Nest home security systems: Google Store für Geräte und Zubehör von Google

Miscellaneous

Nest Secure Review | 2023 Reviews of the Google Nest Secure System

Before we start this review, it’s important to note that Google Nest has discontinued the Nest Secure. Existing users can continue to use the system, and you can still buy it from third-party sellers. But is that a good idea to do, given the system’s current status? Is it even a good security system to begin with? Find out here.

Pro Tip: SimpliSafe is our top-recommended alternative to Nest. It offers easy DIY installation, and you’d be surprised by how smart it is. See our SimpliSafe review for more details.

Nest Secure main components
Nest Guard Hub, keypad, motion sensor, panic alarm, speaker
Nest Tags Arm and disarm system
Nest Detect Contact sensor, motion, tamper detection

Editor’s Rating

Overall Rating
  • No longer sold by Nest
  • Google Home automation features
  • A range of no-contract plans

Is Nest Secure Worth It?

If Nest Secure being discontinued makes you doubtful that it’s the right system for you, the brands below are some of the best Nest Secure alternatives we’ve tested, as they offer reliable monitoring, great-quality equipment, and affordable prices. You can also see how Nest compares in our Nest Secure vs ADT and Nest Secure vs Vivint comparison pages.

Quick Overview: What We Liked & Disliked about Nest

Nest has a lot of good qualities, but among the most important is the actual quality of their devices. From cameras with facial recognition to sensors that light up for you at night, Nests’ products worked well and integrated super nicely into our existing smart home. We were able to install everything ourselves easily (although professional installation was an option) and could choose to self-monitor or pay for professional monitoring (we opted for the latter). But of course, quality comes at a price and Nest reflects that as well, with pretty steep device costs. But once we get into the actual components of the system, you’ll see why the prices are the way that they are (like in most cases, you get what you pay for!).

The Components of Nest Secure

We bought a Nest Secure system which included a Nest Guard, two Nest Detect Sensors and two Nest Tags. We also had the Nest Cam IQ Indoor, which we hooked up with Nest Secure, so we’ll be covering that as well. Now, not to get too heavily into cost, but our Nest Secure system costs $399, which is only about $10 more than the average people spent on a security system according to a survey from Porch.1 However, the Nest Cam IQ Indoor cost $299, a bit higher than the $276 average but not bad. Now, let’s see what these devices can actually do.

Nest Guard

Nest Guard Lit Up

Think of the Nest Guard like your central command center. It’s where we armed and disarmed our system, either by pushing numbers on the keypad or by tapping the Nest Tag over it. The Nest Guard basically connected everything in our Nest ecosystem as well as the Nest app.

Nest Detector Sensors

Nest Detect Sensors on Door

Otherwise known as entry or contact sensors, we put the Nest Detect Sensors on our door frame and the door itself so we could get alerted every time the door was open when our system was armed. Now, what was really cool was that when we added more sensors to the systems, we could set it up so some sensors could be armed and some could be disarmed; this was really useful for when we were upstairs showering but wanted the bottom floor protected, for example. We could even make some sensors silent if we wanted to guard something like a liquor cabinet. Plus, pet-owners will appreciate that the sensors are pet-sensitive so you don’t get notified every time Scruffy runs by.

But the nicest thing about the Detect Sensors were the Pathlight, a ring of LED light at the bottom. This really came in handy when we were sneaking to a dark downstairs for a midnight snack. All in all, Nest really went above and beyond when it came to the Nest Detect Sensors, no surprise coming from this quality company.

Nest Detect Sensors Pathlight

Nest Tags

Nest Tag

Like we mentioned earlier, you’ll wave the Nest Tag over the Nest Guard to arm or disarm the system. Although our system only came with two Nest Tags, we ended up buying more and distributing them to our close friends, family, and even some domestic workers. For example, we were able to set it up so our house sitter could access the Nest Guard during specific time periods, allowing her to keep our home protected even when we weren’t there. But don’t worry; if something goes south, we could always disable the Tag in the Nest app.

Nest Cam IQ Indoor

Nest Cam IQ Indoor on our shelf

Nest has four different cameras available, but their latest indoor camera is the Nest Cam IQ Indoor. Now, we had the option of either plugging it in or going wireless, but since it’s an indoor camera, we opted to plug it in so we didn’t have to worry about the battery running out of juice. The camera itself shoots in 1080p HD, which is very clear, in a wide, 130-degree field of view.

Nest Cam IQ Indoor Video Display

We were also able to zoom in up to 12 times, which really helped us to see those small details (like whether or not our plants looked properly hydrated). We were also able to speak to our house sitter through the camera’s speaker and microphone, which, although it gave her a bit of a fright, ended up being super convenient compared to calling her on the phone.

Nest Cam IQ Indoor Night Vision

Even at night, we could see very clearly due to the Nest Cam IQ Indoor’s 16 infrared LED sensors which was really cool. Most of the cameras we’ve reviewed have about two of those sensors, so this is just another way Nest goes above and beyond.

Another way is through artificial intelligence. We didn’t get notified whenever the camera detected motion, but only when it detected people, preventing a lot of unneeded notifications from going through. And let’s be honest, we get a lot of unnecessary notifications already, so this was a relief, but on top of that, Nest even let us name our friends or anyone the camera recognized through Nest Aware. So instead of being notified that a person was detected, we got notified when Katie our house sitter was detected, which saved us the trouble of having to look at the livestream. Nest Aware also offers cloud storage, which thankfully Nest has made a lot more affordable since last year.

Nest Free Nest Aware Nest Aware Plus
Event video history 3 hours 30 days 60 days
24/7 video history (in days) 0 0 10
Monthly Price $0 $6 $12
Yearly Price $0 $60 $120
Yearly Savings n/a $12 $24

Once we had our cloud storage, we were able to download it and back it up on our own hard drives, as the camera doesn’t have a slot for a micro-SD card or any other form of local storage. Overall, the Nest Cam IQ Indoor is one of our favorite indoor cameras on the market, so we’d definitely recommend adding one to your Nest Secure system.

Video Review: Nest Secure

Did you know that Security.org is on Youtube? If you want to see our Nest Secure system working, check out our video review:

Does Nest Secure Work Well?

Once it’s set up, Nest worked like a charm, with an app that was easy for us to navigate. It was also easy to add more components to the system, and considering we have nearly everything Nest offers, this came in handy. We really appreciated the multi-functional nature of many of their products, particularly the Nest Guard and Nest Tags. More functionality meant fewer devices to set up, which is always a good thing in our book. We found the Nest products to be very durable and well-made, not sacrificing durability in their quest for minimalism. So in a word, yes, Nest works very well!

What’s Installing Nest Secure Like?

Nest has DIY installation which didn’t take us long. First, we plugged in the Nest Guard and downloaded the Nest app, which gave us step-by-step instructions. Next, we assigned our Nest Tags to people, set up the Detect Sensors on the app and then stuck them on the door.

Pro Tip: Set up your sensors in the Nest app before placing them on the door or window.

As the camera was plug-in, it didn’t take long to add it to the app and connect to Wi-Fi. Overall, the process was finished in less than 20 minutes, and we were very impressed with how helpful the app was. However, if you prefer professional installation, Nest offers it for $99 through OnTech, a reasonable price.

Monitoring Options

You can learn more about Nest’s monthly fees on our Nest pricing page, but we’ll give an overview here. First of all, you don’t have to pay anything to Nest monthly if you don’t want to; you’ll still be able to receive notifications, livestream footage and control your system remotely with or without Nest Aware. But, if you want facial recognition plus more cloud storage, get a Nest Aware plan as we did. Get 30 days of storage for $6 a month or $60 a year or 60 days of storage for $12 a month or $120 a year, very affordable prices.

Days of storage Cost
30 $6 a month or $60 a year
60 $12 a month or $120 a year

We also opted to pay more for cellular backup and 24/7 professional monitoring, which Nest actually outsources to Brinks Home Security. If you sign up for three years, the cost is only $19 a month, or $29 if you went monthly like us.

Customer Experience with Nest

For help with Nest products, we could check out Nest’s online support articles or contact a customer support representative via live chat, phone, Facebook Messenger or Twitter. Since we got most of our answers online, we only had to call Nest one time, and it wasn’t a great experience. The person we spoke to really didn’t know much about Nest and was clearly looking up all his answers on the website we were already looking at, which wasn’t super helpful. Overall, we’d recommend trying to use the online help center before calling Nest directly.

Support on Nest Website.

The Nest App

Nest Secure History on the Nest App

Maybe we weren’t home or maybe we were simply too lazy to go downstairs to our Nest Guard. Either way, the Nest app was our home away from home (there’s no place like it, really!). Remotely, we could arm and disarm Nest Secure, review cloud storage, receive notifications, livestream footage, talk through two-way audio, and control connected devices.

Again, the app is really easy to use from installation to simply checking in at home, and other Nest customers agree; the app has gone way up in ratings with a 4.3 on the Google Play store and a 4.7 on the Apple store. Nest made a lot of software updates, thankfully, making it easy to stay on top of our smart home from anywhere.

How Nest Fit In Our Smart Home

Now let’s talk more about the smart home itself. Google owns Nest (now technically called Google Nest, if you can believe it), so it’s not shocking that Nest Secure works with Google Assistant. But the integrations don’t end there; Nest also works with Alexa under the Google Nest skill, along with a ton of devices from third parties.

Google Assistant

Let’s start with Google Assistant. Using the Assistant, we could control all Nest devices, such as casting our living room Nest Cam IQ Indoor footage to our TV via Chromecast or even arm Nest Secure. Now, one thing that we couldn’t do was disarm our system with our voice, which is definitely a good thing for security’s sake.

Alexa

Alexa is by far the most popular voice assistant and is expected to remain so with 70% of the smart speaker market share in 2021.2

The Google Nest Alexa skill has the same capabilities as the Google Assistant action, save for arming the system. However, we could tell Alexa to show our livestream on Echo Show devices and Fire TV, which was nice. But if you have more Nest products, you might be a bit disappointed to find out that not all Nest products work with Alexa, only the smart thermostats, cameras and video doorbells, which is why there’s no voice command arming and disarming.

FYI: Alexa works with Nest cameras but not the Nest Secure system itself, so you can’t arm or disarm it with voice commands.

Works with Nest

Aside from the voice assistants, Nest Secure also works with LIFX, Philips Hue, and Kasa. While LIFX and Philips Hue make smart lighting, Kasa makes everything from smart plugs to security cameras. With these integrations, it was fun and easy to trigger connected devices automatically. Let us give you an example: we hate leaving our lights on when we’re out of the house, as it’s a waste of electricity. However, having the house totally dark is a good sign that no one’s home, which could attract intruders. Our solution? We set our Philips Hue bulbs on home mode, meaning they’d turn off and on periodically, and we had home mode turn on automatically when the Nest Guard was armed. Convenient, safe, and smart, Nest fit into our smart home really well.

Recap— Is Nest Good For My Home?

Overall, we highly recommend Nest Secure as your home security system. You can choose between 24/7 professional monitoring and self-monitoring only, installation is DIY with help from the user-friendly Nest app or just $99 for professional installation, and the devices themselves are on the cutting edge of the smart home security market. Of course, Nest Secure isn’t the most affordable option around, but again, you get what you pay for.

Especially if you already have Nest devices installed in your home, it makes sense to get Nest Secure so you can use everything in one app. Tested by our team, we highly recommend it!

Nest Secure FAQs

  • Does Nest Secure have a monthly fee?

    Nest Secure has an optional monthly fee if you want more cloud storage, professional monitoring, cellular backup, or advanced artificial features.

  • Is Nest Secure worth it?

    Nest Secure is worth it for those that are willing to spend a little more on excellent home security. We really enjoyed the minimalist, multi-functional system, and the fact that they offer flexible monitoring and affordable DIY is such icing on the cake. However, for users on a budget, Nest might not be the best option.

  • Does Nest Secure call the police?

    If you pay for professional monitoring, Nest Secure’s monitoring team can call the police for you in the event of an emergency.

  • What comes with Nest Secure?

    Nest Secure includes a Nest Guard, two Nest Detect Sensors, and two Nest Tags.

  • Can Nest be hacked?

    Like any other WiFi-connected security system or any online system of any kind, Nest can be hacked, which is why users should update their passwords frequently and enable two-factor authentication on devices with the Nest app.

  • Is Nest better than ADT?

    Nest is better than ADT in terms. They have a self-monitoring option, which ADT lacks, plus, they offer monthly contracting, while ADT requires that users enter a binding, three-year contract. Nest also has more technologically advanced components to its system, particularly the cameras.

Google Nest Home Security Review and System Prices (2023) – Forbes Home

We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

To determine this ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed third-party data on dozens of home security companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:

  • Costs/contracts (20%)

  • Customer reviews and reputation (BBB/Trustpilot/Customer Affairs) (20%)

  • Options and equipment (20%)

  • Customer support (15%)

  • Features/smart home integration (10%)

  • App reviews (10%)

  • Warranty (5%)

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • No monthly fees
  • 1600×1200 resolution

Cons

  • Expensive equipment
  • Need Nest Aware subscription for video recording
  • Few packages

Looking to amp up the security around your home? Google and its Nest suite of products can help with one of three home security packages: the Front Door Monitoring Package, the Outdoor Monitoring Package and the Total Security Package. You can even add more cameras and floodlights at an extra cost. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if Google Nest security products, and the home security company in general, will work for you.

Featured Partners

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

1

Vivint

1

Vivint

Learn More

On Vivint’s Website

2

Link Interactive

2

Link Interactive

Learn More

On Link Interactive’s Website

3

Xfinity

3

Xfinity

Learn More

On Xfinity’s Website

At a Glance

Google ended its Nest Secure system but continues to offer a Front Door Monitoring Package, an Outdoor Monitoring Package and a Total Security Package.  

The Front Door Monitoring Package comes with a second-generation Nest Hub and a battery-powered Nest Doorbell camera for $250. The Outdoor Monitoring Package comes with a second-generation Nest Hub and a battery-powered Nest Cam for $250. The Total Security Package includes a Nest Hub Max, a battery-powered Nest Doorbell and a battery-powered Nest Cam for $525. You can add a Nest Mini to the Front Door Monitoring packages and installation. 

Installation costs $99 for the Front Door Monitoring package and the Outdoor Monitoring package. For the Total Security Package, customers can expect to pay $160. 

The Nest Cam has a 130-degree diagonal field of view, a two-megapixel sensor with six times zoom with up to 1080p video and 30 frames per second. It also comes with six high powered infrared night vision LEDs and 110-degree horizontal field of view motion detection.

Additionally, the battery-powered Nest doorbell has a 145-degree diagonal wide angle view with four infrared LEDs along with a 1. 3-megapixel color sensor and six times zoom. It has HD 960 x 1280 pixels with up to 30 frames per second.

The Nest wired doorbell camera has all of the same features as the battery-powered option, but it has 10 infrared LEDs.

Fine Print

You’ll need to download the Google Home app to set up and manage a second-generation wired Nest Doorbell and a battery-powered Nest Doorbell. The formerrequires a 16-24VAC, 10-40VA rated doorbell transformer and chime (both sold separately), which may require you to replace your existing hardware.

Google Nest products can connect with ADT for 24/7 protection, but you’ll need to buy a subscription to Nest Aware or ADT.

Plan Pricing

A Nest Aware subscription is $60 a year while a Nest Aware Plus subscription costs $120 a year. You need one of the subscriptions to get more than three hours of video history. A Nest Aware subscription provides 30 days of event history, intelligent alerts and e911, which connects you to the 911 call center closest to your home rather than where you are, which is handy if you’re away from home.  

A Nest Aware Plus subscription also includes 24/7 video history for up to 10 days and 60 days worth of event history.

Installation

Google Nest devices can be installed by homeowners but if you plan to have wired devices, it might be best to hire a pro to install those devices to prevent electrical issues. Google Nest devices have mounting equipment that can be installed easily when installing battery devices. Professional installation is available through Google Nest, too.

Add-Ons and Upgrades

You can purchase additional doorbell cameras (wired or battery) and Nest Cams (battery) for $179.99. Wired Nest Cams cost $99 and a Nest Cam with a floodlight costs $279.99. If you have a first-generation Nest Aware subscription, you can upgrade to a second-generation plan so you don’t have to pay for each camera. Other add-ons include a Nest Protect smoke and CO detector as well as a solar panel to power the camera.  

Video Storage

Google Nest offers video storage options with and without a subscription. With a Nest Aware subscription, you only have access to three hours of video history for 30 days of motion events. A Nest Aware Plus subscription allows access to 60 days of motion events and stores up to 10 days of 24/7 video with wired Nest Cams.

Smartphone Controls and Smart Home Integration

The Google Nest Hub integrates with smart home devices and apps and allows customers to view Nest camera footage with a smartphone. Additionally, Nest integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and you can have two-way audio. The cameras work in tandem with Amazon Alexa devices that have screens. The Google Nest mini connects with many apps as does Google Nest audio. 

Google Nest is also compatible with the Nest x Yale lock through the Nest app and allows customers to control their door lock from a phone. It’s also possible to receive alerts when someone locks and unlocks the door.

How Google Nest Stacks Up

Here’s a look at how Google Nest compares to some of the other major security systems:

Google Home Okay No Buy Now $0/month
Eufy Great No Buy Now On Amazon $0/month
Wyze Okay No Buy Now On Amazon $0/month

Google Nest allows customization and compatibility with a number of smart home devices, but when compared to competitors, it lags in customer reviews. Some reviewers found the second generation Google Nest Hub didn’t add much from the original, but people like that the Google Nest combines Google Home and Google Wi-Fi. Google Nest might not outperform the mesh router systems of some competitors, but the ease of use can make people overlook that.

Is Google Nest Right for You?

Google Nest might be right for you if you already have devices that can connect with Google Nest. Though many smart home devices can connect to a smart home hub. You do have the choice of a Google Home device, Google Nest Mini, Nest Mini 2nd Gen, Google Nest Hub or Google Nest Hub Max for smart displays. 

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Compare Quotes From Top-rated Home Security Installers

Free, No-commitment Estimates

Find A Home Security Installer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can the Nest be hacked?

Yes, a Google Nest can be hacked. Anything connected to the internet has the potential to get hacked. Hackers can gain entry to your system if you download a nefarious app accidentally or download something from a spam email.

How do I pair my thermostat to Nest?

You can pair your thermostat to Google Nest through the Nest app if you have a Nest thermostat. You’ll need to download the Nest app to connect other smart thermostats and add the device through Google Home.

How much does it cost to get a full Nest home security system?

The Total Security package costs $525, but you can add more cameras at additional costs to customize your home security system. You can also connect to a service like ADT for an additional cost and extra security.

Your Home. Your Decisions. Our Support.

Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily.

{{ newsletterState. emailErrorMsg }}

Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community!

{{ newsletterState.emailErrorMsg }}

I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information and details on how to opt out.

WaterNest100. Round house on the water

We continue to get acquainted with the most unusual housing in the world. Today we want to tell you about a floating nest – something like this is translated into Russian as the name “ WaterNest100″ . The ambitious project of the Italian architect Giancarlo Zema was undertaken by the craftsmen of the company EcoFloLife . It turned out very harmonious and functional.

“Socket” dimensions. The area of ​​the entire dwelling is 100 square meters, the diameter is 12 meters, and the height in the very center is 4 meters. The frame of the house is entirely made of recycled aluminum, and the cladding is made of glued laminated timber. All materials are resistant to the destructive action of water bodies.

This innovative housing is completely autonomous in terms of providing itself with energy. Solar panels are installed on the roof of the building, the total area of ​​which is 60 square meters. These panels are capable of generating up to 4 kW of energy in sunny weather. To maintain a comfortable climate, the house is equipped with a highly energy efficient micro-ventilation system.

When it comes to emissions to the environment, this is also well thought out: WaterNest100 has a sophisticated integrated wastewater treatment system. This water, after treatment, can be reused for technical needs, or it can be safely lowered into a reservoir under the house.

System filters need only be serviced twice a year. Of course, all cleaning products used for household needs must be environmentally friendly. The capacity of the fresh water tank is one and a half thousand liters.

In addition to well-thought-out autonomous life support systems, the “nest” is also equipped with a “smart home” system. With one display, without moving anywhere, you can adjust the lighting, open the curtains, turn on the music or TV, and even create a “path” for yourself from the illuminated areas of the house, for example, to the bathroom in the morning.

Of course, such a dwelling is equipped with a good security system. The threat of burglary, gas leakage, sudden power outage, violation of the integrity of the perimeter – all these force majeure events are under the control of an alarm system specially designed for WaterNest100. You can even monitor all the rooms of your house, being many thousands of kilometers away, through a special application.

Conveniently, the houseboat can be towed to its future location on the water. Here it turns out to bypass two difficult bureaucratic moments at once. For such transportation, not only is it not required to obtain a license for a floating facility, but a building permit is also unnecessary here. All you need to do is to choose a calm body of water (without waves and rough currents) and ask the local authorities for permission to park in its waters.

Now let’s look inside the unusual round house. The terraces located on the sides of the building immediately attract the eye – they offer a pacifying view of the reservoirs. Here you can easily organize a lounge area or a cozy place for morning coffee.

Of course, the interior of the eco-friendly house is made in the bionic style – rounded shapes, natural materials, many windows for daylight. The decoration uses warm wood colors and natural materials. The fresh aroma of wood remains in the house for a long time after settling.

EcoFloLife provides a variety of options for future indoor use. You can buy a house for a large family, or a single room for a floating bar/restaurant, and WaterNest100 can also be turned into a very pleasant office for several jobs. Instead of an office, you can place a store inside the “nest”, in which queues will line up just to look at this curiosity.

In fact, the options for using the “nest on the water” are limited only by the imagination of the future owner. The cost of the basic version starts from 54,000 USD.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The article was prepared by Nadezhda Kalashnikova , content manager of the Management Company at the Apartment.

Home security systems | How to choose an alarm

Choosing reliable security for a house or apartment, protection against burglary, fire and flooding

Most burglaries occur during the day when the owners are at work and the children are at school. Most often, houses are broken into, which are closed with trees and fences, so that it is imperceptible from the road what is happening inside. Most burglaries occur during holidays and vacations. And, in many cases, a security system can prevent intruders from entering and save your valuables, nerves, and sometimes health.

If you are thinking about how to make your home safe and protect your property from theft, then this article will help you understand what types of security systems are, what security systems exist, what they include, what you need to consider when buying and whether it is possible to install and connect security systems by yourself.

Types of security systems

Security alarm system (SOTS)

Access control systems (ACS)

Use of ip-cameras

Engineering and technical strength (ITU)

Security and alarm system (SOTS)

Why do we need a security alarm and what functions it performs.

Burglar alarm

Burglar alarm is a combination of different technical means, the purpose of which is to timely detect the fact or an attempt to penetrate the scope of the security alarm (SOTS).
Burglar alarm (Wikipedia source) – an electronic device installed in a residential or industrial facility, designed to protect it from unwanted entry, hacking, theft. It notifies the owner or surrounding people with the help of sound and / or light signals about unauthorized entry into the protected object, but, in general, does not prevent burglary, theft of property, etc. The exception is banking and financial institutions in which, when the system is triggered, locks, windows, doors, etc. are blocked.

All types of alarms can be divided into three categories:

Wired

In wired alarms, the signal from the sensors to the control panel goes through the cable.

Wireless

In wireless alarms, the signal from the sensors is transmitted via radio.

Hybrid

This is a combination of wired and wireless systems, respectively, the signal is transmitted both by wire and over the air.

Recently, wireless systems have become a serious competitor to wired systems, which have long been leaders in the security systems market. Wireless solutions are easy to install and have additional features that enhance the security of objects. Now it is not only a burglar alarm, but a home security and home security system, easy to install and maintain.

Also, depending on the type of communication, they can be:

One-way

One-way systems have been around since remote controls appeared. The term “one-way” refers to the communication scheme between the remote control and the security system. When you press a button on the remote control, it sends an arming or disarming signal.

Double-sided

This is a feedback alarm that allows you to control what is happening and, in case of an alarm, receive notifications, as well as contact people in the control zone. To do this, the design of the GSM alarm system with two-way communication has a speaker and a microphone. In this case, in fact, the GSM signaling with feedback is used as a telephone for negotiations.

Smartphone based security link gives you full control of your security system via your phone. As long as your phone has Internet access, you will be able to receive notifications from anywhere in the world.

Connection to the security console

A very important option for all alarms is the ability to put it on the security console. In most cases, intruders will prefer not to break into an apartment if it is under guard.

Types of sensors

An important part of any home security system. They have a wide range of applications: switching on indoor and outdoor lighting, activating cameras, turning on alarms.

Smart devices that detect a water leak in a fraction of a second and send a notification to the owner. When connected to smart home systems, the water supply valve will be closed.

Smart smoke detectors that will sound a siren and send a message to your mobile phone telling you which room the smoke is coming from.

These are compact sensors that respond to the frequency of the sound of breaking glass. They will send an alarm if someone tries to enter the house by breaking windows or glass doors.

Types of protection

Protection against signal spoofing

The presence of device authentication makes it impossible to spoof, and, therefore, disable the system and manage sensors remotely on behalf of the owner.

Scan protection

The presence of an encrypted data transmission channel prevents signal interception from the hub to the sensor and vice versa

Jamming protection

Jamming is used to prevent the transmission of alarms in wireless security systems. It can be directed both to individual sensors and to the security system as a whole.

Other parameters

Smartphone control

Having a mobile application to control all sensors from a smartphone will be an undoubted advantage. Turning the alarm on and off, notification from the alarm, which sensor was triggered and in which room. If video cameras are connected to the system, then everything that happens in the house or office can be seen in the application from anywhere in the world.

Adding sensors

Possibility to expand the system if necessary by purchasing several sensors instead of buying a new alarm system, for example, when moving or connecting a smart home automation function.

Battery life

Battery reliability is also one of the most important parameters when choosing an alarm. The need to frequently change batteries, remove and install sensors, worry about running out of charge can cause a lot of inconvenience, since the sensor may not work from a low battery.
That is why, in the Ajax alarm system, the most award-winning alarm system in Europe, batteries with a service life of up to 7 years are pre-installed.

Warranty period

Warranty period for the return or replacement of equipment in the presence of factory defects, the return of goods if it did not fit in some parameters and excellent technical support, all this speaks of a manufacturer that is trustworthy.

Automation scenarios

Allows you to increase the security of your home or apartment.

Scenarios are an increased level of protection. They help the security system not only detect a threat, but also begin to actively counteract it. Switching lighting on and off according to a schedule, opening and closing automatic doors, gates and roller shutters, turning on heating according to a schedule, simulating the presence of owners in the room.

How to choose an alarm for your home, what types of alarms are available and what kind of alarm you can install in an apartment yourself, read the article below:

Home security systems | How to choose an alarm

What are security systems. Types of security systems. What is included in a home security system. What to consider before buying a burglar alarm, how to choose.

Access control systems (ACS)

What is an access control system?

An access control system is the control of access to a building or certain rooms. An access control system usually consists of:

  • access control devices such as access cards and card readers,
  • access control panel using biometric data, face recognition, retinal detection, fingerprints and others,
  • password entry equipment.

Access control systems reduce the risk of data and goods theft and improve employee safety. They are usually set using two- or multi-factor authentication. This may require a magnetic card and a password.

Video surveillance

One of the biggest advantages of video surveillance is the ability to know what is happening in your house or apartment in your absence. Whether you’re checking on your kids, your housekeeper, your pets, or your exotic jewelry collection, a home surveillance camcorder is a great way to monitor what’s going on from a distance.

In addition, one of the important qualities is an attractive and, at the same time, discreet and stylish design. It is important that the camcorder looks appropriate for the design, but also does not stand out too much and attract attention.

Types of video surveillance

According to the type of signal used, the system data can be divided into: analog and digital.

Location:

  • indoor,
  • outdoor.

By data transfer method:

  • 3G Internet,
  • Wi-Fi.

By shooting method:

  • Day cameras,
  • Night cameras
  • Thermal cameras
  • dome cameras,
  • bullet cameras,
  • panoramic cameras.

Alarm and video surveillance integration

Modern systems allow you to combine security and video surveillance systems in one mobile application. Data is transmitted using the RTSP protocol, which is currently the standard in the video surveillance market. Basically, all cameras, whether professional or for amateur use, use the RTSP protocol.

Video surveillance with cloud recording

Most home surveillance cameras use cloud services to store and share their footage remotely. This means that videos recorded by the camera will not be saved on the camera itself. Some models have slots for microSD memory cards, and video is recorded in the camera itself.

Video Intercom with Recording

To enhance the security of your home or business, installing a video intercom can provide an extra layer of control over access to your property. This will allow you to remotely check visitors, open doors and gates, and even check the status of your family or employees without leaving the room, since with the help of a video camera you can watch what is happening both outside and inside the premises.

Engineering and technical fortification (ITU)

Bars on windows, additional closed tambours equipped with security devices, reinforced doors and additional locks are used to protect the house.

Entrance doors and windows

This is the first obstacle in the way of burglars. One of the most common ways burglars enter a home is through the front door. By purchasing strong doors and deadbolt locks, you will greatly complicate their work.

Burglary-resistant windows

Very often, intruders enter houses through windows and balcony doors, breaking the double-glazed window sash. As an additional protection, you can close such a window with a grill.

Burglary-resistant windows are reinforced windows with blank double-glazed windows. They are preferred against intruders. They are often installed in basements, since when installed above the ground floor, it becomes difficult to maintain and clean such windows. As an additional protection, you can close it with a grill.

Intercoms and video intercoms

In a house or apartment, it is important to know who is at the front door when the doorbell rings. With the help of a video intercom, you can see who is at the door without having to open it or answer the call.

The mere presence of CCTV equipment, a CCTV camera or a video intercom, is enough to make would-be criminals think twice before breaking into your property.

Concierges

In addition to hotels, some businesses and apartment buildings have a concierge who usually keeps an eye on all people entering and leaving, as well as keeping order.

In some cases this function is performed by guards. The concierge guard acts as a very effective deterrent to any potential criminal.

Types of home security systems

Home security systems that ensure the security of a country house can be divided into several types:

Autonomous security systems

This includes home-type burglar alarms. The best home security systems usually consist of sensors that can automatically track intrusion, glass breakage, jamming, and sensor detachment. Such systems will send a signal to the security company’s control panel and to the owner’s mobile phone.

Audio and video surveillance system

These systems differ in that they include devices for audio recording and video cameras for monitoring and recording video indoors or outdoors.

Access control systems

These are various devices that control the opening of doors, gates, electronic locks and other mechanisms that provide access to certain rooms or areas.

Smart home system

This type provides not only security and alarm functions, but also controls electricity, gas and water supply. It can turn on or turn off appliances according to a schedule, heat the house when the owner arrives, turn off gas, electricity and water in case of fire or leakage.

Smart home for home and apartment | How to choose

What is included in the smart home system, how to choose equipment, what to look for when buying.

What is included in a home security system

What are the most basic elements in a home security system?

You can read more about the technical characteristics of Ajax devices by clicking on the name of the device.

Things to consider before buying a security system

Before you buy a security alarm, ask yourself these questions and think through all your options in advance, because in the future, perhaps something will change. For example, a house will have a new building and additional sensors will be required, or whether the system will be able to maintain a high level of security in 5-7 years.

1. Wired, wireless or hybrid alarm

Each type has its pros and cons. Reliability depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the system itself, as well as how responsibly developers approach data protection issues. Here it would be appropriate to find out whether the system has certification, what kind of protection against false positives and how easy it is to cheat or hack the system.

Wired alarm: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • This type has been around for a long time and there is a large selection of manufacturers and installers on the market.

Disadvantages:

  • Not suitable for newly refurbished rooms as it will require chasing the walls for wires. Otherwise, the cables will be laid over the walls, which can greatly spoil the appearance and design of the room.
  • Cannot be taken with you when moving.

Wireless alarm: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Wireless systems are easy to install (you can do it yourself).
  • No wires.
  • The cost is about the same as wired systems (and, if you include the cost of installation work, it may be lower).
  • The latest models are stylish in design and small in size.
  • Sensors are available with a battery life of up to 7 years.
  • When moving, the sensors can be taken with you and installed in a new location.

Disadvantages:

  • The old generation of wireless alarms has a weakly protected radio channel and one-way data transmission.

Hybrid alarm: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Combines the best of wired and wireless alarms

Disadvantages:

  • No obvious deficiencies

2. Installing the alarm yourself or with the help of specialists

At present, the installation and configuration of alarms is becoming easier and more affordable for the average user. If you choose a ready-made wireless alarm kit, installation will not be a problem.

For example, installing a basic package from Ajax will take a few minutes. Anyone who knows how to use the Internet and has email can handle it.

3. Remote control via smartphone

This feature will allow you to control what is happening from anywhere in the world using a mobile application. In doing so, you need to make sure that your operating system is supported by this application.
Or in other words, more simply, this type of home protection can be called

burglar alarm for home with viewing via phone

4. Where the system will be installed, outdoors or indoors

then it is necessary to take into account the material of the sensors, temperature, resistance to humidity and materials of wires and fasteners.

5. Ability to add sensors as needed

When choosing a security system, it is desirable to consider the possibility of simply adding a few sensors or cameras so that you do not have to buy a new system in the future.

6. What else can be connected to the security system?

7. Is it necessary to connect video cameras or photographing is enough? The video camera should be selected depending on where the surveillance will be performed, outdoors or indoors.

Also note the following parameters:

  • night vision
  • video quality
  • shooting range
  • temperature rating
  • waterproof
  • burglary protection
  • resolution

In addition to resolution, also consider the field of view. All security cameras have wide angle lenses, but not all angles are the same. Depending on the field of view of the lens, it can see from 100 to 180 degrees. This is a large range in terms of the camera’s cone of view. If you want to observe a large area, you should choose a camera with a very wide field of view. The ability to mechanically pan and tilt the camera is also a big plus.

8. What video quality do you need

Although 1080p is usually the standard resolution for cameras, there are models with higher resolution sensors. Some indoor cameras have optical zoom lenses, almost all have digital zoom that crops and enlarges whatever the camera is recording. The more megapixels a camera sensor has, the more you can digitally zoom in and still see objects clearly.

9. Should the alarm not respond to pets

If you have pets at home, you need to install motion sensors with immunity to animals, as well as the ability to control the operation of the sensors via a smartphone. A motion sensor that does not react to animals will help to avoid false alarms and

10. Possibility of connection to the security console

Perhaps this is one of the most important indicators when choosing a security system. The matter is that the security organizations take on the panel only the systems having certification.

Security companies test systems before they start working with new equipment. If the new alarm system proves its reliability, does not give false alarms, accurately detects threats, does not fail, it is accepted to the remote control.

Ajax security system is accepted by more than 1129 security companies around the world. And you can choose a security company directly from the application

11. Do you need a panic button?0004

  • Wired
  • Wireless (can be attached to any surface, such as under a table in an office or shop, or carried with you (also suitable for the elderly or children).

Wireless button, from Ajax Systems, can be used as ,

  • Panic buttons to call the security group
  • Help buttons
  • There is a function of programmable action for short and long signal

12. How many users the system supports

13. Signal range

It is worth paying attention to the range of the radio signal between the sensors, in particular between the hub (main control panel) and other sensors. Not always the data indicated by the manufacturer exactly correspond to the distance in real conditions. It depends on the presence of obstacles such as furniture, walls, ceilings between floors. Therefore, the greater the declared range of the radio signal, the greater the area that the security system can cover.

For example, Ajax control panels communicate with sensors at a distance of up to 2000 meters in open areas. For indoors, this is the range for 3-4 floors.

Do not be surprised that if the manufacturer indicated a range of up to 150 meters, and the connection between the sensors and the hub is lost within a three-room apartment.

14. What communication channels are used to transmit the signal

When choosing a system, it is also very important to look at the number of communication channels. And, the more channels, the higher the chance that the system will be able to notify about the threat at the right time. Modern control panels have channels:

  • Ethernet
  • Wi-Fi
  • GSM

It is very important that the channels are not of only one type. If even three GSM modules are installed in the control panel, consider that you have only one channel. It is highly likely that when these frequencies are jammed, the system will be completely cut off from the outside world and will not be able to send an alarm signal to the owner and to the security console.

Read also the article about what alarms are, how to choose an alarm for an apartment and how the alarm works in an apartment:

Smart home for home and apartment | How to choose

What is included in the smart home system, how to choose equipment, what to look for when buying.

15. Backup Battery Availability

The higher the capacity of the backup battery, the longer the system can operate without power. It is best to choose control panels with a backup battery that provides at least 5 hours of battery life.

Conclusion

When choosing an alarm, we recommend that you carefully study the information about the systems and pay attention to the points indicated in this article. This will allow you to consciously make a decision to purchase exactly the alarm system that will meet all your requirements.

Ajax wireless alarm system is one of the leaders in security systems and the most titled alarm system in Europe. It combines a stylish and modern design with proprietary developments in the field of data protection. More than 83 countries have already recognized the quality of Ajax.
Select an alarm>>

    How the Ajax security system works

    If the article was useful to you, share it with your friends What you need to know before buying

    How does a wi-fi surveillance camera work, what to consider when choosing how to ensure data security. The principle of operation of a Wi-Fi security system. How does a wi-fi CCTV camera work, what to consider when choosing how to ensure data security.

    Wireless wifi alarm advantages and disadvantages

    The principle of operation of a Wi-Fi security system. How does a wi-fi CCTV camera work, what to consider when choosing how to ensure data security.

    How to choose a wireless gsm alarm and what is it?

    Advantages and disadvantages of a burglar alarm using a mobile phone. What it consists of, what sensors are included, how the signal is transmitted, which one to choose.