The new generation of do-it-yourself systems are smarter, simpler, and more affordable than anything you've seen before. (Credit: Canary) Installing a home security system used to mean spending hundreds of dollars to have professionals come and hardwire your house, then paying huge fees month after month in order to keep the thing running. Systems weren't flexible, false alarms were frequent, and if you were a lowly renter, you were out of luck entirely -- despite the fact that rental units get burglarized more often than any other kind of property. Times are changing, though, and a smart new wave of home security systems is changing the way we think about protecting our homes. These new systems are built around plug-and-play, DIY-friendly devices and sensors that'll work with your smartphone, move when you need them to, and put you in control of how you manage your security needs, whether you own a five-bedroom townhouse or rent a studio apartment. Best of all, these systems come with no contracts, and in many cases, no monthly fees -- meaning that peace of mind is more affordable than ever. Canary Perhaps the prettiest-looking security device ever created, the $199 Canary is an all-in-one security system with an assortment of smart sensors built right into it. There's Wi-Fi, a night-vision-ready camera that you'll be able to access via a smartphone app, and motion, temperature, and humidity sensors all packed inside, along with learning technology that will adapt to your habits over time, leading to fewer false alarms. You won't be able to hook any external sensors up with the system, though (at least not yet), and in the event of an emergency, it'll call you, but not the police. Still, it raised over $2 million during its Indiegogo campaign, so it's clearly a device people are excited about, and one we're looking forward to getting our hands on when it's released in May 2014. Read our preview of the Canary smart security device. (Credit: Colin West McDonald/CNET) iSmartAlarm One of the first breakout smart security systems was iSmartAlarm, which we first saw at CES 2013. iSmartAlarm is a budget-friendly security alternative for DIY-minded homeowners. Packages start at just $199 and include motion sensors, panic sirens, keychain remotes, and contact sensors for doors and windows. There's also an optional camera that you can add to your system for $149 more. Once you do, you'll be able to view and control it from your smartphone, or program it to automatically snap pictures during a break-in. The camera didn't operate as smoothly as I'd like, but aside from that, I was completely impressed with how well the iSmartAlarm system performed. Most exciting of all is that there are no contracts or subscription fees to deal with, making it one of the most affordable options in legitimate home security currently available. Read the full review of the iSmartAlarm. (Credit: Oplink Communications) Oplink Security Oplink Mobile Interactive (mi) Security, a division of Oplink Communications, is set to release their own spin on DIY security with a variety of user-friendly packages due out in coming months. With a full array of sensors, alarms, and cameras to choose from, along with a dedicated mobile app capable of storing event-triggered video recordings, Oplink is promising comprehensive control of your home security needs, along with patent-pending "Plug-n-Activate" technology that claims to automatically configure itself within minutes of setup. The entire system runs off of your existing Wi-Fi network, although you can back everything up with a dedicated cellular connection for an extra charge. The company hasn't issued full details on pricing or availability just yet, but this is definitely a system worth keeping an eye on. (Credit: Blacksumac) Piper The Piper smart security device is another Indiegogo darling, having recently hit more than three times its initial funding goal. Like Canary, Piper is an all-in-one system with an integrated pan-and-tilt camera and built-in sensors capable of detecting motion, temperature changes, and the like. What sets Piper apart is the fact that it doubles as a Z-Wave hub, meaning you'll be able to use it as a home automation control center and control any number of connected devices. Hooking it up with a Z-Wave-ready lock like ones we've seen from Schlage and Kwikset would be a great start for the security-minded consumer, but you could also use it to automate lights or a smart thermostat. You'll be able to preorder Piper directly from Blacksumac soon, with the device slated to sell for somewhere between $210 and $250. Read our full preview of Piper. (Credit: SimpliSafe) SimpliSafe If you're looking for a DIY security option that didn't come from the world of crowdfunding, you might want to take a look at what SimpliSafe has to offer. With a variety of customizable, multisensor packages to choose from ranging from $229 to $519, SimpliSafe promises complete do-it-yourself coverage for any home. Their systems are totally wireless, include optional smoke, leak, and carbon monoxide detectors, and offer both 24-7 live monitoring and a cellular backup to keep you protected even when the power goes out. However, fee-phobic consumers will want to take note -- you'll need to pay a $14.99 a month for that live monitoring and cellular connection, plus even more for SMS alerts or remote controls.
The new generation of do-it-yourself systems are smarter, simpler, and more affordable than anything you've seen before.
(Credit: Canary) Installing a home security system used to mean spending hundreds of dollars to have professionals come and hardwire your house, then paying huge fees month after month in order to keep the thing running. Systems weren't flexible, false alarms were frequent, and if you were a lowly renter, you were out of luck entirely -- despite the fact that rental units get burglarized more often than any other kind of property.
Times are changing, though, and a smart new wave of home security systems is changing the way we think about protecting our homes. These new systems are built around plug-and-play, DIY-friendly devices and sensors that'll work with your smartphone, move when you need them to, and put you in control of how you manage your security needs, whether you own a five-bedroom townhouse or rent a studio apartment. Best of all, these systems come with no contracts, and in many cases, no monthly fees -- meaning that peace of mind is more affordable than ever.
Canary
Perhaps the prettiest-looking security device ever created, the $199 Canary is an all-in-one security system with an assortment of smart sensors built right into it. There's Wi-Fi, a night-vision-ready camera that you'll be able to access via a smartphone app, and motion, temperature, and humidity sensors all packed inside, along with learning technology that will adapt to your habits over time, leading to fewer false alarms. You won't be able to hook any external sensors up with the system, though (at least not yet), and in the event of an emergency, it'll call you, but not the police. Still, it raised over $2 million during its Indiegogo campaign, so it's clearly a device people are excited about, and one we're looking forward to getting our hands on when it's released in May 2014.
Read our preview of the Canary smart security device.
(Credit: Colin West McDonald/CNET) iSmartAlarm
One of the first breakout smart security systems was iSmartAlarm, which we first saw at CES 2013. iSmartAlarm is a budget-friendly security alternative for DIY-minded homeowners. Packages start at just $199 and include motion sensors, panic sirens, keychain remotes, and contact sensors for doors and windows. There's also an optional camera that you can add to your system for $149 more. Once you do, you'll be able to view and control it from your smartphone, or program it to automatically snap pictures during a break-in.
The camera didn't operate as smoothly as I'd like, but aside from that, I was completely impressed with how well the iSmartAlarm system performed. Most exciting of all is that there are no contracts or subscription fees to deal with, making it one of the most affordable options in legitimate home security currently available.
Read the full review of the iSmartAlarm.
(Credit: Oplink Communications) Oplink Security
Oplink Mobile Interactive (mi) Security, a division of Oplink Communications, is set to release their own spin on DIY security with a variety of user-friendly packages due out in coming months. With a full array of sensors, alarms, and cameras to choose from, along with a dedicated mobile app capable of storing event-triggered video recordings, Oplink is promising comprehensive control of your home security needs, along with patent-pending "Plug-n-Activate" technology that claims to automatically configure itself within minutes of setup. The entire system runs off of your existing Wi-Fi network, although you can back everything up with a dedicated cellular connection for an extra charge. The company hasn't issued full details on pricing or availability just yet, but this is definitely a system worth keeping an eye on.
(Credit: Blacksumac) Piper
The Piper smart security device is another Indiegogo darling, having recently hit more than three times its initial funding goal. Like Canary, Piper is an all-in-one system with an integrated pan-and-tilt camera and built-in sensors capable of detecting motion, temperature changes, and the like. What sets Piper apart is the fact that it doubles as a Z-Wave hub, meaning you'll be able to use it as a home automation control center and control any number of connected devices. Hooking it up with a Z-Wave-ready lock like ones we've seen from Schlage and Kwikset would be a great start for the security-minded consumer, but you could also use it to automate lights or a smart thermostat.
You'll be able to preorder Piper directly from Blacksumac soon, with the device slated to sell for somewhere between $210 and $250.
Read our full preview of Piper.
(Credit: SimpliSafe) SimpliSafe
If you're looking for a DIY security option that didn't come from the world of crowdfunding, you might want to take a look at what SimpliSafe has to offer. With a variety of customizable, multisensor packages to choose from ranging from $229 to $519, SimpliSafe promises complete do-it-yourself coverage for any home. Their systems are totally wireless, include optional smoke, leak, and carbon monoxide detectors, and offer both 24-7 live monitoring and a cellular backup to keep you protected even when the power goes out. However, fee-phobic consumers will want to take note -- you'll need to pay a $14.99 a month for that live monitoring and cellular connection, plus even more for SMS alerts or remote controls.
