Best Home Security Systems: Why Smart Tech Alone Won’t Protect You | By Security Expert Jordan Frankel

When people search online for the best home security system, they’re often looking for a single product or brand to solve all their problems. But as a security expert with decades in the field, I’m here to tell you the truth: no single system is enough. Real home security is a layered strategy that blends smart technology, physical barriers, and psychological deterrents. In this article, I’ll show you how to build a home defense plan that not only alerts you to danger—but actively prevents it.

Why a Layered Approach Beats the "Best Home Security System"

Homeowners ask me all the time: “Jordan, what’s the best home security system I can buy?”

Here’s the truth: there’s no single system that will do it all.

That’s because burglars aren’t amateurs, they’re opportunists. They scan for weak spots: the side window you forgot to lock, the flimsy garage door, the unilluminated stretch along the backyard fence. They don’t care what brand you installed or how much you spent—they care how easy it is to break in.

That’s why I teach a layered security approach. Every layer you add—alarms, reinforced doors, cameras, motion lights—makes the intruder’s job harder, noisier, and riskier. And the more frustrated they get, the more likely they are to give up before they ever get inside.

Let me break it down for you:

1. Criminals Want Easy Entry: I’ve seen it firsthand: most break-ins happen at the easiest point—an unlocked window, a cheap door, a hidden side entrance. But when a would-be burglar meets barrier after barrier, they start thinking, “This house isn’t worth it.” Bright floodlights, solid doors, security film on windows—together, they send a loud message: this home is a hard target.
2. Every Second Buys You Safety: Here’s something most people don’t realize: break-ins move fast. We’re talking seconds, not minutes. Physical reinforcements like door braces, inserting longer screws in strike plates, and shatter-resistant window film slow intruders down, and in some cases, even block entry. And when every second counts, that delay can mean the difference between a close call and a life-changing loss.
3. Deterrents Make Them Think Twice: Burglars are gamblers—and they hate bad odds. Signs of active security—cameras, alarm stickers, well-kept landscaping—tell them someone’s paying attention. And often, that’s all it takes to make them move on to an easier target.

In short? Stop looking for “the best” system. Instead, start thinking about how to layer your defenses. That’s how you build real protection.

Physical Barriers: The Foundation of Home Security

You’ve probably seen the ads: “Our alarm system is all you need to protect your home.”

I’m here to tell you—that’s a blatant lie.

The real backbone of home security isn’t smart tech or a fancy app. It’s physical barriers. These are the upgrades that physically slow down or stop intruders from getting inside—not just alert you when they already have.

Most homes have glaring weak points. We’re talking hollow-core doors that can split under one good kick, flimsy door frames, and window locks that a child could pop open.

But the good news? Strengthening these spots is easier (and cheaper) than most people think. Here’s where I tell every homeowner to start:

• Reinforced Strike Plates and 3-Inch Screws: Swap out the standard strike plate on your doorframe for a heavy-duty metal one, and anchor it deep with 3-inch screws. It’s a small upgrade that massively increases your door’s strength against a forced entry.
• High-Quality Deadbolts: Not all deadbolts are created equal. Install solid, commercial-grade deadbolts on every exterior door—they’re your first line of defense against someone trying to force their way in.
• Polycarbonate Security Door Brace (like OnGARD): I can’t recommend this enough. The OnGARD Security Door Brace can withstand over 3,000 pounds of force. I’ve seen doors survive brutal kick attacks simply because this brace was in place. It’s one of the most effective tools you can install. To see just how effective it is at stopping an intruder, check out this OnGARD demonstration video.
• Upgraded Window Locks and Pin Locks: Factory window locks? Flimsy at best. Heavy-duty sash locks or pin locks prevent windows from sliding open and are especially crucial for sliding and double-hung windows. It’s a low-cost fix with a big payoff.
• Window Security Film (like BurglarGARD): Glass is your home’s most vulnerable point. Apply security film like BurglarGARD to ground-level or accessible windows. Even if the glass shatters, the film holds it together—slowing down or completely stopping the break-in.
  

Here’s what I tell my clients: these physical upgrades buy you time—and in a break-in, time equals safety.

Home Security Systems: Smart Tech That Works With (Not Instead of) Physical Security

When people think about home security systems, their minds usually go straight to smart gadgets—and honestly, I get why.

Today’s technology is impressive. You can monitor your home, get instant alerts, and take action from anywhere in the world. But here’s the part most homeowners miss: smart tech only works best when it’s part of a bigger security picture.

Let me walk you through the essentials I recommend:

• Smart Alarm System: This is your eyes and ears when you’re not around. You want entry sensors on doors and windows, motion detectors inside, and—crucially—24/7 professional monitoring so someone can dispatch help when you can’t.
• Mobile App Access: Control your system from your phone. Arm it, disarm it, check cameras, get real-time alerts—wherever you are.
• Cellular Backup: Power or internet goes out? No problem. A system with cellular backup stays online no matter what, so your protection doesn’t drop when the Wi-Fi does.
  
• Motion, Entry, and Glass Break Sensors: Install contact sensors on all doors and windows, plus motion detectors in key areas like hallways and living spaces to catch movement if someone gets inside. Add glass-break sensors near windows to detect the unique sound or vibration of breaking glass—something regular sensors can’t pick up.
• Indoor and Outdoor Cameras: Cover key areas: front doors, driveways, garages, living spaces. Look for cameras with:
  • Night vision (because crime doesn’t wait for daylight)
  • Wide-angle lenses (to cover more ground)
  • Two-way audio (so you can shout, “Hey! You’re on camera!” if needed)

Let me give you a real example from a news report by CT Insider.

In Westport, Connecticut, a homeowner’s Blink security camera caught an intruder creeping into their house at 2:40?a.m. The camera sent an instant alert. Even though the homeowner wasn’t there, they called police right away. When officers arrived, they found the guy hiding in a closet.

That’s the power of smart tech combined with fast action.

But here’s the lesson I want you to take away: Cameras and alerts can tell you what’s happening—but they can’t physically stop a burglar or home invasion intruder from getting inside.

That’s why I always recommend pairing smart technology with solid physical barriers. It’s the combination that gives you real stopping power and keeps your family safe.

Psychological Deterrents: Make Intruders Think Twice

Here’s something most people don’t realize when it comes to home security—what a criminal sees before they even touch your door matters just as much as what happens after.

Burglars don’t like risk. They’re looking for homes that look easy, quiet, and neglected. Your goal? Send loud, clear signals that your home is protected, watched, and unpredictable. That alone can stop a burglary or home invasion before it starts.

Here’s how I teach homeowners to create that “don’t even try it” vibe:

• Motion-Activated Floodlights: Nothing ruins a burglar’s plan faster than getting hit with a sudden blast of light. Install bright floodlights near entrances, driveways, and dark corners—you want them startled and exposed.
• Visible Cameras (or Smart Dummy Units): Cameras work two ways: they help you monitor and they make intruders think twice. Even dummy cameras with blinking lights can do the job if placed strategically near doors, windows, and driveways.
• Alarm Company Yard Signs and Window Decals: If you have a monitored alarm system, don’t keep it a secret. Those branded signs and stickers tell outsiders, “This house has backup.” And even generic security signs add a layer of doubt.
• Interior Smart Timers: Set indoor lights to turn on and off when you’re away. It’s a simple, low-cost trick to make your home look lived-in—and burglars hate uncertainty.
• “Beware of Dog” Signs or Pet Cues: You don’t even need a dog for this to work. A visible dog bowl, leash, or “Beware of Dog” sign can plant just enough fear to make an intruder reconsider.
• Well-Maintained Landscaping: Overgrown bushes? Blocked walkways? Those are signs no one’s paying attention. Keep shrubs trimmed, paths clear, and windows visible—it shows you care, and it removes hiding spots.

A well-defended home isn’t just about locks and alarms—it’s about making intruders feel like they’ve already lost.

Putting It All Together: Your Layered Security Blueprint

A strong home security setup isn’t about picking the “best” product. It’s about building a system that covers your home from multiple angles. That means combining smart technology with physical reinforcements—and customizing it to your home’s unique layout and lifestyle.

Start With the Foundation:

• Reinforced strike plates and 3-inch screws on all exterior doors.
• Strong locks, including deadbolts, on every entry point.
• Polycarbonate security door brace like the OnGARD to reinforce your front door and other entry doors that swing inward.
• Security window locks and pin locks to prevent vulnerable windows from being opened.
• Window security film like BurglarGARD on ground-level and accessible windows to delay and event prevent entry.

Layer in Smart Technology

• Smart alarm system with entry sensors, motion detectors, and 24/7 monitoring.
• Mobile access so you can arm/disarm your system from anywhere.
• Cellular backup in case of power or internet failure.
• Outdoor and indoor cameras placed at high-traffic areas like front doors, driveways, and common rooms.

Use Psychological and Visual Deterrents:

• Motion-activated floodlights around entrances and pathways to expose movement instantly. The brighter the light the better. I recommend the STARTLE security light.
  Visible security cameras or dummy cams near doors and windows to discourage surveillance and tampering.
• Yard signs and window decals from your alarm company to signal professional monitoring.
• Interior lights on smart timers to simulate activity while you're away.
• “Beware of Dog” signs or visible pet items—even if you don’t own a dog.
• Clean, maintained landscaping that shows attention and presence, and keeps entry points exposed and protected.

Each layer plays a unique role. The technology keeps you connected. The physical reinforcements stand up to forced entry. And the psychological cues? They make criminals think twice before they even get close.

A Layered Approach is the Best Home Security System

When it comes to keeping your home safe, the best home security system isn’t a single product—it’s a smart combination of tools that work together. You need the right mix of smart technology, solid physical reinforcements, and psychological deterrents to create real protection.

By layering these elements, you make your home stronger, more watchful, and far less tempting to criminals. And at the end of the day, that layered approach gives you what every homeowner wants most: the confidence that you’ve done everything you can to safeguard the people and personal items you care about most.