There are many different providers that offer competitive rates; it just depends on what kind of system you want and how much you are willing to spend on installation fees—if any.

The market is full of affordable home security options. If you’re ready to protect your property, try these:

• ADT Security
• Frontpoint Security
• Life Shield
• SimpliSafe
• Protect Home America Security
• Nest Secure System

There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing a home security system. The most important thing is to ensure that your system has door and window sensors and 24/7 monitoring. Other features like carbon monoxide detectors and glass break sensors are nice but not essential.

When selecting a provider, compare pricing and reviews before making your decision.

Systems

The three main types of systems are wired, wireless, and wire-free. Each has its advantages and disadvantages that you need to take into consideration before you purchase a system. For example, wired systems are more affordable than wireless or wire-free systems.

They are also less likely to have false alarms because they are not as sensitive as the other types of systems. However, they are more challenging to install, and if your power goes out, your system will not work.

 

On the other hand, wireless systems are easier to install than wired systems and are not as susceptible to power outages. Unfortunately, they are also more sensitive than wired systems, which makes them more likely to have false alarms.

The downside of wireless systems is that they are more expensive than wired systems. Wire-free systems are the most expensive home security systems but are also the easiest to install. In addition, they are battery-operated, so you do not have to worry about power outages or installation issues.

The downside of wire-free systems is that the batteries need to be periodically replaced and are not as reliable as wired or wireless systems.

Essential Home Security System Features

The must-have features for any sound home security system are door and window sensors and 24/7 monitoring. Sensors on doors and windows are made to tell you when someone comes in through one of these points.

Monitoring ensures that someone will always check your home even when you’re not there. Other features like carbon monoxide detectors, glass break sensors, flood lights, smart locks, remote surveillance capabilities, and whole-home automation are great but not strictly necessary.

It would be best to decide which additional features you want based on your budget and specific needs.

Components

A home security system has four main components: door/window sensors, motion detectors, control panel/keypad, and sirens/alarms.

1. Door/window sensors are placed on doors and windows and detect when someone tries to open them.
2. Motion detectors detect movement inside your home and can be programmed to ignore specific movements like pets walking around.
3. The control panel/keypad is the brains of the operation; it is where you arm and disarm your system.
4. The final component—sirens/alarms—notifies you during an emergency.

Some home security systems come with additional features like carbon monoxide detectors or floodlights. However, these features usually come at an additional cost.

Choosing a Provider

Now that you know what kind of system you need and what components it should have, it is time to choose a provider. Many different home security providers are on the market today; however, not all offer affordable options.

• ADT Security Services is one of the leading providers of home security services in the United States; however, their basic monitoring package starts at $28 per month—plus installation fees (which can range from $99-$599).
• Frontpoint Security is another popular provider; their basic monitoring package starts at $34 per month, plus installation fees (which range from $100 to $300).
• LifeShield Security Services is a provider that offers DIY installation; their basic monitoring package starts at $29 per month—plus equipment fees (which can range from $199-$499).
• Protect America Home Security also offers both professional installation and DIY installation; their professional installation packages start at $19 per month—plus equipment fees (which start at $199), while their DIY installation packages start at $41 per month—plus equipment fees (which start at $199).

Hailey’s Daily Blog has more great tips on this process.

Do-It-Yourself Systems

There are many do-it-yourself home security systems available on the market today. These systems are usually easy to install and don’t require a contract. One of the most popular do-it-yourself systems is the SimpliSafe system.

• SimpliSafe Home Security Systems offers both professional installation and DIY installation;
  • their professional installation package starts at $24 per month—plus equipment fees (which can range from $229-$469)
  • while their DIY installation package starts at $14 per month—plus equipment fees (which can range from $229-$469)
• The Nest Secure system costs $19 monthly and has no installation fees. It also includes professional monitoring services.

Professionally-Installed Systems

If you prefer to have a professionally-installed home security system, many options are also available. One of the most popular professionally installed systems is ADT Pulse. The ADT Pulse system starts at $28.99 monthly and requires a three-year contract.

Another popular option is Frontpoint Security. The Frontpoint Security system starts at $34.99 monthly and requires a three-year contract. Both systems offer professional monitoring services.

Image by [Daniel Jedzura] via [Shutterstock.com].