Out of all the home security systems reviews we have done, FrontPoint Security wins top choice as our best home security system. Why? A combination of excellent customer service, reliable equipment, self-installation, and interactive monitoring all add up to create a solid and trustworthy security solution. But don't take our word for it, read this article, do your own research, and then make up your mind. When you're ready, you can call toll-free, (888) 268-6273, to find out more about FrontPoint and your options for your home security system.
Every house is different, and therefore requires its own unique security setup. That's why a self-install option allows you the flexibility necessary to setup your security system to your own needs. When you speak with a security representative, you'll want to make sure they answer all your questions, and don't spend half the phone conversation stuffing a sales pitch down your throat.
FrontPoint Security is our top pick as best home security system for a simple reason: their customer service is outstanding. And trust us, if you've done your research, you'll notice how much of a "used car salesman" industry the home security industry has turned into. Most reps we encountered spend the majority of the phone call simply trying to sell us the system. In other words, they spent the majority of the time talking, while we tried to get off the phone. It was refreshing to learn that not all home security system representatives are like this. Our experience with FrontPoint showed us that the rep spent more time listening to our needs, and less time telling us what our needs were (how would they know).
But like we said - you need to find out for yourself. The key to a successful relationship with your home security provider is that you feel comfortable in their services. Ask around - family, friends, neighbors - and see what their experience is with their alarm company.
The Internet is a great source of research these days. Why? Because for the large part, it's consumer-driven research. That means instead of finding one-person editorial opinions, you can get a sampling of what the masses think. In this case, we suggest searching for the names of top alarm companies, and trying to find review sites (such as this one) that are unaffiliated with any of the alarm companies, and offer not only their opinions, but give free reign for others to comment and share their views.
That's why we have an open comment policy. Anyone can comment below and speak their mind. Comments are edited only for spelling, grammar and our basic terms of use apply (ie. no foul or offensive language or inappropriate comments).
So what are you waiting for? Don't just take our word for it that FrontPoint is a good system. Go out and Google them, ask your friends and neighbors, get all the information you can before ordering your system. When you're ready, order your system on the FrontPoint Security website, or call (888) 268-6273 to speak with a representative and have your questions answered. And as a special for our members, if you mention promo code CWD910 you'll get a free keychain remote with your order.
Crime is on the rise, and for a small monthly fee you can give yourself and your family peace of mind. That being said, we're also in a recession, and money is tight. So, if you can't afford a home security system, at least buy an alarm sign and stick it in your front yard. That will, according to statistics, deter 60% of burglars on its own. If you're worried that someone might not see the sign, or you need one in your backyard as well, order multiple. Burglarly stats suggest that 85% of break-ins happen through doors, not windows. Although, most home security system providers will provide you with window decals as well (or, you can order some yourself as a deterrent).
One of the advantages a good home security system can offer you, if available, is an interactive monitoring system. Basically what this does is allow you to access your system remotely - from the Internet or your PDA/ cellphone. You'll be able to not only control the arming and disarming of your system, but you'll be able to see realtime activity on your system, as well as a logged history. So, for example, if you're on vacation but the housekeeper has a key and is supposed to come every other day, you'll be able to see exactly when she enters the house and leaves, and depending on the motion sensors you have installed, where she is in your house.
The beauty of the interactive monitoring system is that it can be used anytime, even if your system is disarmed. For example, if you go out grocery shopping and you told your kids to stay out of the cookie cabinet, you'll be able to see if it remains shut (assuming you added a sensor to it). Finally, you won't ever have to deal with the hassle of running to your control panel to disarm in time. You can log into your system remotely on your cell phone as you drive up and disarm it. By the time you arrive, it will be disarmed and you can simply enter. For those that are really paranoid about security, you can use this feature to kill any kind of "enter delay" on your system. That means if a door or window is opened (or glass broken), the alarm will immediately go off. Note that if you decide on using this feature, you better not forget to disarm prior to entering.
The interactive monitoring service provider for most home security systems is Alarm.com. They were founded in early 2000, based on the principle that they wanted more control over their own security system. They grew quickly as demand for their service climbed, to the point that they stopped accepting customers directly. Today, you can get interactive monitoring service for your home security system by Alarm.com for most security companies that use GE wireless equipment. You can visit Alarm.com's FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for more details.
Your home security system provider may even provide security cameras, which you'll then be able to view and monitor via your interactive monitoring service. These can also be used as a great tool to keep an eye on your pets while you are away.
Based on the burglary statistics we list above, and from our own experience, we recommend you have a home security system that includes, at a minimum:
Door sensors for your exterior doors (ie. front and back)Window sensors to cover your "out of street view" windows (ie. on the back of your home)Motions sensors to cover large common areas in your home.
The best home security system will not only be backed by a reputable company that is known for its customer service, it will also offer the type of security system and components that are suitable for installation in your home. In this case, you'll come across several different types of systems:
Hard wired- hard wired systems use your telephone land line to make a connection. Typically, older systems use this approach. While they tend to be the most affordable, they are not necessarily the most secure, especially in older homes, as they leave exposed wires susceptible to cutting by thieves.Wireless - a wireless system still relies on a phone line to connect to your alarm system provider and monitoring station. The difference is that the components (sensors) of your system are wireless, as opposed to being hard-wired into your home. Typically, a wireless system can be installed by yourself, whereas a hard-wired system will need a professional installer. In addition, wireless systems can be moved more easily (and usually without a fee, since you do it yourself) when you move to a new location, whereas a hard-wired system will either carry a moving fee, or, in some cases, require you to purchase new equipment.Cable (broadband) - cable alarm systems use your Internet connection. While these may be slightly more secure than land lines, the cables can still be cut, and there is always the possibility, while small, of an Internet outage interrupting your service. For this reason, with cable security systems it's recommended that you add battery backup.Cellular - a cellular system, while slightly more expensive, is also our recommended type of security system setup. Why? Because it uses a dedicated two-way cellular network (not the same network your phone uses - no worries of "dropped" calls here), not land lines that are susceptible to cutting. Your control panel also has battery backup - so there's no way for a thieve to run in and dismantle it. Because when the alarm goes off, a signal is sent, and when you disarm, a second signal is sent. If the second signal is never received (ie. if a thief trashes your security system control panel), then authorities are dispatched.
Now that you have an idea of what types of home security systems are on the market, it's time to look into the actual components (sensors, etc.) for your home security setup. Note that, at a minimum, you'll need a control panel (for communicating with your alarm system provider and monitoring station) and door sensors (so a break-in can be detected). In most situations you'll also want to install at least one motion sensor.
Control panel - a control panel is the brains behind your security system. It's used to communicate with your alarm system provider as well as your monitoring station. You'll typically install at least one in your home, but may install multiple control panels depending on the size of your house, and the different entry points you use to gain access to your home. Alarm system control buttons - every control panel will come with arm and disarm buttons. When disarming, you'll be asked for a unique PIN code to enter that will enable you to disarm the system. Typically, your system will also have entry and exit delays allowing you a fixed amount of time (typically 30 seconds to 1 minute) to enter and leave the home before the system is armed (upon leaving) or an alarm is sounded (upon entering and failing to disarm). You'll also be able to select a stay (arm doors and windows for sleeping at night) or away (arm all sensors as you leave the home) arming mode.Status buttons - some control panels will let you see a history of events that have been triggered, such as door and window openings, motion sensors being tripped, and of course, actual alarm events.Emergency buttons - control panels may include one press emergency buttons that will put you in touch with the local authorities, or send them out to your home, as quickly as possible. These include police, medical, and fire.2-way calling - some control panels and alarm system setups will be configured to allow two-way calling with your alarm company. This will allow you to speak to your security system provider without picking up the phone.Door and window sensors - a typical setup will include door sensors for your exterior doors, as well as several window sensors. Usually these are the same type of sensor - they simply attach a transmitter to your door or window frame and a magnet to the door or window itself, so the alarm can detect if the door or window is opened. Note that these sensors will not detect glass breaks. See the glass break sensors below for more info.Motion sensors - motion sensors usually detect motion based on body heat in a 90 degree angle up to 45 feet away. The optimal place to install your motion sensor is in a corner, so the 90 degrees of coverage run along each wall, effectively covering the maximum amount of space. Additionally, it helps to install them at a height of 5 feet or lower so they can detect ground motion as well. Alternatively, you can install them between the wall and ceiling, pointing downwards at an angle to cover the room (this type of setup will typically involve screws, or a semi-permanent installation). Note that motion sensors can be used in lie of window sensors - as you'll be able to cover several windows with one motion sensor. The drawback to this approach is that if you arm your system in "stay" mode, typically only the door and window sensors will be armed.Another thing to keep in mind with motion sensors is that, depending on the weight of your pet (dog, for example), your pets might be able to trip your motion sensor. Ask your security representative about the specifics of your motion sensors and what they recommend. Typically, you should be able to confine your pets to areas that are not covered by your motion sensors while you are away.Glass break sensors - glass break sensors should be installed if you have large sliding glass doors, large windows, or simply want additional protection in the event that a thief enters your house by breaking the glass instead of opening the window. A glass break sensor will detect the unique frequency of glass breaking, usually up to 10 feet away - so you should be able to install one to cover at least two windows. Note that glass break sensors will not detect windows opening if the glass doesn't break (just as window sensors will not detect glass breaking). For a full solution, you'll need either both window and glass break sensor (for a window), or (we prefer this) a motion sensor to cover the area.Note that glass break sensors will sound an alarm if glass is broken, whether or not your system is armed. Ask your security representative for details on this. The idea being that glass shouldn't be breaking at any time, whether your system is armed or not.Security cameras - security cameras can be installed indoors and outdoors. You can combine them with interactive monitoring to keep an eye on your pets while you are gone; or to record video or your premises which can help law enforcement track down potential criminals or trespassers.
There are two basic ways of arming your home security system: Stay (or "home") and Away. In Stay mode, the system assumes that you are home, and typically this will mean that motion sensors are disabled. In Away mode, the system assumes that you are out of the house, and will therefore enable all sensors. Note that glass break sensors are typically enabled at all times, even when your system is disarmed. After all, you typically don't enter your home by breaking in through the window, right? These are things to keep in mind as you decide on which components (sensors) to add to your system, and how many of each to add. As we pointed out, you can use motion sensors to cover large areas, including areas that normally might require a series of window sensors. However, if you arm your system in Stay mode, the motion sensors typically won't arm. You can always, of course, arm the system in Away mode when you're at home, but keep in mind that you'll want to keep yourself (and your family members and pets) away from the motion sensors so they don't get tripped.
A central monitoring station is what your home security system is connected to. They are the people that are monitoring the activity in your home (when your house is armed), and that will contact you and dispatch the authorities in the event of a break-in.
Lots of the top alarm companies will go on and on about the number and quality of central monitoring stations (the station that take your alarm alert and pass it to local authorities), and the inferiority of central monitoring stations other companies use. The bottom line is that you want an alarm company that doesn't simply use a good central monitoring station, but does a good job of installing your system to your needs (or in the case of a self-install, helps guide you through the process), answers your security questions, and makes you feel comfortable with the service you are buying. You want your alarm system setup correctly and with adequate security measures (ie. doesn't allow cut phone lines) to begin with.
According to research studies, homes with a monitored security system are 2.2 times less likely to be burglarized, and business with a monitored security system are 4.5 times less likely to be burglarized. In addition, 85% of police chiefs recommend the installation of monitored security systems.
Front Point uses Rapid Response for their central monitoring (the center that processes your alarm event and dispatches local authorities). With a state-of-the-art 40,000 square foot headquarters facility in Central New York, Rapid Response Monitoring is listed by Underwriter Laboratories and certified by Factory Mutual. Rapid Response is one of fewer than two dozen Central Stations approved to monitor fire alarms in New York City. In addition to fire alarms, Rapid Response also monitors burglary, supervisory & medical signals, and offers GPS tracking/monitoring. Rapid Response performs monitoring of military, commercial, and residential accounts as well as provides answering service capability for its Dealers. Video, voice and data are processed by highly trained personnel to ensure error free handling of calls and signals. Check out the Rapid Response website for more information.
The best home security system, in summation, will have all of the following:
Good Customer service - Do they answer your questions and try to address your needs (as opposed to theirs, and simply making money).Customer reviews - Do in-depth research to find out if your home security provider is getting good consumer reviews. In particular, it's important to keep in mind that with larger home security providers (such as ADT, Brinks, CPI, etc.), reviews will often be targeted at local authorized dealers, which means reviews will vary greatly depending on geographic location.Cellular system - We recommend you invest in a cellular system. The increased security and reliability are worth it.Interactive monitoring - it's a huge plus to be able to keep track of everything that's happening at home, while you are away. You can also use interactive monitoring to remotely disarm your system.Central monitoring station - a reliable, well known central monitoring station that's not run out of someone's garage.
FrontPoint Security wins top choice as our best home security system. Why? A combination of excellent customer service, reliable equipment, self-installation, and interactive monitoring all add up to create a solid and trustworthy security solution. But don't take our word for it, read this article, do your own research, and then make up your mind. When you're ready, you can call toll-free, (888) 268-6273, to find out more about FrontPoint and your options for your home security system. And for our members, mention promo code CWD910 to receive a free keychain remote with your order.
Please comment below with your own home security experience. We want to hear all about it! Also, if you have any questions regarding security system providers, equipment, sensors, etc. ask away and we'll do our best to answer them. We have quite a bit of experience in the security system niche, which simply started with us finding the need to install and manage our own alarm system. So we talked to dozens of companies, took notes, tried out equipment, etc. etc. until we found a solution that worked for us. That doesn't necessarily mean it will work for you though, so make sure you do your own research and select a system and provider that you're comfortable with.
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