My Favorite Home Security Tech to Keep Mom Safe for Mother's Day
While moms still appreciate a classic gift like flowers, you can go a step beyond this year with something long-lasting: The gift of safety and happiness with the right home security technology.
I've picked out a dozen security devices from my testing in the past years that have special benefits for mom, from watching over kids (or pets) to helping her stay healthy. My list includes baby monitors, portable cameras, air quality alerts, delivery boxes and more: At least one is sure to be the perfect fit for the mom in your life.
Worried about tariffs driving prices up for Mother's Day gifts? Check out our comprehensive tariff tracker for the current situation and how tariffs are likely to affect the prices of common gift items. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Ecobee's smart thermostat can save a home (and mom) time and energy.
A smart thermostat takes the time and annoyance away from adjusting a thermostat manually, letting it learn your household activity levels and helping you save money automatically. I picked this Ecobee Premium model ($244) for its included satellite sensor, which means mom can put it in a chilly room where she's spending some time, and the thermostat will heat the home with that room in mind.
I asked Natalie Bracamontez, VP of marketing and customer engagement at home security company Brinks Home, about giving a smart thermostat as a potential gift. 'I have two young boys, and one of them sleeps in a room above the garage, which tends to run warmer,' she said. 'I use a temperature sensor in his room to make sure he stays comfortable-without freezing his brother down the hall. The sensor helps me adjust the thermostat based on their actual needs, and with set schedules and automation.' Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery)
Ring's battery cam is on the higher-end but offers a versatile, weather resistance option to watch kids wherever they are.
An indoor camera is a great way to watch over kids, nannies and everything else . I like this Ring model ($90) , not just because of its smart objection detection and two-way audio, but because it's a battery model that mom can move around to whatever room she wants — or even take it outdoors for an afternoon of play. The app provides alerts, live views and motion zones for customization. Schlage Encode Lever smart lock
Schlage's lever lock can be installed on many kinds of compatible doors.
Sometimes, mom needs some privacy. While many smart locks are designed to work with deadbolts, I chose this Schlage Lever ($240) because it can work with all kinds of locks and doesn't need a deadbolt. From bedrooms to pantries, moms can get smart lock protection with remote management, keypad codes and autolocking, among other features.
Read more: CNET's Smart Lock Buying Guide SwitchBot Meter Pro CO2 monitor
Switchbot's Meter Pro shows local air quality anywhere you put it and is small enough for a pocket.
Air quality affects everything from workout quality to the health of kids and pets, but it's hard to judge. This SwitchBot monitor ($70) is my favorite way to keep an eye on CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels in any room in the house. It's portable, accurate and can connect to an app for remote monitoring. For example, put it in the kitchen and see how cooking or stovetop work affects your air quality (my CO2 levels certainly spike), then take action with an air purifier or an open window. It measures humidity, too. Blink Outdoor 4 cam
Blink's Outdoor 4 cam is easy to mount and reliable for watching an outdoor space.
An outdoor camera is perfect for watching kids or doggos play in the yard even when mom has to be elsewhere. I love this wireless Blink cam ($100) for its easy-to-use app and lengthy battery life — I've had mine for well over a year, and I still get reliable alerts on backyard animal and person activity without needing to change the batteries once. Amazon Echo Show 5
The Echo Show 5 makes an excellent video chat option for kids as well as a way to watch through security cameras.
A smart display like this Echo Show 5 ($90) does more than just show TV shows or recipe video walkthroughs. It also gives a live view from compatible security cameras (like the Blink Cam I just mentioned) with a simple voice command, letting mom glance through cameras even when her hands are busy. Kidde's Ring-Supported smart smoke detector
Kidde is partnering with Ring for even smarter smoke detectors.
A smoke detector brings mom plenty peace of mind: This new smart model from Kidde ($75) watches for both smoke and carbon monoxide, while tapping in the Ring security app. That app gives you remote alerts and low battery warnings, and it can tap into an emergency response subscription if you want. Plus, Kidde's sensors are designed to help cut down on accidental alarms from enthusiastic cooking and other common — but not dangerous — sources. Yale smart delivery box
Delivery boxes keep packages safe and easy to manage.
Is mom worried about porch pirates making off with delivered goods? There's a new — well, an old but updated — fix for that: This smart delivery box from Yale ($280) keeps packages safe while allowing you to use an app to remotely lock or unlock it and get alerts when it's being used. You can also upgrade it with a keypad (give the number to delivery services) or a cooler bag, depending on what mom likes to order. Lockly Biometric smart safe
Lockly's biometric safe is an excellent option for smaller home safes.
This small but powerful safe from Lockly ($350) is perfect for storing jewelry, money, old photos, documents and anything else near and dear to mom's heart. It can easily fit in a closet or office shelf, and unlocks at a touch with its fingerprint sensor, plus many more smart features. I tried breaking into it — the safe is secure. Petcube 360 pet cam
Petcube's tiny 360 cam is a strong budget option for petowners.
If mom has a furry friend she cares about, this compact pet cam from Petcube ($45) is affordable and designed specifically to watch out for pets and give AI-powered alerts about where they are and what they are doing. It's also equipped with night vision, two-way audio to talk to a pet and sound alerts if a pet starts barking. Arlo home security system
Arlo's system is affordable, easy to set up and can monitor all kinds of things.
If mom's a bit worried about security when loved ones are home, a security system can bring plenty peace of mind. One option I recommend frequently is this compact two-sensor system from Arlo ($200) . It's DIY friendly, affordable and has eight-in-one sensors that can measure anything from motion and doors opening to air quality and temperature — whatever mom wants to watch out for. CuboAI Smart Baby Monitor 3
A CuboAI white monitor watching over a baby.
If mom has a little one who is spending a lot of time in the crib, I've tested this unique CuboAI baby monitor ($300) and came away impressed: It's designed to mount on a stand or the wall and quite literally watch over your baby's bed, giving notifications about crying, sleeping, breathing and warnings if it looks like a baby's face is covered and so on. When kids grow, it can start to double as an AI warning system if tots wander into customizable no-no zones.
For more options, take a look at our list of the best smart home devices, best smart plugs and top fitness trackers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
18 hours ago
- Gizmodo
This Ring Doorbell Drops to 50% Off, Now $10 Below Its Black Friday Price for a Limited Time
Grant yourself peace of mind in your own home. The Ring Doorbell is comprehensive home security solution. With its enhanced video quality, precise motion detection, and seamless integration with Alexa, the Ring Doorbell offers unmatched convenience and security. Upgrade your home security today and allow yourself top-tier home monitoring with the Ring Doorbell, which happens to be part of a limited time deal at Amazon. That's right, for a the time being, you can save an even 50% on the battery-powered Ring Doorbell. It's normally priced at $100, but after the discount, you can nab it for just $50. That's a savings of—you guessed it—$50. See at Amazon Unmatched Security Ring's premier battery-powered doorbell camera is equipped with an HD camera, offering an expansive field of view that ensures you see more of what's happening at your front door. The 2024 model of the Ring Doorbell utilizes 66% more vertical coverage than the previous model. A larger field of view means you'll you'll have coverage head to toe of anyone stepping onto your property, and then you can zoom in anytime for closer look. This high-definition video quality delivers exceptional clarity, allowing you to identify visitors and packages with ease. Security doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Thanks to its enhanced imaging sensors, the Ring Doorbell delivers clear color and clarity even in low-light conditions. This means you'll have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected day and night. See at Amazon Never miss a delivery again with the Ring Doorbell's Person + Package Alerts. This exclusive feature, available with a Ring Protect subscription, notifies you when your package is detected within a specified zone. Say goodbye to stolen packages and hello to that new expensive Breville espresso maker you finally ordered. The Ring Doorbell is designed for convenience, powered by a Quick Release Battery Pack that allows for quick and easy recharging. No more dealing with hardwiring or complicated installations. Simply recharge the battery pack and keep your doorbell running smoothly. Seamless Integration with Alexa Enhance your home automation setup by connecting the Ring Doorbell with Alexa on compatible Echo devices. This integration enables announcements and Two-Way Talk, allowing you to communicate with visitors directly from the comfort of your home. Whether you're in the kitchen or upstairs, you'll always be connected to your front door. For a limited time, you can get the newest-model of the Ring Battery Doorbell for just $50 (down from $100). You'll be saving a nice $50 on your purchase. See at Amazon
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Huge Ring sale ahead of Amazon Prime Day — 7 deals I'd shop with up to 50% off
Amazon Prime Day is on the horizon, but if you're looking to upgrade your smart home, there's no need to wait. Right now some of the best video doorbells and security cameras we've tested are seeing impressive discounts. Amazon's Ring sale is packed with awesome savings. For example, you can get the Ring Battery Doorbell on sale for just $49 at Amazon. We rank this as the best Ring doorbell you can get for under $100, so with 50% off, it's a total steal. Some of these deals are reserved for Amazon Prime members, but you can sign up for a free trial if you're not already a member. There's also a chance some of these items will see bigger discounts on Prime Day itself, but shopping early is a great way to ensure you get the items you want before they sell out. For more savings, see our Amazon promo codes coverage, and check out the Nintendo Switch game deals I'd shop from $9. At just $49, the best value Ring Video Doorbell got even better. The newest of Ring's doorbells has head-to-toe video and package detection. You can't replace its battery, but it's a fantastic option at this price. If you don't need a spotlight or a floodlight, the Stick Up Cam is a cheaper way to monitor the outside of your house. It features 1080p video and two-way talk. This deal is available for both the plug-in and the battery-powered model. The Ring Indoor Cam (2023) can record 1080p video, scare off intruders with a built-in siren, and detect motion in specified zones. It is more compact than the previous model with the addition of a new privacy shutter and upgraded mount. Right now you can get a two-pack for $59 — that's the same price as a single camera. The Ring Battery Doorbell can be easily installed to watch your front door, while the Indoor Cam can be set up in less than ten minutes to view the interior of your home and give you a 1080p HD view complete with motion detection and a privacy cover. Though the Indoor Cam does require a power outlet, it also provides two way audio and noise cancellation and has a wide field of view. The Ring Battery Doorbell is our best value choice for Ring doorbells because it delivers the features we like most in Ring doorbells but still costs less than $100. We rank the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus as the best video doorbell on the market. While this Wired version must be plugged in, it's still a good buy with this discount. We like that it features 1080p HD video and useful features like Two-Way Talk. This Ring camera offers protection for your home night and day with its 1080p video feed, Color Night vision, and a spotlight that can illuminate its surroundings. Plus it runs off battery power so you can set it up wherever it's needed. Right now you can get a two pack of cameras for a nice $100 discount. If you're looking for a Ring alarm kit without the doorbell, then the 14-piece kit (suitable for 2-4 bed homes) is worth checking out. You can save 39% off the usual price, and comes complete with two keypads, one base station, eight contact sensors, two motion detectors, and one range extender.
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Gizmodo
Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit Drops to Black Friday Low, Amazon Clears Stock for Non-Prime Members
When it comes to home security devices, certain items aren't frequently discounted that deeply. The Ring Alarm 14-piece kit is one of the hard-to-find deals, and today it's priced about as low as Black Friday last year – something we haven't witnessed since then. What's making this deal even better is that, unlike with Prime Day, you don't need a Prime membership in order to take advantage. Anyone can take this deal, and it's for the 14-piece set only and not smaller sets. Priced at $330, this best-selling home security system is now selling for only $198, which is a 40% discount. This is an actual all-time low, and it's the best deal you're going to find for a full wireless alarm system. See at Amazon Up to Four Bedrooms This Ring Alarm is designed to provide good protection for homes with two to four bedrooms. It includes everything you'll require to start: one base station, two keypads, eight contact sensors, two motion detectors, and one range extender. The base station is the command hub of it all and communicates with all the devices wirelessly and providing the added convenience of a loud siren if an alarm is triggered. The two remote keypads enable you to arm or disarm from handy locations, effortlessly locking up your house when you depart and easily disarming when you return. The eight contact sensors are perfectly suited to door and window monitoring, alerting you straight away if any are opened inappropriately. The two motion detectors add to security by sensing movement in strategic places and the range extender ensures all devices stay in communication, even with a large home. The system is easy to set up with clear instructions and a user-friendly mobile app that guides you through it. You can then manage everything from your phone and get live alerts if your alarm is activated. The Ring app lets you view all your Ring devices in one location which makes you feel secure wherever you are. The system also features an expandable design which means you can add more sensors or accessories anytime to customize your security system according to your changing needs. The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit also works well with Alexa: With an Alexa-compatible Ring Home Plan (subscription plan necessary, sold separately), you can trigger or cancel your alarm with voice commands. This hands-free feature is perfect for busy households or anyone who appreciates the ease of smart home equipment. The system's dependability, ease of use, and adaptability make it a home security system top choice, and its current price makes it an unbeatable value. This Ring Alarm kit is the smart decision for protecting your home, make sure you grab this deal before it expires. See at Amazon
