Traveling shouldn't mean worrying about your home's security. Questions like 'Is the front door locked?' or 'Did I forget the garage?' can spoil your trip. The good news? Proven smart home devices let you monitor and protect your property remotely with peace of mind.
We've evaluated hundreds of smart home products based on real-world testing, user feedback, and security expert recommendations. These eight gadgets stand out for their reliability, ease of use, and effectiveness in deterring intruders—perfect for keeping your home safe while you're away.
These battle-tested devices form a comprehensive security setup, making life tough for burglars. Investing in them now ensures robust protection, especially during travel.
Your network is the foundation of smart home security. A vulnerable Wi-Fi leaves all devices exposed. The Linksys WRT1900AC is a top-rated router: secure, high-speed, and user-friendly, with a mobile app for remote management—essential when you're on the road.
Pro Tip: Always enable WPA2-Personal encryption. It's the gold standard for Wi-Fi security. WPA2, WEP and more: What's the best way to encrypt your Wi-Fi?
With your network secured, focus on physical entry points. The August Smart Lock (2nd Gen, HomeKit-enabled, Silver) retrofits your existing deadbolt for app-controlled access. Buy Now on Amazon: $124.99
Key features include virtual keys for guests, auto-lock/unlock via proximity sensors, and seamless phone integration. At around $200, its advanced capabilities justify the investment for trusted home security.
A video doorbell provides real-time visibility. SkyBell excels with HD video, night vision, weatherproofing, two-way audio, and easy setup. It integrates with major smart ecosystems.
View visitors, speak to deliveries, or unlock remotely for safe package drop-offs—no more porch thefts. Pairs perfectly with smart locks. Available for about $100 on Amazon.
For broader coverage, add an outdoor camera. Nest Cam Outdoor offers night vision, a built-in mic and speaker, motion alerts, and cloud storage via app. Buy Now on Amazon: $143.30
It's a proactive deterrent, alerting you to activity before issues escalate—ideal for travel monitoring.
Indoor safety matters too. Nest Protect, the smart smoke and CO detector, delivers voice alerts, app control, and multi-brand integration (including IFTTT and Google). 13 things you didn't know Nest Protect could do
Tech enthusiasts rave about its reliability. Priced around $100 on Amazon.
A full DIY security system like iSmartAlarm offers customizable protection without subscriptions. Easy to install, it includes sensors for doors, windows, and motion.
Note: It lacks professional monitoring, so you'll handle alerts manually. No native smart lock integration, but great for budget-conscious users.
For premium protection, Vivint Sky bundles door/window sensors, glass break detectors, smoke monitors, motion sensors, and a doorbell camera. This comprehensive system doubles as home automation, safeguarding against intruders and hackers.
If you own an Amazon Echo, leverage it as a hub. Connect via IFTTT or directly to August Smart Lock, Ecobee Thermostat, iSmartAlarm, Vivint, and more. Use Alexa voice commands for lights, panic modes, or switches. How Amazon Echo turns your home smart | Install your WeMo switch: step-by-step guide
Whatever your budget, these tools elevate security beyond basic locks. In today's world, smart defenses are essential. Do you worry about your home while traveling? How do you keep it secure? Share your smart products and tips in the comments below.
