The 6 best home security systems of the year that offer smart, simple and reliable protection

Today’s best home security systems offer far more than a blaring alarm or blinking light. They combine smart technology with wireless convenience, giving you greater control, instant alerts, and seamless integration with your smart home setup.

Whether you're looking to monitor your front door, secure your garden office, or simply sleep easier at night, there’s a system out there to suit your space and lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the best home security systems on the market – not just for performance and reliability, but also for value – to help you cut your home security system costs without compromising on protection.

From easy DIY kits to expandable smart setups, these are the options worth your money in 2025.

The Quick List

Best all-round home security systems

Simplisafe delivers one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly home security solutions available today. It’s quick to install and works straight out of the box, with intuitive setup for adding accessories and devices.

The app is easy to navigate, with crisp video quality and smart features like guest passcodes for remote access (ideal for tradespeople), disarm notifications, and even discreet alerts for specific sensors that won’t appear on your phone unless you choose.

Designed with reliability in mind, Simplisafe includes a backup battery and 4G cellular support, keeping your home protected even during power outages or Wi-Fi disruptions.

While the system works without a subscription, most of its smart features are locked behind a monitoring plan. That said, it’s refreshingly flexible - the service is contract-free and can be paused or cancelled at any time, making it a great option for occasional or seasonal use.

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Best value home security system

Yale’s 6-piece Sync Home Security System stands out for offering full app functionality without the need for a subscription – a major plus for those looking to avoid ongoing fees.

It integrates seamlessly with smart assistants like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and even your Apple Watch. With the latter, you can enable geo-fencing to receive automatic reminders to arm your system when you leave home – a thoughtful touch for busy households.

Thanks to its impressive 200m range, the system can typically cover your home as well as outbuildings like a garage, garden office, or shed.

Installation is designed to be straightforward, but some users may find Yale’s instructions lacking in detail. Limited real-time support can make troubleshooting a challenge, which is worth considering if you're new to DIY setups.

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Most versatile home security system

The Netatmo Smart Alarm System goes beyond the basics, offering standout features that provide enhanced home protection. One of its most notable additions is facial recognition technology.

This allows the camera to distinguish between familiar faces and unknown visitors, so you won’t be bombarded with alerts every time a family member comes home unexpectedly.

Although the system lacks traditional motion sensors, it compensates with a clever combination of features. The Smart Indoor Camera detects motion itself, while the door and window sensors use vibration and motion detection to sense when an entry point is being opened or tampered with.

Adding to its smart credentials, the system includes pre-recorded deterrent sounds, such as a barking dog or vacuum cleaner, and can automatically arm or disarm itself. There are no subscription fees, and video footage is stored either on an internal SD card or backed up to Dropbox.

However, while free video storage is a perk, it has its limits. Video can quickly fill a free Dropbox account, so users may need to consider a larger storage plan to accommodate the system’s recording output.

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Best home security system for ease of use

While Ring is best known for its video doorbells, its home security system has also gained a strong following.

Easy to install and manage through the Ring app, it integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa – no surprise, given it’s part of the Amazon family. However, this also means it’s not compatible with other smart assistants like Google Home.

The Ring Alarm system can be used without a subscription, offering core functionality via the app. But for £8 a month (or £80 a year), you can upgrade to a professional monitoring plan. This adds an extra layer of security: if you miss an alert, Ring’s team will contact you or your chosen emergency contact to check in and respond as needed.

Learn more in our full Ring Alarm Review.

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Best resolution home security system

Eufy's security ecosystem has a great reputation, and the eufyCam is at the heart of it. 4k high-quality image and video capture means no grainy, CCTV-style monitoring, and unmatched night vision.

Two-way audio means you can operate this system in the same way as a video doorbell if you need to let someone know you're not home.

A wireless device, Eufy states that charge will last up to 180 days or 6 months on a 5-hour charge, meaning you won't have to constantly take it down to charge, making it perfect for awkward positions to reach.

Learn more in our full eufy S3 Pro review.

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Most durable home security system

The Tapo C310P2 outdoor security camera offers sharp 2K video quality with a resolution of 2304 × 1296, delivering clear daytime and night vision footage.

The camera supports both Ethernet and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connections, giving users flexible installation options. Its weatherproof IP66 rating ensures reliable performance in outdoor conditions.

With AI-powered person detection, built-in two-way audio, and a siren, it enhances home security without requiring a monthly subscription. It supports microSD cards up to 512 GB for local storage.

The camera is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, although it must be connected to a power outlet, which may require some additional setup effort.

While the Tapo app covers basic functionality well, it may lack some advanced automation features. Overall, the C310P2 delivers strong performance and excellent value for its price.

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FAQs

Are wireless security systems better than wired ones?

In 2025, wireless home security systems have firmly taken the lead as the preferred choice for modern homeowners.

As smart home technology continues to evolve, many are moving away from traditional hardwired setups in favour of flexible, app-controlled systems that are quicker to install and easier to expand.

In comparison to traditional wired security systems, wireless set-ups have benefits such as:

• Instant DIY set-up
• Fewer cables and wires
• Ability to add extra accessories over time
• Easily adaptable
• Lower set up cost

Whether you're safeguarding a flat, a family home, or even an outbuilding or holiday property, wireless systems are now more advanced, reliable, and accessible than ever.

However, there are some areas where there's still room to improve for wireless home security systems. The DIY installation, while a benefit in some regards, means you lose out on the security expertise of a professional installer, for example.

What features do you need in a home security system?

Choosing the right system starts with understanding what you need. Consider your home’s layout, how often you’re away, and what smart tech you already use.

Here are the essentials a robust 2025 home security system should offer:

• HD indoor and outdoor cameras (with night vision and two-way audio)
• Motion and contact sensors (for doors, windows, and key access points)
• Smart alarms and loud sirens
• Remote control via smartphone app
• Integration with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit
• Optional monitoring services (with no-contract or flexible plans)

Also look for visual deterrents – such as exterior cameras or alarm boxes – to stop intruders before they even attempt a break-in.

What extra accessories can be added to a wireless home security system?

One of the major benefits of wireless systems is how easy they are to scale. Whether you’re adding protection for a garden shed, garage, or outbuilding, or simply improving indoor coverage, the best systems allow for seamless expansion.

Here are some of the most useful add-ons in 2025:

• Video entry systems, such as Ring’s Video Doorbell 3, provide instant alerts when visitors ring your doorbell, allowing you to see and speak to them using a phone, PC or tablet.
• Smart locks and contactless keys, which come in two forms: Some feature dual functionality, allowing them to be used in the traditional way or by using a smartphone or fob to unlock; others forego conventional locks and keys entirely, moving everything to smart entry. Yale’s Linus Smart Lock provides a good example of what’s possible. It can be retrofitted to most existing multi-point locks and provides keyless entry by allowing you to lock and unlock your door using the Yale Access app. You can also grant guests virtual keys with access for specific days and receive notifications when the door is left ajar.
• Indoor and outdoor cameras can detect intruders and respond by taking photographs and videos of them, as well as activating your siren alarm instantly. Some solutions can also be configured to avoid false alarms caused by pets roaming in the house or outdoors. Amazon’s Blink Outdoor Security Camera , for instance, is a battery-powered HD security camera that monitors your home using infrared night vision. For those that sign up to the Blink’s subscription plan there is also the option to store video clips in the cloud.
• Motion sensor lights are an essential component of your home security arsenal, the best offerings in this category are adjustable, allowing you to angle illumination to brighten up any shadowy spots around your home and garden. Another important quality to look for is a good range at which the light can pick up movement. Baxia Outdoor Solar Motion Sensor Lights are solar powered, doing away with the need for wires or batteries.

How do we test these home security systems?

There's a lot to consider when buying one of the best home security systems, and the Homebuilding & Renovating team is getting hands-on experience with the products in this buying guide to help you feel confident in choosing the right security system for your home.

In our ongoing independent reviews we are testing the ease of set up and use and the quality of video to gauge each system's efficacy, and assessing key factors including battery life and installation.

Our team is passionate about DIY and home improvement (which probably won’t be a surprise) so we already have detailed knowledge about the brands that make these security systems.

Want to learn more about our testing process? Find out more about how we test on our page.