When you think of home security, it’s easy to think of big, highly noticeable devices like central security cameras or multi-sensor security systems with large hubs. But that’s not totally true: Some of the best security tech I’ve tested is small, unnoticeable and easy to tuck away without taking up space.
These tiny devices can keep you safe and even save you money over time — plus most of them are entirely standalone and very affordable compared to large kits. See what’s a good fit for your home.
Light bulb security camera
A light bulb security camera eliminates the hassles of camera installation, offering a smaller, simpler setup. You simply screw the light bulb into a standard light socket, and it powers a security camera and a spotlight. You don’t have to worry about power cables, placement, batteries or anything else. Plus, they’re affordable.
The only catch is finding the right socket for these basic little cams, preferably an overhead light on a porch or entryway. You can find several picks on my best list, starting with a $50 Symynelec bulb, as well as this more noticeable Wyze bulb cam.
Hidden smart lock
Most smart locks are both large and feature-rich, which is great for some people, but others don’t want all that stuff on their lock (or even have the room). I have a small, quiet solution: The Level Lock Plus (around $280). While expensive, it’s an elegant little lock for someone who wants a lock that looks completely normal but offers useful smart features, including the ability to unlock with the tap of an included key card, unlock via Bluetooth, or enable Apple Home Key access. All those are optional; it also just functions like a regular deadbolt with a key.
All-purpose motion and access sensor
I’ve seen serious advances for smart sensors that let a single, small sensor hide out nearly anywhere and send you information about any kind of tampering or open/close status. My favorite is the Aqara P100 ($30), which has both Matter and Zigbee support, and can sense nearly anything when calibrated correctly.
Depending on where you put this bite-sized sensor, you can get alerts about when your mailbox or an important drawer is open, when a window or door opens, when someone tries to shake a safe or package, when an important painting or piece of art is moved and much more. You could also connect it to automations, like turning a light a different color, locking a smart lock or playing music when you rap a table three times.
The only catch is that you need a compatible Aqara hub plugged in, like this model for $70 or a similar Aqara cam, to enable all features.
Standalone vibration sensor
Vibration sensors are a common addition to home security systems, where they’re used to sense people tampering with safes or trying to break windows. But you can also find useful standalone versions that do the same thing for a fraction of the cost. This model from GE is $10 and quickly attaches to an important ground-floor window. Then it sounds a siren if it detects that the window is broken or pounded.
Smart smoke detector
You no doubt already have a few smoke detectors — it’s the law. But the smoke detectors placed during construction tend to be simple and annoying, chirpy devices (also, it’s recommended to replace them every 10 years). But there are modern solutions that look just like your old smoke detectors, can be wired in if your state or country requires it, and add a couple of extra handy smart features.
The best choices right now are the Kidde/Ring collaboration detectors ($75) that work with the Ring app for free, and the Nest/First Alert detectors ($130) that work with Google Home. They both send you alerts on your phone wherever you are, and offer in-app battery warnings. They also make testing and management easy.
Small access sensor
Most access sensors that guard doors or windows are part of larger security systems and require at least a separate hub to activate — but not all of them. This new model from Ikea ($8) is one of the best examples. It’s tiny, you can set it up in minutes, and with full Matter compatibility, it doesn’t need a separate hub to connect to apps like Google Home or Apple Home, as long as you have a device like a Nest Hub or HomePod that can serve as an intermediary. Then you get customized alerts right to your phone whenever the access sensor is triggered.
Smart radon detector
Radon is one of those annoying safety issues that’s hard to examine, even if you know it’s a problem in your geographical area. Testing and sending samples to labs for the radioactive gas is the sort of project that’s easy to forget about. But there’s an easier at-home option, a small device from AirThings called the Corentium Home 2 ($210).
This device is designed to measure the output of radon wherever you place it (like a basement). You can move it around your home to see where measurements are high and keep using it for years to come. Plus, there’s no need to handle a sample kit or trust a lab for proper analysis — or be surprised by unexpected lab fees. Just give the sensor a few hours to work, and you will start seeing if radon is a problem in your home, which may need to be addressed with additional barriers. App connections are available for more info and control options.
Leak detector
A small leak detector fits in out-of-the-way places like under sinks, behind toilets and beside water heaters. There they wait for years to detect any spilled water on the floor, at which point they send out sirens and app alerts to let you know something is wrong. That’s an easy and cheap solution to stop leaks before they cause serious water damage.
I have a guide on leak detectors here, but overall, I like Eufy’s model for $35 and SwitchBot’s affordable option for $18.
Don’t stop quite yet — feast your eyes on the best security cameras without subscriptions and the best ways to get home security without Wi-Fi, too.
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