7 Smart Gadgets to Keep Your Property Safe

Our first product pick might look more like a toy than a security device to the naked eye, but make no mistake–this camera from YI packs in a host of great features at a relatively low price.

The YI Dome Camera uses a singular 720p HD camera that can rotate vertically and horizontally to provide a full 360 degrees of coverage in a given room. The Dome Camera is able to tilt, pan, and rotate to detect motion, and it can also record a short snippet of footage and send it to their own cloud-based service.

Also included in this camera is two-way audio communication, which can allow you to speak to whoever is in the room from just about anywhere in the world. Alongside night vision recording and real-time activity alerts pushed to any phone you need, we’re hard-pressed to find a better option for single-room security cameras at this price point.

While we tend to focus on home security, sometimes keeping your property safe means knowing exactly where your car is at all times. Finding a cheap and easy way to monitor your car, though, can be difficult. Luckily, this option from MasTrack comes with a few tricks up its sleeve to keep recording and tracking your car’s location even if it gets unplugged.

The MasTrack GPS Tracker plugs into your car’s OBD port and transmits live GPS data up to once per minute, alongside information on speed, harsh braking, check engine alerts, and more. This information can be accessed either online or through phone texts and requires a small monthly subscription.

One of the best aspects of MasTrack that sets it apart from other GPS trackers is the internal battery feature. If the car is turned off or the tracker is unplugged completely, the unit will still transmit its location for a considerable amount of time. In short: the MasTrack GPS tracker is one of the best overall options out there.

If you’ve been looking for a more affordable smart gadget with a built-in siren or alarm, you may like this next option from Wink. The Wink Lookout Smart Security System comes with both a motion sensor and an alarm. These sensors send notifications when they are triggered so that homeowners can quickly monitor their homes using a proprietary application.

We appreciate the included alarm sound, which many smart gadgets lack, but the real selling point for the Wink system is the inclusivity. Wink works with many smart home systems like Nest, Arlo, ZigBee, and many others. If you’ve already installed one of these smart systems, integrating a few Wink sensors should be a cinch. While those who wanted video feedback will be disappointed by the lack of options offered by the Wink system, those who need a cheap, integral smart gadget should be pleased with this option.

If you need a more robust option for monitoring weak points outdoors like a backyard or shed, Zmodo’s wireless security camera system may appeal to you. Zmodo’s security cameras are weatherproof, record in high-definition, and can see in great detail in both day and night settings. Zmodo’s cloud-based service is more pricey than others and comes with a shorter trial, but the 24/7 alerts and monitoring offered can more than make up for the cost if you’re trying to protect something especially valuable.

Alexa integration is included, and various applications will allow you to monitor each of the included four cameras at all times. Some reports have come in stating that Zmodo’s cloud-based service can be a little finicky. If you need a smart security system with a great camera, though, Zmodo’s option is certainly worth considering.

Moving away from smart cameras for a moment, this keyless lock option from TurboLock is perfect for sheds and guest homes. TurboLock allows for a standard code, master code, as well as up to eight user codes to enable different members of a family to gain access easily. TurboLock also uses a unique code camouflage option that means you can enter several fake digits in between the true digits of your code to prevent prying eyes from learning your code.

While we don’t recommend securing your home entirely with smart locks due to the hackability of the technology, we do recommend this smart lock for sheds and other simple locking solutions.

If you’re already utilizing the Philips Hue hub, or just need a motion sensor for security and other purposes, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a great, highly customizable option that can allow you to illuminate nearly any space in or around your home.

All you’ll need to do is connect the motion sensor to the Hue system and compatible lights. This sensor is simplistic by design, but pairs well with other smart devices, such as video recorders or alarms and sirens, to shed light on bad activity on your property. We highly recommend investing in a motion sensor like this one from Philips if you’re already on the Hue system. While it may take more work to pair this with other Hue-compatible options, the simplicity of the design may be its best aspect.

Our final smart gadget pick comes with everything you need to secure your home with or without a smart home system in place already. The Arlo Pro system includes three cameras and a siren that can blast noise in excess of 100 decibels. Likewise, the Arlo Pro feature includes two-way audio as well as HD video to allow you to easily communicate with whomever may be at the front or back door.

Arlo also offers free online storage of security camera feeds for up to seven days, which can really cut down on the overall cost. While the Arlo system is one of the most expensive on the market, it is Alexa-compatible and doesn’t come with recurring fees. If you need a total outdoor security solution that comes with an alarm, the Arlo system is certainly worth considering.