Recently, a Brainiac contacted us because they needed help finding a home security system. You see, marijuana is now legal in California, where this individual lives, and paranoia is on the rise. But seriously, they just purchased a new home in Los Angeles, and they wanted to protect their investment. Since Brains Report is one of the most trusted names in the industry, they were confident we would provide them with the protection they needed without robbing their unprotected house in the process.
Do You Need a Home Security System?
First of all, there is nothing that can stop a determined burglar from breaking into your house and having his way with your bed pillows and couch cushions. There are somewhere between 1.5 and 2 million burglaries per year in the United States. Most of them involve some sort of forcible entry. If these numbers scare you, then you might get some peace of mind about the security of your belongings and safety of your family by choosing a home security system.
Today’s security systems work pretty much the same as older systems. The main differences are that new systems have smartphone apps that give you remote control, the control panels are better, and you can usually tie your security system into other smart home devices, like lights, locks, or your sous vide.
Regardless of whether you have a home security system or not, you should purchase homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Most ne’er-do-wells who break into homes are just there to get stuff they can sell. They then use the money to purchase drugs or invest in Bitcoin. If someone steals stuff from your home, you can get cash from your insurance company to replace these items. I’m speaking from personal experience here in the Bike Theft Capital of <some geographical area>.
The Best Home Security System: SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security
The SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security bundles come highly rated from Wirecutter, CNET, PCMag, and several other experts. Though there is a somewhat hefty upfront cost ranging from a couple hundred dollars for the Alpha or Bravo options to more than $500 for the Echo bundle, there are no installation costs since you can install it yourself in about half an hour. And, the monthly monitoring fee is only $14.99, which is about a third of what you’d expect to pay for other top services, such as LiveWatch. Also, SimpliSafe does not lock you into a long-term contract.
You can get a specific rundown of what each bundle includes by visiting the product page for SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security on Amazon, but I’ll give you a little spoiler. Command Alpha is the basic option. It comes with a base (which sends alarm signals to the 24/7 alarm monitoring at SimpliSafe), keypad, one entry sensor, one motion sensor, and one keychain remote. Bravo is essentially the same only it has four entry sensors. Delta builds on that with six entry sensors, two motion sensors, two keychain remotes, and an auxiliary siren. And, Echo is the same as the Delta only it includes a panic button, smoke alarm, and glass-break sensor.
The best option will depend on the size of your house and your needs. If it were up to me, I’d say the Command Bravo bundle provides the best value.
What Are People Saying about SimpliSafe
Wirecutter listed the SimpliSafe system as their top budget pick for home security because of the affordable monthly bill, simple user interface, it gets the job done, and you are not stuck in a restrictive service contract. CNET basically echoed what Wirecutter had to say and gave the package perfect scores for performance and usability for an overall score of 8.7 out of 10. PCMag liked that this home security system works with the Nest Learning Thermostat and also has a battery backup and cellular connectivity. Plus, you can customize and expand the system to fit your needs.
92% of the more than 12,000 people who reviewed the SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security system on Amazon gave it four or five stars. The most helpful review came from an alarm installer who uses this product in his home. He pointed out that all of the monitoring companies and brands are pretty similar. SimpliSafe is better because it’s more affordable.
Buyers recommend that you also purchase screws to properly install the sensors. This will help you avoid false alarms if the sensors fall due to the adhesive failing. Plus, it makes the system more “pet safe” since you can put the sensors where pets are unlikely to trigger them, such as at chest level.
Check the Lowest Price for SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security on Amazon
If you are broke AF but still want to scare burglars away, we recommend simply buying signs that say you have a security system. A recent survey found that over 90% of burglars would not break into a house with an alarm system. For under $15, you can get two yard signs and six stickers from PropertyGuard.
Best of luck protecting your home. And, as always, if you need help making a purchase, let us know! We’re here to help.
