5 Best Home Security Systems

Our home is where our loved ones rest their heads at night and where family memories are made and stored. It’s also where we keep many of the treasured possessions we work hard to obtain. So for many of us, protecting our home from any number of threats ranks pretty high on the list of priorities.

The right home security system can help protect you and the people (and things) you care about most. Whether the threat is fire, flood, carbon monoxide or burglars, securing your home doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s a look at five of our top home security system picks, and details on how to secure your property to get more peace of mind.

But before you begin, take note: the prices listed here were accurate as of the time of writing, but may have changed since then. To get the most up-to-date pricing information, consult each alarm company’s website.

Our Top Picks for Best Home Security Systems

• Best for Versatility: ADT
• Best for No Contracts: SimpliSafe
• Best DIY Home System Setup: Frontpoint
• Best for Home and Vehicles: Vivint
• Best Budget Option: Ring

Best Home Security System Reviews

Why we chose it: ADT isn’t just a popular home security provider; it’s the company that literally invented the home security system. With innovative technology, a trusted name, and customizable packages for homeowners, landlords, renters, property managers and DIYers alike, ADT snags our top spot for offering its customers the most versatility in how its home security systems are designed and operate.

Packages from ADT are highly-customizable and can include fire, carbon monoxide (CO) and flood alarms; door and window sensors; doorbell cameras; motion detectors; indoor and outdoor video surveillance; and outdoor night vision cameras. These systems can be linked to many different home automation accessories, too, including voice-compatible hubs (like Google Nest), garage door openers, smart deadbolts, smart plugs and smart lighting.

ADT systems offer touchscreen control panels and remote access, so you can control your system from anywhere. However, access to the mobile app requires a higher-tier monitoring service; not all monitoring plans include remote capability. The most basic ADT plans start at $28.99 per month (for 36 months), but monitoring fees can add up substantially depending on the features and accessories selected.

There are no online quotes available from ADT, so you’ll need to speak with an agent or request an in-home evaluation to see how much your new system will cost. ADT does offer professional installation for anywhere between $99 and $199, though there are often promotional offers for free or discounted installation services.

ADT has a six-month money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your system or your service, you can cancel your contract early and get your money back. There is also a $500 theft protection guarantee with all monitored plans; if your home is burglarized while the system is engaged, ADT will pay up to $500 of your home insurance deductible to cover the loss.

If you’re interested in a lower-cost option, Blue by ADT is a good solution. Blue is a DIY system for homeowners on a budget who still want 24/7 monitoring by a trusted name, but are comfortable installing it themselves (which takes 20 minutes or less).

Why we chose it: If you’re looking for a professionally-monitored home security system that you can discontinue at any time, SimpliSafe should be your top choice. The comany offers products, services and pricing that compare to other top brands, but without the burden of an expensive monthly service contract.

SimpliSafe offers a customizable, affordable and easy-to-install home security package for those looking to avoid a lengthy contract period. It offers an array of products, including motion sensors, entry sensors, indoor and outdoor security cameras, smart locks, video doorbells, glass break alarms and more. Products are drill-free and run on batteries, communicating with the professional monitoring system via WiFi and a backup cellular hub.

Monthly monitoring service plans start at $17.99/mo for full service, $9.99/mo for camera-only customers, or a free option if you just want to add the alarm system but not have it professionally monitored. If you want to be able to monitor and manage your system from a mobile app or sync with a home automation device like Amazon Alexa, you’ll have to upgrade to the Interactive Monitoring package for $27.99/mo.

No contract is required, so service can be discontinued at any time without penalty. You also have 60 days to test out the system; if you’re unhappy with its performance, just let SimpliSafe know and you can return the security equipment for a full refund.

According to SimpliSafe, 97% of customers choose to install their own system, which is designed to be a quick and easy setup. If you aren’t the DIY home security system type, though, and want your new system to be professionally installed, you can add this service for $99.

Why we chose it: When it comes to home security systems that offer DIY home security installation, Frontpoint is the clear frontrunner. Its products easily integrate with other systems, making it easy to add new features to an existing system. And the company offers phone support throughout the installation process.

Frontpoint products can be purchased as a package or à la carte. Its home security product lineup includes cameras (live view indoor, outdoor and doorbell), sensors (glass break, door, window, smoke and heat, carbon monoxide, flood and garage door tilt), and home automation options (outdoor smart plugs, wireless light controls and smart door locks). It doesn’t offer indoor smart plugs, however, and basic system keypads are a standard alphanumeric setup; if you want a touchscreen or other premium features, they’ll come at an extra cost.

Installation with Frontpoint is DIY, but the company does offer support over the phone. A professional monitoring plan is available for $49.99 per month with a contract period of 36 months. There is a risk-free 30-day trial offered, and you can return the system at any time during that period for a full refund.

Why we chose it: Because it offers options for integrating all of your security systems into one secure hub, Vivint Home Security earns our nod for the best security system for both homes and vehicles. This can help customers better monitor all of their property and also use the features of one system to protect the other.

Vivint offers a fully-customized home security package with professional installation, so you can be confident in your family’s safety from day one. It offers home cameras, smart locks, garage door systems, sensors, smart lighting, smart thermostats and more, and systems communicate with home automation devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Aside from our homes, our cars are usually our most valuable possessions — plus, they tend to hold a lot of our personal belongings and information. Protecting our vehicles can be almost just as important as protecting our homes, which is where the Vivint system shines. Vivint also offers Car Guard, a system that enables you to track your vehicle, monitor alerts and disturbance notifications, diagnose issues and even trigger home alerts (such as your porch lights) if a vehicle alert is received.

Equipment packages can be pricey, though the cost can be spread out over the course of a 60-month contract. Monthly monitoring is required and ranges from $29.99 to $45 per month. There is also no DIY installation option, so you’ll need to pay for a professional to come and set up your system; this cost can be between $99 and $250.

Why we chose it: Ring offers budget-friendly and no-contract options for those interested in a security system with either self-monitoring or professional monitoring.

Owned by Amazon, Ring is a convenient, budget-friendly, and highly-customizable home security option. Though Ring used to be limited to video doorbells and cameras that can be monitored by your Apple or Android phone, it now offers a wide range of products and services including professional 24/7 monitoring.

With Ring, you can opt for a smart doorbell, indoor camera, outdoor camera, smart lighting, door sensors and window alarms, smoke alarm, flood alarm and more. The products can be purchased à la carte, bundled into a custom package or purchased as a pieced security kit. They integrate with other Amazon devices, like Alexa, and even offer voice control of the system; however, they have limited functionality with other devices (such as Google Home).

Ring products are designed to be easy to install, and everything you’ll need is included in the box. However, professional installation can be requested in your area. Ring Protect systems run on a WiFi connection but can also include 24/7 backup internet in case of disconnections or outages.

Ring can be a self-monitored system who those who simply want to install a few home security cameras and a video doorbell. For a single doorbell camera, the subscription cost is just $3 per month; to record from all of your devices, it’s a $10 monthly charge. If you’re looking for a complete home alarm system and the security of a professional monitoring center, Ring Alarm Pro offers plans starting at $20 a month. Subscriptions can be canceled anytime without penalty, and there are no contracts.

Other companies we considered

In choosing these companies as our top picks for home security solutions, we looked at many different providers and systems. Some didn’t quite make the cut, but are still worth mentioning.

For example, Abode is a DIY home security option that installs in just minutes. It offers live camera views and a range of products with an optional monthly monitoring fee of just $8.33 when prepaid annually. However, in order to store your video feeds on the Adobe cloud, you have to have an active plan. If you opt out of its monitoring plan, you can view live feeds from your system but they are not stored in the cloud and you can’t revisit them later. Also, the starter kits (as well as some of the products) can be somewhat basic in nature.

We also looked at Brinks Home Security systems, a trusted name with more than a million customers nationwide. It offers top-notch products and a 5-diamond emergency response center. However, Brinks doesn’t offer DIY installation or self-monitoring options, and a consultation is required to get a price quote.

Home Security Systems Guide

How do home security systems work?

There are many different types of home security systems. The goal of each is to protect your home and assure you that your loved ones and belongings are always secure. The way that each of these systems works is a bit different, however.

Professionally installed home security

A professionally-installed home security system is one that’s connected to a monitored network, and typically requires a monthly monitoring fee. These systems may be controlled remotely, such as through a mobile app or web platform, and can often connect with other smart home systems, like thermostats, door locks and lights.

Professionally-installed systems offer some combination of door, window and motion sensors, and may even monitor for things like fire and carbon monoxide. If an alarm event occurs, these systems will connect with the monitor network, which can evaluate the situation and send help if needed.

DIY home security

Do-it-yourself systems are those that homeowners can purchase and install themselves. These might include a combination of cameras, door and window alarms, motion detectors and even fire or CO alarms. Depending on the system, they may also connect to other smart home system components, such as door locks and lights.

DIY systems generally don’t offer professional monitoring services, though they do allow for remote monitoring through a web or smartphone platform. While a monthly monitoring fee is not required, a monthly access fee might be.

Professionally installed home security vs DIY home security

	Professionally-installed home security	DIY home security
Installation	By a licensed professional	By the homeowner
Remote access to system	Possible	Typical
Monitoring services	Yes	No
Price	$$$ to $$$$	$ to $$$

How much is a home security system?

The cost of your home security system depends on the products, the type of system and the type of monitoring chosen. The most basic system could consist of a front porch camera or video doorbell for around $100, and smartphone access may cost a few dollars a month. However, an advanced and customized home security system with 24/7 professional monitoring could easily cost hundreds of dollars with monitoring fees in the $30-$50 range.

There are many options to choose from if you’re looking to cut home security system costs, including DIY installation and self-monitoring.

How to choose a security system for your home

Not sure how to choose the right security system for you and your family?

Step 1: Do your research

It’s important to know how each system operates and what you need to best keep your home safe. If you don’t have a reliable internet connection or you worry about internet outages, for example, you’ll want to choose a system that uses a landline or cellular backup hub. If you’re only looking to add a couple of cameras to your home, you may need a different system than someone who wants to hardwire every door and window.

The five companies above are a great place to start your search!

Step 2: Know the different ways alarm systems communicate

Before you choose a system, you’ll need to determine which kind you prefer and how you want it to communicate.

Some alarm systems send an alert to your phone. Others sound an alarm at a keypad or base. Many systems are connected to a network with professional monitoring, where alerts will result in a phone call, audible response or even the automatic dispatch of police, fire or EMS.

Step 3: Get professional estimates

Shopping around means getting price quotes. Some systems will let you build a package online, while others may require a personalized consultation. Once you know the kind of system you want, spend some time getting professional estimates and then compare the cost of both the equipment and ongoing monitoring.

Step 4: Have the system professionally installed

Don’t feel comfortable installing the system yourself (or aren’t allowed to)? Get it professionally set up!

Many companies will include professional installation in their packages, either as a courtesy or for an additional charge. This makes it easy to get your new system up and running and make sure it’s working properly.

Step 5: Consider subscribing to a monitoring service

Professional monitoring of your home security system can give you added peace of mind knowing that help is only a click away. If you’re unable to call for help, or if emergency services are required while you’re away, a monitoring service can step in and take the steps that are vital for you and your household’s safety and health.

How We Chose The Best Home Security Systems

In choosing the best home security systems, we looked at many different factors. Some families are most concerned with pricing, so we looked at the cost of both the system components and the monitoring services for each company. Other families are intent on building a system that can completely protect their loved ones, so we also looked at the products, performance and services offered.

We considered how each system operates, how difficult installation could be and whether contracts were required. Then, we looked at how easily families can monitor their own systems and manage them with their existing home automation setups.

Home Security Systems Bottom Line

Buying a home security system can be a great way to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected against any number of perils. Finding the right system, though, often depends on your budget, the layout of your home and how you plan to manage your services.

Each company in this list offers excellent products with competitive features and rates and is a great place to start your search if you’re in the market for a new system.

• Best for Versatility: ADT
• Best for No Contracts: SimpliSafe
• Best DIY Home System Setup: Frontpoint
• Best for Home and Vehicles: Vivint
• Best Budget Option: Ring