Best Home Security Systems for Apartments

Like we said above, SimpliSafe is our top choice for its ease of installation and affordable prices, but there’s more to this security provider.

Let’s start with monitoring. SimpliSafe’s monitoring costs are among the lowest in the home security market, with standard monitoring starting at just $19.99 per month. They also recently released their Fast Protect monitoring service that works in tandem with their new indoor camera. With this crime-fighting duo, emergency response agents can look through your camera when an alarm sounds to confirm the presence of a threat and get authorities on their way with the information they need. The monthly cost for that? $29.99.

You can also completely forego the monitoring service. In that case, you have an additional two options. First, you can sign up for unlimited cloud recording and 30 days of cloud storage. That costs $9.99. Or, pay nothing, and make your system truly self-monitored. Keep in mind that in that case SimpliSafe will only notify you and try to deter burglars using its built-in sirens. Your protection stops there. It won’t call the police; that will be entirely your responsibility. And it won’t allow you to record what happens.

SimpliSafe’s equipment packages are priced between $250 and $700. You can also build a SimpliSafe system from the ground up, one of many reasons we rated SimpliSafe as one of the most affordable security systems available. Learn more in our complete SimpliSafe plan and cost guide. And remember, right now, their security packages are 40 percent off.

If you’re not looking for frills, the SimpliCam, SimpliSafe’s original indoor camera, works well as part of the larger SimpliSafe system and only costs $99. Their outdoor camera, which connects through Wi-Fi and includes unlimited Cloud storage with a monitoring plan, costs $189.99. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of their standalone equipment and prices:

SimpliSafe Security Equipment Breakdown

And don’t let the SimpliSafe’s DIY approach scare you off. Installation couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is plug in the base station, stick your sensors up on the wall — you don’t even need a power drill — and control everything from your smartphone. And if you ever end up deciding to move, the system is super simple to take down, pack up, and bring with you. No renegotiating contracts, and you won’t need techs to come uninstall everything.

If you’re an apartment dweller, Alder offers a lot to like.

First, their equipment is 100 percent wireless. That makes installation extremely easy. All told, it took us about 10 to 20 minutes to get our system up and running. Even better, wireless means you won’t be scuffing the walls with power tools. Hey, you might even get that security deposit back! Best of all, though, we were able to customize our package to our particular needs, so we got everything we needed for apartment living and nothing we didn’t.

In terms of features, Alder provides the latest in technology. Proof of that is the tablet-like control panel that will make you feel like you’re living in the future. The control panel facilitates all controls, plus it helps you monitor your system from your couch. It also puts you in touch with the monitoring center directly during emergencies thanks to its two-way voice feature.

As far as Alder’s system pricing goes, individual equipment costs aren’t so easy to find. It’s a setup that reminds us of Vivint, one of the smartest and most effective security systems we’ve tested. Instead of visiting a brand website and choosing from different packages and plans, we connected to a helpful agent who guided us through all of Alder’s options to find the right fit.

Once you’re all set up, your apartment is that much safer with the fastest response times in the industry. If there’s a break-in or emergency, Alder can respond as fast as 3.4 seconds! They also offer a couple of camera options — both indoor and outdoor — and a video doorbell camera option as well (third-party devices). Now, if you’re into home automation, rest assured the equipment works with Alexa for voice control, and you can even integrate Z-Wave compatible devices. So there should be plenty of smart home options to keep you busy.

Finally, it’s important to know that Alder operates with down-home values, and they seem to really care about their customers. This shines through in customer-friendly policies like lifetime warranties and free in-home installation. The company is even known to support local high schools and youth sports organizations. Pretty cool!

Frontpoint Security is consistently rated one of the best home security companies in the country. Their costs are competitive and they provide their customers with exceptional customer service. Frontpoint is one of our favorites for several reasons. Its easy, wireless installation makes Frontpoint one of our best DIY security system picks of the year. Even the least tool-savvy person can install this system in less than 30 minutes. And if you need assistance, Frontpoint’s customer service is among the best in the business.

All three of Frontpoint’s equipment packages come with 24/7 monitoring. Frontpoint’s monitoring includes a whole host of features like smart lock control, geo-location services, and full video and image history. Recently, the company also added video analytics. Basically, cameras can tell the difference between people, animals, and cars, and you can customize your alerts based on what they see.

One caveat of Frontpoint is the monitoring cost. While most apartment security systems offer optional monitoring services and affordable monthly fees, Frontpoint requires professional monitoring with a rather hefty fee. It costs $49 per month.

On the bright side, that fee covers everything from home security monitoring to home automation, and it offers plenty of features in between. For example, it enables your security cameras to record in the cloud for backup footage or evidence in case of a break-in.

If you’re looking for a security system a little more advanced than most DIY apartment security systems, and you’re willing to pay the higher monthly fee, Frontpoint is an excellent choice. Plus, if you decide to move out and live in a larger house in the future, Frontpoint has a customer-friendly moving process and your monthly fees won’t increase.

Starting at only $14.99 per month, Cove has come onto the DIY home security scene with something to prove. The costs of a Cove system are among the lowest out there, making it a top pick for affordable home security as well as for solid apartment security. We recently used the system in our home, and we were pleased with how quick and easy it was to get up-and-running. The installation took 10 minutes from start to finish, making it a great choice if you live in an apartment. And since there’s no drilling required, you can take it with you and keep the landlady happy.

Cove also offers two security cameras to help you keep an eye on things. Here’s a breakdown of their offerings, their features, and their prices. What’s more, this equipment is currently on sale.

Cove Security Camera Breakdown

Note, however, that Cove does require a monthly monitoring fee (no self-monitoring option). That said, it’s one of the cheapest monitoring plans we’ve seen, and it’s definitely reliable. We experienced 30 second response times, and the police even showed up when they thought there was trouble brewing. We also got a lot of use out of Cove’s “Custom Actions” feature, allowing us to set smart automations in the mobile app.

We’re fans of choice, so we like the fact that Brinks offers both a DIY installation and a professional installation option. DIY has the advantage of being free, of course, and if there’s one thing we like better than options it’s free options. Still, professional installation comes with a lifetime warranty, and for $199 that’s not bad, especially for anyone who might be tool-challenged.

There is a contract requirement with Brinks, which is three years with most of their plans. But what makes the Brinks option so attractive is that it works with a wide variety of smart home devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant, etc, whereas most other home security equipment isn’t as flexible. Another thing to keep in mind is that cameras are not included in the basic package. If you want indoor cameras, you will have to subscribe to the upper tier monitoring plan.

Overall, you really can’t go wrong with Brinks, especially now that they have merged with Livewatch and Moni. This gives them an edge over the competition because of their flexibility and versatility when it comes to overall equipment and monitoring options many of which can be used with third-party home automation features. Not to mention their affordable plan options that span a fairly wide budget spectrum so they have something for just about everyone.

For much more insight and considerations on Brinks, visit our full Brinks security system review.

Abode was founded in 2014, so they are a relative newcomer to the home security landscape. However, they are quickly becoming one of the top contenders in the industry. In fact, Abode has an 8.3 out of 10 customer rating on Trustpilot based on more than 1756 reviews!

Abode is also a popular option for those who live in an apartment because they don’t require a long-term contract, their equipment is affordable, customizable, and compatible with a variety of third-party devices. All of which offers apartment dwellers the flexibility they need in a security system.

In our full abode analysis, the system allowed for self-monitoring, which meant we could opt out of professional monitoring.

Abode has a seemingly endless number of add-ons to go with its basic equipment packages, including water leak sensors, indoor sirens, signs, decals, and five different kinds of window sensors. The company produces smart products, like smart plugs and light bulbs in a variety of different colors. And, it’s compatible with more smart home products than we have time and space to list, from Kwikset locks to Dome water main shut off valves. It’s no wonder we’ve named abode one of the best no monthly fee systems, as well as one of the best systems for self-monitoring, in this super-competitive industry.

Abode also has on-demand monitoring, and if If that weren’t enough, the Abode equipment is an extremely easy, no tools required, DIY installation that’s portable which is an important feature when you live in an apartment.

What makes Abode stand out most of all when it comes to being one of the best apartment security systems is that it’s wireless. So the equipment can be easily moved from place to place. Every component is attached using an adhesive strip, which is included with your purchase. So all you have to do is remove the adhesive, take down the equipment, and re-install it using a new adhesive strip when you move-in to your new apartment. Additionally, all your devices will remain paired with your system. That means they can be easily connected once you get to your new home.