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Our experts have tested and scored plenty of packages to find the best home security systems to protect you and your home against security threats. No matter your situation or budget, our guide will help you choose with confidence.
Our top pick is SimpliSafe’s The Tower, which is ideal for self-monitoring. If professional monitoring is a must for you, however, we recommend the ADT Smart Home Alarm Package. Verisure offers some of the best bespoke home security systems on the market and Abode provides great value systems for households working on a budget. Read on to find out about our tried-and-tested roundup.
The Tower wins our award for best home security system overall. It’s budget-friendly and comes with a choice of self- or professional monitoring, removing the need for lengthy contracts.
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ADT’s comprehensive professional monitoring plans offer the highest level of security. Your system is monitored via a Remote Operating Centre and checked daily. Depending on your plan, household members, keyholders, or the police are notified of security breaches.
Our Independent Advisor experts have researched and tested each home security system in order to provide fair, impartial and accurate recommendations. They’ve compared products, features, quality and cost, consulted industry experts and considered how satisfied customers are with their systems.
Our scores are determined by the following weighted factors:
Within these categories, we took 34 elements into account, including:
All of our home security articles are verified by our in-house team of fact-checkers, so you can be sure you are getting the latest information about each security system. To find out more, read our article on how we review home security systems.
Telcamm security expert Carlos Dhunay recently warned homeowners with CCTV and video doorbells that they could face a £100,000 fine if they fail to meet compliance standards. Any home security cameras that record footage outside your property line, such as a public sidewalk or a neighbour’s garden, are in breach of the law. This offence violates the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA).
ADT disclosed it suffered a security breach on its network for the second time this year, as threat actors gained access to the network using stolen employee credentials. ADT is working with cybersecurity experts and with federal law enforcement to contain the breach. The company assured customers there is nothing to suggest data or security systems have been compromised. No threat actors or ransomware gangs have claimed responsibility for the attack.
| Cost | £524.93 (Get 30% off + 1 month free professional monitoring) |
| Components | 1 base station, 1 keypad, 2 entry sensors, 1 motion sensor, 1 outdoor camera, and 1 indoor camera |
| Power source | Battery-powered |
| Connectivity | Cellular (with paid-for subscription) and wifi |
| Maximum volume | 95dB |
| Smart home support | Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Assistant/Google Home |
| Backup battery | Yes, up to 24 hours |
| Monitoring options | Self-monitoring with optional paid-for professional monitoring |
Who’s is right for?
SimpliSafe is one of the UK’s leading home security brands, with a whole catalogue of systems to choose from. We recommend you choose SimpliSafe if you’re after ready-made packages that come with flexible monitoring plans. All packages are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant smart home ecosystems.
You can easily install SimpliSafe’s systems yourself using the provided adhesive stickers or screws included in the package. Alternatively, you can purchase the Pro Setup starting at £133 and a technician will take care of everything for you.
The Tower offers both indoor and outdoor protection for your home. The entire system is connected via the Base Station. Unlike competitors, SimpliSafe offers two entry sensors for both front and back doors. Most of its equipment is designed to cover a wide field of view (FOV) – the wired indoor camera has a 120-degree FOV, and the wireless outdoor camera features an ultra-wide 140-degree FOV and night vision.
We also like that the keypad is feature-rich: when it’s paired with your entry sensors, you’ll be notified about security events, or if you’ve left your windows open. The motion sensor is equally impressive for two reasons; it can protect an entire room with its 10 metre range and 90-degree FOV, and differentiate between human and pet movements.
The accompanying app and monitoring services are an important part of a home security system. The Tower (and other SimpliSafe packages) ticks all our boxes in those categories. With the SimpliSafe app, you can access security features and control your system remotely, watch your live camera feed, arm and disarm your system and receive instant security notifications about security events.
SimpliSafe users can choose between self- and professional monitoring, with two flexible monitoring plans available starting at 53p per day. If you take out a monthly subscription plan, you’ll benefit from 24/7 professional monitoring. With the more advanced monitoring package, the SimpliSafe monitoring centre will be notified in case of security concerns, and they can dispatch emergency services to your location.
SimpliSafe’s The Tower package is a comprehensive, ready-made home security system. It comes without the need to purchase additional equipment (but can easily be customised with add-ons, if you wish), and offers the choice between self- or professional monitoring.
It’s certainly not budget-friendly, however; there are less expensive options inside the SimpliSafe range such as The Essentials package. We’d recommend this package for homeowners who are looking for high-quality equipment, high-tech features and a flexible monitoring plan without breaking the bank.
Read our full SimpliSafe home security review.
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★½ |
| Features | ★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★½ |
| Cost | Price on enquiry (£299-£599 typical cost) |
| Components | Various |
| Power source | Mains-powered |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Ethernet, 4G SIM |
| Maximum volume | 105dB |
| Smart home support | Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Home/Google Assistant |
| Backup battery | Yes |
| Monitoring options | Self-monitoring or professional |
Who is it right for?
Verisure is our choice for the best customisable home security systems; all of its packages can be tailored to suit your home’s security needs. Each of the brand’s bespoke quotes include installation costs. Verisure’s systems are a good choice if smart home integration is important to you, as its equipment is compatible with Amazon and Google voice assistants.
Verisure has a partnership with Arlo cameras, which are known for their excellent quality video, two-way audio, night vision, and sirens.
Verisure packages have everything you’d expect from a smart home security system, and the equipment comes with a battery backup so your security won’t fail even in the event of a power cut. Verisure offers trademark features such as its ZeroVision alarm; this feature releases a ‘fog’ designed to deter burglars, though it can only be activated by a professional at the NSI-certified Alarm Receiving Centre.
As Verisure’s packages are bespoke, a technician will need to visit your home for an assessment before they can provide a quote. After the visit, you will have a tailored package and a full explanation of the system and how it works, so you can get the best use out of it. Add-ons can be discussed with the technician on the day of the evaluation – which you need to book over the phone – and quoted as part of the package. You’ll also need to pay a £100 (fully refundable) deposit to book.
A Verisure subscription allows you to access live video footage and control your system through the Verisure app. The cost will depend on your system’s size and security needs.
Maintenance is covered in the subscription fee: If anything breaks it will get repaired promptly so your home doesn’t stay unprotected for long. Likewise, a technician will replace batteries when they reach 30 per cent power; you will be notified when this needs to happen. It’s this level of detail that means Verisure gets top marks on TrustPilot.
Verisure has an excellent record of fitting custom security systems, including quality equipment and novel security features.
Read our full Verisure review.
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★½ |
| Cost | Tailored quote for systems and professional monitoring |
| Components | 1 ADT bell box, 1 Smart Home hub, ADT Smart Services. Tailor your system with wireless door contacts, PIR motion sensors, a wifi camera or video doorbell |
| Power source | Battery-powered |
| Connectivity | Wifi and GPRS |
| Maximum volume | N/A |
| Smart home support | Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Home/Google Assistant |
| Backup battery | Yes |
| Monitoring options | Professional monitoring |
Who is it right for?
ADT has been a trusted name in home security for many years, and its Smart Home Alarm Package demonstrates its commitment to innovation. This comprehensive security system combines ADT’s traditional reliability and professional installation with smart home features. ADT’s home security systems integrate with smart home ecosystems easily and are compatible with Amazon and Google voice assistants.
We’ve chosen ADT’s Smart Home Alarm Package as our best system with professional monitoring. With the subscription service, you’ll have access to ADT’s Remote Operating Centre, which can perform daily system checks and notify the police in the event of a security breach. What we like most about this service is the ability to fix technical issues remotely. ADT received five out of five stars for reputation in our home security testing thanks to its large number of excellent Trustpilot reviews and over 100 years in business.
The package includes a Smart Home Hub with a touchscreen control panel that serves as the command centre for your system, a bell box with flashing LED light, and ADT Smart Services app so you can control your system remotely.
Your system can be tailored to your needs, and you can choose from wireless door contacts, PIR motion sensors, a wifi camera and a video doorbell. Each package comes with a bespoke quote.
ADT’s security systems are designed for professional installation. Upon purchase, ADT will schedule a technician to visit your home and install the devices. This process may take a few hours, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of your chosen system.
This system requires a subscription to function effectively. Contracts last a minimum of 36 months with subscriptions starting from £36.99 per month. Homeowners operating on a tight budget or those looking to move within the next couple of years may find ADT’s subscription terms too restrictive.
The ADT Smart Services app allows you to manage your home security system remotely. The standard subscription includes access to the ADT Remote Operating Centre, which automatically conducts daily system checks, ensuring every device runs optimally. Depending on the subscription level you choose, you, your keyholders, the police, or a private security guard will be notified in the event of a security breach.
The ADT Smart Home Alarm Package offers an advanced security solution that combines home automation and comprehensive protection. If you’re looking for a system with stress-free installation and a professional monitoring plan that includes premium features, the Smart Home Alarm Package won’t disappoint. We don’t recommend the ADT package if you prefer to avoid lengthy contracts or a professional wired-in installation.
Read our full ADT home security review.
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★½ |
| Cost | £269.98 |
| Components | 1 base station, 1 keypad (2nd gen), 1 contact sensor (2nd gen), 1 motion detector (2nd gen), 1 range extender (2nd gen), and 1 indoor camera |
| Power source | Battery, although the hub and camera need to be plugged in |
| Connectivity | Wifi |
| Maximum volume | N/A |
| Smart home support | Amazon Echo/Alexa |
| Backup battery | Yes |
| Monitoring options | Self-monitoring with optional paid-for professional monitoring |
Who is it right for?
Ring is one of the leading brands in smart home security, and is best known for its innovative doorbell cameras. It offers three preconfigured home security packages each with small, medium,large and extra large options to cater for different home sizes. We wouldn’t recommend the small pack for large homes; it’s not well-equipped for multiple entry points as it only includes one contact sensor included. Ring offers the choice of self- or professional monitoring, and provides options to customise the ready-made packages.
We chose Ring’s Small Alarm and Indoor Camera Pack as our best system for DIY installation thanks to its self-adhesive devices and detailed instruction videos. The installation process takes around thirty minutes, and the devices can easily be mounted using the included adhesive strips or screws, depending on your preference. The brand also offers a professional installation service, which has to be purchased via Amazon. Notably, Amazon’s installation services are not available in Scotland, Wales, or postcodes starting with EX, TR, TQ and PL.
Ring’s Alarm and Indoor Camera Pack includes five pieces of equipment designed to monitor the inside of your home. All devices are connected via the Base Station, which will need to be plugged into a power source and connected to your wifi. Also included is a motion detector that can be wall-mounted, a contact sensor to be installed on doors or windows, and a keypad for arming and disarming your system.
The Ring Indoor Camera offers full HD video quality, live view, night vision, and two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with anyone inside your home. The camera also has motion detection and customisable privacy settings.
Our favourite piece of equipment in this package is the range extender. It allows you to increase the signal from your Base Station to reach alarm components that might otherwise be out of range.
The system integrates seamlessly with the Ring mobile app, which allows you to monitor and control the security system remotely. An optional Ring Protect Plus subscription covers all your home devices and allows access to its 24/7 Assisted Monitoring. Among other things, this sends alerts to your emergency contacts if your burglar alarm is triggered.
If you need monitoring features but don’t wish to pay for the Protect Plan, you should look towards the Basic Plan. It supports package alerts, which notify you when a package is detected on select Ring doorbells, person alerts and rich notifications. The latter sends a preview snapshot image from your camera or doorbell so you can see at a glance what’s been happening in your home.
Ring is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home but not natively supported with Apple HomeKit. With Alexa, users can receive live footage from Ring cameras via voice controls. You can also arm and disarm your alarm, camera and video doorbell by speaking to a connected Alexa-enabled device. These features make Ring very versatile and ideal for tech-savvy households.
The Ring Alarm system is a user-friendly, customisable home security solution for homeowners seeking to protect their property. With optional subscription services and additional Ring devices, the system can be tailored to meet every household’s specific needs.
Although this system is ideal for small properties, adding more components to cover a larger home could mean that it’s more cost-effective to purchase a more extensive system from the start.
Read our full Ring home security review.
| Reputation | ★★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
| Cost | £294.99 |
| Components | 1 Gateway hub, 1 motion sensor, 1 key fob, 2 mini door and window sensors |
| Power source | Mains-powered |
| Connectivity | 4G sim card, ethernet, and wifi |
| Maximum volume | 93db |
| Smart home support | Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Home/Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit |
| Backup battery | Yes (up to 5 hours) |
| Monitoring options | Self- or professional monitoring (£7.99/month for Standard Plan and £13.99/month for Pro Plan) |
Who is the system right for?
Abode is one of the best systems for homeowners just stepping into the home security space. Abode offers three systems; while not customisable, they can be upscaled with additional accessories like a keypad, outdoor siren and panic button. The base systems are best for small to medium-sized homes. For larger homes, we recommend pairing the Smart Home Security Kit with more sensors and a camera.
We chose the Abode Smart Security Kit as the best value-for-money system thanks to its wide array of devices and ability to function without a subscription. It’s also very easy to install, with no tools or wiring required, so you don’t need to worry about paying for professional installation.
The system features a hub, a motion sensor, a key fob, and a door/window sensor. An alarm, LAN port, SIM card slot, and battery backup are incorporated into the hub. It’s easy to install and no tools are required and you’ll find helpful guided instructions available in the Abode app.
Abode’s package allows for versatile control and integration with up to 160 smart home devices, including third-party options. All Abode devices are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and other smart home systems. With these smart home systems, you can view live footage from supported devices and arm and disarm your system via voice controls.
The kit lacks a camera, meaning there’s no way of determining what or who triggered an alarm. However, the kit is designed to be customised and Abode has plenty of add-on options. Alternatively, you could consider upgraded packages that include the Abode Cam, as well as a wireless video doorbell.
Abode offers two paid-for monitoring plans – Standard and Pro – as well as basic app control, which doesn’t require a subscription. The Standard plan includes app alerts and system arming, but only the Pro plan provides professional monitoring.
Abode’s self-monitoring plan is one of the best we’ve come across all for an affordable £7.99 per month. Arming and disarming your system, receiving notifications and viewing camera footage are just some of the features included. On top of that, the Pro Plan includes 24/7 UK accredited Professional Monitoring and 4G backup in the event your wifi connection fails.
Overall, the Abode Smart Security Kit represents great value for money thanks to its features and optional subscription. It offers excellent connectivity and expandability, suitable for smaller homes and those looking to upgrade their home security system over time.
Read our full Abode home security review.
| Reputation | ★★★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★ |
| Features | ★★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★ |
| Customer experience | ★★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
| Cost | £359.97 |
| Components | 1 smart indoor camera, 1 smart indoor siren, 3 smart door and window sensors |
| Power source | Battery-powered |
| Connectivity | Wifi |
| Maximum volume | 110db |
| Smart home support | Google Assistant/Amazon Alexa/Apple HomeKit |
| Backup battery | No |
| Monitoring options | Self-monitoring |
Who is it right for?
Netamo’s Smart Alarm System with Camera is both functional and stylish. The kit offers a basic level of security, ideal for homeowners who aren’t looking for all the bells and whistles. One standout feature is its ability to differentiate between people and pets, which makes monitoring your home easier if you’re a pet owner.
The kit includes a smart indoor camera featuring 1080p resolution, 130-degree view and infrared night vision. It also has facial recognition so that you don’t receive unwanted security alerts about your pets roaming around your home. What we like about this kit are its window and door sensors. The package includes three, meaning you can protect your front and back doors and an additional entry point without shelling out for extra security products. Sensors notify of any movement and trigger the smart indoor siren in case of a breach.
All equipment pieces are synced up to the Netatmo home security app, which sends users notifications about security events such as windows and doors being left open or intruder alerts. It also allows you to view video footage.
Although this is a stripped-back package, we think there’s a lot to like in terms of performance and ease of use. However, adding a video doorbell and battery backup would significantly enhance security and reliability, especially during power outages.
Read our full Netatmo home security review.
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★ |
| Features | ★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★ |
| Customer experience | ★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
| Cost | £499.99 |
| Components | 1 smart hub, 1 live siren, 1 dummy siren, 3 motion detectors, 2 door/window sensors, 1 full HD indoor wifi camera, 1 all-in-one indoor/outdoor camera, and 1 keypad |
| Power source | Ethernet cable |
| Connectivity | Wifi |
| Maximum volume | 104db |
| Smart home support | Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit |
| Backup battery | Yes |
| Monitoring options | Self-monitoring |
Who is the system right for?
Yale’s Smart Sync home security system is good value for money, but it’s best suited for larger homes that require a vast amount of equipment to cover the entire property.
The kit includes a smart hub which syncs all of your devices, two window and door sensors to protect entry points, three motion detectors, one siren with a 104dB sounding alarm and a dummy siren to deter intruders, a keypad and two cameras – indoor wifi camera and all-in-one camera.
The package features customisable settings like part-arm functionality, manageable through the Yale Smart Living Home app or through the keypad, or voice assistants. It also includes a helpful geolocation feature that reminds you to set the alarm when you leave the house.
Yale’s home security system offers both DIY and professional installation, giving you full control over your system via the app. However, Yale’s professional installation doesn’t come cheap; its alarm installation is priced at £280 and if you require camera installation it costs an extra £175 per camera. We recommend installing the system yourself if on a budget, Yale’s equipment is pre-linked and wire-free. There’s also a how-to tutorial which details the installation process step-by-step. The system is accredited by Secured by Design under the Police Preferred Specification, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
Homeowners can choose between self- and professional monitoring. While the self-monitoring option is free, having a team of professionals monitor your home 24/7 can be a benefit for many. Yale has four paid-subscription plans, which are billed monthly: the Camera Plan at £3.50, the Alarm Plan for £5, the Secure Plan for £9 and the Secure Pro Plan for £36. These plans can be cancelled at any time.
Overall, the Yale Sync Home Security System is a comprehensive and intelligent option for home protection, offering ease of use, smart home compatibility, and a sense of security for homeowners. It is a reliable choice for those seeking a smart way to safeguard their home.
Read our full Yale home security review.
| Cost | £894.96 |
| Components | 3 Arlo Pro 5 Outdoor Security Cameras, 1 Chime 2, 1 Essential Video Doorbell 2K and 1 Floodlight 2K Camera |
| Power source | Battery-powered |
| Connectivity | Wifi |
| Maximum volume | 80dB |
| Smart home support | Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit |
| Backup battery | Yes |
| Monitoring options | Self-monitoring |
Who is it right for?
Arlo’s catalogue features an extensive suite of outdoor and indoor cameras, doorbells, and floodlight cameras, all of which carry a high-end price tag.
The Advanced Home Security Kit is Arlo’s most comprehensive package and includes high-tech cameras and a video doorbell with a chime. Our experts recommend this package for homes with large open spaces: from gardens to driveways, this kit can cover expansive areas with a 160 FOV camera, and its spotlight illuminates properties up to 8 metres.
The kit includes three Arlo Pro 5 Outdoor Security Cameras, one video doorbell, one Essential Video Doorbell 2K and one Floodlight 2K Camera.
The Pro 5 cameras have a wide-angle 160-degree FOV, which makes them ideal for large driveways and gardens. Their advanced 2K Night Vision captures over 60 billion colours, which Arlo claims is over 100 times better than the human eye, to ensure your home is protected at night. It also features two-way audio and an 80dB siren which can be heard up to 30 metres.
The Floodlight 2K Camera is similar to the Pro 5 with the addition of a floodlight with 3000-lumen LEDs. It can illuminate your driveway up to eight metres, which Arlo claims is brighter than car headlights. The video doorbell is weatherproof and features two-way audio, 2K resolution and a square field of view so you can see visitors from head-to-toe.
All systems are self-monitored and we like the variety of plans on offer. The most basic plan is free but doesn’t have a video recording option; you can access this in addition to more features, such as theft replacement of equipment, 12 months extra warranty and monitoring an unlimited number of cameras via Arlo’s three-tiered subscription plans.
Overall, based on our testing and research of Arlo’s package we consider this system best suited for homeowners with large homes. The package is fairly expensive, but its price is warranted considering the number of high-quality cameras. Although Arlo’s reputation and customer experience score is low compared to other packages we’ve reviewed, this is mostly down to a lack of onsite assessment which is only an issue for some.
We recommend it for homeowners who will utilise all of its features and have a large property to secure. The camera features are worth it if you have a garden or driveway.
Read our full Arlo home security review.
| Reputation | ★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
| Cost | £159 |
| Components | 1 HomeBase 2, 1 keypad, 1 motion sensor, 2 entry sensors |
| Power source | Battery-powered |
| Connectivity | Wifi |
| Maximum volume | N/A |
| Smart home support | N/A |
| Backup battery | Yes |
| Monitoring options | Self-monitoring |
Who is it right for?
Eufy’s budget-friendly Home Alarm Kit is great for basic security needs, or as a starter kit which you can customise and add to.
We think this kit would suit homeowners who don’t need a comprehensive package; the affordable price tag reflects the fact it doesn’t include cameras. The system mostly focuses on protecting entry points, as it includes two entry sensors and one motion sensor. You’ll receive security notifications via the Eufy app.
What we like the most about this kit is the keypad, which allows you to arm and disarm your system, customise security modes and trigger a panic alert. Its battery can last up to six years on a single charge, making it convenient for homeowners who are away for extended periods or who want a low maintenance system.
Eufy’s Home Alarm Kit is quick and easy to install. Entry sensors are attached by peeling the mounting tape and sticking it onto doors or windows while the keypad and motion detector are secured to walls using the mounts provided.
The app features an easy-to-follow interface, allowing remote arming and disarming, optimised security modes, and video viewing capabilities. Instant notifications inform users when sensors and cameras are triggered, allowing appropriate actions to be taken. Eufy lacks a professional monitoring service, but customers can control their system via the app. A downside to this kit is it lacks voice assistant support, such as Amazon Alexa, so it might not be the best home security system if you’re hoping to integrate it with your smart home ecosystem.
Eufy’s Home Alarm Kit is affordable and offers basic home security, so we’d recommend it for those who just want a simple system or don’t mind building upon it. Bigger homes, which are likely to require cameras or video doorbells, would need to purchase these additional components separately.
| Reputation | ★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
| Cost | £499.99 |
| Components | 4x 4K Ultra HD cameras (RLC-810A) |
| Power source | Power over Ethernet or 12V supply |
| Connectivity | Ethernet cable |
| Maximum volume | N/A |
| Smart home support | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Backup battery | Yes |
| Monitoring options | Self-monitoring |
Who is it right for?
Reolink isn’t like other brands we’ve reviewed; its catalogue focuses on surveillance cameras. Its high-quality cameras can be purchased as standalone products, or you can choose one of its pre-configured packages.
The 4K Security Kit with Smart Person/Vehicle Detection consists of four Reolink 4K ultra HD cameras, more than any other package on this page, but it comes with no hub, contact sensors or sirens.
Reolink’s cameras are easy to install and position around your home. The package includes four long, 18m Ethernet cables, with longer ones available if needed.
The Reolink app offers a range of standard features, including live video feed, two-way communication and alarm activation. We especially like its professional-grade desktop software and comprehensive smartphone app, which allow you to access camera feeds from anywhere without needing a paid subscription.
Overall, Reolink excels in high-quality video, with multiple camera options and robust storage capabilities. The easy-to-navigate app and the ability to self-install the cameras make the system simple, and the two-year warranty provides peace of mind.
| Reputation | ★★★½ |
| Security and performance | ★★★ |
| Features | ★★½ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★½ |
| Customer experience | ★★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★½ |
Our home tech experts considered ease of installation, features, integration capabilities, and cost to find the best home security systems. Here’s how our top five stacked up.
Our experts found that prices can range from around £150 for a self-monitored, self-installed system to around £500 to £600 with ongoing monthly costs for a professionally-installed and monitored home security system.
The amount you pay for a smart home security system can vary greatly depending on the brand, features and components. Budget-friendly systems, including Abode’s Smart Security Kit and Ring’s Alarm + Indoor Camera Pack (both of which come recommended by our experts) can cost less than £300. Meanwhile, a comprehensive package with multiple cameras and sensors will set you back £500 or more. Bear in mind that packages with lots of equipment are only cost-effective if you’ll put them all to good use.
Some systems can be easily fitted by homeowners with nails and drills or self-adhesive, sparing you professional installation fees. If you need to engage a professional installer, the fees can vary depending on the brand and the individual home security system. According to our research, professional installation typically starts at around £100.
We found professional monitoring plans can start from as little as £7.99 per month from Abode on top of equipment costs, while the Secure Pro Plan from Yale costs £36 per month. However, some brands do offer self-monitoring which is either free or comes with a small monthly fee (usually less than £10/month).
To find the best home security system, make sure to consider the following factors.
Our home tech experts appreciate that everyone’s living situation is different. From renters and the budget-conscious to properties with outdoor security concerns, we’ve uncovered the right system for you.
Read our home security guides for various living situations:
We updated these deals in September 2024 – our best smart alarm systems are all in stock, and prices are accurate.
Although both traditional and smart alarm systems work to protect homes from intruders and other threats, they differ in functionality and features.
To help you decide which type of system is right for your home, we’ve compared both below.
| Alarm system features | Smart home security alarm systems | Traditional burglar alarm systems |
|---|---|---|
| Wifi or ethernet | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mobile app | ✅ | ❌ |
| Professional monitoring | ✅ | ✅ |
| Self monitoring | ✅ | ✅ |
| Landline or cellular connection | ❌ | ✅ |
| Remote arm and disarm | ✅ | ❌ |
| Real-time notifications | ✅ | ❌ |
| Alarms and CCTV cameras | ❌ | ✅ |
| Live video footage, motion detectors, alarms and integration with other smart home devices | ✅ | ❌ |
275,919 homes in England and Wales were burgled from 2022 to 2023 according to the Office for National Statistics.
Smart home security systems use wifi to connect various components, such as cameras, motion detectors, and alarms. These systems are controlled by mobile devices, thanks to which users can customise security settings to aid protection against intruders, fires, and other hazards.
SimpliSafe’s The Tower is our overall top choice for a home security system. This comprehensive option combines outdoor and indoor security cameras, a motion detector, door and window sensors and an integrated keypad for a high level of protection and privacy.
Most home security systems use a wifi connection, with only a few select brands – such as Reolink – needing an alternative connection. For an average three-bedroom home in the UK, we found SimpliSafe’s The Tower to be the most effective home security system.
Depending on your needs, the best security cameras will boast features such as two-way communication, night vision, motion detection, a wide FOV and high resolution. Reolink’s 4K ultra HD camera (RLC-810A) ticks many of those boxes, offering detailed video capture and impressive night vision, which is perfect for monitoring the outside of your home.
CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) and home security cameras both capture and record video footage to enhance the security of a location. The key difference is; CCTV systems transmit video feed to a specific set of monitors via a direct cable connection, whereas modern home security cameras transmit footage over the internet.
Smart security systems can be hacked due to their reliance on wifi connectivity. However, a hacker would require access to your home’s wireless network, which isn’t in most people’s skill set, so the probability of your system being hacked is relatively low.
