SafeHome.org may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
We may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
There are many benefits to a hardwired home security system. See which wired home security systems we picked as our favorite.
Updated April 25, 2024
copied!
You hear a lot about wireless home security these days. Even security companies themselves spend most of their time pushing these systems. And, as you’ll find out if you spend much time browsing our pages, there are some really great Wi-Fi systems out there.
The thing is, hardwired systems still have a lot of advantages. In the beginning, all security systems were hardwired, so you can be sure the technology has been well tested. Hardwired systems don’t go out if your home should lose power, you never have to worry about how far away from the router you place equipment, and they work even if you live in a rural area with no Wi-Fi or cellular service. In fact, many of the systems on this list also appear on our list of the best systems for rural homes.
With all the hubbub about Wi-Fi, fewer and fewer companies are offering hardwired home security these days, which is a shame. We know of three systems that are definitely worth talking about. Which one is right for you? That will depend on your family’s individual needs. But we promise that by the time you’re done reading through this guide, you’ll know everything you need to make the right decision.
ADT isn’t just at the top of this particular list. We think it’s the best home security system out there. The company charges premium prices, but it delivers a premium service, and there’s nothing quite like being able to relax knowing your home and your family are safe. Find out more by checking out our full ADT review.
Arming my ADT System
We found installation to be about as easy as installation gets, by which we mean we didn’t have to do it. All ADT systems are professionally installed. You can wind up paying as much as $200 for installation, but hardwired systems are tricky, and you’re almost certainly better off letting the professionals optimize your ADT system. Our installers were responsive to our wants and needs, and when all was said and done, the system worked flawlessly.
FYI: ADT has begun offering systems with DIY installation. You save money on installation, and these systems are generally priced lower than ADT’s traditional systems.
As with installation, monitoring is professional, and you don’t get a choice in the matter. The good news is that you’re much better off with professional monitoring since you can’t possibly be available to check alerts 24/7. The even better news is that ADT operates the best security monitoring in the industry, with six centers located across the country.
There are certainly cheaper systems on the market. Hardwired ADT systems cost upwards of $600. You can finance that equipment for up to 60 months, meaning you can get a system with no money upfront. Additionally, ADT has recently cut monitoring fees significantly. Basic monitoring is just $25 per month, down from $45. And you can add camera feeds and smart home integration for an additional $10.
When we buy our ADT system, we always ask for professional installation for free. That means we need to pick up the phone and call, but more often than not, it works. We think that’s a small price to save up to $200 on our ADT bill.
Know More:ADT contracts require customers to sign up for three full years of monitoring. Your commitment can balloon to 60 months if you finance your equipment. To compensate, the company gives you six months to decide whether or not you’re happy with your ADT equipment and service.
ADT essentially invented home security 150 years ago. We weren’t surprised, then, to find that it’s one of the few companies that still offers hardwired systems. This isn’t some fly-by-night outfit. ADT knows hardwired systems work, and in an age where everyone is offering Wi-Fi — including ADT — the company continues to offer the reliable protection of a wired connection to customers who prefer it.
And while Wi-Fi is fine, we can testify to the value of a hardwired system. While we were testing out our ADT system, our city was hit with a massive thunderstorm — wind, rain, lightning, the works. Of course, our Wi-Fi was out for the duration. With no internet and no TV, we were forced to…gulp…read books. We never had to worry about our security, though. ADT kept working, kept transmitting to the monitoring center via our cellular connection, and kept protecting us from harm.
Even though ADT’s equipment isn’t quite as sophisticated as Vivint’s, it is top of the line. Not only are ADT cameras highly rated, but every contract comes with full smart platform integration with both Google Home and Alexa. You can even get the Google Nest Cameras we recently tested with your ADT system. This allows you to automate your ADT system for full voice control.
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $499.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $24.99 |
| Contract Length | Three years |
Ring doesn’t offer complete hardwired systems the way ADT does. Instead, you have to purchase equipment a la carte. On the other hand, Ring doesn’t come with a lot of strings attached. You have choices when it comes to equipment and monitoring. That makes it a great hardwired system for anyone who wants a bit more control over their security. Read our full Ring Alarm review for more information.
Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Equipment
If you go with Ring, you’re on your own when it comes to installation. The DIY process is pretty straightforward, though. Ring makes it easy by offering step-by-step instructions on the Ring app every time you connect a new device. Plug in a camera, and Ring will walk you through the entire process. Wired setups can take a little longer since you may have to find an outlet and worry a bit more about positioning equipment. Even so, we went from opening our Ring equipment boxes to a fully installed system in around half an hour. Check out our installation guide, which can get your Ring doorbell working in six easy steps.
Unlike ADT, Ring offers self-monitoring. You can get real-time alerts and access to live video feeds for free, or for pocket change each day, you can add video recording. Ring also offers professional monitoring as well, and for a cheaper price than ADT. You don’t have the security of multiple call centers around the country, but you can count on Ring security monitors to get emergency personnel to your home quickly if they can’t get in touch with you about a problem.
At first blush, Ring seems like a much cheaper option than full-service security systems like ADT and Vivint. Professional monitoring, for instance, is just $20 per month. Or you can go it alone with self-monitoring. You still get real-time alerts and live video feeds, and you pay nothing. We recommend going with one of Ring’s self-monitoring plans to get the full suite of DIY monitoring features. All of the features in the self-monitoring plans are included in the professional monitoring plan as well. Here’s an overview of those plans:
| Self-monitoring plan | Ring Protect Basic | Ring Protect Plus | Ring Protect Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud storage for video history | 180 days for one camera | 180 days for unlimited cameras | 180 days for unlimited cameras |
| Notifications with photo preview | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ring alarm automations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable notifications | No | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | No | No | Yes |
| Cellular backup | No | No | Yes |
| Price | $4.99 per month | $10 per month | $20 per month |
Since you don’t need to buy a whole system at once, you can spread out the cost of your Ring Alarm security system without any financing. You can buy one plug-in indoor camera for $60 and call it a day if you want (see our full Ring Indoor Cam review for more). For that very reason, costs can add up quickly.
>> Compare: Best Ring Alternatives
No one makes a better video doorbell than Ring. That’s no surprise since Ring actually invented these devices, and the company continues to refine the technology. In fact, we were particularly drawn to Ring because it’s one of the few companies that offer a hardwired doorbell. You can install it in the spot where your original doorbell was and use the same wiring. Attach a Ring chime, and you’re not trading in a doorbell for a camera but upgrading your doorbell to include a camera. That’s what we did when we tested the Ring Doorbell Elite.
Ring’s not just about doorbells. It produces a solid line of home security equipment, including a wide range of cameras. We added a Ring wired indoor camera to our doorbell for just $60. That let us keep an eye on our cat while we were at work. With two-way voice control, we were even able to talk to him. We could have heard him talk back too, but he tends to be a bit of a complainer, so we muted things on his end.
Keep in mind that Ring doesn’t offer a fully hardwired system. Components aren’t connected directly to one another and still communicate via Wi-Fi. Hardwired, in this case, means the equipment plugs into outlets. You still get the advantage of never having to worry about changing out batteries or recharging components, no matter how much you use cameras.
| Monitoring Options | 24/7 professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $179.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | $20 |
| Contract Length | 1-12 months |
If Ring takes one step away from the full-service options of ADT, Lorex takes a couple more. There are no packaged systems, and the only monitoring option is to do it yourself. The upside with Lorex is that you have a lot of equipment options, so you can set up a system that perfectly fits your security needs. Find out more in our Lorex review.
A Lorex Indoor Camera
As with Ring systems, Lorex systems are entirely DIY installations. That can be a problem, especially if you purchase a hardwired system. Lorex hasn’t done much to simplify the process. There are no automatic instructions that pop up on an app. We managed to do it in around an hour, but we’re experts. And even we had to deal with a tangle of wires all over the house until we got it all stowed away.
Turns out, monitoring is entirely DIY as well. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice security. Lorex makes it easy to self-monitor. The system sends push alerts when it detects a problem, and you can use the Lorex app to check out live feeds. Plus, unlike Ring cameras, most Lorex cameras come with local storage options, so you can store and review footage for free.
We mentioned already that Lorex offers tons of equipment. As a result, you also get a range of prices. You can pay anywhere from $60 to over $1,000. Although, when we filled out the Lorex Solutions Finder to pick out our system, we chose a complete security monitoring solution. This gave us bundles that start at $442.99. But, since there are no monthly fees, we tend to splurge a little on equipment. It also makes it easy to start small, with what your budget can support, and add equipment as you go.
>> Save More: Lorex Black Friday Deals
The big advantage of going with Lorex is camera choice. The company offers a huge selection of cameras, the biggest selection in the market, including tons of wired options. And because Lorex began as a professional-grade camera supplier, its entire inventory is rugged and durable. You never have to worry about paying monthly fees with Lorex either since monitoring is strictly DIY. In fact, it sits atop our list of best no-subscription camera systems. And to make monitoring easy, most camera models come with local storage options: DVR, NVR, or on-board recording.
Of course, the downside of DIY monitoring is that you have to be willing and able to keep an eye on your security yourself. We’ll confess that we’re not as diligent as we should be. That’s one reason we always sign up for a professional monitoring plan if one is offered.
While we were testing Lorex, we got an alert while we were at the movies and missed it. We always silence our phones like the pre-movie video tells us to. Luckily, it was just the mailman leaving a package. And our Lorex security system told us that in the notification thanks to one of the best facial recognition camera features we’ve tested. Still, we worried a little about what could have happened.
What we’re saying is that you have to know what you’re getting into when you go with Lorex. If you’re a person who likes to control your security, you’re not going to find a better system than Lorex. With options galore, DIY installation, and DIY monitoring, everything is in your hands.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 160° |
| Resolution | Up to 2160p |
| Storage | Cloud, Local |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Ever wonder how the professionals go about evaluating home security equipment? Well, it’s not easy. We keep an eye on dozens of brands, and we’re constantly monitoring the market for new products. We stay aware of how technology is evolving, in terms of not just equipment but also threats. Keep in mind that home security is a constant battle, with crooks working hard to outwit security systems and security companies working hard to stay one step ahead of them.
To create lists like this one, we have some specific factors we compare across all systems.
Of course, for this list, we were also interested in whether the company offers a hardwired system. There aren’t as many of those as you might think. In addition, a lot of them function differently. ADT, for example, offers systems that are hardwired both in terms of power and in terms of how components communicate with one another. Ring offers systems that are hardwired strictly in terms of power. Lorex offers both.
We touched on it a bit in the introduction, but it’s worth returning to the topic for a deeper dive. In a time when Wi-Fi seems to rule the market, why would anyone invest in a traditional wired security system? In fact, there are a number of benefits to hardwiring your equipment.
If you want a look at the flipside of this coin, check out our guide to the best wireless home security systems.
There’s no getting around it: Hardwired home security systems are becoming more difficult to find as more companies go the wireless route. That’s a shame since hardwired systems can offer users the extra peace of mind of knowing that home invaders can’t cut power to their security or hack in through Wi-Fi.
The good news is that there are still some companies out there that believe in this type of system. That means the only real challenge is deciding which one is right for you. If you skimmed through this guide, you may already have some idea of which one that is. We’re certain that if you’ve read through all this information carefully, you’re ready to make a choice. What are you waiting for? Get your home secure.
Need answers about hardwired home security systems fast? Check our FAQ section below.
ADT makes the best hardwired home security system. It offers high-quality components and the industry’s best professional monitoring for an affordable price. Professional installation means you can be certain equipment is placed in the best possible locations to secure your home, and you can choose between wired and wireless systems.
Wired home alarm systems are better in some circumstances. Wired systems won’t go down just because your Wi-Fi goes out. In fact, if you live in a rural area, you may not be able to get a Wi-Fi signal at all, making a wired system a necessity. However, Wi-Fi does offer some convenience, especially when it comes to installation.
Vivint is not a better home security system than ADT. While Vivint offers some of the most technologically sophisticated equipment on the market, ADT is a close second. ADT has more monitoring centers. You also get a six-month money-back guarantee with ADT, and it’s easy to move if you need to. Plus, ADT charges much less than Vivint for its systems.
Wireless systems sometimes make use of power cords. Wire-free systems operate with no cords whatsoever. Communication occurs via Wi-Fi or cellular connection, while components receive power from batteries, solar panels, or Power over Ethernet (PoE) setups.
Cellular backup helps eliminate issues created by Wi-Fi connections. Some wired systems communicate using Wi-Fi. Even if the components are wired together, they may employ Wi-Fi to communicate outside your home. This means that they can be vulnerable to Wi-Fi outages. Systems with cellular backup switch to cellular if the Wi-Fi should go down. Cellular almost never goes out, meaning it’s virtually impossible for your security to go down.
