The Best Home Security Systems of 2024 - Security.org
1. ADT - Best Equipment and Professional Monitoring
Product Specs
| Equipment Costs | Packages starting at $599 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional |
| Monthly Monitoring Costs | Starting at $25 per month |
| Contract Lengths | 36 months and up |
| Installation Options | Professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
ADT Overview
A lot of people see ADT as an old-school brand. The company even still requires professional installation and monitoring, which comes with a contract. A lot of brands are more flexible than ADT, but when it comes to technology, ADT is far from old-school. It uses modern innovations to protect homes. For example, ADT security cameras (made by Google Nest) offer person detection with AI facial recognition.
Just to give you a picture of how those advanced features help: We hired our regular house sitter one weekend when we went out of state. We hid the keys in our typical hiding spot and pointed our Nest Cam (battery) from ADT directly at the area. When Ally (our sitter) arrived, we received a notification that the camera detected her along with a snapshot of her taking the keys. We didn't need to play back the recording; we rested easy knowing the camera recognized that it was her.
>> Related: Google Nest Cam (Battery) Review
What We Like
- Expert installation service
- Offers equipment from Google Nest
- Over 145 years of experience as a company
- Reliable monitoring with multiple centers
What We Don't Like
- Requires a contract
- Customer service is hit-or-miss
- Not the cheapest monitoring service
- Limited security camera and doorbell options
Equipment
ADT equipment was among the best we tested. In addition to security cameras, Google Nest also provides video doorbells and smart home equipment for ADT.3 Our package included one each of the indoor and outdoor cameras, a smart video doorbell, and the Google Nest Hub Max — a smart display. You can read our independent Nest Hub Max review for more details.
Smart equipment aside, ADT offers necessary security pieces. There are so many options. We got a couple of motion sensors, enough door and window sensors for our first-floor doors and windows, and a glass break sensor for the patio door. We also bought smoke alarms for good measure. Our total bill was around $800, but more on that later.
Depending on your preference, you might or might not like that ADT requires professional installation. We're divided. Some of us here like professional installation because it's hassle-free. If you feel the same, ADT is a great choice. Others would rather pick free DIY installation. If that's you, skip on over to our next pick, SimpliSafe, or check out our review of ADT Self Setup. ADT Self Setup is ADT's DIY security system.
>> Check Out: DIY vs. Professionally Installed Security Systems
Monitoring
Another thing you might not like about ADT is that it requires professional monitoring. We prefer systems that offer options for both professional and self-monitoring. However, if you're gunning for a monitored security system anyway, we'd recommend ADT. That's because it has the best monitoring network in the U.S.; it has nine facilities each equipped with backup generators and communication lines. In comparison, Vivint (#3 on this list) has only two facilities,4 and Frontpoint (#6 on this list) outsources the job to Rapid Response.5
With ADT monitoring, we got response times of between 30 to 45 seconds after an alarm is triggered. That's pretty good. We would have preferred it a little bit faster (around 15 seconds), but that's the industry average. At least we had peace of mind in knowing that ADT's monitoring centers are always online thanks to their redundancy.
>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT Home Security Systems
Cost
ADT isn't known for being the most affordable around, but ADT's prices are reasonable. Our system that included sensors, a few smart home devices, and security cameras cost us about $800. That would have been a huge ding on our budget, but fortunately, ADT offers financing options. We applied for a 24-month plan and are paying about $35 every month.
Aside from that, we're also paying $34.99 for professional monitoring. We signed a three-year agreement. That $34.99 fee covers everything from monitoring of sensors to cloud storage for the cameras. It's the higher of the two options from ADT. The other one (Essential plan) costs only $24.99 per month, but doesn't include cloud video storage.
Finally, we paid $100 for the professional installation service – again, it's required for all ADT security systems.
ADT isn't the most affordable home security system. But if you're looking for top-notch protection with quality equipment and reliable monitoring, our personal experience assures us that it's a good choice.
>> Discount Guide: ADT Deals and Discounts for 2024
ADT User Experience
We enjoyed several user-friendly features during our month-long test of ADT, but our favorite was the ADT Control app. To be honest, we used the app more than the touchscreen control panel because it offers more control options. It lets us manage our smart home devices (the smart bulbs, smart lock, and smart thermostat we paired to ADT), arm and disarm the system conveniently from anywhere, and monitor our security cameras. We also liked the SMART monitoring feature – basically a group chat for our family circle where we could collectively confirm or cancel an alarm. It's a nice little feature that can speed up and make alarm responses more efficient.
2. SimpliSafe - Best Video Security Monitoring
Product Specs
| Equipment Costs | Packages starting at $280 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional and DIY |
| Monthly Monitoring Costs | $19.99 per month |
| Contract Lengths | Month-to-month |
| Installation Options | DIY or professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
SimpliSafe Overview
SimpliSafe offers the versatility that ADT does not. Users can choose to install the system themselves or have a technician do it. And even if you choose the DIY route, SimpliSafe is easy to work with and scalable. It's actually our favorite DIY security system right now.
SimpliSafe also gives you the option to self-monitor or get a professional monitoring plan. We like SimpliSafe's Fast Protect professional monitoring in particular. It's one of the few services that offer live monitoring for security cameras, in addition to video verification. There are also no long-term contracts. You can upscale or downscale your monitoring service according to your budget and needs. We've had a SimpliSafe system for three years now, and whenever we need to test it, we just reactivate our monitoring plan and pay for one month at a time. We're all about the flexibility.
What We Like
- No long-term contracts to sign
- Easiest installation of any DIY system we tested (professional installation optional)
- Competitive pricing for monitoring plans
- Cellular and battery backup
What We Don't Like
- Limited home automation capabilities
- Professional installation (optional) starts at $125
- Limited security camera options
- Hasn't had a new system since 2018 (but new products have been released since)
Equipment
SimpliSafe offers the necessary pieces of equipment for home security, but don't expect much beyond that. It offers motion sensors, door sensors and glass break sensors for security; safety sensors like smoke and gas leak sensors; and a few indoor and outdoor cameras. All in all, you can have 100 devices connected to the base station.
However, SimpliSafe does not offer a lot of smart home equipment. Unlike ADT, there are no smart thermostats or smart lights in the SimpliSafe catalog. There once was a smart lock from the brand, but it's been out of stock for at least a year.
That being said, if you're looking for no more than just basic home security, SimpliSafe can provide it. Our 14-sensor system was more than enough for our 1,800-square-foot house. SimpliSafe also offers adequate options for video monitoring.
There's a wired and a wireless indoor camera, a battery-powered outdoor camera, and a hardwired video doorbell, which was by far the most difficult piece of equipment we had to install. SimpliSafe offers enough equipment to secure your home indoors and outdoors.
>> See It Here: SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro Review
Monitoring
We always recommend going with a SimpliSafe monitoring plan because it unlocks cellular backup. This technology enables the internet-reliant base station to send alerts even when your home Wi-Fi isn't working. That, in addition to the base station's 24-hour battery backup and battery-powered sensors, makes SimpliSafe one of the best cellular security systems. Just recently, it continued to work during a nasty snowstorm that cut the internet and power to our home.
SimpliSafe's most advanced monitoring option, called Fast Protect, also includes interesting features. First, it offers video verification for all SimpliSafe cameras. In an emergency, monitoring agents can access video footage in real-time to confirm alerts and help speed up police response. Secondly, it offers Live Guard Protection to homes with the Smart Alarm wireless indoor camera and SimpliSafe outdoor cameras. It's a step up from video verification because agents can use the camera's two-way talk feature to deter burglars. And since outdoor cameras now enjoy this feature, SimpliSafe could potentially deter intruders before they even enter your home.
FYI: Although we recommend professional monitoring, SimpliSafe is also one of the best self-monitored security systems. It features loud sirens, has an app that sends alerts to the user remotely, and offers cameras that can livestream (but not record) without a cloud plan.
Cost
SimpliSafe is somewhere in the middle in terms of cost. It's cheaper than traditional systems like ADT and Vivint, but it's a little pricier than some DIY options like Cove.
Fortunately, SimpliSafe deals abound all year round. It's common to see SimpliSafe equipment packages go for 20 to 60 percent off. On a regular day, though, expect to pay at least $250 for a basic package (one hub, one keypad, one door/window sensor, one motion sensor). Our 14-piece kit with cameras and a video doorbell cost us just over $500, which we paid upfront. Much like ADT, though, you can finance your equipment but only for up to 24 months. There's also a $150 minimum order required.
Other than the equipment fee, there were no mandatory fees to use SimpliSafe. DIY installation cost us nil. Professional monitoring was also optional, but we highly recommend it. Here's SimpliSafe's pricing:
- Standard plan: Offers just professional monitoring with cellular backup for $19.99 per month
- Fast Protect plan: Includes Standard plan features, plus video storage for 10 cameras, Live Guard Protection for the Smart Alarm indoor camera, and video verification for $29.99 per month
SimpliSafe User Experience
SimpliSafe is built on simplicity, so before buying one, make sure it's the type of system you want. You're not going to get a touchscreen control panel and a bunch of home automation features from it. Instead, you'll rely on a semi-digital keypad and an app to control your security system.
But as far as the user experience goes, we loved our SimpliSafe system, especially its responsiveness. It arms and disarms quickly – almost instantaneously when using the keypad. It has a loud 105 dB siren. It also has backup power and cellular connectivity for when the power and internet goes out. SimpliSafe is simple and reliable.
3. Vivint - Best Professional Installation
Product Specs
| Equipment costs | Starting at $449 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring options | Professional |
| Monthly monitoring costs | $40 per month |
| Contract lengths | Starting at 42 months |
| Installation options | Professional |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Vivint Overview
Just like our #1 pick ADT, Vivint requires both professional installation and monitoring. We've had several Vivint systems installed over the years. The service has been consistently good so far, which is why Vivint is our top-pick professionally installed system. The service consists of an expert consultation where the technician looks at the key areas of protection, followed by the installation. After that, the technician showed us a welcome video on his tablet and explained how the system works. That level of service added to Vivint's premium feel.
Speaking of 'premium,' another thing that stood out was Vivint's selection of top-quality equipment, especially the security cameras. We'll talk about them next, but just know that Vivint's cameras are all top-of-the-line. We're going to go out on a limb and say they are even better than ADT's Google Nest Cams.
>> Learn More: The Best Professionally Installed Security Systems
What We Like
- Integrates with plenty of smart home brands and products
- Modern equipment (like the touch screen control panel)
- Lifetime warranty on equipment
- Standout professional installation service
What We Don't Like
- Pricey equipment, particularly security cameras
- Long-term contracts (up to five years)
- Not as easy to move as DIY systems
- Non-transparent pricing
Equipment
Vivint has sensors, some smart home devices like smart thermostats and smart locks, and smoke alarms for fire protection. It's all pretty standard.; that is, until you get to the security cameras. In our opinion, Vivint cameras are the smartest in the industry.
We say that because of the Smart Deter feature. When we tested the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro, we saw it use AI to detect people just like the Nest Cams do. On top of that, it uses rules and algorithms to detect suspicious behavior.
For example, when a neighbor stopped in front of our yard to admire our Halloween decorations (we presume), Vivint warned us that there could be a lurker on our property. He had been standing there for a couple of minutes, which the camera thought suspicious.
>> Also See: Vivint Doorbell Camera Review
Monitoring
Vivint requires professional monitoring and, unfortunately, a monitoring contract. This contract can be up to five years long, depending on your equipment payment plan. The only way to avoid signing a contract is to pay off the equipment upfront. And as you'll see in a minute, that isn't the most practical route to take.
On top of that, Vivint doesn't give customers much leeway before the contract takes full effect. Customers have only three days to cancel to avoid penalties, unlike SimpliSafe that has a 60-day money-back option. This isn't a deal breaker for us, but it's something to keep in mind.
Was Vivint's monitoring worth it, at least? Of course! It wouldn't have made this list if it weren't. In fact, it's better than most systems because Vivint has two monitoring centers. There's one in Utah and another in Minnesota. We know that's not as many as ADT's nine facilities nationwide, but Vivint's monitoring centers have proven themselves fast, responding to our simulated break-ins within 30 to 60 seconds.
>> Learn More: Vivint FAQ
Cost
So far, we've shown you that Vivint can go toe-to-toe with ADT, our #1 pick. It's even better than ADT in terms of security camera technology and home automation (as you'll see below). So why isn't it our top pick? We're not going to sugarcoat it: Vivint is a bit pricey. The outdoor camera from earlier cost us $399.99. The indoor camera and video doorbell, both of which have the same AI features, each cost $249.99. That's nearly double the standard outdoor, indoor, and doorbell camera prices in the industry.
Of course, the Vivint cameras offer better features than most options out there, so if you can afford them, they are a solid pick. Vivint's monitoring plan pricing is also affordable, or at least within industry norms. We paid $49.99 per month for monitoring with home automation and video security. That's the same as we paid for our Frontpoint system, another solid option but whose cameras aren't as good as Vivint's. So overall, we got good bang for our buck.
That said, watch out for the installation fee. It can cost up to $200 if you're having security cameras installed. You might be able to avoid paying it though. We got free professional installation one time. Check out our page on Vivint deals for more information.
Vivint User Experience
Vivint may seem like a complex system at first, what with all that talk about the system's advanced automation and smart features from the cameras. But in reality, it's user-friendly. It's the type of system you can set and forget. And because it's installed by an expert, there's not much setting up to do. We programmed our system to arm everyday at 11 p.m., making sure it's armed before we sleep. We also have lights that turn on when our front door sensor is triggered. Its automation-rich app might make Vivint seem complicated to use, but in our opinion, those automations are exactly the reason that Vivint is user-friendly.
4. Alder Security - Best Professional Monitoring Response
Product Specs
| Equipment Costs | Starting at $0 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
| Monthly Monitoring Costs | Starting at $35 |
| Contract Lengths | 36 months |
| Installation Options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Alder Overview
Alder flies under the radar, but it's a good option for those who want a professionally monitored system but are looking to save money with DIY installation. It's because of that that we think it's a good ADT alternative. Alder is more affordable than ADT, yet it offers one of the fastest monitoring response times in the industry. More on that later.
As for the overall quality of the security system, Alder is a notch lower than our top three picks. It doesn't make its own equipment like SimpliSafe does; it doesn't offer as many equipment options as Vivint; and while it gets cameras from a third party like ADT does, Alder's cameras are from eufy. eufy is a solid brand (we tested the eufy 2K camera), but it's not on the same level as the Nest Cams ADT uses.
What We Like
- 30-day trial period
- Faster-than-average monitoring response
- Simple DIY installation
- Low upfront cost
What We Don't Like
- Three-year contracts
- Lack of pricing transparency
- Monthly fees for monitoring and equipment quickly add up
- Lacks home automation
Equipment
We were satisfied with the options we got from Alder. When we called to get a quote, the sales rep offered us security sensors; safety sensors; some accessories, like panic buttons and remote key fobs; and indoor and outdoor cameras made by eufy. We agreed to get one of each, and two days later, they all arrived in a well-packaged box, ready for DIY installation.
Although it was a DIY system, Alder was nice enough to pair everything for us before sending us the package. All that's left to do after unboxing was to turn on and mount the sensors. We did things methodically, starting with the touchscreen control panel and then pairing the sensors one by one. All in all, it took us less than 35 minutes. Alder's DIY installation rivaled SimpliSafe (our #1 DIY pick).
>> Related: Are Wireless Security Systems Reliable?
Monitoring
We were eager to test Alder's professional monitoring service because in 2017, it reportedly had a response time almost 10 times faster (3.4 seconds) than the industry average (30 seconds).6 It wasn't as fast as that in our actual testing, but it was indeed faster than most. In all three instances where we purposely triggered the alarm, we were on the phone with an agent in less than 20 seconds. That surpassed our results from ADT (30 to 45 seconds) and Vivint (30 to 60 seconds).
It's worth noting, however, that Alder's monitoring plans don't include smart home features. In fact, it doesn't look like the Nintendo Switch-looking control panel supports home automation at all, so if smart home security is what you're looking for, look elsewhere.
>> See Here: The Best Smart Home Security Systems
Cost
You won't find any pricing information on Alder online, so calling to get a quote is the only option. To our surprise, they charged us only $150 for the comprehensive system we got. According to the bill, they charged us only for the smoke alarm and the outdoor camera. The rest of the equipment – the motion sensor, door sensor, control panel, and key fob – was all free. Or was it?
The catch was that we had to sign a three-year monitoring agreement, and for the features it offered, we believe the cost of those "free" pieces was rolled into the $55 monthly fee. Most companies that charge that much per month include smart home features. Vivint, Frontpoint, and ADT are some examples. Alder doesn't offer any such features. By our estimate, about $10 to $15 of that monthly fee goes to the equipment cost. That's about $350 to $450 in three years. Still a fair price.
>> For Reference: How Much Is a Home Security System?
Alder User Experience
Alder's unique-looking touchscreen control panel was the highlight of our user experience. It doesn't take much to learn how to navigate it. That's partly because it doesn't offer many custom features, but also because it's really intuitive. It combines physical buttons and touchscreen control. For example, that call button on the right of the screen is a quick-access panic button. We also like that it has voice prompts – it comes handy if you or someone you live with has vision impairment.
And lastly, all the controls you'd ever need for your Alder system are packed into the touchscreen panel's interface. You can arm and disarm the system, test your sensors individually, create zones, and more. It may not be as advanced as Vivint's control panel (the gold standard in our opinion), but we found that Alder's keypad is solid all around.
5. Cove - Most Affordable DIY System
Product Specs
| Equipment Costs | Must customize package |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional |
| Monthly Monitoring Costs | Starting at $17.99 per month |
| Contract Lengths | No contract required |
| Installation Options | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Cove Overview
A security system doesn't have to be expensive to be good; we've seen that many times today, but none compares to Cove's affordability. We'll go more into the details of that later on. All we will say for now is that we got a comprehensive security system for less than $300. That's hard to beat.
Cove is a DIY system that requires professional monitoring. In that regard, it's similar to Alder and — as you'll see after this — Frontpoint. We think Cove is a better option for renters than homeowners, though, due to its limited equipment. Nonetheless, it's the best option available if you want a reliable security system without breaking the bank.
>> Other Options: Affordable Home Security Systems
What We Like
- Frequent deals and discounts (up to 60 percent off at times)
- Easy DIY setup
- Simple touch screen control panel
- Industry-lowest monitoring rates
What We Don't Like
- Limited equipment options
- Professional monitoring is required (but no contract)
- No home automation equipment available
- New app; still has bugs to iron out
Equipment
We noticed that Cove's equipment is exactly the same as Alder's, from the control panel to the eufy cameras. In fact, we didn't bother buying cameras from Cove because we already tested the same cameras from Alder. That's kind of a normal thing in the industry though. Many brands offer equipment from the same suppliers. Very few actually do their own research and development, like SimpliSafe and Vivint. So Cove seemingly "copying" Alder's equipment wasn't a dealbreaker to us.
What's more important is that Cove can protect homes. It offers enough types of sensors to detect security and safety threats.
Monitoring
Cove requires a professional monitoring subscription, but the service is contract-free. What that means is you can cancel your monitoring anytime without penalties. Just bear in mind that Cove won't work without service. It's not a self-monitored security system, unlike SimpliSafe.
Cove's monitoring offers 24/7 live monitoring, cellular backup, and security camera access. We went for the cheaper option, Cove Basic, because we didn't buy any cameras. But if your system comes with security cameras, be sure to buy Cove Plus. It costs $10 more per month than Cove Basic but includes video verification and cloud video storage.
>> Learn More: The Best Contract-Free Home Security Systems and Services
Cost
Cove's biggest selling point is the low cost of its equipment and monitoring. Basic costs $17.99 per month, while Plus costs $27.99. Cove's pricing is $2 cheaper than the SimpliSafe plans and offers similar features.
As for the equipment, while we had to pay for it upfront, we got a massive discount. Cove packages were at 60 percent off at the time of our purchase, so we got a security system that originally cost over $500 for only $260. We suggest timing your purchase to get a deal as good as ours. Cove runs monthly deals that range from 20 to 65 percent off.
Even on a regular day, you won't spend much on equipment. Door sensors cost $15 each, compared to ADT's door sensors, which cost $50 each. Motion sensors cost $30 from Cove; ADT's cost $100. Just from those examples, we can see that Cove is around three times more affordable than the competition, even without discounts.
Cove User Experience
Given they have the same equipment, Cove gave us the same level of usability as Alder. Alder's app gave us slightly more customizability, but Cove stood out for its uniquely low monthly fees. Since we didn't get any cameras from Cove, we paid only $17.99 per month for security and fire monitoring. No other top-tier security system we tested offers professional monitoring at that price point. The only one that comes close is SimpliSafe's $19.99 Standard plan. Because it's so cheap to use, we believe Cove is a top option for folks who want a monitored security system for a fraction of its usual cost.
6. Frontpoint - Best Customer Service and Support
Product Specs
| Equipment Costs | Starting at $99 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
| Monthly Monitoring Costs | Starting at $49.99 |
| Contract Lengths | 1-36 months |
| Installation Options | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Frontpoint Overview
Frontpoint is another DIY option with a non-negotiable professional monitoring service. The monitoring subscription is packaged with the system, and unlike Cove, there's a three-year contract. That's not ideal for some people, but if you're looking for a monitored system anyway, you can add Frontpoint to the list of systems to consider.
What stood out the most during our testing was Frontpoint's customer service. Even in the early 2010s, Frontpoint was already known for its customer-friendly policies. It took things up a notch lately by adding live chat support and extending phone support hours to as late as 11 p.m. (EST). Those are vital for a DIY system. You're doing all the work yourself, so you deserve to have easy access to support whenever you need it.
What We Like
- Full home security and automation features
- Easy DIY installation
- High-quality equipment
- Accessible customer support
What We Don't Like
- Requires a three-year contract
- Can be prone to false alarms
- Requires a credit check
- Universal monitoring plan and pricing for all customers
Equipment
Frontpoint doesn't make its own equipment, but instead gets it from reputable suppliers like Alarm.com, GE, and Honeywell. It also offers smart home equipment and security cameras from various brands, such as Yale, Kwikset, and SkyBell. The SkyBell Video Doorbell we reviewed is the same one Frontpoint offers.
The best Frontpoint component we tested by far was the hub itself. It was roughly the size of the PlayStation 1 we had growing up, but it was packed with features. It had a 24-hour battery backup, built-in cellular chip, and wireless modules for Zigbee and Z-Wave, both used for smart home connectivity. You can connect Zigbee and Z-Wave smart home devices to the hub even if they didn't come from Frontpoint.
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