Cove is actively dedicating resources to make our site, and our community, more accessible. While we make changes, if you need any assistance accessing the information on this site, please contact us at 855.268.3669 or support@covesmart.com. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing or who do not use voice channels to communicate, please contact us via email or via 711 or other relay services. If you have any feedback or suggestions as to how we could improve the accessibility of our website, please contact us at accessibility@covesmart.com. Please be aware that our site may contain links to other websites, the accessibility of which is not under our control. Please contact us if you run into any difficulties with these sites, and we will do our best to help you.
AccessibilityAm I secure?
Link Copied
Having a home security system can be the difference between feeling safe at night and worrying about the safety of your family while you’re away. For most families, home security systems are non-negotiable, and, because of that, it’s important for you to know which type of security system is going to be the best.
There are two main types of home security systems: wired and wireless. In this article, we want to explain the difference between the two types and help you decide which, wired or wireless, will be the best fit for your home.
Wireless security systems are one of the more recent advances in the world of home security. And, although they’re new to the playing field, they have quickly become the most popular type of home security system to install in the home. They are completely wireless and are compatible with other smart systems like the Echo Dot or Google Home. They can be controlled remotely from your phone and allow you to watch over your home at all hours of the day. Some wireless systems are DIY, meaning that you can set up the system without worrying about hiring a professional alarm installation team. For most modern families and homeowners, the wireless security system is a breath of fresh air.
Often a wired system can be confused with local alarms. However, the two are drastically different. The main difference is that the wired system pairs with the other smart home devices to create a network of home security around your home. It can be controlled remotely through voice commands and you have access to each part of the wired system from your mobile device or through the control panel (also known as the alarm panel). A local system does not have the capacity to pair with other smart devices and cannot be controlled remotely. Also a local alarm won't contact the authorities; it merely sets off an audible siren to alert people nearby.
Like any type of home security automation, there are going to be benefits and disadvantages to the system. The wireless system is quickly becoming the most-used type of home security system on the market. To make sure you know what you’re getting with the wireless security system, here are the benefits you'll receive from this type of system:
Like we said, all systems have disadvantages. So, to be as transparent as possible, here are all of the disadvantages of having a wireless security system:
A wired security system was the first type of security system that was invented for homeowners. It must be installed by a professional alarm installation team and, once installed, is hard to move from one place to another. Wired systems are more common for large properties and are often more expensive than a wireless home security system. They can include outdoor cameras and an indoor camera just like the wireless system. In order to install the hardwired security system, the team will need to rework the existing wires in your home. If you’ve already installed a wired system in the past and you are upgrading to a new system, the team will be able to reuse the existing wiring. However, if this is your first system, the alarm installation process can take upwards of three hours.
Wired security systems were the original security system. And, because of that, companies have had time to perfect the formula. However, this doesn’t mean that the system is perfect, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t a better option for you. The benefits that you can expect from having a wired security system are:
However, the wired system also has a variety of concerns because of the way that the system is installed. Here are the disadvantages of having a wired security system:
The main differences between the two systems are wires and pricing. The wires are obvious because it’s in the title of the two systems. The wired system relies on wires to install the system. It will be connected completely to the house and will be inseparable from the hardwiring of your home. Wireless systems rely on batteries instead of wires. So, you will need to replace and recharge the batteries, but the system won’t tie you to your home.
The second main difference is the pricing. Wired systems can be notoriously expensive. Every aspect of the system will cost you money. So, at the end, who’s robbing who? With prices so high, it often isn’t worth it for homeowners to have a wired security system unless their budget is wide enough to fit the system comfortably. Wireless systems are inexpensive and are better for the average homeowner. Their low cost is one of the reasons why they have become so popular over the past several years.
So, wired or wireless? In short, the type of security system that you need will depend on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for an alarm system that is installed by an installation team and monitored completely by a security company, then the wired system might be the better option for you. Both are equally prone to false alarms, so it depends on your personal preference.
However, if you don’t mind the hands-on experience and you like to be able to watch over your home, then the wireless system is better for you. Additionally, with low costs and easy setup, the wireless security system might be the option that will better satisfy your needs. If you’re unsure which system you like better, it might be a good idea to do a trial of one or the other. Wireless security systems will often offer a 60-day security trial for free. This is a great way to see what the system is like before actually paying for it.
Take this short quiz to build your customized system today!