Securing your home has become easier and more affordable than ever before. This post will delve into the world of smart security, exploring various cutting-edge devices that can help keep your property safe.
What is Smart Security?
Smart home technology comprises various interconnected devices that automate and enhance various aspects of home life, including security. With the introduction of smart cameras and video doorbells, homeowners now have the ability to monitor their properties in real-time, no matter where they are. Here’s a brief overview of the key devices that make up a smart security system:
1) Smart Cameras: Keeping an eye on your home
The main component of smart security is the smart camera. These devices offer high-definition video recording, motion detection, and real-time notifications, transforming your smartphone into a powerful security monitoring tool. Whether you’re at work, on holiday, or simply in another room, these cameras let you keep an eye on your home 24/7.
2) Video Doorbells: Securing your front door
Another important part of smart home security is the video doorbell. A video doorbell is basically a doorbell and smart camera rolled into one. They allow you to see and communicate with visitors at your front door, whether you’re at home or away. There are video doorbells that can use your existing doorbell wiring and chime and completely wire-free designs that you can install in minutes.
3) Smart Sensors: Detecting motion and more
Contact sensors can monitor the opening and closing of doors and windows, while motion sensors can detect movement within a designated area. These sensors are fairly common in security systems and can trigger alarms or activate cameras. Finally, you have smoke detectors that can detect smoke and alert occupants in your home of potential danger.
Smart Security Features
Let’s explore some of the key features you’ll find on the latest smart security cameras and video doorbells.
Live View
One of the most useful features is the ability to access live video feeds from anywhere in the world. With just a few taps on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you can instantly view what’s happening in and around your home.
Two-Way Audio
Two-way audio functionality allows you to talk with people near the camera. Whether it’s instructing a delivery person where to leave a package or warning an intruder that they’re on camera, two-way audio provides an additional layer of security.
Motion Detection
Motion detection technology can send instant notifications to your smartphone whenever the camera detects any motion. This proactive approach ensures you get alerts of any visitors or suspicious activities.
Night Vision
Darkness is no longer an obstacle when it comes to monitoring your home. Smart cameras with night vision technology use infrared sensors to help capture more detailed images in low light conditions.
Local and Cloud Storage
Local storage allows you to save video clips directly onto a memory card. Additionally, most cameras provide cloud storage options, which securely store your footage on remote servers.
Continuous Recording
Some smart cameras feature continuous recording capabilities. This means that the camera captures and stores video footage round the clock, ensuring you don’t miss any important moments.
The Tapo TC220 is an advanced home security camera with 2K QHD video resolution, smart AI detection, and a motorised pan/tilt head.
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) can be powered by the built-in rechargeable battery or your existing doorbell wiring. The 1080p HD camera and two-way audio lets you see and speak to your visitors on camera.
The Eufy S220 SoloCam is an outdoor wireless security camera that is equipped with a built-in solar panel for self-charging, eliminating the need for frequent battery changes.
The Blink Mini is a compact indoor security camera that offers 1080p HD video, night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio.
The Blink Indoor is a compact smart camera that monitors your home in 1080p HD video. The wire-free camera runs for up to two years on two AA batteries (included).
Subscription Plans
Many smart security brands offer subscription plans that provide access to additional features and services. These plans may include extra cloud storage, advanced motion detection, and more.
Subscription plans are an additional cost that you should take into account when you’re investing in a new smart security system.
You’ll find that some smart cameras and video doorbells come with a free trial of a subscription. This is a great way of helping you decide if it’s something you need. Let’s take a closer look at some subscription plans to see how much they cost and what they offer.
| Plan | Price You Pay | Features You Get |
|---|---|---|
| arlo Secure | £3.49/month per device or £9.99/month for unlimited devices | Up to 2K cloud video storage, up to 30-day cloud video history |
| Blink Basic | £2.50/month or £24.99/year for one device | Live view recording, 30-day unlimited video history |
| Nest Aware | £5/month or £50/year for unlimited devices | 30-day event history |
| Tapo Care Basic | £2.59/month for one camera or £9.49/month for up to 5 cameras | 7-day unlimited cloud storage, AI detection, rich notifications |
Popular Brands
You’ll find a range of smart cameras and video doorbells available that cater for all budgets. Here’s a selection of the best smart security brands you should look out for:
Arlo’s smart home security systems offer a range of advanced features, including 4K HDR video monitoring and enhanced colour night vision.
- Indoor & Outdoor Cameras
- Floodlight Cameras
- Doorbells
Blink specialises in compact, wire-free cameras that can run up to two years on two AA batteries.
- Indoor & Outdoor Cameras
- Floodlight Cameras
- Doorbells
Eufy offers a comprehensive range of smart security products ranging from wire-free cameras to alarm systems.
- Indoor & Outdoor Cameras
- Floodlight Cameras
- Doorbells
- Sensors
- Alarm Systems
Nest are most famous for their smart thermostat. Now a part of Google, they have cameras and doorbells as part of their product lineup.
- Indoor & Outdoor Cameras
- Floodlight Cameras
- Doorbells
- Smoke and CO alarms
- Thermostats
Ring are the pioneers of the video doorbell. Their growing product range now includes cameras and alarm systems.
- Indoor & Outdoor Cameras
- Floodlight Cameras
- Doorbells
- Sensors
- Alarm Systems
Tapo has a wide and diverse range of smart devices for the home that you can control using a single app.
- Indoor & Outdoor Cameras
- Floodlight Cameras
- Doorbells
- Sensors
- Alarm Systems
- Plugs
- Lights
Summary
Smart home security has become an integral part of many modern homes. It offers homeowners the ability to monitor and protect their properties with ease. With features like live view, motion detection, and two-way audio, smart cameras provide home surveillance at an affordable price.
