smart home gadgets that will help keep your home safe and secure

1. LG Smart Security Solution 

Kicking off our list is the LG Smart Security Solution that’s powered by ADT Home Security. While other gadgets on this list only perform one task at a time, LG’s security solution is a camera, motion tracker, microphone and speaker all-in-one. Setting up the camera takes a matter of minutes, and simply involves downloading an app from the app store. Wall mounting it would take a bit longer than placing it on a shelf in good view of your front door, but by and large it’s one of the easier setups on the list. 

The only downside? While you can watch a live view of your camera’s feed from the app for free, you’ll need to subscribe to ADT in order to store and retrieve video. ADT charges $9.99 per month to keep the last seven days of footage or $29.99 for the last 30 days. 

2. Skybell HD Wi-Fi Video Doorbell

While not a security camera in the traditional sense, the Skybell HD Wi-Fi Video Doorbell acts as like a personal bouncer analyzing potential guests before they walk into your humble abode. The Wi-Fi Doorbell offers 1080p video, free online video storage and on-demand video along with a notification when anyone presses the button. On top of everything else it hooks into the Amazon Alexa ecosphere allowing you to take photos or record video via voice command. 

3. Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock (2nd Gen.)

But if you’re looking for total front door security, a smart doorbell requires a smart lock to go along with it. The best partner in anti-crime for the Skybell HD Doorbell is the Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock, a solidly built lock that finds the ideal balance between security and convenience. 

We like the Kwikset Kevo for a few reasons. The first is that it offers a few ways for you to get into the house: a key fob, cell phone or, if you’re traditional, a standard key. Better yet, if you want to allow a friend access to your abode for a bit – say to watch a pet or child while you’re out – you can send them an eKey to grant them limited access over a set period of time. Want a smart lock that requires a little less setup time? The August Smart Lock fits over your standard deadbolt and connects into Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem of smart appliances.

4. Kuna Light Fixture

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If you like your locks just the way they are right now, but you’re still interested in some outdoor security enhancements, check out Kuna’s line of smart light fixtures. At first glance these relatively sleek and svelte-looking outdoor lights might appear to be … well, not very intelligent. But little do burglars know that on the bottom of each light is an HD camera waiting to catch them in the act of breaking in. Want to chat with suspect intruders before answering the door? Most models function as a two-way communicator, allowing you to visually and aurally assess potential threats before meeting them face-to-face.   

5. Nest Protect Fire and Carbon Monoxide detector

All right, now  that we’ve got the outside of the house locked down, let’s focus on what we can do inside to keep you safe. One of our biggest recommendations as far as preventing smoke, fire and carbon monoxide related incidents is the Nest Protect. Nest was one of the first major mainstream smart devices and it got that way because of how simple it is to setup and install, and how effective it is once you’ve done so. Should the Protect ever detect any one of the above not only will you get a notification on your phone but also anyone else part of the family plan. Plus, should it go off accidentally, you won’t have to wave a towel – simply open the app on your phone to shut it off. 

6. MIGHTY MULE MM260

Mighty Mule MM260 is an ideal gate opener equipped with Mighty Mule’s well-known Dual Sense Technology. It is compatible with 5 watt solar panel and works with two types of batteries: marine and automotive. Designed for simplicity, you can install it in just couple of hours, or even less if you have couple of hands helping you out. The system is easy enough to install just by yourself too. The Mighty Mule MM260 is the most affordable option from Mighty Mule that can easily be utilized for a variety of applications such as agricultural, residential, farm and ranch, and so on. The MM260 as well as every product from Mighty Mule is designed to be incredibly easy to install with no need of electrician or welding. It is meant to be used with single swing gates up to 12 ft. long or weighing up to 300 lbs.