If your home already has a security system, getting a new one may feel like an annoying chore. How do you know if you need an upgrade or if your old alarms and access codes are still fine?
As home security acquires more advanced tech features and old systems become easier to bypass, home security systems really do age out of their jobs. These are the signs that you may need a new option, important features that a modern security system should include or at least support. If you don’t recognize anything on my list, your security
Read more: How to Turn Your Security Camera Into an All-Purpose Home Care Tool
1. Your system can’t recognize people, packages or animals
Nest’s cam comes with free AI alerts and recognition.
A little AI in home security devices does wonders, especially cameras. Today, most major brands include algorithms that can identify people versus animals, and more advanced versions can recognize vehicles and packages, too. Settings allow you to only get notifications about the objects you care about (usually people and packages).
That’s a huge quality of life improvement, even if the object recognition is sometimes locked behind paywalls — Google Nest, Eufy and Lorex are some of the brands that offer it for free. If your video doorbell or outdoor cameras (or devices like pet cams) are missing this technology, it’s probably time for an upgrade.
2. You don’t have any video storage
Nest’s free cloud storage is nice, but few cameras have it.
Years ago, security cameras were primarily live-view unless you wanted to invest in an expensive DVR setup. Video storage came slowly but surely, allowing you to automatically save footage when security cameras are triggered, then view it or share it with others. Today, you have options to upload video straight to the cloud — usually via a monthly subscription — or find a camera that offers local storage with a USB-compatible hub or a microSD card slot.
If you don’t have any video storage options at all, or you don’t like your current video storage choices, think about changing to a camera that supports storage you like. You can find local storage without subscriptions, or jump to cloud storage for greater convenience as well. Video storage is very useful when you can’t get to alerts right away or want to share footage with neighbors or police. And speaking of alerts…
3. You don’t get smart alerts on your phone
Tapo’s app showing the ability to enable or disable notifications.
Today’s home security systems are smartphone-friendly. That means you can arm or disarm them with an app from wherever you are, or remotely give people smart lock access on demand. You can also get immediate object detection alerts so you can switch to live-view while using two-way audio to check up on things at home. Some security companies require a subscription to unlock even smarter alerts, but they all have this basic phone functionality.
If you can’t control devices from your phone and get alerts, your security devices are several steps behind at least. It’s time to find newer, smart models that can give you the updates you want. And don’t worry, it’s easy to customize these alerts so you only get the ones that are really important.
A smart video doorbell that can send customized alerts is a major upgrade for any security system.
4. Your wireless devices have frequent battery problems
Battery packs are convenient, but watch out if they start struggling with battery life.
Wireless security devices like cams or sensors should last at least a few months before needing a recharge. Some can even last for years with the right batteries. But if your batteries are only lasting a few weeks at the most, then something is wrong. Your settings may be leading to rapid triggers that burn down battery life, but in many cases the batteries are just getting old. That’s especially true if they’re starting to intermittently cut out power altogether. Hot and freezing temperatures can make these problems worse, too. Problems like these mean it may be time to pick out a new wireless model.
5. Your security system doesn’t work with any other smart devices
Simplisafe, Abode and many other brands offer easy add-ons for expansion.
Many modern home security systems can support a plethora of third-party devices, working with smart locks from other brands, showing live views on Alexa-powered Echo Shows and many other tricks. Some even work with Google Home or Apple Home apps. Brands like ADT integrate well with Google Nest devices, while Abode and Vivint offer excellent third-party support for dozens of brands.
With so many choices, you deserve a security system that works with the smart home devices you already have and the voice assistants or app platforms that you prefer to use. If you’re juggling multiple apps to manage different parts of your smart home, look for a home security system that integrates with what you already have.
6. You can’t expand on your current system
Abode’s starter kit is super affordable and works with many third-party products.
Most home security kits start you off slow, with a hub and a couple of sensors. But they leave plenty of room for future upgrades and purchasing individual new devices when you want more add-ons. The best security systems offer multiple types of access sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, leak detectors, security cams, smart bulbs, air monitoring — it’s a long list!
But if you can’t expand your security system with the add-ons you want or any third-party integrations, it’s time to find a system that offers the products you need all under one hub. Take a look at the best DIY systems to learn more.
Bonus future prep: Watch for Matter compatibility
Matter and the related Thread protocols represent the most advanced standard in smart home tech, combining security and broad compatibility with platforms from Apple, Google, Amazon and plenty more. There’s just one caveat: It’s rolling out very slowly, and not all smart home devices work with it yet. That includes almost all home security cameras (video protocols are in progress but will take time to release) and similar devices.
As Matter support keeps growing in home security, the lack of Matter is going to start becoming a warning bell for old security systems. We aren’t quite there yet, but it’s rapidly approaching. We’ll keep you updated on the most Matter-friendly devices.
For more on finding the latest home security devices, check out the best outdoor cams, the top video doorbells and review the worst places to put video cameras.
