In today’s technology-driven world, ensuring the safety and security of your home has never been easier. With the rise of home security and surveillance apps for remote monitoring, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your house is protected even when you’re miles away. These apps offer a plethora of features, from real-time video monitoring to motion detection alerts, making it easier than ever to keep an eye on your property. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular home security and surveillance apps available today, helping you choose the one that best suits your needs.
1. Ring
Features of Ring app
The Ring app is a comprehensive home security and surveillance tool that offers a range of features to help you monitor your property remotely. With the Ring app, you can access live video feeds from your Ring devices, such as doorbell cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, and security systems. This allows you to see and hear what’s happening in and around your home in real-time, giving you peace of mind.
In addition to live video feeds, the Ring app also enables two-way audio communication. This means that you can not only see and hear what’s happening, but you can also speak to visitors or potential intruders, right from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply in another room of your house, this feature allows you to actively engage with whoever is at your door, deterring any suspicious activity.
Another useful feature of the Ring app is its ability to send instant notifications to your connected devices. Whenever motion is detected or someone rings your doorbell, you will receive a notification on your smartphone or tablet. This ensures that you are immediately alerted to any potential threats, allowing you to take action if necessary.
Compatibility with Ring devices
The Ring app works seamlessly with a wide range of Ring devices, making it a versatile choice for home security and surveillance. It is compatible with Ring’s popular doorbell cameras, including the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Doorbell Pro. It also supports Ring’s indoor and outdoor cameras, such as the Ring Stick Up Cam, Ring Floodlight Cam, and Ring Spotlight Cam.
Furthermore, the Ring app is designed to work with Ring’s security systems, including the Ring Alarm kit. This allows you to control and monitor your entire security system from one centralized app. From arming and disarming your system to receiving instant alerts, the Ring app is your hub for complete control over your home security.
Subscription plans offered by Ring
Ring offers several subscription plans that enhance the functionality of the Ring app and provide additional features and benefits. The basic plan, known as Ring Protect Basic, includes video recording and storage for up to 60 days, allowing you to review past events and incidents. It also enables you to share recordings with friends, family, or law enforcement if needed.
For those who require more advanced features, Ring offers the Ring Protect Plus plan. This plan includes all the benefits of the basic plan, along with professional monitoring of your Ring Alarm system. In the event of an emergency, professional agents will be alerted and can dispatch emergency services to your location.
2. Nest
Key features of the Nest app
The Nest app is a powerful tool for remote monitoring and control of your Nest devices. One of the standout features of the Nest app is its intelligent alerts system. The app uses advanced algorithms to differentiate between important events and ordinary movements, reducing false alarms. This means you’ll only receive notifications for relevant events, such as an unknown person approaching your home or unusual sounds detected.
The Nest app also allows you to view live video feeds from your Nest cameras, providing you with real-time surveillance of your property. You can easily access these feeds from anywhere and at any time using your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the app offers a timeline feature that allows you to go back in time and review any recorded events that you may have missed.
Integration with other Nest devices
Nest offers a range of devices beyond just cameras, and the Nest app seamlessly integrates all of these devices into a single, intuitive interface. From smart thermostats to door locks and security systems, the Nest app allows you to control and monitor all your Nest devices from one centralized location.
For example, if you have a Nest Thermostat, you can adjust the temperature of your home directly from the app. Similarly, if you have a Nest x Yale Lock, you can lock or unlock your door remotely using the app. This level of integration makes managing your smart home a breeze, providing you with full control over your Nest ecosystem.
Subscription options for Nest app
The Nest app offers a free basic plan that provides you with essential features such as live video streaming and intelligent alerts. However, for additional functionality and advanced features, Nest also offers a subscription plan called Nest Aware.
Nest Aware provides continuous video recording, which allows you to review activity from the past days or weeks. It also offers intelligent alerts that can differentiate between people, animals, and objects. This helps to reduce false alarms and ensures that you are only notified about events that matter to you.
Moreover, Nest Aware includes 24/7 continuous recording, enabling you to capture every moment without missing a beat. This can be particularly useful for those who require constant surveillance of their property, such as businesses or homes in high-risk areas.
3. Arlo
Overview of Arlo app features
The Arlo app is a comprehensive home security app that allows you to monitor your Arlo camera systems from anywhere, at any time. One of the key features of the Arlo app is its high-definition live video streaming capability. Whether you have Arlo wire-free, Arlo Pro, or Arlo Ultra cameras, the Arlo app enables you to view crisp and clear video footage from your cameras in real-time.
In addition to live video streaming, the Arlo app also offers two-way audio communication. This means that you can not only see what’s happening but also talk to anyone near your Arlo cameras through the app. Whether you want to greet a guest or deter an intruder, this feature provides you with an added layer of security and convenience.
The Arlo app also allows you to customize your surveillance settings, such as motion and sound detection sensitivity. You can easily adjust these settings to suit your specific needs, ensuring that you receive accurate alerts for relevant events while minimizing false alarms.
Support for Arlo camera systems
The Arlo app is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Arlo camera systems, providing you with a comprehensive home security solution. Arlo offers a wide range of cameras, including wire-free cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, and doorbell cameras.
Whether you have a single Arlo camera or multiple cameras placed strategically around your property, the Arlo app allows you to manage and monitor them all from one centralized location. This makes it easy to keep tabs on your home or business, regardless of your physical location.
Arlo Smart subscription plans
Arlo offers subscription plans known as Arlo Smart that provide additional features and benefits for the Arlo app users. The basic plan, Arlo Smart, includes advanced AI algorithms that can detect people, vehicles, animals, and packages. This enables you to filter notifications and focus on the events that matter most to you.
For those who require continuous video recording, Arlo offers the Arlo Smart Premier plan. This plan includes all the features of Arlo Smart, along with 30 days of cloud recording for up to 10 cameras. It also provides e911 Emergency Call Service, allowing you to contact emergency services directly from the app when needed.
Moreover, Arlo offers the Arlo Smart Elite plan, which extends the cloud recording to 60 days and supports up to 20 cameras. This plan is ideal for larger properties or businesses that require an extended recording history and enhanced security features.
4. SimpliSafe
Functions of SimpliSafe app
The SimpliSafe app is a user-friendly and intuitive mobile app that allows you to control and monitor your SimpliSafe security system remotely. With the SimpliSafe app, you can arm or disarm your system, customize security settings, and receive instant notifications, all from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet.
One of the key functions of the SimpliSafe app is its ability to create customized activities. This means that you can create specific actions that are triggered based on certain events. For example, you can create an activity that automatically turns on your outdoor lights and adjusts your thermostat when the system is armed at night.
The SimpliSafe app also allows you to view live video feeds from your SimpliSafe cameras. Whether you have indoor cameras for monitoring specific rooms or outdoor cameras for surveillance of your property, you can access these video feeds on-demand, giving you a real-time view of your home or business.
Interconnectivity with SimpliSafe devices
The SimpliSafe app seamlessly integrates with a range of SimpliSafe devices, enabling you to create a comprehensive and customized home security solution. In addition to security cameras, SimpliSafe offers a variety of devices, including motion sensors, entry sensors, glass break sensors, and smart locks.
By connecting these devices to the SimpliSafe app, you can receive notifications and alerts whenever any suspicious activity is detected. For example, if a motion sensor is triggered while your system is armed, you will receive an instant notification on your smartphone, allowing you to take appropriate action.
Monitoring plans available for SimpliSafe app
SimpliSafe offers optional monitoring plans that provide additional security and peace of mind. The Standard Monitoring plan includes 24/7 professional monitoring of your SimpliSafe security system. In the event of an alarm, the monitoring center will contact you to verify the threat and dispatch emergency services if necessary.
For those who require more advanced features, SimpliSafe offers the Interactive Monitoring plan. This plan includes all the benefits of the Standard Monitoring plan, along with additional features such as mobile app connectivity, video alarm verification, and integration with popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
With the Interactive Monitoring plan, you can remotely arm and disarm your system, view live video feeds, and receive notifications and alerts on your mobile device. This plan truly enhances the functionality of the SimpliSafe app, allowing you to have complete control over your security system, no matter where you are.
5. ADT Pulse
Features of ADT Pulse app
The ADT Pulse app is a comprehensive and user-friendly mobile app that allows you to control and monitor your ADT security system remotely. With the ADT Pulse app, you can arm or disarm your system, view live video feeds, and receive instant notifications and alerts, all from your smartphone or tablet.
One of the key features of the ADT Pulse app is its intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface. The app provides a clear and organized layout, allowing you to quickly access the functions and features you need. Whether you want to check your camera feeds, adjust your system settings, or view your event history, the ADT Pulse app makes it simple and convenient.
The app also offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your security system to your specific needs. You can create personalized notifications and alerts based on certain events, such as motion detection or door/window sensor activation. This ensures that you are notified about the events that matter most to you, providing you with complete peace of mind.
Compatibility with ADT security systems
The ADT Pulse app is specifically designed to work seamlessly with ADT security systems, providing you with a comprehensive and reliable home security solution. ADT offers a range of security systems, including burglar alarms, fire alarms, and video surveillance systems.
By connecting your ADT security system to the ADT Pulse app, you can easily monitor and control your entire system from one centralized location. This includes arming and disarming your system, viewing live video feeds, and receiving notifications and alerts. The app ensures that you have complete control and visibility over your security system, no matter where you are.
Subscription options for ADT Pulse
ADT offers different subscription options for the ADT Pulse app, allowing you to choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. The ADT Pulse Basic plan includes essential features such as remote arming and disarming, email and text notifications, and live video streaming.
For those who require advanced features and enhanced security, ADT offers the ADT Pulse + Video plan. This plan includes all the features of the ADT Pulse Basic plan, along with video surveillance capabilities. You can view live video feeds from your ADT cameras, store video clips, and receive video alerts when any activity is detected.
Moreover, ADT offers the ADT Pulse + Home Automation plan, which includes all the features of the ADT Pulse Basic plan, as well as home automation capabilities. With this plan, you can control and automate various aspects of your home, such as lighting, thermostats, and smart locks, all from the ADT Pulse app.
6. Vivint Smart Home
Overview of Vivint Smart Home app
The Vivint Smart Home app is a feature-rich and user-friendly mobile app that allows you to control and monitor your Vivint smart home system remotely. With the Vivint Smart Home app, you can arm or disarm your system, lock or unlock doors, adjust thermostats, and view live video feeds, all from your smartphone or tablet.
One of the standout features of the Vivint Smart Home app is its intelligent and proactive alerts system. The app uses advanced algorithms to analyze sensor data and activity patterns, allowing it to detect anomalies and potential security breaches. This means that you’ll receive timely and relevant alerts, keeping you informed about any unexpected activity in and around your home.
The Vivint Smart Home app also offers a comprehensive event history log, allowing you to review past events and incidents. Whether it’s a door sensor activation or a motion detection event, you can easily access the event history and review the associated video clips or images. This provides you with a complete picture of what’s been happening in your home, even when you’re not physically present.
Integration with Vivint devices
Vivint offers a range of smart home devices that seamlessly integrate with the Vivint Smart Home app, allowing you to create a customized and connected home security system. From doorbell cameras and indoor cameras to smart locks and thermostats, all these devices can be controlled and managed using the Vivint Smart Home app.
For example, if you have a Vivint Doorbell Camera, you can see and speak to visitors directly from the app. Similarly, if you have a Vivint Element Thermostat, you can adjust the temperature of your home remotely using the app. This level of integration ensures that all your Vivint devices work seamlessly together, providing you with complete control and convenience.
Subscription plans for Vivint Smart Home app
Vivint offers several subscription plans that enhance the functionality of the Vivint Smart Home app and provide additional features and benefits. The basic plan, known as Vivint Smart Security, includes essential features such as 24/7 professional monitoring, remote arming and disarming, and motion detection.
For those who require video monitoring capabilities, Vivint offers the Vivint Smart Home Video plan. This plan includes all the features of the Vivint Smart Security plan, along with video surveillance capabilities. You can view live video feeds from your Vivint cameras, store video clips in the cloud, and receive video alerts when any activity is detected.
Moreover, Vivint offers the Vivint Smart Home Monitoring plan, which includes 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and remote access to your system. This plan ensures that your home is protected around the clock, providing you with peace of mind and reassurance.
7. Xfinity Home
Key features of Xfinity Home app
The Xfinity Home app is a comprehensive and user-friendly mobile app that allows you to control and monitor your Xfinity security system remotely. With the Xfinity Home app, you can arm or disarm your system, view live video feeds, and receive instant notifications and alerts, all from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet.
One of the key features of the Xfinity Home app is its intuitive and easy-to-use interface. The app provides a clear and organized layout, allowing you to quickly access the functions and features you need. Whether you want to check your camera feeds, adjust your system settings, or view your event history, the Xfinity Home app makes it simple and convenient.
The app also offers advanced features such as geofencing and scheduling. Geofencing allows you to set up virtual boundaries around your home, triggering specific actions when you enter or leave the defined area. For example, you can automatically arm your system when you leave home and disarm it when you return.
Moreover, the scheduling feature allows you to set up specific actions based on time and day. For instance, you can create a schedule to automatically turn on your outdoor lights and adjust your thermostat every evening at a specific time. This level of customization ensures that your home security system aligns with your specific needs and lifestyle.
Compatibility with Xfinity security systems
The Xfinity Home app is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Xfinity security systems, providing you with a comprehensive and reliable home security solution. Xfinity offers a range of security systems, including burglar alarms, fire alarms, and video surveillance systems.
By connecting your Xfinity security system to the Xfinity Home app, you can easily monitor and control your entire system from one centralized location. This includes arming and disarming your system, viewing live video feeds, and receiving notifications and alerts. The app ensures that you have complete control and visibility over your security system, no matter where you are.
Subscription options for Xfinity Home app
Xfinity offers different subscription options for the Xfinity Home app, allowing you to choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. The Xfinity Home Secure plan includes professional monitoring of your security system, along with automated security controls and access to the Xfinity Home app.
For those who require additional features and functionality, Xfinity offers the Xfinity Home Secure Plus plan. This plan includes all the features of the Xfinity Home Secure plan, along with added benefits such as video recording and storage, live video streaming, and the ability to control and automate various aspects of your home, such as lighting and thermostats.
Moreover, Xfinity offers the Xfinity Home Secure Platinum plan, which extends the video recording and storage capabilities to 24/7 continuous recording. This plan is ideal for those who require constant surveillance and monitoring of their property, providing them with a heightened level of security and peace of mind.
8. Blue by ADT
Features of Blue by ADT app
The Blue by ADT app is a powerful and user-friendly mobile app that allows you to control and monitor your Blue by ADT devices remotely. With the Blue by ADT app, you can view live video feeds, receive instant notifications and alerts, and control various aspects of your home security system, all from your smartphone or tablet.
One of the key features of the Blue by ADT app is its high-definition video streaming capability. Whether you have Blue by ADT indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, or doorbell cameras, the app enables you to view crystal-clear video footage from your cameras in real-time. This provides you with a comprehensive and real-time view of your home or business, ensuring that you’re always connected and aware.
The app also supports two-way audio communication, allowing you to not only see what’s happening but also speak to anyone near your Blue by ADT cameras. Whether you want to greet a visitor, talk to a family member, or deter a potential intruder, this feature enables you to actively interact with your surroundings, enhancing the security and convenience of your home.
Another useful feature of the Blue by ADT app is its remote arming and disarming capabilities. You can easily control the status of your security system, no matter where you are. Whether you’re leaving for work, going on vacation, or simply at the grocery store, you can arm or disarm your system with just a few taps on your smartphone or tablet.
Interconnectivity with Blue by ADT devices
The Blue by ADT app seamlessly integrates with a range of Blue by ADT devices, providing you with a comprehensive and connected home security solution. In addition to cameras, Blue by ADT offers a variety of devices, including motion sensors, entry sensors, glass break sensors, and smoke detectors.
By connecting these devices to the Blue by ADT app, you can receive instant notifications and alerts whenever any suspicious activity is detected. For example, if a motion sensor is triggered while your system is armed, you will receive an immediate notification on your smartphone, allowing you to take appropriate action.
The interconnectivity between Blue by ADT devices and the Blue by ADT app ensures that you have complete control over your home security system, no matter where you are. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply in another room of your house, you can monitor and manage your security devices with ease and convenience.
Monitoring plans available for Blue by ADT app
Blue by ADT offers optional monitoring plans that provide additional security and peace of mind. The Self-Monitoring plan includes essential features such as live video streaming, instant notifications, and the ability to control your security system remotely. With this plan, you have complete control over your home security, including alerting the authorities in the event of an emergency.
For those who require professional monitoring, Blue by ADT offers the Professional Monitoring plan. This plan includes all the features of the Self-Monitoring plan, along with 24/7 professional monitoring of your security system. In the event of an alarm, professional agents will be alerted and can dispatch emergency services to your location if necessary.
Moreover, Blue by ADT offers the Professional Plus Monitoring plan, which includes all the features of the Professional Monitoring plan, along with additional benefits such as extended video storage and customer support. This plan is ideal for those who require advanced features and enhanced support, ensuring that their home is protected at all times.
9. Honeywell Home
Overview of Honeywell Home app
The Honeywell Home app is a comprehensive and intuitive mobile app that allows you to control and monitor your Honeywell security devices remotely. With the Honeywell Home app, you can arm or disarm your security system, view live video feeds, adjust thermostats, and receive instant notifications and alerts, all from your smartphone or tablet.
One of the key features of the Honeywell Home app is its ease of use and simplicity. The app provides a clean and user-friendly interface, allowing you to navigate through the various functions and features effortlessly. Whether you want to check your camera feeds, adjust your system settings, or review your event history, the Honeywell Home app makes it easy and convenient.
The app also offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your security system to your specific needs and preferences. You can create personalized scenes and schedules based on certain events or time of day. For instance, you can create a scene that automatically turns on your lights and adjusts your thermostat when your security system is armed at night.
Moreover, the app supports geofencing, which allows you to create virtual boundaries around your home. This triggers specific actions when you enter or leave the defined area. For example, you can set up your system to automatically arm itself when you leave home and disarm when you return, ensuring that your home is always protected.
Integration with Honeywell security devices
The Honeywell Home app seamlessly integrates with a wide range of Honeywell security devices, providing you with a connected and comprehensive home security solution. Honeywell offers a variety of devices, including security cameras, motion sensors, door/window sensors, and smart thermostats.
By connecting these devices to the Honeywell Home app, you can easily access and control them from one centralized location. Whether you want to view live video feeds from your cameras, receive notifications from your sensors, or adjust the temperature of your home using your smart thermostat, the Honeywell Home app allows you to manage and monitor all your Honeywell devices with ease.
Subscription plans for Honeywell Home app
Honeywell offers a free basic plan for the Honeywell Home app that provides essential features such as remote control of your security system, real-time notifications, and live video streaming. This allows you to get started with your Honeywell devices and enjoy basic home security and automation functionality at no additional cost.
For those who require advanced features and enhanced functionality, Honeywell offers the Total Connect plan. This plan includes all the features of the basic plan, along with additional benefits such as video recording and storage, advanced scene creation, and support for multiple locations. With the Total Connect plan, you can take your home security and automation to the next level, ensuring that your home is protected and efficient.
Moreover, Honeywell offers the Total Connect Plus plan, which extends the video recording and storage capabilities to 7 days. This plan is ideal for those who require an extended video history and enhanced surveillance capabilities. It provides you with peace of mind, knowing that you can review past events and incidents whenever you need to.
10. Alfred Camera
Functions of Alfred Camera app
The Alfred Camera app is a versatile and user-friendly mobile app that allows you to turn your old smartphones or tablets into a home security camera system. With the Alfred Camera app, you can repurpose your unused devices as surveillance cameras, giving you an affordable and convenient way to monitor your home remotely.
One of the key functions of the Alfred Camera app is its ability to turn any smartphone or tablet into a camera. By installing the app on your old devices, you can transform them into security cameras that can capture and stream live video footage. This means that you can monitor your home from anywhere, at any time, using your current smartphone or tablet.
The app also offers motion detection capabilities, allowing you to receive instant notifications and alerts when any activity is detected. Whether it’s a potential intruder or a package delivery, the app will notify you immediately, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to take appropriate action.
Another useful feature of the Alfred Camera app is its cloud storage option. By subscribing to the Alfred Premium plan, you can store your video recordings in the cloud, ensuring that they are securely backed up and accessible whenever you need them. This provides you with a convenient and reliable way to review past events and incidents.
Compatibility with various devices
The Alfred Camera app is compatible with a wide range of smartphones and tablets, making it a flexible and accessible solution for home security. Whether you have old iOS or Android devices lying around, you can repurpose them using the Alfred Camera app, saving you the cost of buying dedicated security cameras.
Moreover, the app supports multiple cameras, allowing you to set up a comprehensive surveillance system with multiple viewpoints. This can be particularly useful for monitoring different areas of your home or property, ensuring that you have full visibility and coverage.
Subscription options for Alfred Camera
The Alfred Camera app offers both a free basic plan and a subscription plan called Alfred Premium. The basic plan includes essential features such as live streaming, motion detection, and two-way audio communication. This allows you to get started with the app and enjoy basic home security functionality at no additional cost.
For those who require additional features and enhanced storage options, Alfred offers the Alfred Premium plan. This plan includes cloud storage for up to 30 days, enabling you to store and access your video recordings whenever you need to. It also provides you with ad-free viewing, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted experience.
The Alfred Premium plan offers various subscription options, allowing you to choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget. Whether you require short-term storage or long-term archiving, Alfred Premium has you covered, providing you with a flexible and affordable home security solution.
In conclusion, the market is filled with a variety of home security and surveillance apps that offer a range of features and functionalities. From Ring to Nest, Arlo to SimpliSafe, ADT Pulse to Vivint Smart Home, Xfinity Home to Blue by ADT, and Honeywell Home to Alfred Camera, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each app offers its own unique set of features, compatibility with specific devices, and subscription plans to suit individual needs. Whether you’re looking for live video streaming, two-way audio communication, professional monitoring, or storage capabilities, these apps ensure that you can monitor and manage your home security remotely and with ease. So, take your pick and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is safe and secure, wherever you are.