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
ADT’s exceptional hardware and monitoring service give us the peace of mind we need when we’re away from our vacation home.
Updated March 2, 2026
copied!
Regardless of the type of vacation home you’re trying to secure, ADT has a solution that will work for you. Their flexible packages and award-winning professional monitoring will keep your property safe, no matter how far you roam.
SimpliSafe offers custom security packages for vacation homes large and small. The wireless equipment is high quality and easy to install, and as the name suggests, SimpliSafe prides itself on ease of use.
Vivint’s smart home automation equipment enhances the security of your vacation rental home. For example, the keypad eliminates the need for key exchanges — replacing the traditional key with an entry code that you can deactivate once guests leave.
Vacation homeowners have a lot to worry about when they aren't at their properties. Are the guests behaving themselves? Are vandals smashing up the place? Are burglars stealing valuables? According to FBI data, there were over 880,000 burglaries reported in the United States in 2023, with unoccupied properties being prime targets.1 It’s enough to keep you up at night; plus, it might make you feel like you need an entire guide to securing and protecting your home away from home.
So how do you protect your investment? It’s not as simple as just choosing the overall best home security system on the market. We know. Our team tested multiple security systems and narrowed them down to five of the best based on equipment quality, monitoring service, remote capabilities, and price. ADT took the top spot, but SimpliSafe, Vivint, Frontpoint, and Cove also had some impressive features to secure vacation homes.
Keep reading to learn more about our experiences with these systems.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
We find that the best way to write trustworthy and unbiased recommendations is by doing hands-on testing of home security systems ourselves. By hands-on, we mean spending our own money on the equipment, installing the devices in our homes, and testing them for weeks and sometimes months. It’s how we get a feel for the features, response time, app, and what it’s like to live with each security system. It also allows us to make honest recommendations.
We try our best to compare apples to apples. That’s why we install all home security systems we test in the same environment. For this, we used a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our security experts. While it’s not a vacation home, testing in a real house instead of a lab means we can collect the most accurate results.
We also buy the same equipment for each security system and install them in identical locations. Here’s what our typical testing setup looks like.
Using our extensive experience in the security industry, we chose the most important factors when shopping for a security system for vacation homes. These should be the highest priority:
Using these criteria, here is how we arrived at our top picks.
Rating the Best Security Systems for Vacation Homes
Here at SafeHome.org, you won’t find reviews on everything from baseball caps to hard drives, unlike most big-box review sites out there. Our team exclusively tests and reviews home security and safety equipment. This approach means we can drill down to the finer details and give readers trustworthy recommendations. The experts involved in this review were:
Our experts are the most accomplished home security team on the internet, with over 75 years of combined industry experience. Since 2016, our work has been highlighted in several major outlets, including The Washington Post and The New York Times. Together, we have:
Every recommendation we make is backed by first-hand product experience and an understanding of the home security industry. Now, let’s learn more about the best security systems for vacation homes.
When you're protecting as big of an investment as a vacation home, ADT delivers the reliability and comprehensive coverage you need. Their equipment is backed by 24/7 professional monitoring that sets the industry standard with 12 redundant monitoring centers. Plus, you can customize your equipment to fit the exact needs of your property, whether you're securing a cozy mountain cabin or a sprawling beachfront estate.
ADT Control Panel
Two of the best things about ADT are how comprehensive their protections are and how those protections can be tailored to your exact needs. ADT offers a few different subscription options — more on that below — but each package can be customized. Let’s say you’re trying to protect a lake house with a dock. ADT can install motion detectors and floodlight cameras to prevent people from snooping around in your boathouse.
When I last reviewed ADT, I was extremely impressed with not only the quality of their equipment, but with how seamlessly everything worked. Everything is controlled from their award-winning smartphone app. Great news if you want to keep an eye on your cameras while you’re states away. It just so happened I went on vacation while my test system was installed in my house, and I was able to ask my neighbor to come pick up a package for me that had been detected by my video doorbell. How’s that for remote protection?
FYI: Speaking of cameras, ADT recently partnered with Google Nest to provide more camera options for their customers. Read more about that in my guide to the Nest Video Doorbell and my review of the Nest Cam.
ADT’s customer service is another major advantage. With over 150 years in the security industry, they provide support based on successes of past customers. This matters even more when you’re managing a system for a property that’s far from your primary residence and need quick support for any issues.
One consideration with ADT is its overall cost. As I discuss in detail in my guide to ADT’s prices, they position themselves as a premium provider. The investment reflects the comprehensive protection and established reputation you’re getting.
For a vacation home, I’d recommend a package that includes security cameras. After all, remote monitoring capabilities are essential when you’re not physically present at the property and that’s exactly what security cameras are for. Expect to pay at least $450 for a basic system with cameras.
ADT’s glass break sensor installed in our dining room
Keep in mind that ADT typically requires a long-term contract if you plan to have your system professionally installed. The good side of that is it spreads out your equipment costs across the contract duration, but you’ll be committed for at least 36 months in most cases.
If you prefer flexibility and hands-on control, ADT Self Setup lets you avoid long-term contracts by installing the system yourself.
| 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 |
For vacation home owners who prefer a hands-on approach, SimpliSafe delivers excellent DIY flexibility. I customized my system on their website and installed it all in under an hour. The hardest decision was choosing where to put my cameras. Self-monitoring is available at no monthly cost, though the premium professional monitoring plans unlock impressive features like live agent deterrence that uses the indoor and outdoor camera.
SimpliSafe equipment
If you compare SimpliSafe and ADT, you’ll find the two providers offer high-quality protections; however, they take very different approaches. SimpliSafe is one of the best DIY security systems around, and they’re also one of the best no-contract security providers. That means you’re going to save money and have a lot of flexibility.
Another bold-faced checkmark in SimpliSafe’s pros column is their Pro monitoring with Active Guard outdoor protection. It enables the outdoor camera’s AI threat detection. Whenever the camera detects a threat, it pings SimpliSafe’s agents to step in. They view the live feed and then use the camera’s two-way talk, siren, and spotlight if needed to scare any intruders away. It’s like having a security guard at your vacation house for a fraction of the price. This feature requires the Pro or Pro Plus plan at $49.99 and $79.99 per month, respectively.
Pro Tip: If you use Airbnb to rent out your vacation home when you’re not using it, make sure you’re not running afoul of their new policies. You can no longer have indoor security cameras in your rental.
I put that functionality to the test. I purposefully set off an alarm and waited for the response to come. It took about 30 seconds, but the shutter snapped open, and a technician started talking through the camera’s onboard speaker. I was able to give them my safeword and cancel the alarm quickly, but I was really impressed by the functionality.
SimpliSafe gives you the ability to self-monitor your system for free, but I wouldn’t really recommend that for a vacation home. Instead, you should at least pick between their Core Monitoring for $32.99 per month, or you can go with their Standard monitoring for $22.99 per month. They also offer equipment bundles that range from around $250 to $730, or you can build your own package.
Also keep in mind that those are retail prices. I’ve been covering SimpliSafe for quite a while, so here’s a little insider’s tip — SimpliSafe is almost always running a sale. If they aren’t, wait a week or two to see what kind of discount you can get.
Here’s where I installed the SimpliSafe keypad
Pro Tip: SimpliSafe is one of the easiest systems I’ve had to install, but if you’d rather not work while on vacation, you can have someone set up the system for you. SimpliSafe partnered with OnTech to provide professional installation services, starting at $125.
| 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 |
As technology gets more advanced, it becomes expensive to try to keep up. But not with Vivint. While you’ll pay a lot upfront, their products are built with the future in mind. I’m talking about smart equipment and home automation.Like SimpliSafe and ADT, you can choose the equipment you want and personalize it to your vacation home. I picked up the same devices as the other two brands. Unfortunately, Vivint wouldn’t let me set it up myself, but I wasn’t too disappointed after seeing the amount of effort it took to install the security system and optimize it for my property.
Vivint Smart Home Equipment
Picture this. You drive up to the lake after a hard week. Your garage door recognizes you and opens as you pull into the driveway. The thermostat bumps the AC to a comfortable 72 degrees. As you walk through the door, the lights come on, the ceiling fan turns on, and the stereo starts playing Bach’s “Mass in B Minor.”
If you own a Vivint security system, this science-fiction-sounding scenario is completely possible. It’s one of the best smart security systems on the market today; it allows every piece of equipment to communicate, as well as gives you the ability to integrate a huge number of third-party devices like thermostats and lighting. And if you want to control the whole thing using nothing but your voice, it’s also one of the best Alexa-compatible security systems.
Pro Tip: Although they’re very different systems, you might be surprised to find out how many features Vivint and SimpliSafe have in common.
When I tested Vivint, I set my system up to operate on a night and day schedule. This armed the alarm system at a certain time of day and “woke up” at around 8 in the morning. It would turn the heat on for me before I even got out of bed, and I was able to check the status of individual pieces of equipment with voice commands.
Now here’s where some of the wind comes out of the sails. These systems are not cheap. Vivint is comparable to ADT in that you can pay for your equipment costs over the term of your contract, but Vivint’s equipment costs more. I have more about this in my guide to Vivint’s prices; cameras start at around $250 each, sensors range from $50 to $100 a piece, and smart devices cost $100 or more.
For context, you can get an entire SimpliSafe system for the cost of one Outdoor Camera Pro. If it’s in the budget, though, a Vivint system really does bring the wow factor. Not only are they one of the best professionally installed and monitored systems around, they’re also just cool.
Pro Tip: Vivint offers equipment financing up to five years. I suggest buying all the equipment you need from the get-go, as adding equipment down the line requires another installation fee.
My Vivint installer choosing the best place to put the window sensor
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | Starting at $199 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $24.99 |
| Contract Length | 60 months |
I was shocked when it took just 40 minutes to set up my Frontpoint security system. It felt like I was missing a piece with how quickly it went up. But my Frontpoint equipment works perfectly. The app took me through how to install the devices and connect them to the app. I even got some items that even SimpliSafe doesn’t offer like a garage tilt sensor. However, it's not perfect, which is why it's further down my list.
Frontpoint equipment
While they’re both excellent DIY systems, when you compare Frontpoint and SimpliSafe, you’re going to see some pretty stark differences — the first being that Frontpoint offers a few more options for equipment. Now that doesn’t necessarily give Frontpoint the edge; however, if you’re looking for a specific type of component and you’re not seeing it with SimpliSafe, Frontpoint might be a good second stop.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to keep your power tools and vehicles safe, Frontpoint is one of the best security systems for protecting garages. That really comes in handy if you have a special summertime muscle car you keep at your vacation house.
Diversity of equipment aside, I’d also like to point out the design of these pieces. For the most part, it’s outstanding. The hub is sleek and opalescent, and I didn’t feel the need to hide it behind a house plant or stick it inside my credenza. On the flipside, though, their contact sensors are a little clunky and far too big for what they need to be. It’s unfortunate that the elegance of the hub didn’t carry over through the design of their entire product lineup.
As far as functionality goes, there are a few bells and whistles here worth pointing out. Frontpoint’s Geofencing, for one, is a really helpful feature. This allows the system to respond to you — or, more specifically, your smartphone — when you’re in close proximity. No more forgetting to arm the system when you leave; Frontpoint does it for you. I liked this feature so much that in tests of subsequent systems, I found myself really missing it when I begrudgingly used a keypad to arm the system before I left for the day.
Pro Tip: A typical Frontpoint package comes with an analog keypad, which is a shame if you’re looking to automate your home. The keypad just isn’t compatible with smart home controls. I highly suggest upgrading to Frontpoint’s touchscreen control panel. It completely replaces the hub and analog keypad.
Similar to SimpliSafe, Frontpoint offers a few different security packages as well as an a la carte menu of equipment to choose from. Packages start at $69 and go up to $399, although exact pricing depends on their current promotions.
One thing to note that I talk more about in my guide to Frontpoint’s prices, they tend to overinflate their “retail” prices and have “sales” that never end. So if you’re shopping around, don’t feel like you need to pull the trigger to take advantage of some deep discounts — they aren’t going anywhere.
My Frontpoint door sensor and ring sensor are a little bulky
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $69 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $44.99 per month |
| Contract Lengths | Month-to-month |
| Installation Options | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, and Siri |
Maintaining a vacation home isn’t cheap. As you know, there are cleaning costs, maintenance fees, and now we’re recommending spending more money on a security system. Thankfully, Cove is an affordable option.I once again built a home security system from the ground up. I had some trouble finding some devices that SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have, but there’s still a lot to like about Cove beyond the cash savings they provide.
Cove equipment
If you’re looking to cut a few unnecessary costs Cove might be the right security system for you. It’s one of the most affordable security providers on the market today, but it’s definitely not cheap or chintzy. They offer high-quality equipment at reasonable prices that will get the job done.
When I was reviewing Cove, I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first. My total bill had me expecting motion detectors I could crush in the palm of my hand and security cameras that would break within a week. That’s definitely not the case, though. Their equipment is all heavy duty and built to last. Their contact sensors were a little large for my taste, but I did like that the motion detector was about the size of a deck of playing cards. My partner barely even noticed I’d put them up.
Pro Tip: Similar to SimpliSafe, Cove relies on adhesive strips to mount some of their hardware. Make sure you’re careful during the installation or you’re going to end up with a false alarm when your motion detector falls off the wall. Don’t ask me how I know.
Another neat thing about Cove: they don’t require a landline or a Wi-Fi connection to work. In fact, Cove is one of the best cellular security systems available. That’s because it can work entirely through a cellular connection. Most competitors still require a Wi-Fi connection and only provide cellular as a backup. Cove’s approach is particularly valuable for vacation homes as you can cancel your Wi-Fi to keep utility costs low between visits, all while keeping your security system up.
Like I’ve mentioned above, Cove is one of the best affordable security systems available. They don’t offer any pre-built packages and their list of components isn’t as long as Frontpoint, but they do offer everything you need to keep your vacation home secure.
Now one drawback of Cove is that they don’t offer the option to self-monitor. If you’re purchasing Cove specifically to save money, that’s something you should definitely be aware of. Thankfully, Cove’s monitoring prices are some of the lowest in the industry starting at just $19.99 per month. That’s the same price I paid when I tested Ring Alarm, another top budget provider.
My Cove system up and running and ready for testing
| Monitoring options | Professional or DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional or DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $99 |
| Monthly monitoring cost | From $22.99 |
| Contract length | Monthly |
You need a security system for your vacation home for the same reason you need one for your primary residence: to keep it safe. I’d actually argue, though, that your vacation home needs one even more, particularly if you’re not the type to rent it out. Burglars are smart — well, for the most part — and getting caught is the last thing they want. What’s more appealing than a nice property that they know is unoccupied for months at a time?
The SimpliSafe base station sitting nicely next to a plant that needs water
If you have a vacation home in an area susceptible to extreme weather events, having a security system can also help monitor the situation, even if there’s a power outage. You can check for damage and organize repairs without leaving your primary residence. If you have hazard sensors installed from SimpliSafe or Cove, you’ll even get alerts when there is a fire and help is on the way.
Did You Know? I recommend getting a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm for your vacation home. The smoke component will alert the monitoring center to fires, and the CO sensor will let you know about gas leaks that are just as dangerous.
With a security system for your vacation or rental home, you can secure and protect your property and guests even when you can’t be there in person. The following features are some of the most important for vacation home security systems.
Pro Tip: If you have rooms that are off-limits to guests, I suggest setting up alert zones. You’ll get an instant notification when someone steps into these no-go zones.
Research consistently shows that installing home security systems is a smart investment for property protection. Some of the most compelling statistics include:
Did You Know? Remember when we mentioned smoke alarms earlier? Did you know having any type of smoke alarm reduces fire-related death rates by 30 percent? It increases to 71 percent if the device is hardwired with a battery backup.
You should absolutely be thinking about securing your vacation home, but don’t forget about your primary property when you leave. Securing your house while you’re gone is a crucial step in enjoying your time away and not coming home to major headaches.
Start by arming your security system. This should be a no-brainer — and is going to keep your home protected from a number of threats while you’re away. Depending on how long you’re going to be gone, you should also consider putting a temporary halt on your mail and hiring someone to trim your bushes and cut your grass. You don’t want to advertise that you’re gone — that’s catnip to a burglar.
Setting the ADT Control Panel
It can also be helpful to inform a trusted neighbor or nearby friend that you’re going to be gone and ask them to keep an eye on your property for you. This can be as simple as having them drive by a few times or giving them a key to check in on things. And, hey, don’t forget to have them water your houseplants! For more tips, check out my list of 5 sneaky tricks to keep burglars away while you’re on vacation.
Federal Bureau of Investigations. (Retrieved 2026). Crime Data Explorer. https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/crime-trend
