Home security service guides and resources
Sharon Wu6/21/24
Looking to tailor a new home security system or add on to your existing one? This comprehensive guide covers some of the most popular devices based on consumer reviews so that you can make an informed decision about what will work best for you.
Eric Paulsen3/15/23
Whether you’re canceling your home security system because you’re moving, want to save money, or just looking for a change, you shouldn’t have to go through hoops to make it happen. So, we’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest home security brands’ cancelation policies in order to make the process as painless as possible.
Sharon Wu6/21/24
A quality home security system protects your most precious assets, cherished possessions, and family members. Needless to say, it’s one of the most important things to consider when owning or
Kate Herrick3/29/23
There are lots of security factors to take into account as an Airbnb host—how to let the right people in (guests, cleaners, property managers), how to keep the wrong people out (burglars, thieves), and how to keep an eye on things even when you’re not there without invading your guests’ privacy. Read on for tips for locks, cameras, and personal safety to make hosting safer and easier for you.
Sharon Wu3/15/23
Striking a balance between feeling safe at home and respecting property rules can be challenging for renters. But with the right strategies, you can beef up your home security without headaches.
Tony Carrick6/21/24
Fierce competition in the home security market will continue to breed new technologies and services that will improve the security and automation in your home. From cutting-edge Wi-Fi sensing technology and smarter surveillance cameras to the emergence of Matter, a universal standard that makes it easier to build a smart home, the home security market is continuing to evolve to the betterment of homeowners everywhere. This article will delve into the exciting technologies you can expect to see in
Laura West3/27/23
DIY home security is on the rise, offering an affordable security solution for property owners of all types. Self-monitoring can be just as effective as professional monitoring, but it does take some extra work and attention. To ensure your home is as secure as possible, keep a few tips in mind as you set up and maintain your
Laura West3/31/23
If you’ve just experienced a break-in, leave the property and call emergency services immediately—even if you have a security system with professional monitoring. You may be understandably overwhelmed, but first-response teams can make sure you and your home are safe directly after the incident.
Donna Pittman6/21/24
Our team of home security experts put multiple DIY systems through our rigorous hands-on testing process to find the best DIY home security systems of 2024. We ordered and installed dozens of devices, including cameras, sensors, and control panels; used each system in our own homes; and evaluated each company’s customer service and monitoring. We tested SimpliSafe, Cove, Arlo, Ring, and others and named SimpliSafe the top system due to how easy it is to install, customize, and use, along with its low price, solid professional monitoring, and stellar customer service.
Kate Herrick3/23/23
Purchasing a home security system sounds expensive, but is it really? The right home security system will depend on the size of your home, as well as your wants, needs, and budget. For smaller spaces with less equipment, you can secure your home for a couple hundred dollars and $10 or less per month in ongoing fees, whereas a more extensive home security system could cost up to a thousand dollars or more. Read on to find out what to consider when purchasing a home security system, including the cost of equipment, monthly monitoring fees, and tips to save some cash along the way.
Tony Carrick3/27/23
While that home security system you invested in may be doing a great job of keeping burglars at bay, it could be opening the door to hackers. Without the proper digital security precautions, cybercriminals can steal your security system password, giving them access to personal account information and even live camera footage of your family.
Laura West3/29/23
When you’re away for a little relaxation, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your home. To keep it off your mind, take some steps before you head out:
Tony Carrick3/15/23
One of the many factors to consider when choosing a home security system is whether to go with a wired or wireless system. Wireless home security systems are popular due to their ease of installation and compatibility with smart devices, whereas wired home security systems offer better protection from hackers, faster data transfer for cameras, and greater range for large properties. In this article, we’ll examine the good and the not-so-good for each type of security system, so you can choose the right system to protect your property.
Sharon Wu3/31/23
Community surveillance—in one form or another—has long been a prevalent solution for ensuring neighborhood safety. And today, traditional neighborhood watch programs are bolstered by technological advances, leading to more than 25,000 active groups, according to the National Neighborhood Watch program. (1)
Sharon Wu3/27/23
Integrating your home security system with
Sharon Wu3/31/23
One of the questions you might have when it's time to move is, "can I take my home security system with me?"
Donna Pittman3/15/23
In today’s home security market, consumers have hundreds of options, from less-expensive DIY systems integrated with smart home devices to traditional, professionally installed security systems. If you are considering a home security system but feel overwhelmed with all of the choices, we can help.
Laura West3/29/23
When you're out of town, you shouldn't feel like you left your sense of security behind. To keep yourself and your possessions safe from theft and other dangers when staying at a hotel or Airbnb, here are some helpful tips:
Kate Herrick3/31/23
As home security systems and doorbell cameras become more common, questions arise regarding the ethics and legality of video surveillance. For example, is it ethical to record everyone who walks by your door? What about recording anyone who visits your home? Is it legal to have a camera watching over your driveway if it also takes in part of your neighbor’s yard? We’ve got answers to your questions and concerns.
Tony Carrick3/27/23
Security systems dramatically reduce the odds that your home will become the victim of a burglary, but they aren’t foolproof. Nearly all security systems are susceptible to “jamming,” a process whereby a burglar uses radio frequencies to disable your security system.
Laura West3/31/23
When your home security system goes off—either by false alarm or legitimate threat—police may be dispatched to your home. Make sure you know what to expect when that happens and how to handle false alarms.
Kate Herrick3/31/23
When it comes to our data, the question of ownership isn’t completely clear-cut. When you give your information to a home security company in order to use its services or products, it has access to that information and will use it. Once you give the company permission, your data is its to use, and while this isn’t exactly “ownership” of your data, it amounts to almost the same thing as long as you’re a customer. There have even been reports of companies sharing customer info with outside sources (with police (1) and marketing analytic groups (2)) without letting customers know it’s happening.