Best Home Security Systems for Apartments

Let’s start with monitoring. SimpliSafe’s monitoring costs are among the lowest in the home security market, starting at just $17.99 per month. As an added sweetener, you’re not required to sign a contract. You can sign up for the monitoring service one month, cancel the next, and then sign up again the following month. SimpliSafe has no problem with that.

You can also completely forego the monitoring service. If you do, however, SimpliSafe will function as a self-monitored system, which means it will notify you and try to deter burglars using its built-in siren, but it stops there. It won’t call the cops; that will be your responsibility.

SimpliSafe’s packages are priced between $245 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.

The SimpliCam, SimpliSafe’s indoor camera, works well as part of the larger SimpliSafe system and comes free of charge with a package, though it’s regularly priced at $99. Their outdoor camera, which connects through Wi-Fi and includes unlimited Cloud storage with a monitoring plan, costs $189.99. That’s not all the offer, though. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of their standalone equipment and its prices:

SimpliSafe Security Equipment Breakdown

Most people also find the SimpliSafe system very easy to use and for the installation, you simply plug-in the base station, place the sensors around your apartment, then adjust the settings. In addition, the SimpliSafe system also comes with a battery backup if you ever lose power. And the best part is when you move from an apartment into a house, you can take the entire system with you.

There’s actually a lot to like about Alder — especially if you live in an apartment. Their equipment is 100% wireless, so there’s no drilling or fussing with wires (keeps you and the landlord happy). You can install it yourself in just 10-20 minutes from start to finish, or you can have an Alder tech install it for free. The company takes a tailor-made approach to home security—with systems that are customized to meet your exact needs.

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.