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Smart Home Security FAQs
How do smart home security systems work?
Unlike traditional systems, smart home security kits are wireless and connect to your smartphone through an internet connection. Such kits typically consist of a base station that connects to your router, either with WiFi or an Ethernet cable, then connects to dozens of wireless accessories such as motion detectors, door/window sensors, sirens, keypads, cameras, and more.
Most kits come with a wireless keypad to toggle the alarm on and off, though this can also be done through a smartphone app and, often, by talking to a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some systems can be configured to turn on and off based on the location of your smartphone and anyone who is with you.
When triggered by a break-in or movement, these alarms alert you via a smartphone app. Some even make automated phone calls to you or anyone in your emergency contact list. Some systems offer professional monitoring for a monthly fee, where service agents respond to your alarm, use cameras (with your prior permission) to see what’s going on, and even call emergency services if necessary.
Should I install it myself or seek professional help?
In practically every case, smart home alarm systems can be installed without professional help. Most simply connect to your router, then use wireless technology and battery power to function, allowing you to fit various sensors and detectors to your walls, doors, and windows with either included screws or adhesive pads.
Some external devices, such as sirens and security camerasInstalling them on an exterior wall may require a ladder and power drill. But that’s about as hard as it gets with these installations. Once installed, the system is typically set up and configured via a smartphone app.
Are home security systems worth the money?
It’s hard to put a price on protecting your home from thieves. Hardware costs are generally fairly similar between brands, although naturally the larger the system, the more devices included and therefore the more you will have to pay.
What is probably more important is the cost of the ongoing subscription. Most smart alarm systems offer additional features through a monthly or annual subscription, including cloud storage for video camera recordings and advanced functionality. Commercial monitoring also comes as part of the subscription, but few alarm systems in the UK offer this service.
For example, ring the Alarm And eufy home alarm Both provide professional monitoring (for a fee) in the US, but they do not offer it in the UK. If you want professional monitoring in the UK, SimpliSafe This is one of your best options and, for us, the best home security system in 2025.
What are the key features to note?
Almost all systems get the basics right by including a base station, motion detector, door/window sensors, a keypad for arming and disarming, and a smartphone app.
In addition, attention must also be paid to the battery and cellular backup systems for the base station; With them, it will continue to work for a limited period of time (usually 12 to 24 hours), even if your internet goes down and there is a power failure.
Another useful feature is smart home connectivity. If you already have some smart home devices, like security cameras or video doorbells, it may make sense to purchase an alarm system from the same ecosystem like Eufy, or one that works with a similar smart home platform like Alexa or Apple HomeKit.
The biggest alternative is additional professional monitoring, in which an agent checks your home remotely when an alarm goes off and even calls emergency services on your behalf.
Do home security systems require a subscription?
Many home security systems offer subscriptions to unlock full functionality. In most cases, paying a monthly or annual fee enables cloud storage from which recordings are made. security cameras And video doorbell Are uploaded and saved in the cloud. They can then be viewed and downloaded through the security system’s smartphone app. Paying for cloud storage is practically a requirement for some systems like Ring, as its products don’t store recordings locally.
Other features unlocked by paying for a subscription include AI-powered person detection, cellular backup to keep your alarm system online during broadband outages, and discounts on future purchases.
But the biggest reason for a paid subscription is professional monitoring. As mentioned in the previous section, this is where a human will respond when your alarm goes off, investigate to see what’s causing it, and even call emergency services if deemed necessary – all without you having to do anything. SimpliSafe and VeriSure both offer professional monitoring subscriptions in the UK. ring Offers such service in the US, but not in the UK; Instead, a Ring subscription here is limited to a few extra features like cloud storage and cellular backup.
Some companies, like eufyProvides security systems that work without subscription. These cameras and doorbells store footage locally, and the alarm system doesn’t hide any features behind a paywall. Eufy offers cloud storage subscription, but it is completely optional.
Do home security systems affect home insurance?
This will depend on your specific circumstances, but it’s definitely worth telling your insurer when you’ve had a security system fitted. That said, not every insurance provider will automatically reduce your premiums, and some will ask for a certain type of system to be fitted before considering any changes. It’s worth checking with your insurance provider first, as they may only agree to a lower premium if you fit into a certain brand or type of system. A professionally monitored system, such as those from SimpliSafe And VeriSure has a higher chance of getting a rebate than simpler, self-monitoring systems. But it’s worth checking to make sure.
In any case, according to the Office for National Statistics, there were more than 250,000 residential and non-residential burglaries in the UK in 2024. And, while this was six per cent less than the last time – and a massive 71 per cent drop in 2003, when current records began – it still means hundreds of properties are being broken into every day.
So regardless of whether an alarm system lowers your insurance premiums or not, the peace of mind it provides alone may be worth it.
What is NSI accreditation?
NSI (National Security Inspectorate) Accreditation is a recognized quality standard for UK security companies. It certifies that an installer or monitoring service meets strict technical and operational standards for security system design, installation and maintenance. NSI-accredited companies are regularly audited to ensure compliance, giving homeowners added peace of mind that their alarm or CCTV system is fitted and managed to the highest industry standards.
Verdict: Best smart home security system
SimpliSafe Currently my favorite smart home security system. It’s very easy to set up and install, and has a wide range of optional extra features to create a complete-home system. But what helps this system stand out from its competitors is the option to pay £25 per month for professional monitoring. Since Ring and Eufy do not offer this service in the UK, this is something that puts SimpliSafe at the top of our list. Yale Smart Alarm Also offers full, 24/7 professional monitoring, but at a higher monthly cost of £36 per month.
If you don’t need professional monitoring, check rin alarm and this Eufy Home Alarm KitBoth offer excellent alarm kits that connect to their comprehensive smart home systems that include security cameras, video doorbells, and more. I particularly like how Eufy records footage locally, thus avoiding cloud storage fees charged by Ring.
Finally, if you want to build a larger smart home system, I recommend the TP-Link Tapo, as the H500 Hub has Miter support that makes it compatible with a large number of smart home devices and accessories, beyond just security products.
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Independent Committed to providing unbiased reviews and expert buying advice across a range of home improvement products. Our team of experts have spent years testing and rating the latest smart home technology in our homes, gardens and in real-world situations, so you can be sure that our judgments are authentic and based on personal experience of each product. When it comes to security systems, our expert testers consider everything from app features and ease of setup to ongoing subscription costs.