
Put simply: If you
want the freedom to lock/unlock your door or turn on/off the lights all in one place from the Abode app, this system is definitely worth a look. Installing the Ring Alarm took less than twenty minutes and was a complete breeze. We didn’t encounter any issues with device connectivity or placement, because, frankly, Ring tells you exactly where to install everything and how to do it on the app. You’ll start by connecting your WiFi to the base station via the Ring app — from there, Ring instructs you to pull the plastic tabs off the backs of the contact sensors and motion detectors, which automatically activates the products for use. You can customize your settings for each device within the app, including how sensitive you want your motion detector to be and how often you want to receive
alerts for every time someone opens or closes the door. If you’re not already aware by now, your jurisdiction may require you to obtain a permit in order to operate a professionally monitored alarm system.
Professional installation was practically the
only way to put in a home security system 15 years ago.

But we wanted to figure out what these differences meant on a day to day basis: Which features were necessary for improved peace of mind?Which would be easiest to integrate into our
daily routines?Needless to say, the market is increasingly shifting toward DIY home security, as people look for options that work seamlessly
with their existing smart homes. Technology may not be at the point where an alarm will sound if your security camera detects an unfamiliar face or burglar — but it’s certainly not very far. On the other hand, the more we automate and become intertwined with the Cloud, the more vulnerable our personal data becomes to hacking. The demand for greater smart home automation also paves the way for voice assistant compatibility, which is helpful but also opens another window of opportunity for hacking or data leaks. However, big names — like the ones in this lineup — either tend to move quickly in the event of a data breach and/or constantly update security features to make sure your information isn’t leaked into the wrong hands. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful and keep tabs on your network’s security, enable two factor authentication, and constantly update your system’s software. A home security system should be easy to navigate, and the system’s design should make sense in your home. Most of our testers had positive things to say about living with their home security systems. They reported that their systems improved their overall peace of mind. If you’re prone to fretting late at night or while away on vacation, home security systems deliver on their promise of reassurance. That’s not to say there weren’t annoyances — which can become major sore points if you’re interacting with your system every time you leave the house.