Owning a vacation home is something many people dream about. But they don’t dream about showing up for a relaxing stay and seeing that their vacation home has been ransacked by burglars. There are things you can do to secure your vacation home and decrease the risk of it being broken into while you’re away.

You’ve likely found our article because you’re either considering getting a new hardwired security system for your home or want to know your options if your home is already prewired with an existing system. We can help you on both fronts. We also give you some handy tips in case you’re still considering getting a wireless security system.

Home security systems are important for many reasons. Not only can they alert you of unexpected activity in your home, but they can also give you peace of mind, save you money on bills and more. Read about 8 benefits to having a home security system.

SkylinkNet is one of the least expensive security systems on the market, and there are no contracts or monitoring fees. So why isn’t a security system more people are using? They say, “You get what you pay for,” but is that true in this instance? We’ll give you the lowdown including our firsthand experience.

If you want a home security system that truly has no contracts or monthly fees, your options are limited to a DIY system with self-monitoring. This means the home security company won’t install the system and won’t monitor it for you (professional monitoring always has a monthly fee). So of all the DIY home security solutions on the market, which ones have no monthly fees? Many DIY self-monitored companies find ways to introduce monthly fees, whether it’s to use the app, access cloud storage or to monitor the system yourself. But which ones really provide full home security functionality without a contract or monthly fee?

There are two types of home security systems prevalent on today’s market: those with professional monitoring and those that are self-monitored (by you and your network of contacts). The former typically includes a monthly fee ($20-$70) to cover the cost of the monitoring station, while with the latter you typically only pay for the equipment. Self-monitored systems put you in control, and with many providers you still have access to cutting-edge “smart” technology that you can control from your smartphone. Our experts review the top providers with features, pricing, pros, cons, real user feedback and more.

At first, Vivint and ADT look pretty similar in their offerings. Both companies offer home security and automation equipment and apps to monitor your systems. But one of them has shorter contracts and is typically less expensive than the other; find out which in our comprehensive head-to-head comparison.

Home security is important whether you rent or own your home. As a renter, you most likely need a wireless security system that won’t damage the structure of the home but can also go with you when you move. The security systems we review in this article can work with various rentals and budgets to fit what you need. So whether you want the basics or something more extravagant with cameras and home automation equipment, you can learn more about your options here.

Installing a home security system can be as simple as peeling a sticker and placing it on your shirt. Okay, don’t do that with your sensors, but you get the idea. Most of these devices are peel-and-stick, so installing your system can take less than 30 minutes (depending on big your home is).

Protection 1 (also known as Protection One) provides home security and automation equipment to help secure your home. The equipment isn’t as up-to-date as that of its competitors, but it gets the job done.
They also aren’t as well-known as other home security companies, but does that mean you shouldn’t choose them? Our experts find out in our in-depth review.