With the advancement in DIY home security systems, including easy installation, updated technology that can be monitored remotely via a smartphone and tablet, and economical yet extremely effective options available, there's no good reason any home should be without a home alarm system.
Gone are the days where security cameras would only be seen in places of business or homes in affluent areas; nowadays, you can protect yourself, your home and your family easier than ever, and you don’t have to pay annual or monthly fees to stay safe either.
What’s the best home alarm system to buy?
There are many different types of home security systems available to buy. The best home alarm system for you depends on the type of home you want to protect. For instance, if you have a studio flat in an apartment building, a one or two-alarm security kit, like the Tiiwee X3 home alarm system should suffice for your needs. However, if you have a larger area to monitor, i.e. a detached house with a garden and many possible places of entry, perhaps a comprehensive kit, like the 10-piece Ring Alarm security kit, will be a more appropriate option.
Whatever your needs, technical capabilities, and budget, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the perfect home alarm system for you from our pick of the top 10 below.
Related: The best smart doorbells
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections
Best home alarm systems:
Best self-monitored home security system
AmazonAs our top pick, the Yale IA-320 smart home security alarm system is comprised of six pieces (smart hub, keypad, contact sensor, external siren, and two motion detectors) but can be expanded to accommodate up to 40 accessories. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Home, and has a range of 200 metres meaning that you can protect all areas in and around your home with ease, and you'll also get live updates straight to your phone when any movement is detected.
Best simple home alarm system
AmazonFor a home security system that is economical, simple to install, doesn't come with contract fees or too many confusing bells and whistles and will work straight out of the box, the Tiiwee X3 home alarm system is ideal. The kit comes with three door or window alarm sirens that are loud and designed to deter intruders, and one main control for activating and deactivating them.
Best weatherproof home alarm system
AmazonIf you already have an alarm system and want cameras to add to the mix for extra safety and peace of mind, the Blink Outdoor security camera system comes highly recommended. This four-camera kit — a number one bestselling product in the bullet cameras department on Amazon — is wireless, totally weather-resistant (meaning you don't have to worry about rain or storms affecting the efficiency of your home security), and it has infrared night vision so you can clearly see what's happening around your house, no matter the time or weather.
AmazonMotion sensor alarms are a great idea in theory, but if you've got four-legged friends running around when you're not home, you could find yourself in a spot of a bother. Enter the JC wireless and pet-friendly home security system with pet immunity. "It works perfectly if you place it correctly," wrote one cat owner. "It always triggers for people and never my cats, even if I try to trick it by walking on all fours!"
Best cheap home alarm system
AmazonThe KERUI wireless home alarm system is the perfect example that efficient home security doesn't need to be complex or expensive. This Amazon's Choice kit comprises of three contact sensors, two motion detectors, two wireless remote-control alarm-activating key fobs, and one super-loud horn alarm. If you want to up your security later on, this kit can support up to 30 wireless detectors so you can always add more down the line.
Best home alarm systems with easy installation
AmazonThis five-piece home security set from Eufy can be set up within just a few minutes. The installation comprises of simply fixing the keypad and motion detectors to their mounts, snapping them into place, downloading the monitoring app and you're good to go. "Brilliant system. Easy to install. Does everything I need it to do," wrote one customer, and another added, "The system is incredibly easy to set up; pairing sensors is a breeze and new sensors are reasonably priced."