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Your Home Security Cheat Sheet: A Round Up of Our Experts' Best Advice

Have serious questions about home security? We've collected all our guides and tips into one place so you can find just what you're looking for.

Tyler Lacoma Editor / Home Security
For more than 10 years Tyler has used his experience in smart home tech to craft how-to guides, explainers, and recommendations for technology of all kinds. From using his home in beautiful Bend, OR as a testing zone for the latest security products to digging into the nuts and bolts of the best data privacy guidelines, Tyler has experience in all aspects of protecting your home and belongings. With a BA in Writing from George Fox and certification in Technical Writing from Oregon State University, he's ready to get you the details you need to make the best decisions for your home. On off hours, you can find Tyler exploring the Cascade trails, finding the latest brew in town with some friends, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen!
Expertise Smart home | Smart security | Home tech | Energy savings | A/V
See full bio
David Anders Senior Writer
David Anders is a senior writer for CNET covering broadband providers, smart home devices and security products. Prior to joining CNET, David built his industry expertise writing for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. In his 5 plus years covering broadband, David's work has been referenced by a variety of sources including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. David is from and currently resides in the Charlotte area with his wife, son and two cats.
Expertise Broadband providers | Home internet | Security Cameras
See full bio
Tyler Lacoma , 
David Anders
7 min read
A security camera looks out from a metal post in front of an orange illustration of a home.

Home security questions? This hub has everything to get you started.

 CNET
home tips logo
CNET

Dip your toes into home security and you'll find a world packed with smart home solutions, monitoring devices, fears about home hacking and advice on how to deter criminals. It's all a bit overwhelming for casual browsers looking for answers. That's why this guide exists.

Here, we've gathered up all the expert advice answering common security questions and offering device recommendations, divided into easy-to-understand categories. Below, you'll find info about top tech like video doorbells and smart locks as well as recommendations for a variety of home security systems (including plenty of budget options). We've also got tips for security cameras, home security myths busted and plenty of advice for renters. Check it out!

 (You can also check out our home internet cheat sheet and our solar panel cheat sheet.)

Best Home Security Systems See at Cnet

Is DIY or a professional home security system best?

Arlo's all-purpose sensor connected to the top of a white home door.

Arlo sensors can do nearly anything and are easy to move whenever you want.

 Arlo

There are pros and cons to each home security option. DIY home security setups are often more affordable, customizable and compatible with other smart home devices, but you'll likely have to do the installing, setup and constant monitoring yourself. A professional home security service, though it's typically a bit more expensive and may require a monthly subscription, can save you the trouble of installing and setting up your equipment and help suggest the best devices to get. However, they may also lock you into contracts. Professional home monitoring is often available for either type of system, but it's more likely to be standard on a professional installation. Here are some resources to help you decide which system will work best for your home.

What's the best home security system?

Simplisafe Foundation System
Simplisafe/CNET

If you're going with a fully home system that includes separate sensors and a hub to arm or disarm, you'll need to consider different package options that may include an assortment of devices including cameras, alarms, window sensors and motion detectors. (And if you prefer to build your own custom setup, virtually any home security device can be purchased separately.) We've got tested reviews on all of the major players in the security system space: 

What's the best video doorbell?

If you're looking for a video doorbell to monitor your front door (and deter porch pirates from stealing packages), there are tons of options available for under $200. They all function largely the same, so the best one for your home may come down to design, brand preferences and compatibility with any existing smart home devices or hubs you may have. You may also want to compare extra features like free cloud storage, customizable door chimes or color options when selecting the best smart doorbell for your home. Here are our reviews of some of the video doorbells you may be considering:

Arlo video doorbell

The Arlo video doorbell is one of several strong options on the market.

 Chris Monroe/CNET

What's the best home security camera?

The Blink Outdoor 4 camera connected to a wooden fence post.

Blink's Outdoor 4 cam is easy to mount and reliable for watching an outdoor space.

 CNET/Tyler Lacoma

Like video doorbells, the best home security camera may come down to price and brand preferences, but you'll also want to consider where you'll be placing the camera and the desired field of view. Some cameras have the ability to pan and tilt and can track motion. Others are built to withstand the rain, wind and temperature extremes of being outdoors. Almost all have motion detection, object recognition and two-way audio. If placing a camera outdoors, keep in mind that some cameras have a wired power source, so you may have to run an extension cord to plug it in. Here are our tested reviews of home security cameras for you to consider:

Where should I put a home security camera?

Nest cam kept beside a planter

Home security cameras can help you keep an eye on things while you're away.

 Molly Price/CNET

While you'll naturally want to put your home security camera in a spot that gives you the view you want, there's more to it than that. Corners are often the best spot for indoor cameras as they'll give you a wider view of the room, but if your camera has 360-degree panning, a central location may be best. As for outdoor cameras, try to install it 10 feet or so above the ground and in a spot where it won't take consistent exposure to direct sunlight or rain. Also, avoid installing any camera in a position that may compromise your neighbor's privacy. Video doorbells, meanwhile, should be installed about four feet up from the bottom of the doorframe.

How can I give the impression someone is home while I'm away? 

ikea smart lights being operated remotely

Ikea's affordable smart lights.

 Ikea

You can use smart plugs and lighting to make possible intruders think twice about whether or not your home is unoccupied. Schedule single light fixtures, such as a lamp, or a whole group of lights to turn on or off at various times while you're away. Plugs and lights won't watch your home the same as a camera or motion sensor will, but they could prevent an intruder from targeting your home in the first place. Also, they're a downright convenient way to turn the lights out at night.

Can I get a home security system without a monthly subscription?

Most DIY home security systems do not require a monthly subscription and come with live feed viewing, push notifications and alerts, local storage options and more at no extra cost. 

Several features often require a monthly fee, but this varies a lot between brands. Ring charges for object detection and smart alerts, while Nest doesn't. Nest offers limited free cloud storage, but most brands make you pay a subscription for online video storage. Lorex and Eufy specialize in local storage with less emphasis cloud data. With a little work, you can quickly find devices and whole systems that don't require any kind of subscription.

The one caveat is professional home monitoring, where an agent at a security center can respond to your alarms or alerts. That's always going to cost you extra, and usually only becomes available at the higher tier plans. 

A view from the Ring app on a smartphone, showing an intruder in a backyard.

Ring's live views are easily accessible by users, but they're unlikely to be hacked.

 Ring/Amazon

Can my home security system get hacked?

Any kind of technology can have security vulnerabilities. However, your home security system isn't going to get hacked. Cybercriminals don't go around trying to hack doorbells or smart locks. They don't have the tools, the know-how or the time. Instead, home security can be "hacked" by people who already have the login information, like a jealous ex or a divorced spouse. That's why it's always a good idea to stay on top of your password management.

The closest we've seen to home hacking is the use of security system jammers, but there are barely any reports of criminals actually using these devices (you will, however, find lots of scary headlines with little substance behind them). One of the only accounts of successful burglary via Wi-Fi jammers was by a homeowner's friend who already knew the make and model of the security system -- not exactly a common situation.

Instead, your information is more likely to be hacked in a massive data breach on a security company's servers, or stolen by a company employee, which is why we constantly watch for companies that have a track record of poor security practices.

Eufy's leak detector sitting in a pool of water on a white tile floor.

Leak detectors, especially battery models, can go nearly anywhere.

 Eufy

How do I prepare for a home emergency?

Home emergencies can include anything from raging wildfires to floods, earthquakes or really bad sewer system problems. The best way to handle events like these is with the right preparation. Even if you're caught off guard, keeping a cool head and contacting the right experts can keep the woes at bay. These guides are a great starting place. 

For more information about home security products and tips for creating and maintaining the best home security setup for your home, check out the CNET Home Security page.