What good is having a great home if you don’t feel safe and sound in it? Thanks to advancements in the fields of security and smart technology, peace of mind is more accessible than ever.
These days, security systems are available at a variety of prices—and many home insurance companies offer rebates and coverage for installing cloud-based security cameras and other safety features.
If you’re ready to secure your home, family, and belongings, read on. We’ve consulted home security experts to find a range of security systems for those looking for basic, comprehensive, and all-encompassing coverage at a variety of price ranges.
For home security on a budget
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Feeling secure without spending big bucks is doable.
One of the best, cheapest, and most overlooked ways to ensure your home is safe and sound is to get to know your neighbors.
“I’ve seen the benefits of building a casual community watch firsthand,” says Ivan Lobo, a real estate consultant at Made in CA. “Getting to know your neighbors can create a sense of social cohesion and deter potential intruders.”
Plus, friendly neighbors tend to notice and take action when they see something amiss at their neighbors’ houses, Lobo adds.
Other wallet-friendly, smart home upgrades that effectively deter criminals focus on lighting.
“One of the most effective deterrents against intruders is outdoor lighting, especially motion-sensing spotlights,” says Joel Comino, founder and CEO of the Indiana-based Next Modular. Options start at around $30 on Amazon.
Also, consider putting interior lights on timers.
“You can set them to turn on and off at different times throughout the day and night, making it look like someone is home when you’re not,” says Clara Sutton, a human resources manager of Healthier Trajectory.
Lighting timers start at around $10 at big-box stores like Lowe’s and the Home Depot. A simple security camera can also offer peace of mind.
“Ring’s security cameras are the best basic camera on the market,” says Jeff Johnson, a real estate agent and home remodeler at Simple Homebuyers in La Plata, MD.
Budget-friendly, no-frills options start at around $70. Despite the low price, they are all smart-enabled, so you can monitor your home from afar. You can choose from indoor, outdoor, stick-up, spotlight, and floodlight options. Prices top out at around $300.
For comprehensive home security
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If you want a virtual armed guard at your door, you will have to pay a bit more.
“If you’re willing to pay more for a robust home security system, you’ll be able to rely on features like 24/7 professional monitoring, color night-vision cameras, and AI-driven alerts for video doorbells and security cameras,” says Rob Gabriele, a home security expert at L.A.’s SafeHome.org. “You’ll be able to control everything from one place—typically your smartphone—and will likely enjoy some neat home automation features, too.”
Gabriele recommends providers like ADT and Vivint, because they “offer customized home security based on your needs and budget, as well as professional installation on all of their equipment.”
Both also offer homeowners control via voice commands thanks to their integration with other smart home devices, making them more user-friendly than the old-fashioned systems that required users to make changes to the system directly through a security panel installed on a wall at home.
Expect to pay $600 to $1,000 for equipment, plus $40 to $60 per month for pro-level monitoring.
For homeowners who take their security very seriously
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If you want your home to be as impenetrable as Fort Knox, you’re going to have to pony up serious cash.
Start by putting the budget and comprehensive security plans in place. Ensure all of your exterior doors, door locks, and gates are secure. Replacing deadbolts start at around $25 and go all the way up to $300, depending on how smart and hands-free you want them to be. New safety doors with security screens will start at around $600 all in and go up to $5,000.
“For true security, you’re also going to want to install audio systems that activate upon forced entry, alerting the occupants and neighbors of a problem,” says Gene Petrino, a retired SWAT commander and co-founder of Survival Response in Coral Springs, FL. “You will want to install perimeter alarm systems that detect vehicles and persons entering the property. You could also consider having a safe room built to provide additional security during an intrusion.”
