Guide
Smart Home Security for Beginners
Smart home security is a monitored security system whose hub also controls locks, lights, thermostat, garage door, and cameras from one app and runs automations between them, such as locking the doors and lowering the thermostat when the system arms. This guide defines the 7 device types, the 5 automations worth setting up first, what smart home control adds to equipment and monthly cost, and the 3 steps to start.
What Devices Make Up Smart Home Security?
Smart home security combines 7 device types: a hub with cellular backup, entry and motion sensors, cameras, smart locks, a smart thermostat, lighting modules or plugs, and a garage door controller, all controlled by one app.
| Device | Role | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Hub Pro 2 | Panel, siren, cellular and 24-hour battery backup | $599.99 |
| Door, window, motion sensors | Detection | $50 each |
| Doorbell / outdoor / indoor camera | Video and deterrence | $249.99 / $399.99 / $199.99 |
| Smart lock (Kwikset) | Keyless entry, auto-lock | $180 |
| Smart thermostat | Energy and Away mode | $170 |
| Lamp module / smart plug | Lighting automations | $50 |
| Garage door controller | Close and alert | $100 |
The Vivint smart home page lists the devices in detail.
Which 5 Automations Matter Most?
The 5 automations worth setting up first are: arm Away locks all doors and closes the garage; arming at night turns off interior lights and sets the thermostat; a doorbell camera event turns on the porch light; disarming with a family member's code sends a notification; and a water sensor alert shuts a smart valve or sends an alert.
What Does Smart Home Control Add to the Cost?
Smart home control adds equipment cost only, not monthly cost, on Vivint: locks, thermostat, lighting, and garage devices run on the $24.99 HomeProtect plan, and only cameras move the plan to $44.99; Brinks, by contrast, charges $44.99 for smart home devices against $39.99 for sensors only.
How Do You Start With Smart Home Security?
Start in 3 steps: install the monitored security core (hub, sensors, one camera), add a smart lock and thermostat for the first automations, and add lighting and garage control once the first automations run reliably for a month.
Integration with Google Home, Alexa, and Z-Wave devices is listed on the Works With Vivint page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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