home security systems diy
Smart locks can be opened and closed using a mobile app and will send a notification when someone locks or unlocks a door, and most
allow you to create permanent and temporary access schedules for family members and friends based on specific hours of the day and days of the week. Features to look for include geofencing, which uses your phone's location services to lock and unlock the door, voice
activation using Siri HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa voice commands, support for IFTTT, and integration with other smart home devices such as video doorbells, outdoor cameras, thermostats, smoke alarms, and connected lighting. Best Smart Home Security Systems Featured in This Roundup:ADT Pulse ReviewMSRP: $28. 99 at Pros: Fast and knowledgeable service reps. Many components available. Support for third party devices.
If the power goes out, the battery backup means the system can still set off alarms if someone tries to break in. Scout's large and small starter kits on Amazon are a good way to get the starter devices you need for your system such as door panels, entry sensors and key fobs. One downside to Scout Alarm is that you must pay a monthly fee $9. 99 to use the system, but this fee pays for built in cellular backup, which is often more expensive with other DIY home security systems. There's no contract so you can cancel service if you don't need it. You can also upgrade a Scout Alarm system to include professional monitoring $19. 99/month, so you can get extra protection when you're unable to monitor your home yourself. This system is the easiest to install as it walks you through every step of the setup process in the mobile app, taking about 10 minutes to install. Scout Alarm works with the smart home platforms from Amazon, Nest and IFTTT. When we tested Scout's siren, it wasn't as loud as other security alarms we tested, but it is loud enough that other sounds in your home shouldn’t drown it out. Scout's one year warranty isn't very long compared to the three year warranties from competitors, and the company doesn't sell any security cameras for the system.