What a kit includes
A typical kit has a control panel, contact sensors for doors and windows, one or more motion detectors, a siren and remote fobs or an app for arming. Expandable systems let you add sensors later, which matters more than the initial count, most people underestimate how many openings a house has.
Alerts are what make a modern alarm useful. A siren deters someone already inside; a phone notification tells you the moment a door opens while you are at work. Systems with a 4G backup keep alerting even if broadband drops.
Related
To add cameras, see wireless security systems or individual WiFi security cameras.
Common questions
Will pets set it off? Pet-immune motion sensors ignore movement below a set weight. Check each product.
Does it need monitoring? No. These alert you directly. Professional monitoring is a separate service.