Wirecutter - A smarter way to secure your home

A smart smoke alarm is the most important smart safety device you can install in your home. Instead of a blaring siren, it first uses a voice warning for smoke, and more importantly it sends alerts directly to your smartphone, so you know there's a problem even if you're out walking the dog, or at the office. It also regularly self-tests power and its sensors—no more 3 a.m. dead-battery chirps.

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Our pick for the best smoke alarm→

A smart doorbell camera alerts you whenever someone approaches your front door—even if they don’t ring the bell. When someone walks by, the motion sensor triggers the device to send a notification to your smartphone. From there, you can open the app to view and, if you like, speak to the person at the door, or you can simply ignore it. And the system can keep tabs on what deliveries are waiting (or should be waiting) when you get home.

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Our favorite smart doorbell→

A home security system can’t prevent bad things from happening, but installing one means you can take action quickly should something go awry. These systems include an array of sensors that alert you if they detect movement in your home, if a window or door is left open, or even if there’s an unexpected drop in temperature that could be a concern.

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The best DIY security system→

The wired Google Nest Doorbell is among the most technologically advanced DIY smart doorbell camera we’ve tested. It offers around-the-clock video recording, with AI-powered motion detection and facial recognition, and is a great option for those with advanced home security needs.

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Get it here for 20% off→