A smarter way to secure your home

Must-have devices [The best smart security devices to make your home feel safe]( [A Ring security system against a gray background.]( Michael Murtaugh Smart home security is more than just alarms and cameras. It encompasses anything that can provide a little peace of mind, whether that’s making sure the kids get home on time, checking that everything is locked up when you’re leaving the house, or even just ensuring that you don’t stub a toe when you’re scrounging for a midnight snack. Although there’s [no end of gadgets that you could install]( our experts have culled this short list of devices (and a few extras) that will do the trick for most everyone. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. [Learn more ›]( [Must-have security devices]( [A Nest smoke alarm hangs on a ceiling.]( Michael Hession [A smart smoke alarm]( 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. [Our pick for the best smoke alarm→]( [A hand ringing an arlo smart doorbell.]( Rachel Cericola [A smart doorbell camera]( 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. [Our favorite smart doorbell→]( [All the pieces of Ring Alarm Pro laid out on a gray background]( Michael Murtaugh [A home security system]( 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. [The best DIY security system→]( ... and some nice-to-have devices [The Arlo outdoor security camera on a blue background.]( [An outdoor security camera]( An [outdoor Wi-Fi camera]( can cover areas around your home that a smart doorbell camera can’t—a hidden corner of the front porch, the garbage cans, the back deck, or the yard. [A smart door lock on a moder-looking two-tined door.]( [Smart door locks]( Use a customizable PIN code, a fingerprint, or [an app to unlock your door](. You'll no longer need to copy or hand out keys, or worry about whether you locked the door when you left the house. [Several smart bulbs on a teal background.]( [Smart LED lighting]( You can easily program [smart lights]( to turn on and off at preferred times of day, like when you arrive home. You can also set them to turn on with a trigger from other smart devices. [Plus: Save on a great doorbell camera]( [A nest doorbell camera]( Jon Chase 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. [Get it here for 20% off→]( [View email in browser]( You are receiving this email because you signed up for Wirecutter’s Newsletter. Getting too many emails from us? To stop receiving Top Picks, [unsubscribe](. 
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