In the vast digital jungle of home security options, it’s easy to get lost. From ultra-basic one-camera setups to intricate, high-tech security fortresses, the options can be dizzying.
But if you’re a condo owner, you’re in a unique spot. You don’t need the extensive setups that a sprawling mansion might demand, but you certainly require more than just a basic doorbell cam.
I’ve spent countless hours digging into the nuances of home security, backed by research, industry insights, and real-life experience. So, trust me when I say: A condo’s sweet spot lies somewhere between compact and comprehensive.
Here’s what you truly need in a condo security system:
- Essential Video Surveillance: Regardless of the size or location of your condo, a live-feed camera is non-negotiable. Being able to monitor your home on-the-go, via an app, isn’t just a perk—it’s a vital feature.
- Smart Motion Detection: Gone are the days of basic contact sensors. Today’s smart cameras offer motion detection, eliminating the need for additional gadgets. But here’s the catch: placement is paramount. Ensure your camera’s line of sight covers all potential entry points.
- Sirens and Alerts: A picture is worth a thousand words, but a siren? That’s worth its weight in gold. For those critical moments when you need to deter intruders or alert neighbors, an audible alarm is a must-have.
- Professional Monitoring (Optional but Recommended): If you’re seeking that extra layer of security (and peace of mind), consider systems that offer professional monitoring. While it’s an additional cost, the value of having a trained team watching over your home can be priceless.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper, analyzing and ranking the top 6 home security systems tailored for condos. By the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and insights needed to make an informed decision.
Remember, it’s not just about buying a system; it’s about investing in your peace of mind.
Last update on 2023-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To understand the value of each security system, here’s what the different components do.
Home Security System Components:
Base Station: This is the brain of the system that all the other devices connect to and usually has a built-in siren. This device connects to the internet and alerts your phone with things like motion detection and more.
Contact Sensors: These are fitted to your doors, windows, or cabinets to alert you if they’re opened.
Motion Sensors: These are used to detect any motion in the area it’s been set up in.
Keypad/Keyfob: These are used to arm and disarm your system. They also usually have panic buttons for setting off your alarm and can alert your monitoring center if you have one connected.
Smart Camera: Smart cameras can do a range of things including motion detection, two-way communication, and more. Some cameras have built-in spotlights and most have night vision capabilities.
Smoke and CO Listeners: These are devices that detect smoke or too much carbon dioxide in the house or condo.
Top 6 Home Security Systems For Condos
Let’s have a look at the best security systems for your condo.
SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System
The SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System is a cost-effective, contract-free, DIY Home Security System for a condo.
It is a smart security system for small houses or condos.
It uses contact and motion sensors as the core of its standard set up.
The SimpliSafe uses signal burst technology that will ensure a full set up in any condo without needing any wifi extenders. (Up to 1000ft. range)
If your house power goes off for any reason, the built-in battery will come into play for 24 hours while using the wi-fi or cellular connection.
The KeyFob has three buttons for you to arm and disarm the alarm. The third button is a panic button that will trigger the alarm and alert the monitoring center when you have an emergency.
The 5 piece option is suitable for condos because you probably won’t need a lot of sensors compared to a house. You can connect up to 100 sensors to the SimpliSafe if you want to install it in a large house or office building.
SimpliSafe has an optional subscription of 50 cents/day for 24/7 Live Alarm Monitoring, Cellular Connection, and Environmental Monitoring.
24/7 Live Alarm Monitoring is performed by expert specialists to notify the police in case of burglars or to call the fire department if there’s smoke or CO detection. They will even call you as a courtesy for water and temperature alerts.
SimpliSafe monitoring was named Central Station of the Year.
Monitoring centers have back up monitoring centers so you’ll always be covered no matter what happens to anyone of them. You don’t have to pay a subscription though, you can monitor your own system from your smartphone.
Motion sensors can detect motion anywhere in an entire room but won’t detect dogs and cats, only people.
You won’t need any tools to install the SimpliSafe and it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa.
Options suitable for condos
SimpliSafe 5 Piece:
- Base Station with Built-in 95dB Siren
- Keypad
- Entry Sensor
- Motion Sensor
- Keyfob
- Yard Sign
- Window security stickers
- 1 Month of free monitoring
SimpliSafe 8 Piece:
- Base Station with Built-in 95dB Siren
- Keypad
- 4 X Entry Sensors
- Motion Sensor
- Panic Button
- Yard Sign
- Window security stickers
- 1 Month of free monitoring
SimpliSafe 9 Piece:
- Base Station with Built-in 95dB Siren
- Keypad
- 4 X Entry Sensors
- 2 X Motion Sensors
- SimpliCam
- Yard Sign
- Window security stickers
- 1 Month of free monitoring
Ring Alarm Home Security System
Ring has become well known over the last few years for their smart home devices. Their Ring DoorBell in particular.
The Ring Alarm system is another high-quality smart home system from Ring.
Ring offers 24/7 professional monitoring for only $10/month with no contract or cancellation fees.
For a condo, I would suggest going for the five-piece kit and then buying the Ring Indoor Cam like this one on Amazon on the side.
If you have a condo with a few windows, then you could go for the eight-piece kit, which includes a total of 4 contact sensors, one for the main door, and three for different windows.
Manage all of your Ring devices on the Ring app from your smartphone. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa for you to use voice commands to arm and disarm the security system.
The base station has a 104 dB siren and backup battery that will last 24 hours if the power cuts out.
Options suitable for condos
5 Piece Kit:
- 1 X Base Station
- 1 X Contact Sensor
- 1 X Motion Detector
- 1 X Keypad
- 1 X WiFi Range Extender
8 Piece Kit:
- 1 X Base Station
- 3 X Contact Sensors
- 2 X Motion Detectors
- 1 X Keypad
- 1 X WiFi Range Extender
Ring Alarm 2nd Gen
This is the newest version of the 1st gen Ring Alarm System. It has a higher price than the 1st gen as it is a slightly upgraded system.
There is now a camera bundle option so that you don’t have to buy the camera on the side like my suggestion for the 1st gen 5 piece system above.
The Ring Alarm 2nd gen camera bundle is ideal for 1 to 2 bedroom condos or houses. Have a look at what’s going on at any time through the Ring app on your smartphone.
The 2nd gen Ring alarm has all the functionality of the 1st but with a newer design, updated hardware, and software. Components from 1st and 2nd gen systems are backward compatible.
Options suitable for condos
5 Piece Kit:
- 1 X Base Station
- 1 X Contact Sensor
- 1 X Motion Detector
- 1 X Keypad
- 1 X WiFi Range Extender
8 Piece Kit:
- 1 X Base Station
- 4 X Contact Sensors
- 1 X Motion Detectors
- 1 X Keypad
- 1 X WiFi Range Extender
Camera Kit:
- Includes the 8 piece kit and a Ring indoor camera
Arlo Pro 2 Wireless Home Security
The Arlo Pro 2 cameras are amazing, there’s nothing that dedicated security systems can do that these cameras can’t do.
These cameras replace motion and contact sensors as they will let you know if windows or doors are opening because of motion detection.
These cameras even have two-way communication so you can speak with people at your condo without you being at your condo. A 100% wireless system ensures flexible installation in any spots you choose.
These cameras are weatherproof suitable for outdoors on the balcony of your condo and record in 1080p HD. They have built-in batteries that are rechargeable.
With a 130° wide-angle lens and night vision to see anyone creeping around in the dark, two of these Arlo Pro 2 cameras strategically placed can cover your entire condo.
The smart siren has a 100 dB speaker that can be controlled remotely if need be. You can keep 7 days of recordings triggered by motion and audio for free. You can save the recordings to your own USB memory stick if you want before they get deleted.
There is an Arlo Pro 3 available but with extra features like a built-in spotlight, 160-degree angle lens, and 2K video quality, it’s not the type of security camera you need for your condo, the Arlo Pro 3 has features that you’ll pay for and not require if you set it up in an apartment, unless your condo is the size of a house.
System Components
- Arlo Smart Siren
- Ranges from 1 to 6 X Arlo Pro 2 Security Cameras
- There’s also an option to buy an Arlo floodlight and Arlo Video Doorbell
ADT DIY LifeShield Security System
The ADT LifeShield security system has 4 layers of protection, namely, high-speed internet, cellular signal, cellular text, or landline, to ensure that it always stays connected.
If your house power goes out, there is a backup battery that will last 24 hours.
You can set up different access codes for different family members or even workers. That way, you can keep track of who’s coming and going and see at which times they did it.
The LifeShield has a free app for your smartphone, which will allow you to view live video and receive alerts no matter where you are in the world.
The indoor smart camera has motion detection, live video viewing, video recording, and will send you an alert if it records any movement.
It comes with a Fire safety sensor that works with existing fire/CO alarms. Even though you can add more sensors and cameras to this system, I doubt you’ll need to as this will cover most condos and even have extra contact sensors left over.
ADT DIY products only work in the U.S.
System Components
- 2 X Motion Sensors
- 4 X Door and Window Sensors
- 1 X Fire Safety Sensor
- 1 X Indoor Smart Camera
- 1 X Yard Sign
- 4 X Window Stickers
EUFY Security Cam System
The Eufy home security system is similar to the Arlo system I mentioned before.
It uses a couple of cameras and a base station for a central connection. Cameras can completely replace dedicated contact and motion sensors.
THIS security system is the ideal solution for your condo if you have a pet cat or dog moving around because it uses human detection technology.
This means that you won’t be alerted every time your cat goes to eat food or drink water.
Eufy will only alert you and record events if it detects a person.
The battery life of these wireless security cameras is up to 180 days, depending on how busy they are. These cameras are also IP67 weatherproof for outdoor installation.
These eufy cameras are two years newer than the Arlo 2 cameras above, which is why they have some more advanced features like the human detection feature, built-in spotlight, 135-degree viewing angle, night vision, and more, at a lower price.
Video footage can be stored on your local memory for up to 3 months. With two-way communication, you can have a conversation with anyone who is standing at your front door.
You can set up specific detection zones so that you don’t receive motion alerts for tree branches moving around or anything else which is irrelevant.
System Components
- 2 X 1080p eufyCams
- 1 X HomeBase 2
- 1 X Mount
- 1 X Micro USB charging cable
- 1 X AC Power Adapter
- 1 X Ethernet Cable
- 1 X User Manual
Zegoal WiFi Security System
Next up is the Zegoal WiFi Security System.
The standard kit includes 5 contact sensors to attach to your doors, windows, drawers, or cabinets.
It also has one motion sensor for detecting any movements while you’re not around.
Two remote controls allow you to share access with another person if you live with someone or if you want to give access to a family member in case of emergencies.
With the use of a free application for your smartphone, you can arm, disarm, and send an SOS signal if you’re in trouble.
This security system doesn’t have a camera, which is why I suggest getting a smart camera full of features at a low price.
The Wyze Cam Pan 1080p from Amazon is a perfect option to add on to this security system. Even after adding both costs together, the total price is still very competitive compared to other security systems, including cameras.
The Zegoal security system has a very loud 120 dB siren built into the main controller hub, which should be loud enough to frighten most criminals away. The central controller hub has an 8-hour backup battery in case the house power goes off.
The standard kit includes five contact sensors to attach to your doors, windows, drawers, or cabinets.
It also has one motion sensor for detecting any movements while you’re not around.
Two remote controls allow you to share access with another person if you live with someone or if you want to give access to a family member in case of emergencies.
System Components
- 1 X Main Controller Hub
- 5 X Contact Sensors
- 1 X Motion Sensor
- 2 X Remote Controls
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Security Fit for Your Condo
Navigating the sea of security systems might seem daunting, but when it boils down to condos, less can often mean more. A meticulously chosen pair of smart cameras can offer the ideal balance of security and simplicity.
Let’s clear a myth: Professional monitoring isn’t always about splurging—it’s about value. While it’s an attractive feature for many, the beauty of today’s tech is that you can often play the role of your own security chief. With real-time alerts and live video feeds at your fingertips, you’re empowered to take action, whether that’s making a call to the authorities or just checking in on your space.
A pro tip? Think outside the box with any additional sensors. If your condo’s doors and windows are all secured, leverage these sensors for cabinets or precious storage areas. It’s all about maximizing utility.
Having traversed the terrain of security systems, I’ve found a few standouts tailored for condos:
- Instant Alerts and Live Feed Prowess: The capability to receive alerts and monitor real-time footage is a game-changer. Systems that excel in this domain, like the Arlo Pro 2 and the Eufy 2C, should be high on your list.
- Premium Choice Without Compromise: If budgetary constraints aren’t on your radar, then the Arlo Pro 3 is the pièce de résistance. Imagine a dedicated camera for each room, ensuring comprehensive coverage and unparalleled peace of mind.
At the end of the day, it’s about creating a sanctuary—a space where you feel secure and serene. Choose wisely, stay informed, and here’s to a safer, smarter home.
