On average, nearly 4 million burglaries occur each year in the United States. These break-ins differ in severity and scope, but there's one thing common between all of them: the homeowner wishes they hadn't occurred.

Having a home security system is essential for any responsible homeowner. If you care about the safety and well-being of your family and your possessions, it's all but imperative that you have one installed. But you've likely already reached that conclusion yourself.

The real question then comes down to what type of security system you should get. There are two main types: wireless and wired home security systems. Both varieties have their pros and cons to take into account when making your decision.

Read on, and we'll walk you through which type of security system you should invest in to best protect your home.

What To Know: Wired Home Security Systems

Both varieties of security systems can be equally adept at protecting your home from burglary or intrusion. The difference between them stems more from the way they are designed and set up.

A wired home system becomes a permanent fixture of your house. Typically, they are more complicated to install. They generally require a professional installer to implement.

This is because the system must bypass the electrical outlet and be wired into the current wiring of your home.

Wired systems usually connect to a landline so as to be in touch with a professional monitoring system. They connect to the outside world in the same way that your telephone and internet would.

Most wired security systems, despite their name, come with wireless components. Door and window sensors, as well as surveillance cameras, are typically installed wirelessly. They then connect back to the main system.

Advantages of a Wired System

There are a few reasons to go with a wired system when establishing security for your home.

For one, wired security systems are typically cheaper than wireless. They have fewer pieces security components which helps to keep costs down. And because add-ons to a wired system can be wireless, you can expand as you see fit according to your budget.

Wired systems also don't require batteries, so you don't have to worry about your system going offline without you being aware. For this reason alone, many consider a wired security system to be the more reliable choice. The only instance that you would then need to worry about the reliability of your system is a power outage.

What To Know: Wireless Security Systems

Wireless systems, as their name suggests, are more mobile than the wired alternative. Most wireless systems are programmed and use your home's wifi connection to link up with a professional monitoring system.

Wireless systems don't connect directly to your home system in any way. They can be set up anywhere in your home and typically require just a little drilling or screwing in.

One of the most popular features of wireless systems is their integration with our smartphones. Most wireless systems provide such functionality, allowing you to access and sometimes even interact with your home cameras while you're on the phone.

Advantages of A Wired Security System

The simple set up of a wireless system means you won't need to call in a professional installer. If you have a drill and a screwdriver, you can basically install your new system all on your own. And because of the lack of wiring, you can install security components anywhere that you'd prefer, no limitations.

Wireless consoles are also typically pre-programmed, meaning there are just a few simple steps to take before your system is fully up and running.

The smartphone connection is also a big selling point for many consumers. The ability to be able to check on your home while away can provide an ease of mind that is valuable to many. Some more advanced systems will even allow you to lock or unlock doors, open the garage, or communicate verbally-- all from your phone!

Potential Disadvantages

There a few disadvantages when it comes to wireless systems. They are undoubtedly more expensive, which is a barrier that's hard for many to families to get over. They also are generally less reliable.

Batteries can easily die without you noticing, as previously mentioned. Strong weather conditions have also been known to cause signal issues between various consoles. In worst case scenarios, false alarms can even be signaled.

It's not just weather that can cause such disturbances, but a variety of other threats. Baby monitors, remote controls, and even microwave ovens have the rare but possible potential to interrupt communication in your wireless system.

Wired systems have fewer disadvantages, but still, some to consider. The wiring limitations may force you to install cameras in less than ideal locations in your home. Wired systems are susceptible to attacks on your landline, meaning they can be shut down if burglars are able to snip your telephone line.

If you no longer have a landline in your home, as is the case with some modern homes, installing a wired security system can be difficult.

Picking The Right System For You

At the end of the day, there is no definitive right choice when deciding between wireless and wired home security systems. To best protect your home, you must weight the pros and cons of each model against the needs of your home.

If you want a cost-effective and reliable model with some limitations, you can spring for a wired variety. If you'd rest easier with the extra features and ease of a wireless model, you might want to spring that way. What's best for your home is up to you.

And if you have had the unfortunate incident of a burglary already occur, check out our advice on what to do now.