A home security system provides homeowners with peace of mind by offering protection against burglars, fire, and other disasters that can lead to financial loss or physical harm. The best home security systems are easy to install, simple to use, and feature advanced technologies that offer maximum protection in every situation.
To help you find the best home security system for your needs, we’ve put together this guide that covers the most popular systems on the market today, as well as their pros and cons. Read on to learn about 10 of the best home security systems you can buy!
- Vivint
The best home security system is Vivint. Why? The company has a 14-year history, which means it’s been around long enough to grow and learn from its mistakes. It also has strong customer service ratings, which is a big deal when you’re thinking about picking out a home security system.
Vivint Smart Home is a home security system that consists of multiple components. One such component is an in-home touchscreen panel that controls different aspects of your security system and allows you to communicate with Vivint customer service.
The first time you use your Vivint Smart Home panel, you’ll go through a quick wizard where you can customize which buttons are most important to you. This is all done through a simple process known as wizarding (not Wizarding). Once it’s set up, creating unique passcodes for each family member or friend who wants to enter your home becomes easy and will help ensure safe access only by those who should be there.
There’s no denying that DIY installations can save you money (that’s certainly true in our case), but if it all goes wrong, there won’t be anyone to call for help. If you’re willing to spend more for peace of mind, Vivint is worth considering over companies like ADT and Comcast/Xfinity. It’s not even close!
- Frontpoint
Most systems come with a base station that acts as your command center. It receives signals from your sensors, sends alerts to your phone, and sends commands to your property’s security devices—like external cameras, lights, or locks. Frontpoint is one of only two companies on our list to offer cameras with their system.
The cameras are wireless and only need power from a nearby outlet, making them easy to install without running cables through your home. They also don’t require a DVR (digital video recorder), which can add an extra monthly fee. Frontpoint offers four different camera packages that vary in price and features; each system includes two indoor and two outdoor surveillance devices.
- SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is a DIY alarm system that allows users to set up their own home security solution. As long as you can plug in your system, it doesn’t matter if you know anything about alarms. The SimpliSafe’s starter kit retails for $230, which includes everything needed to install a fully-functional home security system.
Unlike other alarm systems, which typically require high monthly fees and contracts with expensive cancellation policies, SimpliSafe charges $14.99 per month and offers no contracts or cancellation fees. This makes SimpliSafe one of the best home security systems on today’s market—and its customers couldn’t be happier with their choice to go with a DIY solution over one of the big-name providers!
- Cove
Cove is the first home security system that is completely wireless, self-monitored and easy-to-use. Starting at $14.99, Cove provides homeowners with a complete wireless security system that includes a base station, door/window sensors, motion sensors, keypad, and remote controls. The system operates on GSM technology and does not require any long-term commitments or contracts.
Cove uses patent-pending technology to discover home intrusions and sends notifications to the owner via email or text message. It also provides homeowners with the ability to arm and disarm their system from anywhere using their smartphones.With the Cove alarm system you will be able to sleep better knowing that your home is safe while being cost effective.
- ADT
ADT is the trusted security company for homeowners. ADT offers its customers peace of mind with a variety of different monitoring packages to meet individualized needs. As one of three national alarm companies in North America, ADT boasts a broad range of products that include home alarms, video surveillance systems, and monitoring services.
It has a wide range of products, including home alarms, video surveillance systems, and monitoring services, that can be used to protect your home.
- Abode
With DIY installation and a monthly monitoring fee that rivals self-installed security solutions, Abode is one of our favourite home security systems. Founded by former ADT executive Christopher Carney, Abode offers several different starter kits packed with features like motion and door/window sensors, a water sensor for floods or leaks, cellular backup, battery backup, and an outdoor camera.
If you want to add more devices or customise your system further, you can do so via its web app, though it can take some trial and error to get used to. All Abode components come with a lifetime hardware warranty, and its $20 monthly subscription includes unlimited video storage for recorded events as well as cloud storage for all of your mobile devices.
- Ring
At just under $20, Ring is a smart doorbell and a security camera in one. It’s a bit more expensive than our top pick, but it is compatible with numerous third-party Z-Wave and Zigbee devices and features two interchangeable faceplates (no tools required). Like our top pick, it has a 1080p camera that records video to an SD card.
Its chime can play one of four tunes for your visitors, or you can record your own voice via Bluetooth for an interactive experience. With its built-in motion detector and live streaming capabilities, you’ll also be able to see who is at your door from anywhere in the world using your smartphone—and you can store recordings on Ring’s cloud DVR for up to 60 days.
- Blue by ADT
With its state-of-the-art technology, nonstop customer service, and solid reliability, it’s easy to see why Blue by ADT is America’s best security provider. You can customise your Blue package with a plethora of advanced options like indoor and outdoor cameras, smart locks, and voice control. Another big selling point is its widespread availability across 99% of the US markets. Nationwide coverage means you can take comfort in knowing that no matter where you live or what your needs are, there will be an ADT professional ready to make sure you have all the protection you need.
Their professional monitoring plan is $20 a month, and there are no obligations or commitments to sign up for this service. Self-monitoring also means that you won’t lose any of your cloud storage. That’s fantastic.
- Wyze
We’ve never seen prices as cheap as those offered by Wyze for home security systems and monitoring. It costs less than $5 a month to monitor your home with Wyze Home Monitoring, and you can acquire a basic security device for less than $80. Only two entrance sensors, a motion sensor, a control panel, and a base station come with the base package. It still ranks as one of the best security systems.
When it comes to low-cost security cameras, Wyze has been a longtime favorite. You won’t find many features on a camera that costs twice as much. Wyze cameras often cost less than $50.
Wyze offers more smart home gadgets than any other brand, and they’re all made by the same company. It contains just about every smart home gadget you can think of, from smart lighting to smart plugs to a smart digital scale, which we tried and loved. Wyze is a great option if you’re seeking affordable home automation.
- Nest Secure
Nest Secure isn’t new, but it is one of your best bets for a smart security system. The kit consists of Nest Guard (keypad), Nest Detect (window/door sensor), and Nest Tag (RFID tag). And, it works with all other Nest devices including your thermostat, cameras, and more.
This wireless home security system uses sensors that you install around your house to tell if a door or window has been opened or closed. It will then send a notification to your phone so you can take action from wherever you are in case someone tries to enter without permission or when there is an emergency like a fire or water leak.
- Canary
Canary is small, white and wide-eyed, but it’s not a toy. Canary tracks motion, sound and air quality to monitor your home while you’re away. The point-and-shoot camera captures 1080p video. If something fishy is going on while you’re out of town—like a broken window or an unexpected intruder—you’ll receive an alert on your phone and watch live through Canary’s eyes in HD. Canary also sends alerts when someone enters your house using the wrong passcode or when it detects carbon monoxide, smoke or fire; if there’s ever an emergency, press a button on your phone and sound an alarm through a built-in speaker.
- Amazon Cloud Cam
Amazon’s Cloud Cam is one of our top picks for home security systems. The camera connects to your Wi-Fi and monitors your space. It has night vision, two-way audio (so you can listen in on what’s happening), and two days of free video history that you can access via any computer or smart device.
The best part: If a person or animal enters its field of view, it will send a live alert to your phone with pictures attached—great for packages left outside your door or if you want to see what happens when you’re not at home.
FAQ’S
Can I afford a home security system?
Before you invest in a home security system, it’s important to determine if you can truly afford it. Do some math to find out what it would take for your family to be comfortable and happy without a home security system. Set that as your budget and see how close you can get.
If you’re having trouble meeting your basic needs, skip the alarm for now and revisit it later when things are going better financially. A good security system is just as effective at deterring crime as it is at protecting your family, but safety doesn’t have to come at an exorbitant cost.
What’s the difference between professional monitoring and self-monitoring?
Professional monitoring and self-monitoring are available with most of these home security systems. Self-monitoring means that you install your home security system yourself, rather than having a professional do it for you. Most systems have pre-programmed settings that allow you to set them up quickly, but if you feel overwhelmed, professional installation may be more appropriate.
Some systems require professional installation because they include video cameras and need to be hardwired into your home’s electrical system (or at least plugged into an outlet). Companies that offer 24/7 monitoring often require it in order to qualify for their services; other companies charge extra for around-the-clock service.
What’s the difference between wired and wireless alarm systems?
Wireless alarm systems transmit their signals over radio waves, making them easy to install and eliminating any need for wires. However, if you live in an area with a lot of interference from sources like cell phone towers or even large appliances, your wireless system might not work as well as a wired one. And although wireless systems are less expensive than wired ones,
Although they can be more expensive to maintain over time because you’ll have to replace the batteries every few months. Wired security systems don’t suffer from these drawbacks. Because they use cables and wires to transmit signals, they’re much more reliable and also easier to upgrade as technology changes.
Can I install a home security system if I rent?
Because security systems are becoming more and more common (and useful), they’re making their way into homes that rent out. If you want to keep yourself and your belongings safe but rent, you may be wondering if a security system can make its way into your rental home.
If it can, we suggest having an honest conversation with your landlord first; some will be completely fine with having a security system installed in your home as long as it doesn’t interfere with or damage anything.
Do alarm companies have contracts?
Alarm companies usually require you to sign a long-term contract with them. If you’re not sure how long you’ll stay in your home, look for a company that offers no-contract service or provides non-renewable contracts. These options give you more flexibility without a large monthly fee.
When choosing an alarm company, always check whether they are accredited by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This helps ensure that your security system meets safety standards and prevents it from being tampered with. Also look for UL certification on sensors, devices, and keys for added protection against fraud and vandalism.
Are home security systems really worth it?
Some people may look at home security systems as a luxury item, but anyone who has experienced a break-in will tell you otherwise. Choosing to install a home security system is an investment that can save your life and prevent undue trauma from burglaries. With crime statistics showing rising crime rates in most major cities across America, choosing to invest in your safety and protection is not only important—it’s also essential.
Conclusion
An effective home security system can save your hundreds or even thousands of dollars in property and medical expenses, as well as keep your family out of harm’s way from burglars, intruders, fires, natural disasters, and much more. To help you find the best home security system to fit your specific needs, we’ve put together this list of 10 of the best home security systems on the market today. Comment below if you have a favorite system that we didn’t include.
