Top 10 Wireless Security Systems Deals Right Now

The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit is designed for homes with 2-4 bedrooms and includes essential components like a Base Station, Keypads, Contact Sensors, Motion Detectors, and a Range Extender. It excels in providing comprehensive coverage with its motion detectors and contact sensors, ensuring all entry points are monitored.

The included intuitive Keypad allows for easy arming and disarming of the system, while mobile notifications keep users informed of any triggers through the Ring app. The system integrates well with Alexa for voice control, although this requires a subscription to a Ring Home Plan, which is an additional cost.

Connectivity is robust with options like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth for setup, ensuring reliable operation. Battery life is also solid with a 24-hour backup for the Base Station and approximately 3 years for contact sensors, using standard batteries. The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit offers a solid foundation for home security, particularly for users who prioritize entry point monitoring and mobile integration.

The Ring Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd Gen) is a comprehensive home security system designed for 1-2 bedroom homes. It includes a Base Station, Keypad, four Contact Sensors, a Motion Detector, and a Range Extender. This setup covers essential areas such as entry points and motion detection, enhancing home security. The system's connectivity is robust, utilizing Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth for setup, ensuring reliable communication between devices.

An additional subscription to Ring Home Standard offers cellular backup and professional monitoring, which could be vital for continuous protection even if Wi-Fi goes down. The sensors and devices are easy to install, either mounted on walls or placed on flat surfaces, making the setup process user-friendly. Furthermore, integration with Alexa allows for voice commands and live view monitoring, adding to the convenience.

Many advanced features like 24/7 recording, digital arming/disarming, and professional monitoring require separate subscriptions. This can add to the cost of the system, which might be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the system is designed for indoor use and operates within specific temperature ranges, which may limit flexibility in certain environments. The battery life of the devices varies, with some offering up to three years while others have a 24-hour backup, ensuring short-term power outages are covered. The Ring Alarm 8-piece kit is ideal for those looking for a reliable and expandable home security solution with the flexibility to add more sensors and accessories as needed. Users should consider the additional costs associated with subscriptions for full functionality.

The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) is a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable video doorbell that fits into a wired doorbell setup. It offers a 720p HD camera with a wide 145-degree field of view, letting you see most of your porch area clearly. The doorbell distinguishes between people, packages, animals, and vehicles, which helps reduce unnecessary alerts. Night vision works up to about 10 feet, so you can check on visitors or deliveries even in low light. Two-way audio lets you talk directly through the doorbell, useful for greeting guests or giving delivery instructions.

On the storage side, you get 3 hours of free event history via the Google Home app, which can be extended up to 30 days or continuous recording with a paid Nest Aware subscription. This means you’re not locked into a subscription but might want one for extra video history. Connectivity is through Wi-Fi, and the doorbell integrates well with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices for live viewing and voice commands.

Being a wired device, it requires existing doorbell wiring, and installation may need you to upgrade your chime and transformer, which can be a bit tricky for some users. It also requires the Google Home app and a Google account, and it doesn’t work with the older Nest app. Battery life isn’t a concern here since it’s wired, so no need for recharging. The design is sleek and eco-friendly, made partially from recycled materials. Its resolution is modest compared to some newer models offering Full HD or higher, and night vision range is somewhat limited, with basic digital zoom. For those wanting simple, dependable monitoring for a front door and comfortable with wired installation, this doorbell offers good smart features without forcing a subscription. However, if you prefer wireless setup or higher video resolution, there are other options to consider.