Best Home Security Systems for Seniors in 2024

ADT Overview

Most seniors know that with age comes wisdom. That’s true in the security world, as well.

ADT has been around for over a century and a half and currently serves more than 6 million customers. Impressive statistics, for sure, and I can say with confidence that when I reviewed ADT, I definitely understood that they’ve used 150 years of experience to deliver one of the better home security systems out there.

From their professional installation to the quality of their equipment to their exceptional customer service, ADT is absolutely a good choice for seniors looking to protect themselves and their property.

Secured by ADT Decal

ADT for Seniors

Why ADT is showing up on this list in particular is because it happens to be one of the best professionally monitored home security systems on the market today. Couple that with their expert professional installation, and you’ve got a comprehensive security system that you’re rarely going to have to lift a finger for.

I also really appreciated how thorough the installation tech was when he installed my test system. He walked me through how everything works, how to control it, how to troubleshoot it, and answered all my technical questions with relative ease. This expertise and attention to detail is something seniors will appreciate.

ADT’s Costs

Two of the major drawbacks of ADT’s systems are its costs and its long-term contracts. I have more on this in my guide to ADT’s prices, but here’s the quick breakdown:

Now those prices might look a little steep, but here’s some good news/bad news:

The good news is you’re not going to have to pay for any equipment up front — that’s all rolled into your monthly bill. The bad news is you or your loved one will be paying that bill for at least three years. That long-term contract might be a turnoff to some, but keep in mind that if you or your family member wants to downsize or move closer to their loved ones, most of the time ADT doesn’t require a relocation fee.

Also keep in mind that ADT is almost always running some sort of sale to help keep costs low, so when you’re shopping around, make sure to inquire what deals they might be offering for new customers or AARP members.

SimpliSafe Overview

Originally designed to be the best security system for renters, SimpliSafe has since expanded their offerings to protect any sort of family in any sort of dwelling. That said, they haven’t lost sight of their DIY roots, keeping their equipment simple to install, easy to use, and extremely affordable for any budget.

They also offer some of the most interesting and innovative professional monitoring I’ve encountered. With the help of their new Smart Alarm indoor camera, SimpliSafe security technicians can actually view a live feed during an alarm event to relay important information to first responders about environmental hazards, medical emergencies, or intruders. When it comes to peace of mind, that’s hard to beat.

When I tested out this system, I was pretty impressed with how well the Smart Alarm monitoring worked. I set off a false alarm, and then started walking around in my living room (where I’d placed the camera). I heard the shutter snap open, and a voice alerting me that I was being filmed and that authorities were on their way. I was able to cancel the alarm by identifying myself, though, and by providing the code word I’d set up in the install process. Make sure you make your code word memorable, or else you might be explaining yourself to the police!

SimpliSafe equipment

SimpliSafe for Seniors

Now I know that DIY might sound like a four-letter word to most seniors — I mean, after all, who really wants to drag the ladder out or go down in the basement to dust off the toolbox — but trust me, SimpliSafe’s equipment couldn’t be easier to set up, even if you’re not the handiest person on the block. By doing it yourself, you’re going to save quite a bit. More on that in my costs section below.

When I reviewed SimpliSafe, the ease of operation was what immediately stood out to me. All you’ll need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions on their smartphone app and, using the provided command strips, stick your equipment where you need it to go. One note of caution there — you might want to consider using the provided mounting hardware for the larger pieces of equipment like the motion sensor and keypad. I found that the sticky adhesive wasn’t really enough to affix them to my walls long-term.

However, if you’re adamantly against installing the system yourself, it shouldn’t be a problem. SimpliSafe does offer professional installation, but it starts at $99.99. Just something to keep in mind.

The base station is also worth pointing out. This is the hub of the system, and where your siren is going to sound if the system detects a problem. And let me tell you — that siren is loud. Ear-piercing, even. When I was testing out the system, I was pretty shocked to hear just how loud this thing was, and it even brought my next door neighbor out of their house to inquire about what was going on. This makes SimpliSafe a great system for folks who might be hard of hearing, which many seniors are.

SimpliSafe’s Costs

Like I said above, SimpliSafe keeps things affordable by having customers install their systems on their own — definitely appealing for seniors living on fixed incomes. I have more on that in my guide to SimpliSafe’s costs, but here’s a quick rundown of the security packages they offer:

These are great foundational options to get you started, but since no two homes are exactly alike, you might consider purchasing a few pieces of supplementary equipment. Here’s what SimpliSafe offers:

When it comes to building out a security system for seniors, I’d definitely recommend picking up the basics like motion detectors, entryway sensors for every ground-floor window and door, and glass-break sensors if you’re looking to be extra cautious.

For senior-specific equipment, I’d also definitely recommend picking up a panic button. These should be placed in rooms where emergencies might occur — like bathrooms and at the bottom of stairs. If you or your loved one suffers a slip-and-fall, you’re going to want to make sure this button is within reach.

All of this equipment is extremely affordable, too. Even with a fully built-out system, your equipment costs and your monitoring will be less than an ADT system. And speaking of monitoring, there are several options there, too.

SimpliSafe offers a free self-monitoring option, which makes them one of the best no-fee security systems out there, but they also offer basic professional monitoring for $19.99 per month and the advanced monitoring I talked about above for $29.99 per month. This is definitely on the cheaper side of things — ADT’s monitoring starts at $45.99 per month — but it’s definitely not the cheapest. Read my entry on Cove for more information on that.

Before we move on, I do want to say that similar to ADT, SimpliSafe almost always runs some type of deal. In the past few months, I’ve seen up to 40 percent off new equipment packages when new customers sign up for Fast Protect monitoring, and they’ve been throwing in the Smart Alarm camera for free. Not bad if you’re looking to save a few dollars.

Vivint Overview

Vivint is another great option for seniors, though it’s for totally different reasons than SimpliSafe.

Similar to ADT, this is one of the best professionally installed systems out there, with white-glove service from start to finish. All of the systems are bespoke, too, meaning that they are going to be custom-designed for your specific property with your specific security needs in mind.

Keep in mind, though, that this high-touch service doesn’t come cheap. Before we talk about that, though, let’s talk about why Vivint stands out for seniors.

Vivint Smart Home Equipment

Vivint for Seniors

If you really want to kick back and relax while your security system does all the work, Vivint is a great option. They handle the design of the system, the installation, and explain how to work everything from a handy app or from a sleek, 7-inch touch screen panel. While this system is pretty high-tech — offering some of the best home automations I’ve come across — it still remains very simple to use.

One thing that really piqued my interest when I was testing the Vivint system was the “Smart Deterrence” capabilities of their outdoor cameras and doorbells. They claim to use video analytics to ward off would-be intruders and let me tell you, these things work. When I tested it out, the lights and sirens that went off when I lurked around the property were enough to wake the neighbors — and enough to send me packing, even though it was my own home. If you’re a senior who wants a security system that’s going to go above and beyond to keep you safe, Vivint is one to consider.

Vivint’s Costs

As with many professionally installed, professionally monitored systems out there, the primary drawback of Vivint is the price. Since each system is custom-made, it’s difficult to give you an idea of how much yours will cost, but here’s a quick rundown of the prices of their components.

Not exactly cheap. You can read more about this in my guide to Vivint’s prices, but my test system equipment costs were pushing $1,000. Add to that the $100 installation fee and the required professional monitoring that will run you between $29.99 and $44.99 per month, and your bill can be pretty steep. If it’s in the budget, I would highly recommend at least testing out a Vivint system. I’m pretty sure you’ll like what you see.

One little tip before we move on; If you happen to use a voice assistant, your Vivint system can be easily controlled by it. It’s easily one of the best security systems for Alexa, and I got a real kick out of saying, “Arm the security system!” when I left my house.

Cove Overview

A smart option for seniors on a budget, Cove is one of the best and most affordable no-contract security systems on the market today. The equipment is all designed with longevity in mind, and, similar to SimpliSafe, Cove is able to keep their costs low by having customers install the system themselves.

One thing to keep in mind with Cove, though, is that although they’re affordable, there’s no self-monitoring option. (Don’t worry, I’ll get into more detail on that in my pricing section.)

Cove Security System

Cove for Seniors

The biggest appeal of Cove is that it’s one of the most affordable home security systems available. When I was reviewing Cove, my test system cost me just a little under $300. When you consider that a Vivint system can easily be double that price, it’s clear to see why a lot of folks looking to save rely on Cove to keep their families and their properties safe.

Similar to SimpliSafe, the installation process was a breeze. The app walks you through everything you need to know, and mounting the equipment was no problem for me. When all was said and done, it took me a little under half an hour to have everything up and running.

Do keep in mind that unlike SimpliSafe, Cove doesn’t offer an option for professional installation. That said, if you do need some help, their customer service representatives are extremely attentive and knowledgeable. I had a bit of an issue keeping one of my entryway sensors connected to the system, and they were able to help me troubleshoot the problem in no time at all.

Cove’s Costs

Like I said above, the main selling point here is affordability. I have more in my guide to Cove’s prices, but here’s a quick rundown of their equipment costs:

Now I’ll be the first to say this isn’t the most extensive list, but when it comes to core functionality, Cove really covers all you need. Also worth pointing out that they don’t offer pre-packed systems like SimpliSafe, but this can actually be a good thing. When you have to purchase individual components, there’s little risk of accidentally purchasing something you don’t need.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a monitoring plan with your Cove system. The good news, though, is that they are extremely affordable — the basic package costs just $17.99 per month, and the more advanced package costs $27.99 per month. Word to the wise, though, those monthly fees do add up, so you might want to calculate out where you’d break even with a more expensive system to really do your due diligence.

Frontpoint Overview

Last but not least, we have Frontpoint. This company takes a pretty interesting stance on home security, offering the best of both worlds, with elements of both a traditional and a DIY system. They have great professional monitoring, but they keep costs low with a DIY install. They have exceptional customer service but allow for unlimited flexibility in the construction of your system. Whether this is your first home security system or your 50th, Frontpoint is likely going to fill in all the gaps.

Frontpoint equipment

Frontpoint for Seniors

Like I said above, similar to Cove and SimpliSafe, Frontpoint is among the best DIY security systems in the industry. From start to finish, the setup took me around 45 minutes, and all of their equipment was designed with the user experience in mind. For the most part, nothing was too bulky for my tastes, and everything was easy to use during the test period.

That is — everything but the entryway sensor. While it was easy to install and worked really well, the thing was huge. That might not be a deal-breaker for some, but my partner cringed when she saw it mounted to our door frame. To each their own, but it was a bit of an eyesore, in my opinion.

Another interesting feature Frontpoint offers is geofencing. High-tech in nature but low-tech in execution, Frontpoint’s geofencing arms and disarms your system based on the proximity of your cell phone. When I was reviewing Frontpoint, it really came in handy when I was bringing in the groceries or leaving for my afternoon walks. If you find yourself forgetting whether or not you armed your system when you ran out to the store, don’t worry — Frontpoint has already taken care of it.

Frontpoint’s Costs

Similar to the other DIY systems on this list, Frontpoint keeps things affordable with a do-it-yourself approach. You can read more in my guide to Frontpoint’s costs, but here’s a peek at their pricing:

Similar to some of the other providers on this list, Frontpoint allows these packages to be customized with individual pieces of equipment. Here’s the rundown of those costs:

If you want to know more about how this system stacks up against another top DIY provider, you can check out my comparison guide of Frontpoint and SimpliSafe. But the long and short of it is that they are pretty similar, especially when it comes to equipment costs. Where they differ pretty significantly, though, is in their approach to monitoring.

Unlike SimpliSafe, Frontpoint does require professional monitoring, and there isn’t a lot of flexibility there. It costs $49.99 per month, which puts it up there with ADT’s monitoring costs. Like I’ve mentioned before, those month-to-month costs can stack up pretty quickly, so be sure to consider that in your overall security budget.