9 Home Security Upgrades That Just Work

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You can never be too safe these days, so you shouldn't skip investing in protection for your family when you have the chance. Some home security devices may be too complicated for most people, though. Thankfully, other options are easy to install and use, without the need for deep technical knowledge.

If you don't know where to start, we've identified nine home security upgrades that just work, with no muss and no fuss. These include security cameras with extra features that make them more helpful than basic models, gadgets that will help prevent unauthorized entry through your doors, and a comprehensive security system that can fortify your entire house.

The devices that we've featured in this roundup are all available on Amazon, where they've accumulated a respectable average score after at least 1,000 buyer ratings. In each case, we'll explain why we consider the gadgets to be worthwhile home security upgrades by combining detailed descriptions of their features, the feedback of the retailer's customers, and insights from trustworthy websites and channels.

Outdoor security cameras are designed for durability as the bare minimum, so you don't have to worry about them getting damaged by the elements. However, you should consider upgrading to a model with floodlights, like the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus, as not only does the bright illumination make it easier to see what's going on through a livestream, but it also deters potential intruders. While there's some installation necessary because it's a wired camera, Amazon's customers said that it's fairly easy to set up with the help of the included tools, and it's quick to pair it with your home's network and the Ring app on your phone after scanning a QR code.

The Ring app is among the best ones for security cameras, according to Digital Camera World, and it won't take long for you to learn how to activate all of the gadget's features and make adjustments to its settings. These include turning on motion-activated notifications, activating the device's built-in siren, and changing the sensitivity of the floodlights. Amazon's shoppers, who have given this $179.99 security camera an average score of 4.7 stars after more than 44,000 ratings, added that they like how it doesn't require much attention after installation since it's wired and not battery-powered.

Some home security upgrades require a monthly fee to access premium features, such as cloud storage for footage. Fortunately, there are security cameras that don't require a subscription, and one of those is the Eufy Indoor Cam E30. Available on Amazon for $69.99, the gadget supports SD cards of up to 128 gigabytes in capacity to save videos, and according to Tech By Leon, it's worth it for the ability to record at 4K resolution. Their review said that setup is fast, and the retailer's customers echoed this, saying that it only takes minutes to get the security camera up and running.

Tech By Leon appreciates that there's no additional spending necessary for this Eufy security camera. It's able to distinguish between humans and pets, and it detects and tracks movement, which are features that are usually locked behind subscription fees for other security cameras. All of these are accessible through the Eufy app, where you can also pan and tilt the device for complete coverage of your home. The livestream is clear and sharp, even when you zoom in, according to Amazon shoppers, who have given the gadget an average score of 4.4 stars after more than 2,400 ratings.

A deadbolt lock is effective at preventing unauthorized entry into your home, but upgrading to a smart lock will give you and your family members even more peace of mind. The Schlage Encode, which you can buy on Amazon for $239.56, is a well-reviewed option on the retailer's website, with an average score of 4.3 stars after more than 16,600 ratings. One of its best features, according to TechGearLab, is its painless installation. With its built-in Wi-Fi, it won't need a separate hub to connect to your home's network. You'll be able to use the Schlage app to unlock the gadget, and you can set it to automatically lock after a certain amount of time.

This Schlage smart lock is excellent at protecting your home, but it's also great for providing granular access, according to Amazon's customers. In addition to unlocking through the app, you'll be able to assign codes for different people, such as your family members. You can also set some of these codes to only work for a specific time, such as for customers when you're renting out a place for Airbnb. The app will show you when they've used these codes to unlock your door, so you can always be aware who's inside.

These days, you don't have to rely on a regular door chime to alert you when someone enters your home. The Secrui ‎SB-124, a door alarm with more than 10,300 ratings on Amazon for an average score of 4.3 stars, has five volume levels of up to 110 decibels, which is as loud as a car horn, and you'll also be able to choose between 58 melodies. Amazon's shoppers said that the gadget only takes minutes to install if you use screws, and even less time if you opt for double-sided tape. As shown in Steve Sherron's review on YouTube, you just have to plug in the receiver and install the sensors. When the sensors break contact with each other because your door opened, the receiver will play your chosen sound at your selected volume.

This Secrui door alarm, which you can buy on Amazon for $24.99 for a package of one receiver and two sensors, has a maximum range of 500 feet. This means you can place the sensors on your front door and back door and the receiver in your upstairs bedroom. Amazon customers have used the device for security to alert them when people try to enter their home, but it also serves the purpose of letting you know when someone attempts to head out, such as children wandering towards the pool area unsupervised.

Windows are among the forgotten parts of the home when it comes to security, according to Paw Paw's Workshop. You may have sensors that trigger when your windows are opened, but they usually won't send an alert if the glass is broken. This is why the Eva Logik NST003 is an important home security upgrade to consider. You can buy the window alarm in a pack of four for $27.99 on Amazon, where it has an average score of 4.4 stars after nearly 1,500 ratings. When the device detects vibrations, it will sound an alarm that lasts for 60 seconds at up to 120 decibels, though in testing by Paw Paw's Workshop, it only reached 100 decibels. That's still very loud, though, on the same level as a roaring snowmobile.

Amazon's customers said that the adhesive that comes with this Eva Logik window alarm is very strong, so if you have to open the window regularly, they recommended that you think of the proper placement before sticking it to the glass — it won't be easy to remove later. That's all there is to installing it, though, as afterwards, you just insert a pair of AAA batteries and choose between low and high sensitivity settings. Paw Paw's Workshop and customers both mentioned that the gadget's red blinking light also acts as a visual deterrent against mischief.

Switching from a traditional doorbell to a video doorbell is a security upgrade that further fortifies your home, as instead of just announcing that there's someone there, the device gives you a chance to see and speak to that person through an app before opening your door. This is among the features of the Nest app for the Google Nest Doorbell (Battery), which you can buy on Amazon for $199.99. The gadget has an average score of 4.2 stars after almost 5,100 ratings from the retailer's customers, who said that there's no complicated installation because you don't have to deal with wiring. The device's battery lasts a long time, according to shoppers, who gave ranges of between a week and a month in between recharges.

Another of the homeowner-approved perks of installing a video doorbell is that the device is able to record security footage. This Google Nest video doorbell offers three hours of video history even if you don't sign up for a Nest Aware subscription, and you can set it to start recording when it detects people, packages, or other types of motion. These free features are helpful, according to CNET, which added in its review that the gadget's video quality is sharp and clear, with 1280-by-960-pixel resolution, High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, and night vision.

Smart lights aren't just good for adding color to your environment. They can also be considered security devices since you can turn them on and off remotely through an app to make it look like there are people at home while you're away. The Govee H6008 is a smart light bulb with this functionality, and you can get a pair of the gadgets on Amazon for $24.99. Setup only takes a few minutes, according to the platform's customers, starting from screwing the device into a light bulb receptacle through using the app to customize its color and brightness.

The compatibility of this Govee smart light bulb with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as support for Matter, is part of why it has an average score of 4.6 stars on the retailer's website after almost 27,200 ratings. A review by Forbes highlighted that the device doesn't need a hub, as it only requires a Bluetooth connection to your phone or a Wi-Fi connection. Forbes also noted the depth of the Govee Home app, which isn't just useful for activating the smart light bulb while you're on vacation. You can select and create your own scenes, schedule timers, synchronize the gadget with music, control up to 50 bulbs at the same time, and more.

If you want an upgrade that will improve security at several points around your home, a complete security system like the Ring Alarm may be what you need. It starts at $249.99 on Amazon for the eight-piece kit, which includes a base station that connects all the components, a keypad to arm and disarm the system, a range extender for bigger homes, four contact sensors for doors and windows, and a motion detector for hallways and passages. There are options for bigger kits with more components, but the premise is the same — it's a reliable security system that doesn't run into connectivity problems or trigger false alarms, according to Amazon customers, who have given it an impressive score of 4.7 stars after more than 18,000 ratings.

Amazon's shoppers said that the Ring app will help you with the installation of this security system, so there's no need to call in the professionals. Meanwhile, SafeHome said that because you'll receive app notifications on your phone when an alarm is triggered, you can opt to use the system without a monthly fee. However, the review also points out the advantages of paying for the Ring Pro plan for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, as one of its perks is round-the-clock professional monitoring. This includes the option to alert authorities if the alarm goes off and you're unable to call them yourself.

Instead of storing your valuables in locked drawers, you can give them better protection by placing them inside a digital safe. If 1.2 cubic feet of capacity is enough for your prized possessions, you may want to consider the Tigerking E25LK, which has secured an average score of 4.4 stars on Amazon after almost 1,500 reviews. For $128.99, you'll get a safe that you can open by using a key or by entering a passcode of up to eight digits. RodrickViews showed how easy it is to use the keypad to unlock the safe and to change the code, so you can switch out your credentials regularly as an extra safeguard.

According to Amazon customers, this Tigerking safe gives them peace of mind because of the security provided by the digital keypad and due to its dual alarm system. As RodrickViews demonstrated, using the wrong passcode three times, or strong vibrations from someone trying to break into the safe, will trigger a piercing alarm that can only be stopped by entering the right passcode. Shoppers also appreciate the LED light that activates when the door is opened, so you'll be able to see inside the safe even when it's dark.

For these home security upgrades, we selected gadgets that you can buy on Amazon, both to ensure the best availability and so you have the opportunity to take advantage of Amazon Prime membership perks. These devices are rated at least 4.2 stars (out of five) after a minimum of 1,000 buyer ratings, giving you a solid representation of positive customer feedback.

In the descriptions above, we explained how these devices may be considered to be security upgrades by focusing on their specifications and features, while mentioning the conveniences that they provide to homeowners. We also gathered comments from both Amazon's customers and professional reviewers to further support our choices for this roundup and give you confidence in your purchases.