Best Home Security Systems of 2021

A Detailed List of the Best Home Alarm Systems

• 1. SimpliSafe - Best Home Security System Overall

  A popular choice for no-contract, easy DIY setup, and refreshingly affordable home security.

  Editor's Rating

  9.8

  /10

  How We Review

  

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  SimpliSafe made it easy and affordable to install a home alarm system ourselves. We were able to set up security and environmental protection in an hour or less.

  Our full price for the cheapest SimpliSafe system was $244. Professional monitoring was optional and started at $14.99 per month. DIY monitoring was always available with the free SimpliSafe mobile app.

  Read on for our reasons why SimpliSafe was best for no-contract home security.

  What We Like

  • No long-term contracts to sign
  • Easiest installation of any system
  • Incredibly affordable monitoring plans
  • Award-winning professional monitoring

  What We Dont Like

  • Pricey up-front equipment costs
  • Limited home automation capabilities
  • No outdoor security camera options
  • May be too simple for some homes

  Low Prices for Equipment & Monitoring

  SimpliSafe was our favorite lower-budget home security solution. We paid for a system upfront but the expense was relatively low. A starter set cost us $244 before discounts. This security company had frequent specials, plus they offered us refurbished security equipment for less.

  Along with yard signs and stickers, our SimpliSafe starter set included:

  • A base station
  • A wireless keypad
  • A keyring remote
  • One motion sensor
  • Two entry sensors

  We were excited that the deal also included a SimpliCam, a high-definition video security camera with a motion sensor and that could send alerts.

  A free SimpliSafe mobile app helped us monitor the system. With SimpliSafe our professional monitoring cost $14.99 or $24.99 month-to-month. The $24.99 plan gave us mobile control of the system in addition to text alerts.

  Quality Equipment

  Although SimpliSafe security systems were inexpensive, they weren’t shoddy. Our equipment was low-priced mainly because SimpliSafe manufactured it themselves. Meanwhile, their competitors included middlemen who passed along big markups.

  One example of SimpliSafe’s high quality was their SmashSafe backup against tampering: If someone tried to disable our system, the monitoring service alerted police. Another example was the Heartbeat feature, which continuously checked that the security system was working as intended.

  We weren’t super fond of the simplicity of  SimpliSafe’s video cameras. They weren’t weatherproof and we would have liked indoor or outdoor cameras with more advanced functions.

  Simple to Install and Move

  Setting up our SimpliSafe system was easy. From our understanding, most customers set up the equipment on their own and only about three percent order help. We installed our system in about 20 minutes and estimated it would take someone inexperienced about 30 minutes to manage. All equipment was freestanding or attached to surfaces with removable adhesive. We could easily move a SimpliSafe security system to a different home. The portability combined with no contracts helped make SimpliSafe a favorite for both renters and homeowners.

• 2. ADT - Best Home Security System with Pro Installation

  The biggest name in home security known for professional installation and monitoring you can trust.

  Editor's Rating

  9.6

  /10

  How We Review

  

  855-908-4461 View Packages

  Back in the days of telegraphed security alerts, ADT was already a solid company. Since it’s founding, ADT has guarded more than six million homes and businesses with hardwired and wire-free alarm systems, all professionally installed.

  Their home automation platform was called ADT Pulse. We appreciated that ADT Pulse enabled the use of voice commands with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It was something we’d gotten used to with our smartphones.

  We also thought it was extremely convenient that we could use the system’s high-end control panels via the ADT Pulse app. Systems guarded against burglaries, gave environmental alerts, and automated our home. Additionally, we also liked ADT-monitored medical alert devices. This was good to know in case one of our parents needed to move in with us for a while. Read on for more details about why ADT was so popular.

  What We Like

  • 145+ years of security innovation
  • Professional installation
  • High-quality equipment
  • Reliable monitoring with multiple centers

  What We Dont Like

  • Professional monitoring is more expensive than others
  • Customer service is hit-or-miss
  • Requires long-term contracts
  • Installation Technician must visit your home

  Professional Installation

  Many new security companies design products for DIY installation only. We definitely saw that there were advantages that resulted from ADT staying old-fashioned and setting up each security system themselves. One advantage we noted with professional set up was that we could be almost certain everything was installed 100% correctly.  This gave us the peace of mind that all access points were guarded. We also found professional installation was also especially helpful in large homes, which made for stressful DIY installations.

  For us, the best part about ADT or ADT Pulse installation was that it was effectively free. We learned from the salesperson that we’d only have to pay between $99 and $199, depending on our home layout, and ADT offered us a $100 VISA Reward Card as a rebate.

  We learned that once installed, the ADT system was valued at $850 or more retail. It was very helpful for us that we weren’t required to buy any equipment upfront. Instead, our charges came with our monthly monitoring bills.

  Hardwired, Wireless & Hybrid Security

  Many of the best home security companies we discussed focused exclusively on wireless communication among components. ADT was an exception. For decades, they installed and monitored hardwired security systems, and we liked that these were still available. We also noticed that ADT was among the minority of modern security companies that supported landlines. We figured this was one of the reasons they were a popular choice in remote regions that lacked cellular coverage.

  Medical Alerts

  We also discovered that ADT monitored medical alerts. Our options included a variety of bracelets and neck pendants capable of sending emergency signals. Three plans were available:

  • $29.99/month – Home-based medical alert
  • $34.99/month – Home-based medical alert, plus fall detection
  • $39.99/month – Fall detection included, Medical alert wearables had GPS tracking for emergency medical support at home or away

  While we felt pricing for ADT medical alerts was clear, we recognized that costs for ADT home security were more complex and varied from home to home.

• 3. Cove - Best Security System for Installation and Convenience

  Cove definitely flies under the radar, but if you want a quick and easy setup, they’re one of the best security systems around.

  Editor's Rating

  9.5

  /10

  How We Review

  

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  One way that we saved money with Cove was by installing the system ourselves. Pre-programmed even before it was shipped to us, we stuck our sensors on our walls via their 3M-backed adhesives. On the phone with someone from Cove, we made sure each consistent worked, a fairly long but necessary process. However, you can set it up in as little as an hour if you don’t need that extra confirmation. But this is definitely a system that’s easy to install and best of all, free to install.

  What We Like

  • Integrations with Google Assistant and Alexa
  • Month-to-month contracts available
  • Can choose to pay nothing upfront
  • Battery backup

  What We Dont Like

  • Professional monitoring required
  • Third-party security cameras only
  • Expensive remote control
  • Monthly fees required

  24/7 Professional Monitoring

  Being a newer company, we were surprised that all of Cove’s systems require 24/7 professional monitoring, but we liked that we could either sign up for a month if we paid for our equipment upfront, or for three years if we didn’t want to pay anything upfront. For those concerned with money, the latter is a good option, although your monthly rates will be more expensive, $25 to $35 a month compared to $15 or $25 (we paid $25 a month).

  Text Communications with Cove Plus

  We loved that during emergencies, Cove’s team could text us, which could be really helpful if, god forbid, we’re ever in a hostage situation. That’s one of the reasons why Cove’s response rate is 10 times faster than its competitors, and even if you’re part of a family, Cove can text the whole group at once!

• 4. Vivint - Best Home Security and Automation

  An intelligent approach to home security with an impressive lineup of home automation features.

  Editor's Rating

  9.4

  /10

  How We Review

  

  844-922-0575 View Packages

  Vivint installed and monitored our wire-free home security system. We got to choose from Vivint for basic security and environmental protection, but home automation with voice commands made this company stand out to ux.

  In our company researched, we learned that Vivint worked with some of the major smart home assistants such as Google Home and Alexa to develop a fully autonomous home. Most Vivint customers were homeowners with long-term security contracts and the majority gave Vivint excellent reviews. Read on for three reasons Vivint was one of our favorites.

  What We Like

  • Best smart home automation features available
  • Well-designed, modern equipment
  • Lifetime warranty on equipment/devices
  • Free professional installation

  What We Dont Like

  • Long-term contract is required
  • Equipment and service is more expensive than most
  • Costly to move equipment to a different home
  • Equipment pricing can be confusing

  Voice Commands

  Vivint partnered with Amazon Echo to offer voice control of home systems. Some of the possible commands were:

  • Arm the security system “away”
  • Close our garage door
  • Dim our lights
  • Turn on our lights
  • Turn the heat up three degrees

  When we started feeling old-fashioned, we controlled our Vivint security with a key chain remote, a mobile app, or the main control panel.

  Home Security with AI

  We could definitely tell the Vivint security control panel, Vivint Sky, had artificial intelligence. With our permission, it adapted automatically to our routine.

  The benefits of AI have cost savings and convenience. One example was smart energy management:

  • If our security system detected that nobody was home, it could set our thermostat to conserve energy.
  • If it learned that we usually returned home at a certain time, it would reset the temperature in time for our arrival.

  Vivint reported that intelligent energy management saved customers about 10 to 15% on home heating and cooling.

  We could control Vivint Sky’s adaptation. Under our direction, our security system gradually transitioned along a three-point continuum:

  1. Only taking orders
  2. Making suggestions based on our previous interactions
  3. Taking actions on its own

  High-Quality Cameras

  Vivint made cutting-edge security cameras for our indoor and outdoor use. We could video anytime with cloud storage and remotely adjust each camera’s settings.

  We were most impressed by the newest Vivint security camera, the Outdoor Camera Pro with night vision. It provided 24/7 “lurker detection,” thanks to artificial intelligence.

  A doorbell camera, the Vivint Pan-and-Tilt camera, and an indoor ping camera were also in our Vivint home security lineup.

• 5. Alder - Best Security System for Response Times

  With response times 10 times faster than the rest, the professional monitoring from Alder was top-notch.

  Editor's Rating

  9.0

  /10

  How We Review

  

  844-965-1405 View Packages

  Every Alder system, including ours, came with 24/7 professional monitoring, but Alder did things a little differently than some other systems we tested. Their response times were up to ten times faster than competitors we looked at, with an average of 3.4 seconds in 2017. In home invasions or even hostage situations, every second matters, so we felt super safe knowing that help was only a few seconds away.

  What We Like

  • Quick installation
  • 30-day trial period
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • Free equipment

  What We Dont Like

  • Three-year contracts
  • Not many equipment options
  • Pricing isn’t listed on website
  • Expensive monthly fees

  Trial Period

  When we signed up for Alder, we were shocked to find out that our only option was to agree to a three-year period. Since we’re single and living in New York City, three years could feel like a lifetime. We had no idea what city we’d be living in by then? Fortunately, our Alder salesperson told us we could try our system out for 30 days. Of course, we only returned our systems once we were done testing them thoroughly over about a year, so we couldn’t make this 30 day time period. However, if we had returned our system within 30 days of purchasing it, we would’ve gotten a complete refund, except for return shipping, which seemed pretty fair.

  Alexa Integration

  We were deep into the Amazon smart home ecosystem, so we had fun controlling our Alder system with Alexa, arming it, checking its status, and with the GC2 touchscreen control panel, controlling our smart thermostats.

  Note: Alder’s newer control panel didn’t work with smart thermostats that connected over Z-Wave, unlike the older systems with GC2 panels.

  DIY Installation

  It literally took us less than 15 minutes to install our Alder security system. All we had to do was plug in the control panel and set it up on the screen, stick the sensors on our walls, doors, and windows, and download the Alder Security app to our iPhones and Androids. Alder also offered us professional installation on the house!

• 6. Frontpoint - Best DIY Home Security System

  DIY home security systems offering cutting-edge technology, outstanding service, and total home automation.

  Editor's Rating

  8.9

  /10

  How We Review

  

  844-933-2405 View Packages

  Frontpoint sold home security systems with do-it-yourself setup and professional monitoring that we found very impressive. We liked that each DIY system supported burglary prevention, environmental protection, and/or home automation.

  We could order online or by phone, and the Frontpoint sales agents were refreshingly low pressure. They told us the cheapest security system was priced at just $99. All our equipment was wire-free and portable for renters’ convenience. Read on for three great reasons why we recommended Frontpoint.

  What We Like

  • Full home security and automation solution
  • Easy DIY installation takes only minutes
  • Impressive smart home features and capabilities
  • High-quality equipment

  What We Dont Like

  • Requires a long-contract
  • Can be prone to false alarms
  • Requires a credit check
  • Relatively new to security industry

  Rapid Response Emergency Monitoring

  As Frontpoint customers, we installed the equipment ourselves but enrolled in a professional monitoring plan.

  Frontpoint’s salespeople explained to us that the company partnered with Rapid Response Monitoring Service to dispatch emergency personnel. We were told this was a top-notch service with robust backup plans in case of power blackouts and national crises. As we learned more about Rapid Response, we also found out they played a big part in helping Frontpoint maintain a great reputation among customers and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

  With Frontpoint, we were able to choose a one of three-year alarm monitoring plan. The best prices ($34.99 and up) we were offered came with three-year contracts.

  Many Features Were Available

  Frontpoint sold basic and advanced systems, plus we could choose custom combinations of equipment.

  We liked the variety that the cheapest bundle combined. It included protections against burglary and environmental factors our home might face. We listed its components below.

  • A touchpad control panel
  • Remote control keyfob
  • Three entry sensors
  • A motion sensor
  • Detectors for fire, smoke, water leaks, and carbon monoxide

  We could add features such as:

  • Glass break sensors
  • A doorbell camera
  • Wireless indoor cameras
  • Automated door locks
  • Remote-control thermostat

  We were very interested in the newest Frontpoint control panel, which had an easy-to-use color touchscreen. We felt safer about this unit because it had Crash & Smash protection, which meant Frontpoint would notify police if someone tampered with our device, and our built-in camera would snap a picture of intruders, too.

• 7. Abode - Best No Monthly Fee Home Security System

  Get home security and smart home automation without all the contracts and monthly fees.

  Editor's Rating

  9.0

  /10

  How We Review

  

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  Abode was one of the best security companies that let allowed us to monitor activity for free; we loved that we could access all features of their mobile app without paid service. We had the options for long-term and very short-term contracts, too. If we were away for a long weekend, for example, we could order three days of professional monitoring.

  We bought our equipment through the Abode website, the only place it was available. We built a high-quality Abode system for security alerts, environmental monitoring, and home automation. Additionally, we used the option for voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Read on for details about why Abode security was one of our favorites.

  What We Like

  • No contracts, with flexible monitoring options
  • All-in-one CUE smart home automation platform
  • Compatible with both Zigbee and Z-Wave
  • Extensive equipment and device offerings

  What We Dont Like

  • Requires up-front equipment purchase
  • Add-ons and equipment upgrades get pricey
  • No outdoor security camera options
  • Limited support with base security plan

  DIY Monitoring and Control

  For DIY monitoring our Abode security system connected to a mobile app. Without paid service, we could arm our system, watch live video surveillance, adjust lighting and temperature, and use all other app features.

  For three days, the Abode app stored our system activity for free. Longer storage was available to us with paid contracts.

  Short-Term Pro Monitoring

  We could select professional monitoring by Abode, which added emergency dispatch service and kept a 90-day log of our system’s activity.

  We could easily switch from one monitoring plan to another within the billing section of our app. Short-term choices for pro monitoring included:

  • Three days, $8
  • One week, $15
  • One month, $20

  The best Abode monitoring deal we found required one year of prepaid service.

  Advanced Equipment

  Abode’s high-quality sensors detected movement and environmental threats in and around our home. For the ultimate simplicity, we could have chosen an all-in-one security tower with a video camera. We chose the following components as part of our Abode set:

  • Motion sensors that take pictures
  • Glass vibration sensors
  • Acoustic glass break sensors
  • Wide-angle video cameras

  One of our favorite aspects about Abode, was the Abode home security app also integrated automation devices from third parties. Hue lights, Kwikset locks, and Nest thermostats were some of the options we had.

  We could use voice control integrations with both Amazon and Google through Abode. These let us get hands-free help around the home. All we had to do to adjust our home’s lighting, blinds, temperature, and more, was talk.

• 8. Deep Sentinel- Best Security System for Artificial Intelligence

  Deep Sentinel’s cameras can distinguish suspicious behaviors from non-suspicious behaviors, the only AI of this type in the home security industry.

  Editor's Rating

  7.5

  /10

  How We Review

  

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  While other security cameras can simply distinguish people, pets, vehicles and packages from other moving objects, Deep Sentinel is designed to detect suspicious behaviors. That includes attempted robberies, vandalism, car theft and burglary, making your notifications matter more.

  What We Like

  • Advanced AI
  • 24/7 professional monitoring
  • DIY installation
  • Month-to-month contracts

  What We Dont Like

  • Pricey systems
  • Expensive professional monitoring
  • No self-monitoring only option
  • No smart platform integrations

  DIY Installation

  After we watched the instructional video, setting up our Deep Sentinel system took about half an hour. All we had to do was plug the cameras in and sync them with our mobile app and the hub. Of course, we had to mount the cameras as well, but we loved the fact that Deep Sentinel gave us a screwdriver plus step-by-step instructions in the app.

  

  Fast Response Times

  In 30 seconds, we would have gotten alerted of any robbery attempts, break-ins involving our doors or windows, violent behavior, package theft attempts and more. Within 60 seconds, we would’ve gotten confirmations of packages deliveries, notifications that someone was standing at our front door or that police were on our property. Leveraging advanced AI capabilities with 24/7 professional monitoring, Deep Sentinel has some of the fastest response times in the business, next to Alder of course.

  Live Guard Monitoring

  All Deep Sentinel systems come with 24/7 professional monitoring, which the company calls Live Guards. But unlike with other systems, we could actually see the exact guards who were on duty and when, ensuring us that yes, we were protected by real humans.

• 9. Ring Alarm - Best Alexa Home Security System

  The Amazon-owned Ring Alarm plays well with Alexa and offers 24/7 monitoring for just $10/mo.

  Editor's Rating

  7.7

  /10

  How We Review

  

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  We were obsessed with our Alexa, so we were thrilled to test out Ring, which is owned by Amazon and was compatible with Alexa. When we did our shopping, we found out Ring also sold high-decibel alarm systems compatible with video cameras, environmental monitoring, home automation, and voice control.

  This system allowed us to self-monitor a Ring security system or pay for an affordable month-to-month monitoring service.

  What We Like

  • Highly-affordable professional monitoring at $10/mo.
  • Advanced home automation features and Alexa integrations
  • No contract required on Ring Alarm systems
  • Simple DIY setup takes only minutes to install

  What We Dont Like

  • Requires up-front equipment purchase
  • Premium cameras are expensive
  • Ring Alarm is a relatively new product offering
  • System is not as comprehensive as professional offerings

  Low-Cost & Free Features

  Our most affordable option was Ring’s simplest home security package, which cost $179 retail. Optional monitoring started at just $10, and we could cancel anytime without penalty. Exclusive Ring security discounts were available to teachers, military members, and first responders.

  We were able to self-monitor our home with Ring’s free mobile app. Ring also developed a free Crimewatch app, Neighbors App that we could choose to join or not join. In our area, it added community power to home security with safety alerts from neighbors, police, and Ring.

  Video Security with Low Bandwidth Demand

  Our Ring video security cameras were high definition, but they were set to record only when motion was detected. This put less demand on our home Wi-Fi service compared with popular competitors systems which recorded constantly. This would have mattered a lot to us if we didn’t have an unlimited Wi-Fi data plan or were concerned our home security would slow down our other online activity.

  Third-Party Integration

  Ring was so easy for us to use because its security hub was compatible with devices from so many brands. Some examples included:

  • First Alert smoke/carbon monoxide detector
  • GE light dimmers
  • Schlage smart deadbolts

  However, not all our third-party gadgets could be monitored by emergency dispatchers. To save us time, we found a list of certified products that were available on the Ring security website.

• 10. Xfinity- Best Security System for the Smart Home

  You may think of Xfinity as a cable provider, but recently, they’ve become one of the biggest names in smart home security.

  Editor's Rating

  7.3

  /10

  How We Review

  

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  Xfinity works with tons of different third-party IoT devices, from smart locks to smart lighting to smart thermostats, Bluetooth trackers, and garage door openers. We had our security system arm and our Hue lights turn on away mode so it seemed like we were still home, with our lights turning off and on randomly. We also had our Yale locks immediately close our doors when the system was armed and ensured that our thermostat was down a few degrees to save energy. All of these partnerships with popular IoT brands made Xfinity a great fit for our smart home.

  What We Like

  • Works with August, Hue, Kwikset, GE, ecobee, LIFX, Yale, etc.
  • Monthly contracting
  • Low monthly fees
  • Cellular backup included

  What We Dont Like

  • Doesn’t work with voice assistants
  • Professional installation required for some components
  • Professional monitoring required
  • No discounted long-term contract options

  Affordable Professional Monitoring

  All of Xfinity’s systems come with 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup, the cost of which will vary based on where you live, but we got away with paying $20 a month for the Security Plus plan. This really opened things up for us like recording when our cameras detected motion, detection for people, pets, and vehicles specifically as opposed to motion of any kind, and 24/7 recording, if we so pleased. It was nice having people at our disposal 24/7 if we couldn’t respond to mobile notifications, which brings us to our next point…

  User-Friendly App

  Sure, we had professional monitoring, but to livestream footage, view recordings, receive notifications, and set up home automation, we turned to the Xfinity Home app. While we used the iOS app and didn’t run into issues, the Android app is even higher-rated, with a 4.5 in the Google Play store as opposed to a 4.4. Either way, you shouldn’t run into any bugs controlling your Xfinity security system remotely.