Vehicle break-ins and even thefts rank among the least investigated and prosecuted crimes in the United States. Many jurisdictions have lenient penalties that punish even serial vehicle thieves with little jail time. Fact is: theft of motor vehicles cost the U.S. economy about $6.4 billion in 2019.
It’s almost impossible to catch a thief and gather enough evidence for prosecution. It won’t take them long to go back to robbing someone else. Deterrence is the first step in any complete security system, and many of the technologies available today can assist to catch a criminal in the act.
In this review post, we will tell you all about the best car alarm systems and how they can help protect your vehicle from a break-in, 24/7.
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There are a lot of good security systems out there. But what makes a good system? To begin with, you’ll want a system that has enough deterrence power or deterrent value to stop potential thieves from breaking into your vehicle.
However, this deterrence has to come in a compact and easy-to-install package because who wants an oversized and difficult-to-hide car alarm system?
Here are our 15 best car alarms for you.
The 350 Plus 3105V is one of Viper’s most popular alarm systems. It comes with a FailSafe starter kill system and an anti-carjacking mode that strongly deters potential thieves from going anywhere with your vehicle. VIPER 350 Plus 3105V is engineered for easy plug-and-play installation in almost any vehicle with an existing factory keyless transmitter. Its superior design features a fully digital microprocessor that provides the fastest possible system response to protect your vehicle and possessions, giving you the confidence that your alarm system can do its job when it matters most.
This 3-channel 1-way security system has two wireless remotes that feature 4 push buttons and can be kept in a purse, pocket, or center console. The alarm is armed/disarmed by a one-way keyless entry remote control.
Some other features include an adjustable shock sensor, tilt sensors, door triggers, engine start/stop input control, a 6-tone chirping siren with a bright blue status LED indicator, revenger, a panic alarm that offers another layer of protection by sending an instant notification and backup battery power.
There’s also a GPS tracking system that allows GPS tracking devices to be connected directly to the security system for accurate tracking of your vehicle’s movement. The GPS system can track vehicle location, speed, driving direction, and more.
EASYGUARD EC003 is an alarm system designed to startle thieves with its powerful siren if they get too close to your vehicle. One of the two sirens is located on the front door while the other one is at the back. However, the two sirens are so strong they can create a noise that many people may find intrusive albeit they do an excellent job in terms of discouraging theft and burglary attempts. This unit is equipped with a remote control that enables you to start or stop your vehicle by simply pressing a button.
In addition, the EASYGUARD EC003 comes with a gear key fob which you can carry in your pocket or hold in your hand as you park or drive off. It is also equipped with sensors that activate the alarm if an attempt is made to steal your vehicle as well as detect when the vehicle is being driven.
The EASYGUARD EC003 is specifically designed for cars with immobilizers but can work on other types of vehicles that have a key fob system. It is important to note, however, that this product is not compatible with cars that have a double pulse unlock mechanism and a pneumatic or vacuum locking system. It will also not work on cars using factory OEM push start button technology nor on vans and luxury cars.
The EASYGUARD EC002PP is a plug-and-play PKE (passive keyless entry) kit, so you don’t have to cut or splice wires when installing this alarm unit in your car. It is high-quality and easy to install. The bypass module is included and can be installed also without having to cut or splice wires from the vehicle’s OBD2 port to the new PKE system.
This bus-capable PKE security system is compatible with only some select key start vehicles, for instance, Honda 8th Accord 08-12 and Odyssey 09-13, so endeavour to determine your vehicle’s suitability for this product before buying.
The EASYGUARD EC002PP comes with a remote engine start, so you can start or stop your car’s engine remotely from anywhere in the world. The manual arm/lock and disarm/unlock feature lets you lock or unlock your doors with the touch of a button. The remote trunk release allows you to open and close your car trunk remotely. There’s also a mute/audible alarm feature that will sound or make the alarm audible when the car alarm system is set off.
The panic mode will allow you to set an emergency code that will prevent anyone from breaking into your car. A touch screen panel displays your personalized code and allows you to easily arm and disarm the car alarm system and central locking systems. The touch password entry function lets you enter your personal code by just touching the panel at any time. You’ll also get a valet mode on/off setting.
BANVIE Car Alarm System comes with a host of features that include LED light indication for powering on/off; emergency disarm; and electrical/pneumatic locking. Two 5-button remote transmitters help to make for quick and simple operationality. There are 6 different sensors that can detect intrusion, and 6 alarm tones to choose from.
The 6 different sensors are motion sensor, microwave sensor, shock sensor, side door alarm, anti-hijacking security re-arm system, and power-off memory system. Motion sensors are used to detect any movement within ten feet of your vehicle. A microwave sensor detects any movement (such as a burglar or vehicle thief) within a door or window. The Shock sensor detects any impact on the vehicle (which may be a criminal impact). A Side door alarm allows you to feel when someone opens your door even when it’s locked. The anti-hijacking security re-arm system is activated by loss of power. When the power goes out, the alarm will go off but will re-arm itself without the need for an electronic key fob. Finally, the power-off memory system makes re-arming your system very easy because it automatically remembers how many times you’ve deactivated your system if you want to use it again.
Among the 6 alarm tones include emergency warnings, trunk release, warning for side parking, calling for help/overtake, and others. The silent mode can be activated by any of the transmitters or you can turn it on yourself by pressing the silent mode button located on the front panel. The remote function button will turn your doors on if they are unlocked.
This universal system is very easy to install because it has a wire connecting design that allows you to install it at any time or location within your vehicle. The alarm volume is adjustable and the deactivation button is set beneath the hood of the car, making it hard for thieves to find.
This unit comes with several standard security features but the warning for side parking feature particularly makes the BANVIE Car Security Alarm System a great option for your vehicle. It is compatible with most modern cars.
InstallGear is a car alarm system designed to provide you with the ability to secure your vehicle via a compact remote system. Common features include a siren, LED indicator light, lock/unlock, trunk pop, and lights flash. InstalGear will also cover your outside perimeter to keep out would-be thieves or visitors that may want to sneak into your car.
The LED lights will flash when the alarm is triggered to let you know that your vehicle’s security is on and this product now includes a remote sounder that will sound an alarm along with the lights.
The ability to remotely start your car will be important for many people. For example, it can be useful when you’re on vacation – just in case something happens to your vehicle while you’re away from home or work. The key arming capability will be important for you if you have a key that is only needed when the vehicle is not running. This means it can be removed from the ignition and stored in a safe place before the car’s alarm has been triggered, to prevent access while the alarm is going off.
The InstallGear car alarm system is an efficient solution when it comes to helping protect your car. It is designed to provide you with the ability to secure your vehicle remotely and also enhances your vehicle’s looks. InstallGear is compatible with most cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans (depending on the model).
Avital 5105L is a land-based, single-channel system with up to 1½ mile range and two 4-button remote controls. Some of its main features include locking and unlocking of doors, trunk release, remote starting with D2D, and protection against “hot-wiring.”
The hot-wiring protection is based on a fault-proof starter interrupt feature that offers protection against car theft. This starter interrupt feature prevents the engine from starting if someone tries to hotwire the car, or if the battery has been pulled out. It can be turned off to allow for jump starts.
AVITAL 5105L also has a simple keyless entry for all doors and trunks, including trunk release. If you have a door without integrated locks, you can easily install any lock you choose with the help of AVITAL’s universal mounting kit. AVITAL system components are all small enough to fit in your glove compartment or under your seat. This alarm system can be used on virtually any car.
EasyGO AM-UNIVERSAL-R is the latest technological breakthrough in car alarm systems. It is a security system that is engineered to provide comfort, convenience, and safety to the driver. EasyGO has all of the security features you would expect to see in the most sophisticated alarm systems, including RFID smart key remote fobs, push start/stop button, proximity entry capability, and a universal smart key for remote-starting your vehicle in tight spaces or where weather conditions prevent the use of factory starter keys.
However, the main feature this product offers is easy installation into any vehicle which is made possible by the advanced technology it comes with. It works on both new/used, foreign/domestic vehicles such as cars, trucks, SUVs, and buses, among others.
Also, EasyGO has been tested to withstand extreme high and low temperatures without malfunctioning. In other words, all of the important security features will function properly even if you leave your car parked outside for the entire winter season without any protection.
Depending on where you live or where you park your vehicle, you may also consider purchasing a spare key for the EASYGO installed in your home. This spare key can be used to gain access to your car whenever you need it. What makes it work is a small push button located at the end of a thin wire that can be discreetly hidden under a carpet or dashboard piece.
The Prestige APS997Z is an all-in-one alarm system that is designed to provide the best protection for you and your loved ones. With this product, you will receive eight vehicle sensors. You will also receive two remote transmitters that you can easily arm and disarm the system with. The remote start feature uses a programmable memory chip or flashlogic programming to ensure that whenever your car starts, the alarm will sound as well.
This product is universal so it can be used on almost any vehicle! The system includes mounting materials that ensure a quick and easy installation. The FLCART compatible glass mount antenna ensures excellent reception and can access all the features that this system has to offer. If your car should ever break down and leave you stranded, the carlink ready feature will allow you to call for assistance and get help as soon as possible.
The Prestige APS997Z includes a 2-way LCD confirming transmitter that ensures confirmation each time a sensor is activated. Its automatic arming feature means that when you press the lock or unlock button on your transmitter, the system will be armed or disarmed immediately! There’s also an automatic locking feature which is great for theft prevention. Another great anti-theft benefit is the illuminated entry feature which allows you to see exactly what you are doing in any light conditions. This feature can come in handy when exiting or entering your car at night.
There’s a dual-stage shock sensor with city mode which can help eliminate false alarms. This feature will automatically turn off when your vehicle is parked in a garage during the day. The Prestige APS997Z is very easy to set up and use, so you will never have a problem getting started!
VOXX Prestige APS25Z is an excellent choice for any person who wants to protect their automobile and needs high-quality security with few additional features. This system has a number of features that include as an intrusion alert with memory, an optional automatic parking light flasher, and a dual-stage shock sensor.
It also features a durable and brightly lit keypad with numbered buttons and an LED display as well as an extra numbered button for the valet, 4 status LEDs, and a 7-digit keypad for arming and disarming. This system includes remote keyless entry functionality which allows you to operate the system with or without the key fob. There’s a 7 function LED (for valet mode only) with tamper confirmation capability, and a starter interrupt feature with optional negative trigger input (hood and trunk).
In a nutshell, the VOXX Prestige APS25Z is a feature-rich and reliable alarm system that offers everything you need and nothing you don’t! This product comes with the latest safety technology so you can rest assured it will provide maximum protection for your vehicle. Like any VOXX brand, it is easy to use and installs quickly.
The Acteam is a high-tech 2-way car alarm system that comes with a 5-button LCD remote controller and a remote range of 1000m. It has a turbo timer mode that can prolong your engine’s lifespan and also save you fuel costs. When the Acteam detects an alarm, it automatically activates its turbo timer mode to increase the alarm sensitivity by 4 times while the car engine is running. This mode captures even lower sounds that are undetectable by the car’s own sensors.
There are music and vibration to remind you not to leave the car when you’re in the car park or when exiting from a garage. The intelligent auto-arm feature ensures that you’re alerted when your battery starts running low or is about to go flat.
The Acteam knows when your car detects an intruder and can proceed to lock itself remotely (remote control jamming) to prevent your car from being moved. It has a real-time monitoring function that provides you with constant feedback about battery levels, doors, and alarm activation, among others.
It also has anti-hijacking and alarm activation prevention functions. The remote control is based on FSK technology and the LCD color changes when an alert occurs. There are 3 types of reminders to let you know the status of the engine start: beep tone, vibration reminder, and LCD color change. This car security alarm unit works on DC12V petrol cars only (does not work on diesel cars).
The Compustar CSX4900-S is a 2-way remote start bundle for cars with no keyless entry. It includes an alarm system, a drone X1-LTE tracking device, and 1-year remote warranty. The drone X1-LTE is a tracking system that allows for smartphone control and GPS tracking via the DroneMobile app.
This bundle also includes a start control module connected to the alarm system which allows you to start your car from a distance of up to 3000 ft away. It operates with a 3-button remote and includes the above-mentioned keyless entry. When you trigger the alarm system, it will automatically start your car and then arm itself. You can also use it for burglar alerts and panic alarms.
The water-resistant body is made of high-strength injection-molded plastic that can withstand rough treatment. The remote control has a 1.5mm receiver with a built-in antenna that is compatible with all remote control brands. The USB dongle for this set is included along with the drone X1-LTE and works for 365 days of use, even when outside GPS capability.
The CSX4900-S has many of the same features as the Compustar CSX4800-LTE but includes a 3X lock start for vehicles without keyless entry. If the vehicle detects any door or window open while it’s starting, you’ll get a warning on your remote control.
Scytek’s – A4.2W Astra is an ultra-slim metal frame car alarm system with auto clock adjust, built-in 4 heavy-duty relays, 6 tone siren, and 3 programmable auxiliary channels: horn, siren tone 1-3, and window switches/locks. Other features include lock, unlock and passenger unlock outputs; auto-lock and unlock; interior light output; horn output, 3 stage anti car-jack feature; on-board temperature sensor; and true RPM sensing with reliable remote start in tactless mode. Scytek – A4.2W can be monitored through your mobile phone or computer via the MobiLink app or connected modules, including GSM SIM card or UHF RFID reader module.
This remote control module is an incredible unit that can send text messages, GPS coordinates or report door/trunk status to remote receivers. In addition, the module contains a programmable 3 button key fob as well as a built-in 2 way LCD screen that displays alerts and messages, including horn, siren, and status messages.
As noted earlier, the Scytek – A4.2W comes with 3 user-programmable channels. These 3 channels can be activated by any of 6 outputs and various inputs can be tied into any of them for racing, loud exhaust, etcetera. The system can also be programmed for various features by simply pressing buttons on the remote control. The built-in 4 heavy-duty relays (also mentioned earlier) will trigger the horn, auto-lock and auto-unlock outputs, interior light output, siren tone 1-3, power windows, and auto door lock features.
In addition, this unit has a built-in voltage detection circuit to prevent damage from 12-volt power converters. If it detects voltage from a 12-volt battery source, it will not arm or disarm the system until the voltage is removed from the battery source.
Carbest Vehicle Security Car Paging Alarm is one car alarm system that’s absolutely worth your money and time. It has a 2-way LCD remote control which works from over 3000ft away. The communications are based on FSK technology meaning that it’s difficult to scan or grab the signal. You can turn on turbo mode to make it extra tough for would-be thieves, or short-run mode if you’re just driving to a store for a minute. A programmable auxiliary output is included to ensure that your horn honks when you set off the alarm.
Carbest features automatic window rolling up and dome light supervision- every time someone sets off the alarm, all of your windows close and your lights go on automatically so no one can sneak in unnoticed. There are also multiple programmable interfaces for optional sensors such as door or hood/trunk sensors. It has a 6-tone 120dB siren that you can customize to suit your needs. The valet mode ensures that if your little brother tries to start the car, he won’t be able to move it.
The anti-scanning and anti-grabbing technologies make it nearly impossible for thieves to activate your vehicle without installing a key or deactivating it (depending on what technology your vehicle uses).
This alarm is practical and powerful. With the aforementioned turbo and short-run modes, programmable auxiliary outputs, multiple interfaces for optional sensors, and remote control, among others, you’ll never have to worry about car burglary and theft again. Carbest lets you take control of your vehicle so you can rest easy knowing your belongings are safe. Keep it in mind the next time you need to purchase a vehicle alarm.
EASYGUARD EC201-M9 is a 2-way car alarm system that will effectively guarantee the safety of you and your vehicle. It has a 1.73″ big LCD display; remote and long remote working distance (can work up to 800 meters); turbo timer mode; monitor hours; real-time status feedback of arm/disarm status; and others.
It also has flashlights turn on/off, engine start/stop at once features, and allows you to lock/unlock the trunk to help make sure your car can neither be burgled nor stolen. Programmability features can allow you to arm/disarm your car based on your predefined safety zone.
EASYGUARD EC201-M9 is equipped with an anti-false alarm function and an anti-hijacking feature that prevents your car from being stolen by others. The central door locking system enables you to lock all of your doors at the same time or individually. The anti-intrusion alarm ensures that while your car engine is on, it will trigger the siren if intruders try to open your door.
There’s also a window roll up/down function and a remote trunk release feature which will let the trunk be opened under the control of the system. When there is an emergency, you can remote start/stop your engine. EASYGUARD EC201-M9 is compatible with most DC12V petrol cars in the market but does not work on diesel cars.
The DS18 18CLASS is a 1-way car alarm system with a shock sensitivity adjustment of between 550-800 foot range and a 6 tone 125dB siren. You can set it up for 328 feet maximum coverage. It rolls the windows up automatically when it goes off, has 3 siren tones to choose from, 4 buttons to control the system (lock-unlock, alarm on-off, trunk pop), a valet mode (engine cut off), and a remote trunk releasing feature which automatically opens the trunk after the alarm goes off.
The system also has anti-hijacking features to prevent entrance into your car. This anti-hijacking feature consists of an alarm on/off button on the main display panel. The DS18 18 CLASS has an anti-theft mode which automatically kicks in when the car door is opened. All these are controlled by a 4 button on/off remote control for both master and slave units. This security system is suitable for only 12V cars.
No. Aftermarket vehicle alarm and remote start systems are legal under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act of 1975. When it comes to the electrical system of your automobile, it’s important not to mess about with it too much or you risk voiding your warranty. If you’re worried about this, we suggest having your system set up by an expert.
Yes. The siren on most car alarm systems can be turned off using an emergency bypass function.
If the emergency override mechanism does not function, you may alternatively remove the fuse in the alarm to force a shutdown. It’s also possible to unplug the battery’s connector cable entirely.
Current aftermarket vehicle security systems shouldn’t put too much burden on your battery if they’re fitted properly. Just one more reason to have your vehicle alarm system installed by a professional.
Still concerned about alarms draining your battery? Consult the manufacturer’s specs for further information.
It takes more than a high-tech alarm system to keep your vehicle safe from thieves. Additional safety precautions include using steering wheel locks or any top-rated vehicle dash cameras.
Adopting several layers of security precautions will make your vehicle very unattractive for any burglar.
To begin, make sure the battery isn’t dead or near death. When a remote’s battery is running low, it will only function partially or at close range. If the transmitter’s battery is good, check the owner’s handbook or the manufacturer’s website to see if it can be reprogrammed.
However, if everything you try fails to revive the battery, and the vehicle’s security system is still operational, you may need a new remote control.
Installing car alarms isn’t for everyone. Our advice to vehicle owners is to engage a professional for this task.
For those who know what they’re doing when it comes to cars, though, DIY auto alarm installation may be a breeze. Before taking action, study the handbook carefully and come up with a solid installation plan.
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