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Best wireless and wired home security systems in the UK

Writer's picture: Christopher WhiteChristopher White

Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee


This blog post contains affiliate links which may make us a tiny bit of money if you buy something through it - but we haven't been paid to write this post.


When it comes to home security, most of us probably rely on a decent home contents insurance plan, and basically just hope for the best (I know I do). (Side note: that question your insurers ask about how many pins your front door lock has…it’s pure guesswork - does anyone really know their Yale locks that intimately?)


Did you know that in 2021/22 there were 266,283 burglaries in England and Wales? In the US, the figures are even more shocking, with the FBI reporting 2.5 million burglaries annually, and a break-in occurring every 26 seconds.


Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into and burglarised according to Alarms.org. Nearly 47% of people don’t have a home security system installed in their home, and 83% of would-be burglars check for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in (stats source).


So there really is a good argument for investing into a home security system, or at least a camera that we can check into from wherever we are in the world. It might also come in handy if you have a pet at home and want to make sure it's ok.


In this article, we explore the benefits and disadvantages of installing a home security system, and list our best home security systems and cameras in three categories: under £100, £100-£200, and £200 and above.


 


Best cheap home security systems - under £100


In this section:


ieGeek - £29.99

Blink Mini Compact - £29.99

Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the classic Ring Video Doorbell by Amazon

Ring Video Doorbell by Amazon

Price: £89.99 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • Wireless - battery powered

  • HD video and night vision

  • Two way talk to anyone via your phone or tablet

  • Quick replies enables you to respond with pre-selected message

  • Easy connection

  • Pairs with Alexa

  • Instant notifications

Cons

  • You’ll need a separate subscription to the Ring Protect Plan to record, review and share video - it’s €3.99 a month for one device, or €10 a year for the whole home.


Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the Blink Indoor Wireless Security Camera

Blink Indoor Wireless Security Camera


Price: £69.99 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • Wireless

  • Battery powered so no electrician required - runs up to 2 years on single set of AA batteries

  • Works with Alexa

  • Can set it up yourself

  • Comes with free Blink Home monitor app

  • Customisable motion alerts can be sent to phone

  • Attractive and discreet

Cons

  • Not as comprehensive as larger more expensive systems

  • May need other add ons, such as the subscription plan, if you want to save video clips



Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the EZVIZ security camera

EZVIZ Security Camera


Price: £20.39 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • Wireless

  • Works with Alexa

  • 360 degree field of vision

  • Smart night vision so you can see in the dark

  • Tracks motion from people or animals

  • Comes with a mobile app

  • Two way communication

  • Save recordings to built in micro-SD card slot

  • Great value

Cons

  • Indoor only

  • Other systems have better resolution

Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the tapo outdoor security wifi camera

TP-Link Tapo Outdoor Security WiFi Camera


Price: £36.99 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • Outdoor

  • Works with Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire TV and Google home / hub / Chromecast

  • Stores recordings locally up to 128 GB in micro-SD card

  • Ultra HD video, crystal clear 3mega pixel resolution

  • Wired or wireless - can connect via Wi-Fi


Cons

  • May need Tapo Care subscription to access advanced functions and cloud storage (free trial available)

If this is out of your range, you can go for the TP-Link Tapo Mini at only £19.99 - no hub required.

Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the tapo pan/tilt home security wifi camera

TP-Link Tapo Pan / Tilt


Price: £24.99 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • 360 degree rotational views

  • No hub required - wireless data connection works with any wifi router

  • HD resolution with night vision up to 30 feet

  • Two way audio

  • Motion detector - and customisable activity zones

  • Local SD card storage

  • Works with Alexa and Google Home

Cons

  • Separate subscription required to access advanced features

  • Requires wired power connection via a power socket (adaptor included)

  • You get what you pay for

  • Indoor only

Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the ieGeek antenna security camera

ieGeek Outdoor Security Antenna Camera


Price: £29.99 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • Outdoor

  • Adjustable smart motion detection with real-time alert to your phone

  • Sounds alarm to scare off unwanted guests

  • 4dBi dual wifi antenna makes connection super stable

  • You can watch the camera anywhere

  • IP66 waterproof

  • Two way audio lets you have conversations with visitors

  • Connect to PC, mobile phone and tablet at the same time

Cons

  • Needs connecting to power supply (3 metres of cable supplied)

  • Not as sophisticated as more expensive systems


Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the Blink Mini security camera

Blink Mini Compact



Pros

  • Small and discreet

  • Get alerts on your smartphone

  • Can record footage locally on USB

  • Two way audio

  • Great for monitoring pets and babies

  • Alexa compatible

  • Free Blink Home Monitor app

Cons

  • Smaller system

  • Will require a number of these cameras for comprehensive home monitoring

  • Requires subscription for advanced features such as cloud recording (free trial available)

Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured are the window and door ultra slim alarms

Window & Door Ultra Slim Alarms

Price: £30.99 - Buy now on Amazon


Pros

  • No technology skills or knowledge required!

  • Battery powered so no wired power source needed

  • Easy installation

  • Ultra sensitive

  • Good value - a 6 pack is only £30.99

Cons

  • Basic solution

  • Sensitivity could mean they are triggered unnecessarily

  • Affixed with double sided tape, so might require re-adhesion at a later date if the tape degrades

  • Not a smart system, so will not alert you if you are away from the home but the loud 120dB siren will certainly annoy the neighbours until you get back from your holiday

 

Best affordable home security systems and cameras: £100 - £200


In this section:




Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the Blink outdoor wireless security system

Blink Outdoor Wireless System


Price: £153.99 - Buy it on Amazon


Pros

  • #1 best seller on Amazon

  • Wireless, battery powered

  • HD resolution

  • Runs for up to 2 years on 2 x AA batteries

  • Outdoor - weatherproof

  • Motion detection alerts to your phone

  • Customisable motion zones

  • Live view and two way talk in real-time allows you to communicate with visitors

  • No wiring or professional installation required

  • Works with Alexa

Cons

  • You’ll need to have an Alexa-compatible compact display

  • Requires a subscription to access advanced features and cloud recording

  • Requires a USB drive and Sync Module 2 to record locally


Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the Staniot Home Alarm system

Staniot Home Alarm System - 10 piece


Price: £169.99 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • User friendly experience

  • Security panel has touch screen with anti-fingerprint tech, and ultra thin body and super fast smart chip

  • Instant notifications to your phone when system is triggered

  • System optimisation ongoing by manufacturer

  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Home

  • Supports up to 200 accessories to form a home security system (different types of sensors, sirens etc)

  • 10 piece kit includes security panel, 4 x entry sensors, SOS button, 2 x remote controls, wired siren, PIR motion sensor

  • Manufacturers pride themselves on customer service

  • Easy to install

  • Handsome and sleek design

  • Screen on monitor has very good resolution

Cons

  • Does not include cameras

  • alarm panes will arm even if doors are not closed or if tampers are tripped or broken

  • Door contacts reported as too small, and cheap

  • If a door or window is not closed, then the alarm doesn’t go off

  • Small pets do activate the alarm if they are close enough

  • No SIM port so cannot use phone network to contact you or alarm company if activated

  • Glue from mounting stickers could prove inadequate after some time

  • Monitor and base unit need recharging often - requiring removal from the wall

  • Some users reported difficulty connecting to wifi and constant errors (although potentially caused by defective system)


Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the SANNCE outdoor CCTV system


SANNCE 8 Channel Outdoor CCTV System - 4 pieces


Price: £169.99 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • 1080P day and night cameras with crisp sensor, including brighter night vision

  • Expandable system, just add more cameras

  • Outdoor weather resistant to IP66

  • Monitor via the app on your phone, tablet or laptop/desktop

  • Instant motion-activated email alert

  • 1 year warranty and lifetime tech support for free

  • Cameras available in black or white

  • Noise-less box

  • Camera set up easy

Cons

  • Wired - so some installation is required

  • Zoomed in picture quality reported as pixelated

  • Software system installation might be harder for less tech-savvy users

  • The accompanying app reported as clunky and difficult to navigate

  • Cameras potentially feel a bit ‘plasticky’

Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the Ring Alarm 2nd gen 5 piece security system

Ring Alarm 2nd Gen system - 5 piece


Price: £188.95 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • 5 piece kit

  • Good starter kit at affordable price

  • Works with Alexa

  • Includes Base station, Keypad, Contact sensor, motion detector and range extender

  • Optional assisted monitoring and mobile back up available for £8 a month

  • Easily add additional components

  • Easy and quick to set up

  • Connects via WiFi

  • Pair with Alexa enabled devices to arm and disarm your system with your voice

  • Nice sleek design in white

Cons

  • Requires Alexa device

  • Keypad and Ring Alarm base station both designed for indoor use and require power supply

  • volume of the countdown voice and beeps are low

  • Can only arm when front door is closed

  • Must remember PIN to arm


Best home security systems and cameras: £200 and up


In this section:




Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the eufy Security eufycam system

eufy Security eufyCam system

Price: £209.99 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • Completely wire-free

  • Very easy to set up

  • Crystal clear HD resolution

  • 180 day battery life

  • Detailed night vision

  • Intelligent alerts mean you are only alerted when a person is near (not a stray cat)

  • Outdoor to IP67 rating (extreme)

  • No monthly fee

Cons

  • Only 135 degree field of vision

  • Does not record through glass

  • Not as quick to send video as wired system

  • Reviews have questioned intelligent alert effectiveness - which seems to be set off by everything from moths to tree branches swaying

  • Price variation on Amazon seems to change rapidly

  • Wall mount stand may limit pan and angles

  • Alert siren has been reported as being too quiet


Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the Blink Video doorbell, cameras and sync module

Blink Video Doorbell, Cameras & Sync Module


Price: £239.96 - Buy it now on Amazon

Pros

  • Combines some of the best elements of the Ring system in a package

  • Doorbell helps you welcome visitors

  • Wire-free outdoor camera complements doorbell

  • Two year battery life

  • Two way audio

  • HF day and infrared night video

  • Customisable alerts & privacy settings

  • Go wire free or connect to existing doorbell wiring to sound your current in-home bell

  • Set up yourself within minutes

  • Weather resistant to IP54

  • Works with Alexa

  • Includes Video doorbell, 2 x outdoor cameras, Sync Module 2 and mounting kit

  • Included sync module means you can easily expand your Blink system

Cons

  • Might be a little on the pricey side for most of us


Best wireless home security systems in the UK: Many of the top 10 home alarm systems in the UK come with cameras and no monthly fee - pictured is the SimpliSafe home security system

SimpliSafe Home Security System - 7 piece


Price: £324.00 - Buy it now on Amazon


Pros

  • Wireless

  • Fantastic build quality

  • Reported as very user friendly

  • Includes base station, keypad, camera, 3 x entry sensors and 1 x motion sensor

  • Add up to 100 x additional SimpliSafe components and 10 x indoor security cameras to expand the system

  • Easy DIY installation - no drilling or wiring required

  • Pet friendly and silent - ignores cats and dogs up to 23KG!

  • Smash proof, hack proof

  • 4G data back up

  • 24 hour battery backup

  • Keypad nice to use and user friendly

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Paywall is annoying: 'optional' monthly subscription for professional monitoring for £15.99 per month - users have reported that many of the app’s features will not work without this subscription, including Alexa

  • Just works as a static alarm without paying for app - so is an expensive set up


 

what are the best home security systems in the UK

Conclusion: what are the best home security systems in the UK?


This really depends on your budget, and how serious you are about protecting your home. Essentially, and we hate to use this particular cliche, you do get what you pay for.


If you're looking to simply be able to see who is at your door when you're not at home, then the Ring Video Doorbell is probably your best bet, and is designed to integrate with a smart home system.


For a simple wifi-based camera inside the home, the EZVIZ security camera at only £20.39 is a great budget option - but the question is, if you see an intruder on the camera, what then? It's probably better, if you have the money, to opt for something that is a bit more interactive - rather than systems like the TP-Link Tapo, EZVIZ and Blink Mini, which seem better for simply monitoring and recording footage.


If you're really not into smart technology for whatever reason, then the battery-powered Window and Door Ultra Slim alarms are totally off-grid and have 0% chance of anyone hacking them. Basic is one word you could use for them, but perhaps reliable is another.


Then again, if you're on the other end of the home security system spectrum, then the key word is 'system', and you'll be interested in having a number of components which link together to provide a wider system of home security, with various sensors and alarms as well and the standard connections with smart phones.


We really liked the look of the SimpliSafe Home Security system, but unfortunately it seems like the 'optional' monthly subscription, when not taken out, limits the functionality of the whole thing, and left a bad taste in some people's mouths. But if you can find the £15.99 a month fee, then it looks like this is probably the best 'affordable' system out there, without paying an actual home security company to give you a professional-grade one.


If you aren't keen on being pulled into a monthly contract, then we'd probably go for the Blink Video Doorbell package, which at just shy of £240 does seem on the higher end of budgets, but you get the benefits of a the 'Sync 2' module, which acts like a 'hub', and gives you great control and access over your system, as well as enabling easy expansion in the future.


The mid-range home security systems, whilst slightly more affordable in the £100-200 price bracket, soon seem to come a bit unstuck when you find out you need to also buy an Echo device to use Alexa with it, or don't come with cameras, like the Staniot Home Alarm system. If we had to go for one, it'd probably be the Blink Outdoor Wireless system, which at only £153.99 seems easy to install yourself, with loads of great features - but we already have multiple Echo devices around the house.


Why purchase a home security camera system?

A home security camera system is an excellent tool for home protection, and it can work both as a deterrent and a recovery tool. Burglars are wary of properties with visible security cameras. Plus, if a crime does occur, security cameras can help gather evidence.


Home security cameras allow homeowners to remotely monitor their home at any time regardless of their location.


While some advantages may be obvious, like preventing break-ins and alerting you of unexpected activity, having a surveillance camera installed within your home can provide several other benefits. They can record footage, sound alarms, and enable you to check in with loved ones, including the family pet.


Benefits of indoor security cameras

  • Avoid false alarms

  • Keep the family safe

  • Make your smart home smarter

  • Deter criminals

  • Get a discount on insurance

Other reasons to get a home security system


Are cameras a good crime deterrent? Cameras are a good crime deterrent, as 60 percent of most burglars will choose another target if they find alarms or cameras, according to a study from the University of North Carolina's Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology.


Security cameras don't attract burglars to your property; but at the same time, they probably won't keep burglars away from your property. More than likely, your security camera will go unnoticed by burglars. Here's the bottom line: security cameras, for the most part, aren't designed to deter crime.


Most experts believe that installing a home security system will increase a home's value and are an item prospective buyers look for. Trulia.com strongly recommends that homeowners who are preparing to sell, get one professionally installed if they don't already have one in place.


Disadvantages of home security camera systems

  • Privacy might be an issue

  • It can be pricey to buy and install a system

  • They can be vulnerable to hacking or damage

  • They can't actually stop theft or break-ins

All cameras can be hacked. This could allow someone to watch you, listen to you, and record your activities without your knowledge. They also potentially could access any other devices on your home network, such as your computer or smartphone.

What’s the difference between security systems and CCTV?


The most notable difference between security systems and CCTV systems is that security systems are more comprehensive. Many security systems include camera systems, or at least video doorbells. But they also track potential intruders through sensors and detectors, not just by sight.


How to choose a home security system or camera

  • Choose your camera type: this depends on where you want to place it.

  • Pick your power source: battery-powered is convenient, but wired is more reliable

  • Compare cloud storage plans and how much they cost versus the benefits

  • Consider your privacy

Best places to install security cameras

  • Front, back, and side doors. Over one-third of burglars enter a home through a front or back door.

  • Off-street windows. Windows that don't directly face a street may be more prone to break-ins due to their privacy.

  • Driveways

  • Common areas

  • Stairways


 

Thanks for reading!


Hopefully this article on the best home security systems and cameras in the UK has given you some ideas on how to protect your home and keep you and your family safe. Have you got any other recommendations that we've missed? Feel free to comment below!


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© 2022 Christopher White Freelance Marketing Manager

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