Are smart burglar alarms safe to use?

You rely on your alarm to alert you if a burglar comes calling, but can you really do that with a device that needs the internet to work?

We've tested a range of burglar alarms, including traditional 'bells-only' alarms and newer smart alarms that work with an app on your smartphone.

But are smart alarms reliable, easy to use and able to fend off both burglars and cyberhackers? Or are you better off sticking with a traditional model? Read on to find out.

Burglar alarm and smart security system reviews - see bells-only and smart alarms fully tested in our lab.

Smart vs traditional alarm systems

Traditional alarms usually consist of a box with an alarm sounder, and then sensors/detectors placed in key locations around the home, such as near doors or windows.

The alarm is controlled via a fixed panel and/or key fobs supplied with the product. The alarm only sounds when the system is triggered and doesn't directly alert you or anyone else.

With a smart security system, you can control your home security via an app on your phone with a smart alarm. Unlike bells-only alarms, you get alerts sent to you that the alarm has been triggered, and then you can take action.

You can sometimes link your alarm system to other home security devices, such as wireless cameras, and they often work with voice assistants.

Some smart alarms combine the functionality of a traditional alarm, and come with external alarm boxes with sounders - so you get the best of both worlds.

Our in-depth testing covers all aspects of a smart alarm and unearths a range of issues that you should consider, including the ones covered below. You can rest assured that the best smart alarms that pass our tests will be safe and secure to use at home.

So, the short answer to the question 'are smart burglar alarms safe to use?' is yes, as long as you buy the right one.

1. Internet access

All smart alarms rely to an extent on your internet connection to function, so if you have broadband problems, your alarm could have issues too.

The good news is that top-quality alarms will function effectively as an alarm even without internet.

The sensors and detectors will remain active, and the alarm will still sound as normal. You won't get notifications to your phone, but once the internet connection is restored the app 'catches up' with trigger notifications.

However, when we tested one smart alarm it was barely usable without an internet connection. It couldn't even sound the alarm while offline, and so cannot be relied on if you broadband is flaky.

2. Digital security

Our rigorous tests put all alarms through a barrage of assessments to see how well they fend off hacking attacks, or if they pose any risk to you or your data.

One alarm by Yale gave us a cause for concern in testing. We contacted Yale about the issue and it issued a fix. If you own this alarm, ensure that it is updated to the latest software version. 

Yale confirmed that all new models of the alarm will come with this fix already incorporated when going on sale.

'At Yale, the security of our customers has always been our priority,' Yale told us.

'Yale will continue to ensure all security products are regularly updated and tested to ensure they are meeting and exceeding the required standards.'

We've also recently added security warning notices to our reviews of the Burg-Wächter Burg Protect 2210 Smart Alarm and Veho Cave Smart Home security starter kit VHS-001-SK.

This came after we found concerning security issues in our testing that have not yet been resolved by the manufacturers. 

3. Multiple logins

A key benefit of a smart alarm is flexibility. You can control your alarm via an app on your smartphone or tablet, rather than needing to go to a keypad or remember where you left a control key fob.

Good-quality alarms allow you to have multiple people logged into the app at the same time. This means that you and your partner can both access the alarm on your own devices if required, even at the same time.

With some alarms you can also set up guest accounts, such as if you have someone over for a weekend, and give that person a temporary Pin to arm and disarm the alarm.

Some apps struggle with all this, though, stuttering when multiple people try to use it at once, and setting guest passwords is locked behind a pricey additional subscription.

We both detail and rate multiple logins in smart alarm reviews, so make sure you check them before buying your smart alarm.

4. Software updates

Updates can add features, maintain the product, and give protection against hackers. However, many manufacturers aren't upfront with how long they will offer software updates to products.

Our reviews cover what information we do know about update support lengths for each smart alarm.

Recently, we reported that Hive will decommission its Hive Homeshield Starter Home Pack in August 2025, at which stage it will cease to function and be a security risk. 

However, not all manufacturers are so transparent. The UK government has announced plans to make it law that all manufacturers must tell you how long your smart product will be supported with updates when you buy it.

Until that comes into force, we will continue to push manufacturers to come clean over how long they will update their alarms. 

Read our guide to smart devices and security to find out how long popular smart tech brands promise to support a device with vital updates.

5. Decommissioning

As you install a burglar alarm in your home, there is a good chance that you will want to pass it on to the new owner when you sell your property.

A good alarm system can be a nice selling point, but the fact is that some systems are less than straightforward to pass on to a new owner. One model we tested cannot be reset at all, and so you will need to advise the new owner to buy their own hub in order for the system to continue working.

With another, we found that the only way to reset the alarm is to email the technical support team so they can reset it for you, which is a bit of a faff.

We detail any decommissioning issues with alarms in our burglar alarm reviews.

Smart burglar alarms on test

We've tested more than 20 burglar alarms, including a wide range of smart alarms. 

Here are some models on test, you'll find more in our burglar alarm reviews. 

• Ring 5 Piece Kit (Second Generation) with Outdoor Siren
• ERA Protect Alert Kit
• Eufy 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit
• Yale IA320 Starter Kit
• Netatmo Smart Alarm System with Camera
• SimpliSafe The Starter

How we test burglar alarms

Our comprehensive burglar alarm tests check how loud they are - ranging from 82dB to an earsplitting 104dB. We assess the time between a breach and the alarm going off - this is based on a burglar moving fast and slow, and from a variety of angles, as well as in different lighting conditions.

We also check if a cat can accidentally set off the alarm (one smart alarm failed this test). We let you know if you can install the alarm yourself, or would need to pay a professional. Then we assess how easy the alarms are to use, such as arming and disarming at a control panel, via an app or key fob.

We don't test battery life, because most alarm kits run for one year before the batteries need replacing or charging, and some can go for more than five years. Finally, with all smart alarms we check whether they protect your home security from hackers.

For more, read our guide on how to buy the best smart alarm system.

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