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ADT
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
ADT offers a highly rated iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch app — as well as a highly rated security system.
In an ideal world, controlling your home security system with Apple tech would be easy. You would tap your Apple Watch against your smart lock to open the front door. You’d call out, “Hey, Siri. I’m home,” as the lights turned on to greet you. And you’d turn on the Apple TV if you wanted to stream your security camera footage.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in that Apple nerd’s paradise. We live in the real world, where tech companies battle over the smart home market. Every nifty trick I just listed is technically possible — but only with the right combination of platform and device.
Did You Know? We might be one step closer to that perfect, platform-agnostic world. Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung have agreed on Matter, a new smart home protocol that would let smart devices talk to each other.1
I searched far and wide and tested the best Apple-compatible security systems. I can recommend a grand total of one that officially works with Apple HomeKit (it works great). Don’t be too disappointed. I found three more that integrate well with your iPhone, iPad, and iMac — and are great security systems, to boot.
Read on to learn why ADT, abode, Vivint, and SimpliSafe are great options for an Apple fan's home security.
Top Home Security Systems that Work with Apple Products in 2024
Methodology: What I Look for in an Apple-Compatible Home Security System
I’ve spent years researching and testing every security system on this list. But I’m not just a security expert. I’m an Apple loyalist.
I thought long and hard about the features that matter to Apple nerds like me — and made sure every security system on the list had them.
Apple iPhone, iPad, and Watch App
Every system on the list has an excellent iPhone app. If a system had an Apple TV or Apple Watch app too, it earned major brownie points.
If a system didn’t have an excellent iPhone app, on the other hand, it didn’t make the list. Sorry, Cove. You’re still one of the best security systems that work with Google Home, but your 1.7-star app won’t cut it here.2
FYI: We don’t go by App Store rating alone, and neither should you. An abode reviewer gave one star because their power was out.
Smart Home Integration
The true potential of an Apple-friendly security system isn’t tapping away on an iPhone app. It’s accessible, powerful home automation.
The right home security system will let you use your iPhone to build a scene and tell your HomePod to trigger it. I could say, “Hey, Siri. Goodbye,” and know my security system is armed, my smart lights are off, and my smart locks are, well, locked.
Value
If a security system isn’t worth recommending, no amount of Apple compatibility will make up for that.
Aqara works with Apple HomeKit, but it’s missing key features. SimpliSafe doesn’t integrate seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, but it’s one of the best home security systems on the market. Aqara is not on this list. SimpliSafe is.
ADT is an excellent security system, but so are the others on this list. Its top-rated iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV apps earned it the No. 1 spot. ADT also offers top-notch professional monitoring and 150 years of experience protecting homes. Not bad.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Siren is loud enough to scare away burglars
The equipment is actually very well-made
Customer service went the extra mile (kudos to Patty and Ian)
The system is professionally installed
Paid hardly any money upfront
ADT now partners with Google Nest for security cameras and smart home equipment
Trusted brand with 150+ years of experience in security
Cons:
No “silent arming” option from control panel
I spent hours troubleshooting their outdoor camera
Requires a monthly monitoring fee
Requires long-term contract
No DIY installation option
Installation tech left old equipment in our home
Our Experience:
Why We Picked ADT
Apps
Configuring Ground Zones on our ADT Outdoor Camera
For a 150-year-old security company, ADT sure has done a lot of work to stay on the cutting edge of technology. That’s great. The collection of apps floating around the App Store? Less great.
ADT Pulse, ADT+, MyADT, Blue by ADT, ADT Alert — how do you know which one to download? I’ll make it easy for you: Most customers in 2024 should be using ADT Control.
Pro Tip: Still confused about which app you need? Ask ADT customer service. While your mileage may vary, we’ve had pretty good luck contacting them with our questions.
Luckily for users, it’s a great app. I loved how easy it was to control every smart device in my arsenal. It’s weirdly fun to slide the smart lights from dark to light and back again.
You can also log in on your iPad, Apple Watch, and — drumroll please — Apple TV. That means you can watch your security footage on the big screen.
ADT is the only system on this list with an Apple TV app. If you’re comparing Vivint with ADT, maybe this is what gives ADT the upper hand.
Smart Home
ADT offers a lot of smart devices: lights, locks, plugs, thermostats, smoke alarms. Almost everything you need to set up your smart home is available for purchase, wrapped up in your ADT package.
A look at ADT Entryway Sensors
ADT Smart Home Devices
ADT Garage Controller
ADT Smoke and Heat Detector
ADT Smart Locks
ADT Smart Plugs
ADT Smart Bulbs
ADT Smart Thermostat
Nest Learning Thermostat
Nest Mini
Nest Wi-Fi
I’ve encountered zero technical problems with my ADT gear, but I will say it’s not the most stylish around. That honor would go to brands like Nest. Lucky for me (and ADT customers), ADT has a partnership with Google Nest. You can get a Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Doorbell along with your ADT hub and sensors.
FYI: Google Nest cameras are great, but the Nest Secure security system is no more. If you just love the hardware, ADT might be a good Nest alternative.
So, what does that mean for Apple users? You have more great gear to work with. Connect your Nest Thermostat and ADT smart lights in the ADT app. Build a Good Night scene in the ADT iPhone app. Say, “Hey, Siri. Good night,” to trigger it. Feel the temperature cool and watch the lights go down. Neat, right?
Value
ADT isn’t just full of features for your Apple products. It’s full of features, period. Professional monitoring is included in every plan. Competitors like SimpliSafe sell their equipment without monitoring; you have to add it on.
Of course, you have to pay for the privilege. ADT monitoring starts at $30 and goes up from there. If you’re buying an ADT system as a new customer, expect to pay closer to $50 to $60 per month, which isn’t exactly cheap. That’s our biggest gripe with ADT: its steep monthly prices and three-year contract. But for many customers, this popular home security system is still worth it.
abode is near the top of my list for one simple reason: It’s one of the only home security systems on the market that work with Apple HomeKit. abode is also great for folks who want smart home automation features built right into their system. The innovative CUE platform lets you automate dozens of devices right in the abode app.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
No long-term contracts
Hub with built-In HD camera
CUE home automation platform
No monthly-fee option
Integrates with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave compatible devices
Cons:
Setup could be more intuitive
Limited equipment in starter kits
No touch screen panels
Customer service could be improved
Our Experience:
Why We Picked abode
Apps
abode iota Recordings on an iPhone
abode is sitting at a 4.2-star rating on the App Store, but in my opinion, it deserves a higher score. I didn’t run into any issues when testing out the basic features, like arming, disarming, and streaming security footage. And that’s just the bare minimum. abode goes above and beyond.
CUE is abode’s home automation engine, and it’s easy to manage in the abode iOS app. You can tie your smart devices’ actions to time, location, and other smart devices.
For example, I set my garage door to automatically close whenever I leave my house. Neat, right? It almost makes up for the fact that abode has no Apple Watch app. Almost.
Smart Home
abode Equipment
abode doesn’t sell many of its own smart devices. You won’t find smart lights or smart locks on the abode website. But abode was clearly built with smart homes in mind.
Note that abode supports Z-Wave, Zigbee, and IFTTT, as well as Apple HomeKit (I’ll get to that in a minute). That means a vast array of smart devices work with abode hubs: Hue smart bulbs, Sonos speakers, Ecobee thermostats.
FYI: abode keeps a handy list of compatible devices on its website. But if you’re looking for other smart systems, check out our roundup of the best security systems that work with IFTTT.
Because abode is one of the only security systems that work with Apple HomeKit, you can control it all from the abode app or the Apple Home app. It’s the sort of seamless user experience Apple fanboys and girls dream of.
When I compare abode and SimpliSafe, this is one category where abode easily wins out. SimpliSafe is not compatible with Apple HomeKit.
How to Add abode to Apple HomeKit
Open the abode app.
Tap Integrations.
Tap HomeKit.
Generate HomeKit code.
Open Apple Home app.
Tap the plus symbol.
Tap Add Accessory.
Select I Don’t Have a Code or Cannot Scan.
Enter code.
Value
The cheapest Apple HomeKit-compatible abode kit is $279. Of course, that doesn’t include extra devices, professional installation, or professional monitoring. But, even after all that, you’re still probably paying less than you would with ADT or Vivint.
So, it’s affordable, but is it any good? In my experience, it is. The basic security equipment worked as advertised — even the security cameras, which can be laggy in cheaper systems. And remember, abode has all the basic sensors (entryway and motion) that its competitors offer, so you’ll get industry-standard burglary protection for some extra peace of mind.
But … it was abode’s CUE smart platform that went above and beyond. Because of this innovative platform, abode is up there with the best home automation security systems I’ve ever tested.
Vivint puts the “smart home” in “smart home security.” You can lock your doors with a tap, disarm your system with a swipe, and set advanced home automations with a little bit of forward thinking. As a bonus, Vivint’s highly rated app makes it easy to manage it all from your iPhone.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Wireless smart security system
Smart home automation
7-inch touch screen smart hub
Award-winning mobile app
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Professional installation
Customized to your home
100% cellular monitoring
Lifetime warranty
Cons:
Pricey equipment packages
Contract required for at least 42 months
$100 installation fee
Short cancellation window
Our Experience:
Why We Picked Vivint
Apps
Vivint event recordings on iPhone
The Vivint iOS app does everything a security app should. I was able to arm my system and receive notifications with no problems. Connecting the app to the doorbell’s two-way audio let me answer my door from my couch. Last but definitely not least, the app features an easy-peasy home automation screen.
That said, it’s a 4.6-star app, not a five-star app. There are a couple of issues you should be aware of.
One is pretty common with security apps: laggy security camera footage streaming. A simple app reboot fixed this for me, but based on the App Store reviews, it seems like some users are still struggling.
More seriously, there are persistent reports of the Apple Watch app glitching. Get on that, Vivint.
FYI: Make sure you download Vivint, not Vivint Classic. Vivint Classic, the first-gen app, is still available, but it’s nowhere near as good as the updated version.
Smart Home
Vivint Smart Home Equipment
Vivint brands itself as a smart home security company, and it shows in its equipment packages. You have the chance to buy a whole lot more than security sensors and cameras.
Vivint Smart Home Devices
Smoke Detector
Smart Lock
Smart Light Bridge
Smart Light Bulb
Garage Door Controller
Smart Thermostat
Lamp Module
Vivint is not HomeKit-compatible (boo), but it works with lots of other smart devices (yay). Kwikset smart lock fan? Me too. You can buy one with your Vivint package.
During my testing, I found that Vivint’s smart tech, like the Outdoor Camera Pro, connected seamlessly with other smart home devices. For example, I set up my front porch smart lights to turn on when the camera sensed motion. And the camera itself has active deterrents, such as a siren and spotlights, to scare away would-be burglars. You won’t see these features in most cameras today.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Vivint is not cheap. It costs hundreds of dollars. It could even cost thousands if you spring for all the bells and whistles.
But you are getting a great security system in return. Professional monitoring costs about $50 to $60 per month. Equipment works reliably; and if it doesn’t, I know I can count on my Vivint tech. Cameras come with all the latest features, including cutting-edge AI capabilities.
When I tested Vivint, I truly felt like I was using a high-quality, intelligent system — just like I do when I use my Apple products.
When I compare SimpliSafe to Vivint, I can’t help but think of a cheap Android versus the latest iPhone. The former is undeniably cheaper, but sometimes it’s worth it to spring for the latter.
SimpliSafe is an excellent security system at an excellent price point. But there are some missing features, like advanced smart home capability. Thankfully, there’s still a lot for Apple users to like, including a highly rated iOS app.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Affordable, easy-to-use equipment
Installation is a breeze
System is extremely responsive
App is well designed and intuitive
New monitoring is a major security bonus
Cons:
Keypad is a little finicky
Mounting system could use some work
Some pieces of equipment are a little bulky
Our Experience:
Summary
Apps
SimpliSafe offers all the apps you’d expect from an Apple-friendly security system. iPhone, check. iPad, check. Apple Watch, check.
Users love the iOS app and so do I. I never wondered how to stream my security footage or add a new device. It was all pretty intuitive in the SimpliSafe app. Keep in mind the app is well designed too. It doesn’t have a clunky feel or outdated user experience like some apps I’ve used (ahem, Cove and Alder).
One feature that’s missing in the SimpliSafe iPhone app? Smart home automation. But that’s a weakness for SimpliSafe in general. Read on to learn why.
Smart Home
SimpliSafe equipment
The reason SimpliSafe isn’t higher up on the list is its limited smart home potential. SimpliSafe doesn’t sell much smart equipment. It’s not compatible with much smart home technology.
In short, it’s just not possible to control a smart home with SimpliSafe. And because SimpliSafe isn’t compatible with Apple HomeKit, you can’t use the Apple Home app to make up for it. When I compare SimpliSafe to ADT, for example, that lack of smart home capability is unacceptable.
There’s one notable exception: a cheap, solid smart lock. SimpliSafe’s smart lock is the most affordable I’ve ever seen. At $119, it’s half the price of the Kwikset Halo Touch. If you don’t want an advanced smart home system, but you do want to lock your door with a tap of your Apple Watch, SimpliSafe might interest you.
Value
There’s no denying that SimpliSafe is affordable: its starter kit was on sale for $223.96 the last time I checked. Are you skeptical about a security system that costs less than a used iPhone 12? I don’t blame you. And SimpliSafe has given me cause for concern in the past.
Did You Know? YouTuber LockPickingLawyer shocked the security world when he showed us how to bypass SimpliSafe with RFID jamming.4 But SimpliSafe’s proprietary algorithm does a pretty good job identifying radio frequency interference. This is probably not something you need to lose sleep over.
But SimpliSafe has come a long way in recent years. It has updated its equipment, added encryption, and pushed frequent firmware updates to boost security.5
Most importantly, when I tested out SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring, a tripped alarm prompted them to contact me in 20 seconds flat. That’s 10 life-saving seconds faster than the industry average.
Product Specs:
Monitoring Options
Self or professional
Installation
DIY or professional
Smart Platform Integration
Alexa and Google Home
Equipment Cost
From $249.96
Monthly Monitoring Cost
From $19.99
Contract Length
Month-to-month
More Apple-Friendly Security Devices
Maybe your security system doesn’t offer every Apple-friendly feature you want. Maybe that’s OK. You can always mix and match security gear to get all the features you need — even if your security system doesn’t support Apple.
Pro Tip: You can find hundreds of options on Apple's list of compatible devices. We noticed some SafeHome favorites on there, including Schlage smart locks — one of our picks for best smart lock of 2024.
Arlo Cameras
For fans of Apple’s sleek design, Arlo cameras will look mighty enticing. And they work pretty darn well too. I loved the high resolution on the Arlo Pro. I love it even more now that I know I can boss it around with Siri, as Arlo works with Apple HomeKit.
eufy Cameras
Is Arlo a little too pricey for you? Go for eufy instead. Its cameras are a fraction of the price (though that may be for a reason — do your research about eufy and privacy breaches).
FYI: eufy was caught lying about local storage. Users who thought their data was totally safe on their own SD card were misled; it was actually being sent, unencrypted, to the cloud.6
Ikea Smart Lighting
You don’t have to pay big bucks for smart lights. Pick up the equipment from Ikea.
How to Make Any Home Security System Apple HomeKit-Compatible With Homebridge
If you’ve really bought into the Apple ecosystem, you probably use HomeKit (aka Apple Home). Apple’s smart home platform lets you connect all your favorite Apple products, HomePod speakers, and smart devices.
Except for your security system. There are not many security systems on the market that officially work with Apple Home.
You can expand your options with Homebridge. Homebridge is open-source software that, well, bridges Apple Home to incompatible smart devices. Do you want to build Apple HomeKit automations that incorporate your Ring Alarm? With Homebridge, you can.7
Just proceed at your own risk. Homebridge is an open-source project unaffiliated with Apple. You’re trusting your fellow man, not Tim Cook and the gang.
How to Make the Most of Your Security System With Apple Products
Once you’ve chosen a security system that works with Apple, make the most of it with these advanced features.
Stream Security Footage
To easily stream security camera footage on your Apple devices, try HomeKit Secure Video.8 The first and biggest hurdle: You need to install and configure a compatible camera (Aqara, Eve, eufy, and Logitech sell options). Once that’s done, you can watch recordings on any Apple device you’re signed in to.
Open Doors With Apple Home Key
One of the coolest security features Apple offers is its home key, which lets you unlock your door with a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch. Again, you have to install a compatible lock first (Aqara, Level, and Schlage sell them). After that, you can get into your house with a virtual key, and you can send temporary access to visitors.
Use Safety Check to Protect Your Privacy
Security systems and other smart devices record a lot of information about you. When you’re sharing a home with an abuser, that can be dangerous.
Safety Check is a quick way to stop sharing that information. You can tap Emergency Reset to immediately lock down all your data or tap Manage Sharing & Access to sort through your options, app by app.9
FYI: Lots of useful features, including Safety Check, are available only on iOS 16 or above.
The Takeaway
So, you’ve bought into the Apple ecosystem. I don’t blame you. The devices are pretty — and pretty powerful.
The one downside? Not every security system can thrive (or even survive) in that ecosystem.
abode is the only system on the list that integrates with HomeKit. But there are other great options that mesh well with iPhone, Apple Watch, and even Apple TV. You could do a lot worse than combining your Apple products with ADT, Vivint, or SimpliSafe.
Whichever system you choose, make the most of it. Install a smart lock with Apple Home Key. Use Siri to arm your system. Set up home automations that work for you. You’ll get more value out of your iPhone and your security system.
ADT is the best combination of Apple compatibility and overall excellence. abode, Vivint, and SimpliSafe are other great options.
Features of Apple-Compatible Home Security Systems
Apple HomeKit-compatible
Unfortunately, most security systems aren’t compatible with Apple HomeKit. So, the few security systems that are stand out. These systems can be controlled in their own apps or in the Apple Home app. They work seamlessly with Siri. And they take the guesswork out of Apple Home automation.
iPhone app
Let’s be honest: You always have your iPhone on you. That’s why it’s so convenient to control your security system through an iPhone app — ideally, a top-rated, bug-free iPhone app.
iPad app
Need a bigger screen to manage your home security system? You need a security system with an iPad app. The extra space is ideal for complex home automation and security camera streaming.
Apple Watch app
Get security alerts at a glance with your security system’s Apple Watch app. The mini screen is also ideal for quick tasks (like arming and disarming). And, if you have a compatible smart lock, it sure is convenient to tap your wrist against the door to open it.
Voice commands
“Hey, Siri. Arm away.” Just like that, your security system could be armed. You can also set up more complex voice commands in your security system’s app, like “Hey, Siri. Turn on the kitchen lights” or “Hey, Siri. Good night.”
Smart locks
Cutting-edge smart locks work with Apple home key, which allows you to unlock your door with a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch. Less advanced models can still make an impact on your security with scheduled or automated locking.
Smart lights
When your security alarm goes off, your lights could turn on — if they’re smart enough. Use your security system’s iPhone app to connect your smart lights to your motion sensors.
Smart thermostat
If your security system comes with a smart thermostat, use it. You can automatically set your temperature to match your sleep schedule and the seasons. A quality security iOS app should make it easy.
Home automation
The right home security system will let you create scenes you can trigger with a tap of the screen. “Going to Work” could mean opening the garage door, turning down the thermostat, and, of course, arming the security system. “Vacation” could mean locking all the doors and flickering the smart lights at random intervals.
SafeHome.org only uses high-quality sources to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
As a home security expert and Managing Editor for SafeHome.org, Rob Gabriele has written and edited over 1,000 articles related to home security. His expertise is in smart home protection with thousands of hours of testing and research under his belt. Formerly a reporter and producer for the USAToday network, Rob has been a writer and editor for over 10 years. He holds a Master’s of Science with an emphasis on writing from the University of Montana, and he currently lives in Indianapolis, IN.
