Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with compatible base stations), Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings
What it does: Being able to constantly monitor your home's surroundings and share it with your managers and loved ones gives you great peace of mind. The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera can accurately determine whether the movement is a person, animal, car, or package. Arlo also offers a 24/7 recording option to ensure a complete record of anyone coming into your home at any time (requires a more expensive subscription and additional equipment to enable).
Why choose it: The Arlo Pro 4 Wi-Fi camera combines crisp 2K video and can record up to 5 minutes of continuous motion. Currently, it is only sold in multipacks, which are more expensive and, as a result, also require a more expensive Arlo Secure subscription. For $13 per month, you get unlimited camera support, the ability to record clips, and the camera can differentiate between people, pets, luggage, and vehicles. It runs on a rechargeable battery, but if you live in a high-traffic area, you may need to charge it monthly. If so, consider purchasing additional batteries, solar panels, or wiring the camera via outdoor cables.
home security system
Photo: Michael Murtaugh
Home security systems help prevent break-ins. But it also includes sensors that let you know when a door or window is left open, cameras that let you know when a caretaker comes and goes, and smoke detectors that let you know if there's a fire (or if there's an egg burning in the pot). It is. . Some systems also offer other useful add-ons, such as water sensors, keypads, key fobs, glass break sensors, and panic buttons. All of these add-ons can be accessed from one app (instead of juggling multiple apps).
We highly recommend adding a professional monitoring plan to any security system. That way, if an alarm occurs, call center personnel will alert you, your loved ones, and other potential emergency contacts. The call center can also contact the police or fire department if needed or if no one is available.
our picks
The system works with almost any type of security accessory, offers power and internet backup options, and has a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router.
Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Ring
What it does: Ring Alarm Pro comes with a built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router to boost the speed and range of your home internet network. The base of the Ring system also includes a battery that provides 24 hours of backup power (and an additional 24 hours with an add-on power pack).
Why we chose it: Ring's sensors perform well, and the company offers more indoor and outdoor camera add-ons than any other system we've tested. It is also the most cost-effective when it comes to professional monitoring ($20/month or $200/year).
Your monthly monitoring subscription includes Internet backup, so if there's a power outage or your home Internet service goes out, you'll still have access through your cellular connection. This allows you to keep your system online, keep your security cameras working, and even access the internet for services like email and Netflix (up to 3 GB, otherwise 1 GB per ($3).
This is also great
Abode has many useful accessories. It's also compatible with all major smart home platforms as well as a variety of third-party devices.
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, etc.
What it does: The Abode Smart Security Kit requires a little more technical know-how and Abode's subscription plan (starting at $7 per month or $70 per year), but this DIY system offers much more than any other system. Compatible with smart home devices.
Why choose us: The Abode Smart Security Kit works with smart lights, thermostats, voice controls, and almost any other type of smart home device. Abode also offers a number of add-ons, including several types of sensors, cameras, and smoke alarm monitors that work with existing UL-listed smoke detectors.
smart water leak detector
Photo: Michael Murtaugh
According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 1 in 50 households in the United States file an insurance claim related to a water damage incident each year. These often occur in hard-to-reach areas, such as in the basement, next to the water heater, and behind the washing machine. The smart water leak sensor alerts you by sending an alert to your smartphone the moment it detects water. Some also have an audible alarm or light or sound so you can address small leaks before they become big problems.
our picks
The plug-in hub has a loud (94 dB) siren and an optional sensor cable to connect up to 16 battery-powered remote sensors.
Compatible models: Google Home, IFTTT
What it does: With a good water leak sensor, you can be sure that you will be aware of detected water even if you are not at home or nearby. The best models have loud alarms and can integrate with smart home platforms so you can receive smart alerts. I also like it when the app lets me dismiss alerts so I don't have to physically access the detector (or wade through water) to stop the alarm.
Why we choose it: With a 94 dB alarm built into the plug-in hub, the D-Link DCH-S1621KT is the loudest of our picks. This hub includes an optional sensor cable to detect water around the hub, but the system can monitor up to 16 other locations using add-on battery-powered sensors. You can also.
If water is present, the app can silence the alarm and smartphone alerts, but it cannot be turned off. Therefore, we will continue to issue a warning if water is still present. If you're concerned about that, choose the Flo by Moen Smart Leak Detector, which can be turned off on your device or in the app. It can also detect temperature, but it doesn't have a loud alarm sound and doesn't integrate with smart home platforms.