1. Expertise: Professional installers have extensive knowledge and experience in installing security systems. They can ensure that the system is installed correctly and in compliance with all relevant safety codes and regulations. On the other hand, DIY installations may not be done properly, leaving your home vulnerable to break-ins or false alarms.
2. Quality of equipment: Professional installers typically use high-quality equipment that is specifically designed for home security. They also have access to the latest technology, which means that your security system will be more advanced and reliable. DIY installations may use lower-quality equipment, which can be less effective in detecting intruders or other threats.
3. Time and convenience: Installing a home security system can be time-consuming and complex. With a professional installation, you don’t have to worry about figuring out how to install the system or troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Instead, you can focus on other important things, such as work or family obligations.
4. Customer support: Professional installers typically offer ongoing customer support, which can be invaluable in the event that you have questions or concerns about your security system. With DIY installations, you may not have access to the same level of customer support, which can be frustrating and leave you feeling uncertain about the effectiveness of your system.

In summary, while DIY installations may seem like a cost-effective and convenient option, a professional installation offers greater expertise, higher-quality equipment, and ongoing customer support, all of which can give you greater peace of mind when it comes to protecting your home and family.

1. Local alarm systems: These are the most basic types of alarms, and they include sensors on the doors and windows that trigger an alarm if someone trips them. However, these systems are not monitored by a central control station, and they can’t be controlled remotely.
2. Wired alarm systems: These systems use sensors that are connected to a central control panel, which can be used to shut off the alarm or alert the authorities. They are typically linked to a central call centre that will be notified if the alarm goes off, and the monitoring service can then contact the homeowner or the authorities.
3. Wireless alarm systems: These systems use radio frequency transmitters to signal the control panel if someone triggers the alarm. This will then set off the alarm.

All three types of systems can be linked to a monitoring service that will contact the homeowner and/or the authorities in case of a security breach. However, this service is optional and typically requires an extra charge on a monthly basis.

– Remote access: This feature lets you control and monitor your security system from a remote location using a mobile device. You can receive notifications of security alerts, view live feeds, and even contact authorities depending on your plan.

– 24/7 professional monitoring: This ensures that your home is monitored round-the-clock, even during the day when most break-ins occur. A monitoring service can alert you and law enforcement in case of an intrusion.

– Wireless connection: Modern systems use wireless connections instead of phone lines, making them more secure and reliable.

– Cameras: Indoor and outdoor cameras provide surveillance and remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to check on your home anytime and from anywhere.

– Fire and flood monitoring: Some systems come with sensors that detect heat and humidity, allowing you to detect fires or water damage. You can also find systems that detect carbon monoxide leaks.

– Smart doors and locks: These devices provide enhanced security by alerting you to visitors and allowing remote control of your locks.

– ‘Crash’ protection: Some burglars may try to disable your security system by smashing the control panel. Systems with crash and smash protection can detect this and trigger the alarm even if the panel is disabled.

At GoWizard, we understand the difficulty our customers face when looking to buy. To help you along the way, we have been doing some behind the scenes research to bring you ratings for each brand listed on our site (NOTE: our site does not feature every provider in the market).

Our ratings are scored on a scale of up to 10 and are assessed based on three parameters – Successful matches, brand engagement and coverage. Using our research and data, we rate each brand individually against these parameters and use a formula to bring you an overall rating.

It is important to note that while our ratings remain impartial, we may accept compensation from the brands listed on our site, which may impact the order they are listed in our tables. 

Our ratings explained…

Successful matches
We see the value in knowing which brands have appealed most to our customers. The brands listed on our site provide us with information on the percentage of customers who go on to make a purchase with them. We use this information to calculate a score based on which brands have an offering that our customers actually want to buy and go on to buy. This score is based on data received by us in the last 180 days meaning that, if we do not receive data from a brand within this time period, it will automatically score lower.

Brand Engagement
We are committed to presenting you with trusted brands. This score is based on online ranking data, which factors in brand popularity, number of site visitors and more. As this score is based on third-party ranking data, we weight the overall rating formula towards this parameter. It’s also worth noting that all brands that we work with and feature on our site undergo screening checks, so you can feel confident knowing that we trust them too.

Coverage
We understand the importance of suitable coverage. Some brands do not have full audience coverage (e.g. they might not be able to service customers from all states). We believe in being upfront about the available options, and presenting you with brands with wide coverage who are likely to be able to service your needs. When scoring, we use data that takes into consideration how wide the brand’s target audience is and what the brand is able to service.