UPDATED 10:46 EDT / SEPTEMBER 30 2013

Top 5 Best Home Automation + Security Systems

“About half of all break-ins aren’t break-ins but walk-ins,” said Bob Portenier, consultant, lecturer, and former burglar. “Families get in a hurry in the morning—kids going to school, running late for work, doctors’ appointments, what have you—and forget to take that one or two minutes to check the doors and locks, usually on the back side. You have a pet, you let it out to do its business—and then forget the security French door or sliding glass door.”

You might think that taking advice from a former burglar is something you shouldn’t do in a million years. Then again, it might actually be a smart move, since that person is an expert in breaking in, or in some cases, walking in.

Though the above statement proves that even if you have a security system in place, human error can get in the way of keeping your home properly secured.  Still, in a study conducted, back in 2009, it shows that homes with security arenmuch less likely to get broken into.  Based on data submitted by the Newark Police department, researchers from the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) concluded that the increase in the number of registered home burglar alarms coincided with the steady decrease in burglaries in the Newark area.

Some people are suspicious about home security systems because there have been instances that they were proved to be a scam, but there are reliable security systems that would keep your mind at peace.

Top 5 Home Security Systems*

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Vivint

Vivint offers three security models: the Home Security, Energy Management, and Home Automation.  The Home Security package starts at $49.99 a month and it includes a touchscreen panel, remote internet and smartphone access, window sensors, door sensors, key fob, glass break detector, motion detector, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm.

The Energy Management package has everything on the first package plus a smart thermostat, energy-efficient bulbs, lighting controls, and small appliance controls.  While the Home Automation package has all the features of the Energy Management package plus video surveillance, automatic door locks, and non-emergency alerts.  There’s also an optional medical pendant accessory for all the packages.  Thanks to vivint’s research and development efforts conducted at the Vivint Innovation Center, the company continues to deliver top of the line home automation and security solutions.

ADT Pulse

ADT offers a range of security offerings, as well as fire protection, and other alarm monitoring services for residential and office use.  Its basic security package costs $36.99 a month while ADT Pulse package, the home automation package, costs $53.99 a month.

The package includes ADT 24-hour remote monitoring, digital keypad, 3-entryway contacts, keychain remote, pet sensitive motion detector, high-decibel alarm, backup battery, yard sign and window decals, two-way voice capability, CellGuard, which connects your home to ADT’s systems so you won’t rely on the telephone in case of an emergency, remotely arm and disarm the alarm, web and mobile access, email and text alerts, and event history.  Cameras and lamp modules may come at an extra cost.

FrontPoint Security

FrontPoint Security offers 100 percent wireless and 100 percent cellular connections, using GE Security wireless sensors and control panels, to ensure that the security network is constantly connected to its Monitoring Center since phone lines can easily be cut by home invaders.

Its 24/7 security monitoring is used by the Department of Defense and accredited by the Fire Department of New York.  FrontPoint’s plans guard against intrusion, fire, medical emergencies and environmental threats, so it’s an all in one home protection.  It comes with free smartphone and tablet apps so you can control your system from anywhere, automate your home, and get text and email alerts.

Protect America

Using GE’s Wireless Security System, Protect America offers 100 percent wireless security protection.  For $19.99 a month you get 24/7 monitoring, interactive features, lifetime replacement parts guarantee, free EasyMove moving kit.  Protect America knows that not all houses are the same so its clients can easily customize or add features and sensors their home needs.  Plus it comes with a free app that allows you see a live video feed of your home, arm and disarm alarm remotely or view the status of your alarm remotely, and even control connected appliances and lights on the go.

LifeShield Security

Starting at $29.99 a month, LifeShield Security offers home monitoring which includes one internet ready base, one console, two door and window sensors, and one wireless keychain remote, plus 24/7 professional alarm monitoring and free interactive and remote monitoring.  There are also other packages, like the Gold package which, aside from the basic features, includes additional door and window sensors, a pet-friendly motion sensor, a fire detector and free fire monitoring for 35.99 a month.  And the Platinum Plus package includes all the perks of the Gold package plus a wireless video camera and video monitoring for $40.99 a month.

*Recommendation based on SecuritySystemReviews’ August 2013 Best Home Security Systems rating.


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