27 Models Considered
146 Hours of Research
13 Experts InterviewedWant a security system for your Airbnb Property? Check out our list of the best home security system for Airbnb. We made a list after consulting 14 experts and testing 17 security systems in our lab. If you don’t want to send much time looking at the list, then we recommend you to go with the Ring Alarm Kit . The whole system brings security on your fingertips. You can monitor your Airbnb property even when you are not at the property.
Top Picks
Best Home Security System For Airbnb
| Product | Sensors | Subscription | Type | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Alarm Kit | 10 | $10/month | Wireless | Check Price |
| SimpliSafe SS3 | 6 | $14.99/month | Wireless | Check Price |
| Fortress Security | 9 | NA | Wireless | Check Price |
| Abode Essentials | 2 | $30/month | Wireless | Check Price |
| Arlo Pro | 1 | NA | Wireless | Check Price |
| Samsung SmartThings | 3 | NA | Wired | Check Price |
| PANNOVO Wireless | 8 | NA | Wireless | Check Price |
1. Ring Alarm Kit – Best Home Security System Kit
- This bundle includes Ring Alarm 14 Piece Kit and Echo Dot (3rd Gen)—whole-home security at your fingertips. Get...
- Works with Alexa to arm, disarm, and check the status of your Ring Alarm security system with your voice.
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring is just $10/month. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
Home security is made of several sensors, and the Ring Alarm Kit covers almost all aspects of security. It not just covers every aspect but gives you control over the whole system via your smartphone. Connectivity to the security system remotely is a crucial factor for any Airbnb owner. This unit scores some great numbers for connectivity.
As Airbnb owner, you will be more concerned with how the system alerts you on intrusion. If the system is set up correctly, you will be notified on your phone as soon as any of the sensors is triggered. And also all the sensors have a long battery life. All the sensors have around three years of battery life, the keypad has ten months of battery life, and the base station is rechargeable with 24 hours back up. So you won’t have any issue maintaining the system.
- Very easy to install without professional help.
- Every device connected to the base station can be controlled by phone remotely.
- No contracts or any cancellation fees.
- 24×7 professional monitoring available at minimal charges.
- Works well with Alexa.
- No cameras included in the package.
Bottom Line
When we compared the price and the number of different sensors included in the package, it is not as expensive as the other home security systems.
2. SimpliSafe SS3 Wireless System – Best Wireless Home Security System
- Ready to protect right out of the box. Just plug in the base station, place your sensors, and start protecting your home...
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring with police, fire & medical dispatch starting at 50c/day - No contracts.
- Sound the alarm. Pioneering signal burst technology that is powerful enough to cover homes of every size, with up to...
SimpliSafe is one of the biggest brands of home security systems. The SimpliSafe SS3 Wireless System is considered to be the best home security system for vacation home by the big review sites like CNET, PC magazine. We also liked the complete overall package. For an Airbnb owner, you need a system that doesn’t take much time for installation as well as it must have cellular connection capability so that you are notified even if you are not connected to the same Wi-Fi.
The thing that could have been improved is the siren. It requires several sirens depending on the size of the property. Even the base station is not that loud. The good thing is as an Airbnb owner you won’t interact with the base station directlys.
- All the sensors are of high quality.
- The base station is compatible with all the smart devices.
- Easy to add new devices.
- The app is intuitive and provides all the necessary information.
- No fire or head sensors.
- Siren is not loud.
Bottom Line
The SimpliSafe system is easy to install and doesn’t require any professional monitoring if used for Airbnb property. But a few heat sensor in the kit would have made it a complete package.
3. Fortress Security Store S03 – Budget-friendly Security System
- Do-It-Yourself Security with 24/7 Optional Monitoring, this system is complete with wireless sensors and sirens with...
- Wi-Fi Security system Fully Controlled by Free iOS/Android App, Voice Control by Amazon Alexa
- Wi-Fi camera compatibility which can be viewed in real time through the Total Security application including 2-way chat,...
Most of the big brands do provide a quality product, but they fetch high prices. And if you require something that is within a budget, you can go for Fortress Security Store S03. It has almost everything required for home security system. The package includes S03 main panel, two motion sensor, five contact sensor, RFID key tag, panic button, two remote fobs, and a plugin siren.
Another thing missing is a good loud siren. The siren included in the package is okay, but if you want to scare the intruder and keep your guests safe, you want loud siren. Prefer getting high-quality siren that is loud. Moving on to the app, its very good. We tested the connectivity and response time of the system when the phone is away from the location. Yes depending on the speed of the internet on your phone and Airbnb property, there will be a delay. So get the fastest internet for the system as well as your phone.
- Inexpensive compared to most of the security systems.
- The package includes a lot more than any other system.
- The security system is expandable.
- It is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Sensors have low range compare to sensors from other brands.
- Some sensors do require wiring.
Bottom Line
You have to understand it is a budget option. Hence you will be compromising on a lot of factors. But the good thing about home security systems is they can adopt sensors of different brands and make it more effective.
4. Abode Essentials Starter Kit – Most Expandable Security System
- Professional grade home security, self installable in minutes.
- The abode system is a self-monitored and self-controlled home security and smart home platform you control right from...
- No monthly fees: monitor your own system for free or sign up for professional monitoring with no long term contract
For any home security system expandability, monitoring, and device functionality are the most important factor. These factors depend on the capacity of the Base station. Out of all the home security system, Abode Essentials has the best base station. Though the kit does not include a lot of accessories if the base station is used together with the high-quality third-party sensors, it will make a highly secure security system for Airbnb.
When your phone and the Abode system is connected to the same network, notification over the phone is very quick. We tested the system when the phone is away. The response time of the system is almost the same. Though it does not require any contract or monthly subscription fee, you can always hire professional monitoring if you want to secure your guest stay at your Airbnb Property. It costs only $7 per month which is much cheaper compared to other similar home security systems.
- It is highly expandable.
- It works with all the smart devices like Google Assistant, Alexa etc.
- The response time for notification is high.
- Low-cost monitoring services.
- The package doesn’t include many sensors.
- Not compatible with all security cameras.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for home security that can be expanded with third-party sensors, sirens, and cameras, Abode Essential is the best option for you.
5. Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security System with Siren – Best Camera Security System
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
- 100 percent Wire free : Free of power cords and wiring hassles
- Weather resistant : Arlo Pro cameras are Weather resistant so you can place them anywhere indoors and out
Most of the home security system kits we tested don’t have cameras included in the package. You have to buy them separately. Buying separately has issues of compatibility. For your Airbnb security, if you are more keen towards the cameras, Arlo Pro is the top home security system for vacation homes with cameras. However, you won’t have the luxury of adding other sensors and device to the Arlo like the other security systems on this list.
The cameras of Arlo have highly developed motion sensor. The Arlo camera can differentiate the movement of a branch and animal. Hence, it sends you notification only if the real movement is detected. We tested the effectiveness of the motion sensor by testing several movements. Every time it was spot on. In addition to the motion sensor, you can see the footage of real time. Thus, you can take quick action in case of unforeseen incidences.
- High-quality camera resolution.
- The cameras work in all light conditions.
- Cameras are water resistant.
- It has very good motion sensors.
- The package does not include any other sensors or detectors.
- Cameras don’t work in minus zero degree weather.
Bottom Line
If you had to get the best home security system for Airbnb with cameras, it should be Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera System with Siren.
6. Samsung SmartThings F-MN US-2 Home Monitoring Kit – Best Security System For Home Automation
- Includes a SmartThings Hub to connect wirelessly with a wide range of smart devices and make them work together
- Includes two SmartThings Multipurpose Sensors to receive alerts if windows open unexpectedly, set connected lights to...
- Includes a SmartThings Motion Sensor to receive alerts if there’s unexpected movement, set connected devices to turn...
If your Airbnb uses a home automation system which includes smart lights, and other smart devices. You want a system that connects to the existing system with ease. Samsung SmartThings F-MN US-2 Home Monitoring Kit is one of the best DIY security systems. The package includes a base station, multipurpose sensors, and a motions sensor.
The best part is the great customization ability for this product is the SmartThing App. You can set certain conditions for sensors to report. You can create a different setting for lights. And as Airbnb owner, you can meet your guest’s requirement like air-conditioning, lighting, lock settings, etc. without having to go down the property.
- The SmartThings app gives ample customization options.
- It works with most of the smart home devices.
- It is compatible with most of the third party sensors.
- Inexpensive compared to most of the home security systems.
- Easy to add to any home automation system.
- It doesn’t have its high-quality sensors.
- The app causes several useless notifications.
Bottom Line
Since it allows additions of several automation systems, you will have to set up all the settings perfectly. Otherwise, you will end up with alerts every second.
7. PANNOVO Wireless Home Security – Best Home Security System For Airbnb Under $100
- Easy to control: Wi-Fi connection works on 2. 4GHz bandwidth. With free IOS/Android smartphone app, You can adjust whole...
- Wireless home security system: wireless door/window sensors used on doors, windows, cabinets and any important entry...
- Reliable system: The main controller hub is responsible for connecting with all of sensors, triggers siren loud around...
Pannovo is not the most popular company among the home security system manufacturers. But what impressed us that it offered a high-quality product at a low price. Among all the home security systems on this list, it is the cheapest one. Like any home security system, it also works on Alexa or Google Assistant. Hence, you can add to the existing home automation system. The main controller hub is very good, but it has its limitation. You can add only eight sensors and four remotes. The package includes six contact sensors, an alarm, and a motion sensor.
We liked the motion sensor working, it detects the movement within 26 feet which is a good range for a motion sensor. The only thing is the main controller is used an alkaline battery which lasts only for 5-6 hours and to keep it on for 24X7 it requires DC power source.
- Inexpensive compared to most of the home security systems.
- It works with most of the smart home devices.
- The siren included in the package is loud.
- The app is easy to use.
- It doesn’t support more than eight sensors.
Bottom Line
Among all the security system, it is the cheapest one that works. However, we advise buying the unit only if you have a limited budget.
Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider While Buying the Security System for Airbnb?
The security system is a collection of different types of devices that communicate with each other via a wireless network or wired network. However, each manufacturer is different and try to offer something different from their unit. Hence, it is always difficult to choose the right security system. With our buyer’s guide, you will learn about the important factors that make up an ideal home security system. Also, using this information, you will be able to narrow down the most suitable system for your Airbnb property.
1. Installation
There are two ways that you can install a home security system. Either you can hire a professional or do it yourself. If your budget allows you to hire professional help, please do hire. As an owner, you want to have the best home security system for airbnb property. Hence, it is wise to stick to some of the big brands like Ring Alarm, etc. provide professional help with the purchase.
And if you are not sure about hiring a professional, you can always do it yourself. Most of the systems on our list are easy to install. If you have any doubt, you can always refer to the manual or watch the installation video. And there are plenty of DIY videos on YouTube if you want more. Among all the products we have tested SimpliSafe SS3 Wireless System is the easiest system to install.
2. Connectivity
If you are buying a security system for your Airbnb property, connectivity becomes crucial. Especially, remote connectivity is important. Whatever system you install at your Airbnb home, it must be able to notify you when you are away from the property. Not just notify, but you must be able to arm and disarm the system remotely. Hence, while buying make sure the system is accessible even if you are not connected to the home network. All the systems we have mentioned in our list are accessible remotely via phone.
3. Monitoring Services
Without monitoring service, all the necessary actions after the alarm are triggered needs to be done by you. But if you hire the professional monitoring service of the system you have installed at your Airbnb property, they will keep an eye on the property. And upon detecting intrusion, they will ask you if police need to be informed or not. Professional monitoring services are useful for those owners who own more than one property. This way they will not have to manage too many systems at once. Not all security systems have professional monitoring systems. Only security systems like Ring Alarm Kit , SimpliSafe SS3 Wireless System and Abode Essentials Starter Kit come with option of professional monitoring with monthly charges.
4. Sensors
A key part of any security systems are the sensors. All the security systems come with motion sensors and contact sensors. The motion sensors are good for detecting movements, and contact sensors help track which window or doors have been opened. All the information a hub or base station offers are based on the sensors so make sure that all the sensors are of the highest quality and response time to alert the base station should be minimum.
As far as the contact sensors are concerned, they are mostly fine whichever brand you use, but motion sensor is not always as effective. So make sure whatever brand you use, motion sensor must have high range and sensitivity. Some cameras have inbuilt motion sensors like Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security System, you can use them to any security system.
5. Other Accessories
Beyond sensors, the security system can include a siren, thermostat, flood detector, fire detector etc. If you want to protect your Airbnb home in every which you can include these devices to the security system. Most of the security system package does not include these accessories, but all the big brands offer these accessories separately. For more information inquire the official website of the security system.
How We Conducted Tests For Security Systems For Airbnb?
The first step of our research for testing any products is to identify the products that are the best seller or popular. We hired 13 experts who have years of experience in security systems. They helped us to shortlist 27 security systems for Airbnb. We acquired all the 27 systems and brought them to our lab for tests. Before testing, we had to determine the parameters for tests. The parameters for testing security systems for Airbnb included connectivity, expandability, ease of use, monitoring services and compatibility.
We tested each system based on these parameters. During tests, we made sure that we created an artificial environment that resembles real life. We designed situations of intrusion to check the effectiveness of the security system. We also tested how the system reacts when there is a power outage or no internet connection. In addition to creating a specific situation, we made sure that all the instruments or tools we use to measure things like time, sound etc. are well calibrated and accurate.
In addition to tests, we also value the existing users of all the systems. For that, we contacted several users with the help of the seller and also scanned several review sites. This helped us to identify certain aspects of the system that are sometimes not explored in tests. And after we had all the data in front of us, each team member scored each system based on three key aspects of security systems—connectivity, security, and expandability. After calculating the overall score, we were able to get the seven best home security system for Airbnb. Here is the scorecard:
| Product | Connectivity | Security | Expandibility | Overall | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Alarm Kit | 98.1 | 97.4 | 96.7 | 97.6 | Check Price |
| SimpliSafe SS3 | 97.4 | 97.8 | 96.9 | 97.3 | Check Price |
| Fortress Security | 97.1 | 97.2 | 96.6 | 96.9 | Check Price |
| Abode Essentials | 96.9 | 97.3 | 96.3 | 96.8 | Check Price |
| Arlo Pro | 97.3 | 97.7 | 95.2 | 96.7 | Check Price |
| Samsung SmartThings | 95.2 | 96.4 | 97.1 | 96.2 | Check Price |
| PANNOVO Wireless | 95.8 | 96.3 | 96.6 | 96.2 | Check Price |
Final Thought
Looking at the tests and performance of each system, we can tell you that the best way to secure the house is to use the best possible security systems. We observed that big brands like SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm has the best devices and customer support. And if you want to hire monitoring services, it is better to stick with big brands. But it would be wise to keep your Airbnb property in mind before you consider buying a security kit.
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