The Best Home Security Systems in 2025: Recommended by Experts

1. SimpliSafe - Best Intruder-Deterring Security System

SecurityScore:

9.9 /10

800-544-5942

View Packages Links to SimpliSafe

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Packages starting at $250.96
Monitoring Options	Professional and DIY
Monthly Monitoring Costs	Starts at $21.99 per month
Contract Lengths	Month-to-month
Installation Options	DIY or professional
Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home

800-544-5942

View Packages Links to SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe Overview

We believe SimpliSafe is the best home security system because it deters break-ins, unlike most security systems that focus on detection. The “Intruder Intervention” feature for the Wireless Indoor Camera and the “Active Guard Outdoor Protection” feature for outdoor and doorbell cameras connect security cameras to SimpliSafe monitoring. This would allow them to scare away intruders via two-way talk.

It’s true that SimpliSafe isn’t the only security system that offers such protection – Ring and Deep Sentinel do, too – but it’s the most accessible. SimpliSafe is the best DIY security system with affordable equipment packages starting at $250.

SimpliSafe Equipment

SimpliSafe makes it easy to choose the devices for your home. You can choose from seven pre-built packages or make a custom system. Here’s an overview of the pre-built bundles:

• The Foundation ($250.96): Includes a base station, keypad, one entry sensor, and one motion sensor. Best for small homes and apartments that need simple, entry-level protection.
• The Starter ($282.94): Comes with a base station, keypad, three entry sensors, and one motion sensor. Our pick for medium-sized homes or apartments.
• The Hearth ($412.91): Includes a base, keypad, three entry sensors, one motion sensor, a smoke detector, plus a key fob and siren. Ideal for medium-sized homes looking for intrusion and hazard detection.
• The Lighthouse ($482.93): Includes an outdoor camera along with a base, keypad, three entry sensors, and one motion sensor. Great for medium-sized homes wanting outdoor protection and basic entry security.
• The Knox ($495.87): Equipped with six entry sensors, two motion detectors, a smoke detector, key fob, and siren, plus the base and keypad. Best for large homes needing extensive sensor coverage.
• The Haven ($533.86): Offers comprehensive protection with water and temperature sensors, a smoke detector, panic button, key fob, siren, four entry sensors, and two motion sensors. This package if you’re concerned about break-ins and environmental risks in large homes.
• The Beacon ($733.90): Includes two outdoor cameras, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, a base, and keypad. Ideal for large homes that prioritize outdoor surveillance.

SimpliSafe’s best features (Active Guard and Intruder Intervention) focus on security cameras, so we made sure to test all four available options. There’s the Wireless Indoor Camera and Outdoor Camera Pro, the Wired Indoor Camera, and the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro we reviewed separately.

Overall, SimpliSafe offers enough equipment options for total home security. It has as many security cameras and sensors as more established brands such as ADT and Vivint. The only things missing are smart home devices. SimpliSafe works with Alexa and Google Assistant, but that’s the extent of its home automation capabilities.

SimpliSafe Monitoring

SimpliSafe offers four tiers of paid professional monitoring plans, one premium self-monitoring subscription, and a free self-monitoring option. That’s more options than you’ll see from ADT, Vivint, or Cove, our next three picks.

Although SimpliSafe is one of the best self-monitored security systems, it’s at its best when paired with professional monitoring. One reason is cellular backup. SimpliSafe is one of our top cellular security systems because of how it keeps you safe even if the internet is down.

We recommend at least the mid-tier Core plan ($31.99 per month) since it gave us access to Intruder Intervention. When any sensor detects an intruder, our Indoor Wireless Camera comes alive and streams to the monitoring center for verification and response. The Pro ($49.99 per month) and Pro Plus ($79.99) are also good if you need Active Guard. It works the same as Intruder Intervention, but relies on built-in camera sensors to detect intruders.

SimpliSafe Pricing

SimpliSafe’s pricing is more affordable compared to more traditional security systems like ADT and Vivint, but slightly pricier than other DIY systems such as Cove. Watch out for SimpliSafe special deals, though. We got our 14-piece package for only $250 thanks to a 50-percent-off deal.

As for monitoring, you don’t need a monitoring plan. You can self-monitor SimpliSafe for free, or pay $9.99 per month to store camera footage. But if you go with professional monitoring, we recommend the Core or higher tiers. The price ranges from $31.99 to $79.99 per month.

SimpliSafe User Experience

Installing our SimpliSafe system took about an hour, which is fast considering we also installed the hardwired Video Doorbell Pro.

After installation, we activated our Core monitoring plan. The system was in Practice Mode the first three days – no live monitoring yet. But after that, all features went online, including Intruder Intervention. When we ran a break-in simulation, the indoor camera’s privacy cover snapped open and a monitoring agent immediately checked on us. We were able to cancel police dispatch by telling them our ‘safe word.’

Overall, we found SimpliSafe easy to use. The lack of a touch screen keypad (like the one we tested from Vivint) made it slightly more difficult to arm/disarm SimpliSafe, but we didn’t need the keypad much. We used the SimpliSafe app most of the time, and it proved convenient to navigate and use.

2. ADT - Best Professional Monitoring and Installation

SecurityScore:

9.8 /10

855-908-4461

View Packages Links to ADT

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Packages starting at $269
Monitoring Options	Professional and DIY
Monthly Monitoring Costs	Starting at $24.99 per month
Contract Lengths	Month-to-month or 36 months and up
Installation Options	Professional and DIY
Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home

855-908-4461

View Packages Links to ADT

ADT Overview

ADT security cameras may not have SimpliSafe’s Intruder Intervention, but its professional monitoring centers offer the reliability that most security companies can’t. We started by having an ADT technician install the security system, and after that, it linked to ADT’s network of 12 fully redundant monitoring centers. That’s why ADT is our best pick for those who want professional installation and professional monitoring.

We also have to give credit to ADT’s choice of security cameras. They are made by Google Nest and have features like facial recognition that worked seamlessly with the “Trusted Neighbor” feature during our tests.

>> Related: Google Nest Cam (Battery) Review

ADT Equipment

Just like SimpliSafe, ADT offers pre-built packages you can use as the foundation of your system, with the option to build your own custom package. At a minimum, you’ll get a base station, door/window sensor, and a set of one yard sign and four window stickers. As you can see in the picture above, we got way more when we tested ADT. We’d say they have almost everything a home needs for home security and safety. Almost.

One thing they’re missing is a garage door sensor. No biggie because the technician told us there are workarounds (like using a regular entry sensor), but clearly, ADT isn’t the best security system for homes with a garage.

That said, we appreciate ADT’s equipment selection overall, particularly their Google-made smart home equipment. Our system worked seamlessly with the Google Nest Hub Max we reviewed separately and our existing Nest Thermostat.

ADT Monitoring

ADT’s reliability rests on the back of its 12 monitoring centers located across North America. They are all equipped to respond to alerts from ADT systems, so even if one or two of the facilities fail to work, the others can take over. For comparison, Vivint only has two monitoring centers (not bad, but not nearly as impressive as ADT).

The response times we got from ADT were also quick. When we compared Vivint and ADT, there was an average difference of about five seconds. ADT’s response always came in about 30 seconds after triggering the alarm. Not only that, the SMART Monitoring feature sent us text-based alerts almost as soon as an ADT sensor got tripped. From there, we could confirm the alert and ask for help, communicate with family members, or cancel the alarm. It’s a time-saver, in our opinion.

ADT Pricing

ADT’s prices are in line with similar brands. Our system cost us about $800, and we didn’t pay for it up front. ADT has financing options that allow for up to 60-month repayments.

If you’re on a budget, we’d suggest going with a pre-packaged system. ADT packages start at $349, but ADT frequently runs deals that cut their prices up to 60 percent.

ADT’s professional monitoring plans are not as flexible as SimpliSafe. A basic system without security cameras costs at least $24.99 per month to monitor. But if you add security cameras, it goes up to $49.99, which is more on the level of our next pick, Vivint.

ADT User Experience

Considering we didn’t set up our ADT system, it was a hassle-free experience. This convenience comes at a cost, with prices starting from $100 for professional installation. However, we felt we got our money’s worth.

Like SimpliSafe, we used the smartphone app to manage our system. It can feel overwhelming at first due to the number of features available. But once you become more familiar with them, you can set up automation rules, create activity zones, and play around with the facial recognition features.

But you don’t have to. ADT’s professional monitoring team is one of the best in the business, so you can rely on them to keep you and your family safe.

3. Vivint - Best Home Automation

SecurityScore:

9.4 /10

844-922-0575

View Packages Links to Vivint

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment costs	Starting at $599
Monitoring options	Professional
Monthly monitoring costs	Starting from $30 per month
Contract lengths	Starting at 42 months
Installation options	Professional
Smart platform integration	Alexa and Google Home

844-922-0575

View Packages Links to Vivint

Vivint Overview

When you compare Vivint and SimpliSafe, our top pick, it’s easy to see why Vivint is our top choice for home automation. It’s one of the best smart home security systems. The equipment doesn’t just look smart – see the control panel pictured above – it is smart. Vivint let us create schedules, automate routines, and integrate our growing collection of smart home devices with our security system.

The downside of all that is the cost. Vivint’s packages are slightly pricier than those of ADT. On top of that, Vivint requires professional installation, which isn’t free. But if you ask us, Vivint’s professional installation service is top-notch. It rivals that of ADT.

Vivint Equipment

Vivint offers sensors, smart-home devices (e.g., smart thermostats and smart locks), and smoke alarms for fire protection. It’s all pretty standard, except for the security cameras. They are high-tech but pricey.

Our favorite feature is Smart Deter, present in all Vivint cameras but most useful in the Outdoor Camera Pro. It uses AI and automated rules to detect suspicious behavior, and then lights and sound to deter potential burglars. When a neighbor stopped in our front yard, our camera warned us that there could be a lurker. It triggered a siren soon after. We expand on how this feature works in our Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro review.

>> Also See: Vivint Doorbell Camera Review

Vivint Monitoring

Professional monitoring is essentially compulsory with Vivint, unlike with ADT Self Setup and SimpliSafe. The equipment won’t shut down if you cancel your service, but you’ll lose 90 percent of its functionality. So, only go with Vivint if you’re sure you want year-round professional monitoring.

On the bright side, we had a good experience with Vivint’s monitoring service. Response times aren’t as fast as ADT; it ranged from 30 to 60 seconds. But text alerts were always fast, arriving within 10 seconds of a sensor being triggered.

>> Learn More: Vivint FAQ

Vivint Pricing

Vivint is capable of going toe-to-toe with ADT, but it’s not higher on this list because of the price. The outdoor camera alone costs $399, more than double the price of ADT’s Nest Cam (battery). Vivint’s indoor camera, on the other hand, costs $199, which is twice the average cost of indoor security cameras. All in all, our 10-piece Vivint system cost us a little over $1,000.

On the bright side, Vivint’s monitoring rates are within industry norms. It’s around the same as ADT: $29.99 for basic monitoring and $49.99 for complete monitoring with home automation and security camera cloud storage.

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. Cove - Most Affordable DIY System

SecurityScore:

8.7 /10

View Packages Links to Cove

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Systems start at $81
Monitoring Options	Professional only
Monthly Monitoring Costs	Starting at $19.99 per month
Contract Lengths	Month-to-month
Installation Options	Professional or DIY
Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home

View Packages Links to Cove

Cove Overview

In our experience, a security system doesn’t have to cost much to be good. Cove is our best example of that. The system we recently tested cost less than $300 — way less than what we paid for our ADT, SimpliSafe, or Vivint systems — but we felt it offered fairly comprehensive coverage.

Cove is a DIY system that offers professional monitoring. 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

Equipment

Cove’s equipment looked similar to that of Alder, another security system we tested. That’s normal in the industry. Many brands offer white box equipment but take control of the distribution and sales, after sales support, and monitoring. Very few are like SimpliSafe that make their own products.

That said, we weren’t disappointed by the quality of Cove’s security system. Their devices may have felt plastic-y and lightweight, but they worked. We liked the touch-screen keypad in particular. It’s very light and mobile — something we could carry around the house (not that we’d need to). The installation was also simple and straightforward. We finished in less than 30 minutes. It worked well enough that we think Cove is a good alternative to ADT, especially for those on a budget.

>> Learn More: How Much Does a Security System Cost?

Cove Monitoring

Cove has a self-monitoring option that includes camera streaming for $9.99 per month, but we wouldn’t go for it. Cove is already affordable, so we recommend paying at least $19.99 for professional monitoring. It comes with 24/7 live monitoring, cellular backup, and environmental protection monitoring. You’ll need the more expensive option ($29.99) if you’re installing security cameras.

Our response time hovered around the 45-second mark, but we liked the RapidSOS technology. Essentially, Cove shares information (address, which sensor was triggered, which part of the house the sensor is in) directly with dispatches, and this can improve actual emergency response times.

>> Learn More: The Best Contract-Free Home Security Systems and Services

Cove Pricing

Cove’s biggest selling point is the low cost of its equipment and monitoring. Basic costs $19.99 per month, while Plus costs $29.99. 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.

Cove User Experience

Although Cove offers similar equipment to Alder, as mentioned earlier, we think the user experience with Cove is better. We found the app really easy to use, and the installation went quicker. The way Cove handles alerts is another reason it’s on this list while Alder isn’t. RapidSOS is, in theory, a great way to respond to alerts.

Of course, there were downsides. During testing, the touch-screen panel’s battery backup ran for at most four hours. The hub — the device responsible for all outside communication — can run for up to 24 hours. If there’s an extended power outage, you better hope your phone is charged, so you can arm and disarm your Cove system. Once the controller dies, the app’s the only way you can control Cove.

5. Frontpoint - Best Customer Service and Support

SecurityScore:

8.9 /10

844-933-2405

View Packages Links to Frontpoint

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Starting at $69.00
Monitoring Options	Professional only
Monthly Monitoring Costs	Starting at $14.99
Contract Lengths	1-36 months
Installation Options	DIY
Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home

844-933-2405

View Packages Links to Frontpoint

Frontpoint Overview

Frontpoint is similar to Cove — a DIY-installed security system best used with a professional monitoring plan. In fact, a monitoring plan is required, alongside a three-year contract.

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.

Frontpoint 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.

Frontpoint Monitoring

On its website, Frontpoint gives you a hard sell on its Ultimate Monitoring Plan, which costs about $49.99 per month. This is a one-size-fits-all plan that includes monitoring, smartphone access, home automation, and cloud video storage. This plan is great if you have the full range of devices from Frontpoint. However, it’s a bit overkill if you have a basic system.

The company also says it has monitoring plans “starting as low as $14.99” on its website. However, you have to call and talk to a sales rep to learn about those options.

>> Compare: ADT vs. Frontpoint

Frontpoint Pricing

So we know Frontpoint’s monitoring is $49.99, but what about the equipment costs? Well, Frontpoint’s pricing is quite competitive. We started with a basic system for $129. That included a hub, a keypad, and a couple of door sensors. We also added a few different sensors, which ranged from $35 to $75 each, depending on the type. Frontpoint’s cameras are all over $100 ($119 to $299). In total, our Frontpoint system cost us more than $600, which was less than what we spent with ADT and Vivint.

Frontpoint User Experience

There are two sides to our Frontpoint user experience. On one hand, it was easy to arm and disarm the system using either the app or the keypad. On the other hand, the keypad’s lack of a screen means it can’t do much else besides that. That’s why we had to rely heavily on the Frontpoint app.

Fortunately, the app is intuitive. We found it easy to navigate, and all the common control actions are in the homepage. It also displays security camera footage, even though the cameras are from third-party manufacturers. Our favorite feature, though? Geofencing. The app knows where you are based on your phone’s location data, and can automatically arm and disarm the system. Not even our top smart home security pick, Vivint, offers that feature.

6. Brinks Home Security - Best Smart Home Integrations

SecurityScore:

8.6 /10

View Packages Links to Brinks Home Security

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment costs	Starting at $360
Monitoring options	Professional
Monthly monitoring costs	Starting at $39.99 per month
Contract lengths	36 months
Installation options	DIY or professional
Smart platform integration	Alexa and Google Home

View Packages Links to Brinks Home Security

Brinks Overview

Brinks was a big name in home security back in the 1990s, and after a couple decades of silence, it has been making a resurgence lately. Now, it offers wireless security systems with a strong focus on smart home integrations.

We’re big fans of Alexa and Google Assistant. You can see as much if you read our Echo Show 8 review and Nest Hub review. With the security system we got from Brinks, we were able to control and monitor our home security using both smart displays. That, plus Brinks’ integration with third-party smart home brands like Kwikset (smart locks), myQ (garage door controller), and Alarm.com, makes it the best option for smart home enthusiasts.

Brinks Equipment

Brinks offers the whole shebang in terms of equipment — from sensors to smart home products. It actually provides more smart home automation options than any other system we tested, given that it has smart garage door controllers in its lineup.

At the center of our Brinks system was the touch screen control panel, which functioned as a hub and then some. For example, it doubled as a glass break sensor, alerting our phones when we accidentally dropped and broke a salad bowl. It also had a built-in camera designed to capture snapshots whenever someone enters the wrong disarm PIN. If someone’s secretly trying to guess your PIN, you’d know. It’s those little thoughtful features that made Brinks a sensible choice.

Brinks Monitoring

Thankfully, unlike Frontpoint, Brinks offers multiple levels of monitoring subscriptions. The cheapest option provides just smartphone access and professional monitoring. The mid-level option provides the same, plus smart home features (e.g., the ability to control Brinks using Alexa). The most expensive one, which is what we went for, adds access to cameras and video recording.

Brink’s monitoring was decently quick. It beat the 30-second industry average one time, but we clocked a 45- to 60-second response time from all the other tests. We’d say it’s about as fast as Vivint, but not as fast as ADT.

>> Compare: Brinks vs. ADT

Brinks Pricing

Brinks’ pricing isn’t available on its website, and that lack of transparency might give some a pause, but in our experience, Brinks is an affordable option. We’d say its equipment costs about the same as Frontpoint’s, give or take $5 to $10. For example, Brinks quoted us $40 for a door sensor, which costs $35 from Frontpoint. The Brinks glass break sensor costs $80; it’s $75 from Frontpoint.

As for the monitoring rates, Brinks offers three levels. Based on the quote we got, the cheapest one is $39.99 per month, followed by $45.99, and $49.99 for the complete package.

Brinks User Experience

We wouldn’t call it the most user-friendly security system, but Brinks is up there with the best of them in terms of usability. It has an easy-to-use touchscreen control panel that reminds us of the ADT control panel in design and size. It’s a low-profile, seven-inch touchscreen tablet. Brinks also offers its own app now, which it didn’t when we previously tested it. It used to offer the Alarm.com app. Now with the Brinks Home app, users can customize their systems, create basic automations using compatible smart home products, and customize the arming modes (i.e. set which sensors are active in home and away modes).

7. abode - Best No-Contract Monitoring

SecurityScore:

8.0 /10

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Packages starting at $109.99
Monitoring Options	Professional and DIY
Monitoring Costs	Starting at $74.99 per year for the first year ($6.25 per month)
Contract Lengths	Month-to-month or Yearly
Installation Options	DIY or professional
Smart Platform Integration	Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit

abode Overview

abode is SimpliSafe’s closest competition on this list. It’s a DIY system with professional and self-monitoring monitoring options, but unlike our No. 2 pick, abode offers multiple systems focused heavily on home automation.

Besides the diversity of abode’s offerings, we liked that it has flexible monitoring plans. Basic self-monitoring is always free, but there’s also a premium self-monitoring option and an affordable professional monitoring plan. Best of all, all those subscriptions are contract-free. We’ve been able to switch between professional and self-monitoring as needed without any penalties or hidden fees.

>> Compare: SimpliSafe vs. abode

abode Equipment

For any abode system, choosing a hub is always the first step. This part confused us at first, but we went with the most practical (but also most expensive) one: the Iota All-in-One hub. We call it practical because for just a few bucks more than the other hubs, we got one with a built-in camera and motion sensor. That’s good use of money and space.

After that, we built a system of sensors and cameras. Take note that abode offers only one choice for security cameras and another one for video doorbells. The camera works inside and outside the house, but we still think abode should have a dedicated outdoor camera.

>> Other Options: The Best Outdoor Security Cameras

abode Monitoring

Once we set up the DIY abode system, we were given the option to self-monitor for free, upgrade to a paid self-monitored plan, or buy a professional monitoring subscription. We recommend trying out each option since abode is one of the few companies that will let you do that, due to its being contract-free.

We started with free self-monitoring, which didn’t suit us because of its lack of access to home automation (one of the main selling points of abode). Next, we upgraded to the paid self-monitoring plan, which worked great at first. It gave us video recording options for our cameras plus automation through the CUE feature. However, it remained internet-reliant, so when our Wi-Fi cut out, our home was left unprotected for hours. That’s when we upgraded to the professional monitoring plan, which gave us cellular backup, 24/7 live monitoring, and priority customer support.

>> Check It Out: The Best Security Systems Without Monthly Fees

abode Pricing

abode’s price is another strong selling point for the brand. The system is designed for scalability, since the hubs can handle up to 160 individual devices (60 more than the SimpliSafe base station). The compatible devices range from simple sensors to smart devices like smart lights. You can also pair your existing smart home equipment if it’s compatible with Zigbee or Z-Wave.

To encourage users to build out their systems, abode kept its pricing low — as low as $34.99 for the weatherproof Abode Cam 2 security camera. That’s almost on par with the Wyze Cam v3 we reviewed, one of the most affordable security cameras there is.

For monitoring, the premium self-monitoring plan costs $6.25 per month, billed upfront at $74.99. The professional monitoring plan, on the other hand, costs $16.67 monthly, billed upfront at $199.99.

abode User Experience

Abode’s lack of a touchscreen panel could pose a problem for homeowners who prefer a physical keypad over an app to control their systems. But we must say, abode’s app is a game-changer. We liked the CUE feature in particular – abode’s built-in automation engine. It rivaled Vivint’s custom home automation rules. In fact, you could say it’s slightly better because it supports more integrations. It can control Z-Wave and Zigbee devices that are compatible with the abode Iota hub, while the Vivint hub supports only Z-Wave. You’d need a Zigbee bridge to pair Zigbee devices to Vivint, and even then, only smart lights will work.

8. Ring Alarm - Best Security Cameras and Video Doorbells

SecurityScore:

7.7 /10

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Packages starting at $279
Monitoring Options	Professional and DIY
Monthly Monitoring Costs	$10 with the purchase of a Ring Home plan
Contract Lengths	1-12 months
Installation Options	DIY or professional
Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home

Ring Alarm Overview

Our last entry on this list is Ring Alarm, and the reason it’s here isn’t just the security system itself, but the Ring brand as a whole. Ring is best known for its video doorbells and security cameras. We tested a number of its cameras ourselves, including the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro. We can say that Ring’s security cameras are some of the best in the market.

Now, here’s where Ring Alarm comes in. In addition to working with the Ring cameras and video doorbells via the same app, the Ring Alarm covers areas the cameras don’t. More specifically, it focuses its protection indoors, while the cameras focus outdoors. They complement each other, which is why they are the best choice if you want extensive video security with a conventional home security system.

Ring Alarm Equipment

Ring Alarm equipment is pretty standard. There are security sensors and smoke alarms, but no smart home devices at all. Ring makes up for that with a bunch of security cameras and video doorbells, though.

For security cameras, Ring offers an indoor camera, a semi-outdoor camera called the Stick Up Cam (weather-resistant but not weatherproof), a spotlight-equipped camera, and a floodlight-equipped camera. For the outdoor models, including Stick Up Cam, you can choose from different power options (battery, plug-in, solar, or wired). You can access our review of the complete Ring lineup for more details.

For video doorbells, Ring offers eight models, from simple and affordable, like the Ring Video Doorbell Wired, to smart but slightly more expensive, like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2. There’s a selection of wired and battery-powered options, all of which we covered in our Ring Video Doorbell review.

Ring Alarm Monitoring

Monitoring was completely optional, but we highly suggest getting a Ring Protect Pro subscription, especially if you’re buying security cameras. Protect Pro includes 24/7 monitoring. Ring monitored our security system (but not the cameras like Deep Sentinel did), but on top of that, it also provided cloud video storage for our Ring cameras. It doesn’t matter how many cameras you have, they will all have cloud storage.

Ring Alarm Pricing

We went with the Premium plan and added professional monitoring. The total cost came to $29.99 per month, and there were no contracts to sign. That’s a good deal, considering we’d have to pay an extra $10 per month for a lot of the same features with ADT.

As for the equipment, however, prepare to spend at least a few hundred bucks. The smallest kit costs $200, which is good for small homes or apartments only. It includes only one motion sensor and one door sensor, plus the hub, keypad, and a wireless range extender.

If you want to save, we suggest getting bundles. The bundles typically include a Ring Alarm starter kit (five to 14 pieces), a security camera, and a video doorbell. The price range is from $300 to $700.

>> Learn More: Ring’s Pricing, Monitoring Plans, and Packages

Ring Alarm User Experience

The Ring App — one of the best home security apps we’ve tested — puts camera feeds front and center, making it easy to visually monitor your surroundings. Ring made sure not to push aside the Ring Alarm, though. You can choose an arming mode (Disarm, Home, Away) at the top part of the app’s interface. Better yet, you can make the Ring cameras arm the same time you arm your Ring Alarm. That ties them all together as one comprehensive system rather than just individual devices from the same brand.