2024’s Best Smart Home Security Gadgets: Top 5 Smart Devices

In today’s digital era, home safety is crucial. Smart home security gadgets have revolutionized home security, offering real-time surveillance and remote access. Our focus is to help you choose the best home security camera system tailored to your needs. We’ve curated a list of top-tier smart devices known for reliability and effectiveness, such as the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 3 and the Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera. Join us as we explore these devices in detail to help you make an informed decision for protecting your home in 2024.

1. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 3

Key Features

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 3 boasts several impressive features that enhance home security. It operates on a 5GHz network, ensuring faster notification speeds compared to the 2.4GHz network. Key features include 1080p HD video quality, two-way audio, a 160-degree field of view, and infrared night vision. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with Alexa, allowing users to manage it via voice commands.

Pros

One significant advantage is its adjustable motion zones, which can be tailored to ignore movements from unwanted areas, thus reducing false alarms. This is particularly useful for residents in busy neighborhoods. The device also supports easy battery recharging and offers optional 24/7 professional monitoring through the Ring Protect Plus plan, which includes 60 days of cloud storage and cellular backup.

Cons

However, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 3 is not without drawbacks. It lacks artificial intelligence capabilities to differentiate between people and objects, leading to some false alarms. Also, it requires a subscription to Ring Protect plans for video storage since it does not provide local storage options. Priced at $199.99, it may not be the most budget-friendly choice for everyone.

2. Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera

Key Features

The Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera sets a new standard in home surveillance technology. It boasts a 2K HDR video resolution ensuring every detail is captured with precision. The camera offers a comprehensive 160-degree field of view and features color night vision for clear footage even in low light conditions. With a robust 12x zoom capability, it allows for significant detail enhancement, perfect for identifying faces or license plates from a distance. Additionally, the dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity ensures a stable and strong network connection, automatically choosing the best available signal.

Pros

The Arlo Pro 5 is designed for durability and versatility, capable of withstanding various weather conditions, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Its wire-free setup ensures an easy installation process, free from the hassles of complicated wiring. The camera also includes an automatic siren to deter intruders, enhancing the security of your home. With its extended battery life, the Arlo Pro 5 remains operational for longer periods, reducing the frequency of recharges.

Cons

However, the Arlo Pro 5 comes with certain limitations. The requirement for an Arlo Secure subscription to access all features, including 30-day cloud storage, may be a drawback for users not willing to incur additional monthly costs. Additionally, while the camera offers enhanced color night vision, the clarity of moving subjects at night can sometimes be compromised, appearing slightly blurry.

3. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

Key Features

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is notably smaller than its predecessors, being 45% less bulky, which enhances its aesthetic appeal on any door. It now comes with built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for additional bridge devices for connectivity. This lock is known for its ease of installation, as it only replaces the interior part of your existing deadbolt, allowing the use of current keys—a convenient backup for battery depletion. Key features include DoorSense technology to confirm if doors are securely closed, compatibility with multiple smart home systems such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, and the ability to manage access remotely via the August app.

Pros

This smart lock excels in user convenience and security. Installation is straightforward, maintaining your door’s original hardware. It offers flexible access features, including remote locking/unlocking, automatic relocking, and the distribution of virtual guest keys with set expirations. Its robust compatibility with major smart home platforms and the addition of voice control through virtual assistants enhance its functionality. The lock’s compact design and significant battery life of up to six months make it an attractive choice for modern home security.

Cons

However, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock requires regular battery replacements, which might be a concern for some users. Despite its advanced features, the lock lacks support for the Matter standard as of now, which could affect future integrations with smart home ecosystems. Additionally, the necessity for a subscription to fully utilize all features could be a drawback for users looking for a more cost-effective solution.

4. Ecobee SmartCamera with Voice Control

Key Features

The Ecobee SmartCamera, priced at $129.99, is a versatile indoor security camera that not only captures high-definition 1080p video but also doubles as an Amazon Alexa device. It features a broad 180-degree field of view and supports digital pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities through its mobile app. This camera is equipped with three infrared LEDs for enhanced night vision and includes a dual-band Wi-Fi connection for robust network reliability.

Pros

Our Ecobee SmartCamera excels in several areas. It offers integrated Alexa functionality, allowing voice control and smart home integration without the need for additional devices. The camera’s auto pan and zoom feature can track movement, focusing on humans while minimizing false alarms by ignoring non-human motion. Additionally, it supports Ecobee’s Haven home monitoring service, which provides comprehensive home surveillance when subscribed.

Cons

However, there are some limitations. The camera does not support Google Assistant or IFTTT, which may be a drawback for users invested in those ecosystems. Also, while the camera provides snapshot notifications of motion events, accessing video recordings requires a paid subscription to Ecobee’s Haven service. Despite these concerns, its unique design and robust features make it a valuable addition to any smart home security gadgets.

5. Samsung SmartThings Hub V3

Key Features

The Samsung SmartThings Hub V3 is a central hub that brings together a vast array of compatible devices like lights and sensors, enabling them to operate in harmony even if the internet disconnects. It features a minimal, unobtrusive design that blends seamlessly into any home environment and supports a wide range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Zigbee, and Z-Wave.

Pros

This hub excels in creating a personalized smart home experience. Users can set devices to operate independently with custom time-based modes like ‘Evening Mode’, enhancing the home environment automatically. Additionally, its ease of setup is notable, requiring no complex installation and including all necessary components like a power adapter and LAN cable. The SmartThings app further simplifies control, turning your smartphone into a remote for all connected devices.

Cons

However, the V3 model has some limitations. It lacks a battery backup and has reduced CPU and memory compared to the V2, which may affect performance with a higher number of devices and Edge drivers. Despite these issues, its ability to integrate improved Zigbee security and maintain a lower cost makes it a considerable option for those looking to enhance their home automation system without extensive modifications.

Wrapping Up: Best Smart Home Security Gadgets

In our review of the best home security systems for 2024, we’ve looked at a range of devices designed to make our homes safer. We discussed the surveillance features of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 3 and the Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera, as well as the access control provided by the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Additionally, we talked about the smart home integration capabilities of the Ecobee SmartCamera and Samsung SmartThings Hub V3. By embracing advanced security solutions, we can make our homes safer and smarter, and drive innovation in home security systems.

Smart Home Security Gadgets FAQs