4 all-in-one security systems for your smart home

Until fairly recently, if you wanted a complete home security system, you not only had to deal with exorbitant installation fees, but you also had to pay a monthly installment or fee.

Luckily, that’s no longer the case. New products on the market let homeowners outfit their entire space with a robust, personalized security system that’s built entirely to their needs and specifications.

Most systems or platforms on the market also have an optional premium service, which means consumers don’t have to pay for the upgrades if they don’t want them. And, no, the devices aren’t crippled if you don’t pay for premium service.

When it comes to new security systems, there’s more to choose from than standard cameras. Smart locks and sensors are also available, alongside app-controlled video doorbells,, alarm systems, health monitors and more.

Curious about the brass tacks differences between systems and among your options? We’ve got you covered. Want to know some of the best security systems you can buy right now? Read on.

1. Netatmo Welcome

One of the most convenient features of modern security systems is that everything you need is built-in. You don’t have to worry about installing a control panel, remote monitors, microphones, or a bevy of sensors.

The Netatmo Welcome, for example, is a sleek all-in-one indoor home security camera. You can connect to it remotely—or at home—from your smartphone. Because it comprises a single unit, the ideal place to situate it is near a door or entry point, so the device can see who’s coming and going.

Welcome includes facial recognition technology that can be used to identify who’s entering and leaving your home. Users can tag family members—like kids—so when they get home from school, the system won’t ping you with alerts for suspicious activity.

All video content is archived locally on the device, which comes with a microSD storage card. You can, however, access those videos from anywhere thanks to the smartphone app. If a wireless or internet connection is dropped, the camera will continue recording, but the content won’t be available to watch remotely until the connection is restored.

The Netatmo Welcome retails for$199.

2. Canary

In many ways, the Canary is a lot like the Welcome, but there are a few differences. Like the Welcome, the Canary is an all-in-one security system, so you’ll want to place it close to an entry point.

The Canary camera will record—and output a live feed—of full 1080-pixel, high-definition video, and has a microphone for recording audio. It’s also outfitted with a night-vision camera and motion sensor to detect movement. It also has a speaker, so if it detects an intruder, it can sound an alarm locally. Users can also also receive remote notifications and alerts on their mobile devices.

Additionally, the Canary monitors temperature and humidity and includes tamper sensors. Videos are stored for up to 30 days in the Cloud, and you can save specific feeds or segments for viewing later if need be. A single Canary is $179, but they’re also available in a dual-bundle for $349.

3. Piper

Piper is yet another all-in-one home security solution.

The biggest difference here is that Piper offers a live video feed, rather than storing video content. It’s a real-time security monitor, which you can tap into at any time from your mobile device. Piper sends alerts about movement, suspicious sounds, ambient temperature, light-level changes, and more. It also has a 180-degree, wide-angle lens that can capture an entire room. Plus, it’s compatible with Z-Wave, a communications protocol like Bluetooth, so you can sync it up with other compatible smart home devices.

4. iSmartAlarm

The iSmartAlarm system comes bundled with a security camera, contact and motion sensors, a mobile app, key fobs, and much more.

If you’re interested in leveling up, you can always purchase additional devices and equipment as add-ons too. Bundles start at $199—and there are no monthly fees.

Home security isn’t something to take lightly, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep these systems in mind when you’re setting up your home security, and you’ll be one step closer to ensuring your home stays safe.