People use a home security system to keep their family and belonging safe from forcible or attempted forcible entry, which are done in over 60% of all home robberies in US.

What a home security system can do: Discourage people from breaking in if they know you have it, frighten people away if they do get in, alert the police / firefighters during an emergency. It also saves you money on your home insurance premium.

What a home security system cannot do: A home security system won’t stop a determined burglar from breaking into your house. At best it will alert you or the cops, orneighbors with sound. Rest depends on how much the intruder is deterred and / or how fast someone / you respond.

A good home security system is simple to set up and is dependable. They come with touchscreen control panels as well easy to use smartphone apps.They cover a wide gamut of home devices, including security cameras, smart locks, garage door openers, and newer Z-Wave devices. 

A good home security system has a reasonable up-front price and monthly monitoring fee. They don't tie you up with lock-in contract.

Some newer home security systems can connect to smart-home devices such as thermostats, locks, and lights. No need to get a home automation system!. You get a useful two-in-one. 

The best overall DIY home security system: LiveWatch Total Home + Video (easy to set up, easy to cancel, works with the reliable Alarm.com app)

The second best overall DIY home security system: SimpliSafe with Interactive plan (no restrictuve service contract, good prices)