Savvy travelers know to lock down their physical and digital valuables while on the road. But, with young travelers spending more and more time away from home on each trip, it’s more important now than ever to lock down all the things you leave behind at home too.
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Here are the best high-tech home security gadgets for travelers looking to keep their homes safe and sound while they’re gone.
#1: Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
The IoT (Internet of Things) has promised and delivered a whole lot of awesome, high-tech conveniences. Smart locks now allow us to access our homes without the need for pesky keys. For travelers, that also means providing streamlined access to our homes while we’re away — whether it’s for the delivery driver, the neighbor who’s walking our dog while we’re away, or someone stopping by daily to housesit.
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt does all of this and more. Pair with the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter to check on the lock’s status from anywhere, so you never have to wonder if the front door was left unlocked
You can simply enter an access code on the touchscreen to unlock the door instead of searching your pockets for keys. Pairing the lock with a smartphone over Bluetooth is as easy as pairing your phone with your car, and the free Schlage Sense app makes setting up and using the lock as simple as checking email. Once it’s installed, you can setup and manage all of your access options with a few smartphone taps. No matter where in the world you find yourself, you can keep tabs on your home.
It works with all major home automation kits including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. It even provides smartphone alerts if it senses an intrusion attempt.
#2: Tapplock one Smart Padlock
We love the idea of the Tapplock one smart padlock so much that we included it in our round-up of clever car-camping gadgets. Its versatility makes it just as useful on the go as at home. You can use it to lock down your camping goods, your car’s rooftop cargo carrier, or any number of things around your home like your shed or outdoor gear.
The padlock’s state-of-the-art capacitive fingerprint sensor allows you or anyone you trust to access your items in under a second and features unbreakable durability. The Tapplock smartphone app can also be used to open the lock and give temporary, remote access to others (if you happen to be renting your house out on Airbnb, for example, while you’re traveling).
#3: Airthings Wave Smart Radon Detector
There’s nothing especially “sexy” about household gases like radon or carbon monoxide. But, the fact is, if you’re a homeowner, these are two things you absolutely should be worried about. High levels of radon, in particular, can be difficult to detect, especially if you’re not home. Levels can vary daily so constant monitoring is recommended.
But if you have pets waiting for you at home or someone who’ll be housesitting while you’re away, a device like the Airthings Wave Smart Radon Detector could literally save a life. It starts delivering results — including radon analysis, plus temperature and humidity readings — within an hour and the integrated smartphone app provides real-time data and alerts no matter where in the world you are.
The battery is good for a year and a half with constant Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, it features a sleek, futuristic design that looks damn cool in just about any home.
#4: SimpliSafe – Hearth Home Security System
Not long ago, home security systems were a hassle. They required a professional to install and buyers were locked into long — sometimes multi-year — contracts. SimpliSafe scraps all that nonsense. Their state-of-the-art home security kits are easy to install for most any layperson, and they’re far more affordable than their previous generation counterparts. Of all the home security gadgets you can invest in, this is likely the most important because it’s the most comprehensive.
For your home safety and security, our money is on the SimpliSafe Hearth which includes a key fob, three entry sensors, a motion sensor, a siren, and a smoke detector. It offers smoke and intrusion detection, all monitored by the company’s professional monitoring service (USD $14.99 monthly with no contract).
If anyone is stupid enough to attempt a break-in, the device sounds a 105dB alarm (about as loud as front row at a Stones concert) to scare the holy hell out of them and probably half your neighborhood too. If you do have pets at home, it’s even smart enough to know the difference between your dog taking a midnight stroll and a burglar stumbling through your kitchen. All of which helps to eliminate false positives.
What home security gadgets do you recommend? Let us know below!