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Most Trusted Name
ADT is a pioneer in home security with highly customizable wireless and hardwired security options. ADT’s indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras are all smart-home ready, which can lower your home insurance premium. Grab a 36-month ADT video plan today and get a Google Nest Outdoor Camera and Video Doorbell for free—or try one of their brand new DIY packages with pro monitoring.
Best DIY Pick
SimpliSafe is a low-cost, DIY home security system with both professionally monitored and self-monitored options. SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans are affordable, starting at a buck per day, and now allow emergency services to see and speak to intruders. Pick up a complete SimpliSafe package today for 45 percent off.
Smart Security Pick
Vivint is a top–of-the-line wireless security system with advanced smart home features and indoor and outdoor cameras designed to detect and deter crime before it happens. Their 4-star-rated mobile app lets you monitor all your connected smart devices — cameras, locks, lighting, and heating — from one place.
Most Trusted Name
Bottom Line: ADT is a highly-customizable system that offers wireless and hardwired systems. We consider them the pioneers of home security and the most popular provider amongst homeowners.
Best DIY Pick
Bottom Line: There’s a lot going for SimpliSafe, a no-contract system that simplifies home security. SimpliSafe delivers DIY protection at refreshingly affordable prices.
Smart Security Pick
Bottom Line: Vivint is a high-end wireless system that offers speedy professional installation. They have indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camera options and advanced smart home capabilities.
Bottom Line: Alder offers a “Total Life Safety System” with environmental monitoring, emergency alerts for seniors, and easy DIY home protection.
Bottom Line: Cove provides 24/7 monitoring in a DIY, easy-to-use security system.
Bottom Line: Frontpoint is a wireless security system that's easy to install with affordable 24/7 monitoring. Their customer satisfaction really stands out - 94% are willing to recommend them to friends or family.
Bottom Line: Sleep safe and sound with a low-cost security system loaded with the latest features. Brinks is a top contender—that is, if you can stomach the 3-year contracts.
Bottom Line: Affordable, whole home, DIY security for all types of homes, including apartments and condos.
Bottom Line: abode is a smart home security system with an impressive CUE home automation platform.
Bottom Line: Comprehensive multi-layered deterrence with robust next-generation cameras and artificial intelligence. One American home is burglarized every 9 seconds—don't let it be yours!
A home security system is pretty easy to define. It’s a collection of technological components designed to keep you and your family safe from home invasions, burglaries, and environmental disasters. Equipment can be wired or wireless with a central hub. Components usually include door/window sensors, motion detectors, flood sensors, fire alarms, glass break sensors, and security cameras. Typically, security systems sound an alarm when the system is breached. Many provide real-time mobile alerts as well.
So much for the definition. It’s much tougher to identify which systems out there protect homes the best. And deciding which one is right for you? That can be nearly impossible. There are dozens of great systems out there with tons of unique features.
Luckily, you have us. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you: deciding exactly which systems are the best of the best. You still have to decide which is the right one for you, but that should be a lot easier too, since we’ve got all the relevant details listed below. By the time your done reading through our selections, you’ll know everything from how much security systems cost to what kind of resolution their cameras offer.
Now let’s get to it!
System | ADT Security | SimpliSafe Home Security | Vivint Smart Home | Alder Home Security | Cove Security | Frontpoint Home Security | Brinks Home Security | Ring Alarm | abode | Deep Sentinel Security |
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Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th |
SecureScore™ | 9.2 | 9.2 | 9.1 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.7 | 8.2 | 8.0 | 7.9 |
Best For | Most Trusted Name | Best DIY Pick | Smart Security Pick | Best Cellular Monitoring | Fastest Response Favorite | Custom Features Pick | Google Home User Favorite | Budget Buyer’s Pick | Top Innovative IoT Hub | Best Professional Monitoring |
Money-Back Guarantee | 6 Months | 60 Days | None | 30 Days | 30 Days | 60 Days | 45 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days |
Warranty | Varies | Lifetime | 120 Days | Lifetime | 3 Years | 3 Years | Lifetime | 1 Year | 1 Year | Lifetime |
Monitoring | Professional | Self or professional | Professional | Professional | Professional | Professional | Professional | Self or professional | Self or professional | Professional |
Minimum Subscription Length | 36 months | 1 month | 1 month | 36 months | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month |
Battery Backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Cameras Available? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Environmental Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Read Review | ADT Review | SimpliSafe Review | Vivint Review | Alder Review | Cove Review | Frontpoint Review | Brinks Review | Ring Alarm Review | Abode Review | Deep Sentinel Review |
Pro Tip: Did you know you can have a security system setup from the most trusted name in the industry with no upfront equipment fees? See our ADT pricing page to see just how affordable top-shelf home security systems can be.
Systems Tested | 35+ |
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Test Duration | 14-21 days |
Equipment Cost | $189+ |
Monthly cost | $9.99+ |
Now that we’re well into the new year and all the Black Friday and Holiday sales are over, you might think it would be tough to get a good deal on home security. Not so. Home security companies offer periodic sales throughout the year. Some, like SimpliSafe seem to run some sale or other all the time. And hey, Easter is coming up. Then Mother’s Day. You get the idea.
When it comes to home security, ADT is a household name. How did it get there? Well, for one thing, the company has been in business for nearly a century and a half. And it shows. ADT knows how to build a comprehensive security system. Don’t think, for instance, that their age means they’re stuck in the past. Far from it, in fact. In our test drives of ADT home security systems, we’ve found they’re constantly innovating, offering customers some of the best equipment and monitoring available. History and knowledge coupled with cutting-edge technology? That’s a winning combination.
From a cost perspective, ADT does tend to be on the higher end. It’s not prohibitively expensive — and they do offer financing options — but you will be paying more than you would with some of the newer DIY-friendly companies. That said, in the security industry, you get what you pay for. If you want the best protections in the industry, ADT is certainly one to check out.
Pro Tip: We know ADT isn’t the cheapest security system out there, but if you’ve been a little hesitant about the price, there’s good news. Right now they’re offering up to 30 percent off new systems. You will need to sign up for an extended contract, but don’t let that scare you either — as you’ll read in our guide to ADT’s contracts, that term isn’t as restrictive as it sounds.
That being said, we’ve experienced inconsistencies in customer support. Here’s the problem: ADT operates as a franchise business with dealers all over the country. When you’re dealing with local dealers rather than a centralized company headquarters, there are bound to be significant differences in what components and whole systems cost. And, as you might expect, there are also significant differences in how different dealers treat customers.
Even still, ADT once again makes our list of best home security companies. Read our full ADT Review for more
Editor’s Note: ADT recently launched a DIY version of their popular security packages. Called ADT Self Setup, it uses wireless sensors from ADT and cameras from Google Nest. The new app, ADT+ ties the system together.
Monitoring Options | Professional only |
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Installation | Professional or DIY |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Equipment Cost | Starting at $600 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | Starting at $45.99 per month |
Contract Length | Start at 36 months |
Our next top-contender takes a dramatically different approach to home security than our number-one choice. SimpliSafe is a DIY-focused brand that lets customers take their security into their own hands. The only things they have in common with ADT, really, is their dedication to high-quality equipment and keeping their customers safe.
Over a decade ago SimpliSafe changed the security game with a new take on home safety. They offered systems that homeowners could install themselves that didn’t require professional monitoring. It sounds pretty standard now, but at the time — when nearly all systems required professional installation and monitoring — it was revolutionary. Of course, Simplisafe would eventually offer 24/7 professional monitoring, and we wholeheartedly endorse it. It’s just $30 per month. But it’s nice to have options, and we salute Simplisafe for giving them to us way back when.
These days, they’re a great choice for people looking to keep their families safe without a lot of frills and hassles. We think it’s also a great option for people who rent. You can take the equipment with you, and you don’t have to worry about penalties or installation fees at your new place. So if you want home security — without the steep prices or long-term contracts — we highly recommend looking into this provider. We have more covered with our full SimpliSafe review.
And one other thing to keep in mind — SimpliSafe recently released a new indoor security camera that’s meant to work with their innovative Fast Protect monitoring system. More on that in the review linked above, but the short version is that for $29.99 per month, SimpliSafe’s security experts will monitor your home. When an alarm is tripped, they can monitor the situation through your camera and relay important information to the authorities in real time.
FYI: All told, we’ve spent over 1,000 hours actively testing SimpliSafe security systems.
Monitoring Options | Self or professional |
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Installation | DIY or professional |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Equipment Cost | From $249.96 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $9.99 |
Contract Length | Month-to-month |
What impresses us most about Vivint is just how well the company seems to have mastered the art of automation. In fact, the company earned its spot on this list largely by impressing us with its home automation options, among the best we’ve seen on the market. That’s not to say Vivint sacrifices security for flashy AI and smart home integration. Quite the opposite, in fact. In this case, the technology isn’t just about flash. It really adds layers of security other companies can’t match. But be warned: top-of-the-line security comes with a hefty price tag.
FYI: Vivint’s pricing for its new cameras are as follows: The Vivint Indoor Camera Pro sells for $199.99, the Outdoor Camera Pro for $399.99, the Doorbell Camera Pro for $249.99, and the Spotlight Pro for $249.99.
You should also keep in mind that Vivint is definitely not a DIY system. For instance, it requires professional installation, and that’s not free. Monitoring is professional as well, and you have to sign a contract. That said, everything at Vivint is negotiable. We’ve heard a rumor, for instance, that if you ask nicely, Vivint will sometimes waive its installation fee.
This can help because the equipment is a bit pricey. You certainly get what you pay for, though — it’s the smartest security equipment we’ve ever tested, including a brand-new line of AI-powered cameras. And even though the equipment prices are steep, Vivint’s monthly monitoring cost is on-par with other top brands.
Overall, we think Vivint is a great fit for folks who want it all, but in one fully-integrated and streamlined system. See if it’s the right fit for you in our Vivint review.
Monitoring Options | Professional only |
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Installation | Professional only |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Equipment Cost | Depends on system |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | Starting at $29.99 per month |
Contract Length | Starting at 42 months |
We were initially drawn to Alder security systems because the equipment is so well designed. Sensors, monitors, and cameras look great–sleek and modern–and we found them all to be incredibly durable. The touch screen is just as impressive, with intuitive controls that put your entire system at your fingertips. Alder is more than just a pretty face.
Alder is more than just a pretty face, though. Where Alder really impressed us was with their incredibly fast response times — just 3.4 seconds on average. That’s lightning fast when you consider the industry standard is anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes. This is a major selling point for Alder. After all, the whole point of a security system is to keep you and your family safe. In an emergency situation, every second counts.
That said, there are a few downsides to Alder. We didn’t love the lack of camera options. There’s one indoor model, one outdoor model, and no video doorbell option at all. We were sort of forced to invite professional installers into our home. Installation was free, but we sort of like being in charge of where we set up our equipment. And we were also a little thrown by Alder’s high prices. The thing is, while you pay a high monthly fee, you can save a ton upfront on equipment. You can actually get $850 worth of equipment for free when you sign up for a three-year contract. Alder even throws in an outdoor security camera for 50 percent off. Overall, we think this up-and-coming security brand is a safe bet for anyone looking to marry top-tier security with stylish design.
See more in our full review of Alder.
Monitoring Options | 24/7 professional only |
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Installation | Professional or DIY |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Equipment Cost | $0 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | $35 |
Contract Length | 36 months |
Cove flies under the radar, but it offers exactly what many homeowners and renters are looking for. It’s an affordable home security system with simple setup and no-contract monitoring that you can rely on.
After taking it for a test ride, we can even say that Cove definitely has the potential to give industry giants like SimpliSafe and Frontpoint a run for their money, with money being the operative word. Unlike SimpliSafe, there’s no option with Cove to self-monitor. However, professional monitoring is just $18 per month, significantly lower than Simplisafe’s $30 per month. And Cove’s price is a full $32.00 less than Frontpoint charges. We’re also pretty high on Cove’s DIY process, which we found even easier than SimpliSafe’s. Plus, we don’t know any other companies out there that offer a lifetime guarantee on their equipment.
So why isn’t Cove higher on our list? Well, for starters they could use an update on what they offer in terms of features and hardware. Things are a little lean over at Cove, and stepping up their game in terms of home automation would really go a long way. We cover all of this in our Cove review, so head over there for more information.
Pro Tip: If you’re interested in high-tech security solutions, you might be interested in reading about the four ways AI can protect your home and family.
Overall, though, we think Cove has a lot of staying power — especially with their generous 60-day money-back guarantee and month-to-month service starting at only $17.99.
Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
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Installation | DIY |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Equipment Cost | From $87 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $17.99 |
Contract Length | 1 month |
We were initially drawn to Frontpoint by its “what you see is what you get” approach. We can’t tell you the number of times we’ve been burned by hidden fees and features that we had to pay to unlock. Frontpoint was upfront about everything. It helped that the system is so simple and straightforward. That simplicity extends to setup as well. Read our Frontpoint review, and you’ll learn we had no hiccups during the process, and had everything up and running in no time.
Affordability is another strong suit of Frontpoint’s. Their home security packages range from around $400 to $800, but they’re always running sales. Right now for instance, these packages are all between 69 and 85 percent off. That makes their Starter Home Security package just $79. A hub, keypad, three entry sensors and an indoor camera for less that you’d pay for a lot of cameras by themselves? Call us impressed.
In the end, though we discovered that Frontpoint offers a fresh take on DIY security with innovative, high-tech features like geofencing and home automation capacities. Overall, they offer solid products with great user experience at reasonable prices.
Monitoring Options | Professional only |
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Installation | DIY |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Equipment Cost | From $219.99 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | $50 |
Contract Length | 1-36 months |
Despite the fact that the Brinks company has been around since 1859, Brinks home security is actually a relatively recent entry on the home security market. For most of its history, Brinks was known as an armored car company. Later it provided ATM security. The company did establish a home security arm in 1982, but over the next twenty years that arm fizzled. It wasn’t until 2018 that the brand was revived a home security.
Despite that complicated history, and the fact that Brinks remains–oddly–a very new contender in home security, it has begun establishing itself. The Brinks model is full-service, which makes it a direct competitor with ADT. And, like ADT, the Brinks system comes with professional installation and 24/7 professional monitoring. It manages to provide those features, though at a lower cost than ADT. Brinks’s most affordable package is the Smart Security Essential package, which you can get for $360. ADT’s most affordable package, the Secure Package is $600, nearly double that. Similarly, Brinks’s monitoring plans are all around five to six dollars cheaper than ADT’s.
Of course, Brinks doesn’t quite live up to ADT’s standards, but it does offer some high-quality equipment that integrates well into either the Echo or Google Home eco-systems. If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to ADT, Brinks definitely fits the bill.
Discover more in our Brinks home security review.
Monitoring Options | Professional only |
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Installation | DIY |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Equipment Cost | From $199 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $39 |
Contract Length | 36 months |
Ring has become one of the most popular security systems on the market, and it’s easy to understand why. Ring isn’t the most advanced system on our list–Vivint holds that distinction–but it does offer innovative security options. Take the Ring Alarm Pro package, for example. Ring teamed up eero connectivity specialists, to add cellular connectivity to the base station’s existing Wi-Fi capabilities. With the Ring Protect Pro plan you get a full three GB of backup cellular data for all your connected devices — not just your motion detectors and cameras but your smartphones and laptops as well. That way you’re protected even if your internet should happen to go down.
Want even more advanced security technology? The Ring Always Home drone camera is now available for pre-order, although by invitation only through Amazon. These all-new drone cameras are at the cutting edge of the industry. If you’re looking for something new that you can actually get your hands on now, give Ring’s line of pet products a look. For just $10, you can tag your pet and always know where they are.
Ring’s prepackaged security kits offer intrusion protection with super-low monthly monitoring fees. Or… no monitoring fees at all if you choose the free “self-monitor” option. Plus, the company offers a wide range of camera options. Don’t forget to check out our Ring Alarm review for even more information about features and pricing.
Monitoring Options | 24/7 professional and DIY |
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Installation | DIY |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Equipment Cost | From $179.99 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | $20 |
Contract Length | 1-12 months |
Abode has three types of security systems. The Classic abode Kit includes a hub, a keypad, a fob, and a handful of sensors. The Smart Kit comes with a Smart hub, cellular backup, and a built-in 93 decibel siren to scare away problems. Finally, the upgraded iota Kit uses a hub with a built-in HD camera. We think it’s the best option, considering it’s just $70 more than the Smart Kit.
Whichever camera you choose, though, installation is simple enough, and you can’t go wrong with the black and white equipment design that really adds a modern touch anywhere you place them. Plus, all of these systems work with abode’s proprietary CUE home automation system.
Abode isn’t a flawless system by any means. We found equipment options to be limited and the equipment we got took us a while to connect. The instructions weren’t exactly intuitive, and the customer service representatives we managed to get on the phone weren’t trained well enough to answer our questions.
Still, the system worked great once we got it installed. Overall, we think abode works great for home protection and automation. Read more about their offerings in our abode review.
Monitoring Options | Professional and DIY |
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Installation | DIY |
Smart Platform Integration | Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit |
Equipment Cost | From $139.99 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $5.83 |
Contract Length | Month-to-month |
Deep Sentinel’s real selling point is its multi-layered, proactive approach to monitoring. Every system comes with an AI hub that analyzes video footage the moment that footage is captured. That hub can process fifty frames per second and uses sophisticated algorithms to filter out harmless activities keeping you and your family safe while eliminating false alarms.
The AI hub is just the first level of Deep Sentinel monitoring, though. In addition, trained security guards keep an eye on your property 24/7. When they detect an intrusion, they follow a series of guidelines that differentiate guests from criminals. They report all criminal activity immediately to emergency personnel, then use two-way audio to prevent dangerous situations from escalating.
This kind of protection isn’t cheap. You’ll pay premium fees for both equipment and monthly monitoring. And, like all full-service security companies, Deep Sentinel requires you to sign up for a minimum one-year contract. If you can afford it, though, you can count on Deep Sentinel to fully secure your home. In our experience with Deep Sentinel, we definitely felt secure having their monitoring center watching over our home. Did we feel a little invaded in the privacy department? Sure, but you have to take the bad with the good.
Read our full Deep Sentinel review to learn more.
Monitoring Options | 24/7 professional and DIY |
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Installation | DIY |
Smart Platform Integration | None |
Equipment Cost | $399 |
Monthly Monitoring Cost | $60 |
Contract Length | 1-12 months |
Curious about how we ranked our top 10 list? Well, we personally unbox the security systems and try them out to see how they measure up against the competition. With thousands of hours of hands-on testing under our belts, we have a proven process of getting to the “who’s who” in home security. Have a look for yourself!
We use a proprietary ranking system to give every home security system a numbered score, from 1 to 10. We call it the SafeHome.org SecureScore™, and it takes into account all of our research, testing, and a handful of other important factors. We think you’ll find our SecureScore™ to be a simple way to compare your options. It also helps you to see our research at-a-glance.
So why does Vivint get a 9.0, but Ring only gets a 7.8? And why don’t any of the systems get a perfect 10 SecureScore™? Keep reading to find out!
Pro Tip: We don’t recommend trusting any “expert” industry site that doesn’t readily share their editorial guidelines or ranking methodology. Remember, not all advice is created equal.
Keep in mind that a whole range of factors goes into narrowing down and ranking the best home security systems out there. Our SecureScore™ ranking factors include:
Our team of security experts has over 75 years of combined experience and 10,000+ hours of research under their belts. We’re in the industry trenches every day, learning about new security products and other ways to protect your home and family.
It really depends. Wireless home security systems are nice because they are simple to set up and there are no wires for criminals to cut. On the other hand, hardwired security systems don’t rely on batteries, so you’ll have a more stable power source.
We think many Americans can afford a home security system. They start at only $150-$200 for a basic system, and you can even self-monitor for free (no monthly payments). It used to be that home security systems cost $500-$1,000 or more — but these days companies are offering affordable DIY systems to stay competitive in the market.
Not at all! While some brands require a 1-5 year contract for monthly monitoring, others let you pay month-to-month. SimpliSafe and Ring are two such companies that don’t require a contract. But keep in mind, a contract can actually be a great tool to help lower costs. For instance, if you want Vivint’s equipment but don’t have the cash, you can finance it over time (contract) and pay as little as $10-$20 per month for equipment.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) systems are very simple to install and set up. They typically take about 10-30 minutes to get going, and most companies offer an app that guides you through the step-by-step process.
Some people get overwhelmed with new technology. If that’s you, no problem, we recommend checking out ADT, Vivint, or Xfinity — all of which offer a professional installation service.
While we recommend signing up with professional monitoring, it’s not always necessary. Note that most security brands make it ultra-easy to self-monitor using their mobile app. But if your home is targeted by porch pirates or burglars, just know that it’s up to you to call the police.