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Best Wireless Alarm System 2023 • 9 Wireless Alarm Systems Reviews
Wireless alarm systems ensure home security, so you feel safe. They alert to breaches of exterior doors and unexpected movement within a property, deterring criminals.
Wireless Alarm System Leaderboard 2023
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What is a Wireless Alarm System?
A wireless alarm system is designed to deter burglars or intruders and to highlight any disturbances on a property.
How does a wireless alarm system work?
A control panel is installed near an entry point, such as a front door. A corresponding sensor can be applied to the front door to alert the owner that the front door is open when the alarm is on. Movement sensors can be installed throughout the property to detect movement elsewhere. Some alarms aim to deter criminals via the alarm alone; others will also send an alert to your phone.
Advantages and Applications
A wireless alarm system can offer the peace of mind that your property will remain secure when empty. You may only vacate your property for short periods, or longer periods including vacations. If you live alone, you may feel assured upon returning to your property that it has remained secure.
Wireless alarm systems can also be set to include zones, allowing you to partially set an alarm dependent on where you are in the house. The most common application is at nighttime, when you may wish to set the alarm downstairs or for entry points such as the front door, to offer added security when you are sleeping.
Having a wireless alarm system could also bring your home insurance premiums down, due to the added level of security it offers.
What types of wireless alarm systems are there?
The most common wireless alarm systems include the following.
- Simple radio wave alarms. The sensors communicate with the control panel via radio waves to alert anyone nearby to a security breach and possible intruder or burglar. The noise acts as a deterrent to criminal activity and is likely to interrupt a burglary.
- Wi-Fi alarms. Sensors communicate with the control panel through your home Wi-Fi.
- Smart wireless alarm. The wireless system sends an alert to your smartphone when the alarm is activated, prompting you to check what is happening at home.
- Wireless alarm with camera. Wireless systems will take images when the alarm is activated and send them straight to your smartphone. With this system, you can see what is happening at home from anywhere in the world.
How a Wireless Alarm System is Tested
Wireless alarm systems undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the desired standards. To make it easy for you to choose the right alarm system for your property or business, you can look at several key testing areas to make sure that a certain alarm will suit the building, your family, and your lifestyle. Areas that are tested may include the following.
Range
For standard-sized houses, the range may be less important, but when buying a wireless alarm system for a larger property, you want to know the system will cover every room. The range of a high-specification system can be over 300 meters.
Security Grade
A graded system can help you see how secure a certain alarm is. The most basic alarm will deter an opportunistic thief, whereas higher security grades will prevent a security bypass by a more organized thief.
Intelligent Features
If you have pets at home, or even a robotic vacuum, you want to be sure that you can set your alarm without a furry friend setting it off. Smart alarms can ignore your pets but still alert you to security issues.
Ease of Installation
Image Quality
If selecting an alarm that offers images upon activation, the pixel quality of the image can be assessed. Clear images may help to identify who activated the alarm.
What to Look for When Buying a Wireless Alarm System
A wireless alarm system needs to fit your exact security requirements. Calculate the size of your property as accurately as possible to ensure all sensors can communicate with the control panel.
Leading Manufacturers of Wireless Alarm Systems
When it comes to wireless alarm systems, some manufacturers’ products feature regularly. Below are seven market leaders to consider.
The GE Personal Security Alarm Kit includes door alarms and sensors and is easy to install.- The SimpliSafe 5-piece system contains entry and motion sensors to deter criminals. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- The Nest 5-piece secure alarm system includes a key fob, camera, and two motion sensors. The camera can be monitored 24/7 using the Nest app.
- The SimpliSafe 12-piece system with HD camera is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It also allows you to view your home 24/7.
- The Ring Alarm 8-piece kit includes a base station, keypad, motion detector, and four contact sensors. Professional monitoring can be added for an additional monthly fee.
- The Samsung SmartThings ADT Wireless Home Security Starter Kit contains door and window detectors, motion sensors, and added benefits including remote light operation.
- The Thustar 8-piece security system contains door and window sensors, motion sensors, and an emergency or SOS fob in case of illness or injury. It can be voice-controlled with Alexa.
The Internet Versus Retail Trade: Where should I buy my wireless alarm system?
There are numerous retailers that stock wireless alarm systems; however, a much wider selection can be found online. As most systems are designed to be user-friendly, you can simply order the right alarm for your property and benefit from the easy installation.
Advantages and Disadvantages Based on Customer Reviews
Customers in the US have left honest and helpful reviews regarding their purchase when it comes to wireless alarm systems. Here we look at what they raved about, and what disappointed them.
The Ring Alarm 8-piece set was popular because of the optional additional offer of 24/7 professional monitoring for added peace of mind. However, some reviewers were disappointed upon realizing that the monitoring would cost them an additional fee each month. Users liked that the sensors were small and unobtrusive in their homes. The system included plenty of settings including different sounds for each door, various light settings, and the option to customize the alarm delay periods. Unfortunately, some users received faulty systems, and others had difficulty connecting the alarm to Alexa.
The GE Personal Security Alarm Kit was popular because of its reasonable price. Users found it easy to install and were impressed at the loud volume of the alarm, which would easily alert them to intruders and act as a deterrent. One customer felt that the alarm offered reassurance for those worried about children escaping through exterior doors, as the alarm alerted them to the opening of doors from inside. They felt this was especially helpful at night. Some users were less impressed and felt that the alarm was just too loud! Others claimed that the sensors could be difficult to attach to the wall. The batteries may run out quickly, especially on doors that are frequently opened and closed.
Interesting Facts and Advice
The History of the Wireless Alarm System
Home alarm systems were invented in 1966 by Marie Van Brittan Brown, an African American inventor. Wires were initially used to connect the sensors with the control panel. The 1980s and 1990s saw the standardization of alarm systems for building security. When wireless alarm systems came onto the scene, customers were glad to reduce the number of cables and the need for drilling into walls and ceilings to hide wires during installation.
Figures about the Wireless Alarm System
Security systems represent a booming market in the US. The DIY home security market is thought to be worth around $1.5 billion. As the FBI reported that 1.7 million homes were burglarized in 2014, it is no surprise that homeowners are looking for added security. A study at UNC Charlotte found that 83% of burglars looked for a visible alarm system, and of these, 60% were deterred if they saw one installed. It is therefore no surprise that wireless alarm systems remain a popular purchase.
Install a Wireless Alarm System in 5 Steps
Wireless alarm systems are designed to be easy to install with minimal technological experience!
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5 Tips for Care
Good care will prolong the life of your alarm system.
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Useful Accessories
To make the most of a compatible alarm system, invest in a virtual assistant AI system such as Alexa to allow voice commands. Depending on the size of your property, you may also want to install additional sensors.
FAQs
Which system should I purchase?
Decide on a system based on whether you need a simple alarm, or a smart system with the option of live monitoring.
How does a wireless alarm system work?
Motion or door-opening are detected by sensors, which feed to a control panel via radio waves or Wi-Fi, to sound the alarm.
Should I get a system with CCTV?
Yes, if you want to be able to see what is happening at home remotely.
Do I need to pay a monthly fee?
Some systems charge a monthly fee for monitoring. Be sure to check the fine print.
Can I use a system in my apartment?
Yes, door alarms and movement sensors can be added to apartments.
Is a wireless system suitable for a rental?
Wireless systems are ideal for rental properties as no drilling is required.
Can the alarm cover my garage?
What’s the difference between wired and wireless?
A wired system connects sensors and the control panel via cables, whereas a wireless system communicates without wires.
Do I need to use an app?
Some systems will require an app to be downloaded to make full use of the security features.
Can I use it without Wi-Fi?
Yes, some systems communicate via radio waves or cellular data rather than Wi-Fi.
Alternatives to the Wireless Alarm System
Aside from a traditional wired system, another alternative could be a CCTV system for 24/7 surveillance without installing an alarm.
Further Links and Sources
- https://www.safewise.com/home-security-faq/how-much-does-a-security-system-cost/
- https://www.abus.com/eng/Guide/Break-in-protection/Alarm-systems/History-of-the-alarm-system
- https://alarm.org/the-history-of-home-security/
- https://www.zdnet.com/article/alexa-guard-now-turns-your-smart-speaker-into-home-security-device/
- https://www.safewise.com/home-security-faq/how-glass-break-detectors-work/
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