The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
The best home security systems offer increased protection against burglars and emergencies, making them vital for homeowners looking for added security. Our pick for the best wireless home security system is SimpliSafe’s The Tower; it comes with a wide range of customisable components, is suitable for DIY installation and has optional professional monitoring.
Our experts have broken down the best wireless home security systems and who they’re best for to help you pick the best wireless system for your home.
A wireless home security system uses your home wifi to connect devices to a central hub. The devices share information and communicate security alerts when alarms or sensors are triggered. These alerts are sent to the homeowner via push notifications, usually through an app.
Wireless home security systems are flexible and can be placed anywhere in the home with a reliable internet connection. Many systems support DIY installation, although some providers offer professional assistance. Wireless home security systems often come with self-monitoring, although some offer professional monitoring plans for increased security.
To find the best wireless home security system, look out for these key features:
The components that make up a wireless home security system are smart devices, and can also be integrated with your other smart home devices. You should check that any wifi cameras in your system are compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem. Most smart home security systems will work with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri, but remember not all smart devices are compatible.
A good wifi camera will provide high-quality video footage. Security cameras with a 1080p resolution or higher and one that has night vision will stream crystal-clear footage both day and night. A camera can only record what’s in its field of view (FOV), so it’s important to consider a camera’s vertical and diagonal FOV to ensure it can capture the entire area you want it to.
Digital devices, like those included in a wireless home security system, will always come with security threats. It’s important to safeguard your system’s app – check the app supports strong passwords or two-factor authentication.
This roundup was last updated in September 2024. All systems mentioned are currently in stock with accurate pricing and availability.
SimpliSafe offers a range of comprehensive wireless home security packages with the option to add more products as needed. The Tower package comes equipped with indoor and outdoor devices, making it well-suited for larger homes with a garden or driveway.
This wireless home security system integrates all components via the base station. With built-in wifi and deep data encryption for safety, you receive alerts to any of the system’s sensors, cameras or alarms. To make this system truly wireless, however, you will need to swap the wired indoor camera for a wireless model, which can be purchased separately for an additional £149.99.
The motion sensor can differentiate between humans and pets and boasts a 90-degree field of view and 35ft range for increased visibility. In case of emergencies, the keypad has a hidden panic button – even when damaged it can still alert the emergency services.
If you want increased monitoring, subscribe to the SimpliSafe Pro plan for 24/7 live guard protection and 24/7 emergency dispatch. This subscription costs £15.99 per month with the first month being free of charge.
The system is straightforward to install. The adhesive strips allow you to place equipment anywhere in your home and won’t damage infrastructure. The package comes with instructions for connectivity and setting up the app is simple.
The SimpliSafe app can be used anywhere and enables remote arming and disarming of the system. Through the app, you can view live footage from cameras and receive push notifications with security alerts triggered by any of your SimpliSafe devices. The app uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring your data is protected.
SimpliSafe’s home security system can be integrated into your smart home ecosystem and controlled via Google Home and Amazon Alexa voice assistants. There are two monitoring plans, both of which provide 24/7 alarm monitoring, while the Secure Pro plan comes with police and fire dispatch.
The Tower provides a comprehensive level of protection. The seven-piece system can monitor your home inside and out and is ideal for medium to large households with children or pets. The inclusion of two cameras and the optional professional monitoring also makes it suitable for people who are frequently away from home.
For more information, read our full SimpliSafe home security review.
| Overall | ★★★★1/2 |
| Security and performance | ★★★★1/2 |
| Features | ★★★1/2 |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★1/2 |
| Customer experience | ★★1/2 |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
Key specifications
The Ring Alarm Pack is affordable and can be bought in three variations – small, medium and large – giving homeowners the option to scale up with their needs. It covers all bases in terms of contact sensors and motion detectors and even comes with a range extender which extends the signal from your base station to ensure a strong and reliable connection.
If you want to complete this system with a camera, you can pick up the Stick Up Ring Cam Battery for £89.99.
Find more budget-friendly home security systems in our cheap home security guide.
Ring’s wireless alarm system employs a fuss-free installation process. All the equipment is wireless and can be attached anywhere in the home via adhesive strips. The base station should be placed in a central area to ensure a stable connection between devices.
The Ring app is designed with beginners in mind. Connect your Ring devices to the smartphone app and arm and disarm your system remotely. What’s more, Ring devices can also be integrated with other Alexa-enabled devices, such as the Echo Dot speaker and Echo Show.
Assisted monitoring can also be accessed with the Ring Protect Plus subscription.
Ring’s Alarm Pack is best suited for smaller homes or flats, although those in larger homes can always opt for the medium or large systems for a price increase. The customisable nature means it can be scaled to your needs, with the option to add a wireless indoor or outdoor camera.
For more information, read our Ring home security review.
| Overall | ★★★1/2 |
| Security and performance | ★★ |
| Features | ★★★ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★1/2 |
| Customer experience | ★★1/2 |
| Reputation | ★★1/2 |
ADT has been a household name for decades thanks to its robust home security systems designed for professional monitoring. It offers a variety of home security packages, including its Pet Friendly Alarm Package, which really ticks a lot of boxes for pet owners as it can be customised with add-ons.
If you own a pet, it’s important that they can roam free, but it’s equally important their movements are not triggering alarms unnecessarily, so the shock sensors that can be added to this package are particularly attractive. ADT’s motion sensors are also designed to differentiate between humans and pets weighing up to 35kg. The indoor camera records full-colour HD videos and has a two-way audio feature for you to communicate with your human or animal household members.
All of ADT’s home security systems are professionally installed. Professional installation removes any concerns surrounding incorrect set-up. The process for installation is pain-free too – ADT will arrange a technician to fit your system at the time of purchase. Unfortunately, the control panel will need to be wired in.
ADT offers remote troubleshooting, and a large number of issues can be fixed remotely without the need for an engineer visit. You’ll also have access to 24/7 phone support and a live chat service. Its 24/7 professional monitoring provides daily operational checks of your home security devices, and depending on the monitoring plan you choose, the police will be alerted during a break-in.
The ADT+ app gives you complete control over your home security system. Arm and disarm your system remotely and view live feed video footage from your camera. The app also tracks movement from any of your system’s sensors, and you’ll receive push notifications for this. There are options to customise security events to suit your daily routine, and devices can be integrated with some other smart home products, such as smart light bulbs.
ADT offers a robust home security system that can only be professionally installed. While this may not suit some on a tighter budget, for others this could provide peace of mind. ADT’s prices are not widely available and you’ll usually be quoted a bespoke price, and its professional monitoring cost could be off putting. On the flipside, its 24/7 professional monitoring and police notification available with some plans could provide an added layer of security.
For more information, read our ADT home security review.
| Overall | ★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★ |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★ |
| Customer experince | ★★★1/2 |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
Most wireless home security systems have smart home compatibility, but Abode is the best option for those with existing smart ecosystems. Abode works across Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit.
Through the Alexa or Google Home app, homeowners can ask for the current open/close status of window and door sensors and view live view on devices like the Echo Show and Nest Hub Max. The Apple HomeKit app can be used to arm and disarm the system and view the status of all key devices from your iPhone’s home screen.
This package offers a good level of security for small to medium sized homes, although you can add more devices for larger homes. All the devices are wireless and battery powered, allowing for flexible placement throughout the property.
Abode devices are ideal for DIY enthusiasts and can be set up in minutes. There is no drilling or mounting required, the devices are simply attached using adhesive strips.
The Abode app allows for remote control over each device, but this can also be done in the Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit apps. With the £13.99 Abode Pro plan, homeowners can enjoy 24/7 professional monitoring, richer notifications and AI smart video features.
Abode offers a fantastic wireless home security kit for those looking for increased home automation and security. The motion and door/window sensors inform of any movement in the home, and the option for professional monitoring is present for more security-conscious homeowners.
For more information, read our Abode home security review.
| Overall | ★★★★ |
| Security and performance | ★★ |
| Features | ★★★★1/2 |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★★ |
| Customer experience | ★★★1/2 |
| Reputation | ★★★1/2 |
Verisure offers bespoke home security packages across Europe. You won’t find its prices widely available because its packages can be tailored to suit your needs, so each quote is unique to your set-up. Versiure’s Essential Home Security Package (based on research and offered quotes from Verisure), would be a good fit for an average-sized home.
The kit guards the exterior of your home with a 105dB siren, voice and keypad (SVK) as well as an SOS button with the ability to connect you to Verisure’s Alarm Receiving Centre. The wireless device uses 3G and can arm, disarm or part-arm your system.
The GuardVision camera uses motion sensors and infrared lights to send images to the Alarm Receiving Centre in order to determine if your system has been triggered by an intruder or if it’s a false alarm. As well as this, Verisure is in partnership with Arlo cameras, which provide two-way audio, good quality video and night vision cameras such as the outdoor camera and video doorbell, both of which capture HD video that can be viewed via the Verisure app.
All of Verisure’s home security systems are professionally installed, but this is usually included in your package price. Before installation, you’ll need to book a home evaluation over the phone, as this helps ensure you get the best package tailored to your home. You will need to pay £100 to book – this is fully refundable.
Verisure’s professional monitoring cost is based on your bespoke system, and maintenance is covered by Versiure. The overall monitoring cost depends on size and the level of security you require. Your wireless home security system will need battery changes from time to time, but this too, is carried out by Verisure.
All Verisure equipment can be monitored via the app, and it includes features like remotely arming and disarming your home. If you opt for the monthly subscription, Verisure will monitor your system 24/7. With the professional monitoring plan, you can also make use of the panic button, which alerts Verisure’s security team when activated.
Verisure offers a good level of security and is an excellent choice for homeowners who require a customisable system. Its smart home devices are of a high standard and include useful features such as a panic button, voice control and two-way audio. To reap the full benefits, you’ll need to sign up for its monthly subscription, which is quite pricey and not suited to all budgets.
For more information, read our Verisure home security review.
| Overall | ★★★★1/2 |
| Security and performance | ★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★1/2 |
| Plans and pricing | ★★★1/2 |
| Customer experience | ★★ |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ |
| Product | Equipment cost | Components | Power source | Connectivity | Voice assistant support | Backup battery? | Monitoring options |
| Sim pliSafe The Tower | £524.93 | 1 base station, 1 motion sensor, 1 keypad, 1 wireless outdoor camera, 2 entry sensor, 1 wired indoor camera, 1 free smoke detector | Battery | Cellular (with paid subscription) and wifi | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Up to 24 hours | Self-monitoring with optional paid-for professional monitoring |
| Ring Alarm Pack (S) | £219.99 | 1 base station, 1 alarm keypad (2nd gen), 1 alarm contact sensor (2nd gen), 1 alarm motion detector (2nd gen), 1 alarm range extender (2nd gen) | Battery | Cellular (with paid subscription) and wifi | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | 24-hour back-up | Self-monitoring with optional paid-for professional monitoring |
| ADT Pet Friendly Alarm Package | Price on enquiry | 1 wireless door contact, 1 indoor camera, 2 shock sensors and 1 IQ4 alarm panel | Battery | Wifi | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Yes | Professional monitoring |
| Abode Smart Home Kit | £294.99 | 1 hub, 2 mini door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor, 1 keyfob | Battery | Cellular (with paid subscription) and wifi | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Google Home | Yes | Self monitoring |
| Verisure Essential Home Security Kit | Price on enquiry | 1 central unit, 1 GuardVision camera, 1 shock sensor, 3 keyfobs, 1 siren, voice and keypad, 1 outdoor camera and 1 video doorbell | Battery | Wifi | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Google Home | 48 hours in central unit | Self monitoring and professional monitoring |
The best wireless home security systems offer a high level of protection and act as a deterrent for potential intruders. Our experts have pinned down some of the most critical factors to consider when picking a new wireless home security system.
If your system has a camera, you want to ensure a high resolution and field of view for good visibility. The minimum resolution to look for is 1080p, although some more expensive cameras can be found in 4K.
The field of view determines how much you can see in the frame. The higher the field of view, the more will be visible; we recommend cameras with a field of view of at least 130 degrees.
Night vision is ideal for cameras placed outside or in low-light areas of the home. You can also look into infrared cameras; these use thermal imaging technology to provide clearer images in low light.
HDR night vision is another option. It is one of the best options, providing crystal clear images and improving both day and night vision. It minimises lens flares and reflection and can correct exposure levels.
This function is useful regardless of whether you’re installing an indoor or outdoor home security system. It allows you to communicate with whoever is in your camera’s FOV, and they too, can communicate with you. This feature can also come with noise cancellation, which can come in handy if you’re communicating with a delivery courier and you need to block out traffic noise.
Wifi security cameras provide you with a live video feed and the ability to record and store footage. This footage can be stored online via the cloud or on an SD card; the possibilities will depend on the brand and potential subscription features, but generally, cloud storage is easier to manage and has unlimited space for more recordings, unlike SD cards.
When installing a wireless home security system, consider if it will be supported by your current smart home ecosystem. Most systems work with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, with some supporting Apple HomeKit and Philips Hue.
Smart home integration can allow for control over your system via voice controls and the ability to remotely control your system, even if you are away from home.
Before choosing a wireless home security system, you must ensure it fits within your budget. More comprehensive packages may be more expensive, although you don’t want to invest in a package with devices you won’t make use of.
DIY home security systems can be cheaper overall due to the lack of installation costs, however, you must be comfortable installing the devices yourself. Subscription plans can also inflate the price, especially if you want key features such as professional monitoring.
Many of the components of a self-installed home security system can be wall-mounted or freestanding (for instance on a shelf). Most devices will come with a wall mount or stand, and you should only need a few tools to install them.
For wall-mounted devices, such as sensors and cameras, typically you’ll receive a wall mount with drill templates and screws or a no-drill option with self-sticking adhesive pads.
If your device is freestanding, you should be able to simply place it in the provided stand and position it on a flat surface of your choosing.
To set up your wireless home security system, you’ll need a broadband connection to start. You’ll now need to connect the camera to your wifi network. At this stage, you can sync it with other smart devices. To connect your devices to your smartphone, download the system app and make an account or use an existing one. Once you’ve opened the app, follow the instructions to connect your system.
No, not all home security systems are wireless – some require Ethernet cables to connect devices to the internet. However, most modern smart home security systems are wireless, apart from a system’s base or central unit, which is almost always wired. The need for wireless devices has become the norm, so most providers have adapted their systems to suit consumers’ needs. A wireless home security system allows homeowners to install equipment where it suits them without the need to be placed near a power source or broadband connection point.
Most home security systems come with an app. This app requires a password, so it’s important you create a strong password that nobody else knows. Use two-factor authentication if you can for both the app and cloud storage.
Another way to ensure safety is to regularly update your system’s software and the app, as this ensures it is free of bugs and other potential security flaws. You should also regularly update your wifi router’s firmware – this fixes bugs and can eliminate any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by potential hackers.
Most home security systems come with an app. This app requires a password, so it’s important you create a strong password that nobody else knows. Use two-factor authentication if you can for both the app and cloud storage.
Another way to ensure safety is to regularly update your system’s software and the app, as this ensures it is free of bugs and other potential security flaws. You should also regularly update your wifi router’s firmware – this fixes bugs and can eliminate any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by potential hackers.
