Your Home Security Cheat Sheet: A Round Up of Our Experts' Best Advice

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Dip your toes into home security and you'll find a world packed with smart home solutions, monitoring devices, fears about home hacking and advice on how to deter criminals. It's all a bit overwhelming for casual browsers looking for answers. That's why this guide exists.

Here, we've gathered up all the expert advice answering common security questions and offering device recommendations, divided into easy-to-understand categories. Below, you'll find info about top tech like video doorbells and smart locks as well as recommendations for a variety of home security systems (including plenty of budget options). We've also got tips for security cameras, home security myths busted and plenty of advice for renters. Check it out!

 (You can also check out our home internet cheat sheet and our solar panel cheat sheet.)

Is DIY or a professional home security system best?

There are pros and cons to each home security option. DIY home security setups are often more affordable, customizable and compatible with other smart home devices, but you'll likely have to do the installing, setup and constant monitoring yourself. A professional home security service, though it's typically a bit more expensive and may require a monthly subscription, can save you the trouble of installing and setting up your equipment and help suggest the best devices to get. However, they may also lock you into contracts. Professional home monitoring is often available for either type of system, but it's more likely to be standard on a professional installation. Here are some resources to help you decide which system will work best for your home.

• DIY Home Security vs. Professionally Installed Systems: Which Is Best for You?
• Home Security Buying Guide
• Best Home Security Systems
  
• Best DIY Home Security Systems
  
• Dangerous Home Security Mistakes You Should Stop Making
• Don't Fall for These Home Security Myths: Debunking Dumb Assumptions
  

What's the best home security system?

If you're going with a fully home system that includes separate sensors and a hub to arm or disarm, you'll need to consider different package options that may include an assortment of devices including cameras, alarms, window sensors and motion detectors. (And if you prefer to build your own custom setup, virtually any home security device can be purchased separately.) We've got tested reviews on all of the major players in the security system space: 

• Best Home Security Systems
• Best Cheap Home Security Systems
• Best Apartment Security Systems
• Tips and Devices If You Don't Trust Your Roommates
• ADT Home Security Review
• Ring Home Security Kit Review
• SimpliSafe Home Security Review
• Vivint Home Security Review
• Xfinity Professional Home Security Review

What's the best video doorbell?

If you're looking for a video doorbell to monitor your front door (and deter porch pirates from stealing packages), there are tons of options available for under $200. They all function largely the same, so the best one for your home may come down to design, brand preferences and compatibility with any existing smart home devices or hubs you may have. You may also want to compare extra features like free cloud storage, customizable door chimes or color options when selecting the best smart doorbell for your home. Here are our reviews of some of the video doorbells you may be considering:

• Best Video Doorbell Cameras
• Best Cheap Video Doorbells
• Best Ring Camera Doorbells
• Eufy Video Doorbell Dual Review
• Google Nest Doorbell 2nd Gen Review
• The Best Ways to Keep Porch Pirate Hands Off Your Package
• Beat Porch Pirates Permanently With This Centuries-Old Trick
  

What's the best home security camera?

Like video doorbells, the best home security camera may come down to price and brand preferences, but you'll also want to consider where you'll be placing the camera and the desired field of view. Some cameras have the ability to pan and tilt and can track motion. Others are built to withstand the rain, wind and temperature extremes of being outdoors. Almost all have motion detection, object recognition and two-way audio. If placing a camera outdoors, keep in mind that some cameras have a wired power source, so you may have to run an extension cord to plug it in. Here are our tested reviews of home security cameras for you to consider:

• Best Home Security Cameras
• Best Cheap Home Security Cameras
• Best Indoor Home Security Cameras
• Best 4K Home Security Cameras
• Best Nanny Cams
• Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras
• Best Wireless Home Security Cameras
• Best Security Cameras With Lights
• Best Floodlight Home Security Cameras 
• Best Home Security Cameras for Apple HomeKit and Siri
• Google Nest Cam Review

Where should I put a home security camera?

While you'll naturally want to put your home security camera in a spot that gives you the view you want, there's more to it than that. Corners are often the best spot for indoor cameras as they'll give you a wider view of the room, but if your camera has 360-degree panning, a central location may be best. As for outdoor cameras, try to install it 10 feet or so above the ground and in a spot where it won't take consistent exposure to direct sunlight or rain. Also, avoid installing any camera in a position that may compromise your neighbor's privacy. Video doorbells, meanwhile, should be installed about four feet up from the bottom of the doorframe.

• Here's Where to Put Your Home Security Cameras
• Never Put Home Security Cameras in These Spots
• Can You Legally Record Audio or Video In Your Home? We've Got the Answers
• Home Security Tricks to Stop Burglars Before the Break-Ins
• Get the Most Out of Your Home Security Cameras: 6 Tips
• Is It Legal to Use a Security Camera in an Apartment Building?

How can I give the impression someone is home while I'm away? 

You can use smart plugs and lighting to make possible intruders think twice about whether or not your home is unoccupied. Schedule single light fixtures, such as a lamp, or a whole group of lights to turn on or off at various times while you're away. Plugs and lights won't watch your home the same as a camera or motion sensor will, but they could prevent an intruder from targeting your home in the first place. Also, they're a downright convenient way to turn the lights out at night.

• Your Complete Smart Home Security Checklist Before a Vacation
  
• Best Smart Plugs
• Best Outdoor Smart Plugs
• Want to Buy a Smart Plug? Read This First
• How to Set Up Your Smart Plug in Minutes
• Best Smart Lights
• A Smart Switch Will Light up Any Room
• The First 5 Things to Do With Smart Lights

Can I get a home security system without a monthly subscription?

Most DIY home security systems do not require a monthly subscription and come with live feed viewing, push notifications and alerts, local storage options and more at no extra cost. 

Several features often require a monthly fee, but this varies a lot between brands. Ring charges for object detection and smart alerts, while Nest doesn't. Nest offers limited free cloud storage, but most brands make you pay a subscription for online video storage. Lorex and Eufy specialize in local storage with less emphasis cloud data. With a little work, you can quickly find devices and whole systems that don't require any kind of subscription.

• Best Home Security Cameras Without a Subscription
• You Can Find Professional Home Monitoring for Under $20
• Kangaroo Home Security Review
• Ring Alarm Security Kit Review
• SimpliSafe Home Security Review
• Wyze Home Monitoring Kit Review

The one caveat is professional home monitoring, where an agent at a security center can respond to your alarms or alerts. That's always going to cost you extra, and usually only becomes available at the higher tier plans. 

Can my home security system get hacked?

Any kind of technology can have security vulnerabilities. However, your home security system isn't going to get hacked. Cybercriminals don't go around trying to hack doorbells or smart locks. They don't have the tools, the know-how or the time. Instead, home security can be "hacked" by people who already have the login information, like a jealous ex or a divorced spouse. That's why it's always a good idea to stay on top of your password management.

The closest we've seen to home hacking is the use of security system jammers, but there are barely any reports of criminals actually using these devices (you will, however, find lots of scary headlines with little substance behind them). One of the only accounts of successful burglary via Wi-Fi jammers was by a homeowner's friend who already knew the make and model of the security system -- not exactly a common situation.

• Is Smart Home Security Easily Hacked? Here's Everything You Should Know
• Are Burglars Using Wi-Fi Jammers on Homes? Here's What You Should Know
• When Home Security Cams Break Bad: How to Protect Yourself From Spying Crime Rings
  
• Wi-Fi Hacking Happens. Here Are 10 Expert-Recommended Tips to Prevent It

Instead, your information is more likely to be hacked in a massive data breach on a security company's servers, or stolen by a company employee, which is why we constantly watch for companies that have a track record of poor security practices.

How do I prepare for a home emergency?

Home emergencies can include anything from raging wildfires to floods, earthquakes or really bad sewer system problems. The best way to handle events like these is with the right preparation. Even if you're caught off guard, keeping a cool head and contacting the right experts can keep the woes at bay. These guides are a great starting place. 

• Emergency Go Bag: Prepare Your Evacuation Survival Kit Now
• Dangerous Mistakes to Avoid When Your Home Is Threatened By a Fire
• How to Create a Home Safety Plan for Your Family
• The Secret Hero of Home Safety Is the Humble Leak Detector
• 16 Emergency Apps for Wildfires, Earthquakes and Other Disasters

For more information about home security products and tips for creating and maintaining the best home security setup for your home, check out the CNET Home Security page.