Your security camera may show you crystal clear footage of someone stealing a package. But what good is that if the package is already gone?
An AI-powered home security system can solve this problem by actively responding to threats in the home instead of just recording them. And according to a new Vivint study of 1,004 Americans, 82% would pay more for this type of technology.
And almost half, 47%, would trust AI to respond to a threat before they even see the alert.
“Thanks to AI, modern home security systems can identify people, pets, packages, vehicles and even environmental factors such as rain or leaves instead of alerting the user when motion is detected. This allows homeowners to react immediately and take appropriate action,” he says Chris CarneyCEO and founder of Residence systemsa home improvement security company in Naples, FL.
So is an AI-powered security system worth the extra money? It all depends on where you live, what you want to protect, and how much you’re willing to spend.
What can AI-powered security systems do that traditional systems cannot?
A traditional camera acts as a witness, but AI-powered security guards act more like a sentinel.
“A standard system records footage and may send you a motion alert, but it’s up to you to look at it and decide what to do. AI systems, on the other hand, are designed to make that judgment themselves in real time,” he says Philip KoltermanChief Information Officer Brinks Home in Broomfield, CO.
This means a camera can tell the difference between your dog running across the yard, a car driving by on the street, and a person walking up your driveway who doesn’t belong there. Once it makes this distinction, it can respond immediately, be it flashing lights, playing a recorded voice warning, or sounding a siren – all before you even pay attention to the warning.
“Some of the more advanced setups can even observe a package after it’s been dropped off and send an alert if someone stays nearby for too long. This type of live response is simply not possible with a traditional, passive camera system,” explains Kolterman.
Is it worth paying more for one?
According to Kolterman, AI-powered home security cameras generally cost 10 to 50% more upfront than traditional models — about a $10 to $30 difference
The main cost difference usually comes from the monthly subscription fees required to operate these smart features. These typically range from $3 to $15 per month for a single camera or $10 to $30 for a whole-home plan.
If these features help you prevent a problem instead of just recording it, the additional cost may be justified.
“A recording is great in hindsight, but it won’t get your packages back or stop people from entering your property. If the deterrent actually prevents the incident, that’s much more valuable than a video of it,” says Kolterman.
However, if you live in a location where there is a lot of foot traffic, frequent deliveries, or there has already been a theft or attempted break-in, the additional costs are usually recouped fairly quickly.
However, if you are in a low-traffic, closed, or otherwise low-risk area, you may not need the full active deterrence package to feel safe.
Restrictions to consider
The biggest disadvantage of an AI-powered system is a false sense of security. These systems deter many would-be intruders, but a determined criminal isn’t necessarily going to turn around because a light comes on or a voice tells him to leave.
“AI-powered deterrence reduces your risk, but does not eliminate it, and homeowners should not view it as a replacement for locking their doors and securing windows,” explains Kolterman.
There is also a practical side that is easily overlooked.
Automated audible alerts and bright lights can lead to noise complaints from neighbors. And typically the smartest features – the ones that actually do the detection and decision making – run through a subscription.
This means that if you stop paying more, you often lose AI functionality even though the hardware is still on your wall.
What to do if you are interested in an AI security system?
Before you buy an AI-powered security system, take a close look at what you’re actually paying for.
“Many AI features that provide real-time detection and response capabilities are included in a monthly subscription, so the upfront hardware price is only part of the cost,” says Kolterman.
Don’t forget to ask how many units you would actually need. A single camera may not cover a long driveway or yard with lots of blind spots, and you want the deterrent features to have true visual and audio range where it counts, not just at the front door.
“The system should also be able to identify frequent guests such as family members, close friends and recurring service providers so that it doesn’t have to unnerve you without reason when these people come into view,” explains Carney.
Whatever you do, make sure you’re paying for a reputable system and not a marketing ploy called “AI.”
“A well-designed security camera system should provide early detection, immediate alerts and notifications, and some type of response that deters the intruder from committing an incident,” he says Mike HalbouniSecurity camera and telecommunications expert PoyntGuard security in London, ON.
Finally, you shouldn’t base your decision solely on price.
“Remember that this is an investment and it is better to buy the right system the first time than to regret it later,” adds Halbouni.