Your Ultimate Guide to Home Security Systems

If you just moved, you want to feel safe and settled in your new home—which is why having the best security system is so important.

Best overall
Vivint
Vivint
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
Starting at$29.99/mo
  • Icon Yes  Light
    Professional installation
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    Theft-detterent cameras
Most flexible
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
Starting at$21.99/mo
  • Icon Yes  Light
    DIY or professional installation
  • Icon Yes  Light
    Optional monthly subscription
Most reliable
ADT
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
Starting at$45.99/mo
  • Icon Yes  Light
    Professional installation
  • Icon Yes  Light
    Most trusted monitoring
Best customer service
Cove
Cove
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starting at$17.99/mo
  • Icon Yes  Light
    DIY installation
  • Icon Yes  Light
    60-day trial period
Best value
Frontpoint
Frontpoint
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2
Starting at$24.99/mo
  • Icon Yes  Light
    DIY installation
  • Icon Yes  Light
    Lots of equipment options

ADT Basic $28.99 plan: Requires a 36-month monitoring contract with ADT Video or Complete. Early termination and installation fees apply. Taxes additional. New customers only. 

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Brianne Sandorf
Sep 17, 2024
Icon Time To Read19 min read

Whether your new home is across town or across the country, ensuring the safety of your property, pets, family, and valuables is crucial.

Surprisingly, over 60% of Americans surveyed don't have a home security system, despite more than half of all burglaries occurring in residential areas. Unfortunately, most people who do install a security system only do so after experiencing a break-in. One of the best ways to prevent burglaries—and receive immediate assistance if one occurs—is to install a monitored home security system right from the start.

Home security equipment

Even before you decide what the best security system is for you, it’s helpful to understand the many different pieces of equipment and what they actually do to ensure everyone’s safety.

To help you better understand your security system equipment in your new home, here is a list of all the essential pieces along with their definitions.

Compare the top home security systems

Check out our top home security company picks, along with key features and starting prices for professional monitoring.

Company
Best for
Starting cost
Star Rating
Learn More
VivintBest overall
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
SimpliSafeMost flexible
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
Most reliable
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
CoveBest customer service
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2
FrontpointBest value
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability subject to change.

See full ADT disclaimer.


Control panel 

Image source: ADT

What are control panels?

The control panel, or hub, is the brain of your alarm system and is typically one of the first (if not the first) devices you set up for your security system. The control panel communicates with each sensor, camera, detector, etc., and sounds an alarm when a device is triggered. It also communicates with the monitoring station to alert the security company that something's not right.

Control panel

How control panels work

Control panels work in different ways depending on the type of monitoring you have (landline, broadband, or cellular), so the control panel needs to be connected to a phone jack, internet router, or cellular communication device.

Different types of control panels

The control panel can be a singular device or it can work with a separate keypad. More home security companies are doing away with the separate keypad and offering tablet-like control panels with touchscreens. If you opt for a smart security system, you may get a touchscreen hub that incorporates video and two-way talk so you can see what's going on around your property and interact directly with people through your security cameras and the monitoring center. 

Do I need a keypad for my control panel?

All security companies have a control panel but not all have a keypad. Most allow you to control the system from an app or key fob. So depending on the system you have, you may or may not need one.

For some systems, the keypad may be included with the panel. This is where you can enter your passcode to arm and disarm your system. You will most likely use the keypad on a daily basis since you’ll need to arm and disarm your system when you leave.

If your system has a landline connection and someone cuts your wires, you’ll lose connection to your system. In the case of a power outage, you could lose connection for your system if you have broadband. However, with a cellular panel, you are almost always covered, even if the power goes out or someone cuts your wires.

Door locks 

Image source: SimpliSafe

How door locks work

Standard door locks work by the use of a latch or bolt crossing the opening between the doorframe and door. There are two different types of bolts: spring bolt and deadbolt.

  • Spring bolt: These locks are held in place by springs and allows the doors to close (not reopen) when locked.
  • Deadbolt: This type of lock is more secure and stays in place until it is manually unlocked.

With both a spring bolt and a deadbolt, you lock and unlock the door by rotating the knob or key in a lock cylinder, which then moves the latch or bolt.

Types of door locks

There are various types of door locks, including electronic locks, smart locks, and traditional locks. Electronic door locks include a part called an actuator. The actuator connects the bolt or cylinder to a small motor, which allows the bolt to lock and unlock. A smart door lock is a great way to automate your home and eliminate lost keys forever. Instead of using a key, you can use a card, keypad, or your phone as a remote to lock or unlock your door.

Door lock

Depending on the type of electronic door lock, you can be time zones away from your home and still have control, while others require you to be within a certain range. Nearly all smart locks are handy for when you have a housekeeper or dog sitter who needs access to your home. You can let them in from afar or grant them access through an app on their smartphone.

You can also schedule times for when your home is locked or unlocked (in case you forget), which can be a lifesaver after a hectic morning when you run out the door and can’t remember if you locked the house.

Many electronic locks still allow the use of a physical key as well, but these devices vary so be sure to research carefully if that is something you’d like.

Traditional locks are locked by hand. This is done by entering a key and turning it or turning a lock button.

Security cameras

Image source: Vivint

Doorbell cameras

Types of doorbell cameras

A doorbell that is connected to your home security system can notify you when someone is at your front step. Most video doorbells have built-in cameras and with others, you can install a camera above to see who’s at your door.

Some have motion detection to notify you when someone is within range. When someone presses your doorbell (or is detected within range) you'll receive an alert on your phone. If there’s a camera, you can see who's at the door. And if your doorbell has two-way voice, you can even talk to them. So if the delivery person has a package for you, you can tell them to leave the package on your doorstep.

Doorbell camera

Do I need a doorbell camera?

A smart doorbell is an optional component to your home security system. If you prefer having this smart feature, we say go for it. A doorbell camera can be the only security cam you need if you have a smaller home, apartment, or condo. 

Most home security systems now come with the option to add a doorbell camera, or you can buy a standalone doorbell cam to guard your entrance. You can also take a look at our list of the best doorbell cameras currently on the market.

Outdoor cameras

What outdoor cameras do

An outdoor security camera helps surveil your property and alerts you when someone has trespassed.

How outdoor cameras work

Most outdoor cameras for homes record footage only when motion is detected. However, some record footage 24/7.

Types of outdoor cameras

Outdoor cameras are most often wired but sometimes are wireless. Some features you’ll want to take into consideration when choosing an outdoor camera are night vision, field of view, weather resistance, color vs. black and white, audio capabilities, pan/zoom features, and video resolution.

One of the benefits of using an outdoor camera is that you can usually access the footage remotely on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. They’re great for when you’re out of town and want to check in on things or when you’re at work and want to watch for a delivery or a service person.

Outdoor cameras are often used near garages and other outbuildings, entrances to a home, and backyards.

Indoor cameras

What indoor cameras do

Indoor cameras are meant to be used inside to record any activity in your home. They typically are not weatherproof, so if you place it outside, the camera may get damaged. They're also not designed to operate through windows, so be sure to test out the performance if you want to use an indoor camera to capture activity by pointing it out the window.

How indoor cameras work

Most indoor cameras need to be plugged in to a power outlet to work. This can limit where you are able to locate the camera. Fortunately, most indoor cameras don’t have to be wired back to the control panel so you don’t have to worry about that.

But if you want to have the camera positioned on a wall, perhaps in the corner of a room, you may need to place a couple screws in the wall. Keep in mind the length of your power cord when you do this.

Indoor camera

Types of indoor cameras

Some features you’ll want to take into consideration are night vision, field of view, audio capabilities, pan/zoom/tilt, and video resolution. If your camera doesn’t have night vision it will be useless in the dark, so night vision is a must.

If you have a large room but the field of view is only 45 degrees and there are no pan/zoom/tilt capabilities, you’ll probably need another camera or two to monitor the entire room.

Common places for indoor cameras include living rooms, offices, and garages. They typically don’t record footage 24/7, only when motion is detected.

Many home security companies have the ability to let you view your camera’s footage through their app so you can check on your home while you're away.

Do I need an indoor camera?

Indoor cameras give you valuable insight into your home. If someone breaks in, a camera can capture footage that you can turn over to the authorities to help catch the culprit. They can also let you check on loved ones or pets at home while you're away, or to just see if everything's fine while you're on vacation. An indoor camera is certainly useful, but it's not necessarily an integral part of the home security system.

Sensors

Image source: Cove

Door/window sensors

What door/window sensors do

door window sensor

Window and door sensors (also called contact sensors) alert you if something is opened or closed. Some have built-in sirens that alarm when the door or window is opened, and others communicate with the control panel or mobile app for a security system.

If an intruder enters your home by opening a window or door and your system is alarmed, the door/window sensor will send a signal to the control panel that it has been triggered, alerting you and the central monitoring station.

How door/window sensors work

Door and window sensors come in two pieces: one piece that sticks to the door/window frame and one that sticks to the door or window. These two pieces are installed adjacent to one another and when the door or window is closed, the sensor pieces are joined together. The two pieces have a magnetic connection that, if broken, causes the sensor to alert you that something has been opened.

Types of door and window sensors

For the most part, door and window sensors are pretty much the same from company to company. The only difference is sometimes companies offer door sensors and window sensors individually, or contact sensors which can be used for both doors and windows. If they are sold individually as door and window sensors, then the door sensors are most likely a little larger than the window sensors, but they work the same way.

Do I need a window or door sensor?

For the most proactive home security, we recommend that all first-level doors and windows have a entry sensor. Depending on the size of your home, you may want to use a motion sensor instead, to save on buying multiple contact sensors for the same room or area of your home. 

You can also use door and window sensors without a complete home security system, which can be a good option for smaller apartments, condos, or roommate situations.

Recessed door sensor

What recessed door sensors do

A recessed door sensor is like a regular door sensor, but it’s less noticeable.

How recessed door sensors work

Recessed door sensors consist of two pieces: one placed directly inside your door or window and the other placed inside the frame. When these two pieces separate you and/or the central monitoring station get an alert.

Types of recessed door sensors

Most companies require that your door or window, as well as the frame, be made out of wood so you can drill easily. Since the equipment is hidden in the frame it is less noticeable to a criminal. Door and window sensors are bulkier and can easily be seen; recessed door sensors fit inside the door/window so they blend in easily.

Do I need a recessed door sensor?

Recessed door sensors are inconspicuous and typically have good battery lives. Although this does require some drilling, they still tend to be better than regular door sensors.

Motion detector/sensor

What motion detectors do

A motion detector does exactly that—it detects motion. It’s one of the basic components to a home security system so most security systems have motion sensors in their equipment lists.

How motion sensors work 

Motion sensors protect an area of your home by creating a space that cannot be entered without an alarm being triggered. So if someone (or sometimes even a pet) enters the zone, the motion sensor will alert the app or control panel. Motion sensors are often used in rooms that contain lots of valuables (e.g., living rooms, offices, etc.).

If someone entered your home through a door or window that didn’t have a sensor on it, the motion detector could still pick up the activity (if the intruder walked through the monitored area).

motion detector

Types of motion detectors and sensors

The degree angle and distance can vary with each motion detector/sensor, so it’s important that you check yours specifically so you know what area your sensor can monitor. Most companies that have motion sensors allow them to be placed on a flat surface or mounted on the wall (either by screws or a heavy-duty sticker). The sensors are typically wireless.

Do I need a motion sensor?

You should have at least one motion sensor in your home. When you’re placing your motion sensor you’ll want to be careful. Some pets trigger motion detectors so check with your company to see if there is a size limit.

Try to avoid placing motion sensors by windows. Light from the sun’s movement throughout the day could trigger your sensor causing a false alarm (this has happened to me before!).

Glass break sensor

What glass break sensors do

Glass break sensors detect when glass is broken, specifically from your windows. Many glass break sensors detect vibrations of the window glass, giving you early warning before a window is broken.

How glass break sensors work

A glass break sensor detects the vibration and specific sound frequency generated when glass breaks. These sensors are armed even when your system is set to Home mode. So keep in mind that if you ever drop a glass you may trigger an alarm. The typical range for these sensors is 20 feet, so one sensor can cover a lot of ground. However, doors and walls can decrease the sensitivity of these sensors.

Glass break sensor

Types of glass break sensors

Glass break sensors are typically installed on the opposite/adjacent wall from windows or on the ceiling. Be sure to check the range for your sensor so you install it close enough to the windows.

Do I need a glass break sensor?

Glass break sensors are an important component of your security system. If a burglar breaks through a window (instead of opening it) a contact window sensor most likely won’t trigger an alarm because the sensor wasn’t pulled apart. However, a glass break sensor would detect the broken glass and immediately alert you and the monitoring center. So if you’re trying to choose between a window sensor or a glass break sensor, consider a glass break sensor.

Flood sensor

How flood sensors work

Flood sensors are also called water leak sensors. If water is detected, the sensor sends an alert to the monitoring station (or you) that there may be a leak or potential flood.

Types of flood sensors

For the most part, flood sensors are all the same. They alert you in the case of excess water in your home where that sensor is located.

Flood sensor

Do I need a flood sensor?

While a flood sensor isn’t a must for home security, it’s highly recommended to help prevent costly water damage. Flood sensors are typically placed near water heaters, washing machines, or under a sink since these are common places for leaks to occur. These sensors are also typically placed inside or next to basement sump pumps. Placing a leak detector in these areas means you'll be alerted about an issue before the water reaches your basement and floods it. 

Freeze sensor

What freeze sensors do

A freeze sensor, or climate sensor, detects when temperatures approach freezing. This can help keep your pipes or other parts of your home from freezing and can alert you to an improperly functioning furnace.

How freeze sensors work 

Many freeze sensors use negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors. Thermistor is a combination of the words thermal and resistor. The NTC thermistor helps determine the temperature reading. This is an important part of the freeze sensor. The trigger temperature can vary, but typically it’s around 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Types of freeze sensors

Some freeze sensors are made for indoor use only, while others can be used outdoors. Be sure you understand the climate sensor before you purchase it so you know where to place it.

Freeze sensor

Do I need a freeze sensor?

Freeze sensors are great for vacation homes and can save you thousands of dollars in damages. They can also be used in climate-controlled rooms that have important objects in them. So if you have a home you are away from frequently or a room with valuables that need to be temperature controlled, you should get a freeze sensor.

Image sensor

What image sensors do

When an image sensor detects motion it takes a snapshot of the view and alerts the monitoring center or sets off the alarm.

How image sensors work

An image sensor is a motion sensor with a camera built into it. If a subject passes the image sensor within range, the image sensor takes a photo of the view.

Image sensor

Types of image sensors

Some image sensors are pet-friendly so they won’t snap photos of your dog roaming throughout the house. However, this can depend on the weight of your dog. So if you have a bigger dog, it may trigger the image sensor.

Do I need an image sensor?

Image sensors can reduce the number of door and window sensors you need, which are common components to a home security system. So if you have a room with four windows, it may be more cost effective to purchase one image sensor (or a motion detector) instead of four window sensors.

Tilt sensor

What tilt sensors do

The tilt sensor monitors an object and makes sure it is kept stationary.

How tilt sensors work

Tilt sensors are commonly used on overhead garage doors. They can also be used on windows that tilt, hatches, sheds, or other objects that shouldn’t be moved. When the object is moved the sensor moves as well, which then sends a distress signal to you or the monitoring station.

Types of tilt sensors

Most tilt sensors are the same. When an object with a tilt sensor is moved, that movement alarms the sensor.

Do I need a tilt sensor?

Tilt sensors are important to put on garages and sheds with roll-up doors. These are two areas that people often forget to secure. If a burglar breaks in through your garage door they’ll get into your home in no time. However, if you have a tilt sensor you’ll be notified immediately and will be able to send authorities to your home for help.


Detectors

Image source: Move.org

Fire/heat/smoke detector

What fire/heat/smoke detectors do

Fire alarms typically include smoke and heat detectors in them. So for the sake of this article, we are going to address them as one. However, please note that this is not always the case and it’s important to check your equipment to see what it detects and senses. As the name suggests, these detectors sense fire, heat and smoke.

How fire alarms and smoke detectors work

Security companies often include smoke detectors as another way to protect and automate your home. These fire alarms are connected to the security system so you and/or the monitoring center are notified when heat, smoke, or fire is detected—even when you're not at home.

FIre detector

Types of fire/heat/smoke detectors

There are three types of fire alarms: ionization, photoelectric, and dual sensor. You can learn more about all of these in this best smoke detector article.

  • Ionization fire alarms create an electric current between two metal plates. When smoke enters the chamber, an alarm sounds.
  • Photoelectric fire sensors have a light source in an electric sensor positioned at 90-degree angles. When light enters, it normally misses the sensor. However, when smoke enters the chamber, the light scatters and triggers the alarm.
  • Dual sensor fire detectors include elements from both ionization and photoelectric sensors.

Carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors alert you when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected in the air. According to First Alert, current UL Standard 2034 limits for CO alarms to sound are as follows:

  • 30ppm for 30 days
  • 150ppm for 10–50 minutes
  • 70ppm for 60–240 minutes
  • 400ppm for 4–15 minutes
Carbon monoxide

How carbon monoxide detectors work

A CO detector sounds an alarm if it detects a dangerous level of carbon monoxide. If you have a professionally monitored home security system connected to your CO detector, a monitoring center agent will be notified if your detector is ever triggered. This means you'll still be taken care of if you don’t hear the beeping from the detector because you’re not in the room or you’re asleep.

Types of carbon monoxide detectors

Different detectors are triggered by different sensors:

  • Biomimetic sensor: Gel changes color when CO is absorbed, triggering the alarm.
  • Electrochemical sensor: A chemical solution covers electrodes that sense electrical current changes when they come into contact with CO, which triggers the alarm.
  • Metal oxide semiconductor: The silica chip’s circuitry detects CO and the electrical resistance is lowered, which triggers the alarm.

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

Yes. You should have a CO detector on every floor of your home and, ideally, in every bedroom—whether or not you have a security system. CO detectors are the only way to know if there's a CO leak, as the gas is odorless and colorless. 

What to do if your CO detector goes off?

If your CO detector sounds an alarm, you should evacuate your family immediately. Check each person for any flu-like symptoms. (This suggests poisoning.) If you notice these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Open as many doors and windows as possible as you and your family head outside.

Call the fire department or gas company so they can check all your fuel-burning appliances and other items that may emit CO.

Do not reenter your home until your home has been cleared for entry by first responders or the gas company. 

Smart home devices

Smart garage controller

Garage controller

A smart garage controller works like a door or window sensor but it also gives you remote control of the door. Unlike a regular garage door opener, you'll receive an alert when your garage door is opened or closed. This is great for those days you’re in a hurry to get out the door and you panic that you forgot to close the garage door. Typically you’ll get an alert that you left your garage door open and you can close it with the push of a button on your smartphone.

What smart garage controllers do

A smart garage door opener allows you to open and close your garage door from your security company’s app.

How smart garage controllers work

All you have to do is log in to your app and press the open or close button. It works similarly to a smart door lock because they both use a phone to lock or unlock, or in this case, open or close the garage door.

Types of smart garage door openers

The equipment is similar to a normal garage opener where you have the remote clipped onto your car's visor. Install the device onto your garage door and that’s it.

Do I need a smart garage controller?

These aren’t absolutely necessary, but they can be very handy.

Lights & small appliance controller

What lights & small appliance controllers do

These are commonly called smart switches, which allow you to turn small appliances or lights on and off remotely through an app.

How lights & small appliance controllers work

light control

If you connect a smart switch or plug to a light you can turn the light on and off using an app. If it’s connected to a slow cooker, you can turn it on a couple hours into your work day so your dinner is ready when you get home. Be sure to have your actual appliance turned on because if the appliance is set to off and you turn the switch on, it won’t flip the appliance switch to on for you.

Types of lights & small appliance controllers

Most smart switches are the same. You plug the smart switch into a power outlet and then plug your light or small appliance into the smart switch. Then you can turn the switch on and off from the app.

Types of lights & small appliance controllers

A smart plug is not a necessity, but if you travel often, we recommend them. The controller will allow you to connect a light to the switch and turn it on and off remotely so it looks like someone is inside your house. You can also connect them to a smart home or security system hub to set up routines that will run automatically when you're out of town. That means no need to put down your tropical drink to put the lights on—they'll turn on automatically.

Smart thermostat

Smart thermostats help you cut your electric bill and help you be more energy efficient. Depending on the thermostat you purchase, it can learn your routine and automatically change the temperature to your preference. Most allow you to change the thermostat from a smartphone app so you can adjust the temperature before you leave work or when you’re on your way back from vacation.

What smart thermostats do

Thermostats allow you to regulate the temperature in your home. Some also include climate sensors that will detect and adjust humidity and temperature levels that are outside the normal range.

How smart thermostats work

Thermostats turn your heating or air conditioning on and off to keep your home warm or cool.

Types of smart thermostats

Some allow you to set schedules while others require you to adjust as needed manually. The Nest thermostat is a smart thermostat that can learn your schedule and automatically adjusts to your preferences after learning your behaviors.

Many security companies offer thermostats as a home automation feature. You can control the thermostat from your app and adjust the temperature as needed.

Do I need a smart thermostat?

You most likely already have a thermostat, but if you want to save on your energy bill, purchasing a smart thermostat is a good decision.

Key fob

What key fobs do

A key fob (also called a keychain remote) is like the remote control you use to lock and unlock your car except it’s used to arm and disarm your system.

How key fobs work

The key fob for your security system also has a panic button that sounds a loud siren and alerts the monitoring company that there’s an emergency. They usually have buttons to arm the system or change modes from Home to Away. The range on security system key fobs can be up to 500 feet.

Different types of key fobs

Most key fobs are the same and have four buttons: arm, disarm, home, and panic.

Keychain remote

Do I need a key fob?

We recommend having a key fob because it helps you alarm and disarm your system. Many home security systems come with two key fobs and oftentimes you can add another key fob to your system so multiple family members can each have one.

Panic pendant

What panic pendants do

Some home security systems offer medical alert buttons, or panic pendants, as an add-on to your security system. These buttons are used to get help during a medical emergency or fall. 

Medical panic pendants send a signal to the monitoring station when activated. If you push the panic button, a monitoring professional will be in touch with you to see what type of assistance you need.

Some pendants can also detect falls and will automatically send a distress signal to the monitoring center. If it's not a false alarm, the monitoring center will notify emergency services to get you the help you need.

Types of medical alert pendants

Panic buttons are small, battery-operated devices similar to a key fob. Most medical alert pendants are worn on the wrist or around the neck. Ideally, you want a pendant that's waterproof so you can wear it in the shower, where many falls occur. 

Panic pendant

Do I need a panic pendant?

We recommend medical alert buttons for people who are at risk of falling. If you think this would make you or a loved one feel more comfortable, a panic pendent is definitely or you. 

Final word

A home security system is one of the smartest investments you can make for your new home. The average loss from a break-in is around $2,700 in the US. A security system can help you avoid that loss and the lost sense of safety you feel in your home—but it's important to find the system that's right for you. Here's a breakdown of our top home security systems and what each one does best.

Vivint is a great choice if you want top-notch smart security equipment installed for you by professionals.

SimpliSafe makes DIY security, with simple installation and the ability to change your monthly monitoring  plan to self monitoring whenever you want for around $10/month.

ADT is the most recognized name in home security. They've been around for 150 years and their monitoring centers make them reliable and trusted, even during natural disasters or power outages.

Cove puts customers first with generous policies, easy cancellation, and a commitment to make things right if there's something that isn't working for you.

Frontpoint has the most extensive equipment offerings of any DIY home security system. You get all the options that come with a professionally-installed system without the hassle of appointments or strangers in your home.

Disclaimers

ADT: $99.00-$199.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required starting at $59.99 per month ($2,159.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required starting at $59.99 per month ($1,439.76) for California. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Smoke Detectors not available in all states. Services not available in all states.

Brianne Sandorf
Written by
Brianne has a degree in English and creative writing from Westminster College and has spent 5+ years writing professional, research-based content. Before joining Reviews.org, she wrote for ASecureLife.com. Her pieces and quotes are published across the web, including on Stanford's student blog and Parents.com. Hobbies include wearing a seatbelt, wearing a life jacket, and keeping her arms and legs inside the ride at all times. Contact her at brianne@reviews.org.