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There are fewer things considered more important than ensuring the safety of your home and the people inside it. While many have an understandable fear of their property being the subject of a break-in, and others have been unfortunate enough to face this fear firsthand, there are plenty of tools at our disposal to minimize the threat of trespass, burglary or even assault, or at least provide added protection to both our belongings and the ones we love should such an undesirable event occur.
Smart home technology is often touted as the future, and we are continuously coming closer to the reality of a connected home in which our electronic devices communicate with one another in order to provide us with a more personalized experience, along with a greater degree of control over our electronics and appliances . But though a smart refrigerator might recognize when your milk expires, that’s about the extent to which it will safeguard your personal well being. However, what we’re talking about is technology that is useful when it comes to helping increase the safety and security of our home.
Of course, peace of mind comes at a (often premium) price, but you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to protect that very same bank! From a la carte sensors and cameras to all-in-one home security systems, the following list includes everything you need (sensors, alarms, cameras and more) to tighten up your outside perimeter, secure your interior living quarters, and keep a watchful eye on your prized possessions, whether that be your jewelry or your progeny.
The following home tech products are incredibly useful when it comes to making your household safer, providing you with the tools you need to help contribute to a greater sense of privacy and security.
The Best New Tech For Home Security:
Best Tech for Home Security
Nest Security Camera
Buy Here for $178.
The Nest Security Camera offers a high-quality, 24/7 live video device that allows you to keep tabs on your home, regardless of whether it's the day or night.
Broadcasting in crisp 1080p HD, the Nest Cam's 130° wide-angle lens offers an easy way to check in your home, whether it be for security purposes or to simply keep an eye on your pet. With its built-in microphone and speaker, you can project your voice through the Nest using a smartphone app, telling your pooch off for chewing on the furniture while you're at work. The Nest also uses the cloud for continuous video recording, and can share your custom clips or timelapses.
Angelcare Monitor
Buy Here for $105.
Being a parent is an equally wonderful and terrifying experience, but Angelcare helps to tone down the fear factor by way of its video, movement and sound monitor.
With its Under-the-Mattress Movement Sensor pad, the monitor can detect all movements that your baby makes, and if no movement has been detected within 20 seconds it will sound and alarm so you can check up on them. It also features an infrared camera capable of providing a live color video transmission of your baby's cot, allowing you to take a look at them sleeping without having to disturb them by venturing into their room, with the camera settings able to be altered by way of the monitor's LCD touch screens.
Parents can also use its 2-way talk-back feature in order to speak to their child without having to enter the room, while a built-in night light on the monitor will also help to soothe your baby and ensure that everyone in your house gets a restful night's sleep.
Canary All-in-One Home Security Device
Buy Here for $179.
If you're big on your home security then you're inevitably going to buy a family of devices, but if you still want to feel safe without running up a major bill then the Canary All-in-One Home Security Device will have you covered.
Canary is both a home security tool and an excellent addition to your smart home, too, with it providing real-time, 1080p video streams to your mobile device, along with high-quality audio and auto night vision, and also making use of its HomeHealth Technology to monitor air quality, temperature and humidity, making note of how you can alter your home to improve your own health. If you want an all-in-one security system that doesn't need extra hubs or sensors in order to function, then Canary offer an affordable and impressive solution.
Doberman Security Alarms
Buy Here for $30.
To monitor potential break-ins throughout your home, Doberman's 4-pack of security alarms are your safest bet. Able to detect window vibration that is able to differentiate from forced contact and wind, rain etc. Doberman states that there will be "no false alarms" with their security system.
Upon sensing a potential intruder, these devices sound off with a loud 100 dB alarm, though despite the audio punch they pack they boast a surprisingly slim design that will allow you to discreetly attach them to any window or door in your home. Perfect for those looking for an affordable yet efficient method of home security.
Chamberlain MYQ-G0201 Garage Control
Buy Here for $40.
If you love your cars like they were your children, then you're going to want to monitor them as you would a newborn. Thankfully the Chamberlain MYQ-G0201 allows you to do just that.
This device allows you to remotely open and close your garage door using your smartphone, ensuring that you'll never have to rush home after forgetting to shut it ever again. You can also opt in to receive notifications on your iOS or Android device whenever your garage doors opens/closes, with its sensor contacting you in order to warn you of any potential intruders.
Amcrest Video Security System
Buy Here for $225.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive solution to your home security needs, then Amcrest's four high-resolution, heavy-duty outdoor cameras will do just the trick.
Able to record up to a distance of 20 meters, Amcrest's waterproof cameras allow for remote viewing from iOS and Android devices via the Amcrest Link app, while also boasting a pre-installed 500GB hard drive to store footage. Equipped with motion detectors and the ability to schedule recordings, Amcrest's cameras can capture exactly what you want them to, allowing you to monitor your home and retain your peace of mind.
Doberman Security Motion Detector
Buy Here for $19.
Another affordable solution to securing your home, the Doberman motion detector covers 15 feet of distance and 60 degrees horizontally/vertically, providing great coverage considering its small stature.
The motion detector can also operate in two modes, with it able to both project a light upon detecting movement or blare out a 100 dB alarm alongside a strobe light, which will surely scare any potential intruders away (or, at the very least, provide you with a startling wake-up call). Doberman are here to protect your home, and they're here to do it loudly.
Kwikset SmartCode Deadbolt
Buy Here for $150.
Though you may imagine that most burglars will enter your home using a window or other more discreet entry point, in reality a shocking 34% of burglars will enter a home using the front door. This is why it's always good to ensure that the most obvious entry point of your home is well protected, which is where Kwikset's Smartcode Deadbolt comes in.
Providing you with keyless entry to your home, this one-touch locking motorized deadbolt is both easy to install and operate, allowing you to re-key your lock in 30 seconds in order to prevent any potential phantom keys from being able to gain access to your home. Your first port of call when protecting your home will be your front door, and there aren't many more home security tech devices more capable of helping you achieve this than the Kwikset Deadbolt.
Zircon Leak Alert
Buy Here for $50.
Intruders aren't the only thing you need to protect your home from. If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, or have noticed a leak every now and again in your ceiling, then it'd be a safe bet to purchase Zircon's leak alert system.
With a loud, 85 dB alarm that sounds every time direct contact with water is made, these devices can float and signal for up to 72 hours, allowing you to successfully locate the source of the leak and deal with it before any further damage is caused.
Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit
Buy Here for $240.
The Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit provides a range of sensors to help you secure your home, along with a central smart hub that, once connected to your router, allows you to amplify your smart home.
Controlling everything from your electronics to your appliances, the SmartThings monitoring kit is a valuable tool for anyone looking to start working on making the jump to a smart home, while still ensuring the safety of your home by way of sensors that send immediate alerts to your smartphone upon detecting movement.