Ahome security system protects you, your family, and your property from thieves and intruders, as well as monitoring for fire, carbon monoxide (CO2), and floods. In the past, consumers didn’t have many monitoring options, but today most companies offer varying levels of professional monitoring, as well as DIY capabilities via a companion app on your smartphone.

To get a better idea of the advancements in home security, I talked to several experts, including SafeHome home security and safety expert Rob Gabriele, Batten Safe home security and safety expert (and former law enforcement) Kirk MacDowell, and ADT Chief Product Officer Naveen Chhangani.

What to consider before buying home security system

Chhangani recommends the following minimal features for whatever system you choose: Door/window sensors, a motion sensor, smoke and CO2 detector, security camera, and a smart doorbell with camera that allows you to communicate with visitors.

Equipment

Security systems include a range of equipment options, like door and window sensors, motion sensors, security cameras, and other alarms such as smoke and CO2. All have a central hub that connects all the equipment and most include a companion app. After the hub, entryway sensors are the next most important thing, says Gabriele. He recommends a sensor on every first-floor entry point to your home.

When deciding on equipment, MacDowell says to have some sort of interior protection, like a motion detector in case someone cuts the glass and sneaks in that way. People with pets often think they can’t use motion detectors but this is no longer true–motion detectors have come a long way over the years. “They have motion detectors now that go up to 40 to 50 pounds, so they know the difference between a dog and a human on all fours because of analytics,” MacDowell explains.

Installation

“While professional installations typically run from $100 to $200, a lot of times you can get that waived when you sign up for a monitoring plan,” says Gabriele. “A DIY installation will likely take one to two hours, depending on how many components you have, while a professional one could take up to a full day.” Chhangani adds that installing a basic ADT system usually requires two to three hours, while their DIY system often takes less than an hour.

Wireless DIY systems usually have components with a peel-and-stick application so you’re able to just position them where you want, then connect via the system hub and app. Many of the DIY companies also provide phone support if you need assistance during the installation.

If you opt for professional installation, make sure your installer also educates you on how to use the app, says MacDowell. “Plus, they should clean the home afterward; things like smudging a door jamb or sweeping up shavings from any drilling.”

Monitoring options

Self-monitoring systems alert you directly (usually via an app) when they perceive a threat. You review the data and contact the proper authorities yourself. Professional monitoring means that the security company receives an alert, at which time they call you. If you do not respond (or you do and confirm there is indeed something wrong) they trigger an alert to authorities.

MacDowell, who has been in the security business for 44 years, says that while people want security, in his experience, many do not want to pay a monthly monitoring fee, which is where DIY self-monitoring systems like Abode, Scout, and others come in. “Usually, that’s absolutely fine,” he says, “but there are times where DIY may not be enough; for instance, I was on a plane last night for multiple hours, and if that alarm system activated while I was on a flight, there’s nothing I could have done.”

Years ago, monitoring options were either self or professional but today, says MacDowell, some companies offer ‘monitoring on demand’, which means you can turn it on for six days (or however many you want) at a time. The companies that offer this service tend to be local, regional ones, so if this sparks your interest, research security companies in your area.

The advantage of professional 24/7 monitoring is, of course, having trained experts continually monitor your system, responding quickly to emergencies on your behalf. “This option offers greater peace of mind, especially if you’re often away from your phone or home, as it ensures your property is always under vigilant supervision,” says Chhangani.

Most companies also provide tiered options for professional monitoring. “There are usually three tiers,” says Gabriele. “Basic, smart home, and smart home with video.” Basic includes just intrusion protection (activating when a door or window sensor is tripped), while smart home adds integration of other smart devices, and smart home with video means you receive real time playback and recordings of suspicious activity. Fire and CO2 alarms generally come with medium tiered packages.

Smart home integrations, automation features, and connectivity

Smart home integration means your security system seamlessly connects with other smart devices in your home, says Chhangani. These include smart locks, lights, thermostats, cameras, and more. Automation controls allow you to set up rules for energy efficiency such as auto-adjusting thermostats and lights when you’re away. Connecting to Alexa, Google, or other smart platforms lets you control everything with voice commands.

Which system is best for you depends on which products you have, says Gabriele, whether that’s Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Smart things by Samsung. These days, most products work with most of the platforms, but before investing in a system, make sure it works with the one you’re most comfortable with. “Are you a Google person? Or an Amazon person? Do you have an Android? Those types of things. I don’t really recommend one over another,” he says.

Costs

There are three costs to consider when deciding on which company or system to go with: Equipment, installation, and monitoring. The more separate components you want, obviously the more money you’ll have to spend. Many companies offer packages of their most frequently used equipment. Starter kits usually begin at around $100, while more robust systems can cost as much as $800 to $900.

Digital security

Digital security refers to the tools used to keep your data safe online; things like two-factor and multi-factor authentication, firewalls, antivirus protection, and control of your data. As far as your security system goes, you want an app and hub that protects your personal data and also protects against external hackers. Most apps will allow you to set up a two-factor authentication in order to change any settings. Also, ensure the software on your smartphone is up to date.

Mobile application

These days, almost every security system available also has a companion app, allowing you to connect the components, arm and disarm the system, receive alerts, and access video footage if you have cameras. All the systems included here offer a companion app and, in this day and age, you should expect that. Even my building’s (I live in a six-story NYC apartment building) video doorbell system has a companion app so I can see who is buzzing my apartment when I’m not home.