security camera buying guide

Do you remember a time when we had to depend on our neighbors to alert us to any suspicious vehicles they’d seen lurking around the neighborhood? And if smoke was billowing out of an open window in our home and we weren’t around to witness it, didn’t we hope we’d get a phone call right after they alerted the authorities?

Unfortunately, we can’t always rely on the help of our neighbors to address issues at home as quickly as we need to. And that’s why many are moving towards home security systems in 2022 and beyond!

Did you know that home security is a continued and growing concern for homeowners of all ages, year after year? In fact, the home security system market is expected to grow at a tremendous rate over the next five years!

And it’s not just to protect against burglary attempts – a number that has continually declined in recent years. Home security systems are being used to ensure both your property and your loved ones are protected from unexpected circumstances at all times, such as flood, fire, and other hazardous conditions.

Plus, these state-of-the-art security systems can also act as a hub for smart home automation systems, tying in other smart devices to allow homeowners to control other areas of their home such as lights and thermostat controls remotely! Today’s home security solutions offer unparalleled connectivity, control, and accessibility for homeowners to feel in control of their homes and businesses, 24/7. 

But with so many options out there, how do you know which security system makes the most sense for you and your family? 

Ask Yourself These Questions

There are a lot of home security systems out on the market and that alone can be really overwhelming! But there are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine what type of home security system will work best for your particular needs.

First, ask yourself the following:

  • What level of home security do I want? (i.e. cameras, sensors, self-monitoring, etc.)
  • Will this home security system be for the internal or external of the home — or both?
  • Do I want it to automatically alert the local police or fire department when it goes off?
  • Do I need a separate system for my commercial space?
  • What is my budget?

Once you’ve clarified what it is you’re looking for, it’s time to start seeing what options are available on the market. 

Types of Home Security Systems

Security systems come in all different shapes and sizes, but here are the three most popular types to consider.

Unmonitored Security Systems

Although these systems are growing less and less popular each year, an unmonitored security system works by setting off a deafening siren across your home or property whenever the alarm has been tripped. These systems typically include motion sensors, glass-break sensors, door and window sensors, sirens, smoke detectors, and a control panel. Since these systems are typically unmonitored and don’t have the best level of control, many homeowners opt for company-controlled or self-monitoring systems instead.

Company Monitored Security Systems

A company-monitored security system will be installed and monitored by an external authority. The systems typically include door and window sensors, motion detectors, glass-break sensors, sirens, and silent alarms, and are built to warn the company when an alarm is tripped. From there, you as the homeowner will receive a verification call to make sure it wasn’t an accidental trip, and if there is no response, police will often be dispatched to ensure you and your family are safe. 

Because there is an external company associated with this system, there are additional fees and penalties that can arise if the system is repeatedly tripped. You will always need to engage or disarm the alarm when coming and going from your home, and there are typically contracts for a set amount of time you’ll be expected to use the company. 

Self-Monitored Security Systems

Self-monitoring systems have grown in popularity over the past five years because they allow homeowners immediate access to their homes regardless of where they are. These systems will include the usual sensors and detectors, control panels, as well as cameras both inside and out of the home. By using a smartphone or smart device to access these cameras, you can check-in at home as often as you please for peace of mind. These home security solutions will also allow you to call 911 or request a neighbor to stop by to make sure things are okay at home. 

Best Home Security Systems on the Market

SafeWise, a website that tests and rates a variety of smart security systems on the market to help you determine what’s best for your home, recently released a list of the 10 Best Home Security Systems of 2022

After hundreds of hours of testing and research, here are the results:

  • Trusted brand name: ADT
  • Best customer experience: Cove
  • Best DIY automation security system: Abode
  • Most safety sensor options: Brinks

Meet HomePro Security

HomePro Security is a unique option because it doesn’t run off of a phone landline, unlike others on the market. This allows you to monitor your home via wireless communications technology like WiFi. And their home security reviews really speak for themselves! Learn more about the services they offer.

Work with Eco Smart Home Pros to Install Your Home Security System

In order to ensure that your home or commercial space is fully protected, it’s always best to work with the pros for the installation process. Eco Smart Home Pros not only provides the installation services, but actually partners with some of the industry’s best manufacturers to ensure you have a top-tier system in place. These partners include DoorBird, ELK Products, IC Realtime, Alarm.com, and 2GIG

Plus, Eco Smart Home Pros can tie in your home security system with your entire smart home automation hub, so you can remotely control other functions around the house such as lighting and thermostat settings! 

Isn’t it time you got control of things at home? Don’t wait until it’s too late: contact us today and let’s get started. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which security camera has no monthly fee?

There are a variety of self-monitoring cameras on the market that don’t have a monthly fee, including Abode, Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe, Arlo, and more. 

What is the number one security camera?

Although the answer to this question will vary depending on who you ask, Tom’s Guide recently released a “Best Home Security Cameras in 2022: Top Wireless, Indoor, and Outdoor Models” list. In it, they concluded that the best home security cameras come from Arlo, Ring, Blink, Wyze, and Deep Sentinel. 

Which brand of home security is the best?

Again, it all depends on who you ask and what your current home security needs are. However, there is a comprehensive list of options that SafeWise released about the best home security systems after hours of testing and research. 

What’s the difference between surveillance cameras and security cameras?

The primary difference between surveillance cameras and security cameras is that surveillance cameras normally work on IP networks which link the camera from the remote area to the assigned security location (where they are typically monitored by a physical person), while security cameras convey signals from one place to a monitoring device (which is often a smartphone or smart device). Surveillance cameras are much more heavy-duty and can often be found in high-risk areas like transportation centers, while security cameras are perfect for the home or office. 

What’s the best home security system without a contract?

Security.org recently released a list of the “Best No-Contract Home Security Systems of 2022”, which includes: Abode, SimpliSafe, Ring, Arlo, and Scout. However, you should always do your own research and ask friends and family who utilize security systems about their experiences before deciding on a particular solution!