How to Choose a Smart Home Security System that Works with Your Tech

If you're looking for the best home security system for your smart home, you want security devices that are compatible with the rest of your home automation tools.

But what should you look for when choosing devices for your smart security kit?

This guide explains what a smart home security system is and what it does. We also cover some things to consider when choosing devices for your personal system.

What is a smart home security system?

A smart home security system is an interconnected series of smart devices, like motion detectors, home alarms, smart locks, and indoor and outdoor cameras, that communicate with each other using a Wi-Fi internet connection.

You can typically control a smart security system from a central touch-screen panel or remotely using your phone or another mobile device.

Is smart home security worth it?

Yes—if you're serious about home protection, an all-in-one smart home security system is one of the best investments you can make.

Benefits

Here are some of the many benefits that homeowners and renters get when using smart security solutions:

• Convenience. Smart security systems make managing your smart home devices convenient. You can control all your devices from a central panel. Some systems even integrate with Google Assistant, which let you use voice commands. Whether you need to arm or disarm your system, check your front door's camera feed, or unlock a door remotely, managing your home's security becomes as easy as sending a text message.
• Remote control. Most smart security systems come with a mobile app that lets you monitor and control your system from anywhere using your smartphone. This also lets your system send notifications when it detects suspicious activity or break-ins.
• Motion detection. Smart security systems generally have motion sensors that can tell when people are on your property. Some sensors can even tell when a human is moving versus an animal.
• Two-way audio. A home security camera with two-way audio lets you speak to the person on the other end of the camera. For example, you could use your video doorbell to tell your delivery driver to hide your Amazon package behind a bush next to your doorway.
• Cloud storage. Most smart systems save security footage on an external cloud server. This makes it easy for you to access and share video clips using devices connected to Wi-Fi.
• Interoperability. You can program devices in a smart home system to work together. For example, you could program your smart garage door to shut and your home smart locks to lock automatically each night when you go to bed.
• Security monitoring. A quality security company may offer a monitoring service that will automatically contact emergency services when anything goes wrong in your home. A monitoring plan usually comes with monthly fees. Professionally monitored systems provide better security than those that require self-monitoring, but they also increase the risk of getting false alarms.
• Reliable customer support. A smart security system from a trustworthy provider will usually give you access to a reliable support team that can help if your system ever malfunctions.
• Burglar deterrence. Smart security systems offer effective monitoring options that can deter potential burglars. With features like high-definition cameras and motion detectors, these systems can identify unusual activity and trigger alarms. This not only alerts you and the monitoring center but can also scare off intruders before they cause harm.

• Customizable automation. Smart home security systems can be programmed to fit your schedule perfectly. Heading out to work? Your system can automatically arm itself. Coming home late at night? Your lights can turn on automatically as you arrive, ensuring you never walk into a dark home again.
• Real-time alerts. Stay informed with instant notifications. Whether you're at work or on vacation, you'll know immediately if there's any unusual activity at home, from unexpected door openings to detected people in your backyard.
• Energy savings with smart integrations. Integrate your security system with other smart home devices like thermostats and lights for added convenience and energy savings. For example, your thermostat can lower the temperature when the system is armed, helping you save on energy bills.
• Enhanced safety for your loved ones. Smart security systems offer features like remote door locks and emergency panic buttons, providing an extra layer of safety for your family. Whether it's ensuring your kids are safe when they're home alone or assisting elderly family members with easy-to-use security features, these systems cater to the needs of every family member.
• Unobtrusive and stylish designs. Modern smart security devices are designed to blend into your home decor seamlessly. With their sleek and minimalistic designs, they add a touch of modernity without being obtrusive.

With features like night vision cameras and 24/7 monitoring, you can rest assured that your home is secure at all hours. This continuous protection By integrating smart home security into your lifestyle, you're enhancing your home's safety while also embracing a more connected and efficient way of living. With these systems, home security becomes more than just an add-on—it becomes a part of the very fabric of your daily life, offering both protection and peace of mind.

How to choose a smart home security system

The best smart home security system for you will depend on a number of factors. Now, we'll go over a few things you should consider before deciding which system to buy.

Decide which equipment to include

Different-sized homes have security systems with varying levels of complexity. For instance, a security system for a small apartment might consist of only a doorbell camera, while a system for a larger home might have security gadgets galore.

Here are some common home products to consider as part of your smart security system:

• Security cams. Security cameras, including video doorbells and outdoor and indoor cameras, capture footage of possible intruders and threats. Smart system footage is saved to the cloud, where you can access it with your smartphone. A security camera might also have night vision or a floodlight.
• Motion sensors. Motion sensors use infrared or ultrasonic audio waves to detect motion in an area. Generally, motion sensors should be placed in areas intruders are most likely to cross.
• Security sensors. Depending on your home, you might have security sensors, like entry sensors, window sensors, flood sensors, and glass break sensors.
• Smart garage door openers. Garage doors are one of the easiest ways for intruders to get into a home. You can connect a smart garage door opener to your home alarm system. You can also open and shut your door remotely with your smartphone.
• Smart locks. Vivint's Kwikset Smart Locks let you open your door locks without a physical key. Some smart locking systems will even let you create and track custom keypad codes for the people who come in and out of your home. This way, you know who's opening your door and when.
• Panic buttons. These strategically placed buttons call emergency services to your home when you press them. They can be extremely valuable for senior citizens who live alone or people with health issues that put them at risk of injury.
• Central control panel. A central base station lets you manage all your devices from one place.
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. These combination smoke alarms (such as Vivint's Smoke & CO Combo Detector) detect smoke or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. When connected to a smart security system, they can send alerts to your smartphone or monitoring center, ensuring you can take immediate action to protect your family and home.
• Smart lighting. This can enhance your home's security by automatically turning lights on and off to make it appear occupied when you're away. They can also be integrated with motion sensors, illuminating specific areas when movement is detected. You can control these lights remotely via your smartphone or schedule them to align with your daily routine.

Your home security connection type

Your security company needs a way to connect to your system to provide effective monthly monitoring. There are four main ways for your security system to connect with a professional monitoring center:

1. Landline. A landline security connection is inexpensive and reliable. However, if a criminal snips the landline to your alarm system, they can sever your connection to your monitoring service.
2. Wi-Fi. A high-speed broadband internet connection isn't as easy to tamper with as a landline. However, your system won't be able to reach your monitoring team if your router shuts off during a power outage. A system might have a cellular backup that allows it to operate when the power goes down.
3. Cellular. A cellular connection is reliable, impervious to being tampered with, and can stay intact when there's no power. However, maintaining a cellular connection with your monitoring company can have high monitoring fees.
4. Hardwiring. A wired security connection is reliable and not dependent on wireless signals. It offers consistent performance without the need for batteries, a battery backup, or recharging.

Home security installation options

It's possible to DIY your smart security system installation. Some systems are even designed for it. However, even the best DIY installation system won't give the level of functionality that a professionally installed system will.

A professional installer will know exactly how to mount and connect all your devices so your system operates at maximum efficiency. A professionally installed system may have more upfront costs than a DIY home security system, but it's generally worth it to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your system is set up properly.

Integrating smart home security with your lifestyle

Embracing smart home security isn’t just about adding technology to your home; it’s about seamlessly blending these advancements into your daily life. The beauty of a smart security system lies in its ability to adapt to your unique lifestyle, ensuring safety while enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Here’s how smart home security can become an integral, hassle-free part of your everyday routine:

• Effortless control at your fingertips. Imagine controlling your entire home security system with just a few taps on your smartphone or with simple voice commands. Whether it’s arming your system, checking camera feeds, or unlocking doors, managing your home’s security becomes as easy as sending a text message.
• Customizable automation. Smart home security systems can be programmed to fit your schedule perfectly. Heading out to work? Your system can automatically arm itself. Coming home late at night? Your lights can turn on automatically as you arrive, ensuring you never walk into a dark home again.
• Real-time alerts for peace of mind. Stay informed with instant notifications. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you’ll know immediately if there’s any unusual activity at home, from unexpected door openings to detected peope in your backyard.
• Energy savings with smart integrations. Integrate your security system with other smart home devices like thermostats and lights for added convenience and energy savings. For example, your thermostat can lower the temperature when the system is armed, helping you save on energy bills.
• Enhanced safety for your loved ones. Smart security systems offer features like remote door locks and emergency panic buttons, providing an extra layer of safety for your family. Whether it's ensuring your kids are safe when they’re home alone or assisting elderly family members with easy-to-use security features, these systems cater to the needs of every family member.
• Unobtrusive and stylish designs. Modern smart security devices are designed to blend into your home decor seamlessly. With their sleek and minimalistic designs, they add a touch of modernity without being obtrusive.
• Reliable security, day and night. With features like night vision cameras and 24/7 monitoring, you can rest assured that your home is secure at all hours. This continuous protection means you can sleep peacefully knowing your home is being watched over.

By integrating smart home security into your lifestyle, you’re enhancing your home’s safety while also embracing a more connected and efficient way of living. With these systems, home security becomes more than just an add-on—it becomes a part of the very fabric of your daily life, offering both protection and peace of mind.

Discover how Vivint brings your smart home security to the next level

If you want to provide the best protection possible for your household while improving your home's automation, take a look at some of the quality smart security products offered by Vivint.

No need for self-installation hassles. Unlike many security providers, Vivint ensures a stress-free experience by offering professional installation with their smart home security systems. This means you won't have to worry about the complexities of setting up your system.

Our expert technicians will handle everything, ensuring your starter kit and all wireless systems are installed and integrated seamlessly with your existing home setup. This professional touch guarantees that your security system operates optimally, providing you with peace of mind and top-notch security

Our security experts will help you find the best tools to be part of your ideal smart home setup. You'll be amazed by how comfortable and efficient your home can be when all your devices are interconnected.

Call us at 800.646.1469 for a free consultation today.