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Think of your home security system like one big appliance, similar to your washing machine or AC unit. It can last for years, but at some point you have to evaluate if it's too old to work properly anymore, seriously outclassed by newer features or if you can benefit from a change. Sometimes it takes 10 to 15 years, sometimes the world moves faster than that.
Fortunately, updating your home security is far more affordable than buying a new washer, with a cheap system kit starting from $200 to $300. The trick is seeing the signs that it's time for a new model. Here are the biggest warning bells.
1. Your system can't recognize people, packages or animals
A little AI in home security devices does wonders, especially cameras. Today, most major brands include algorithms that can identify people versus animals, and more advanced versions can recognize vehicles and packages, too. Settings allow you to only get notifications about the objects you care about (usually people and packages).
That's a huge quality of life improvement, even if the object recognition is sometimes locked behind paywalls -- Google Nest, Eufy and Lorex are some of the brands that offer it for free. If your video doorbell or outdoor cameras (or devices like pet cams) are missing this technology, it's probably time for an upgrade.
Ring's alarm kit is one of the best, but other brands also have excellent offerings.
Ring2. You don't have any video storage
Years ago, security cameras were primarily live-view unless you wanted to invest in an expensive DVR setup. Video storage came slowly but surely, allowing you to automatically save footage when security cameras are triggered, then view it or share it with others. Today, you have options to upload video straight to the cloud -- usually via a monthly subscription -- or find a camera that offers local storage with a USB-compatible hub or a microSD card slot.
If you don't have any video storage options at all, or you don't like your current video storage choices, think about changing to a camera that supports storage you like. You can find local storage without subscriptions, or jump to cloud storage for greater convenience as well. Video storage is very useful when you can't get to alerts right away or want to share footage with neighbors or police. And speaking of alerts…
3. You don't get smart alerts on your phone
Today's home security systems are smartphone-friendly. That means you can arm or disarm them with an app from wherever you are, or remotely give people smart lock access on demand. You can also get immediate object detection alerts so you can switch to live-view while using two-way audio to check up on things at home. Some security companies require a subscription to unlock even smarter alerts, but they all have this basic phone functionality.
If you can't control devices from your phone and get alerts, your security devices are several steps behind at least. It's time to find newer, smart models.
A smart video doorbell that can send customized alerts is a major upgrade for any security system.
Arlo/Amazon4. Your wireless devices have frequent battery problems
Wireless security devices like cams or sensors should last at least a few months before needing a recharge. Some can even last for years with the right batteries. But if your batteries are only lasting a few weeks at the most, then something is wrong. Your settings may be leading to rapid triggers that burn down battery life, but in many cases the batteries are just getting old. That's especially true if they're starting to intermittently cut out power altogether. Hot and freezing temperatures can make these problems worse, too. Problems like these mean it may be time to pick out a new wireless model.
5. Your security system doesn't work with any other smart devices
Many modern home security systems can support a plethora of third-party devices, working with smart locks from other brands, showing live views on Alexa-powered Echo Shows and many other tricks. Some even work with Google Home or Apple Home apps. Brands like ADT integrate well with Google Nest devices, while Abode and Vivint offer excellent third-party support for dozens of brands.
With so many choices, you deserve a security system that works with the smart home devices you already have and the voice assistants or app platforms that you prefer to use. If you're juggling multiple apps to manage different parts of your smart home, look for a home security system that integrates with what you already have.
Simplisafe, Abode and many other brands offer easy add-ons for expansion.
Simplisafe/CNET6. You can't expand on your current system
Most home security kits start you off slow, with a hub and a couple of sensors. But they leave plenty of room for future upgrades and purchasing individual new devices when you want more add-ons. The best security systems offer multiple types of access sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, leak detectors, security cams, smart bulbs, air monitoring -- it's a long list!
But if you can't expand your security system with the add-ons you want or any third-party integrations, it's time to find a system that offers the products you need all under one hub. Take a look at the best DIY systems to learn more.
Abode's starter kit is super affordable and works with many third-party products.
AbodeBonus future prep: Watch for Matter compatibility
Matter and the related Thread protocols represent the most advanced standard in smart home tech, combining security and broad compatibility with platforms from Apple, Google, Amazon and plenty more. There's just one caveat: It's rolling out very slowly, and not all smart home devices work with it yet. That includes almost all home security cameras (video protocols are in progress but will take time to release) and similar devices.
As Matter support keeps growing in home security, the lack of Matter is going to start becoming a warning bell for old security systems. We aren't quite there yet, but it's rapidly approaching. We'll keep you updated on the most Matter-friendly devices.
For more on finding the latest home security devices, check out the best outdoor cams, the top video doorbells and review the worst places to put video cameras.