Best Wireless Home Security Systems for 2019

If you are a homeowner looking to protect your home and family from intruders but are not interested in getting a hard-wired system installed, you are not alone.

There has never been a better time to invest in a wireless home security system.

Today, many homeowners prefer the simplicity and convenience of wireless security sensors, so the current market is filled with kits that include simple hubs, wireless sensors, and cameras that you can easily install without worrying about cables or ruining a wall.

If you have heard about wireless home security systems but are not sure of the best type to buy, why are there so important to have, and all of the advanced features of the new smart home security systems, you have come to the right place.

After reading this, you will have a good understanding of how a wireless home security system works, the types of wireless systems available, and the advantages of having a wireless home security system installed in your home.

How Wireless Security Systems Work

As the name suggests, the components of a wireless system are similar to a wired system but there are no wires involved.

Although there is a wide array of additional equipment available such as surveillance cameras and smoke detectors, the basic alarm system consists of three main components: a keypad control panel, individual sensors, and monitoring.

Main Control Panel 

The control panel acts as the system’s nervous system, communicating with each home security component.

It arms and disarms the system and is also designed to sound the alarm in case of a break in.

You can place the control panel in your bedroom, near the main door or anywhere else where it is accessible.

Sensors 

When a burglar climbs through an open window or picks a lock, door and windows sensors sound the alarm.

Sensors are designed to detect any intrusion, break-in, or any other breach of security in and around your house.

Like most technology, sensors vary in function and price and can make use of different technologies such as infra-red, ultrasonic, or microwave to detect an intrusion.

Monitoring

This is considered to be the most important aspect of the home security process.

Your alarm system should be connected to a monitoring service, either professionally monitored or self-monitored.

Self-monitored home security allows you to monitor your own home security system, but like any DIY project, it has its drawbacks (more on that below).

The Difference Between Wired and Wireless

Untethering your home security system from wired security technology makes the installation much more streamlined, and available for use in areas where wired systems would be complicated

Wireless systems use individual sensors throughout the home, to communicate wirelessly with the central control panel, typically through the use of radio frequencies.

This control panel then communicates with the outside world via a cellular uplink, as though it were a cell phone of its own.

However, some common setups use a landline as their primary connection to the system's monitoring centers and rely on cellular as a backup.

This solves the main issue with traditional wired systems, which are vulnerable to power outages or landlines being cut.

The principal drawback with wireless systems is their reliability since they are subject to a number of interference issues, both structural and electromagnetic, which can trigger false responses or cause your sensor to fail to respond at all. 

On the other hand, a fully wireless system offers considerable advantages.

If you're looking into home automation, a wireless security system is the foundation of a smart home, that includes HD video, a smart thermostat, and automated locks.

Here are more pros and cons to consider:

Pros of a Having a Wireless Home Security System

Self-Installation 

Wireless home security systems are more appealing to homeowners because they don’t require professional installation, so not only is there no hefty installation fee but you can get the system up and running is as little as one to two hours.

Take It With You 

Wireless security systems offer the perfect solution for people who move a lot or rent a home do its flexibility and portability from one house to another.

Because it’s installed with adhesive, you can easily take out the system, pack it, and take it along.

Can Be Operated Remotely

Unlike wired security systems, wireless security systems allow you to monitor the system for a cell phone—anytime, anywhere.

On top of that, you can arm and disarm your alarm, lock and unlock doors, open and close your garage door, and in case of an emergency, push the panic button that alerts the security company.

Home Automation Capabilities 

Thanks to the “internet of things” revolutionizing the home, you can now control your locks, thermostat, lights and even some appliances from a mobile device.

Small, standalone WiFi or wireless security cameras (also called IP cameras) are easy to set up, can stream video to your phone, tablet or PC and will send you notifications if they detect motion or loud noises.

Most cameras also provide night vision and automatic motion-activated recording.

Improved Security

No landline requirements means there are no wires for an intruder to cut, making it a safer choice.

Cons of Having a Wireless Home Security System

Runs On Batteries 

Most wireless systems run on batteries and have no backup when the batteries die.

You must check your system regularly to make sure it still has battery life, or you may risk losing your alarm’s functioning.

A Potential Risk Of Being Hacked 

Although unlikely, burglars can hack into wireless alarm systems by jamming the signals and preventing the alarm from going off.

The good news is that most modern wireless alarm systems come with encrypted signals that minimize the risk of being hacked.

Signal Interference

Wireless home security systems can be susceptible to signal interference, which could, in turn, prevent your alarm from responding to threats or trigger a false alarm.  

How Much Does a Wireless Home Security System Cost?

The cost of a home security system includes three factors: installation (if any), equipment cost, and the monthly monitoring fee.

The cost of a typical wireless home security system ranges from $175 to $2,000 depending on the type of system and the features or add-ons desired.

However, costs can vary widely depending on the size of the property, the number of entrances and the occupants.

Security cameras tend to be one of the most expensive add-ons to a security system.

However, if you are on a tight budget, you can always add on more cameras later if you need to.

Monthly monitoring fees tend to vary much less. The monthly monitoring costs for a wireless alarm system ranges from $25 to $90 per month and includes 24/7 monitoring of the home.

Homeowners also have the option of self-monitoring their wireless systems.

As we mentioned earlier, for those who are handy, installation of the wireless home security system can be done in as little as an hour or two.

However, professional installation is recommended for homeowners who are not familiar with wireless home security systems.

Professional installation con ranges from $350 to $1,200 depending on the coverage and equipment chosen.

Many companies offer packages that include installation and basic equipment if you sign up for their monitoring service.

However, if you want the convenience of electronic locks, automated lights, smart thermostats, you need to have a system that allows for smart home automation, which is typically more expensive than more basic systems.

False Alarms

False alarms are not only irritating, but they result in hundreds of dollars worth of false alarm fees.

On top of that, reoccurring false alarms may make you hesitant to use your home security system, leaving you and your family vulnerable to intruders.

False alarm penalties vary from city to city and while some cities have a more lenient and first-time offense policies, other cities eliminated “free” false alarms.

According to the official site of the Los Angeles Police Department, “in addition to recovering a fee for service, escalating penalties will be imposed for multiple false alarms.”

False alarms can happen for many reasons, ranging from user error by misusing a system or forgetting to provide a passcode to a family member or contractor.

Faulty equipment is also a common cause, as well as animals who trigger sensors.

What Can You Do To Reduce False Alarms?

• Make sure everyone is familiar with the alarm system
• Know your codes
• Work with reputable home security companies
• Secure all doors and windows
• Alert house guests
• Replace batteries regularly
• Use pet immune sensors
• Know how to cancel your alarm
• Treat your system with care
• Report suspected damaged or faulty equipment

The best way to prevent false alarms is by using your home security system regularly.

We also recommend that you buy the best equipment that you can afford, or you will end up paying more in the long run.

Features that Fit Your Lifestyle

You should be able to customize your security system the way you want.

Alarms, cameras, motion sensors and more—the options are endless when it comes to keeping an eye on your home.

You can now have peace of mind with the touch of a button.

The best part is you can not only install most of this automated wireless home security technology yourself, but you can also monitor it yourself.

DIY Home Security Systems

What you may not know is that today’s homeowners have a second option for their home security equipment: DIY wireless home security systems.

These systems are similar to what you get with a professional security company but with two main differences: you install your own system and there is no company monitoring your home’s security.

However, like almost everything in life, these systems come with a set of pros and cons.

Self-Monitored Home Security

Self-monitored security systems are exactly what they sound like—security systems you monitor yourself.

These can include motion sensors, cameras, and alarms that send text or push notifications or call your phone when they are set off.

Most connect to smartphone apps that allow you to monitor them remotely and even give access to your neighbors or other emergency contacts.

Some systems even come equipped with a speaker, so you can tell the burglars that they have been caught on camera and that police are on the way.

One of the main benefits of self-monitored home security is control.

You are in total control of your security system.

On top of that, monitoring your system means you are not paying someone else to do it, so you don’t have to worry about paying monthly monitoring fees to your security company.

Also, with a self-monitored system, you cut out the middleman.

The sensors will send you notifications directly to your smartphone, and you call the respective authorities.

In other words, you don’t have to deal with someone from the home security company’s monitoring center.

However, having a self-monitored home security system also has its downsides, the most significant being that you—and only you—has to deal with a stressful situation.

Self-monitoring your home security system could be a double edge sword because you don’t have any backup.

If you are the only one monitoring your home and are not available—you lose cellular service, fall asleep or any other situation—you and your home may be at risk.

Another downside is that self-monitored systems don’t always include alarms, and camera systems alone will only cover rooms where they might have been installed and installing multiple cameras can become expensive.

Deciding among different types of alarm systems can be a daunting task, but now that you have a better understanding how a wireless home security system works, you are one step closer to finding the best wireless home security system that fits your needs.