Gone are the days when phones are just used for calling or texting someone.  These days, smartphones are used to transfer or even edit files, as a remote, a second screen, to browse the Internet, do shopping, update your social network and much more.  And now that we’re in the connected age, smartphones are being bombarded with even more companion devices to more passively collect data as we breeze through our everyday activity.

Security and privacy are always top priorities, though the government may think otherwise, so companies are creating mobile companion devices to keep our homes safe and secure, even if our online lives aren’t.

So if you’re interested in making your home safer without having to spend thousands of dollars for home security, check out these nifty security products for the Smart + Connected Home.

5 Affordable Security Products for the Smart Home

DoorBot

This is a Wi-Fi enabled, video doorbell that allows you to see and talk with visitors through your smartphone from anywhere in the world.  The internal battery allows it to work for an entire year without being charged, or you can wire it to your existing doorbell so when someone rings your DoorBot, it also rings your old doorbell.

The DoorBot can pair with multiple mobile devices and all paired devices will be alerted when someone rings DoorBot.  And because it’s connected to your mobile via an app, even if you’re halfway across the world, you’ll know if anyone dropped in while you’re away, and you can tell them yourself when you’ll be coming back.

It is built to withstand humidity, rain, sleet, snow, ice, and extreme heat, so you don’t have to worry about putting it outside.  If it gets stolen, the company will replace it free of charge.  The DoorBot is also compatible with Lockitron, a device you put on top of your door lock so you can lock and unlock your phone using your mobile device.  So when you see the person you’re expecting on your iPhone via DoorBot, you can use Lockitron to unlock the door and your guests can let themselves in.  Nifty at times when you’re very busy in the kitchen preparing grub for guests.  You can pre-order DoorBot for $199 or get the DoorBot with Lockitron bundle for $349.

iSmartAlarm

This home security package is compatible with iOS and Android devices and comes with: 1 CubeOne, 2 Door/Windows Sensors, 1 Motion Sensor, 2 Remote Tags, 1 iSmartAlarm sign for your yard or window for the $199 package, and same accessories plus the iCamera for $349.

The CubeOne is the “brain” of this security system, while the iCamera the eye, the Motion Sensor lets you know if there are any movements in your house and can be placed anywhere too.  As for the remote tags, you can put it on your pet to easily track them or use it to disable or enable the alarm, and it even has an emergency button that you can press in case of, well, an emergency.  The door and windows sensors can easily be attached and removed, moved to different locations, such as blind spots in your house so you can easily be alerted of intruders.

Dropcam

This device is $149 which includes the Dropcam with 720p HD video quality, night vision and two-way audio, audio & motion detection, plus live viewing on the web or via your iOS or Android device.

For an additional $99, you get 12 months of 7-day DVR service so you can watch everything that happened in the past.  Everything will be stored in the cloud, which removes the need for a physical hard drive.  All you need to do when you get your Dropcam is connect it your home WiFi, name your camera, and create an account.

Canary

You can also fund the Indiegogo project Canary.  It is a single device that pairs up with either your iOS or Android device that contains an HD video camera and multiple sensors that track everything from motion, temperature and air quality to vibration, sound, and activity to help keep you, your family and your home safe.

You can put the Canary anywhere in your house and get real-time alerts if there’s any unexpected movements, giving you enough time to call the police and apprehend the intruders.  The Canary’s Indiegogo campaign still has about 30 days to go, but it already raised over $560,000 towards its $100,000 goal.  If you’re interested, you can still back the project for $199 and expect the device to be delivered by May 2014.

TFT Wireless Video Door Phone Intercom Doorbell Home Security

If you’re not fond of pairing your smartphone to a security system, you can get a TFT Wireless Video Door Phone Intercom Doorbell Home Security.  It comes with a camera and two wireless monitors.  You can attach the camera outside, it has a call button which alerts the two monitors if someone is at the door.  The device can capture photos of visitors or intruders, intercom capabilities, monitoring, talking and unlocking. Available for less than $210.

It is said that a home that has no means of security is three times likely to be broken in.  So think about it.  It’s better to spend a couple of hundred dollars than to get everything you own stolen from you, or worse, harm can fall upon you and your family.

Make sure you check out our collection of Smart Devices and Smart Gadgets on Springpad!