Smart home solutions abound for home security and safety, from alarm systems la guides on Wi-Fi hacking şi stopping porch pirates. It all gets overwhelming for newcomers looking to protect their home, especially if they don’t know a lot of tech terms or product specifications. But this is a great place to start.

Below, I’ve collected our top guides on the best tips and products for your security from our CNET experts and literally hundreds of hours of testing. I cover important topics like video doorbells şi smart locks as well as recommendations for maintenance, vacation safety, pets and plenty more. Don’t worry renters, there’s also lots of practical security advice for tenants below. Take a look and find what you need.

 (You can also check out our home internet cheat sheet and our solar panel cheat sheet.)

Is DIY or a professional home security system best?

There are pros and cons to each home security option. DIY home security setups are often more affordable, customizable and compatible with other smart home devices, but you’ll likely have to do the installing, setup and constant monitoring yourself. A professional home security service, though it’s typically a bit more expensive and may require a monthly subscription, can save you the trouble of installing and setting up your equipment and help suggest the best devices to get. However, they may also lock you into contracts. Professional home monitoring is often available for either type of system, but it’s more likely to be standard on a professional installation. Here are some resources to help you decide which system will work best for your home.

What’s the best home security system?

If you’re going with a fully home system that includes separate sensors and a hub to arm or disarm, you’ll need to consider different package options that may include an assortment of devices including cameras, alarms, window sensors and motion detectors. (And if you prefer to build your own custom setup, virtually any home security device can be purchased separately.) We’ve got tested reviews on all of the major players in the security system space: 

What’s the best video doorbell?

Porch piracy is becoming more common; did you know that 1 in 6 people were victims of porch theft in the past year? If you’re looking for a video doorbell to monitor your front door and deter porch pirates from stealing packages, there are tons of options available for under $200. They all function largely the same, so the best one for your home may come down to design, brand preferences and compatibility with any existing smart home devices or hubs you may have. You may also want to compare extra features like free cloud storage, customizable door chimes or color options when selecting the best smart doorbell for your home. Here are our reviews of some of the video doorbells you may be considering:

What’s the best home security camera?

Like video doorbells, the best home security camera may come down to price and brand preferences, but you’ll also want to consider where you’ll be placing the camera and the desired field of view. Some cameras have the ability to pan and tilt and can track motion. Others are built to withstand the rain, wind and temperature extremes of being outdoors. Almost all have motion detection, object recognition and two-way audio. If placing a camera outdoors, keep in mind that some cameras have a wired power source, so you may have to run an extension cord to plug it in. Here are our tested reviews of home security cameras for you to consider:

Where should I put a home security camera?

While you’ll naturally want to put your home security camera in a spot that gives you the view you want, there’s more to it than that. Corners are often the best spot for indoor cameras as they’ll give you a wider view of the room, but if your camera has 360-degree panning, a central location may be best. As for outdoor cameras, try to install it 10 feet or so above the ground and in a spot where it won’t take consistent exposure to direct sunlight or rain. Also, avoid installing any camera in a position that may compromise your neighbor’s privacy. Video doorbells, meanwhile, should be installed about four feet up from the bottom of the doorframe.

How can I give the impression someone is home while I’m away? 

You can use smart plugs şi lighting to make possible intruders think twice about whether or not your home is unoccupied. Schedule single light fixtures, such as a lamp, or a whole group of lights to turn on or off at various times while you’re away. Plugs and lights won’t watch your home the same as a camera or motion sensor will, but they could prevent an intruder from targeting your home in the first place. Also, they’re a downright convenient way to turn the lights out at night.

Can I get a home security system without a monthly subscription?

Most DIY home security systems do not require a monthly subscription and come with live feed viewing, push notifications and alerts, local storage options and more at no extra cost. 

Several features often require a monthly fee, but this varies a lot between brands. Ring charges for object detection and smart alerts, while Nest doesn’t. Nest offers limited free cloud storage, but most brands make you pay a subscription for online video storage. Lorex and Eufy specialize in local storage with less emphasis cloud data. With a little work, you can quickly find devices and whole systems that don’t require any kind of subscription.

The one caveat is professional home monitoring, where an agent at a security center can respond to your alarms or alerts. That’s always going to cost you extra, and usually only becomes available at the higher tier plans. 

Can my home security system get hacked?

Any kind of technology can have security vulnerabilities. However, your home security system isn’t going to get hacked. Cybercriminals don’t go around trying to hack doorbells or smart locks. They don’t have the tools, the know-how or the time. Instead, home security can be “hacked” by people who already have the login information, like a jealous ex or a divorced spouse. That’s why it’s always a good idea to stay on top of your password management.

The closest we’ve seen to home hacking is the use of security system jammers, but there are barely any reports of criminals actually using these devices and if they do, they usually have first-hand knowledge about the security system beforehand. Most burglars are simply going to test for unlocked doors and maybe smash a window if they’re desperate.

Instead, your information is more likely to be hacked in a massive data breach on a security company’s servers, or stolen by a company employee, which is why we constantly watch for companies that have a track record of poor security practices.

How do I prepare for a home emergency?

Home emergencies can include anything from raging wildfires to floods, earthquakes or really bad sewer system problems. The best way to handle events like these is with the right preparation. Even if you’re caught off guard, keeping a cool head and contacting the right experts can keep the woes at bay. These guides are a great starting place. 

For more information about home security products and tips for creating and maintaining the best home security setup for your home, check out the CNET Home Security page.