Smart devices have come a long way with home security, providing peace of mind through enhanced security measures. From smart cameras that monitor your home to sensors that alert you to potential intruders, there are various options to explore. If you already have a few smart devices and are looking to take the next step in home security, great! If you are newer to smart homes, this is also a great post for you so you can start planning what you want. You will learn about the different types of smart security devices, including locks that can be controlled remotely and a smart home controller that brings all these devices together for streamlined management. Understanding how these devices work and how they can be integrated into your home will help you make informed decisions about upgrading your home security.
Smart Locks
Smart locks like the eufy Security S330 Video Smart Lock in black are great for folks looking to upgrade their home security with a minimal investment. Smart locks give you a log of everyone who goes in and out of your house, so you can track folks like maintenance or anyone living with you. Smart locks like this eufy version can also have smart cameras included, giving you the ability to also view who is approaching your door and receive notifications in real time. This is perfect for knowing if a package was delivered, or if someone was testing your door handle to see if it was unlocked.
Smart Cameras with Floodlights
Smart cameras with floodlights like this Reolink Duo Outdoor Plug-In 4K/8MP Security Camera with Floodlight are designed to enhance home security. These cameras are made to record what’s going on outside of your home. From the neighbors to your dog running around the yard. They can send you notifications and alerts if they see anything suspicious. Some models are even able to recognize specific people, only alerting on strangers. The floodlights make sure that even night time activity is recorded clearly. We like this Reolink model due to its ability to integrate with a NVR ( network video recorder ), allowing you to keep your videos stored locally instead of on some third party’s cloud.
Smart Doorbells
Smart doorbells like the Blink Smart Wifi Video Doorbell are an easy-to-install security feature that can make a big difference in your home’s safety and convenience. When someone rings the doorbell or even just moves around near your front door, you’ll get a live update straight to your phone. This means you can see who’s there without having to go to the door. Many smart doorbells also come with a video feature, so you can actually see and speak with visitors through your phone, no matter where you are. This is especially handy for avoiding missed deliveries or deterring unwanted guests. Plus, with night vision capabilities, these doorbells help you keep an eye on your front entrance even in the dark, providing peace of mind around the clock. By bringing together security and convenience, smart doorbells are becoming a must-have for modern homeowners looking to upgrade their home safety measures.
Presence Sensors
Presence sensors like the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 use millimeter-wave radar technology to detect the presence of people. This lets these sensors detect even the smallest movements like someone breathing. Best of all, since it’s radar, there is no video feed of the area. This makes these devices perfect for monitoring presence in sensitive areas like kids rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms. A presence sensor like this on it’s own won’t do much, but when connected with a smart home hub it can alert you if it detects someone when you are not home or it can automatically turn on a night light when you’re up at night.
Garage Door Opener and Sensors
Smart garage door controls like this eufy Security Smart Garage-Control Cam E110 are designed to enhance the security and convenience your garage. They usually have a camera with a sensor and garage door opener functionality. This lets you keep an eye on your garage door even when you aren’t at home. It can even let you view inside your garage, and close the garage door remotely. That way if you did forget to close the garage door, you can close it safely without having to go home. Better yet, being able to view inside and open and close your garage door can let delivery drivers drop packages inside your garage where they will be safe, while you can keep an eye on the delivery.
Indoor Smart Cameras
Indoor smart cameras like the TP-Link Tapo Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera can get a bad rap, but they are great for improving your home security. We like this model of indoor smart camera because it can do people and pet recognition on device, and can stream its video to a local NVR. This means that you can keep all of your data local, and don’t need to connect these cameras to a third party cloud. Having indoor smart cameras like this are great for being able to tell if someone is moving around in your home when no one should be there, or for just taking a quick peek at what the dog is up to.
Outdoor Smart Lighting
Smart outdoor lights like this Ring Solar Powered Smart Lighting Pathlight are perfect for boosting your home’s security. Smart lights can either turn on automatically when the sun starts to set, or they can hook into other devices and turn on when motion is detected. Having a brightly lit area can help discourage thieves and make it safer for you to do things in the yard when it’s dark. The best part is, many smart outdoor lights are designed to be energy-efficient, often using LED bulbs that consume less power and have longer lifespans. Installing smart outdoor lights around your home provides a blend of security, energy efficiency, and smart technology, making your space safer and more welcoming at night.
Outdoor Smart Cameras
Smart cameras like the Blink Outdoor Cameras give you around-the-clock monitoring of your home. Smart outdoor cameras have motion detection, and can instantly alert you to any activity outside your home. Many models also feature night vision, ensuring clear video quality even in complete darkness. With the ability to integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, these cameras can work in tandem with lights, alarms, and other security measures for enhanced protection. Additionally, they are designed to withstand the elements, making them durable and reliable throughout the year. Having remote access allows you to check in on your property anytime, from anywhere, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. Installing outdoor smart security cameras is a proactive step towards a safer, more secure home, leveraging technology to keep an eye on what matters most.
Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors like this Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm, 2nd Generation (Battery) are designed to detect smoke and carbon monoxide. They are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your home and family. These advanced devices go beyond traditional alarms by not only sounding an alert but also sending notifications directly to your smartphone or device if they detect smoke or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. This means you can be informed and take action immediately, whether you’re at home or away. Many smart detectors also offer features like voice alerts, which can tell you the type and location of danger in your home, and the ability to integrate with other smart home systems, enhancing your home’s overall safety network. They’re designed for easy installation and often come with long-lasting batteries, minimizing maintenance. By adding smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to your home, you’re investing in a system that provides real-time updates and peace of mind, knowing that you’ll be promptly alerted to potential hazards.
Door and Window Sensor
Door and window sensors like the Aqara P2 Door and Window Sensor are designed to let you know when a door or window is opened. These compact devices can be easily installed on any entry point and are designed to work with your home’s smart system. When triggered, they can send a notification directly to your smartphone or device whether you’re inside the house or halfway around the world. This helps in improving home security, and can also remind you if you’ve left a window open. Some smart sensors can even be set to trigger other smart devices, like turning on lights when a door is opened at night, creating a smarter, more connected home. Installing smart door and window sensors is a straightforward way to upgrade your home security, offering peace of mind through immediate alerts and the flexibility of remote monitoring.
Smart Home Controller and Voice Assistants with Display
Smart home controllers and hubs like this Nest Hub Max Smart Display with Google Assistant in charcoal are a critical addition to your smart home security system. Smart home controllers like this allow multiple devices from different vendors to communicate with each other. They also allow you to use voice commands with your smart home devices, as well as see video feeds from your smart cameras. Having a smart home controller like this is the difference between just getting a notification on your phone that someone is at your door, and having a routine go off that turns on the porch light and announces through the speakers “Who’s there?!” when someone suspicious approaches.
Adding smart devices into your home security setup can make it easier to monitor and protect your home. From smart locks that offer keyless entry to security cameras that provide real-time footage, these devices can give you a greater sense of control over your home’s safety. While no device can guarantee complete security, the addition of these tools can give you an extra set of eyes to watch your home, especially when you’re away from home.
