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Leaving for summer holidays? 5 smart home security gadgets you’ll regret not buying
Locking the house and going on summer vacation? Protect your empty home with these 5 affordable, hacker-proof smart gadgets tailored for Indian households.
Our Picks
Our Picks
| Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Qubo Smart 360° 3MP [2K] Wi-Fi Security Camera [2026 Edition] by Hero Group | Indoor CCTV Cam for Home | STQC Certified | AI Person Detection | Color Night Vision | SD&Cloud Storage (Pack of 2)View Details  | ₹4,990 | |
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TP-Link Tapo D230S1 2K 5Mp/1920p Smart Wireless Security Video Doorbell,Battery-Powered,Two-Way Talk,Ip64,Colour Night Vision,Cloud &Local Storage,Compatible with Alexa&Google Home,Easy InstallationView Details | ||
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Unlock Personalized ₹832x 6 months₹4,990  100% Secure Flexible EMI Tenure | ||
Tapo P110 16A Wi-Fi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring | Suitable for Large Appliances like Geysers, Microwave Ovens, Air Conditioners (Works with Alexa and Google Assistant)| 4-Way Safety ProtectionView Details | ₹958 | |
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Native by Urban Company Lock Pro Smart Door Lock with in-Built HD Camera & Home Doorbell Connect | 7-Way Unlock | Free Installation | 3-Year WarrantyView Details | ₹16,999 | |
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Philips 9W Motion Sensor B22 LED Bulb | Motion Sensor Light for Home | Motion and Ambient Sensor LED Bulb | Crystal White, Pack of 1View Details | ₹209 | |
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Research-Backed Choices
Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research.
Summer vacation season is officially here. While you are busy planning itineraries, booking flights, and packing bags, there is one nagging thought that can instantly ruin your holiday vibe: “Is my house safe back home?”
Traditionally, securing an Indian home meant requesting a neighbor to pick up the newspaper, leaving a balcony light on 24/7 (which practically screams, "No one is home!"), and relying on heavy iron padlocks.
But it’s 2026, and your home security needs an upgrade. You don't need an expensive, wired monthly security subscription to protect your house. With high-speed Wi-Fi and affordable AI tech, you can monitor your home right from your smartphone while sitting on a beach in Goa or exploring Europe.
Here are 5 smart home security gadgets worth buying before you zip your suitcases.
The 5 must-have home security gadgets to keep your home safe
The 360° indoor security camera (With AI person detection)
An indoor camera is the absolute baseline of modern home security. Older cameras used to send a notification every time a curtain moved under the ceiling fan. Today’s cameras are significantly smarter. Here's what I recommend.
1. Qubo Smart 360° 3MP [2K] Wi-Fi Security Camera [2026 Edition] by Hero Group | Indoor CCTV Cam for Home | STQC Certified | AI Person Detection | Color Night Vision | SD&Cloud Storage (Pack of 2)
The Qubo 360° 3MP smart camera by Hero Group delivers crystal-clear 2K surveillance with enhanced data privacy through its STQC certification. Featuring advanced AI person detection and color night vision, it minimises false alarms while providing vivid nocturnal feeds.
This pack of two offers an affordable, comprehensive security solution for multi-room coverage.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Highly secure with official STQC data protection certification.
Excellent value with a twin-camera pack for wide coverage.
Reason to avoid
Requires a continuous corded electric power source to operate.
Cloud storage requires an ongoing paid subscription after trial.
Why it’s perfect for Indian homes?
The combination of localized AI that ignores ceiling fans and STQC security certification guarantees reliable, hack-proof monitoring for Indian apartments.
The smart video doorbell
With the explosion of quick-commerce (Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart) and daily couriers, your front door sees a lot of action. When you are away, unanswered doorbells are a dead giveaway that the house is empty. Here's what I recommend.
2. TP-Link Tapo D230S1 2K 5Mp/1920p Smart Wireless Security Video Doorbell,Battery-Powered,Two-Way Talk,Ip64,Colour Night Vision,Cloud &Local Storage,Compatible with Alexa&Google Home,Easy Installation
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The TP-Link Tapo D230S1 is a premium, wire-free video doorbell offering an ultra-sharp 5MP head-to-toe view. Equipped with a starlight sensor and color night vision, it captures vivid details in pitch darkness.
Its long-lasting rechargeable battery, localized AI detection, and robust anti-theft alarm make it a powerful, hassle-free outdoor guard.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
True wireless installation with no drilling or complex wiring required.
Massive local storage capability up to 512GB eliminates monthly fees.
Reason to avoid
Higher initial investment compared to entry-level wired doorbells.
Battery requires periodic recharging depending on daily motion triggers.
Why it’s perfect for Indian homes?
Its 4:3 head-to-toe view lets you check courier packages left on the floor, while the zero-wiring design makes it entirely landlord-friendly for rented apartments.
Smart Wi-Fi plugs (The Ultimate Deception Tool)
Leaving a balcony or living room light turned on for a week straight is a classic mistake. Intruders look for houses where the lights stay on even at 10 AM. Here's what I recommend.
The TP-Link Tapo P110 is a heavy-duty 16A smart plug engineered to control high-power appliances remotely. Beyond simple scheduling and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, it features advanced real-time energy monitoring.
Its dedicated Away Mode serves as an excellent security tool by randomly operating lights to simulate occupancy while you travel.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Handles heavy appliances like ACs and geysers without overheating.
Built-in Away Mode naturally tricks onlookers into thinking the house is occupied.
Reason to avoid
Only fits larger 16A power sockets, not standard 6A points.
Requires a stable, uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection to execute remote commands.
Why it’s perfect for Indian homes
It effortlessly handles high-load appliances prone to being left on, while protecting expensive electronics from frequent voltage fluctuations with its 4-way safety system.
Smart digital door lock
If your vacation involves leaving your plants to be watered by a neighbour or allowing your domestic help to clean the house while you are away, handing over physical keys is always a security risk. Here's what I recommend.
4. Native by Urban Company Lock Pro Smart Door Lock with in-Built HD Camera & Home Doorbell Connect | 7-Way Unlock | Free Installation | 3-Year Warranty
The Native by Urban Company Lock Pro is an all-in-one security solution combining a digital deadbolt, an HD camera, and a smart doorbell. It offers an impressive seven ways to unlock, including biometric fingerprinting and app-based requests. With its patent-pending Doorbell Connect feature, it instantly beams the visitor's photograph directly to your smartphone.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Eliminates the need for a separate outdoor security camera or video doorbell.
Comes with free professional installation and a hassle-free, one-click warranty service.
Reason to avoid
Premium pricing makes it a significant upfront investment for homeowners.
Relies heavily on the proprietary Urban Company app ecosystem for remote functions.
Why it’s perfect for Indian homes?
It allows you to securely manage time-restricted OTP codes for your domestic help or delivery drivers, backed by four heavy-duty deadbolts built for traditional Indian wooden doors.
Smart motion-sensor outdoor LED lights
Intruders hate the spotlight. Dark balconies, open terraces, and dimly lit main gates are primary targets.
Why these are perfect for Indian homes: If you choose solar-powered motion sensor lights, they require zero electrical wiring. They charge during the hot summer day and sit in standby mode at night. Here's what I recommend.
The ultimate buying match: Which smart security gadget is right for you?
I have a limited budget and distinct household needs. Which of these gadgets should I prioritise first?
A: Your choice should depend entirely on your current living arrangement, daily routine, and specific pain points. Use this quick guide to find your perfect match:
The Renter or Frequent Holiday Traveller: Choose the TP-Link Tapo D230S1 Video Doorbell. Since it requires zero wiring or drilling, you can install it without landlord permission. It keeps a constant eye on deliveries and deters intruders while you are away from home.
The Family with Kids, Pets, or Elderly Parents: Go for the Qubo Smart 360° 2K Camera Pack of 2. For under ₹5,000, you get multi-room coverage to monitor your loved ones or domestic staff in real-time, backed by strict data privacy encryption.
The Apartment Owner with Frequent Guests/Maids: Invest in the Native by Urban Company Lock Pro. It replaces your messy keychain with fingerprints and allows you to text temporary entry codes to your maid or relatives, eliminating the need to leave physical keys under the doormat.
The Smart Budget Shopper (Under ₹1,000): Start with the TP-Link Tapo P110 Smart Plug. It is the most affordable security hack available; you can use its "Away Mode" to randomise your lamps and TVs while traveling, making your house look actively occupied for less than a thousand rupees.
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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
