Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost here, and home security deals are already on the rise, which means you should look for discounts now while you’ve got plenty of time and inventories are still full. I’ve been charting the best security tech deals for wireless cameras, security systems, door locks, video doorbells and other upgrades to see what’s really worth it.
This year, Black Friday heralds deals of 50% off and more on smart security products that I’ve tested and can highly recommend. Here are the top deals I’ve found, along with exactly how much you’ll save.
Best home security cam deals
Blink Outdoor 2K Plus: $50
Blink’s latest Outdoor model keeps everything great about this compact camera while improving features like the resolution and two-way audio. Setup is particularly simple and a Wi-Fi hub is included along with the cam. I really like this model as an all-purpose home security camera with an excellent app: If you can find a place to screw in a small mount, you can use this cam — and the batteries can last for up to two years before needing a replacement.
Eufy Indoor Cam E220: $30
Eufy cameras offer strong specs like this model’s 2K resolution, night vision, and pan/tilt with motion tracking. It also offers free object detection and an object to enable onboard storage with a microSD card so you don’t have to worry about subscription fees. It would make a great nanny cam deal.
Arlo Essential Camera 2K 2nd-Gen: $47
We love Arlo’s high-end cams, but they’re too expensive for many buyers. The 2nd-gen Essential 2K cam is a perfect substitute for saving money while getting those excellent Arlo features, and with this deal you can save even more, making it one of our favorite security cam picks of the sale. This model is especially durable for all kinds of outdoor weather and includes a spotlight as well as other smart bells and whistles. Just keep in mind you may need to get an Arlo subscription to unlock everything.
Kasa Smart Indoor Pan/Tilt Security Camera: $22
Kasa is an excellent brand for extra cheap security cameras that don’t disappoint. This HD model has pan/tilt features and object tracking for a 360-degree look around your home. It also includes important extras like night vision, two-way audio and support for both Alexa and Google Home. If you want to buy a microSD card, you don’t even have to worry about paying for video storage.
Tapo TP-Link 2K C120: $30
If an indoor cam is a little too restrictive for you but you long for a cheap, cheap budget model, the Tapo C120 is here with an excellent 2K resolution and indoor/outdoor capabilities. You get two-way audio, color night vision and totally free person/pet/vehicle detection. Also, with the microSD card slot, there’s no need to pay a subscription for video storage.
Blink Video Doorbell: $30
Blink’s doorbell frequently makes our recommendations for a great cheap video doorbell, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it quite this cheap! If you’ve been wanting a video doorbell but don’t have a lot of money to spend on one, this is your best choice. Blink’s model includes important features like two-way audio, chime alerts, motion detection, live viewing from the app and Alexa compatibility. You will need to add a subscription for online video storage, but this model comes with a Sync hub for local storage for free.
Ring Battery Doorbell: $50
Ring’s updated battery doorbell is an all-around solid pick. It now features a bigger head-to-toe video view, Ring’s smart alerts, and Alexa greetings (it may even get Alexa Plus features in the future). Two-way audio and other important doorbell capabilities are also included. I like how Ring switched to a more straightforward charging port directly on the doorbell itself for this mode.
Ring Outdoor Cam Plus: $60
Ring’s outdoor cam is ready for action and includes valuable features like color night vision, two-way audio, motion alerts and more. This discounted model is a battery version, too, so you can move it around to get the best angles or bring it inside if necessary. While Alexa is supported, you’ll need a subscription for cloud video storage.
Best home security bundle deals
Blink Whole Home Bundle: $75
For home security on a budget, Blink has a whole bundle with an all-purpose Blink Outdoor 4, Blink Mini 2 and a Blink Video Doorbell. That’s a lot of video coverage for the price, all from the very intuitive Blink app. Also, the bundle includes the Sync Module Core to connect everything to Wi-Fi and save on battery life. The doorbell and Outdoor cam run on AA lithium batteries, which are rated for up to two years of use.
Arlo Essential Security Camera 2K 2nd-gen (3-pack): $93
This Arlo Essential cam is excellent if you want high-end features for a more affordable price — now even better with this deal, which offers three cameras for the same price as one pricey camera (like the Google Nest Cam, for example). The 2K resolution, wireless design, outdoor weather resistance and color night vision are all excellent here. You will need a subscription for video storage or Arlo’s highly advanced custom objection detection.
Arlo Home Security System 2-Sensor: $115
Two sensors may not seem like a lot for a security system, but Arlo’s kit ranks high on my suggestions for renters and anyone who wants an effective, minimalist system with great app controls. The secret is those sensors house eight different functions, from sensing motion and open/close situations to monitoring temperature, CO levels and even water leaks. Put them wherever you have an issue you want to target. The keypad has multiple disarm options, and you can include a fob that works with Arlo’s doorbell, too.
SimpliSafe 8-piece Wireless Home Security System: $120
SimpliSafe is one of the most DIY-friendly security systems, and this eight-piece kit is an ideal way to get started with a hub, keypad, four access sensors, a motion detector and more. You can set it up in an afternoon and get reliable security for years on your own terms (although a self-monitoring plan is highly recommended). SimpliSafe’s systems work with both Alexa and Google voice assistants.
Ring Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd gen): $150
Ring’s system is easy to set up and easy to expand if you ever want to add any more Ring products like a security camera, etc. This Alexa-friendly system includes four contact sensors, a motion detect, a keypad and even a range extender. You can add professional monitoring, but it’s not neccesary to use this system.
Best smart lock deals
Yale Security Assure Lock 2: $200
Yale’s Assure lock is rugged and powerful, with Wi-Fi capabilities built in and control via the Yale App or Apple Watch. It includes important features like auto-locking as well as a keypad, making it an excellent choice for a first smart lock on a home. If you want to keep your existing deadbolt, consider the Yale Approach retrofit lock instead, which is also on sale.
Aqara Smart Lock U100: $120
Aqara’s smart lock has a huge number of control options, from geofencing to working with Apple Home or Bluetooth proximity (with more features added using an Aqara hub). It’s also sturdy, responsive and has great fingerprint capabilities. If you need a smart lock, it’s currently one of our favorites and it’s now on sale.
August Home Smart Lock: $150
August has updated it’s retrofit smart lock (that means you don’t have to remove the full deadbolt during installation) a number of times, slowly reducing its bulk and making the lock easier to use. The result is this 4th-generation lock that’s more compact than ever and won’t present any DIY installation problems. August’s app is very user friendly, and provides features like digital passes, autolocking, remote control and voice assistant compatibility with Alexa, Google, Siri and more.
Philips Wi-Fi Smart Lock Bundle: $157
This complete lock set lets you reinvent your front door, adding a smart deadbolt and stylish handles inside and out. You can use fingerprints, the app, a code, voice assistants or an old-fashioned key to unlock as desired. There are also plenty of smart features like autolocking and detailed app controls. The lock is made to fit standard front doors.
Lockly’s snappy smart design has an advanced touch keypad and fingerprint sensor with a lever lock design (hey, not everyone has a deadbolt). That makes for a versatile and extra-smart lock that also works with Google and Amazon controls.
Best deals for additional security
Doorstop Alarm and Portable Door Lock: $10
This little security kit is ideal for travelers. It has a portable door lock mechanism and a siren-based doorstop to instantly add protection to any room that you’re in. At this low price, that’s a great addition to your travel kit.
MyQ Smart Garage Door Video Keypad: $38
On its own, this keypad acts a lot like a video doorbell for your garage, and it’s compatible with many common garage door brands for code access. But if you want to combine it with an adapter kit, it adds even more functionality. This deal is great if you use your garage a lot for coming and going and need extra protection.
Best security platform pick
Abode home security deals
In tandem with Black Friday, Abode is holding one of its many sales with a bigger discount than usual, for up to 70% off various security kits. That’s an especially good deal considering Abode’s base systems can be a little pricey, so seeing something like the starter smart security kit drop from $160 to $80 or the five-piece bundle currently at $180 is very promising.
Abode excels at third-party smart home support, making it one of the best options for those who have a variety of smart home devices already but want to add security.
Details
70% or more off Abode bundles and accessories
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When’s the best time to buy home security devices?
When a sale like this one rolls around, it’s usually the best time to check out any smart home device for discounts, including home security. The only tricky part is nabbing a great deal before supplies run out, so if you see a notable deal, it’s time to make a buying decision sooner rather than later.
How we choose the best security device deals
At CNET we have a team of expert shoppers and deal hunters with years of experience. Our goal is to make sure buyers understand which major sales and deals — such as Black Friday, Prime Day, Memorial Day and countless other shopping events — are legitimately good and which are more routine. We’ve gotten very good at weeding out scams and superficial deals so you see only the best offers on security devices from retailers all over.
We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing a deal to show you.
- Real discounts mean exactly that. We look at the price history for that product to make sure no manufacturers are inflating prices to make the discount seem more substantial than it is.
- Reviews are important for any product, but especially for deeply discounted items. If an item breaks the first time you use it, the deal isn’t a good one at any price.
- Remaining sale time is a huge part of our vetting process. If a deal seems like it will be around for only a short while or will be available only for the remaining stock, we’ll let you know up front so you don’t come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.
We keep our articles as up-to-date as possible to bring you the best current prices.
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