10 Best Home Security Systems for 2021
Keep your home safe.
Looking for the best home security systems that integrate with your smart home?
We’ve got you covered.
Our home security systems reviews narrow things down to 10 of the best, taking a close look at:
- Pricing and subscription costs
- Components and features
- Smart home integration
- Apps and monitoring
- Overall performance
We will share with you our exclusive buyers’ guide, a list of benefits that the home security systems provide, and the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Last Updated: April 5, 2021
1. SimpliSafe
Starting at $183 for the security hardware and $14.99 for professional monitoring, SimpliSafe provides affordable home security systems with all the expected components. From cameras to carbon monoxide detectors, it has it all. Monitoring is paid on a monthly basis without being locked into a long-term contract. Full Review
- Excellent range of hardware
- Reasonable monitoring costs
- No long-term contract
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Starting at $183 for the security hardware and $14.99 for professional monitoring, SimpliSafe provides affordable home security systems with all the expected components. From cameras to carbon monoxide detectors, it has it all. Monitoring is paid on a monthly basis without being locked into a long-term contract. Full Review
DIY or Professional
From $14.99
Cellular, Wi-Fi, Landline
No
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
From $4.99
Yes
2. Vivint
Offering the best of both worlds, Vivint provides home DIY security systems. But if you don’t feel tech-savvy enough, you can choose free professional installation. The equipment integrates well with existing smart home technology. You can arm and disarm the system via Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands. For added security, you get cellular backup if your Wi-Fi isn’t connecting. It’s also one of the few to offer effective local storage of your CCTV recordings. Full Review
- Free professional installation
- Top-end equipment
- Good smart home integration
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Offering the best of both worlds, Vivint provides home DIY security systems. But if you don’t feel tech-savvy enough, you can choose free professional installation. The equipment integrates well with existing smart home technology. You can arm and disarm the system via Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands. For added security, you get cellular backup if your Wi-Fi isn’t connecting. It’s also one of the few to offer effective local storage of your CCTV recordings. Full Review
DIY or Free Professional
From $19.99
Wi-Fi, Cellular
No
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
From $9.99, 1TB local
Yes
3. ADT
A veteran of the home camera security systems market, ADT now integrates well with existing smart home devices and has all the modern components. There’s a good selection of cameras as well. Your recordings can be stored locally with some models or via the cloud for only $2.99 a month. Full Review
- Trusted home security company
- User-friendly app
- Good smart home integration
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A veteran of the home camera security systems market, ADT now integrates well with existing smart home devices and has all the modern components. There’s a good selection of cameras as well. Your recordings can be stored locally with some models or via the cloud for only $2.99 a month. Full Review
Professional or DIY
From $36.99
Cellular, Wi-Fi
No
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
Local, Cloud from $2.99
Yes
4. FrontPoint
A good all-rounder, FrontPoint offers a competitively priced set of components. It starts at $99 for a starter set and professional monitoring from $44.99. Its premium camera has a great 180-degree field of view and the app lets you control everything easily. Some cameras also support local storage, which is a big plus if you do not want to pay for cloud storage. Full Review
- Easy to install
- Smoke, CO2, flood monitoring
- 30-day money-back guarantee
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A good all-rounder, FrontPoint offers a competitively priced set of components. It starts at $99 for a starter set and professional monitoring from $44.99. Its premium camera has a great 180-degree field of view and the app lets you control everything easily. Some cameras also support local storage, which is a big plus if you do not want to pay for cloud storage. Full Review
DIY
From $44.99
Cellular, Wi-Fi
No
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
Local, Cloud
Yes
5. Link Interactive
One of the best wireless home security systems on our list, Link Interactive has an endless range of components and can fit into any smart home ecosystem. Their hardware is great for the price. You also get 30 days to decide whether the system is right for you before committing to a contract. Full Review
- Very easy to install
- Very customizable
- Affordable hardware
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One of the best wireless home security systems on our list, Link Interactive has an endless range of components and can fit into any smart home ecosystem. Their hardware is great for the price. You also get 30 days to decide whether the system is right for you before committing to a contract. Full Review
DIY only
From $30.99
Cellular, Wi-Fi
Within 12-month contract
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
Cloud
Yes
6. Google Nest
There’s a lot going for Google Nest’s full security system, including several innovations, obvious Google smart home integration, and industry-leading Nest cameras that can reach 4K. It also offers competitive pricing for storage and monitoring. One of the best home camera security systems available for sure! Full Review
- Industry-leading cameras
- Very user-friendly
- Reasonable monitoring costs
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There’s a lot going for Google Nest’s full security system, including several innovations, obvious Google smart home integration, and industry-leading Nest cameras that can reach 4K. It also offers competitive pricing for storage and monitoring. One of the best home camera security systems available for sure! Full Review
DIY or Professional
From $19
Wi-Fi
Yes
Yes
Google Home
Cloud from $6
Yes
7. Abode
Compatible with more than 150 different smart devices, Abode offers some of the best home wireless security systems on the market. You can set up and monitor the system yourself without being locked into a subscription or contract. The professional monitoring is one of the cheapest. Abode offers some of the best home security systems without monthly fees! Full Review
- Widely compatible and customizable
- Cheap professional monitoring
- Self-monitor for free
Compatible with more than 150 different smart devices, Abode offers some of the best home wireless security systems on the market. You can set up and monitor the system yourself without being locked into a subscription or contract. The professional monitoring is one of the cheapest. Abode offers some of the best home security systems without monthly fees! Full Review
DIY or Professional
60 cents a day
Wi-Fi, Cellular backup
Limited features
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
Local and Cloud
Yes
8. Ring Alarm
If you’re looking for cheap home security systems, then Ring does the job without sacrificing performance. You can get cloud storage for just $3 a month and professional monitoring from $10. Ring home security systems also have one of the best selections of cameras for both indoors and outdoors. A major plus is that it allows proper self-monitoring. As long as you don’t want cloud storage it is one of the top DIY home security systems with no monthly fee. Full Review
- Very affordable
- Good selection of cameras
- Self-monitor without restrictions
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If you’re looking for cheap home security systems, then Ring does the job without sacrificing performance. You can get cloud storage for just $3 a month and professional monitoring from $10. Ring home security systems also have one of the best selections of cameras for both indoors and outdoors. A major plus is that it allows proper self-monitoring. As long as you don’t want cloud storage it is one of the top DIY home security systems with no monthly fee. Full Review
DIY only
From $10
Wi-Fi, Cellular backup
Yes
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
Cloud from $3
Yes
9. Brinks
If you need reliable professional monitoring with a 24/7 emergency alarm response, Brinks has some of the best security systems for home use. Their hardware is modern and smart-ready, with touchscreen control panels, a good range of cameras, and all the sensors you could need. They also utilize the Alarm app which powers many top home security systems. Full Review
- Effective 24/7 monitoring
- Good hardware selection
- Reasonable professional monitoring price
Show More
If you need reliable professional monitoring with a 24/7 emergency alarm response, Brinks has some of the best security systems for home use. Their hardware is modern and smart-ready, with touchscreen control panels, a good range of cameras, and all the sensors you could need. They also utilize the Alarm app which powers many top home security systems. Full Review
DIY or Professional
From $29
Wi-Fi, Cellular
Limited features
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
Cloud
Yes
10. Scout Alarm
Not everyone wants professional monitoring, especially when they’re on a tight budget. Scout solves this by providing monitoring app access without any extra fees. Their systems are very customizable, so they can fit your needs. If you do decide you want professional monitoring, Scout offers it cheaper than most, starting at $19.99. It’s among the best self install home security systems. Full Review
- Easy setup
- Viable self-monitoring
- Affordable professional monitoring
Not everyone wants professional monitoring, especially when they’re on a tight budget. Scout solves this by providing monitoring app access without any extra fees. Their systems are very customizable, so they can fit your needs. If you do decide you want professional monitoring, Scout offers it cheaper than most, starting at $19.99. It’s among the best self install home security systems. Full Review
DIY only
From $19.99
Wi-Fi, Cellular backup
Yes
Yes
Alexa, Google Home
From $2.99
Yes
The Best Home Security Systems for 2021
- SimpliSafe – Best no-contract home security system
- Vivint – Best professional home security system
- ADT – The most well-established top home security system
- FrontPoint – Best all-round home DIY security system
- Link Interactive – Most customizable wireless home security system
- Google Nest – Best home security camera system
- Abode – Best integrated smart home security system
- Ring Alarm – Most affordable security system for home
- Brinks – Best professionally monitored security camera system for home
- Scout Alarm – Best unmonitored home security system
Read our best DIY home security systems reviews to learn more about the systems above. Whether you’re looking for the best sensors, best security camera systems for home or outdoors, or self-monitoring, there’s something for everyone.
Detailed Reviews
- Excellent range of hardware
- Reasonable monitoring costs
- No long-term contract
- Different types of monitoring
One of the top DIY home security systems, SimpliSafe monitors your property for floods, fires, break-ins, and even medical emergencies. It does this without requiring a contract. You can also pick and choose the hardware and add-ons that best suit your needs.
The system operates on either cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, requiring you to plug in the base unit somewhere within 400 feet of the sensors and 100 feet from the controlling keypads. Then simply press the pairing buttons on each component and create a pin number.
A series of paired sensors should be placed on every window and door to detect entry, motion, fire, carbon monoxide, water, etc. All you have to do is set the system to Away Mode when you leave your home, activating entry and peripheral sensors. Choose Home Mode when you’re in – it only focuses on external window and door entry, along with any other extras you’ve set. Test Mode is an alarm-free mode that allows you to check if the various sensors are working.
You have 30 seconds to enter your pin and deactivate a pending alarm. If you have a monitoring plan, failing to do so contacts SimpliSafe’s external team who will contact you by phone, ask your password and determine if it was a false alarm or not. If they cannot reach you, your password was incorrect, it’s apparent that there is an intruder or you’re in any other dangerous situations. They will contact the necessary emergency services.
A SimpliSafe home security system ranges from $183.00 to $391.00. They now also include a Simplisafe camera in every set, though its performance is fairly poor compared to the best-rated home security camera systems. There’s also no local storage.
Monitoring starts at a reasonable $14.99. You can also self-monitor with any of the SimpliSafe packages. This does however mean you’re locked into a subscription to use the app.
You can also check out our detailed SimpliSafe review.
- Free professional installation
- Top-end equipment
- Good smart home integration
- Options for both big and small houses
Vivint is a well-integrated home security system that utilizes sensors and cameras to keep a close eye on your property. It has a mobile app for iPhone and Android to monitor and control things on the go.
If you’re not the most tech-savvy, the company offers a free home installation. That’s why we put it on our Best Home Security Systems list. However, if you want any more support it will cost you. Professional camera monitoring will set you back between $49.99 a month for two cameras and $59.99 for a maximum of four. Furthermore, if you move home there’s a fee to have the system reinstalled.
Depending on the size of your home you can choose between different sets of components. The base set includes:
- the SkyControl touchscreen panel
- motion sensors (entry and glass breakage)
- smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- a video doorbell
- smart lock
- one indoor camera
This is perfect for a small home or apartment.
Setting up is comparable to other security systems. SkyControl panel walks you through the process of pairing components and activating the sensors and alarm systems. The panel also doubles as a live streaming screen for your cameras.
The doorbell camera is fully weatherproof, has facial recognition and two-way audio, though it can only manage 720p. You can also pay extra for a full outdoor cam with a 4K video. The indoor cam is a crisp 1080p with a 155-degree viewing angle to monitor a large living area and infrared to capture clear footage in the dark. Overall, these are some of the best rated wireless home security camera systems.
Meanwhile, Kwikset’s smart lock allows you to remotely control your front door and assign up to 30 unlock codes to friends and family.
Overall, Vivint is one of the best security home systems. However, if you do not pay for a monitoring plan, you won’t get the app.
- Trusted home security company
- User-friendly app
- Good smart home integration
- Versatile
ADT security is one of the most established providers of home security systems with the best monitoring services. The current incarnation integrates well with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave.
Whether you want a bunkered down fortress with full smart technology or some basic sensors on your doors and windows, ADT has all the components you need.
The catch is that they don’t actually have a set-price list. The amount you are charged can vary depending on your location and which subcontracted installer is in charge of your system.
Still, we know from experience that equipment is similarly priced to other systems and the real costs are for the professional monitoring subscription.
This ranges from $27.99 to $62.99 per month, depending on the level of monitoring and whether you want a landline or cellular connection. The latter is the best option since criminals are known to cut phone lines. You’ll also want to throw in smart home support if you want good integration and the mobile app.
Unfortunately, ADT still operates on the old industry standard contract length of 36 months. However, you can forgo all monitoring if you simply want a local alarm system.
So, what do you actually get? There’s:
- entry and motion sensors
- smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- smart locks
- indoor and outdoor cameras
- a doorbell cam with two-way audio but no facial recognition
All of this can be controlled with their portable touchscreen panel and mobile app, but you’ll need the ADT Command plan to get this.
Because ADT home security systems use third parties, your customer experience may vary. Overall, you’ll get a solid system once you get past the complexities of their packages and pricing.
- No professional installation
- Expensive professional monitoring
- Relatively new company
- Paid app
FrontPoint is one of many providers that now offer DIY home security systems where you do not have to commit to a contract. Still, if you want the best experience, a subscription is necessary. You won’t get to use the mobile app without it.
There are lots of good components to choose from here. The smart technology is well integrated with the likes of Alexa and Google Assistant. The system centers around the smart hub and a keypad for you to control things. Connectivity can be wired or Wi-Fi; you can also pay extra for a touchscreen panel.
Exactly what components you include beyond these are up to you. Mix and match or select a pre-configured package. The $99 Safe Home Everyday set is the entry-level package and includes three door/window sensors, two motion sensors, and a yard sign to warn people that the home is secured. The Safe Home Plus ($319.94) adds glass break sensors, the Safe Home Select ($383.92) adds more sensors and a smoke and heat detector. The Safe Home Preferred ($479.90) adds even more sensors and an indoor camera.
If you’re looking for DIY home security camera systems, their standard indoor camera has a 1080p resolution, a 113-degree viewing angle, two-way audio, and motion detectors. The premium cam has an impressive 180-degree viewing angle that can scope an entire large room. You can also add a doorbell and outdoor cam to your package.
The mobile app allows you to tune in to your cameras and control your locks and alarm. If you want it you’ll need to pay at least $44.99 per month for the Interactive Plan. Quite a bit more than SimpliSafe. But it also includes 24/7 professional monitoring and mobile alerts, so it’s worth it.
Overall, while pricey for a subscription, the system is easy to install. It has all the components you need and is one of the best smart home security systems.
- Very easy to install
- Very customizable
- Affordable hardware
- 30-day money-back guarantee
The Link Interactive security system has a wide variety of components with easy smart home integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple TV, and Z-Wave. It’s also simple to install, so no need for hefty professional installation fees.
But.
While you do get a 30-day money-back guarantee, if you want to move forward you will be locked into a contract for at least a year. There’s no self-monitoring only option.
The components you choose are up to you. At the base level, you will need the control panel and cell module to get everything hooked up, some door and window sensors to detect breaches and the smart lock which can be assigned multiple unlock codes.
Optional cameras include a 1080p V522IR Indoor Camera with two-way audio and night vision, and the Skybell Slim Line Video Doorbell camera with 720p video, an impressive 180-degree field of view, night vision, and doorbell triggered recording. This is a good choice if you’re looking for the best home security surveillance camera systems.
Other equipment includes:
- glass break sensors
- touchscreen control panels
- outdoor sensors
- a panic button
- smart LED lights
- garage door controller
- smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors
Professional monitoring starts at $30.99 a month. However, you’ll need the $39.99 Gold plan to get the remote app. You won’t get camera monitoring unless you pay for the $44.99 a month Elite plan.
The app is very user-friendly – it lets you do everything the home control panel does while on the go. This includes system control, two-way audio via the cameras, live camera monitoring, etc. You’ll also get notifications if, for example, sensors or alarms have been triggered.
Overall, Link Interactive is one of the best security systems for home use. However, you’ll need to sign at least a 12-month contract and pay for monitoring to get the most out of it, which knocks off a star.
- Industry-leading cameras
- Very user-friendly
- Reasonable monitoring costs
- Pathlight
Google has finally entered the home security market with its Nest cameras, producing one of the best home security and automation systems. All thanks to its integration with Google Assistant.
It is also very much at the forefront when it comes to innovative technology, even though other companies have dominated this space for years. Their sensors, for example, cover a much broader area and combine motion and entry – a simple but effective improvement.
At the system’s core is the Nest Guard base station. It connects to your Wi-Fi and pairs with all of your security components. It also doubles as the keypad and has its own sensors – if you leave home and forget to arm the alarm it will send you a notification on the app. To quickly arm or disarm the system, all you need is one of the small Nest Tags which you can add to your key fob and tap much like a keyless car entry.
Another handy little feature is Pathlight. It senses when you walk past in the dark and sets off some LED lights to guide you. Quiet Open can also detect whether your pet wants to leave or enter, allowing you to temporarily disable the alarm. We’d expect those from the best home security systems.
Of course, where Google really stands out is the Nest Cam itself. It includes two indoor and two Nest cam outdoor models. The premium IQ range has 4K video, HDR, facial recognition, and object tracking, night vision. It also has tonnes of other features that your average home security system overlooks. Google has gone all out to provide the best home security systems with cameras.
The only catch is you’ll need a Nest Aware subscription to unlock the best features and cloud storage. It costs between $6 and $12 a month. This is on top of the regular Nest Secure professional monitoring plan, which costs $29 a month or $19 a month if you commit to a 3-year contract.
- Cameras could be better
- Average quality hardware
- No outdoor camera
- Short battery life
Abode’s DIY home security systems are one of the most compatible on the market. It integrates with Homekit, Alexa, Google Home, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and up to 150 individual products. You’ll be looking at either the ‘Smart Security Kit’ for $199, which includes the main hub, door and window sensor, a motion sensor, and a key fob. Or the ‘IOTA Kit’ for $279.
The IOTA includes the Gateway Hub with a built-in camera and motion sensor with alarm, key fob, door and window sensor, and a second separate motion sensor. While the hub is wireless, battery life is only about 2 hours. It is only really intended as a temporary backup if your power goes down. You can add more sensors and components at any time for extra expenses.
Worthwhile add-ons include the vibration glass sensor to detect window-smashing and the water sensor to detect leaks and flooding. These, however, will not pair with any of your voice control devices.
Abode is one of the best non-monitored home security systems, letting you monitor it yourself free of charge, with live camera viewing and push notifications. There is, however, no timeline of events, video storage, or remote controls. For just 20 cents a day you get these features. For 60 cents a day the Pro Plan offers cellular connectivity and 24/7 professional monitoring, one of the cheapest on the market.
The control panel or app is very easy to use, allowing you to set it to Away, Home, Standby, and Night. There’s also a quick key fob and you can also set things to run automatically.
Overall, Abode home security is affordable with good components and easy DIY setup. All things considered; they provide some of the best home security systems available.
- Very affordable
- Good selection of cameras
- Self-monitor without restrictions
- No contract option
The Ring security system takes many of its excellent stand-alone security devices and pairs them together in a competent and affordable Wi-Fi system. All of this, without requiring a contract. The only downside is that the free plan only includes the main Base Station, Keypad, and sensors. To use any cameras with cloud storage, you’ll pay at least $3 a month.
For professional monitoring, it’s only $10 a month, making it the cheapest of the security systems we’ve reviewed. This plan also features discounted equipment, making it one of the best deals on home security systems.
If you’re looking for unmonitored home security systems, Ring also fits the bill. It gives you full access to app alerts without having to pay a monthly fee.
The $199.99 Starter Kit includes:
- the Base Station which connects everything together and houses the alarm
- a keypad to control and arm the system
- one motion sensor for a room or entrance
- one contact sensor for a window or door
- a range extender to accommodate larger homes
The $249.99 kit adds two more contact sensors and one more motion sensor. The $329.99 kit has a total of 8 contact sensors, 2 keypads, and 2 motion sensors.
While any Ring camera can be a costly addition to your package, this is where the company stands out from others. These smart Wi-Fi cams include the Floodlight with powerful motion sensor lighting and alarm, the Spotlight Cam with LED spotlights, the Video Doorbell with night vision, and the flagship Stick Up Cam which works indoors or outdoors. These make for some of the best wireless outdoor security camera systems for your home.
Other than the Spotlight cam, all cameras also feature two-way audio and good HD video. They are powered with quick release lithium batteries. You can tune in to the live feeds via the mobile app, which also allows you to fully control the security system and receive detection notifications. Furthermore, Ring home security systems use the Neighbourhood feature. You can also get anonymized reports from other Ring users, so you know if criminals have been targeting the area.
The only real downside with Ring is that there are no extras like glass break sensors or smoke detectors.
Brinks
BEST FOR
People looking for a professionally monitored security camera system for home
Visit Website- Effective 24/7 monitoring
- Good hardware selection
- Reasonable professional monitoring price
- No fee when moving home
Looking for DIY home security systems with cameras? Brinks has you covered. With professional monitoring from $29 for standard and $39 to include video, the Brinks system isn’t the cheapest. However, it has good equipment and a user-friendly app and controls. Furthermore, unlike some traditional home security providers, Brinks lets you move your system to a new home without any extra hassle or fees.
The equipment itself is competitively priced, with the Smart Security Essential costing $199. This includes the touchscreen control panel, 2 sensors for a window and door, 1 motion sensor for the interior, and a yard sign to warn people that the property is secured.
For $499 you get an extra door/window sensor and motion sensor, along with an indoor camera. The Ultimate package costs just over $1,000 and adds a doorbell camera and outdoor camera, as well as including professional installation.
The indoor camera is competent at 1080p with night vision and 113-degree field of view, though there are no alarms or two-way audio. The outdoor camera has similar performance but is let down by its small 88-degree field of view. In practice, it’s best suited to pointing down from a corner of the front doorway. The doorbell cam is a bit more impressive, providing a 180-degree viewing angle and two-way audio to talk with people at the door, though it only functions at 720p.
Extra components you can add to your bundle include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, water sensor for leaks and flooding, and garage door sensors.
Brinks uses the Alarm.com app that several other companies use. It works well, allowing you to receive notifications, arm and disarm the system, and watch your cameras.
If you’re looking specifically for professional monitoring, Brinks offers one of the best rated wireless home security systems.
- Easy setup
- Viable self-monitoring
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Free app
Scout is one of the best security systems home users can customize, though it’s still less of a hassle to purchase a pre-set pack of equipment. The ‘Small’ entry-level pack includes the core hub, which handles all the connectivity via your home Wi-Fi or via backup 4G and houses the 105dB alarm.
You also get a door control panel, one motion sensor, two access sensors for doors or windows, and two key fobs for quick access. It will set you back $229, while the $319 ‘Large Pack’ adds one more motion sensor and three more access sensors. The $349 Scout Elements pack adds a smoke alarm and water sensor to the mix. The $549 Architect pack includes a glass break sensor and a smart lock.
Cameras must be added separately and include a 1080p indoor cam with zoom function and night vision and a 1080p doorbell cam. These can be viewed live via the app. Sometimes you might experience some lag, especially if you have a slow internet connection.
The app also receives notifications whenever motion or other sensors are set off. Some users report delays that could potentially mean you won’t be warned in time. When it does work, it’s one of the best self-monitored home security systems. Professional monitoring starts at $19.99 a month. If you want a cellular backup, cloud camera storage, and all the alert options without professional monitoring, this starts at $12.88.
Scout Alarm has gone back to the drawing board, providing home security systems that are simple, affordable, and as their crowd-funders requested, compatible. It can integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, Yale, Kwikset, Nest, LIFX, Hue, IFTTT, and lots of other smart home tech. Yet, while it does so many things right, it passes over some basic features like two-way audio, wide camera viewing angles, and they do not offer their own outdoor cam. The app also has its issues.
Top Benefits of Installing a Home Security System
Security hardware used to be very expensive, bulky, and hard to install. Today, you can get full home security systems for less than $200 and anyone who can use a smartphone should be able to get things going. Here are some of the top benefits of installing a home security system:
Protection from intruders
Most people are unprepared to handle intruders and are even worse at successfully identifying them later. Home security systems can ward off crooks before they cause any harm, immediately notifying you and/or a monitoring team, and storing footage for the police to analyze.
Monitor your front door
With the best home video security systems, you’ll get doorbell cams and two-way audio. You’ll be able to keep an eye out for delivery, check if your kids have returned home, or monitor any strangers at your door.
Avert disasters
With adhesive sensors you can stick to your doors, windows, or walls, you can monitor break-ins. You can also monitor for flooding, smoke, and carbon monoxide, and there are even temperature sensors.
Be in full control
Modern smart security systems give you full control, allowing you to monitor your home and change settings with your smartphone. They also integrate with other IoT devices you have on your network.
Self-Monitored or Professional Monitoring?
Home security systems function in two ways. You can monitor them yourself locally or often via a mobile app. You can also pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring.
Self-monitoring is ideal if you are on a budget and have the time to check notifications. Professional monitoring is a good option if you are busy, not very tech-savvy, or want extra support in an emergency.
If your alarm is triggered, you’ll be contacted and if your safety can’t be verified, the authorities will be alerted.
Do It Yourself or Professional Installation?
Security systems are a lot easier to install than they used to be. Installing DIY home security systems typically involves powering up a central hub and using a control panel or app to connect all the related components over Wi-Fi. Sensors and cameras are mounted or stuck via adhesive in your desired location with little wiring involved. Read our DIY home security systems reviews to learn more.
Most security companies will also provide professional installation for a fee. You can get it free if you buy a premium package. It makes sense to have professional installation if you have purchased a lot of hardware and aren’t sure where it should be placed. Likewise, if you aren’t very tech-savvy it’s a good idea to leave it to the pros. However, the best DIY home security systems should be able to guide you along the way.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Home Security System?
While all of the 10 best home security systems we’ve reviewed offer something for everyone, there are still things you’ll need to consider.
Cost
The cost of home security depends on the number of components you need and whether you want professional monitoring. The cheapest option is to go with self-monitoring and to only have the basic sensors and alarms.
You’ll see a big price increase if you opt for home security systems with cameras. At this point, you’ll also need to consider cloud storage costs. Professional monitoring is convenient and gives you peace of mind but will also incur a monthly fee.
Contracts
In general, the security industry is moving away from fixed-term contracts. However, some still require you to commit. If you want professional monitoring a contract isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but there are contract-free solutions out there as well.
Coverage
For a security system to be effective it needs to have full coverage of your home. Entry-level packages will include a few sensors for your doors and windows. This is enough for a small home or apartment, but anything larger and you’ll need to consider cameras and additional equipment. Wireless home security camera systems are also more portable if you want to test different arrangements.
Integration
If you already have a lot of smart tech in your home or want a system that you can easily scale up in the future, you need to make sure it pairs well with other devices.
App Access
An app can make or break a good security system. You’ll want one that is easy to use, sends notifications quickly and allows you full control while on the go. Home video security systems should also allow you to view a live feed of the cameras. Be on the lookout for systems that lock the app behind a paid subscription, limiting your ability to self-monitor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for the best DIY home security systems with self-monitoring or a professionally installed and monitored setup, we hope our reviews helped you. We found the best security systems for home use and we guarantee you won’t regret investing in one of them.
FAQ
DIY smart home security systems are modern security systems that can be easily installed by yourself. Typically, components can be easily mounted or stuck around the home and everything is set up from a control panel or app. The best do it yourself home security systems will have easy to follow instructions.
Looking for the best self-installed home security systems? Other than ADT which requires a local installer and Vivint which provides free professional installation, all of the best-rated home security systems on our list are DIY. The easiest to set up is arguably Abode, but Scout Alarm, Ring, and Google Nest are also extremely easy to get up and running.
SimpliSafe and ADT home security are comparable in terms of overall performance, offering a similar range of security components and cameras. While ADT has a better reputation because they have been around so long, we give the edge to SimpliSafe. It offers cheaper professional monitoring, is more upfront about costs, and it does not require professional installation. You can further compare home security systems by reading our reviews above.
ADT home security systems offer professional monitoring plans starting at $27.99 a month, with the most expensive plan costing $62.99. The cost depends on the number of components that you want to be monitored and the features you require. For a proper breakdown, you must request a quote from their website.
Although all the best home security systems on our list are worthy of being there for their own reasons, we believe the overall best choice is Abode. It strikes the right balance between affordable subscription costs and upfront hardware costs, selection and performance of components, simple DIY installation, and smart tech integration. Ring is the best if you’re on a budget, Google Nest stands out due to the quality of its cameras, and FrontPoint is a good all-rounder with value for money.
The overall best value for money, i.e. the best quality and performance at a reasonable price, goes to FrontPoint, with packages starting at $99. If you’re looking for home security systems with the best deals, committing to a year in advance usually saves money.
If you’re on a budget, Ring has optional professional monitoring for just $10 a month and cloud video storage for $3. Upfront hardware costs are competitive, and their cameras are some of the best on the market. However, you will have to pay more to get the absolute best home security systems.