Summary
Home security is becoming more connected and intelligent, with nearly half of U.S. households now using security solutions. Growth is being driven by video cameras, AI-powered insights, and integrated platforms, helping to transform security into a more proactive, whole-home experience.
The Future of Home Security Is Connected, Intelligent, and Expanding
New research highlights how security is evolving into a smarter, more integrated experience for homeowners and professionals alike
The home security market is evolving rapidly – shifting from traditional alarm systems to a broader, connected, service-driven ecosystem.
New research from Parks Associates, commissioned by ESA and sponsored by Resideo, shows that 48% of U.S. households now use a home security solution, up 10 percentage points from 2022. But growth alone doesn’t tell the full story.
As adoption increases, security dealers are evolving their business models, moving beyond one-time installation toward ongoing, service-based relationships with their customers.
At the same time, homeowner expectations are shifting toward more flexible, connected solutions that can evolve over time.
From standalone systems to connected platforms
Today’s homeowners are no longer approaching security as a one-time purchase. Instead, they’re building systems over time – starting with a few key devices and expanding as their needs evolve.
According to the report, many are starting with device-only solutions like cameras or video doorbells and expanding into broader systems over time, reflecting a more adaptable, incremental approach to adoption.
“Customers want one system that brings together intrusion, video, access and automation in a simple, easy-to-use way,” said Michael Alfano, President and CEO of greensite.
This shift is accelerating the move toward platform-based solutions that unify devices and systems across the home. As these platforms expand, services are becoming a core part of the experience – extending value beyond installation through ongoing updates, intelligent alerts, and new capabilities delivered over time.
Video is driving engagement
Cameras have become central to how homeowners interact with their security systems.
Consumers increasingly rely on video as the “eyes and ears” of the home, with cameras now the most commonly added device to existing systems. In fact, 44% of security system owners acquired a camera as part of their system initially, while another 14% added one after installation.
This positions video as not only a core feature, but as a primary entry point into the category and a key driver of ongoing system expansion.
Security dealers are seeing the same trend play out in the field.
“Just a few years ago, some of these products felt optional. Now customers just expect them,” said Eric Widner, COO of LOUD Security Systems.
Resideo’s First Alert® CX4 Video Cameras reflect this shift, offering 8-megapixel resolution, edge-based continuous recording, and advanced analytics to reduce unnecessary notifications, delivering actionable alerts that matter most.
These capabilities also support more service-driven experiences, with video and analytics increasingly tied to features like cloud storage, event history, and intelligent notifications – creating new opportunities for dealers to drive recurring revenue while extending value over time.
AI is raising expectations
As video adoption grows, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a larger role in making security systems more useful and intuitive.
The report shows that 70% of security system owners find video verification highly appealing, while more than 63% say they want AI-driven analysis of sensor and video data. It’s no longer about just seeing what’s happening – homeowners want to understand it and respond with confidence.
“AI helps distinguish between people, animals, vehicles and packages to reduce unnecessary notifications, delivering alerts that matter most,” said Ryan Park, Senior Product Director of Safety and Security at Resideo.
Capabilities like AI Smart Search on First Alert CX4 video cameras build on this foundation, allowing users to quickly locate specific events using natural language – turning recorded footage into a more accessible, actionable resource.
As these features evolve, they’re also shaping how services are delivered – enabling more intelligent, data-driven experiences that provide ongoing value beyond the initial installation.
Expanding beyond intrusion
Security is also expanding to address a wider range of everyday risks.
The research shows strong consumer interest in additional services, including fire and gas monitoring (61%), vehicle monitoring (59%), and water leak detection (57%). These use cases are reshaping how homeowners think about safety – moving from single-purpose systems to broader, more comprehensive support across the home.
Widner noted that customer expectations are evolving to more lifestyle-driven services with an expectation that life safety is included. Connected platforms are helping bring these capabilities together, and these expanded applications can also open the door to new service offerings.
Integration is essential
As the number of connected devices in homes grows, simplicity is emerging as a critical differentiator.
“Integration, convenience, and reliability are the biggest drivers right now,” Alfano said.
Homeowners are no longer satisfied with managing multiple apps and disconnected systems. Instead, they expect a unified experience where connected home systems work together seamlessly.
Increasingly, that experience also includes services. Today, 35% of households pay for security-related services, reflecting growing demand for features delivered beyond the initial installation.
Resideo continues to expand its ecosystem to support this demand, bringing together security, life safety, and smart home devices into a unified experience through its apps and web platforms, helping to streamline control while expanding functionality.
Park said that demand for connected, whole-home solutions continue to grow, as integration helps simplify control while expanding system capabilities.
Looking ahead
As home security continues to evolve, several trends are shaping the path forward:
- Greater reliance on video as a primary interface
- Increased use of AI to deliver more actionable insights
- Expansion into broader safety and protection use cases
- Continued growth of integrated, whole-home platforms
For security professionals, these shifts represent more than changing technology, rather, a fundamental shift in how value is delivered. As security becomes more connected and service-driven, the focus is moving beyond hardware to deliver ongoing value through data, insights, and continuous engagement. Recurring services, from video storage to intelligent alerts, are becoming a key part of how dealers are building long-term relationships and expanding opportunities over time.
As expectations continue to rise, the role of security is expanding alongside them. What was once defined by intrusion detection has become a critical part of a broader, connected ecosystem.
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See Also
Recognizing Security Technicians on National Security Tech Day
Power in Partnership: How Resideo’s First Alert Premier Partner Program Fuels Dealer Success
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is driving growth in the home security market?
Home security is growing as homeowners increasingly adopt connected devices like cameras and video doorbells and look for solutions that work together seamlessly across the home. Many are starting with a few devices and building more comprehensive systems over time as their needs evolve.
Why are security cameras central to modern home security systems?
Video cameras have become a core part of how homeowners interact with their security systems because they provide real-time visibility. They’re often one of the first devices homeowners install – and one of the first they add later – making them a key driver of both adoption and ongoing engagement.
How is AI improving home security systems?
AI is helping to make security systems more useful in everyday life by turning footage into actionable insights. Instead of sending constant alerts, AI can help identify what’s actually happening – like whether a person, pet, vehicle, or package triggered an event – so homeowners can respond confidently.
What is AI Smart Search in First Alert CX4 video cameras?
AI Smart Search on First Alert CX4 video cameras offers generative AI to detect and classify data quickly. Users can describe an event using natural language and find relevant video clips in the Total Connect® 2.0 app and web experience without manually reviewing and retrieving clips from multiple camera feeds.
What does “connected” or “integrated” mean?
“Connected” refers to devices that can be accessed and controlled remotely, typically through an app or web platform. “Integrated” means those connected devices are not just accessible in one place but also work together as part of a coordinated system. Together, connected and integrated systems help to create a more seamless smart home experience.
