The Gear Page

What we actually recommend

Every product called out across the site, in one place — 17 picks across 4 categories. Pragmatic picks for the homeowner who wants a harder target without going full survivalist. Links are affiliated; the recommendations are not.

Cameras & Surveillance

• Wyze Cam v4 (2.5K, indoor/outdoor)

  Featured in Best Outdoor Security Cameras Under $200 (2026 Buyer's Guide)

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• Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery)

  Featured in Best Outdoor Security Cameras Under $200 (2026 Buyer's Guide)

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• eufy SoloCam S40 (solar; sold as Renewed)

  Featured in Best Outdoor Security Cameras Under $200 (2026 Buyer's Guide)

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• Reolink Argus 4 Pro (4K dual-lens, solar)

  Featured in Best Outdoor Security Cameras Under $200 (2026 Buyer's Guide)

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Doors & Locks

• Prime-Line Defender Security U 9480 steel strike plate

  Featured in Door Reinforcement: The 4 Cheap Upgrades That Stop 90% of Kick-In Burglaries

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• SPAX #10 x 3 in. exterior wood screws (225 ct)

  Featured in Door Reinforcement: The 4 Cheap Upgrades That Stop 90% of Kick-In Burglaries

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• Door Armor MAX 5-piece door reinforcement kit

  Featured in Door Reinforcement: The 4 Cheap Upgrades That Stop 90% of Kick-In Burglaries

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• Master Lock 265DCCSEN door & patio security bar

  Featured in Door Reinforcement: The 4 Cheap Upgrades That Stop 90% of Kick-In Burglaries

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• The Original Garage Shield (emergency-release guard)

  Featured in Garage Security: The Most-Forgotten Door in Your House

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• Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control

  Featured in Garage Security: The Most-Forgotten Door in Your House

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• August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen)

  Featured in Smart Locks vs. Deadbolts: Which Actually Makes Your Home Safer?

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• Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt

  Featured in Smart Locks vs. Deadbolts: Which Actually Makes Your Home Safer?

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• Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch (Wi-Fi, keypad + fingerprint)

  Featured in Smart Locks vs. Deadbolts: Which Actually Makes Your Home Safer?

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• Schlage B60N Grade 1 deadbolt

  Featured in Smart Locks vs. Deadbolts: Which Actually Makes Your Home Safer?

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Vacation Prep

• Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini EP10 (4-pack)

  Featured in Vacation-Proofing Your Home: The 7-Day Pre-Departure Checklist

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Windows

• BDF S8MC 8 mil security window film (36 in x 12 ft)

  Featured in Window Security: Film, Locks, and the Tradeoff Most Homeowners Get Wrong

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• Prime-Line sliding window security lock (4-pack)

  Featured in Window Security: Film, Locks, and the Tradeoff Most Homeowners Get Wrong

  See on Amazon affiliate link