We reached out to Ring and a spokesperson told us, 'The law authorizes companies like Ring to provide information to government entities if the company believes that an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to any person, such as a kidnapping or an attempted murder, requires disclosure without delay. Markey published a report criticizing Ring's privacy practices, specifically accusing the company of providing user videos to law enforcement agencies without prior consent on 11 occasions so far this year. (For instance, the UL CP-01 listing means that a control panel has features to reduce false alarms-that’s a good thing, since false alarms can cost you money.)

UL approval: We asked manufacturers if each system met UL standards, but since there’s no federal requirement to meet those standards, we didn’t rule out systems on this basis.

Fire prevention: Preventing break-ins is only one part of a security setup most systems also offer protection against fire and carbon monoxide, although those devices cost extra.

A keypad can sit by the front door, making it easy to arm and disarm the system.

Keypad: A smartphone app is a must for use when you’re away from home, but you shouldn’t have to fumble with your phone as you come and go.Cellular connection: A landline or Wi-Fi connection to the monitoring service can be cut or disrupted, so this provides a fail-safe option.

Most systems have some type of battery backup.

Battery backup: You shouldn’t have to let your guard down when the power goes out.

An audible alarm: Signs and stickers could make a burglar think twice, but a piercing alarm should send them scurrying.

We also looked at the add-ons offered, including cameras, glass-break sensors, smoke alarms, panic buttons, and water-leak sensors. The size of your home dictates which devices you need and how many of each. A useful package of sensors and accessories: A home security starter package should come with door/window contact sensors and motion sensors.“You only need it to work that one time.” “An alarm system might sit there for 10 years and do absolutely nothing,” said Bob Dolph, a home security consultant who has spent decades in the business. And although a home security system can’t stop a determined burglar from breaking into your house, it can discourage someone from breaking in if they know you have it, frighten someone away if they do get in, summon firefighters or cops in case of an emergency, and save you as much as 10% on your home insurance premium.

Still, if you want more peace of mind about the safety of your family and the security of your belongings, and if you want to know that someone will call emergency services should the need arise, a security system can play a valuable role. According to the FBI, the number of property crimes in the US has continued to drop for more than 25 years. You’ve probably worried about the safety of your home at some point, but it’s important to know that most homes and apartments will never be burglarized.

Bosch alarm keypad