When it comes to making your home safe, you'll mainly be weighing up the pros and cons of wireless home security systems vs wired ones. And, while a wireless system has the advantage of being easier to install, it doesn't come without some downsides too.
So what do you need to consider when choosing the best home security systems that are wireless? In general, it will come down to a number of considerations including cost, whether one will meet your needs, if it's suitable for your home, and whether in your view, the pros outweigh the cons.
In this article we'll explore all these questions and more, to help you decide if a wireless home security system will give you the protection you are looking for.
How does a wireless home security system differ from a video doorbell?
If you're just starting your research into home security, you may be wondering what wireless home security systems offer over the best video doorbells, for example?
Multiple sensors are the key advantage, with the best systems connecting to your existing Wi-Fi network and offering different sensors to look for motion or entry, says Hayley Brown, smart home expert at AO.com.
“Wireless home security systems use your Wi-Fi to connect an array of sensors, cameras, alarms, and other devices together. These appliances use your Wi-Fi to keep you in the loop on all things home security by sending alerts to your phone whenever motion, entry or tampering is detected," she explains.
"This allows you to keep an eye on your home in real time from anywhere.”
Hayley Brown is a Smart Home and Tech expert at AO.com, and an expert on everything from how to choose home security cameras, to how to keep them clean.
What are the pros and cons of a wireless home security system?
The key advantage of wireless security systems is their simplicity, says Hayley Brown, with systems easily able to connect via Wi-Fi, and even work with other ‘smart home’ electronics such as smart lighting and AI voice assistants such as Amazon Echo.
"Other advantages include the fact they are easy to install and also portable," she adds, "meaning you can take the kit with you if you move house. They’re also smart, and thanks to app control you can manage home security from miles away.”
But what about the disadvantages?
The main downside of wireless home security systems is that they are usually reliant on Wi-Fi, meaning they can be less useful in larger properties or properties with large gardens. Plus, they also do not have mains power
“This means you’ll need to remember to change batteries regularly, or remember to recharge the home security cameras or sensors. Most systems also charge subscription costs monthly which you should be aware of,” adds Hayley.
Although if you are keen to keep your home security system costs down, there are security cameras that don't require a monthly subscription available.
Try these wireless home security systems
An intelligent system that works with with Philips Hue and Amazon Echo, combining lights, sound and voice to create the ultimate security deterrent
Works with Amazon Alexa and is suitable for two-story homes, multi-room residences, and any environment requiring enhanced security
A nine-piece plug and play system that is app controlled and can also be added to if you extend or renovate your home
What does a wireless home security system comprise of?
Many wireless systems are very customisable, allowing consumers to add sensors and alarms such as the Yale AC-3PIR Home Security Motion Detector Intruder Alarm from Wickes, as required.
Most will rely on a central hub, says Hayley Brown, "which is the brain of the engine, along with motion and contact sensors to track any movement externally and internally, and cameras with two-way audio to cover footage where you deem important to record.
"You can also expect this to include sirens or alarms which can be triggered by breaching the parameters," she adds, "or even smart lighting which could be an optional deterrent to mimic occupancy if you’re away from home."
What is the installation process for wireless security systems?
Depending on the complexity of the system, the set-up for wireless home security systems is usually a relatively simple do-it-yourself affair, in contrast to wired systems, says Anthony Neary, managing director of Safe.
“Most wireless systems are DIY, comprising of stick-on sensors and plug-in cameras that you link up to your home Wi-Fi," he explains.
"This typically involves downloading an app on your mobile and scanning QR codes to pair devices. A typical system includes motion and entry sensors, indoor or outdoor cameras, a control hub, and a loud siren.”
Anthony Neary, Managing Director and security expert at Safe.co.uk has long-standing expertise in everything from safe rooms to security cameras
What extra features should you look out for?
Features such as app notifications are now commonplace, says Anthony Neary, so the main ‘extras’ to look out for include integration with smart home systems such as lighting, so that an alert can make your home light up as if someone is there.
“Largely speaking, all wireless home security systems come with app notifications and remote access meaning you can control your system from the tap of a button. Other features you should be aware of include battery backup in case of power cuts, and tamper alerts to ensure no-one is mucking around with your appliances," says Anthony.
"When choosing a system, make sure you also look out for encrypted signal transmission to reduce hacking risk, two-factor authentication for apps, and backup connectivity such as a cellular fail-safe if Wi-Fi goes down,” he adds.
"It’s also worthwhile making sure your system has two-way audio on cameras, and an SD card so you have a local storage option.”
Is my home suitable for a wireless security system?
Whether a wireless system, such as the SimpliSafe Wireless Security System from Amazon is right for you, depends very much on the size of your property, and the reliability of your Wi-Fi network.
“If you live in a flat or a terraced house then a wireless system is ideal for home security and easy to manage," says Hayley Brown. "Should you have a larger space then you may find you need Wi-Fi boosters in those hard-to-reach areas of the home to keep you safe from burglars," she warns.
Does a wireless home security system require maintenance?
As with other types of home security systems, it pays to be vigilant when checking your wireless home security system is working well.
“Be mindful to look after your wireless system by replacing batteries promptly and regularly cleaning the camera lenses and motion sensors," advises Hayley Brown.
"Try to test your alarms monthly and be sure to keep all software and firmware up to date," she adds. "Back up any footage where possible on the cloud or through your SD card locally.”
So what can we expect from wireless home security systems in the future?
As wireless home security systems evolve, you should expect to see them become both more reliable and more capable, suggests Anthony Neary.
“Looking ahead, wireless tech will continue to evolve with stronger encryption, AI-powered motion detection, and integration with energy-efficient smart homes," he predicts. "We would also expect systems will take to learning household routines to distinguish between genuine threats and false alarms.”
For more advice on getting your home security system the best it can be, make sure you avoid these common home security mistakes, and find out what is a smart lock to see if it could be a great addition to your set-up.
