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

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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:
Ring Video Doorbell by Amazon - £89.99
Blink Indoor Wireless - £69.99
EZVIZ Security Camera - £20.39
TP-Link Tapo Outdoor - £36.99
TP-Link Tapo Pan / Tilt - £24.99
ieGeek - £29.99
Blink Mini Compact - £29.99
Window & Door Ultra Slim Alarms - £30.99
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
Blink Mini Compact
£29.99 - Buy it now on Amazon
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)
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:
Blink Outdoor Wireless - £153.99
Staniot Home Alarm System - 10 piece - £169.99
Ring Alarm 2nd Gen system - 5 piece - £188.95
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
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)
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’
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:
eufy Security eufyCam system - £209.99
Blink Video Doorbell, Cameras & Sync Module - £239.96
SimpliSafe Home Security System - 7 piece - £324.00
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
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
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

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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