Setting up a smart home seems easy, but you only find out how difficult it is once you start the process. You have to research a lot of products to see which one suits your budget the most and gives you the features that you are looking for.
Here you have two options: you may either go directly to a home monitoring service provider like ADT and ask for an installation. You can take a look at ADT plans and services to see which one suits your needs the most, and then have it installed in your home. Or you may get your own smart devices as per your liking and install them on your own, while staying within your budget.
In this post, I’ll share the latter:must-have devices for your home security system so that you have your ducks in a row. Here are some devices that you need to have in your security system, no matter what, so that you can ensure your security.
Smart Doorbell
Always remember that your home’s security starts right from the front door. You may either go for a regular doorbell, or you can buy a smart doorbell that makes things safer and more convenient for you.
Smart doorbells monitor your front door at all times and send a video alert in case of visitors or even intruders. The best part is, you can view the feed on your phone, and if you have a smart lock on your door, you can use your phone to remotely engage or disengage the lock.
I recommend the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) since it is among the best smart security device companies in the United States.
Smart Security Cameras
Next up, you need to have smart security cameras installed around the perimeter and inside your house so that you have better coverage, especially while you are away from home. These cameras give access to the feed in real-time. The best part about these cameras is that they record in high definition, making sure that you don’t miss any details for security reasons.
Not only that, but some smart cameras also have built-in motion detectors that allow the camera to alter its angle based on detected movement and disturbance. This lets you keep an eye on your house like a Hawk and if anything goes wrong, you can let the authorities know in time.
Some of the best smart cameras come from companies such as Arlo, Eufy, Google, and Ring. You can look into specific models and narrow down on one that one suits your needs the most. The best part is that most of these companies manufacture both outdoor and indoor cameras, giving you more options to choose from.
Entry Sensors for Door and Windows
Entry sensors are typically installed on doors and windows, and they serve the purpose of alerting you if someone enters your home. This triggers an alarm that can help you prevent unwanted break-ins.
The most popular companies for these entry sensors include Aqara if you need something versatile, or YoLink if you want range. Alternatively, you can DIY if you wish to install the sensors on your own.
Motion Detectors
You may be wondering whether entry sensors and motion detectors are the same thing–they’re not. Unlike entry sensors, motion detectors are designed to sense movement within any specific area.
You can install them absolutely anywhere in your home so that you can keep unwanted movement in check. These detectors sense movement inside and outside your property, making sure the place is secure, whether or not you are at home. You can also use motion detectors to trigger lights and cameras to activate them. This usually spooks the person trying to enter your home, so that they may abandon their plan of breaking in, if any.
Some of the best companies for motion sensors include Aqara, Zigbee, and Philips. Now it’s up to you to decide which one you want.
Smart Locks
For your front door, the final thing you need is a smart lock that allows a seamless, keyless entry. Most of these locks work through facial recognition or fingerprint scanners, making sure no one else can unlock the door.
You can also set the lock to remember familiar and trusted faces so that the door unlocks on its own once they arrive. Not only that, but these locks also have a remote feature that allows you to unlock the door even if you aren’t at home.
The most prominent companies for smart door locks include Yale, Schlage, and Lockly. If you’re looking for an all-rounder, then the Yale Assure Lock 2 is the one you need.
This marks everything you need to set up your own smart home security system. However, you need to keep in mind that a good smart home hub is essential to make it work, so I recommend connecting all these devices to the Google Nest Hub for complete, seamless functionality.
