Your guide to smart home security solutions
From smart security cameras and video doorbells to motion sensors and smart locks, we’ve got you – and your home – covered. Here’s what you need to know about smart security tech.
At a glance
What are the options?
Are they easy to install and set up?
What if I'm renting?
Is there a subscription fee for use?
Smart tips
Strengthen your security
Once upon a time, not so long ago, if you wanted CCTV cameras installed at home, you’d be calling professional surveillance companies and bracing yourself for a costly quote.
Today’s home surveillance technology is far more accessible, and it’s never been easier to find a cost-effective, off-the-shelf security solution for the home that even the most steadfast technophobe can set up and master.
What are the options?
Security cameras
Smart security cameras have become the go-to device to protect your home, providing valuable peace of mind with 24/7 monitoring of your property.
You can keep an eye on the place wherever you are in real time with a smartphone app, check on pets, children, or the baby, and talk to visitors and delivery drivers via two-way audio.
Whenever motion is detected at home you’ll know about it instantly via an alert notification sent to your phone. Any activity can be recorded and saved, and you can check live feed video anytime, anywhere.
Security cameras are simple to set up and available in wired and wireless options for permanent or temporary installation, and there’s a wide range to suit all budgets and security requirements, both indoors and outdoors.
Video doorbells
Another good home surveillance option, video doorbells are an affordable alternative to installing a dedicated camera system, should you only want to cover the main entrance.
They basically work just like a video intercom system, revealing and recording who’s at the door when you’re at home or away, and allowing two-way chat and live feed video streaming from the companion app.
Video doorbells are available in both wireless and wired models and are ideal for apartments and rental properties.
What type do I need?
That depends on the kind of home/property you want to protect. When it comes to home security tech, there's literally an ideal fit for any situation that will accommodate any budget.
If you live in an apartment block, an internal camera or a video doorbell can be a sufficient sentinel, while a multi-camera system provides wider coverage for houses and larger properties.
Also consider whether you want surveillance indoors, outdoors, or both, and the areas/zones that you want to monitor, such as all potential entry points.
Begin with a single camera or a starter kit to familiarise yourself with how it works, and then add additional cameras where needed.
When choosing between wired and wireless options, remember that a hardwired system offers set-and-forget convenience with no need to regularly remove a battery for recharging, while battery-powered wireless cameras can be more easily setup and relocated if needed.
Are they easy to install and set up?
Wired cameras and doorbells need to be hooked into a power supply and may require professional installation, whereas the wireless variety can be set up by simply downloading the companion app, scanning a QR code and entering your Wi-Fi details – although some basic DIY skills are needed to install brackets.
Indoor cameras generally come with a stand, so you just need to plonk them where you want them. For wall-mounted brackets, you’ll need a drill, screwdriver and, depending on the height, possibly a ladder.
Positioning is important during installation to ensure sufficient coverage of the areas/zones that you want to monitor. And wireless security cameras should be positioned within easy reach on a ladder for recharging.
Control and management is simple via the companion app. You can quickly access live and recorded video feeds and arm/disarm devices remotely. And settings and modes can be fully customisable to avoid unwanted motion alerts.
What if I’m renting?
Wireless battery-powered cameras and doorbells are a simple option and portable for when it’s time to vacate.
Renters can also keep a home secure without drilling holes and causing potentially bond-reducing damage. Some wireless models can be easily mounted using removable adhesive pads; just take them down when you move out, ready to protect your next residence.
Is there a subscription fee for use?
A monthly subscription fee can be required to enable continuous recording, rolling cloud storage, and unlocking more advanced camera features not available at a base level, such as parcel or animal recognition and customisable smart activity zones.
Some cameras and doorbells offer a free monthly trial with purchase, but when that expires you may suddenly discover that video is no longer recording or accessible, and all you have is a live feed.
If you don’t fancy adding another subscription to the monthly budget, look for cameras with internal storage that can be expanded with a microSD card, or a compatible hub or homebase that records and stores footage at no charge.
The choice is totally dependent on what works best for you, as both storage models have pros and cons.
Smart tips
Cameras are best installed at a height of 2.5–3 metres from the ground to capture faces and prevent tampering or theft.
Position cameras at key entry points such as front and back doors, garages, and driveways, and be sure they cover any blind spots.
Cameras connected to a home Wi-Fi network are only as good as the signal they receive. Consider installing a mesh network if your home has dead spots or a weak signal from a router.
Tired of receiving alert notifications every time the dog moves? Simply adjust the camera’s sensitivity to motion or filter alerts in the app.
When a video doorbell is combined with a compatible smart lock, you can grant entry to authorised persons from wherever you are.
Engage the necessary security protocols to prevent any unauthorised access, and never access your smart security devices through open or public Wi-Fi.
Keep the cameras’ firmware up to date to benefit from security patches and new features.
Strengthen your security
Cameras offer 24/7 surveillance, but you can also beef up home security even further with other smart devices that can be incorporated with your cameras, so that all of them work together to keep you and your home safe.
It pays to always check the connectivity specs, as some devices and brands may require a proprietary bridge or control hub for connection to your home Wi-Fi network.
Contact sensors
A highly affordable option, contact sensors strengthen home security by alerting you when a door or window has been opened or left ajar, and can work in conjunction with security cameras and smart locks.
Installation on door and window frames is simple, and they can also be fitted to anything else that opens and closes – desk drawers, cupboards, and cabinets – to protect privacy.
Smart home integration can activate cameras and lights when sensors are triggered, and some models include a siren or alarm to deter intruders.
Motion sensors
These easy to install devices can alert you to movement around the home and any unauthorised access.
Alert notifications can be customised to reduce false alarms triggered by pets and children, and smart home integration enables lights and cameras to automatically activate when motion is triggered, adding a further layer of protection.
Motion sensors are best positioned at main entry points and corners with a wide angle of detection.
Smart locks
Think of a smart lock as a digital key – all you need is a passcode, a smartphone app or your fingerprint to gain access, depending on the model. Entry codes can also be set to admit pre-approved visitors, cleaners, dog walkers, or guests at holiday rentals.
Smart locks come in a variety of types, from keypads and cylinders to traditional entrance and screen door locks, and many can be retrofitted with an existing standard lock – check for compatibility with your door.
There’s no more need to leave a spare key under the pot plant where would-be burglars might find it, or stress if you've misplaced your keys.
Baby, we've got you covered too!
Smart baby monitors are a great addition to the nursery and a parent or carer’s best friend, providing complete peace of mind during daytime naps and throughout the night.
These portable cameras can be positioned wherever the baby is sleeping, so whoever is home can keep an eye – and ear – on what’s happening via a smartphone app live camera feed, or a dedicated screen.
Depending on the model, baby monitors can also feature two-way audio and zoom functions, and some can also detect room temperature and humidity levels. There's even a 'smart sock' option that can track baby’s heart rate and sleeping patterns.
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