5 Smart Home Security Upgrades You Can Do for Under $200

Home security used to mean contracts and drilling. Today the highest-impact upgrades are wireless, renter-friendly and shockingly affordable.

1. Video doorbell (~$100)

The front door answers most break-in questions: nearly a third of burglars enter through it. A doorbell that records and talks back is the single best deterrent per dollar.

2. Smart deadbolt (~$120)

Keypad entry removes hidden-spare-key risk and lets you grant temporary codes to dog walkers or contractors.

3. Motion-activated lighting (~$40 each)

Push-in LED floodlights at rear doors and the driveway end the advantage intruders rely on most: darkness.

4. A two-camera kit (~$150)

Cover the driveway and back door; visible cameras alone change behavior.

5. Door and window sensors (~$60 for a starter pack)

Instant phone alerts when any entry point opens — the difference between discovering a break-in and interrupting one.

Free bonus layer

Lock the garage door's interior door, join (or start) the neighborhood watch, and keep your address number visible for responders.

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