How to lock kiya jaye for a safe ghar wapsi
Remember when home security meant a heavy-duty lock, a loud dog and that one nosy neighbour who doubled up as the unofficial watchman? The kind you would request, “Bhaisaab, zara nazar rakhna”, before heading out on vacation? Well, those days are long gone. The dogs are now sleepy pugs, the neighbours are scrolling Instagram and that big lock? It’s still there, just transformed into a smarter, sleeker version of itself and equipped with WiFi.
Welcome to the age of smart homes. Your doorbell now takes videos, your locks recognise your touch (read fingerprints) and your phone basically moonlights as your home’s bodyguard. Whether you live in a high-rise in Gurugram or a quiet lane in Chandigarh, smart security gadgets are no longer luxury items, they are essentials and pretty cool ones too.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is it time to upgrade from ‘jugaad’ to legit security?”, the answer is a resounding YES.
Here’s a quick, no-fuss guide to the most popular home security options…
Smart locks: No more key drama
Gone are the days when you would hide a spare key under the doormat or a flower pot. Now, your phone is your key, your code and your gatekeeper. Smart locks are increasingly being adopted by urban households, especially those in apartments and gated societies. Here are some top picks:
Godrej Catus Connect/Advantis: These are the favourites. With fingerprint access, PIN, RFID and mechanical override, these are perfect for families that still worry: “Agar battery khatam ho gayi toh?” Starts at Rs 8,999.
Yale YDME 50/100: Yale’s digital locks offer a sleek, minimalist design with robust features. You can control access remotely and even generate one-time codes for guests or house help. Priced from Rs 9,999.
Qubo Smart: Backed by Hero Group, this one’s for the budget-conscious. App-controlled, multi-access and suitable for tech beginners. Costs Rs 10,990 onwards.
There’s a reason why people love these: no more fumbling with keys in the dark, no duplicate key confusion or worrying if you left the door unlocked. Your phone’s got it covered.
‘Kaun hai’ is passe
The humble doorbell has had a glow-up. Now it comes with a camera, two-way talk, motion detection and app alerts. Whether you’re lazing around watching your favourite TV show or chilling in Bangkok, you’ll know who’s at your door.
The top brands include…
Qubo smart video doorbell: The most popular brand, it records HD video, supports two-way talk and sends alerts to your phone. Features intruder and anti-theft alarms. Price: Rs 5,990 to Rs 7,990.
Godrej SeeThru: As the name suggests, it lets you see who’s outside in real-time. Sturdy and built for the Indian weather. Range: Rs 5,499 to Rs 20,999.
Yale Smart: It offers crisp HD video, motion alerts and app control. Stylish, secure and smartphone-ready. Comes with 154-degree wide-angle coverage. Priced at Rs 13,499.
TP-Link: Tapo wireless doorbell offers 2K and 160-degree live view and colour night vision. It comes with a rechargeable battery, smart AI detection and notification. Costs Rs 7,999.
The bonus is that many of these doorbells also double up as CCTV cameras with night vision.
CCTV systems: Eyes that never miss
Trust is great but a little backup never hurts. CCTV cameras don’t just boost security, they offer everyday peace of mind. Whether it’s keeping tabs on deliveries, spying (lovingly) on your pet or confirming if the maid really showed up at 11, these eagle-eyed gadgets have your back and your blind spots. The best among the lot include…
CP Plus and Hikvision: These brands dominate the traditional CCTV segment. They are affordable, reliable and are often bundled with 4-8 camera setups with DVR storage. Price ranges between Rs 6,000 and Rs 25,000.
Mi 360° Home Security Camera: Budget-friendly and user-friendly. Offers 360-degree rotation, motion detection and real-time monitoring. DIY installation with single camera costing just about Rs 1,500-Rs 2,999.
Qubo AI 360 Camera: Another one from Hero, this one’s AI-powered and ideal for indoor use. Tracks human movement and even has baby-cry detection. Rs 2,790 onwards.
For storage, some people prefer SD cards, while others use cloud plans which come with monthly subscriptions (more common for remote access and video backup).
Then there are motion sensors for the extra-cautious (or slightly paranoid). If you’re someone who wants to know if even a curtain flutters too hard, motion sensors and alarms are your friends.
So, do you really need all this?
Maybe not everything. Security expert GP Singh says the demand for smart home systems in North India has surged, driven by urbanisation and rising safety concerns. Just a smart lock and a video doorbell can significantly amp up home security, he adds, noting the increased adoption in cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Gurugram.
With prices more affordable and setups much easier, there’s really no excuse not to smarten up.
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