Best Home Security Systems for Apartments (Pricing & Features)
So, all the cameras mentioned above have their pros and cons. Benefits outweigh the cons, but below, readers can find a table of comparison that will help them make an important decision for their safety.
Provider | Total Score | Monthly Price | BBB Rating | DIY instal | Trial Period | Warranty | Upfront cost | Type of sensors | Keypad | 24/7 monitoring | Add-ons | Installation | Batteries | Base Station | Cloud Storage | HD Filming | Works with Alexa | Best for |
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1. Vivint | 9.7/10 | Custom | B+ | No | No | No | Custom | Entry and Motion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Those who like it simple |
2. ADT | 9.6/10 | Custom | C+ | Yes | No | 6 months | $90 | Motion and infrared | Yes | Yes | Yes | Pro and DIY | Included | No | No | Yes | No | Traditional people |
3. SimpliSafe | 9.5/10 | $14.99 | A+ | Yes | No | 3 years | $266 | Entry and Motion | Yes | Yes | Yes | DIY | Included | Included | No | Yes | No | Self-Sufficient families |
4. Brinks | 9.2/10 | Custom | A | Yes | 30 days | 2 years | Custom | Entry and Motion | No | Yes | Yes | DIY and Pro | Included | No | No | Yes | Yes | Power users |
5. Abode | 9.2/10 | $3.33 | B+ | Yes | No | Lifetime | $179 | Entry and Motion | No | Yes | Yes | DIY | Included | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Those with a large budget |
6. Frontpoint | 9.2/10 | Custom | B | Yes | No | 1 year | $99 | Motion and infrared | Yes | Yes | Yes | DIY | Included | No | No | Yes | Yes | Families who want to film with detail. |
7. Ring | 8.9/10 | $3 | A | Yes | No | Lifetime for theft | $199 | Motion | No | Yes | Yes | DIY | Not included | No | Yes | No | Yes | Those who need 24-hour protection |
8. Blink | 8.8/10 | No | B+ | Yes | No | 2 years | $75 | Motion | No | No | No | DIY | Not included | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Lifetime protection |
9. Scout | 8.7/10 | $9.99 | B- | Yes | No | No | Custom | Entry and motion | Yes | Yes | Yes | DIY | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Travelers |
10. Wink | 8.7/10 | No | B+ | Yes | No | No | Custom | Door/Window Sensor, Motion Sensor | No | No | Yes | DIY | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Self-starters |
Responsibility of Renters and Owners
At times, it’s hard to find security systems for apartments. Most of them are in the market for houses with yards and garages. Let’s examine below the results for both renters and owners.
For Renters
The first thing these clients have to find out is the building’s policy. Do they allow for equipment inside the premises? Do they need to contact other renters for permission? Once they are sure about this, the next step is deciding on the product. The wise choice is to look for a cam that does not need tools or hard set-up.
For Owners
While this is about home security systems for renters, owners also have their job to do. For example, they have to make sure they are not liable for any issue or error their tenant makes. The only way to do this is to speak to a lawyer or a friend who knows a lot about these topics
Best Features of Apartment Home Security Systems to Help You Choose
As stated above, there are many specs that are important to consider. An apartment security system needs to be set up and installed to function well. Let’s see a list of each feature to get how they work in detail.
DIY: Install Them Without Help
Having to call a tech is an issue most of the time. Owners will need to stay at their place and wait for them to come. On top of that, devices that do not require tools or specialists are great for apartments. No drills or annoying sounds will pop up.
Entryway Sensors: to Keep Doors Safe
Any person who lives in a first floor knows it’s a bit dangerous. So, the entryway sensors are great for security. People can simply put them indoors or windows without much effort. If any thug appears in one’s place, then the alarm will be set. And the high pitch of the sound will scare them off.
Remote Control: for More Comfort
One can control the whole security without standing up. Anyone can take advantage of these hand-free perks using a remote control. For example, people can turn on or off the alarms, so they ring when an intruder appears using the control’s buttons.
Wireless Connections: Safety from Afar
Today, everyone has a smartphone with them at all times. Such a thing allows to be connected and control other devices from a distance. Plus, there are many landlords who do not want wires in their property. So, tenants will find devices with WiFi connection an asset.
Mobile Alerts: Be Connected at All Times
Another perk that functions with WiFi. Mobile alerts let owners monitor their property anytime and anywhere they are. They will get pings and alerts when, for example, an unexpected person enters their apartment. Or if fire consumes the place. It all comes down to the settings they decide on.
24/7 Monitoring: Don’t Miss a Thing
It’s true that buyers may decide to monitor what is going on by themselves. Meaning they do not use any help by pros. Yet, most common people have to work or have other duties. To prevent strange things from happening, they can hire companies to do it for them.
Motion Detectors: Behind Every Movement
Those who own a large house with children and pets will benefit from motion detectors. Especially the ones that make a difference between pets and persons. Why? Because, if not, they will get false positives all the time. So, this type of sensor will detect whenever a human being is moving and inform the owner.
Expandable: Add More Devices
Most of the devices mentioned in this review allow for add-ons. What does this mean? That, if the perks included in the systems they bought are not enough, buyers can always add more. This ranges from cameras to sensors, remote controls, and more cloud storage.
Panic Buttons & Pendants for the Most Needy
Apart from traditional devices, these systems also include some extras. Those include panic buttons to talk to the police in a direct way. As soon as the person pushes the button, the police are alerted and take action. On the other hand, pendants have to do with health emergencies.
Decide on the Best Home Security Systems for Apartments: Not so Easy as it Seems
As seen before, choosing good security systems for apartments is not as easy as it seems. There are many factors to consider. These range from price and specs to contract, batteries, and reviews online. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features that can help any client choose right.
1. Equipment
The major part of any system. One should ask him or herself questions about how many cams they need, for example. Is it necessary to have doorbell sensors? Keypads? Base stations? Good sound and mics? WiFi connection and recording? With that info in mind, it’s then possible to decide on the best product for one’s needs.
2. Contracts’ Details
Another key aspect. Some providers, for instance, only ask for a fee paid monthly. Such a thing means that clients only pay for the services they use. Others ask for long-term contracts that range from months to years. Be careful when buying.
3. Reviews
Online reviews are precious to any future buyer. Reading those texts is crucial to understand how the product or service works truly. Distrust those companies that only show positive reviews. That’s not real, as any business, no matter how good, is prone to having some issues. Clients should use those comments in their favor.
4. Customer Service
A crucial element to consider when one has an issue with the product or service. But customer care teams are not only related to problems. Instead, these employees also take care of any doubts or questions that may pop up before the purchase. Efficient teams, then, always make a difference. Users will give them a good review.
5. Affordable Pricing
Last but not least, money is always important when it comes to buying items. A camera can be great, but if the pricing is too high, one’s pocket won’t be able to afford it. As seen above, there are plenty of options in the market. Buyers do not need to lose all their savings to buy a security system, then.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can You Put a Security System in an Apartment?
Yes, any person can do it as long as they are inside the place. It is not legal to put cameras in common spaces. If that’s the case, people have to ask for permission, not only of the owner. But also of all the rest of the persons living within the building. Still, those who want to protect their homes from the inside and review it can do so by putting cameras or sensors wherever they prefer.
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Can a Tenant Install a Security Camera Inside?
Yes, as long as the cams do not break the walls or ruin the building. If that is the case, then tenants have to ask landlords for their permission to install a product. Yet, today there are a lot of products that do not need tools or difficult processes to start working. Some are the examples above. The only thing people have to do when they leave is to take the cam with themselves.
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Does ADT Work for Apartments?
Yes, the company is very big and has plenty of options, according to the reviews. From great doorbells to top-notch motion sensors and easy to set up cameras, ADT has it all. On the grey side, the cost is quite high. Clients will have to pay not only for the equipment but also for a monthly fee. Still, the service is top-notch, and buyers are paying for good quality.
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Is it Illegal to Put Cameras in Apartments?
Not really. But it is true that renters have to reach an agreement with the owners of the apartments before taking measures. So, the best security systems for apartment renters are the ones with an easy set-up process. These people will not have to use tools or modify the building in any way.
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How Can I Secure My Apartment?
There are many ways to do this: the reviews say. From installing bars to hiring private security, the options are endless. Yet, the most convenient and the least expensive one is buying security systems for apartments. Putting bars in windows, for example, requires permission, tools, and a lot of time. Instead, using a camera with magnets and batteries require very little investment, effort, and money.
Choose the Best Option for Your Apartment
The most appropriate home security systems for renters are here on this list. From very big brands to smaller but great all the same, clients have it all. They can choose, depending on many factors. Some of them are related to the price, but other things are also crucial. For example, the type of setup, the devices included, and more. No matter which one they prefer, it is clear that every system is worth the time, effort, and money.