When it comes to shopping for home security systems there are so many brands and features available that it’s sometimes hard to weigh your options. Everyone wants the best possible quality and as many features as they can get for their money. That’s why we have taken the time to research, test, and compile this information for you. Having all your options presented in an easy to read and digest format will save you loads of time. It will also make it easier for you to see all your choices side-by-side along with the pros and cons of each and detailed reviews you can use to make an educated decision about which one is best for you and your particular situation.
1. SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe has been in business since 2006 and was founded by two Harvard Business School students and is most commonly known for its DIY monitoring option that provides you with an affordable no-contract security system. And, with SimpliSafe, you can choose either a bundled kit or customize an equipment package of your own. Additionally, SimpliSafe is the fastest growing home security company in the industry and protects more than 3 million Americans.
SimpliSafe continuously ranks highly with their customers as can be seen by their more than 40,000 Five-Star Amazon and Google reviews and their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Pros
- Easy DIY installation (open the box and plug it in)
- No long-term contracts and a 60-day free trial
- No middlemen means less markup
- Six redundant monitoring centers (no single point of failure)
- Cellular connection with Wi-Fi backup
- Deeply encrypted signals
- Alarm still triggers even if keypad is damaged by criminals
Cons
- Proprietary equipment (limited integration with third-party components)
- Upfront equipment purchase required
- No outdoor cameras available (but coming soon)
SimpliSafe manufactures and sells their own equipment, which means they can cut out the middleman and offer their products at a lower cost than other security companies. They have six equipment packages and multiple sub-package options that build on each of their six bundled packages.
The SimpliSafe equipment packages range from $169 (video doorbell) to $417. The Foundation, which is their base package is $196 and comes with one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor, and one motion sensor. Each package and sub-package builds on this base package. They also have a SimpliCam which is one indoor camera and it is $99.
2. ADT
ADT has over 140 years of experience in home security and has been protecting homes longer than anyone else in the business. ADT also has more than 18,000 employees and 200 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. And, they have been nationally recognized by Mashable, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and more.
ADT also has redundant monitoring centers so if one monitoring center goes down, there will be another one available to answer calls. Additionally, your ADT purchase comes with a 6-month guarantee (some restrictions apply) and you can usually have your new system installed quickly.
Pros
- Six redundant monitoring centers
- Wireless and hardwired systems
- Cellular and landline connections available
- Home security and home automation features available
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- More experience than anyone else in the industry
Cons
- Long-term contracts
- Customer service experiences vary
- More expensive than other brands
- Activation fee
ADT has a variety of options available, including home security, home automation, fire and life safety, identity theft protection, and an ADT Go plan you can use at home or on-the-go. The Go plan includes a mobile app, family location sharing, SOS emergency response at the push of a button, and crash detection with emergency notification, multi-point safe driving report, 24/7 roadside assistance, and live agent access. Some of these features are included for free for existing customers; otherwise, they are $9.99/mo. plus tax.
ADT has three other packages. The Traditional package, Control package, and Video package. They all come with a digital panel, entryway contacts, wireless keychain remote, motion detector, yard signs, window decals, 24/7 monitoring, a high-decibel alarm, and a backup battery. They also offer a mobile app, email and text alerts, and Z-Wave technology. The ADT monitoring packages range from $29/mo. to $60/mo. depending on the plan you choose, as well as a few other determining factors.
3. Frontpoint
Frontpoint has been in business for 11 years and currently has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, Frontpoint was the first nationwide security company to include smart security with their systems. They offer a 30-day risk-free offer and their systems don’t require you to have a landline to use them because all the equipment is 100% wireless and it’s easy to install. They also offer 24/7 professional monitoring and each system can be easily integrated with your home automation equipment. And, every system you order is customized, integrated, and tested so it works right out of the box.
Pros
- Price-lock guarantee
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 30-day risk-free trial
- 24/7/365 professional monitoring
- Competitive prices
- Wireless DIY installation (no landline required)
- Exceptional concierge-level customer service
Cons
- Some offers subject to credit approval (this could raise the price)
- 36-month monitoring agreement required
Frontpoint has five equipment package options or you can build and customize one of your own. Each package comes with varying equipment and varying numbers of equipment options and the price will depend on the package you choose. The equipment packages feature a Frontpoint hub, keypad, door/window stickers, glass break sensors, yard sign, window decals, door stickers, motion sensors, smoke/heat sensors, indoor/outdoor cameras, and/or a doorbell camera. Their packages start at $99 for the Safe Home Everyday option and the Safe Home Plus option. The Safe Home Select option is $251.90, the Safe Home Preferred option is $384.88, and the Safe Home Elite is $882.84.
Every package comes with 24/7/365 professional monitoring, uses a dedicated cellular connection, and could save you up to 20% on your homeowner’s insurance. Additionally, Frontpoint offers a wide variety of cameras, home automation features, intrusion sensors, hazard sensors, and accessory options.
Can You Have a Home Security System Without a Landline?
We’ll start with the good news: Landlines are no longer required in home security. When we review and test security products, we’ve found that almost all the equipment and hardware we need to install, set up, and use can be customized to suit our own needs, and landlines need not apply.
FYI: Wireless monitoring was originally developed as a backup to the landline connections. Some security companies still use a Wi-Fi only connection in place of a landline. However, most of them are now using cellular technology that communicates with a cell tower, just like your mobile phone, which is significantly more reliable than any other communication option.
Years ago, we were accustomed to installing systems almost exclusively through our phone line – simply because that’s how traditional home security companies like Brinks and ADT worked. If our alarm was triggered, the system needed a landline to connect to a 24/7 professional monitoring center.
These days, however, we doubt you’re going to hear the word “landline” much in your home security journey. The majority of security systems we test will communicate very well using your home’s Wi-Fi, and many now run on reliable cellular connections.
The Benefits to Wireless Connectivity
There are many benefits to wireless connectivity versus a wired system.
- With wireless connectivity, there is less chance your system could be compromised because there are no wires that could be cut.
- No drilling through walls and ceilings for hardwiring, which also means a much quicker and easier installation process.
- No wires means easier portability.
- A wireless system is easier to upgrade and/or modify.
- Wireless systems allow for remote controllability using a mobile app.
- With wireless connectivity, you can more easily sync to home automation and other security features.
Features of Security Systems Without Landlines
Here are the most common features found in security systems without landlines.
Wireless Connectivity
Today’s top home security systems without landline are 100% wireless. Wireless connectivity offers home protection, without having to drill into walls, splice circuits, or worry about hiding wires. Another benefit of wireless connectivity is fast and easy setup and takedown. Wireless is the way for home security systems that don’t require a landline. Look for this feature as you shop for an alarm system.
Cellular Monitoring
Cellular Monitoring is another impressive feature included with home security systems without a landline. An alarm system configured with cellular monitoring offers 24/7 security using a cell tower. This type of monitoring is far superior than the monitoring of yesteryear, which required landline hookups and delivered spotty results. You can see why cellular monitoring has become the industry standard.
Home Automation
If you’re searching for the best alarm system that doesn’t require a landline, then you’ll likely end up with nifty Home Automation features too. Home automation now comes with many wireless security systems. It allows you to control your security system and other home features — features like smart lighting, thermostats, electronic door locks, and more — from anywhere in the world using your smartphone.
Remote Access
Step into the home security experience of the 21st century with a wireless system that doesn’t require a landline. Gain access from anywhere in the world, so long as your system offers Remote Access (and most do!). Monitor and control everything from the convenience of a mobile app. Arm and disarm the system, lock and unlock doors, view live-stream cameras, and so much more.
24/7 Monitoring
Security systems without a landline offer 24/7 Monitoring for a low monthly fee. Wireless systems are usually powered by cellular monitoring, meaning you get reliable coverage with ultra-fast response times. Should a security breach occur, emergency personnel will be on the line in seconds, day or night. Priceless peace of mind is yours for the taking with 24/7 monitoring.
Motion Detectors
No landline? No problemo. Motion Detectors are an essential security component, and they also happen to be wireless. Mount these devices in big rooms, hallways, and entryways to get real-time activity alerts. Motion detectors use infrared technology to detect movement and motion to keep your home and family safe and sound. The best motion detectors even offer fancy facial recognition technology.
Security Cameras
Today’s Security Cameras can be setup in mere minutes, and they don’t require a phone line or landline. A home equipped with security cameras is far more likely to deter burglars and thieves. Many indoor and outdoor cameras offer remote access, allowing you to tap into the live-stream video from anywhere, anytime. Security cameras are yet another must-have feature for home protection.
DIY Installation
DIY Installation tops the list of helpful features. Many wireless security systems do not require professional installation. And they do not require drilling into walls and a background in electrical work. No siree. They only require 30 minutes of your time, a bit of patience, and maybe a screwdriver. And that’s it — you’re up and running with DIY Installation faster than fast.
Mobile Alerts
What happens if you’re at work and a burglar breaks into your home? Well, if you have Mobile Alerts, you’ll get a real-time notification sent straight to your smartphone. Depending on your system and features, you can remotely view live-stream video of the perpetrator, tell him to get lost using two-way voice, call the police, and control countless other commands.
