The Best Home Alarm Systems in the UK
Comparison of the top-picks of users all around the country
Due to the reviews these are the following top home alarm systems in the UK
Best home alarm system — SimpliSafe
Most trusted pick — ADT
Most comprehensive pick — Verisure
Budget pick — Ring
Smart home pick — Abode
Comparison of the best home alarm systems in the UK
Best Home Alarm Systems in the UK. Reviews
1. Best home alarm system — SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is an all-in-one security system. You can choose what you’ll have: the easy DIY installation and professional monitoring service.
SimpliSafe offers five preselected equipment packages priced from less than £300 to a little more than £500. If you don’t find the wish-matching package, you have the luxury to build your custom security system, skipping those existing. You can control everything here, from the choice of equipment to optional professional monitoring—all of that without the need to sign the contract.
Contrasting with its American security packages, SimpliSafe includes its indoor security camera (the SimpliCam) in every box in the UK. This extra inclusion was a pleasant move because visual confirmation is often required for police response.
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- Contract-free
- Affordable
Cons
- No bells-only option
- Up-front costs
About
The SimplySafes most outstanding issue is the absence of a bells-only system, which is the first signal to a housebreaker that your home isn’t worth intruding on. Alternately, the current security system arranges a yard stake and sign for the customers, which is an effective deterrent across the pond, but not as familiar here.
Another application is the up-front cost. You have to buy all of your SimpliSafe security devices in advance. That can offer the user an investment, depending on the particular package you need. While the prices are slowly creeping up, SimpliSafe has good sales on the products.
On the other hand, you are paying once, and that’s it. No other expenses will be required. And you can get professional monitoring starting at just £12.99 monthly — that’s less than half of the monthly fees other companies provide.
Last but not least of the best things about the SimpliSafe is that the company provides all of its costs and fees upfront and right on the site, unlike many of its competitors.
Our package pick for SimpliSafe: The Windsor
The Windsor costs are a little higher, but it has everything you need to protect your home and loved ones:
- motion sensors — 2
- entry sensors — 5
- 105 dB siren
- Keyfob
- SimpliCam
The siren is an extra security solution that compensates SimpliSafe’s lack of a bell box, and once you buy the equipment, it’s yours forever. The highest recommendation will be adding SimpliSafe’s contract-free monitoring. There are no extra fees for this option.
2. Most trusted pick — ADT
ADT is a home security company with over 140 years of home security experience. If you want 24/7 security provided by an alarm company ADT is a solid choice with an additional proven track record.
Pros
- Over 140 years of experience
- Smart home options
- Monitoring centre expertise
- Smoke and CO monitoring available
Cons
- No cameras in the basic package
- Higher monthly fees
If your dream is not to wonder if you forgot to set the alarm or turn out the lights — with ADT Smart Home, you can relax and use your smartphone or computer to remotely access your alarm system and control your smart home devices.
ADT alarm packages include 24/7 monitoring and cost around £40 per month. Monitoring specialists are always on guard and never ignore an alarm, so the ADT’s central monitoring station will respond immediately if there’s a threat.
ADT monitoring can also respond to other vital emergency systems like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
But in case you want to have the security cameras, you’ll have to upgrade if you want the extra reassurance of video surveillance, as they aren’t included in the base equipment package.
Our package pick for ADT: Keyholder Smart Home
ADT’s Smart Home Package offers distinguished security services, which ADT is known for, in addition to full home automation integration, such as:
- System control and mobile access through the ADT app
- Smoke and CO monitoring
- ADT bell box
- Touchscreen alarm panel
- Wireless door contact
- 2 PIR motion sensors
- Your choice of Wi-Fi camera, video doorbell, or both
3. Most comprehensive pick — Verisure Smart Alarms
Verisure offers the most considerable amount of home security options of any other security company on the reviewing list.
These smart alarm systems adapt to your home needs — no matter what type or size of the dwelling space. Verisure designs alarm systems for flats, villas, apartments, detached houses, garages, and sheds. They all are custom.
Pros
- Сomprehensive smart home integration
- 30 years of experience
- 24/7 monitoring
- In-person guard
- Innovative products and services provided
Cons
- No transparent prices
The company is famous for its quick response time during an emergency. And we think it’s one of the best features. Verisure claims an average response time of 45 seconds. That means help will be on the way in around 45 seconds from the moment the alarm system receiving centre gets an alert.
And it’s one of the few security companies that offer the extra disincentive of smoke for scaring off burglars. The ZeroVision smoke alarm expels an opaque fog that weakens an intruder’s vision and gives the police or a guard spare time to arrive.
Verisure offers the protection each home needs to ward off theft. Before you consider buying a Verisure alarm, a security expert will visit your home and suggest a package that will fit the needs of your family and property. Such consultation doesn’t need you to enter into a contract and is entirely free, which means you can explore Verisure alarms without any risks.
The biggest issue is that the prices reveal only after the consultation. The website doesn’t offer any information, even the cost for monitoring.
You will know what you’re getting into after having someone at your flat.
Our pick for Verisure: Flat Alarm System
Verisure’s Flat Alarm System is custom-designed with the free security consultation and gives customers a plenty of options:
- Guard response
- SOS panic button
- Lifelong warranty and maintenance
- High-power external siren
- Portable control panel
4. Budget pick — Ring
Ring is a newcomer to the home alarm world, famous for its suite of video doorbells and security cameras. An affordable DIY system that you can build up over time without signing a contract.
Pros
- Affordable equipment and plans
- DIY installation
- Alexa compatibility
Cons
- No professional monitoring
Ring’s DIY installation starts with basic equipment packages that you can add to as you wish. When moving to the new home, you can take already installed equipment with you, adding new devices to cover additional square footage or entrances.
Users can choose what fits best: self-monitoring or assisted monitoring with a Ring system. With assisted monitoring, Ring’s automatic system will call your emergency contacts one by one until getting the answer and disabling the alarm. It’s a little more protection than managing the system entirely by yourself, but you’ll have to call the police on your own.
There’s system control with the Amazon Alexa devices available, or use your Echo smart speakers to chat with people on the other side of your cameras.
Our package pick for Ring: 7-Piece Kit
Ring’s Alarm Siren 7-Piece Kit has enough sensors to cover entrances of most homes:
- Base station
- Keypad
- 2 contact sensors
- 2 motion detectors
- Range extender
- Outdoor siren
5. Smart home pick — Abode
Abode has its thoughtful approach to DIY. Options to self-monitor or have the pros take over and smart home integrations are excellent.
Pros
- DIY installation
- Optional professional monitoring
- Smart home compatibility
Cons
- Limited video options
- High up-front costs
Abode is all about DIY security. Users have to pick the fitting starter kit, add accessories for the wanted dwelling, install equipment, and choose if a professional to look after the system is needed.
The Abodes Smart Security Starter Kit costs less than £300 and includes the basics for a small flat. There’s an option to add sensors, cameras, and other safety and security equipment to cover additional entries or alert to hazards like fire or flooding.
Abode’s camera options are limited to indoor and outdoor cameras. (No video doorbell camera available.) Still, Abode allows you to integrate with a significant number of smart devices and most major smart assistants like Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
Abode has also discarded monitoring contracts, which you can pay month-to-month or annually for a discount. If you get professional monitoring in May but change your mind in June, the subscription can be cancelled. But if you’ve paid for a year of monitoring, you won’t get a refund — best to try it out for a smaller period first before committing to the year if unsure.
Our package pick for Abode: Smart Security Kit Plus
The Smart Security Kit Plus plan gives you a stable starter security system that you can add onto as needed:
- Gateway hub
- 2 mini door/window sensors
- Motion detector
- Abode Cam
- Key fob
More competent noteworthy brands
-
1. Yale Security Systems
Yale Smart Home Alarm is the combo of home automation and home security — without monthly fees. There’s a Yale mobile using which you can set up the system, control the alarm, and receive instant alerts. You have an option to add up to 40 different devices (including panic buttons and smoke alarms) to make sure every inch of your building is covered.
Yale alarm system is compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice control and Philips Hue smart light bulbs for an extra burglar deterrent. When the alarm is triggered, Hue lights flash red to warn unwanted guests.
Users can customize the Yale security system to meet their needs — including a “part-armed” setting that lets the customer arm devices in designated areas of the home while leaving other areas unarmed. This is a good way to avoid false alarms from rambunctious pets.
Besides, there is no option to add professional monitoring. Responsibility for keeping an eye on the home and contacting the police in an emergency is entirely on the user.
2. Ajax Security Systems
Ajax is the security system for the property, which is easy to install yourself. You get comprehensive protection with instant response, burglary resistance, and an easy-to-manage security system by choosing Ajax. Ajax alarms perform three protective functions at once: they instantly notify if robbers have entered the house, the smoke has appeared, or a flood has started. It connects third-party surveillance cameras, making Ajax a single security hub.
The Ajax security system has an intellectual Central called hub. Hus is the primary alarm device. With the help of a secure radio protocol – Jeweler, the control panel integrates all sensors and monitors. In danger, the hub instantly sends SMS, push notifications or calls to the owner.
Control from a smartphone is also available with Ajax Systems. The alarms are as easy to control as a modern gadget. All you need is a smartphone or laptop and internet access. You can travel, be at work, or leave for a long time, but you will know for sure that everything is fine at home.
Ajax Systems offers comfy innovative services and products to its clients. You can find more on their Website.
Ajax Security Syst
What is NSI accreditation?
National Security Inspectorate (NSI) accreditation assures consumers that equipment and security companies exceed security industry standards or consistently meet.
Gold-level certification from NSI is the highest-ranked. The company having this one is the ADT security system. Gold-level alarm companies deliver the “greatest perceived value across industry and by the police, fire and rescue services and insurers.”
What are the essential things to consider when obtaining a home security system?
Home protection needs money investment, and it’s not a big secret. Knowing how much an alarm system will cost you upfront and long term is vital to know. When researching burglar alarms, keep these three things in mind:
- Devices and activation fees
- Installation fees
- Monthly supply fees
There are usually different options provided by the security companies — from buying equipment outright to leasing it monthly. Before you get an alarm system, identify both your monthly budget and the amount you’d like to spend upfront. Planning and counting is key to satisfaction with your choice.
SimpliSafe can be recommended because they provide transparent costs and fees upfront for you to know what to expect.
What are some service contemplations?
You need the security company you choose to provide the best service possible for keeping your loved ones and the property safe. Customer service is the one that will not change throughout the lifetime of the installed security system.
Check well on the alarm company before signing on the dotted line. That way you will ensure the best service. We suggest searching online the customers’ reviews about reliability, responsiveness, and overall quality of service.
What about the police response?
The police response means that the security company has the certification from the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) or the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) accreditation. Having one of those helps to cut down the number of false alarms and ensures that police resources are used for genuine emergencies.
In case you’d like to install an alarm system with police response, professional monitoring by a regulated alarm company is required.
Do I need smart home features in my security system?
Your house can be turned into a smart home, thanks to home automation.
Smart home technology lets you control everything in your home — from the lights to small appliances — right from your smartphone, tablet, hub device, or computer.
The smart security system is extra security and a kind of confidence.
Although, keep in mind that upgrading your home with automation may increase your monthly and up-front costs.
What is mobile access?
Mobile access is a way to remotely control your alert settings and preferences or arm and disarm your system. If your security system provides home automation, mobile access is granted through an app you download to your mobile phone or computer.
An additional option for you to use is watching a live or recorded video from anywhere at any time if your system includes CCTV surveillance.
To Sum Up
SimpliSafe has everything users look for in a home security system. It’s affordable, easy to use, and no contracts are needed. The best is that you know exactly what you’re getting into. Company makes no secrets about how much your system will cost monthly or at all.