can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 per month, depending on the features you want. There may also be installation fees and equipment costs.

For a family home, we recommend getting a home security system that includes surveillance cameras and smart locks as they are great for families with young children.

Can I DIY Home Security?

Home security systems can be installed by a professional or you can DIY. If you choose the DIY system, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and make sure all the components are compatible with each other.

Compare security systems with HomeLinkd

Home security has come a long way in recent years, with many technological advancements making households safer than ever before. Now, no matter where you are in the world, you can rest assured your possessions, home or apartment, and loved ones are safe and sound.

Protect your home the right way - compare and shop Vivint and ADT home security with HomeLinkd!

Written by:
Yolisa Motha
Senior Copywriter

Yolisa is a word artist who's on a quest to help businesses make an impact so powerful - it causes a ripple effect. If Yolisa isn't painting pictures with her words, you'll find her hiking up a mountain or soaking up the beach sun.

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