Seven Questions for Choosing the Best Home Security System

Picking the right home security system can be confusing.

Consider all the questions. Which brand is better? Should I use a professional installer? Are all home security apps the same? What's the best security company? There's a lot to discover.

To save you time, and to help you get the most protection, ease of use and everyday value, we've narrowed things down to seven essential things to know. Ask these questions as you assess your options to make the smartest choice.

1: Is it professionally monitored?

Professional monitoring is the gold standard of home security. If there's a break-in or fire at home, a professionally monitored security system sends an emergency signal to a 24-7 monitoring station, where a trained security professional is on hand to alert your local law enforcement or fire department.

All Alarm.com-powered security systems are professionally monitored, because there is no effective substitute for this service. You can't see every smartphone alert that a security system sends you, and if you're home in an emergency, your priority is to get everyone to safety.

2: Will it withstand a burglar's toolkit?

Not all security products are engineered equally. To ensure you don't entrust your safety to a security system that can be disabled with a hand tool, make sure it has:

Crash and Smash protection. A common burglary tactic is to smash a home's security panel to prevent it from sending an emergency signal to the monitoring station. Alarm.com's technology can recognize a crash and smash attack, and signal your monitoring station regardless.

Dedicated cellular connection. This type of signaling technology doesn't piggyback on your home's broadband or phone line, and so can't be physically cut by an intruder. All Alarm.com-powered security panels have a dedicated cellular connection with battery backup for power outages.

3: How many sensors does it come with?

Contact sensors are home security essentials; small devices that detect the opening and closing of doors, windows, drawers and more. Some security systems come with as little as two contact sensors, which is a problem. Burglars don't just use the front and back door.

Alarm.com service providers—the experts who sell and support our technology—will work with you to determine how many contact sensors your home needs, and provide them as part of the package. The average Alarm.com-powered home has ten of these incredibly useful devices.

4: What else will this system protect you from?

New technology means that the best security systems can protect your home from far more than a burglar.

Alarm.com's proactive safeguards can detect and respond to dangers like fire, carbon monoxide and water leaks. They can also save you time and money, tackling problems like energy waste, lost keys and package deliveries. They can even alert you when there's unexpected activity around your house, such as your kids getting into forbidden areas.

With the ability to respond to more dangers and challenges, even when disarmed, an Alarm.com-powered system gives you more value in the long run.

5: What happens if something stops working?

The most important thing about a security system is that it has to work when you need it. When you go it alone on a security or smart home setup, what happens when a device or component of the system needs professional attention?

With an Alarm.com service provider, however, help is always at hand. With advanced training, and online diagnostic tools, they can quickly troubleshoot your system. Many issues can be fixed remotely; other fixes can be carried out by a visiting technician.

PS: In addition to great customer support when things go wrong, Alarm.com users get digital updates that make their technology even smarter. We regularly roll out new features—like our Smart Signal emergency buttons, or our voice-controlled automation commands—for no extra charge, keeping your technology cutting-edge while other security systems grow obsolete.

6: Does it include smart home devices?

Smart home technology is the home improvement trend that's here to stay. The right security system will set you up with everything you need for a smart home. In fact, it's the easiest way to own one.

Alarm.com dealers carry a wide range of essential smart devices, and Alarm.com is compatible with many more. You can have smart locks, a smart thermostat, connected video cameras, smart lights, a video doorbell, smart shades, connected garage door openers and more.

Controlling an Alarm.com-powered smart home is easy. Our smartphone app controls everything, or you can use your voice with Amazon Echo and Google Home. And when it comes to automation, our security technology makes the smart home smarter.

7: Is this security system powered by Alarm.com?

Maybe you don't need seven questions to pick the best security system. A smart home security system powered by Alarm.com gives you all the protection and benefits above. Just ask our users.

And with more than 6,000 service providers selling and supporting Alarm.com technology, it's easier than ever to find.

To get connected with the right service provider for you, click below.