Home security is something we talk about a bit here, but when you’re away from home, how can you see what’s going on? How do you know that your house is safe? Well, I’ve found some systems that you can use with your phone that allow you to see your home when you’re away!
What home security system can you monitor on your phone? There are multiple systems that you can connect to your phone, but I will be covering the top brands. These all provide the option to be able to see your home from wherever you are:
- Ring
- Nest
- Simplisafe
- Vivint
- Frontpoint
- ADT
- Abode
We gave you names of systems, but what do they all offer? Keep reading, and you’ll be able to find the right fit for yourself!
Why Should I Monitor on My Phone?
When you’re putting your hands into the line of a security system, there’s honestly no point in being away from home only to return and find out that you’ve been broken into.
The benefit of monitoring with your phone is that you’re able to get a live feed from the cameras that you have placed around your home.
What are the benefits? What can I do with it? Why should I do it? Well, there’s a lot of reasons, but I’ll list some off so you can get an idea of where you might want to be.
When you’re installing a security system, you want to be sure that the camera can do 1080p at least, the reason why is so they can capture the face clearly of an intruder, as well as a plate number if they had a car parked close, or even if they were to use one of yours–which hopefully won’t happen.
Another benefit to being able to have your phone provide the information and live feed is that they can provide you with excellent night vision.
I know that with this, my family has definitely been able to benefit from this. Luckily, we only had deer that was going across our backyard, but we were able to see them perfectly–a doe and her two fawns.
Also, with this kind of technology, it is able to provide you with two-way audio. You are able to hear what’s going on outside, and even when you’re far away at work, you can connect to the camera and talk directly to the people that may be disturbing your home.
For us, with our security system, we would use this just to let each other know that we were home and that we were okay. There’s also a siren that’s on our system that can be set off that’s loud and will hopefully drive off those who are around.
It’s going to take some time to find the right system for you, luckily, there are many options that are around nowadays, and we’re going to jump into just a few of them so you have a better idea of what you can do to protect your home.
Ring Security
Jamie Siminoff created Ring and had even pitched it on the television show Shark Tank, unfortunately, he didn’t receive a deal that he liked and ended up leaving without a deal. But, later, Amazon bought Ring and has continued to have things grow and expand and make more products.
Jamie created this company because he wanted to provide his wife with safety. She was concerned about answering the door without being able to see who was there before opening.
Thus Ring security was born. The products that Ring offers start from video doorbells to video floodlights, smart lights to security systems. This is actually the system that I have with my family and we’ve really been able to see the benefit of having it.
These are all able to connect to your phone and you are able to get live feed whenever you want, as well as be able to look back on past motion notifications to see what was happening.
This security system
One of the things that I remember the most is the fact that we had just moved to another town, and there was this man that would sit in his car in front of our house for literally days. We were concerned because we had no idea who this was or what he was doing.
That’s where Ring came into our lives, and we have been able to trust that we will be notified and secure as we keep on monitoring and pay attention to our surroundings. It was honestly a scary feeling to have someone outside your house for that long.
I’m thankful for the people that have felt the need to come up with home security systems because they want the community to feel safe, as well as the individuals in the homes themselves.
For more information on the Ring security system, please visit: Ring Security- Amazon
Nest Security
Nest is the company that’s currently owned by Google. They bought out Nest Labs which was founded by two former Apple employees. They are most infamous for their thermostat that was the first product they released.
The thing that this company had a goal to do was to create a connected home, so all of the Nest products that you get have the ability to be connected to each other, and you’re also able to connect Google Assistant so that you can just vocally arm or adjust your system.
Nest Secure is considered to be the best DIY monitoring system that’s on the market currently. It’s easy to set up, but the beginning starter kit is a little pricey, so you’ll have to consider some upfront costs that may be a bit high. The starter pack runs at $400, which unfortunately doesn’t include any cameras.
Nest offers thermostats, cameras, video doorbells, door lock, and smoke/CO alarms. They have many things to offer which is something that could be beneficial to someone who would really want to have options besides the security systems that can be used inside and outside.
SimpliSafe
Simplisafe is a company that really cares about having your home protected. Not that the other companies don’t, there’s just an addition to the family with this security system.
One of the great things that they have integrated into their design is called SmashSafe, which means that even if something’s damaged, the police are still alerted and sent to your home.
So, if they thought that damaging your system was going to call off the dogs, they have another thing coming.
Simplisafe has been able to help catch a serial burglary ring, as well as just be able to capture burglars and criminals on camera. The police are able to use that to track them down and initiate justice.
What does Simplisafe offer though? Well, here we go! You’re able to choose from a package that you would like to purchase. For instance, in the package called “Haven” you get the following items:
- 1 Base station
- 1 Key fob
- 1 Keypad
- 4 Entry sensors
- 2 motion sensors
- 1 105db siren
- 1 Panic button
- 1 Freeze sensor
- 1 Water sensor
- 1 Smoke detector
That’s just in one package that you can choose, which starts at $489. You also have the option to be able to customize your system the way that you would like. They have the ability to connect to your phone and you can control all the things that you would need.
You also receive alerts if you’re choosing the professional monitoring, where they will call two numbers, if no one answers, the police is called and sent over to your home to ensure it’s safety. That’s a pretty good deal.
Vivint Smart Home
With Vivint, you are able to get some of the same features as Simplisafe, but with their own twist and design as well. Vivint offers 24/7 professional monitoring, and have a number of products.
Their main goal is to create a safe house that doesn’t cost too much money in order for you to get the information and the devices that you need. They offer a free quote as well as options to be able to choose what devices they have to offer.
The devices that they offer are the following plus more:
- Sky control panel
- Ping indoor camera
- Video doorbell
- Smart locks
- Burglary detection
With this company, they want to be able to provide the best security that will fit your home the best, which is why they will come out to see your home and let you know exactly what products would be beneficial for you.
Frontpoint
With this company, they provide you with different options such as self-installation, or professional. They allow you to be able to self-monitor or professionally.
They really have the goal of being able to create a safe home that’s above and beyond, but something that is affordable as well.
Your products arrive at your home already programmed and ready to go, so there’s no need to worry about how you’re going to set it up. They also offer endless customization that will benefit your home and your family as well.
The products that they offer are the following:
- Front point systems
- Indoor camera
- Outdoor camera
- Doorbell camera
- Smart light bulb
- Smart door lock
- Garage door controller
- Intrusion sensors including a glass break sensor
- Hazards sensors
- Smoke alarms
- Flood sensors
- Keyless remote
- Panic pendant
As you can see, there are many options, and these are all able to be connected to your phone, with the option to be able to receive notifications and alerts on your phone to let you know what’s going on around your home.
I think that one of the things that I really liked that I learned about this company was the smart lights. That is something that’s really nifty being able to turn lights on and off so that you can make people think that you’re still there. I really like that idea and the thought that was put into this security system.
Much like Vivint, they will come out and give you a free quote, and allow you to choose what devices you would like to purchase, or if you would like to get a package that they have already created. Flexibility and safety is their top priority.
Frontpoint has been at the top of the charts with customers, they have really been able to appreciate the care that they are given as well as the devices and feeling safe. That’s really the important thing that we’re trying to accomplish here, isn’t it? The feeling of safety.
ADT
I’m sure you’ve seen those commercials where people are sleeping and suddenly the alarm goes off and then they receive a phone call a few minutes later from the security company. Well, that’s this company.
ADT is one of the largest security companies and the longest established in the United States that is committed to providing safety for the home and for the neighborhoods. They provide packages like other companies, as well as personalized plans.
Many of the security companies that we have looked at
With this company, you’re able to have it installed hardwired or wireless. They connect to your phone as well, so you’re able to continue to monitor from your phone, as well as the six monitoring centers around the United States.
| Pros | Cons |
| Competitive Monthly rate | Long Term contracts |
| Cell and Landline connections | Technician visits home |
| Devices work at home and away | Customer service varies |
| Indoor cameras | |
| Wireless or Hardwired |
As you can see from the table above, listed are the pros and cons of getting ADT, now there are always going to be some issues that you find with each company. But one of the things that I think is interesting is the fact that when something goes wrong, someone has to come to fix it. You can’t do it.
Also with customer service, that should be something that excels, mostly because you’re trying to protect your home, and your safety should be something that they have as their number one cause. If you were living in a dangerous area, wouldn’t you want your security system fixed as soon as possible?
In the end, what you read in this article could just be words that are interesting, you may not remember the companies by name, but you’ll know that there are people out there who are committed to the safety of you and your family.
Abode
Abode is something that I personally haven’t heard of, but upon searching it and looking over the products and the plans that they offer, I know that it’s definitely something that would be a good system to look into if you’re not satisfied with any of the above.
Abode offers a few products that are beneficial to security systems. They were actually founded by a former ADT employee. So that’s something to be excited about. You are able to know and trust that they have an idea of security.
What do they have to offer? Well, these are the products that they are currently selling:
- Smart Security Kit- $279
- iOta security Kit- $299
- Doors and window sensors
- Cameras and motion sensors
- Security accessories
- Smart home devices
- Signs and decals
As you can see, they honestly offer the same thing pretty much that ADT offers, their contracts are a little different, which is something to take into consideration as well. But being able to see that there is someone who is willing to continue to create those things that keep us safe is incredible.
The kits aren’t something that you need to purchase. If you’re wanting to start off small and then build onto your security, that’s a perfectly normal thing to do, and it’s something that you shouldn’t be afraid of doing either.
After reading all of this, all I can tell you is that you’re going to choose which system you think would be best for you. The thoughts and information that were provided for you were so that you could be able to have a solid foundation on which to build when looking for home security.
Family is important to everyone, and so is safety. With the world continually turning and creating chaos and contention along with joy and happiness, it’s important to have your little sanctuary where you know that you all can be safe and trust that you’ll be protected.
Related Questions:
What is the best security app? According to Digital Trends, the best security app would be Simplisafe. They have a number of different sensors and alarms that can all be linked to your phone with the app. These are all tools that you can have at your fingertips. Very beneficial when looking for the right app.
What are the best DIY home security systems? Nest has been known for being the number one in DIY security for quite some time now. So if you’re looking for the best, go with Nest. Abode is next in line, followed by Ring. There may be other options, but these were the main three suggested.
Are Wi-Fi security cameras safe? When you have a camera that is linked to Wi-Fi, it’s important that you make sure you have put into place the necessary precautions. You have to make sure that you have a firewall as well as a WPN that will help protect against hackers.