Best home security system: protect what's important with these camera and alarm systems

Peace of mind about our homes has never been more important, and luckily more and more smart security systems are becoming available to help us achieve just that. With cameras, sirens and even professional monitoring on offer with easy-to-use and sophisticated kits designed to keep us safe, the best home security systems have never been easier to install.

The sets included in this guide are all extremely easy to weave into your everyday life  without the hassle of old fashioned systems, and many of them are even wireless to avoid the clutter that wired cameras and sensors can create.

Whether you want to prevent intruders from entering your home, securely lock up a guest house or second property in the months that you're not there, or just keep an eye on what's going on inside and around you home, then that's entirely possible. 

Here we list the best home security systems available, detailing what they can offer.

The best home security system 2022

A DIY security system designed to work seamlessly with Ring products including doorbells, security cameras, smart locks, and more, the Ring Alarm 9-Piece security kit offers pretty much everything you need to get started with your home security set-up.

The 2nd generation set includes a redesigned keypad, base hub, motion sensor, range extender, security camera, and four contact sensors - making it easy to cover multiple entry points of your home. The range extender is also helpful if you have a large home, increasing the reach of your security system.

The keypad includes buttons to request police, fire, or medical assistance in an emergency, and you can also pay for 24/7 professional monitoring with the Ring Protect service.

The inclusion of a Ring camera makes this our pick for the best home security system available right now, along with its general ease of use and clean design. 

And while Google Assistant users will be disappointed to learn that Ring has prioritized Amazon devices, those using Alexa in their homes will enjoy even more compatibility with Echo devices.

A smart camera system with an in-built siren and many other security features, the Arlo Pro 2 allows you to monitor activity in and around your home with your choice of coverage. Available with 1-6 cameras, you can decide how many you need and purchase accordingly.

While the base hub needs to be plugged in within the home, the cameras themselves can be used completely wirelessly (though with the option to plug them in) inside or outside. The IP65 waterproof rating means they won't get damaged, and you can make use of the 2-way audio features by communicating with visitors.

There are additional features if you choose to use the cameras inside, however, such as a three-second preview on recorded events and customizable motion and sound detection zones. Either way, the basic Arlo subscription - which is free - allows you to add up to five cameras to your system and synchronize your system with Alexa.

There's also a 100dB siren that you can operate remotely from the app, and seven days of free cloud storage for any footage you wish to save.

Outdoor cameras are a relatively new addition to the Simplisafe set-up, but they make this kit even more useful for those just getting started with their home security. As the name indicates, the wireless cameras can be used outside in all weather conditions, and come with an in-built spotlight for color vision even at night.

They also give you 8x zoom, so you can see every detail of footage should you need to get a bit closer.

But the cameras are just one element of this system, which also includes contact sensors for doors and windows (or any cupboards you don't want someone to get into undetected) and a handy keyfob for easy arming and disarming. The fob also has a panic button, which sets this collection apart.

An option subscription also allows for 24/7 monitoring from Simplisafe, with the option to contact emergency services should an alert be triggered.

The 10-piece starter pack from ADT is good for anyone who is looking to move or wants to protect a smaller property, as it is designed first and foremost to be customizable over time. So, while this kit only comes with five sensors, it has the ability to support up to 50 devices should you need them.

The company promises no long-term contracts, but 24/7 professional monitoring will cost an additional $19.99/month. The basic package does also mean that there will be additional costs as you begin to develop your system with indoor and outdoor cameras, doorbells, and more.

That said, the standard pack will work with Alexa and Google Assistant smart homes, and advanced motion detection from its sensor means it won't get confused alerting you to your pets' movements.

Undoubtedly the security system that covers the most ground on this list, the Ooma Home Security Deluxe Pack includes six contact sensors, a siren, motion sensor, water sensor, and smoke alarm. This means that not only is your home protected from intruders, but you'll also know about leaks and fires before they can cause any irrevocable damage.

All devices included are wireless and can be used either indoors or outdoors, and the free trial included will give you access to SMS, audio and phone alerts as well as auto arming and disarming. There is also optional 24/7 professional monitoring, and the ability to alert 911 remotely.

How to choose the best home security system for your home

How do home security systems work?

The best home security systems use a range of different sensors and devices to monitor and protect you and your home, including but not limited to security cameras, window and door sensors, water sensors and smart locks. What is included in each system depends on the brand.

Many have an in-built siren that can be activated automatically or via an app on your mobile device. These apps also often include ways to arm and disarm security systems, the option to view live footage from a security camera, and a whole lot more.

A lot of systems, which we have highlighted above, also offer 24/7 professional monitoring for an additional fee, which adds an extra layer of security. For example, with monitoring, you can choose to have emergency services contacted if something has gone awry, even if you're not at home.

What is the best security home system?

For overall security, value, and ease of use, we love the kits from Ring. The 9-piece set listed in this guide is our favorite due to its inclusion of a camera, sensors, and range extender, which covers most bases for those with larger homes. It also gets points for being compatible with other Ring products such as its smart video doorbells.

For a camera-only option, the Arlo Pro 2 wireless system is a good bet, though this also only works with Alexa. For Google Assistant households, you should consider Simplisafe, ADT, or Ooma systems.