Best Home Security Systems

When it comes to securing your home, everyone naturally wants quality and reliability, but good value is an important factor too, especially because the cost of these systems can add up over time. But nowadays, peace of mind comes a lot cheaper and easier than it used to. Not to mention, most home security companies now have embraced the latest home automation technologies and are incorporating numerous features that weren’t available to the average consumer just 5 years ago. There are a lot of systems out there, so to make it easy for you, our team has done the research across all of the top home security brands and has compared everything from their features, pricing, ease of use, durability, customer service, customer reviews,  brand reputation and much more to determine which systems represent the best value. Here are our top 3 favorites:

#1 Best Overall Value:

Frontpoint is suitable for 95% of households and the company is known for their outstanding customer service.

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#2 Best Home Automation & Technology:

For those who need the best and want superior home automation and don’t mind paying for it.

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#3 Most Affordable System:

A great value, easy-to-use, simple security system, with optional monthly fees and monitoring.

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Top 10 Highest Ranked Home Security Systems For 2018

1. 1. Frontpoint – Great all-around home security and home automation system combined with unmatched customer service.
   2. Vivint – Superior home automation system, with a great range of mostly proprietary peripherals and accessories.
   3. SimpliSafe – Best home security protection for budget shoppers.
   4. ADT – Household brand that’s been around for over 100 years. Mixed feedback depending on which franchise you deal with, but going direct will get you the best experience.
   5. Protect America – Known for its ability to work in rural areas.
   6. LiveWatch – Easy installation and competitive guarantee offer (if you ask for it).
   7. Link Interactive – Good all-around security protection without the predesigned packages – make it your own!
   8. Armorax – Flexible and versatile with pay-as-you-go options.
   9. Nest Secure – Outstanding platform that is bound to grow with additional accessories and options that can be seamlessly integrated.
   10. Scout – Young and promising simple home security company.

1. Frontpoint

When it comes to having a good experience with a security company, Frontpoint really stands out as the clear winner. Other security companies can’t even come close! Not only does it provide very good value for money, but it also offers a level of customer service that no other company can match. Their customer service is concierge level, and it’s second to none. No matter what time of day or night a customer calls in with a question or concern, Frontpoint will be ready to answer with knowledgeable, capable, and polite customer service representatives who are keen to help. Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the positives and negatives with Frontpoint:

Their dedication to customer service is one of the biggest reasons why Frontpoint is number one on our list of the top 10 highest ranked security systems. They offer something that other companies just can’t compete with, and they do it in a way that makes customers feel as though their business really matters. People like to be appreciated, and they like to feel that a company cares about them. Frontpoint gives them that, and then some.

Most likely, a homeowner with an active security system will never actually experience a break-in, so they will hopefully never need the full service functionality these systems provide. However, the value of customer service is so helpful to ensure proper setup and to answer any questions you might have along the way.

With prices for monitoring from $35 to $50 for most, the company is just a little more expensive than some. But, with superior quality and value, customers are happy to pay that little bit more for the added peace of mind. That’s one of the biggest advantages of dealing with the company and everything it offers, and it’s clearly worth the price.

There’s an activation fee of up to $199 for the system, but then that’s it. There are no other upfront fees, and with a DIY installation, you won’t be paying a lot of money for someone to come to your home to hook up your Frontpoint system for you. The value of this is in not needing to worry about whether you can be at home when the installer comes by to hook up the system. Instead, you can easily set it up on your own schedule and timetable, and then you can just sit back and enjoy the benefits of one of the best home security systems on the market today. Setup is incredibly easy, even much easier than we had anticipated.

There are also a lot of options that go with Frontpoint, too, including door and window sensors, great keypads and control panels, and more. If there’s something you’re looking for in a home security system, you can probably get it with Frontpoint. You can also expect excellent customer service, an installation that’s fast and easy to setup, and a very low-pressure sales approach that keeps you from feeling bothered about upgrade or additional purchases when you call in with questions or concerns. It’s a great way for the company to keep their customers feeling happy with their choice of security system.

Also, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, smash and crash protection that sends out a distress signal to Frontpoint in the event of a burglar trying to destroy the panel, and technology that’s compatible with Z Wave. As part of the group of best home alarm systems, Frontpoint has the distinction of being our #1 pick.

Who is Frontpoint best for?

Frontpoint is, in our opinion, the best all-around system for most individuals, families, and lifestyles. It has a robust feature set that serves most people’s purpose, without being too advanced. It’s incredibly easy to install and can be moved from home to home, making it suitable for both renters and owners.For a more in-depth look, see our editors Frontpoint review here.

2. Vivint

With Vivint, there’s a lot of great things to say about this company, and definitely enough to make it stand out as our number two pick for the best home alarm system, particularly for its technology and home automation options. The company’s customer service has seen vast improvements in recent years, and it has helped the company come a long way. Here’s a quick summary:

Unlike Frontpoint, Vivint requires professional installation and doesn’t offer a DIY option. But they do have free professional installation, and they only charge a nominal fee for outdoor cameras or doorbell cameras. Everything else is included, so you can get door and window sensors and a good quality keypad without worrying about how much installation will cost. It’s important to focus on the overall value you’re getting for your money, instead of just the cost of the setup. There are even flexible financing options for the equipment, in case you need more than what your budget is comfortable with.

Although the technology is very advanced, it’s also very user friendly too, so it’s easy to get started once the system is installed, and then working your system is generally quite intuitive too. There’s also cellular monitoring and two-way voice communication too as nice touches. The equipment is efficient, and if you choose their premium service, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty on the equipment itself. That can go a long way toward protecting your budget and ensuring that you’re making the right investment. All of this means you can have peace of mind that you are well protected. The monthly monitoring cost is around $40 to $50 per month, and Vivint customer service will be excited to sell you their latest and greatest options. The system is a good one for the money spent. See a more in-depth Vivint review here.

3. SimpliSafe

If you want one of the best home security systems on the market but don’t want a contract, SimpliSafe may be the right option for you. It’s less of a traditional security system and more of a monitoring system for people who understand the value of simplified home security. For people who are looking for monitoring systems to be used in an urban or suburban location, SimpliSafe has a lot to offer. Here’s a quick summary of their pros and cons:

It’s a DIY installation system, so you don’t have to take the time out of your busy life to wait for someone to come hook things up for you. Instead, you can just get the equipment and set everything up on your own. It’s great for people who are on a budget, and it’s also great for people who rent—You can take the equipment with you when you move, and won’t have to worry about being charged another installation fee for setting things up in your new location. If you choose SimpliSafe, you also won’t have to worry about canceling a contract and paying a high fee if you move to an area where a service provider doesn’t operate this system.

You have to buy the equipment upfront, but that means you own it, and it reduces the monitoring costs every month. That can make things easier for anyone who’s on a monthly budget and don’t want to spend a lot of money on monitoring. You can pay as little as $15 to $25 a month for SimpliSafe monitoring, depending on whether mobile access is important to you. That’s about half of what you would pay with some of the other best home security systems, and it can be well worth it for budget-conscious people who still want a good system.Read more about what our team found with Simplisafe here.

4. ADT

ADT is a well-known household name, but what makes it one of the best home security systems? It’s the service and availability, along with the reliability it provides. There are multiple centers for monitoring ADT alarms all over the country, so the chance of an outage is very low. There’s also 140 years of experience backing the company, so you know it has been around long enough to know how to provide customers with what they want and need. Phone and email support are provided on a 24/7 basis, and it’s possible to get an installation completed on the same day. You can also expect $500 in theft protection in case you get broken into while you have ADT monitoring installed. Here’s a quick summary of their pros and cons:

ADT is traditionally just a little more expensive than other options, at an average of $53.99 per month, but most people who have the system can expect to pay between $37 and $60, depending on what plan and equipment they choose, along with some other factors. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad value, because the company has a lot to offer. For instance, the activation fee is only $99, and there’s no up front fee for installation. That can help people who really want an ADT monitoring system to get what they’re looking for without having to break the bank.

You can control your garage door, lights, locks, and more right through your cell phone. There’s no relocation option if you need to move, so ADT works best for established homeowners who are going to be at the same location for a longer period of time. The franchise nature of ADT can also mean that you’ll find a somewhat inconsistent level of customer service and support depending upon where you are based, and that can be frustrating when you are used to receiving good service, but move somewhere else, and suddenly have poor service. On the whole, though, most ADT franchises are very good with customers, and are committed to providing a high level of quality and value for everyone who contracts with them.

As the nation’s most popular provider, it definitely makes the list of our best home security companies, but it’s not a perfect solution for everyone. It’s important to remember that all people are different, and what’s right for one might not be the best for another. With that in mind, consumers love ADT for the most part, and in most locations. Read more about our ADT review here.

5. Protect America

Protect America is another one of the best home alarm systems, and definitely makes our list. Some of the perks of using this system include a rate that’s locked in for life and a lifetime equipment warranty. Those are both great ways to provide strong customer service, and to show that the customers matter to the company. Additionally, you don’t need to pay an activation or installation fee with this DIY option security system. It’s great value for the money, and you can even try it for free for 30 days to see if you like the equipment, monitoring, and service. Here are their pros and cons:

One thing this company offers that many others don’t is the option for broadband and landline monitoring. That can help customers in rural areas who might have trouble getting other companies to cover and protect them. In fact, on Protect America’s lowest priced package, landline monitoring is what’s automatically offered. In a rural location, you could be covered by this company and still not have to pay a lot of money every month. There are mixed home security system reviews on both the company and the mobile app, but most customers seem to really love what they’re getting through this company.

If you’re on a budget, it can be well worth trying Protect America, since the company offers landline monitoring packages starting at only $19.99 per month. That makes it very affordable for a lot of people, and can help ensure that everyone who wants to have a security system can get one they can afford to pay for. The peace of mind that comes with a security system is important, and that value shouldn’t be overlooked.

Protect America is going to stay firmly on our list of best home security systems, even with some negative reviews from customers, because they are exactly what some people need: a low-cost option that works well and that can be used even in rural areas. Without expensive monitoring every month, and with choices that work with a lot of different locations, this company is on the right track toward providing a strong, high-quality experience for the end user. See our more comprehensive review of Protect America here.

6. LiveWatch

With a one-year money-back guarantee, LiveWatch also makes our list of the best home security systems. The closest competitor to that length of guarantee is SimpliSafe, who offer 60 days. So this is a huge benefit from going with LiveWatch, where you can literally try it for a year and then if you decide you don’t like it, you can get your money back. No one else in the industry offers that same kind of guarantee. But once you’ve been with this company for a while, the chances are high that you won’t want to change. Instead, you’ll love that it offers you so much for the money you’re spending. In summary, here’s their pros and cons:

The company advertises a two-year warranty on its equipment, as well, but if you ask when you sign up, you should be able to get a free lifetime warranty. But you have to ask. If you don’t ask at sign-up, you’ll only get the two-year option. There aren’t any termination fees if you decide at a later date that you don’t want to use this company anymore. Also, while you’re a customer, you can enjoy 100% cellular monitoring. There’s also support for Z Wave technology, and that includes lights, locks, and even smaller appliances.

The only installation option offered is DIY, so if you want or need a professional installation, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But regardless of that, the system is easy to set up and get started.
LiveWatch can be a great choice for the right customer. The company’s long money-back guarantee time shows that it believes in the equipment and monitoring service it’s offering, so you can too. There’s a lot of peace of mind that comes with a security system, and when you know you have an entire year to decide if it’s the right one for you, that can make your peace of mind even stronger.

7. Link Interactive

Another good DIY option for the best home security system is Link Interactive. This system provides some of the best equipment available, and it has done away with a lot of the predesigned packages it had in the past. Now, you can pick and choose what’s right for your needs, so you can get the setup that’s best. That’s not always an option with companies that offer security services, as most of them have a set group of packages you have to pick from—and adding anything or making changes usually costs extra. Here are some of their pros and cons:

Fortunately, Link Interactive is very transparent, and the company understands that what works best for one person, might not work for another, even in similar situations. It’s so customizable, and that’s one of the biggest reasons that it makes our list of the top 10 best home alarm systems. It’s also very open about its pricing, with a $31 to $41 range for most people, along with 12-, 24-, and 36-month contracts to choose from. Having those options and choices can go a very long way for a lot of people who are thinking about getting a security system but aren’t sure what’s best for them.

You won’t pay installation or activation fees with Link Interactive either, and setting up the system isn’t complicated. You can also try the system for 30 days for free, and return it if you don’t like it. The customer service reviews are good, so you know you’ll be getting good treatment if you have questions or concerns, and the equipment is warrantied for three years. Customer service does have limited hours, but they’re very helpful during the times they are open.

If you cancel during your contract period, you can expect to be asked to pay 75% of the balance remaining for that contract, so just be sure you’re happy with the great system and the length of contract you’re choosing before you sign up. To see a full review on link interactive, see here.

8. Armorax

If you want a system that you can truly customize and make all your own, Armorax is a nice option. This system offers a number of great perks, which is why it makes our best home alarm systems list. It has benefits that just about any homeowner can appreciate. For example, you can pay as you go, giving you flexibility and versatility that’s very hard to get in any kind of reliable, quality security system. That sets it apart, and customers love that they can purchase equipment if they want to in order to lower their monthly costs.

You can add devices to the system later, so you can scale up what you have at the beginning and build out your system to give you everything you really want. That includes additional window and door sensors or motion detectors, and even security cameras. The DIY installation is easy, and the versatility of a truly customizable security system solution is worth noting. The GC3 touch control panel and alarm.com compatibility are worth mentioning, but so is the mobile access fee and the upfront equipment costs. There’s a balance to be found with these types of systems, and Armorax appears to have found it.

There are versatile options for monitoring and a pay-as-you-go model, but the overall equipment monitoring is 100% cellular based. That helps reduce outages and improve the already high level of reliability this company has. Response times are fast, and SkyBell integration gives people just one more option when they choose Armorax. For customers who aren’t sure about this company, the customer service agents will be very happy to sell them a good system that will do everything they’re looking for.

Armorax has a good reputation overall, and can provide a truly unique type of solution for those who want to build their own security system just the way they want it. You can add to it over time, as well, making it a valuable choice if you plan to live in your current home and keep your current security plan for a number of years.

9. Nest Secure

Nest Secure makes our list of best home alarm systems partially due to all the neat gadgets that come along with it. While it’s definitely not the least expensive of the DIY installation home security options, at $499 there’s a reason why the starter kit is listed at that price. If you’re someone who’s already using Nest for your home, and you’re heavily invested in what that home automation system can offer, this is probably the perfect security system for you. You’ll even have the choice of whether you want to pay for professional monitoring or whether you’d prefer the self-monitoring option that won’t cost you as much.

The security sensors for this system are called Nest Detect sticks, and they pack motion sensors, window sensors, and door sensors all into one device. You can also use QuietOpen, so you can let the dog out without a problem by only deactivating that one door, or you can select Pathlight motion sensors to light up as you move to help guide your way. This is all part of an overall move toward home automation that many people are starting to explore and enjoy. The app is easy to use, as well, and of course the integration with other Nest products is seamless.

There are multiple entry options to protect everything that’s important to you, and the customer service from Nest is among the best. But that doesn’t mean Nest is perfect, and there are certain add-on subscriptions that you have to have if you want to do specific things with the system. These include T-Mobile cellular backup and Nest Aware, both of which can be costly. That’s especially true for people who are just starting out with Nest. The other concern that some people have with Nest is that they’re owned by Google, which is notorious for collecting data on users. If you’re someone who doesn’t want something in your house that may be recording your personal data, like when you’re home or away, when your home is armed or unarmed, and might possibly use that for advertising purposes, it might be best to look elsewhere.

If you’re not sure if Nest Secure is for you, or if you don’t already have a growing Nest ecosystem at your home, this might not be the right option for you. But for people who love what Nest has to offer, or who have always wanted a security system with these types of extra features and home automation compatibility that is sure to expand, then Nest Secure could be exactly the right choice for you.

10. Scout

With Scout, you can pay as little as $9.99 per month; although if you want a plan that’s connected to a professional monitoring center, you’ll need to pay $19.99 per month. Still, that’s a very low price for a great company plan. Also, the equipment you’ll receive with this company is some of the best we’ve seen, and it’s well designed and high quality. You won’t need to worry about outdated options here. Here are the pros and cons:

You’ll only need to pay a low monthly price for your monitoring services, making this one of the best home security systems if you’re on a budget or just don’t want to pay a lot for monthly monitoring.
There aren’t any cameras or thermostats offered with this company’s security system, but if you have a Nest Cam or a Nest Learning Thermostat, you can hook them right up. That compatibility is important, and helps sell the value of the Scout system. There are no installation or activation fees either, and you don’t have to sign any contracts. If you pay for a year in advance, the company will even discount their monitoring price by 10%! It’s a great way to get a good system and save some money too.

There’s an upfront cost for the equipment, and it’s a DIY installation, so if you’re looking for a professional to come hook up your new security system, that won’t happen with Scout. The company also hasn’t been in business that long, so it’s hard to say how well they’ll perform over time. The equipment selection is somewhat limited too, but the equipment they do offer is new and modern, and you can expect it to work well.

No matter what your reasons for choosing Scout, the quality equipment and low price are big benefits. They can really help a customer who wants to save some money and still have a nice security system protecting their home. The peace of mind that brings is important, so it’s vital to consider that when you’re deciding whether Scout is right for you. Read the full review of Scout.

Features Matter in a Home Security System

Now that you’ve read about why we love these 10 security systems more than others, it’s time to consider what you should really be looking for in a security system. Some things are definitely going to matter more than others, and when you know what you want from the system, you’ll be better able to select the right home security system that’s suited to your needs.

One of the most important issues when taking a look at a security systems is what kinds of features are offered. The features provided can be all important, but not all of them are utilized at the same rate and frequency. In short, customers want certain features more than others. The easier something is to use, and the more application it has to daily life, the more likely it will be that homeowners will want it in their security system.

Those kinds of features have greater weight in ranking systems, mostly because they show that they are the things that consumers care about. Whether something offers a DIY or professional installation, the quality of equipment offered, and the value of customer service all ranked highly in our list, since homeowners are focused on these things. Additionally, what could be controlled through a smart phone app and whether there were false alarms and fast response times were deemed important as well.

Is DIY or a professional home security installation right for you?

Among the biggest decisions to make when deciding which home security company to choose is whether you want to install it yourself or have a professional do it. Some people love the idea that they can install the system themselves, while others are concerned about being able to do the installation correctly. Additionally, some people want a professional to come to their home and show them how the system works, while others want to figure things out on their own. Which kind of person you are and what you can accommodate in your daily schedule are both going to matter when you are considering the installation options.

Generally, having a professional come and do the installation means they can also teach you more about the security system you’re going to be using. But it can also be frustrating if you need to take a day off work in order to be there for the installer. Also, most companies will only specify a day, but not a time for the installation or may specify a several-hour window when the installer will arrive—and of course, it will take some time for the actual installation too. Being aware of all of this beforehand can help you make the right choice.

With a DIY installation, there’s no need to worry about the timing: You simply get the equipment and hook it up when it’s convenient for you. That makes it a lot more convenient for people with busy schedules. But one problem with this kind of installation is that no one is there to walk you through how the system works. You also don’t have someone to help you get it hooked up, and if you have to work with customer service over the phone, it can become stressful. Still, there’s something that feels quite nice about being able to install the system yourself and to get it working right.

Are home security systems worth the price?

In the vast majority of cases, home security is undoubtedly worth the price. Crime can happen even in the nicest and most secure of neighborhoods, although it’s much less likely to occur there. In truth, no matter where you live, there’s always a chance your home could be broken in to. But it’s not just about crime. There are fires, floods, and other kinds of natural and man-made disasters that a security system can alert you to. That’s true whether you’re in the home or somewhere else at the time, and it’s important that you know what’s going on.

Some people think that the cost of home security isn’t in their budget. But there are so many good choices on our list that really don’t cost a lot upfront or monthly. Most people can at least afford a monitoring system, and that can give most the peace of mind they’re looking for. If you want to have a good home security system you can trust and rely on, the above list will give you plenty of great options to choose from.

At the end of the day, the best home alarm system is the one that covers your needs and meets your requirements. If it gives you security, protection, and peace of mind, then it’s the right choice.

Still undecided? Take a look at the below categories to further narrow down your choices by the type of system.