Tried and tested: the best smart security systems

Good home security doesn’t just involve a simple lock and key these days. We’ve tried out the best home security systems.

Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

A connected camera to keep an eye inside the home

$159, arlo.com

PROS

Clear video, even at night

Automatic privacy shield

Works with Amazon and Google commands

CONS

No local storage

Noticeable cable

No support for Apple HomeKit

The straightforward security camera can be plugged into a wall, connected to Wi-Fi and will send alerts when it detects motion and stream video to your phone, even at night. In a useful privacy feature, the Arlo gadget can also be shut down in the app, which lowers a small curtain over its camera and shuts down its mic.

3.5 stars

Google Nest Cam

This camera can tell if there’s a cat or a parcel outside your door

From $329, store.google.com

PROS

Can identify parcels or people

Indoor or outdoor use

Rechargeable battery

CONS

Some features require subscription

Some accessories cost extra

Quite heavy

It’s no surprise Google’s take on smart home security involves artificial intelligence. Its Nest Cam security cameras can be used outside or inside, can be fixed to a wall with a magnetic plate or stood on an optional stand, and will work out what’s in front of them, from a package, to a person or vehicle. Users can also set up an activity zone to monitor and make announcements through the cameras. Each camera will let you see what happened in the last three hours.

4.5 stars

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro

The connected camera that started the home security trend is in the spotlight again

$379, ring.com

The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro features 3D Motion Detection and a 110 decibel siren.

PROS

Powerful, motion-
activated lights

110 decibel siren

Bird’s Eye View feature

CONS

Some features require subscription

Lights can’t be replaced

Requires pro installation

Ring pioneered connected home security gadgets and this floodlight shows how far the market has come. The newest model not only flashes a light and pings your phone when it senses motion, but uses a radar to detect movement, comes with a more reliable Wi-Fi connection, improved audio, offers colour night vision footage, and will sound a louder siren than the previous model. It also comes with a feature called Bird’s Eye View that maps where visitors walked around your property, though recordings and personalised alerts are only for Ring Protect subscribers.

4 stars

Swann SwannBuddy Video Doorbell

A thoroughly modern way to keep your online shopping safe

$200, swann.com/au

PROS

Save videos without a subscription

Heat and motion detection

Six chimes from a separate speaker

CONS

Basic, boxy design

Black and white night vision

Doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit

This Australian-made smart doorbell promises to “outsmart porch pirates”. It has a wide-angle lens that records vertically so you can monitor parcels in front of your door, sensors to monitor heat and motion, and a microphone and a speaker so you can talk to unexpected visitors.

3.5 stars

Samsung SDS A30 Smart Lock

This smart lock can provide keyless home entry for you and guests

$569, bunnings.com.au

PROS

PIN, fingerprint and app unlocking

One-time PINs for visitors

Automatic locking after 10 seconds

CONS

Won’t work with Apple’s Siri

Uses AA batteries

Pro installation recommended

Streaming video from your front door is becoming common but this gadget takes smart security further. The SDS A30 Smart Lock is a connected deadbolt that can be controlled by an app so you can let people in remotely or issue a temporary PIN for a one-time visitor. Those numbers also move around to prevent any guessing games.

4 stars