One of the great concerns of people who have a home is its security, since inside we have goods and objects in general that reflect our experiences. And although Apple has a home automation system, there are also security systems for HomeKit that allow it to be used as an alarm.
Will security systems for HomeKit be useful? Throughout this article we will tell you why we think it can be interesting and we will compare it with other known security systems.
Why is it interesting to use HomeKit as a security system?
As HomeKit users, having a security system compatible with this standard can be interesting for us in order to expand our Smart Home system with more functions, basically.
As HomeKit is a system designed for home automation and home connectivity, giving it that extra layer by adding security we can even increase the functionalities of a traditional alarm.
A clear example of this can be when we activate the alarm in the house, at certain times we can establish decision rules that move the curtains, turn on lights or even speakers with music so that a potential thief can think that there is someone at home. .
Although alarms in themselves are an important deterrent against a robbery, it is unlikely that a thief would want to enter a house if they see that it is apparently inhabited and with people inside interacting, since their security could also be compromised.
Another positive point is the own Centralized control that HomeKit gives the user: without having to install multiple applications, needing expensive services such as fixed IPs or, even worse, calls to a 902 number (as is the case with some security companies), we will have all the control of home security at our fingertips from our hand.
Finally, the other key point is the privacy and security that HomeKit offers as an ecosystem, since it uses end-to-end encryption and secure authentication methods to protect communication between devices and accessories. This implies that between the recording that is being made of the home and your mobile there is nothing else in between, with the freedom that it gives you to do what you want at home.
HomeKit vs Traditional alarm: when to use each one
Although HomeKit looks great, there are certain situations where a traditional alarm may be more interesting to us to use this option.
The first of all is the issue of installation. Traditional configuration systems require that they be installed by specialized professionals who they know exactly how to optimize it to maximize the viewing angles, the compatibility of all the elements and in general, that it works well.
Auto installing you lose that know-how that an official installer gives you, which can cause that without you knowing it you have security breaches in your alarm system that a clever thief can use to his advantage.
Another issue is how you do the monitoring: in HomeKit if you are robbed, it is you who should contact the police. The vast majority of professional alarms are already in charge of alerting the security and order forces themselves, so that they come as soon as possible.
And there are even alarms that integrate other security devices such as “black smoke” that prevent the thief from seeing inside the house, and from having to flee. Due to its complexity, this type of security mechanism does not exist in HomeKit.
What are the advantages of using HomeKit instead of an alarm?
But not all are disadvantages in the Apple suite, the main one of all is, without a doubt, the cost: with HomeKit there is only an initial outlay of the devices, but no monthly service maintenance fees. And for basic security, it is undoubtedly the great option to consider since it implies great savings.
Another is the compatibility with third devices: alarms are generally only compatible with things approved by their manufacturer, but rarely with your robot vacuum cleaner, for example.
This does not happen in HomeKit: you can buy a lot of devices compatible with the Apple system that will work correctly for you and that will make your home increasingly smart, without the need for it to be installed by specialized personnel.
And that plus is magnified when we talk about the automation of all security actions that we discussed before, creating decision rules or even letting us control part of our house from the phone so that it is believed that there is life within it moving.
HomeKit-enabled security systems
Xiaomi Aqara: the great economic alternative
Xiaomi has its own home automation suite called aqarawhich came out a few years ago and which is famous, above all, for being the price-quality champion in the sector.
its modules they are tremendously cheapcosting about 10-15 euros each added module and they are fully synchronizable with HomeKit, so if we want to have considerable savings, we believe that they can be a great addition.
You can add anything from person detector sensors, weather stations, smoke and water meters in the home, video surveillance cameras or even gas detectors in the home, giving our HomeKit great versatility.
Fibaro: a reliable manufacturer of Smarthomes validated by Apple
If what you are looking for is something reliable and you want to escape the standards of a product produced in China, you have the sensors of Fibarowhich has numerous alternatives to the Xiaomi suite.
Fibaro produces virtually any sensor you can think of: from lamps, Wi-Fi plugs, smoke, gas and water detectors, smart curtains, smart door locks, person detectors… the list is almost endless and they are all recognized as more than reputable and valid solutions on the market.
The great advantage of this manufacturer over others is that they used to be sold in the Apple Store itselfso they’re 100% Apple certified and you know they’re going to work just fine.
As a security system for HomeKit, given its track record and its strategic alliance with the apple company, it is the great candidate if you want to have a well-rounded product in your home.
Final conclusions: is it worth setting up a HomeKit-based security system?
A HomeKit-based security system offers easy installation, with greater flexibility in terms of control and monitoring, and greater possibilities for automation and customization compared to traditional alarm security methods.
And if you are already an advanced user looking for total freedom, you can always buy HomeKit-compatible devices and assemble everything to your liking, that is, you can mix devices from Xiaomi, Fibaro, Ring or some other lesser-known brand that is on Amazon and Create your own decision rules. What is important is that whenever you go to buy a product, it has the seal of compatibility with the Apple standard.
But like everything in life, it depends on the interests you have and how you see that you can better protect your home. Although HomeKit security systems are not for everyone, due to their attractive price and, above all, their possibilities, they are an option that you should not waste. And if it has caught your attention, we encourage you to continue researching these issues to find out which method is best for you.
