Resources & Guides
Expert advice, buyer's guides, and industry analysis to help you make smarter decisions.
The Real Cost of Home Security in 2026: Every Fee, Every Provider, No Surprises
Monthly monitoring is just the beginning. We dissect equipment costs, installation fees, contract penalties, hidden charges, and the true 3-year total across all 6 providers.
2026 Home Burglary Statistics: What FBI Data Actually Tells Us About Protecting Your Home
We analyzed FBI crime data, university research on burglar behavior, and insurance industry reports to find out when, where, and how break-ins actually happen - and what stops them.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: An Honest Guide From Someone Who's Done Both 200+ Times
As a former professional installer turned DIY reviewer, I've set up 200+ security systems. Here's exactly when each approach makes sense - and the mistakes to avoid with both.
7 Expensive Home Security Mistakes (Exposed by FBI Data and 10,000 Homeowner Surveys)
After helping 10,000+ homeowners and analyzing FBI crime data, these are the most costly errors we see - backed by the numbers that prove why each one matters.
The Complete Guide to Home Security Cameras in 2026: What Actually Matters and What's Marketing Hype
Resolution, field of view, night vision, local vs. cloud storage, wired vs. wireless - we break down every spec that matters and expose the ones that are just marketing fluff.
Best Home Security Systems for Renters in 2026: No Drilling, No Contracts, No Landlord Issues
Renters need security too - but can't drill holes, sign long contracts, or leave equipment behind. Here are the best systems that work perfectly in rental properties.
Smart Locks Explained: Are They Actually More Secure Than Traditional Deadbolts?
Smart locks promise convenience and security, but do they deliver? We tested 15 smart locks and compared them to traditional deadbolts on every metric that matters.
How to Secure Your Home Before Vacation: The 15-Point Checklist That Actually Works
Burglary rates spike during vacation season. After analyzing break-in patterns and surveying 2,000 homeowners, we built the definitive pre-trip security checklist.
Home Security for Seniors: Systems Designed for Safety, Simplicity, and Peace of Mind
Seniors face unique security needs - from medical emergencies to fall detection to simpler interfaces. Here's how to choose a system that provides real protection without tech frustration.
Video Doorbell Buyer's Guide 2026: Ring vs. Google Nest vs. Arlo vs. SimpliSafe
Video doorbells are the single most impactful security device you can buy. We tested the top 8 models head-to-head on video quality, response time, features, and value.
What to Do After a Break-In: The Complete Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
A break-in is traumatic and disorienting. This guide walks you through the critical first 48 hours - from calling police to filing insurance to preventing it from happening again.
How Home Security Saves You Money on Insurance: A Complete Guide to Maximizing Discounts
A monitored security system can save you 5-20% on homeowner's insurance - potentially hundreds per year. Here's exactly how to qualify for the maximum discount.
Pet-Friendly Home Security: How to Protect Your Home Without Driving Your Pets (or Yourself) Crazy
False alarms from pets are the #1 complaint we hear from security system owners. Here's how to set up a system that ignores your animals while still catching intruders.
Smart Home Automation for Security: How to Make Your Home Protect Itself
Beyond basic alarms, smart home automation can make your home actively deter intruders, simulate occupancy, and respond to threats automatically. Here's how to set it up.
Window and Door Sensors Explained: The Foundation of Every Home Security System
Contact sensors are the most important component of any security system - yet most homeowners don't have enough of them. Here's how they work and exactly how many you need.
Professional vs. Self-Monitoring: What Actually Happens When Your Alarm Goes Off
When your security alarm triggers at 3 AM, what happens next depends entirely on your monitoring choice. We walk through both scenarios second by second.