The Best Baby Monitors of 2020

Best Car Seats of 2020

Best Overall

Graco 4Ever 4-in-1

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• 10-year lifespan
• 120-pound weight limit

• 10-year lifespan
• 120-pound weight limit

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Luxury Pick

Peg-Pérego Primo

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• Shock absorbent foam device
• Luxury Italian fabric

• Shock absorbent foam device
• Luxury Italian fabric

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Best for Infants

Chicco KeyFit

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• Lightweight 9-pound design
• Compatible with a selection of strollers

• Lightweight 9-pound design
• Compatible with a selection of strollers

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Last Updated: 2 months ago

Wondering how to keep car seats clean during the coronavirus era? We updated our article with car seat cleaning and disinfecting tips. Find them in our FAQ section.

Bottom Line: Graco 4Ever is Reliable from Cradle to Classroom

When buying a car seat, safety is the priority. But did you know every car seat on the market has already been tested and proven safe? Some seats just add extra features or make installation easier. In our search for car seats, we looked at things like steel-reinforcement, seat size, ease of installation, lifespan, and weight range.

The car seat we found with all the best of those features is the Graco 4Ever. With a 10-year lifespan and convertible positions, it’s the one-time purchase that can protect your kids from the first day home to the first day of school. It has a steel-reinforced frame, side-impact protection, and five-point restraints, and it can hold babies as small as four pounds or children up to 120 pounds.

The 4Ever has some impressive customer reviews too. Parents love the convertible feature that allows you to transform this car seat from a rear-facing seat for babies to a backless booster for big kids. Best of all, it’s easy to adjust and move between cars, and it matches several models of compatible strollers.

Here are the Top Six Car Seats for 2020

• 1. Graco 4Ever 4-in-1: Best Overall
• 2. Peg-Pérego Primo: Luxury Pick
• 3. Chicco KeyFit: Best Infant Seat
• 4. Graco SnugRide 35: Best for Traveling
• 5. UPPABaby MESA: Spill-proof Pick

Compare The Best Car Seats of 2020

Price

Weight Range

Maximum Height

Expiration Date

Steel Reinforced

Cupholders

Learn More

Graco 4Ever 4-in-1	Peg-Pérego Primo Viaggio:	Chicco KeyFit	Graco SnugRide	UPPAbaby MESA
$299.99	$349.99	$150.61	$134.03	$299.99
4–120 lb.	5–65 lb.	4–30 lb.	4–35 lb.	4–35 lb.
57 in.	49 in.	30 in.	32 in.	32 in.
10 years	7 years	6 years	7 years	7 years
Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Yes	Purchase separately	No	No	No
View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

Info current as of 04/30/20 12:00 p.m. MST. Offers and availability subject to change. See full disclaimer.

Looking for booster seats? Check out our review of the top booster seats on the market.

Best Car Seat Reviews

Graco 4Ever: Best Overall

Best Overall

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The Graco 4Ever isn’t just practical, it’s safe and easy to install. It has a five-point harness and steel-reinforced frame to keep your kiddo safe and comfortable. We found multiple reviews from real customers claiming their child survived accidents without a scratch thanks to this Graco seat.

Proper installation is essential to your child’s safety in a car seat. Thankfully, this seat is easy to install in any position. The color-coded stickers on the base make it clear which belt to use. The Graco 4Ever can use your car’s LATCH system, adult seat belts, or both.

The Graco 4Ever convertible car seat is pricey, but it’s a one-time payment for four stages of car seats. We were most impressed by its weight range (4–120 pounds) and its ability to shift between rear-facing, front-facing, high-backed booster, and backless booster seat positions.

Top that off with a 10-year lifespan, and this may be the only car seat your child needs until they fit an adult seat belt.

Pros

• 10-year lifespan
• Weight range capacity 4 - 120 lb.
• Steel reinforcement for added safety
• Machine washable cushions

Cons

• Not compatible with strollers
• Steep price

Peg-Pérego Primo Viaggio: Luxury Pick

Luxury Pick

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Chic, sleek, and safe, the Peg-Pérego Primo Viaggio is the Italian sports car of car seats. It’s fashionable, but also has several unique safety features other car seats skipped.

This car seat has adjustable side-impact protection, a contoured steel back plate, and expanded polystyrene to absorb energy in a crash. It’s also got a shock-absorbing foam element (SAFE)—a crumpling device under the seat that absorbs force in a crash.

All of this is lined in machine washable jersey fabric to keep your little ones comfy during long rides, hot summers, and cold winters.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children use rear-facing seats until they reach the weight limit of 40 pounds. 1 The Primo Viaggio follows this closely and allows children up to 45 pounds to fit in the rear-facing position. After, they can ride in the front-facing position until they reach 65 pounds. This should suit your kiddos for the seat’s entire seven-year lifespan.

If you’re willing to drop a bit of cash on a high-quality car seat that will last for years, the Primo Viaggio is a safe and stylish choice.

Pros

• Reversible rear-facing and forward-facing options
• Energy-absorbing foam and crumpling device
• Luxurious, machine-washable upholstery

Cons

• Steep price tag
• No level indicator
• No built-in cupholder

Chicco KeyFit: Best Infant Car Seat

Best Infant Car Seat

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The Chicco KeyFit is a popular choice with parents and critics alike for how easily it clicks into the base and compatible strollers. It’s a light nine pounds, so it’s easy to transport baby from one car to another.

It’s easy to install in your back seat too. The base secures by LATCH or the adult seat belt in the back seat. Once the base is stable and level, just click the seat into the base and secure baby in. The easy pull straps and five-point restraint system keeps your infant snug and secure for the whole ride.

It’s a great choice for infants, but with a max height of 30 inches and max weight of 30 pounds, your baby might outgrow it quickly. It has a six-year lifespan, so you can reuse it if you have a new baby in the family after your toddler outgrows the KeyFit.

Pros

• Easily transferrable from stroller to car
• Compatible with a fleet of strollers
• Ultra light

Cons

• Suitable only for infants
• Not steel reinforced

Other Car Seats to Consider

Best for Traveling

Graco SnugRide

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Graco SnugRide 35: Best for Traveling

Busy families on the go shouldn’t be tied down by bulky car seats. If you plan to travel with your baby often, the Graco SnugRide is safe on the ground and in the air. It’s easy to move from stroller to car seat base and is Federal Aviation Admission (FAA) approved.

While your child may outgrow its 35-pound weight limit in a couple of years, it’s reasonably priced for the life you get out of it.

Spill-proof Pick

UPPAbaby MESA

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UPPABaby MESA: Spill-proof Pick

If you want a safe car seat with a few extra features, the UPPABaby MESA is a good place to start. It has a canopy, machine washable cushions, and compatible strollers for when you head to the park or zoo. We really like the stain-resistant fabric that repels liquids like milk, juice, and inevitable accidents.

It also has a tightness indicator on the strap and pockets on the side to tuck the buckles in while you settle baby in. All this comes with a steep price tag for a baby car seat, but it’s one small way to make parenting a little easier.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

According to a 2016 report from the NHTSA, 49% of car seats and booster seats are used improperly.² To us, that means the best car seat isn’t just safe, it’s easy to install. Seats with fool-proof installation will be less likely to malfunction or fail no matter how many other features they have.

Your child should also fit within the car seat’s weight and height requirements for the best installation and safety results.

You’ll also want to look at lifespan. Car seats typically expire in about six to ten years. This is long enough for your child to outgrow their car seat or grow into their adult seat belt in time to pass down to a sibling.

FAQs

How do I clean and disinfect a car seat?

Follow the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines ⁵ for both cleaning (removing germs, dirt, and impurities) and disinfecting (using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces). Use disposable gloves.

1. Remove the car seat. Shake it upside down and vacuum to remove all crumbs.
2. Check your manual for which parts can be removed or machine-washed. Don’t machine-wash the harness.
3. If machine-washing is off limits, scrub cloth surfaces with detergent or warm soap and water. Don’t use bleach. Avoid soaking materials enough to risk mold or rust.
4. Wipe all plastic and metal surfaces with disinfecting wipes.
5. Clean the straps and buckle with warm water and gentle soap. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or harsh chemicals, as both can compromise strap strength.
6. Air dry all pieces of the car seat completely before reinstalling it in your car. 

How do I know if I’ve installed the car seat correctly?
Each car seat attaches to your car differently, so it’s essential that you read all the instructions along with your vehicle’s manual. These manuals can make installation and adjusting the car seat easier for you and safer for your little one. You can also find important information like safety specs, compatibility with airline seats, and more. See “The 5 Keys to Car Seat Safety” illustration below.

If you need some help or just want confirmation you’ve installed the car seat correctly, you can take it to your local fire or police department to get help from a certified Child Passenger Safety technician. If there are no CPSs at your local emergency center, you can check the CPS registry to find one near you.

How long should my child ride in a rear-facing seat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests children ride in a rear-facing seat as long as possible.³ Most rear-facing car seats have a weight range up to 40 pounds and allow your kiddo to ride in this position until they’re roughly two years old.

What is the LATCH system?
The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, or LATCH system, is designed to make car seats easier to install and more compatible with vehicles. Since 2003, all vehicles have been required to provide lower anchors in and on the back seats making it easier to attach strong clips from the car seat. It’s an easier alternative to threading seat belts through the frame of your child’s car seat.

Can I take my car seat on an airplane?
Most infant car seats are compatible with FAA standards, but it’s best to check your manual. Once you convert a car seat into a booster seat you may not be able to take it on an airplane since these seats need a cross-body belt to function properly.

How We Picked the Best Car Seats

Your children’s safety is important to us, so we worked hard to come to these results. We started by surveying over 50 parents about safety, convenience, price, and common features in car seats. This helped us align our priorities with those of many parents and caregivers.

Once we had all the data we needed, we compared top product lists with the features parents want most. The best car seats matched parents’ priorities and got high marks on professional reviews. From there, we compared features, read user reviews, and reviewed NHTSA standards⁴ for car seats. Find out more about how we review in our full methodology.

Sources

1. American Academy of Pediatrics, “AAP Updates Recommendations on Car Seats for Children”
2. NHTSA, “Youth Facts Book”
3. American Academy of Pediatrics, “AAP Updates Recommendations on Car Seats for Children”
4. NHTSA, “Car Seats and Booster Seats”
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Interim Recommendations for US Households with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019“

Car Crash Stats: States with the Highest (and Lowest) Child Fatality Rates

In 2017, vehicle crashes involving children happened every 32 seconds.¹ While safe driving can certainly help prevent events like these, a properly installed child safety seat can reduce fatal injuries by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in standard passenger cars.² 

Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed which states had the most (and fewest) child fatalities in vehicle crashes between 2013 and 2017. In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, we took a close look at how you can prevent these incidences with the right car seat.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System database from the NHTSA, fatal car crashes involving children (ages 0 to 9) happened most (and least) frequently in these 10 states. The numbers shown are representative of every 100,000 children in each state. For example, for every 100,000 children in Wyoming, 6.44 were killed in a motor vehicle crash.

Findings 

During our research, we examined a variety of sources including reports from the NHTSA from 2013 to 2017, state laws on child safety, and pediatric recommendations for the best safety practices for children up to 13 years old. While we didn’t find a direct correlation between lax state laws and traffic deaths, there were a few interesting findings worth mentioning. 

• For every 100,000 children nationwide, 2.1 children died in a car crash between 2013 and 2017. Overall, there were 3,704 deaths. 
• In three years, Wyoming saw a 44% decrease in child traffic deaths. From 9.1 car crash deaths per 100,000 children in 2014 to 5.1 in 2017.
• There was a 213% increase in child car crash deaths in New Mexico between 2015 and 2017. From 3.2 car crash deaths per 100,000 children in 2015 to 10 in 2017. 
• Oklahoma’s fatality rate is nearly twice the national average at 4 deaths per 100,000. 
• In Arizona, only one child needs to be restrained in vehicles where there’s not enough room for restraints for every child. 
• Idaho allows children to ride out of their safety seat if held by an attendant for “nursing or to meet another immediate physiological need.”
• Fatal vehicle accidents involving children have decreased by 58% since 1975.³

No matter where you live, we recommend following the proven safety standards like those set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

How to Keep Children Safe

The best way to prevent traffic fatalities is to drive safely and use the right safety restraint for your kids. The correct seat for your child will depend on their height, weight, and age. The best car seats are comfortable for your kids and easy for you to install.

Always read the instructions before installing your child’s car seat for the first time.

Always check to make sure your kids are secured tightly before every ride. The car seat shouldn’t move more than 1 inch from side to side.

Always register new child safety seats with the manufacturer. This will keep you updated on recalls and important brand news.

Always match car seat harnesses to their designated slots as shown in your car seat’s manual. 

Always use the top tether when securing a front-facing car seat.

Always buckle up with your kids. It sets a good example and keeps you safe too.

Never let your kids ride in the car without a safety restraint.

Never let your kids ride in another vehicle without the right safety restraints.

Never secure a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat.

Never buckle in your child while they’re wearing a bulky coat or outerwear. You can use the coat as a blanket or throw, but thick outerwear can make the seat less effective.

Never let kids under 13 ride in the front seat. Avoid letting them ride in vehicles with no back seat or active front-seat passenger airbags.

Never use an expired, recalled, or damaged car seat.

Information pulled from Mayo Clinic’s car seat recommendations.

If you have a car seat in your vehicle, visit a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in your community to double-check that it’s properly installed. Find a car seat inspection station in your area or learn how to become a licensed car seat technician.

Types of Child Safety Restraints

As your little ones grow up, they need a car seat that fits them correctly. There are convertible car seats that shift and change with your child’s growth stages, or you can purchase a new car seat for every phase. Either way, the car seat needs to be easy to install and hold your child securely. No matter what stage your child is at, the best car seat is a properly installed car seat. Follow this guide from the NHTSA to know when to transition to the next car seat for your child.

Infants to 3 years old: Babies and toddlers need to sit in a rear-facing seat until they reach the weight limit on the car seat. You can find convertible car seats that fit from infancy to 3 years old. Infant car seats have a shorter life span, fitting babies up to 12 months, while convertible models can fit older children up to 35 pounds (depending on the car seat model). 

4 to 7 years old: Once your child reaches preschool age, they can typically sit in a forward-facing car seat. These seats generally fit kids from 40 to 60 pounds. When installing these seats, it’s especially important to fasten the top tether of your car seat to the vehicle’s seat. This can reduce head and neck injuries in case of a crash.

8 to 12 years old: This is typically when your child can transition from a forward-facing car seat to a booster seat. Depending on your child’s weight and height, they can use a belt-positioning booster or a backless booster seat. These seats are best for kids between 40 and 80 pounds and up to 4 feet 9 inches. See our recommendations for the best booster seats. 

12 years and up: Until your kids are 13, the back seat is the best place for them to sit. Once your kiddos reach 4 feet 9 inches, they are generally big enough to use an adult seat belt in the back seat of your vehicle. This could be the back seat’s lap belt or lap and shoulder belt.

Methodology

The SafeWise team evaluated car crash data from 2013 to 2017 from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to determine which states in the country had the highest and lowest numbers of child car crash fatalities per 100,000 children. 

Sources 

1. United States Department of Transportation, “Child Passenger Safety Week”
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic Safety Facts—Children”  
3. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Child Safety”

Related Pages on SafeWise

• When Can I Turn My Baby Around to Face Forward in the Car?
• When Can a Child Switch to a Regular Seatbelt?
• How Long Do Car Seats Last?
• Best Booster Seats

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The Best Home Alarm Systems in the UK

Overall Favourite

SimpliSafe

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• No contracts
• Easy DIY installation

• No contracts
• Easy DIY installation

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Best Smart Security System

Yale Smart Alarm

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• Less expensive
• No professional monitoring

• Less expensive
• No professional monitoring

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Best Security Camera System

Blink

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• Affordable security cameras
• Free cloud storage

• Affordable security cameras
• Free cloud storage

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Bottom Line: SimpliSafe Home Security Tops the List 

The do-it-yourself home security system that’s been a great success in America is now available in the UK. SimpliSafe home security systems are sleek, small—and above all, simple. There are no contracts, no wires to deal with and no high-pressure sales. 

We like that SimpliSafe delivers reliable professional monitoring for almost half of what other home security companies are charging. You can have the reassurance of 24/7 protection without draining your bank account. And SimpliSafe works whether you own a detached home or rent a flat.

Compare the Best Home Security Systems in the UK

Brand

Lowest Monthly Price

Starter Equipment Price

Contract Required

Installation

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Overall Favourite	Best Smart Security System	Best Security Camera System	Most Comprehensive	Most Trusted	Honourable Mention
SimpliSafe	Yale	Blink	Verisure	ADT	Ring
£12.99/mo.	N/A	N/A	£39.90/mo.	£27.99/mo.	N/A
£289.00*	£244.99	£139.99	Call for Quote	£0**	£249.00
X No	X No	X No	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	X No
DIY	DIY	DIY	Pro	Pro	DIY
View Packages	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View Packages	View Packages	View on Amazon

Amazon.com List Price as of 30/04/2020 5:25 p.m. MST. (Full disclaimer)

*Due to high demand, the Yale Starter Kit was unavailable as of 30/04/2020. The price reflected above is for the next package up, the Family Kit, which includes an additional motion sensor and a keypad. 

**£0 due up front for equipment with contract.

Top 6 Home Alarm Systems in the UK

• SimpliSafe: Overall Favourite Home Alarm System
• Yale: Best Smart Home Alarm System
• Blink: Best Security Camera System
• Verisure: Most Comprehensive Home Alarm System
• ADT: Most Trusted Home Alarm System
• Ring: Honourable Mention

Reviews: Best Home Security Systems

#1 SimpliSafe: Overall Favourite Home Alarm System

SimpliSafe offers the best of both worlds—easy DIY installation and professional monitoring service. You’re in complete control of your SimpliSafe home security system, from the equipment you choose to optional professional monitoring with no contracts. 

SimpliSafe has five preselected equipment packages, ranging from £279 to £504. If you don’t find a good match, you can skip the packages altogether and build your own system.

Here’s a look at what’s included in SimpliSafe’s home security packages.

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Pros

• Affordable monitoring
• Easy DIY installation
• Security camera included in every package
• Voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant

Cons

• No external siren
• Higher upfront costs

SimpliSafe Equipment Packages

Package

Price

Base Station

Keypad

Key Fobs

Door and Window Sensors

Motion Sensors

Glassbreak Sensors

SimpliCam

105 db Siren

Panic Button

The Starter	The Essentials	The Warwick	The Windsor	The Bamburgh
£279	£309	£364	£454	£504
1	1	1	1	1
1	1	1	1	1
0	0	1	1	2
1	3	7	5	3
1	1	0	2	2
0	0	0	0	1
1	1	1	1	1
0	0	0	1	1
0	0	0	0	1

In contrast to its American security packages, SimpliSafe includes its indoor security camera (the SimpliCam) in every UK package. Because visual confirmation is often required for police response, this extra inclusion was a smart move. 

The biggest drawback to SimpliSafe is the absence of an external siren or bell box, which is the first signal to a burglar that your home isn’t worth the trouble. Instead, the company provides a yard stake and sign, which is an effective deterrent across the pond, but not as familiar here. 

Another consideration is the up front cost. You have to buy all of your SimpliSafe security devices outright. That can mean a hefty investment, depending on the package you need.

But the good news is that after you buy your equipment, there are no other required expenses. And you can get professional monitoring starting at just £12.99 per month—that’s less than half of the monthly fees from ADT and Verisure.

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Our Pick for SimpliSafe: The Windsor

The Windsor costs a little bit more, but it delivers everything you need to protect your home and loved ones.

The extra siren helps make up for SimpliSafe’s lack of a bell box, and once you buy the equipment, it’s yours forever. There are no extra fees, but we strongly recommend adding SimpliSafe’s contract-free monitoring.
• 2 motion sensors
• 105 db siren
• Add monitoring for £12.99/mo.

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#2 Yale Smart Home Alarm: Best Home Alarm System

The Yale Smart Home Alarm combines home automation and home security—with no monthly fees. 

Use the Yale mobile app to set up your system, control your alarm and receive instant alerts. You can also add up to 40 extra devices (including panic buttons and smoke alarms) to make sure every inch of your home is covered. 

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Pros

• Fully customizable
• Cheaper than other alarm systems
• Compatible with up to 40 devices
• Equipped with loud external siren

Cons

• No professional monitoring
• Long command phrases for Alexa

When it comes to smart home features, the Yale alarm system works with Amazon Alexa for voice control and Philips Hue smart lightbulbs for an extra burglar deterrent. When your alarm is triggered, Hue lights flash red to warn off intruders. 

We like that you can customize the Yale system to meet your needs—including a “part armed” setting that lets you arm devices in designated areas of your home, while leaving other areas unarmed. This is a good way to avoid false alarms from rambunctious pets. 

But there’s no option to add professional monitoring, so you’ll be fully responsible for keeping an eye on your home and contacting police in an emergency.

---

Our Pick for Yale: Family Kit

The Yale Smart Home Alarm Family Kit includes everything you need to keep your home safe. Plus, it works with Amazon Alexa and Philips Hue smart light bulbs.

You can arm and disarm your system with your voice and program flashing red lights as an extra warning for intruders to stay away.
• 2 motion detectors
• 1 external siren
• 1 mobile app to control everything
• No monitoring available

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#3 Blink Home Security System: Best Security Camera System

Security cameras are the heart and soul of the Blink home alarm system. Blink cameras come with a built-in motion detector and free cloud storage, so you can capture every second of an intruder’s entry or the adorable antics of your family pet.

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Pros

• Free cloud storage
• Live video streaming
• Two-year battery life
• Affordable price tag

Cons

• No siren or bell box
• No professional monitoring

If you’re more interested in video surveillance than a loud siren, then Blink is a good match for you. When a Blink HD camera picks up motion, it automatically starts recording.

You’ll get an instant alert with the video attached. Then you can review the footage and decide what to do next. 

These security cameras are small and unobtrusive—and you can place them on a table or shelf, or use the enclosed bracket to mount them on a wall. The motion sensor is adjustable, so you can avoid a deluge of notifications every time your cat scampers past. 

But this is a limited home security option. There isn’t an external alarm, and there’s no option to connect with guard or police response.

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Our Pick for Blink: 2-Camera Kit

We like the Blink 2-Camera Kit because it gives you the option to keep an eye on the inside and outside of your home—or you can watch two entrances to your home.

This is a good fit if you have pets or children you want to check in with and if you aren’t looking for a siren or professional monitoring.
• Totally wire-free
• Live video streaming
• Works with Amazon Alexa

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#4 Verisure Smart Alarms: Most Comprehensive Home Alarm System

Verisure offers the most home security options of any security company on our list.

These smart alarm systems adapt to the needs of your home—no matter what type of home it is or however big or small it may be. Verisure designs custom alarm systems for flats, villas, apartments, detached houses, garages and sheds.  

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Pros

• ZeroVision smoke barrier
• Included guard response
• Professional installation
• Fast response time

Cons

• Consultation required for price quote
• Higher monitoring fees
  

One of the best features of a Verisure alarm is the company’s quick response time during an emergency. Verisure claims an average response time of 45 seconds. That means help is on the way in around 45 seconds from the moment Verisure’s Alarm receiving centre gets an alert. 

And it’s the only security company we’ve found that offers the extra deterrent of smoke to scare off burglars.

The ZeroVision smoke alarm expels a dense fog that impairs an intruder’s vision and buys extra time for the police or a guard to arrive.

Verisure approaches home security with specific solutions tailored to deliver the protection each home needs to ward off theft and other home security threats. Before you commit to a Verisure alarm, a security expert will visit your home and recommend a package that meets the needs of your family and property. 

The security consultation is free, with no obligation to enter into a contract, so you can explore Verisure alarms without risk. But you will have to wait for a consultation to get full pricing information, and Verisure’s monitoring plans are the most expensive on our list. 

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Our Pick for Verisure: Flat Alarm System

Verisure’s Flat Alarm System is custom-designed based on a free security consultation.

This ensures the right amount of security for whatever type of property you call home. And the portable control panel means it’s easy to take your alarm system with you if you move.
• Guard response
• SOS panic button
• Lifelong warranty and maintenance
• High-power external siren

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#5 ADT: Most Trusted Home Alarm System

ADT has over 140 years of home security experience, and it shows. ADT says over 90% of intruders would think twice about targeting a home protected by an ADT-monitored intruder alarm.

If you want 24/7 security provided by an alarm company with a proven track record, ADT is a solid choice.

 

Pros

• Over 140 years of experience
• Smart home options
• Monitoring center expertise
• Smoke and CO monitoring available

Cons

• More expensive pricing
• No cameras in base package

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With ADT Smart Home©, you can use your smartphone or computer to remotely access your alarm system and control your home’s lights and other smart home devices.

You won’t have to wonder if you forgot to set the alarm or turn out the lights—the power to control security alerts, Wi-Fi cameras, lights and any other connected devices is in the palm of your hand.

Every ADT alarm package comes with 24/7 monitoring. If your intruder alarm is triggered, ADT’s central monitoring station responds immediately—monitoring specialists are always on guard and never ignore an alarm.

ADT monitoring can also keep an eye on other vital emergency response systems like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

But ADT alarm systems tend to be more expensive, and monthly monitoring fees are on the higher end. Plus, security cameras aren’t included in the base equipment package, so you’ll have to upgrade if you want the extra reassurance of video surveillance.

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Our Pick for ADT: Keyholder Smart Home

ADT’s Keyholder Smart Home package offers outstanding security services, which ADT is known for, plus full home automation integration. 

You get mobile access and control through the ADT app.
• Pet-friendly sensors
• 24/7 monitoring
• Smoke and CO monitoring

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#6 Honorable Mention: Ring Alarm

Best known for its suite of video doorbells and security cameras, Ring is a newcomer to the home alarm world. It’s an affordable alarm system that you can build onto over time without getting locked into a contract.

Pros

• Affordable equipment and plans
• DIY installation
• Wide array of cameras
• Alexa compatibility

Cons

• No professional monitoring
• No outdoor siren

View Packages

Ring’s DIY installation starts with a few basic equipment packages that you can add to as your pocketbook allows. If you move to a new flat, you can take your equipment with you, adding new sensors, cameras, or other equipment to cover additional square footage or entrances.

You can choose between self-monitoring or assisted monitoring with a Ring system. With assisted monitoring, Ring’s automatic telephone system will call your emergency contacts one-by-one until someone answers and disables the alarm. It’s a little more protection than managing the system on your own, but you’ll have to call the police on your own.

You can control the system with Amazon Alexa devices or use your Echo smart speakers to chat with people on the other side of your cameras—convenient when you need to arm the system before heading to work and already have your morning tea in-hand.

Its susceptibility to breaches keeps us from recommending the system higher, though there are a few ways to limit who can access your system and prevent security breaches.

Heads Up: Protect Your Privacy

Any time you connect a device to the internet, we recommend following best practices for privacy and security:
– Set up two-factor authentication.
– Never share login credentials—set up authorized users instead.
– Use strong, unique passwords for your account.
– Limit the kind of information a company can share with third-parties.
– For cameras, set up privacy zones in areas you’d rather not share.

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Our Pick for Ring: 10-piece kit

Ring’s 7-piece kit has enough sensors to cover entrances of most homes. Pair it with Ring Protect Plus so you’ve got backup.

• Assisted monitoring
• Camera pairings
• Voice control through Alexa

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Types of Home Security Services

Audible vs. Monitored System 

Audible, or bells-only, alarm systems are the most affordable option, but their only line of defence is a siren that sounds when the system is triggered.

Monitored alarm systems are linked to an alarm receiving centre where trained alarm monitors keep watch over your property 24/7. When deciding between a monitored or bells-only alarm, consider where you live. 

If you live in a busy area with an active neighbourhood watch scheme, a bells-only alarm might be all the protection you need. But those who live in a detached home, where neighbours are farther away, may want the extra security provided by a monitored burglar alarm.

 

Keyholder vs. Guard or Police Response 

Monitored alarm systems come with different response options. Keyholder response provides alerts to the homeowner and any other named keyholders when the alarm is triggered. This is the most common response level, and it’s usually included in most basic alarm system packages. 

Guard or police response—where a private security guard or the police are dispatched after an alarm—is likely an upgrade and may increase monthly fees.

The level of response you choose will depend on a number of factors including the type of property, the valuables you’re protecting and the ages and abilities of household members. If you have rare or costly valuables that would be difficult to replace, or you want to provide extra help to younger or older family members, the added comfort of guard or police response may be worth the extra expense.

 

Wired vs. Wireless Alarm System 

Both wired and wireless alarm systems are available. Your choice will depend on multiple factors including cost, reliability and maintenance. Hard-wired security systems must be professionally installed, so that can increase costs. 

Wired systems are more likely to include police response, but they must meet National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Intruder Alarm Policy standards. Wireless alarm systems are considered more convenient and less expensive to install. Because you don’t need to run cables or lift carpets, wireless systems are easier to install, which reduces installation fees.

 

DIY vs. Professional Burglar Alarm 

You can choose between a professional alarm system (like Verisure or ADT) or a home alarm that you can purchase and install on your own.

A DIY security system (like our top pick, SimpliSafe)  is usually less expensive and gives you total control over system design and installation. Plus, you won’t have to worry about paying a monthly monitoring fee. If monitoring is not a concern for you, a DIY system is an affordable home security alternative. 

Professional burglar alarms provide the highest level of security, but they also cost more and come with fewer options. However, you don’t have to worry about figuring out installation or conducting maintenance on a professional security system. There may be more costs, but the convenience and confidence provided by a professional alarm system are well worth it.

What to Consider in a UK Alarm System

We’ve identified the most important things to consider when searching for the best intruder alarm system. These six factors give you a solid starting point for evaluating the different home security options available.

NSI Accreditation

National Security Inspectorate (NSI) accreditation assures consumers that products and security companies consistently meet or exceed security industry standards.

Look for companies that hold gold-level certification from NSI. Gold-level alarm companies deliver the “greatest perceived value across industry and by the police, fire and rescue services, and insurers.”

Price 

Protecting your home can require a sizeable investment. It’s important to know how much an alarm system is going to cost you up front and long term. When you’re researching burglar alarms, keep these three things in mind: equipment and activation fees, installation fees and monthly maintenance fees.

Companies usually provide different options—from buying equipment outright to leasing it on a monthly basis. Before you commit to an alarm system, identify both your monthly budget and the amount you’re willing to spend up front. This will keep you from biting off more than you can chew in regard to overall system price.

Service

You rely on your alarm system to keep your loved ones and property safe, and you need the company you choose to provide top-notch service. Chances are you’ll interact with customer service multiple times throughout the lifetime of your security system. 

To ensure the best service, we recommend thoroughly vetting the alarm company before signing on the dotted line.

Search online to find out what other customers say about reliability, responsiveness, and overall quality of service. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, give your top choices a call to find out firsthand how you’ll be treated as a customer.

Police Response 

If you want an alarm system with police response, professional monitoring by a regulated alarm company is required.

This means the alarm company has either National Security Inspectorate (NSI) accreditation or certification from the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB). This helps cut down on false alarms and ensures that police resources are used only for real emergencies.

Smart Home Features 

Thanks to home automation, your burglar alarm system can turn your house into a smart home. Most security companies are starting to offer packages that include smart home technology that lets you control everything in your home—from the lights to small appliances—right from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. 

If you want the extra security and convenience of home automation, look for an alarm company that offers smart home features. However, you should keep in mind that home automation may be an upgrade that will increase your monthly and upfront costs.

Mobile Access 

Everyone is on the go these days, so you need to control your burglar alarm no matter where you are. With mobile access, you can manage your alert settings and preferences or remotely arm and disarm your system. 

If you have a system with home automation, mobile access is granted through an app that you download to your mobile phone or computer. If your system includes CCTV surveillance, you may also be able to view live or recorded video from anywhere at any time.

Disclaimer

Amazon.com list price as of 31/03/2020, 2:50 p.m. MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

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