8 Best Smart Home Security Systems in 2026

You walk out the door and immediately wonder if you locked the back window. Or you lie in bed and hear a strange creak downstairs. A smart home security system can turn that vague anxiety into a concrete plan, but the range of kits, sensors, and monitoring choices is overwhelming. We've sorted through the noise to find the best smart home security system for different home sizes, lifestyles, and tolerance for ongoing commitments. Whether you need a 14-piece system that covers every door and motion zone in a four-bedroom house, a minimalist set for a rental, or a no-contract solution you install in minutes, the options below cover the spectrum.

TL;DR: The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit is the one most people should buy: it covers up to a four-bedroom home with sensors and motion detectors. The SimpliSafe 8-Piece System is the easiest to set up with no-contract monitoring. The eufy Security 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit offers app-based control and integrates with eufy cameras. The X-Sense AS05 5-Piece Set is the most straightforward way to secure a small apartment on a self-monitored basis.

#	Product	Pieces	Monitoring	Best For
1	Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit	14	Optional 24/7 professional monitoring	Large homes (2–4 bedrooms)
2	Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit	8	Optional 24/7 professional monitoring	Medium homes (1–2 bedrooms)
3	Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit	5	Optional 24/7 professional monitoring	Apartments and condos
4	SimpliSafe 8-Piece System	8	Optional 24/7 professional monitoring (no contract)	DIY-friendly households
5	SimpliSafe 9-Piece System w/HD Camera	9	Optional 24/7 professional monitoring (no contract)	Homes wanting a built-in indoor camera
6	XUK WiFi Wireless Alarm System	24	Self-monitored with app and cellular backup	Multi-story homes needing extensive coverage
7	X-Sense AS05 5-Piece Set	5	Self-monitored via app	Renters and small spaces
8	eufy Security 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit	5	Self-monitored or optional 24/7 professional monitoring	eufy camera users and subscription-free living

How we picked

• Sensor count and coverage area. The number of entry sensors and motion detectors determines whether a kit can cover your home’s vulnerable points. A two-bedroom apartment needs fewer sensors than a four-bedroom house with sliding glass doors and a basement door.
• Monitoring flexibility. Some people want professional monitoring for police and fire response; others prefer to keep an eye on the app themselves. Systems that offer both options (or no option at all) suit different comfort levels.
• Smart assistant integration. Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant makes arming and disarming effortless, and many systems now offer it natively or through a hub.
• Cellular and power backup. A security system is useless if a Wi-Fi outage or power cut leaves it blind. Built-in backup (battery plus cellular) is a key differentiator.
• Expandability and ecosystem. A system that lets you add more sensors, motion detectors, cameras, or range extenders over time gives you room to grow without starting from scratch.
• Installation effort. Peel-and-stick adhesive vs. screws, app-guided setup vs. manual pairing: how much work you want to do plays a role in whether the kit actually gets installed.

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1. Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit: Best for Whole-Home Coverage

Pros

• Eight contact sensors and two motion detectors cover every typical entry and hallway in a 2–4 bedroom house
• Two keypads let you arm/disarm from opposite ends of the home
• Range extender ensures strong signal in larger spaces
• Works with Alexa for voice control (with a Ring Protect plan)
• Expandable with additional sensors, cameras, and the Ring ecosystem

Cons

• Range extender and second keypad are overkill for smaller homes
• Professional monitoring requires a Ring Protect plan
• No camera included in the base kit

Best for: Homeowners who want a ready‑to‑install system that secures every door, window, and hallway in a house of two to four bedrooms without hunting for extra parts.

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This is the kit that makes the most sense for a full‑size home. You get eight contact sensors, two motion detectors, two keypads, and a range extender in the box. The base station plugs into your router and connects to the Ring app, and all the sensors pair in a matter of minutes. The range extender is a welcome addition in a house where the base station lives in a closet or a far corner. The two keypads mean you can keep one by the front door and another in the master bedroom, so you never have to walk across the house to disarm the system after a late‑night arrival.

The motion detectors have a 90‑degree field of view and are rated to ignore pets under around 60 pounds, so they won’t trip every time the dog walks through the living room. The contact sensors are small, white, and sit flush on door frames. You can mount them with the included adhesive or screws. If you want camera coverage later, Ring’s doorbell and security cameras slot into the same app. The whole experience feels cohesive in a way that piecemeal systems don’t.

The trade‑off is that this kit is too much for a small apartment or condo. You’d end up with spare sensors and a second keypad you may never mount. For the target audience—a family in a suburban house—it’s the right starting point.

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2. Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit: Best for Medium Homes

Pros

• Four contact sensors and one motion detector cover most entry points in a 1–2 bedroom home
• One keypad is sufficient for a smaller floor plan
• Includes a range extender to keep the signal strong
• Same app and ecosystem as the larger Ring kits
• Works with Alexa

Cons

• Only one motion detector limits interior coverage to one room or hallway
• No second keypad for houses with a basement or second floor
• Professional monitoring still requires a Ring Protect plan

Best for: Homeowners in a small house or large apartment who want more than a basic front‑door sensor but don’t need a 14‑piece system.

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The 8‑piece kit is the sweet spot for a typical two‑bedroom home or a generous one‑bedroom apartment. It includes the same base station, keypad, and range extender as the 14‑piece model but scales the sensors down to four contact sensors and one motion detector. That’s enough to secure the front door, back door, and two windows on the ground floor, plus cover the main hallway or living room with motion detection. The range extender is still included, which helps if your router is at one end of the home and the base station is at the other.

Setup is identical to the larger kit—peel, stick, pair via the Ring app—and the system expands exactly the same way if you later decide you need more sensors or a camera. The only real downside compared to the 14‑piece model is that you don’t get a second keypad. In a single‑story home with one main entry point, that’s not a problem. If you want coverage on two floors, you might prefer the 14‑piece kit for the extra keypad and range extender that already cover that scenario.

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3. Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit: Best for Apartments and Condos

Pros

• Compact kit with one contact sensor and one motion detector, ideal for a single entry point
• Keypad and base station are small enough for a countertop or shelf
• Same app and Alexa integration as other Ring systems
• Easy to expand later if you move to a larger space

Cons

• Only one contact sensor; you’ll need to buy more to cover multiple doors or windows
• No second keypad or range extender (unnecessary in a small space)
• Professional monitoring still optional but adds a plan

Best for: Renters or condo dwellers who want to secure the main entrance and one room without committing to a multizone system.

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The 5‑piece kit strips everything down to the essentials: base station, keypad, one contact sensor, one motion detector, and one range extender. That’s enough to protect the front door and the room adjoining it, which covers the two biggest security concerns in an apartment. The sensors pair instantly, the keypad is responsive, and the app gives you the same remote arming/disarming and notification features as the larger kits. The motion detector picks up movement in a 35‑foot radius with a 90‑degree field, so it works well in a living room‑kitchen open layout.

Because the system is fully expandable, you can add extra contact sensors for windows or a second motion detector later, but you won’t be forced to buy hardware you don’t need upfront. If you eventually move to a house, the same base station and app grow with you. For someone whose primary goal is to know whether the front door opened while they’re away, this kit does that without wasted pieces.

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4. SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System: Best for DIY Simplicity

Pros

• True plug‑and‑play: base station, sensors, and keypad are ready in minutes
• No long‑term contract required for professional monitoring
• Base station has a 24‑hour battery and cellular backup with a monitoring plan
• Motion sensor ignores pets under 60 pounds
• Smash‑safe keypad stays functional even if it’s hit

Cons

• No camera included (the 9‑piece kit adds one)
• Sensors are slightly chunkier than Ring’s
• Cellular backup requires a professional monitoring subscription

Best for: People who want a security system they can unbox, install, and configure in under half an hour without reading a thick manual.

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SimpliSafe’s reputation is built on ease of setup, and the 8‑piece kit is the purest expression of that philosophy. The base station plugs in, you place the entry sensors on doors and windows, stick the motion sensor in a corner, and pair everything via the app. No drilling, no wire, no waiting. The keypad is wireless and has backlit buttons that light up when you approach. It also has a “smash‑safe” feature: if an intruder tries to break the keypad before you finish disarming, the alarm still triggers. That’s a smart detail.

The motion sensor has a wide 90‑degree field and a 35‑foot range, and it’s designed to ignore pets up to 60 pounds. That means your cat or small dog won’t set off false alarms. The base station itself includes a battery that lasts up to 24 hours and, with a monitoring plan, uses cellular backup to stay online even if Wi‑Fi and power go out. Professional monitoring is optional and contract‑free; you can pay month‑to‑month or use the one free month that comes with the kit.

The 8‑piece kit does not include a camera, so if you want to see what’s happening inside, you’ll need to buy the SimpliCam separately or step up to the 9‑piece bundle. The sensors are a bit bulkier than the Ring alternatives, but they still mount cleanly with adhesive.

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5. SimpliSafe 9-Piece System w/HD Camera: Best with Built-In Indoor Camera

Pros

• Includes the SimpliCam wired indoor camera with a stainless steel privacy shutter
• Video verification can speed up police response with the Fast Protect monitoring plan
• Same easy setup and no‑contract monitoring as the 8‑piece kit
• Base station battery backup and cellular option
• Alexa and Google Assistant compatible

Cons

• Camera is wired (needs a power outlet nearby)
• Video verification requires a specific monitoring plan
• Still only one camera in the box; multi‑camera homes need extras

Best for: Households that want an indoor camera integrated with the alarm system, so a triggered sensor can immediately start recording and alert monitoring agents.

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The 9‑piece kit takes the same hardware as the 8‑piece (base station, keypad, four entry sensors, one motion sensor) and adds a SimpliCam indoor camera. The camera is small, sits on a shelf or counter, and has a stainless steel shutter you can close remotely from the app when you want privacy. When the alarm triggers, the camera can record and send the feed to SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents. If you subscribe to the Fast Protect plan, the agents can use that footage to verify a break‑in, which often results in priority dispatch from local police.

The camera is wired, which means it needs to be near a power outlet, but the cable is long enough for most rooms. The video quality is solid for indoor monitoring. You get live streaming, two‑way audio, and night vision. The integration with the alarm means you can set rules: for example, arm the system and have the camera start recording whenever motion is detected from the motion sensor.

For someone who wants a self‑contained system that combines door/window sensors and a camera without juggling two brands, this bundle is the cleanest way to get both. The trade‑off is that the camera is not battery‑powered, so you can’t put it in a spot without an outlet. And if you want cameras on multiple floors, you’ll need to buy additional SimpliCams separately.

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6. XUK WiFi Wireless Alarm System (24 Pcs): Best for Extensive Sensor Coverage

Pros

• 24 pieces in the box: 10 door/window sensors, 5 motion detectors, siren, panic button, 3 remote controls, 3 RFID tags
• 4.3‑inch color touchscreen panel for on‑site control
• Dual connectivity via WiFi and 2G/4G cellular (SIM card required for SMS/voice)
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice arming
• Battery backup keeps the system online during power outages

Cons

• No professional monitoring option (self‑monitored only through app, SMS, or voice call)
• Cellular backup requires a SIM card (not included)
• Touchscreen interface can feel less intuitive than a dedicated keypad

Best for: Large or multi‑story homes where you want to cover every door, window, and room with sensors and don’t intend to pay an ongoing monitoring fee.

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The XUK system takes a very different approach from the Ring and SimpliSafe kits. Instead of a simple keypad or app‑only interface, it comes with a 4.3‑inch color touch screen that lives on your wall or table. From that screen you can arm/disarm the system, view the status of each sensor, and set alarm modes. It supports four ways to control the system: the touchscreen, a mobile app (iOS/Android), a remote control fob, or an RFID keychain tag. That’s a lot of options, and the system supports up to 100 sensors and 10 RFID tags, so you can expand it to cover a very large property.

The kit is overwhelming at first glance: 10 door/window sensors, five motion detectors, a 120dB siren, a panic button, three remote controls, and three RFID cards. For a house with many points of entry, that means you can secure every ground‑floor door and window without buying extra sensors. The motion detectors are PIR types and mount with adhesive. The siren is loud enough to be heard throughout a typical home.

The cellular backup is a key feature. If your Wi‑Fi goes down, the system can switch to a 2G or 4G cellular connection (you supply the SIM card) to send app alerts, SMS notifications, or even voice calls when the alarm is triggered. That makes it more resilient than many self‑monitored systems that rely solely on internet. The system is self‑monitored by design, so there’s no monthly subscription for professional monitoring. You manage everything through the app or the touchscreen.

The downside is that you’re on your own for response. The system will push alerts to your phone and can call you, but it won’t dispatch police unless you call them yourself. The touchscreen interface also takes a few minutes to learn, although once you set your preferred alarm modes (home, away, night, etc.) it becomes routine.

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7. X-Sense AS05 5-Piece Set: Best for Small Spaces and Renters

Pros

• Very compact kit: base station, keypad, two door sensors, one motion sensor
• Install in minutes with adhesive tape (or screws), no tools needed
• Battery life up to 5 years on the sensors
• App lets you set Home, Away, and Disarm modes with automatic schedules
• Compatible with Alexa for voice control

Cons

• Only two door sensors and one motion sensor; limited out of the box
• No range extender, so base station should be centrally placed
• Works only with 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi (incompatible with 5 GHz)
• No professional monitoring option

Best for: Renters, dorm residents, or anyone who wants a low‑commitment, self‑monitored system to secure a single‑entry living space.

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The X‑Sense AS05 is the most straightforward entry point on this list. The box contains a white base station, a keypad, two door sensors, and one motion sensor. That’s enough to monitor the front door and a back window, plus detect movement in the main living area. The sensors are small and mount with adhesive, so you can install the whole system in under 15 minutes without making any holes. The keypad has a panic button that triggers an instant alarm, and you can also arm/disarm from the app.

The app is simple but capable. You can set three modes (Home, Away, Disarm) and schedule them to change automatically—for example, arm the system every night at 10 PM. It also supports multiple password codes if you want different codes for family members or guests. The motion sensor has a 90‑degree field and a respectable detection range; it’s designed to work in a typical small apartment layout.

The system is self‑monitored: you get instant push notifications if a sensor is triggered, but there’s no professional monitoring service to call the police. That’s fine for many renters who just want to know when someone opens the door while they’re at work. The 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi requirement is a mild inconvenience if your router broadcasts only 5 GHz, but most routers still offer both bands. The system is also expandable up to 44 devices (including additional door sensors, motion detectors, water leak sensors, and thermometers), so you can gradually build it out.

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8. eufy Security 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit: Best for App‑Based Control and Camera Integration

Pros

• No ongoing subscription needed for basic operation (self‑monitored via app)
• Integrates seamlessly with eufyCam security cameras for video
• Easy adhesive installation, no wiring
• Keypad is wireless and backlit
• Optional 24/7 professional monitoring service now available

Cons

• Only two entry sensors and one motion sensor in the box
• No range extender (HomeBase acts as hub, but distance may be limited)
• Keypad is the only local interface (no touchscreen)

Best for: Existing eufy camera owners who want an alarm system that lives in the same app, or anyone who prefers a self‑monitored system with the option to add professional monitoring later.

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The eufy 5‑piece kit is built around the HomeBase, which acts as the hub for both the alarm and eufy’s security cameras. If you already have a eufyCam or eufy doorbell, the alarm system sits in the same app and can share rules: for instance, when the motion sensor is triggered, the eufyCam can start recording. The kit includes a wireless keypad, one motion sensor, and two entry sensors. The motion sensor has a 90‑degree field and a 35‑foot range, and it’s pet‑friendly up to about 60 pounds. The entry sensors are slim and mount with adhesive.

The standout feature is that the basic system works entirely without a subscription. You arm and disarm from the app or keypad, and you get instant push notifications when a sensor is tripped. If you later decide you want professional monitoring (police, fire, medical response), you can sign up for eufy’s optional 24/7 service without committing to a long contract. That gives you the freedom to start self‑monitored and upgrade later.

The limitation is the number of sensors: with only two entry sensors and one motion detector, you can cover only a few vulnerable points. But the system is expandable, and you can buy additional eufy sensors individually or in multipacks. The HomeBase has a built‑in siren and a battery backup, so it stays functional during short power outages. For someone who already owns eufy cameras, this is the most natural way to add alarm capabilities. Even without cameras, it’s a solid, modern system that doesn’t lock you into a monthly fee.

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Buyer's guide: how to choose smart home security system

Picking the right system depends on three things: the size and layout of your home, how much effort you want to spend on installation, and how comfortable you feel with self‑monitoring versus professional monitoring. The table above gives you a quick comparison, but a few deeper factors will help you narrow the field.

Sensor coverage and types

Every system includes a mix of entry sensors (for doors and windows) and motion sensors (for detecting movement in a room). The number you need depends on how many entry points you have. A one‑bedroom apartment with one door and two windows can get by with three contact sensors. A three‑bedroom house with a garage door, sliding patio door, and multiple ground‑floor windows may need eight or more. Motion sensors cover a larger area but have a limited field of view (usually 90 degrees) and a range of about 35 feet. Place them in corners of hallways or living rooms to catch movement across the main paths an intruder would take.

Some systems, like the Ring 14‑piece kit, come with this volume out of the box. Others, like the eufy or X‑Sense kits, give you a starter set and let you expand. Also consider pet‑friendly ratings: if you have a dog or cat, look for sensors that ignore pets up to a certain weight, or adjust sensitivity via the app.

Monitoring options: self‑monitored vs. professional

Every system on this list offers some form of self‑monitoring: you get push notifications when a sensor is triggered, and you decide what to do. Professional monitoring, where a company dispatches police or fire at the press of a button (or automatically when the alarm trips), is available as an option on the Ring, SimpliSafe, and eufy kits. The XUK and X‑Sense systems are self‑monitored only. The key difference is convenience and peace of mind versus autonomy and no ongoing cost. If you travel frequently or want guaranteed response even when you can’t check your phone, a system with professional monitoring matters. If you’re fine checking the app yourself and calling emergency services if needed, self‑monitoring works well.

Smart assistant integration

Alexa and Google Assistant support is now standard, but the depth varies. Most systems let you arm and disarm with voice commands, which is useful when your hands are full. Some also support routines: “Hey Google, goodnight” can arm the system, lock the front door, and turn off the lights. Check that the system you pick is compatible with the voice platform you already use, and be aware that a few features (like voice arming on Ring) require a monitoring subscription.

Cellular and power backup

A security system that goes silent when Wi‑Fi drops or the power goes out isn’t very secure. The base stations in the Ring, SimpliSafe, and eufy kits include a backup battery that can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. SimpliSafe and Ring offer optional cellular backup that keeps the system connected to the internet and the monitoring service (if subscribed). The XUK system uses its own cellular option (with a user‑supplied SIM) for alerts even during Wi‑Fi outages. If you live in an area with frequent internet interruptions or power cuts, prioritize a system that stays online when the grid doesn’t.

Expandability and ecosystem

All the systems here are expandable to some degree, but the ceiling varies. Ring allows up to 100 sensors. SimpliSafe supports up to 100 sensors as well. XUK says it can handle up to 100 sensors and 10 RFID tags. X‑Sense caps at 44 devices. eufy is expandable but doesn’t specify a hard limit. Also consider cameras: Ring and eufy have their own camera ecosystems that integrate tightly. SimpliSafe has its own camera (the SimpliCam) and also works with some third‑party cameras through its app. If you think you’ll want video coverage down the line, choose a system that makes adding cameras easy.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I install a smart home security system myself?

Yes. Every system in this roundup is designed for DIY installation with adhesive mounts or screws. No special tools or wiring are needed beyond maybe a drill if you choose to screw the brackets into drywall. The base station plugs into a wall outlet and connects to your Wi‑Fi. The whole process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the number of sensors.

How many sensors do I need for my home?

A common rule is one entry sensor per frequently used door and window on the ground floor, plus one motion sensor in the main living area or hallway. For a one‑bedroom apartment, two to three entry sensors and one motion sensor usually suffice. For a three‑bedroom house, plan for six to eight entry sensors and two motion sensors. Most systems are sold in kits that cover typical scenarios, and you can always add extra sensors later.

What happens if the power goes out?

All the base stations in this roundup include a backup battery that keeps the system running for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the model. The sensors themselves are battery‑powered and unaffected by a power cut. Systems with cellular backup (Ring, SimpliSafe, XUK) can also stay connected to the internet and send alerts if Wi‑Fi is down.

Do I need a professional monitoring subscription?

No. You can use any of these systems in self‑monitoring mode, where you get app notifications and decide how to respond. Ring, SimpliSafe, and eufy offer professional monitoring as an optional add‑on. The XUK and X‑Sense systems are self‑monitored only. There’s no requirement to subscribe.

Can I use the system with Alexa or Google Assistant?

All eight systems work with either Alexa, Google Assistant, or both. The commands usually cover arming and disarming (with a PIN or voice confirmation), checking system status, and sometimes triggering routines. For Ring, voice arming and disarming require a Ring Protect subscription.

Will the security system work with my existing cameras?

It depends. Ring and eufy each have their own camera lines that integrate natively in the same app (e.g., Ring Alarm with Ring doorbells). SimpliSafe works with its own SimpliCam and also has limited support for certain third‑party cameras through its app. XUK and X‑Sense are alarm‑only systems and do not integrate with external cameras for recording or viewing.

How long do the sensor batteries last?

Most entry sensors and motion sensors use CR123A or similar lithium batteries that last anywhere from one to five years depending on usage frequency. The X‑Sense AS05 claims up to five years on its sensors. Ring and SimpliSafe sensors typically last about one to three years. The app usually notifies you when a battery is low.

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Final verdict

For most people, the Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit is the best smart home security system because it delivers the right balance of sensor coverage, ecosystem depth, and optional professional monitoring. If you live in a smaller space, the Ring 8-Piece Kit or Ring 5-Piece Kit gives you the same reliability with fewer sensors. The SimpliSafe 8-Piece System is the best choice for anyone who values a truly effortless setup and contract‑free monitoring. The eufy Security 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit deserves a close look if you already own eufy cameras or want a system that operates without a subscription. For renters or those on a tighter footprint, the X-Sense AS05 offers the simplest path to basic protection. The XUK 24‑Piece is the pick if you need to cover a large property with lots of sensors and prefer self‑monitoring with cellular backup. Whichever system you choose, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is monitored, even if only by your phone, is the real payoff.

If you’re still undecided, start with the size of your home and work through the monitoring question. A 14‑piece kit for a two‑bedroom apartment is wasted; a 5‑piece kit for a four‑bedroom house will leave gaps. The right fit is the one that covers your most likely entry points and matches how involved you want to be in responding to alerts.

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