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ADT’s quick alarm response and reliable cellular monitoring makes it a great security system for country homes.
Updated February 11, 2026
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ADT offers both landline-based and cell-linked home security systems. Their landline systems are not only more affordable, but they’re actually more reliable for users in rural areas with poor cell reception.
SimpliSafe protects homes and families all across rural America. Cellular backup ensures your system never misses a beat — or a burglar — and with their new Fast Protect Monitoring, you’ll always have a watchful eye on your property.
Vivint’s high-tech outdoor security equipment makes it a top choice for those in rural areas who have livestock or large properties. Their weatherproof outdoor cameras can keep an eye out on your sheds, your barns, or even your chicken coop.
Living out in the country is a lot safer than living in a big city, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to leave your doors unlocked at night. You still need a home security system, and one that’s tailored to the exact needs of a rural household. What many don’t realize is that police help might be miles and miles away when you’re in a rural setting, and in some cases, finding good signals for communication can be a challenge. You need to find a security system that addresses those through fast and reliable alarm monitoring.
I’m here to help. I’ve personally tested several security systems that I know can provide fast and reliable monitoring. Three systems stood out – ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint. They all met my standards, but ADT topped the list because it gives users several connectivity options and because it has the biggest monitoring network with 12 facilities located across the U.S. and Canada.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
We believe the best way to make unbiased and trustworthy recommendations is by personally testing home security systems. We spend our own money on the equipment, install the devices in our houses, and test them for weeks and sometimes months. This approach helps us get a feel for what it’s like to live with the security system and experience the features, app, and response time. We can then use these observations to give you honest recommendations based on real experiences.
Several factors come into play while testing home security systems, but we find ways to make like-for-like comparisons. For example, all the equipment is installed in one environment – a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our experts. Using a real house to test security systems means we get the most accurate results and can make the best recommendations.
We also buy the same equipment for each security system we test and set them up in identical locations. You can see the typical spots where we install home security devices below.
We looked at multiple factors to choose the best security systems for rural areas. The house we used for testing sits in the suburbs, but drawing from our extensive expertise in home security, we decided that these are the most important factors if we were buying a security system for a rural home:
After reviewing each system with these criteria, here is how we rated the top five:
Rating the Best Home Security Systems for Rural Areas
We’re not like those websites that publish reviews for everything from deep fryers to dumbbells. Our team of experts exclusively focuses on security and safety equipment. It means we can give our readers honest recommendations. The experts involved with this review were:
Our people have over 75 years of combined industry experience, making us the most accomplished home security team online. Since SafeHome.org began in 2016, our work has been showcased in several major outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. Together, we have achieved:
Every one of our recommendations is based on first-hand product experience and a deep understanding of the security industry. Now, let’s take a closer look at our top picks.
ADT is easily one of the most recognized names in the home security industry today, and for good reason. Not only are they our choice for the best provider of home security overall, they’re also one of the oldest and largest security companies in North America. With over 6 million customers across the United States and Canada, their track record speaks for itself. Before I tell you why I picked them for our rural readers, though, let’s look at some benefits and drawbacks of going with ADT.
Reputation aside, one of the big reasons ADT shows up on this list is due to its multiplicity of connectivity options. Whether you want to use Wi-Fi, a cellular signal, or even a traditional landline, ADT has you covered. This means they can reach even the most remote locations — yes, you too, Alaskans.
ADT Control Panel
Did You Know? ADT recently partnered with Google to provide their clients with Nest equipment. For more information on that, read my review of the Nest Cam and my deep dive into the Nest Video Doorbell. They’re both outstanding products in their own right.
When it comes to reliability, it’s tough to beat ADT. With 12 monitoring centers employing over 17,000 security experts, they can confidently keep customers safe regardless of their location. Still, ADT continues to evolve, now offering monitoring on a month-to-month basis with more flexible pricing. Plans that used to cost over $40 per month now start as low as $24.99 per month.
When I tested out ADT, I found that they have some of the best customer service I’ve encountered in my career reviewing security systems. When I had some trouble with my cameras after they were installed, a representative was able to walk me through recalibrating them. It did take some time, but we ultimately got everything to work flawlessly.
ADT is similar to Vivint in the sense that their primary drawback is cost. You can read more on this in my guide to ADT’s subscription packages and equipment costs, but here’s a quick rundown of their most common security packages and monitoring costs:
If those prices make your eyes water a little, don’t worry. ADT’s almost always running a deal to bring those prices down. For instance, we regularly see the Outdoor Video Package go for under $300. Plus, you can finance your equipment. The only bad news is that, to finance things in this way, you’ll have to have to sign a long-term contract — 36 months is the shortest term.
FYI: There are plenty of security providers out there that won’t make you sign on the dotted line to protect your property. Check out my roundup of the best home security systems with no monthly fees for more information.
Installing an ADT security camera
Ultimately, if you want to purchase an ADT system, I’d recommend giving the company a call. As you’d imagine, there are a ton of options offered by a company this size, and as such their online purchasing experience is a little inscrutable. To get the right system — and the most bang for your buck — you should talk to a representative.
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $269 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $24.99 per month |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
| Installation Options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Established in 2006, SimpliSafe has earned its reputation as one of the best DIY home security systems. The company continues evolving its product lineup, making it an increasingly attractive choice for diverse customer needs. Their Core Monitoring plan now includes video verification, providing emergency responders with valuable context before arrival — a significant advantage for rural properties where response times can be longer.
If you want flexibility in your home security system, SimpliSafe should definitely be on your shortlist. Since they’re a DIY system, you can tailor your equipment to your specific security needs, and since they’re one of the best no-contract systems, you’re never on the hook for payment. They offer several different monitoring packages, which we’ll get into in the pricing section below, and their equipment is all high-quality and easy-to-install.
Pro Tip: Don’t be scared off by their DIY-forward posture. SimpliSafe’s equipment is easy to install yourself, even without any special tools or knowledge.
SimpliSafe equipment
When I reviewed SimpliSafe’s newest products — specifically the dual smoke and carbon monoxide sensor as well as the Smart Alarm indoor camera — I was extremely impressed with how harmonious the system felt, how easy it was to set up, and how protected I felt while I had everything in my home.
Where SimpliSafe really shines for rural customers, though, is with its active monitoring capabilities. A Core, Pro, or Pro Plus plan allows SimpliSafe’s agents to actively deter criminals in the act. When your system detects a threat, they can view your cameras’ live feeds and use their two-way talk, sirens, and spotlights to scare the threat away. This provides an immediate response while waiting for police to show up to your rural home.
FYI: SimpliSafe relies on adhesive strips to mount most of their hardware, but I found that to be a little flimsy, especially with heavier pieces of equipment like the motion sensor and the keypad. For a little added stability, I used the provided mounting hardware to secure those components. Read our guide on how to install a DIY home security system for more information.
As luck would have it, you’re not going to pay an arm and a leg for these services. After all, SimpliSafe is one of the best affordable home security options, too. You can self-monitor your system for free, you can use their standard monitoring $22.99 per month, or you can use Core monitoring for $32.99 per month. The Pro and Pro Plus plans cost $49.99 and $79.99 per month respectively, but they unlock live agent deterrence for SimpliSafe’s outdoor cameras.
Here I am installing SimpliSafe’s entryway sensor.
When it comes to equipment, you can select from premade security bundles that range from $250.96 to $733.90. Or you can build your own system from their list of individual components. I have more on this in my guide to SimpliSafe’s prices.
When I was testing this system out, I was outfitting a moderately sized three-bedroom house that was approximately 1,600 square feet in size. I paid about $500 for all of the equipment necessary to protect the property indoors and out. If you have a bigger home, you might want to check out my list of the best large home security systems for some extra insight, or check out my next entry along with my SimpliSafe vs. Vivint comparison.
| Monitoring options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional and DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $250.96 |
| Monthly monitoring cost | From $22.99 |
| Contract length | Monthly |
While Vivint might be one of the best security systems for home automation, you don’t have to be George Jetson to get the most out of this system. In fact, it’s also a great option for folks who want to live a simple life out in the country — particularly if you’re on a large property like a farm. There’s more information on why that is below, but first, let’s take a quick look at some pros and cons.
A lot of people think Vivint is a really high-tech system, and that’s true. Their sleek equipment and convenient home-automation capabilities do make you feel like you’re living in the future — at least they did for me. When I was reviewing Vivint, I was able to use Alexa’s voice commands to control everything from arming and disarming my system to turning on the AC when the summertime heat got to be a little too much.
Vivint Smart Home Equipment
Pro Tip: If you want to control your home security system with nothing but your voice, check out my roundup of the best home security systems that work with Alexa. Or, if you prefer Google, take a look at my favorite home security systems for Google Home.
Why did I pick Vivint for rural customers with large homes? Two key reasons. The first is that Vivnt is one of the best all-cellular services out there, meaning that if you live in an area where your internet connection is spotty, you won’t ever lose connection or protection.
The second is their robust outdoor security cameras. Not only can they withstand whatever Mother Nature throws their way, but they also have an active deterrence system that uses lights and sounds to scare off would-be intruders. And let me tell you, that deterrence works. When I was testing Vivnt’s cameras, I was surprised by just how loud they were. The Vivint doorbell camera I tested had a 180-degree field of view as well. While my yard isn’t acres and acres large, I can imagine these features would really come in handy if it were.
Pro Tip: Vivint occasionally offers promotional pricing and seasonal deals. Check their website regularly for current offers, especially during major shopping holidays. We find Vivint’s black friday sale comes with their biggest discounts.
When you compare Vivint to SimpliSafe in terms of price, it’s night and day. That said, you do get what you pay for. Vivint has a reputation for being among the best professionally installed home security systems on the market today, so if you’re looking for protection without having to lift a finger — except for maybe to open your pocketbook — Vivint is a solid choice.
Our Vivint tech installing a window sensor.
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $199 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $24.99 |
| Contract Length | 48 to 60 months |
Cove has established itself as a reliable player in the home security market, offering an affordable DIY system that's particularly well-suited for rural properties. While we love the low prices, what makes it great for rural customers is its cellular backup feature if the power goes out. Even its basic monitoring plans include it.
The Cove touch screen keypad links with the monitoring center via cellular and Wi-Fi.
The response time averages under 40 seconds, which is impressively quick. It was so quick that we actually had the police show up when we were simulating break-ins. However, it was slower than our top picks, which is why it’s only getting an honorable mention.
If you purchase your system online, Frontpoint only offers one monitoring plan. It unlocks all of their features, including cellular backup, for $49.99 per month. That’s more expensive than our top picks, and the monitoring center is outsourced to another company.
We found Frontpoint equipment sturdy, but their bulky size can make them a challenge to install.
For $49.99 per month, we expected a rapid response to an alarm trigger But in our experience, we waited 30 to 45 seconds on average for Frontpoint to respond. It’s not bad, but it’s not as good as ADT, SimpliSafe or Vivint.
Still, it’s a great option, particularly for large homes because of the vast selection of equipment.
When it comes to keeping a rural property safe, there are universal principles to keep in mind as well as some special considerations. Those include:
Modern home security offers two monitoring approaches: self-monitoring through your smartphone or professional monitoring services. Self-monitoring is typically free beyond cloud storage fees for video recordings. Professional monitoring ranges from $20 to $60 monthly, depending on your system size and provider.
ADT monitored my security system through this control panel that connects to all my sensors.
For rural homeowners, we recommend professional monitoring. Rural properties are larger and require more sensors to cover adequately—barns, outbuildings, long driveways, and expansive perimeters. Self-monitoring becomes impractical when you're working outside and alerts constantly trigger from livestock, wildlife, or wind moving across open spaces. Professional monitors can distinguish genuine threats from false alarms, providing peace of mind while you focus on daily tasks without constant phone notifications.
Living in a rural area ourselves, we've learned that alarm company response times are critical. While the industry standard hovers around one minute, we recommend systems responding within 15 to 30 seconds based on our testing.
Response time means how quickly your monitoring provider contacts you after an alarm triggers, not how fast police arrive. Law enforcement response depends on multiple factors we've observed across rural communities. That can include distance from dispatch centers, size of local emergency services, call priority levels, and current demand. In some remote areas, response times can exceed an hour. This reality makes fast alarm monitoring and reliable equipment even more essential for rural homeowners who can't depend on quick police arrival.
Finally, you need to seriously consider the equipment you select. Where do motion detectors need to be placed? What about selecting top-notch security cameras? What weather is typical for your area? Will your outdoor equipment be affected by harsh winters or rainy springs? What about the age of your property? Do you need moisture detectors to let you know if pipes have burst? Every property is unique — so are your security needs.
While cities often dominate crime headlines, we've found through our research that rural areas face significant burglary risks too—they just require different security strategies. For instance, our research revealed that in rural settings, porch lights actually guide intruders to your home rather than deter them. This contradicts conventional urban security tips, where exterior lighting typically discourages break-ins. Understanding these location-specific differences is crucial for effective home protection.
Motion sensors play a key role in most if not all security systems.
Rural properties present unique security challenges. Homes are more isolated, police response times can average 15 minutes or longer, and the distance from neighbors means fewer witnesses to suspicious activity.
A high-quality security system will provide your property with a direct link to help should a problem arise, increasing your chances of keeping your possessions and your family safe. It's important to remember exactly how effective security systems are in this mission. According to our research:
Through years of testing home security systems, we've identified several critical red flags. First, avoid providers using a one-size-fits-all approach. Every home has unique vulnerabilities, and your security needs differ from your neighbor's. We always recommend companies that customize solutions to your specific property and lifestyle.
Beware of high-pressure sales tactics. If representatives aggressively upsell unnecessary equipment or push long-term contracts before you're ready, walk away. Reputable providers—like those we've vetted and listed—prioritize your needs over quick sales. If you're already locked into an unfavorable contract, we offer strategies for exiting in our guide to home security contracts.
Finally, examine the equipment quality carefully. In our testing, we've found that cheap, flimsy devices fail when you need them most. Look for equipment with strong warranties of at least a year. If a company avoids questions about equipment origins or manufacturing standards, consider it a warning sign. Comprehensive home protection requires well-designed, durable components that withstand daily use and potential tampering.
