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The Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems
Have you ever wanted a way to surveillance your home while you were away on vacation? Has crime in your neighborhood gone up recently? Are you worried that your cats might be wreaking havoc while you’re at work? Was your favorite vase broken and you suspect the kids lied and blamed the dog? All of…
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As far as benefits are concerned, you should know that these systems are pretty easy to maintain (since there are not batteries that require replacement), they are more suitable for larger homes (since there is no limit to how many motion sensors you can connect, as opposed to wireless systems), aren’t as easy to hack compared to their wireless counterparts, and offer plenty of features.
Blink is certainly a name that pops out very often when considering the best home security systems in 2021. The bundle they offer comes with two camera kits, offering both indoor and outdoor cameras for close monitoring. The Blink home security systems delivers a wireless kit that uses two AA lithium batteries (which are included with the purchase) that promise a runtime of minimum two years.
You have two options when it comes to monitored security systems, as mentioned earlier: self-monitored and company-monitored options.
Top picks:
Using motion sensors, the system can send notifications to your phone to alert you about potential intruders on the premises. Even more, it also acts like an intercom that allows you to see, hear, and speak to visitors knocking at your door. The two-way audio is certainly a nice feature that you don’t find on just any home security system.
A self-monitoring security system is also called a DIY monitoring system, which makes you responsible for everything from purchasing and installing the equipment to monitoring any alarms. Whenever the technology detects any potential threats, the dangers are sent in the form of a notification straight to your cell phone.
Welcome to Blink, one of the best solutions for self-monitored home security systems that almost anyone can afford. In just three easy steps, you can have your system up and running. Download the Blink app and create your account, plug-in and connect the device to the wi-fi network, and then insert the batteries for camera sync.
What Is Self-Monitoring, Anyway?
How to Choose a Home Security System
A wireless security system is really efficient if you hate having wires around or if you’re worried that intruders might cut off the wires and disable the system. They usually have a three-step home monitoring process, which includes detection (anything from broken windows to untrusted people opening the door), annunciation (the stage where the system alerts you of possible dangers through means that include sirens, alarms, lights, etc.), and monitoring (the alarms should be connected to a monitoring service which can send help in case of an emergency).
If you’re not into tech and fiddling around with complicated gadgets, the Abode security system is the perfect basic item that will give you the non-complicated features you’re looking for.
Ring Home Security System
Pros:
Have you ever wanted a way to surveillance your home while you were away on vacation? Has crime in your neighborhood gone up recently? Are you worried that your cats might be wreaking havoc while you’re at work?
There are certain providers that can lease the equipment instead of purchasing it, which might be a more convenient option for those who want short-term monitoring.
Company-monitored systems offer a more professional approach to home security because you have a third-party professional that’s monitoring your home’s safety. When the system is armed and there is suspicious activity detected, these companies will alert contact centers, the homeowners, and even dispatch the security company personnel (or even the police) if you don’t respond to the call.
Our Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems
Blink Home Security System
2-way audio – Talk to visitors through the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet.
When opting for company-monitored systems, always read the fine print. You might end up discovering hidden fees that could end up being a real deal-breaker.
Cons:
That being said, you also need to consider the costs of a home security system. The equipment itself is going to cost you no matter what you choose. For professional systems, there’s also installation, activation, and monitoring costs to consider. Watch out for hidden fees as well.
Ring Home Security System
These systems are connected to an alarm panel using wires. That means that every component in the system needs to be connected to this panel using one or multiple wires. They will offer a more trustworthy connection compared to wireless systems (since nothing can really obstruct the signal), and they also have their fair share of advantages and drawbacks.
Yes, this is basically what you do when choosing a self-monitoring security system. The security sensors are tripped, you will receive a smartphone notification.
There are a few options for great security systems that don’t require paying any monthly fees, and Ring, Abode, and SimpliSafe are such examples.
By connecting your phone to the CANARY system, You will be able to receive immediate alerts when your camera notices movement and activity.
CANARY: View Indoor Security Camera
Here is a very simple and easy to use home security system that can monitor whatever is going on in your absence. It is a device that embeds AI technology in order to deliver you information of actual importance. That means that the device has an intelligent system that will only send notifications once movement is detected.
If you use the camera indoors, you can plug it in and get non-stop recordings stored in cloud. The Smart Siren feature will trigger a loud noise at your command, or whenever the system detects sound or movement. You can also purchase the Arlo Solar Panel, which guarantees that your outdoor system will always have a renewable source of energy for charging the batteries.
Pros:
Pros:
Pros:
Pros:
CANARY: View Indoor Security Camera
- Automatic/manual siren.
- Weather-resistant.
- Two-way audio.
- Customizable activity zones.
- 1080p resolution.
- Night vision.
- Works with Alexa.
- Short motion clips can lead to annoying multiple notifications.
Types of Home Security Systems
Pros:
#1: Monitored systems
Blink Home Security System
Pros:
Unmonitored systems can also be pretty reliable, even if it’s not as sophisticated as other options. They are pretty easy to install and figure out, and they are definitely more cost-friendly because there are no hidden or monthly fees to handle. However, they aren’t always effective when you’re out of the house and, since they are not automated, you are the one responsible with calling the authorities if the case demands it.
That doesn’t make them flawless, because they are vulnerable to interference (can be jammed with the right tools and even have their signal obstructed by large objects), aren’t difficult to hack by someone with experience in doing so, and require plenty of batteries to run (meaning you have to monitor the battery level at all times).
However, installation will definitely cost more (since it usually takes a professional to do the hardwiring part), can be vulnerable to robbers (especially if the wires are exposed, they are easy to cut), can’t be installed that easy, and can only be armed and disarmed from the main control panel.
The biggest downside is that the connection is lost if the power goes out. Cellular connections are based on systems that have integrated chips that connect to the monitoring center using cell phone signal. This is one of the most reliable connection types because it can’t be tampered with and you don’t lose the connection if power is cut off. Needless to say, this is also the most expensive option.
#2: Unmonitored systems
One of the most important things is to determine if you want company-monitored solutions or if DIY home security systems are the option you want to go with. When budget is a concern, DIY home security systems are definitely the right choice, as professional company-monitored systems are going to cost you a pretty penny.
Who Should Purchase This?
You can select specific activity zones to be notified of in case of motion.
#3: Wireless systems
The abode system is a self-monitored and self-controlled home security and smart home platform you control right from the abode web or mobile app
Who Should Purchase This?
#4: Wired systems
If you’re still confused about what type of home security system is best for you, the following list of tips might shed some light on the situation and out you on the right path to make a wise shopping decision:
Some units have smart home integrations, and that’s something you can benefit from if you have Alexa or Google home. This will allow you to control the features of the system using voice commands, which can be really convenient.
If you want to get a more complete system that is highly customizable, battery and electricity-powered, weather-resistant, and just overall pretty darn good, the Arlo Pro delivers all that.
Tips for Choosing a Home Security System
It allows push notifications to be sent directly to your smartphone, so you’ll never have to worry about suspicious home activity occurring without you having any clue. Even if the Ring alarm home security system offers self-monitoring, you can always choose to pay the monthly fee of to have professionals do the monitoring for you.
These systems are different from the ones in the aforementioned category because they are mostly designed to scare off intruders rather than alert authorities in time of need. When the alarm is triggered, it will usually send out visual and audio cues that are loud and meant to discourage intruders.
Home security systems aren’t just about monitoring the premises, but also to make sure that nothing dangerous is going on inside the house. Some systems will even have smoke detectors and water sensors that can send alerts in case of fire outburst or water leaks that could floor the house. They are useful for plenty of scenarios, from discovering which of the pets broke your favorite antique vase to discovering how big of a party your teenage kid threw while you were away for the weekend.
The future of home monitoring is here, and there are dozens and dozens of good systems to choose from, provided that you have the patience to look at a few of them before actually buying. Remember that most products do offer professional around-the-clock monitoring for a monthly fee, in case that’s something you’d be willing to try.
Cons:
The privacy mode will let you turn off the microphone and camera, while the automatic arming and disarming feature will turn the camera on and off as you enter or exit the house. The device has a two-way talk feature, which is great for telling your pets to get off the couch even when you’re out of the house. Other features of interest include easy installation, encrypted storage for safe data, or a fast way to contact the emergency service in case of need.
FAQ
What is a self-monitoring security system?
Some of the disadvantages of using these systems include the cost (which is often comprised or equipment purchase and installation, monthly fees, and even hidden costs), you need to constantly activate the alarm system whenever you want your home to be monitored, and, if the system is triggered by accident and you don’t answer the phone, authorities will be alerted right away (and you could be fined for potentially false distress calls).
Can I monitor my own alarm system?
Of course, company-monitoring home security systems come with ups and downs. They offer the benefit of continuous monitoring and availability even if there is a power outage (as they use battery back-ups for the systems, radio transmitters, and even phone line connection), they will alert the authorities on your behalf if you are not home, they have alarms and sirens that often scare away intruders before they have the nerve to actually break in, and offer professional installation that’s likely to eliminate potential blind spots.
What is the best home security system with no monthly fee?
Who Should Purchase This?
Can ADT be self-monitored?
Simple, yet effective, the Canary monitoring device is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a more basic, but reliable way of keeping an eye on their home while away.
Bottom Line
Setup is completed through your home’s wireless connection, so you really shouldn’t have any trouble installing it. If you want, there is always the option to purchase additional components and accessories, expanding the monitoring options and adding more sensors throughout your property.
Consider the advantages and drawbacks or wired vs wireless home security systems. While each of these two options can be reliable, they have their limitations, and staying informed is the best way to make sure you spend money on something that’s useful for you.
