Best Apartment Security Systems in 2025
SimpliSafe is easy to install, provides affordable monitoring, and offers basic options without a contract, which is why it's our top pick.
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Last Updated on Apr 03, 2025
- Affordable packages with frequent discounts
- Simple but effective product range with easy installation
- $32-per-month deluxe monitoring
- Advanced Google Nest Cams offer facial recognition
- Most reliable professional monitoring in the industry
- Six-month money-back guarantee
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Frequent discounts
- Google Home integration
With the U.S. housing market being as tight as it is, many people are getting more invested in apartment life and they need a good security system to protect their investment. Fortunately, there are a lot of great systems out there that are ideal for securing apartments thanks to low-impact, portable devices that are easy to install.
We’re always testing the latest home security technology, and our latest tests show that SimpliSafe is currently the best option for apartment security. We also saw great things from ADT, Cove, abode, and Ring in our most recent tests. All of these systems have equipment that’s easy to install, set up and uninstall, which are all factors critical for apartment life. Let’s get into the details and see which system is best for your pad.
>> Read More: Comparing Home Security Systems
Summary of the Best Apartment Security Systems
- SimpliSafe - Best Apartment Security Equipment
- ADT Self Setup - Best Security Cameras
- Cove - Best for Affordable Professional Monitoring
- abode - Best for Smart Apartments
- Ring Alarm - Best for Alexa Users
What We Look for in an Apartment Security System
While 4K security cameras or outdoor floodlight cameras are cool things to have in any security system, in our experience, they are a bit overkill when it comes to securing an apartment. Instead, we recommend focusing on the following factors for your apartment security system:
- Low-impact installation: If you don’t own your apartment, you’ll want to avoid drilling holes and other installation activities that will leave their marks. The best apartment security systems have a low-impact, DIY installation with things like peel-and-stick sensors and tabletop cameras.
- Cost-effective: There is often a transient nature to living in an apartment and you don’t want to blow the bank on a setup that you might be tearing down in a year or two.
- No contract: The same thinking goes with contracts. You don’t want to get locked into a long-term, multiyear agreement if you might be moving out of your apartment in a couple of years.
The following top-pick apartment security systems were judged primarily on those criteria. Keep reading to find out what we learned in our analysis.
Did You Know: Over one-third of renters live in apartments.1 Check out our favorite security systems for renters, as well as the best security cameras for apartments.
Comparison of the Best Apartment Security Systems
| System |
SimpliSafe
|
ADT Self Setup
|
Cove
|
abode
|
Ring Alarm
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Cost of starter package (MSRP) | $249.96 | $349 | $99 | $159.99 | $244.95 |
| Minimum cost per month of professional monitoring | $21.99 | $24.99 | $19.99 | $24.99 | $19.99 |
| Read Review | SimpliSafe Review | ADT Self Setup Review | Cove Review | abode Review | Ring Alarm Review |
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1. SimpliSafe - Best Apartment Security Equipment
View Packages Links to SimpliSafeProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $249.96 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 SimpliSafe Overview
SimpliSafe started out offering DIY security systems that were tailor-made for apartment security. The company has expanded its offerings to include devices for outdoor security and a 24/7 monitoring service, making it a great alternative to ADT and one of the best security systems overall. However, it still has a strong focus on DIY indoor security, which is ideal for apartments.
We tested every component SimpliSafe offers in our apartment. The packages from SimpliSafe don’t require major installation. We were able to set up ours in about 30 minutes. You also have the option to add extra equipment incrementally if you decide you need more sensors or security cameras. We’ve also found that a SimpliSafe system is easy to break down and move to a new apartment.
If a SimpliSafe monitoring plan is in your budget, we recommend subscribing to one. The company offers video monitoring with its plans, allowing SimpliSafe agents to peek into and use the two-way audio of wireless indoor cameras during emergencies. ADT does offer video monitoring like SimpliSafe minus the two-way audio link, plus it charges more for the service. In fact, the advanced monitoring service is a big reason we think SimpliSafe is also one of the best security systems for large homes.
FYI: You probably don’t need it right now, but when you become a homeowner, SimpliSafe can scale up your monitoring with the Pro and Pro Plus plans. In addition to Core’s indoor video monitoring – which we’ll discuss below – those two plans offer outdoor video monitoring to better deter crime. It’s one of the reasons SimpliSafe tops our list of the best security systems for rural homes.
What We Like
- Super-easy installation
- Affordable deluxe monitoring
- Basic functionality without a subscription
What We Don’t Like
- Must call to cancel subscription
- Key features require a subscription
- Limited smart home and automation capabilities
SimpliSafe Contract
Sure, canceling a security system contract with SimpliSafe is easier than companies like Vivint. But it could be easier. We still had to call up and speak to someone. It would be easier to cancel it on the SimpliSafe website where we bought our security system. Here’s how it ended up happening after we finished our month-long test:
How to Cancel a SimpliSafe Contract
- Call (888) 910-1458.
- Say your safe word.
- Prepare to resist sweet deals.
If you are cancelling your monitoring contract because of a move, SimpliSafe will offer to help you move your system to a new apartment or home. The company offered to send us boxes and fresh adhesives for our devices if we were canceling because of a move. They also asked if they could recommend additional devices if we were moving into a larger home.
SimpliSafe Install
SimpliSafe is not a hardwired security system. So you don’t need to worry about drilling holes or playing around with internal wiring. We started by plugging in our base station, setting a PIN, and checking the app to see what to do next.
We used the peel-and-stick adhesive backing to install our SimpliSafe keypad. The most difficult thing we had to do was install the sensors. But every sensor we needed was peel and stick. Peel. Stick. Done. Was it easy? Yes. Did it hold up? Not in the long run. The peel-and-stick tape kept the sensors in place for months, but we don’t trust it to hold up for years. If you don’t anticipate moving in the next few years, we recommend asking your landlord to use screws to anchor the sensors.
You can add more complex equipment like the smart lock, but you may not be able to change the locks if you’re renting. We reviewed the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell, which oddly requires hardwiring, but you may not need this either. You can always add this equipment to your SimpliSafe security system if you move into a house one day.
Pro Tip: If you do run into problems, SimpliSafe offers professional installation starting at $124.99.
SimpliSafe Price
SimpliSafe’s cheapest kit – The Foundation – costs about $250. From there, you can add whatever sensors and devices you need. That might seem expensive. But when we compared SimpliSafe to ADT, SimpliSafe ended up costing a bit less overall. ADT’s starter package costs $349 compared to $250 for SimpliSafe.
The add-on equipment prices are also cheaper. ADT and SimpliSafe both offer $99 wired indoor cameras. However, SimpliSafe’s motion detectors and entry sensors are $5 cheaper than ADT. So overall, SimpliSafe is affordable compared to industry norms. On top of that, SimpliSafe is one of the best security systems that don’t require monthly fees. You can get a self-monitoring plan and cloud storage for up to ten cameras for $9.99 per month.
We recommend the $31.99 Core plan, which comes with cloud storage, professional monitoring, and SimpliSafe’s Intruder Intervention – live audio and video monitoring for the wireless indoor camera during emergencies. Plus, the monitoring agent will try to scare off intruders during a home invasion using the camera’s two-way audio feature.
FYI: We are testing SimpliSafe long-term, and one of the downsides we noticed is that it tends to raise its subscription prices when it drops new features. There have been three hikes over the past three years. The good news is it’s still affordable compared to the likes of Vivint and Frontpoint. Very few companies offer monitoring for about $22 per month like SimpliSafe does.
Standard Core Pro Pro Plus Monthly cost $21.99 $31.99 $49.99 $79.99 Professional monitoring Yes Yes Yes Yes Cellular backup Yes Yes Yes Yes Video storage No Yes Yes Yes AI-Assisted Active Guard Outdoor Protection No No Yes – from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time Yes – 24/7 Smart home integration No Yes Yes Yes Event timeline Yes Yes Yes Yes Whichever SimpliSafe package you choose, you can rest assured that you won’t spend more on security than you do on co-op fees.
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2. ADT Self Setup - Best Security Cameras
View Packages Links to ADT.comProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $349 Monitoring Options Professional or DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starts at $24.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integrations Alexa and Google Home ADT Overview
Our indoor Google Nest Cam told us who was at our door since we set it up to look out our window. Compared to SimpliSafe, ADT has been much more focused on marketing its security systems to homeowners. However, the company has recently expanded its approach to include more DIY offerings that are better suited to apartment security. For example, getting your assistant professionally installed was the only option in the past, but now you can install an entire ADT system on your own.
A DIY system alone isn’t enough to make it on our list of the best apartment security systems though. Along with ADT’s transition to its DIY offerings, they also partnered with Google. As part of that partnership, they now offer Google Nest Cams. When we tested Google Nest Cams, we found their familiar face feature useful for our apartment.
ADT put the familiar face feature to use with its Trusted Neighbor feature. It let us automatically allow designated people into our apartment during specific events or times. For instance, we let the maintenance guy in to do some work. The cameras recognized them and the smart lock unlocked. It’s safer than using a timer without visual confirmation like other smart locks do.
What We Like
- Most reliable monitoring with 12 redundant monitoring centers
- Cameras offer advanced capabilities like facial recognition
- Six-month money-back guarantee
What We Don’t Like
- Financing requires a long-term contract of at least 36 months
- Relatively expensive for apartment security with packages starting at $349
- Monitoring with cloud storage costs $40 per month
ADT Contract
Just like ADT used to require professional installation and monitoring, they also used to require a long-term contract. Along with their DIY options, they also started offering systems without contracts. We didn’t want to sign a contract just like you probably don’t, but that meant we needed to pay for all of our equipment upfront. Otherwise, we ADT would have made us sign a minimum three-year contract.
Since we didn’t sign a contract, that meant we could cancel our ADT subscription anytime we wanted without incurring a fee. When comparing ADT to SimpliSafe, they’re similar in the way we cancelled our contract. We needed to make time to give ADT a call to cancel our subscription. Here’s how we did it:
How to Cancel ADT
- Find the details of our contract in our MyADT dashboard under Account Documents and then Contracts.
- Call 1-800-238-2727 and tell the agent we would like to cancel our subscription.
- Confirm we own the system by telling them our contract number.
- Receive cancellation confirmation from the agent.
As a DIY system, we didn’t need to cancel ADT when we moved. We could take it with us for free. But, we needed to take the system down and reinstall it on our own when moving. It wasn’t bad though. Both taking our system down and reinstalling it took us less than an hour.
Pro Tip: With the options ADT provides, it’s easy to take your apartment security system and scale it up to secure a new home. All you’ll need to do is add a few entry sensors and maybe a security camera or two to your system. Check out our full ADT review to see how it protected our other staff member’s home.
ADT Install
ADT offers all the same components in their DIY and professionally installed systems. They also made their components easier to install. Like SimpliSafe, you’ll either plug something into an outlet or peel off an adhesive protector and stick it to a surface.
The new ADT+ app provided us step-by-step instructions to install our ADT system. The new ADT+ app did a great job at guiding us through the install process. It helped us hook up our base station and then connect each device to it. Each step of the way, it told us exactly what to do. We liked it so much that ADT took the top spot in our list of the best home security system apps.
If we needed it, we could have also requested a guided installation with live help from an ADT assistant. They’d tell us exactly how to install each component we ordered. Since we’ve installed dozens of security systems, the app provided more than enough guidance for us though. Overall, the install took about 15 minutes.
ADT Price
Our ADT window sensors after installation Like we talked about, ADT’s pricing is a bit higher than SimpliSafe aside from its outdoor camera. And most apartments won’t have much use for an outdoor camera. So, expect to pay more for ADT than you would for SimpliSafe, Cove, abode, or Ring.
With that higher price point, you’re paying for some of the most advanced security cameras on the market and one of the most reliable professional monitoring services. We found the value to still be there despite the higher price. To protect our apartment with an indoor Google Nest Cam, an entry sensor for our door, two entry sensors for our windows since we’re on the first floor, and one motion sensor for our living room/kitchen, we spent under $450.
FYI: We pointed our Google Nest Cam out our window so it could see who was at our front door. That let us take advantage of ADT’s Trusted Neighbor feature since the system knew who was at our front door. Pairing it with our apartment building’s smart lock allowed us to automatically let in maintenance workers and a couple of our close friends when needed.
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3. Cove - Best for Affordable Professional Monitoring
View Packages Links to CoveProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Systems start at $99 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
Cove Overview
Cove launched its affordable, top-rated DIY home security system in 2018. But SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm are also affordable DIY systems. What does Cove have that the other guys don’t?
Cove’s low prices let us buy a comple security system with cameras for our apartment. For starters, the cheapest professional monitoring in the game, only tied by Ring. If you live in a rough apartment complex and you need extra security, that $19.99 monthly Cove subscription could be money well spent.
When we tested Cove, we found more to like than cheap monitoring. The sensors were extra small, so they didn’t stick out on the door. Battery life was extra long, which gave us peace of mind. And everything worked seamlessly with our Google gear. (Cove is one of the best home security systems for Google Home users.)
FYI: Cove doesn’t sell Cove cameras. It sells eufy cameras. Is that bad? Not necessarily. Read our eufy 2K camera review to learn more.
What We Like
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Frequent discounts
- Google Home integration
What We Don’t Like
- Must call to cancel subscription
- Subscription required
- Key features require advanced subscription
Cove Contract
You can cancel your Cove contract anytime as long as that time is at least 30 days before your next billing date. This is not ideal when your lease is up in two weeks and you realize you forgot to cancel your security subscription. We know because it happened to us. At least we didn’t have to pay a cancellation fee and given Cove’s low monitoring fees, that extra month only cost us $20.
That said, we had to make an actual phone call to cancel our Cove service, as with SimpliSafe. Come on, Cove, it’s 2024. Still, compared to a traditional provider like Alder, Cove makes cancellation a walk in the park.
How to Cancel Cove
- Call (855) 268-3669 at least 30 days before your next billing date.
- Request the cancellation of your monitoring service.
- Confirm your monitoring service has been cancelled with Cove’s support agent.
You might not have to cancel Cove though. It’s as easy to uninstall as it is easy to install. You can take it with you and resume your monitoring plan at your new address, provided you’re just crossing city or state lines; not country. Just make sure you give Cove a call to update your billing and monitoring address. That way, they have your new location in case they need to send the cops to your house in an emergency.
Pro Tip: It’s not a requirement to update your address 30 days before your next billing date, but we recommend giving as much notice as you can. Then, call to confirm the change once you move.
Cove Install
Cove is yet another security system that claims to be easy-install. But is it? The short answer is yes. It took our team 25 minutes to install every component. We devoted a full day to testing, but that’s just because we like to be thorough.
We used the peel-and-stick backing to install our Cove Entry Sensors. If you don’t want security technicians (aka strangers) entering your apartment building, don’t fret. This is definitely a system you can DIY.
The sensors have adhesive backing. The base station is free standing. And the cameras? You can either mount them or set them on a flat surface, like a bookshelf or something. That all means none of Cove’s equipment is permanently installed, so we could take Cove with us when we moved.
One key distinction between SimpliSafe and Cove is the size and weight of equipment. Cove sensors were on the smaller side next to SimpliSafe, so they are more suited for peel-and-stick tape installation. That’s why we trusted the peel-and-stick adhesive to last longer than our SimpliSafe ones.
We should also mention that Cove comes with a touchscreen controller, something we’ve been longing to see from SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe offers a bulky, remote-like keypad designed for wall-mounting only. Same goes for ADT, although their keypad is more discreet than SimpliSafe’s. With Cove, you’ll get a tablet-like keypad you can attach to the wall or put on the nightstand next to your bed. It also has battery backup, so you can take it with you anywhere in the house.
Tip: Wireless range wasn’t an issue with Cove, because aside from the tablet-like controller, there’s also a router-like hub responsible for connecting the sensors. As long as we put the hub in a central location, we could move the keypad around our apartment.
Cove Price
One of our pet peeves is when a security company hides its true pricing behind perpetually-in-place discounts. (Looking at you, Frontpoint!) Cove is also guilty of this.
If you add a Cove hub, panel, and contact sensor to your shopping cart, you’ll see what we mean. Supposedly, the full price is $315. As of publication, a discount brings it down to $94.50. It seems like must-buy savings — until you realize we’ve been seeing that same sale for the past year.
Don’t let our grumbling stop you from picking up Cove equipment. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether the discount is totally honest or not; it’s uber-affordable either way. We bought our Cove set for less than it took to fill our apartment with Ikea furniture.
There is one more thing you should consider before you hit “buy.” Cove requires a subscription.
Basic Cove+ Monthly price $19.99 $29.99 Professional monitoring Yes Yes Cellular backup Yes Yes Video storage No Yes Google and Alexa Support No Yes Annoying? Yes. Affordable? Also yes. A price of $20 for professional monitoring is comparable to Ring Alarm monitoring, although we must say that Ring offers more features for the same price. That $20 monitoring plan from Ring, for example, already includes cloud video storage for unlimited cameras.
Here’s what the Cove security system we used to protect our apartment looked like. If you are in the market for professional monitoring anyway, you should consider giving Cove a try. Who knows? Maybe they’ll catch a nosy roommate sneaking into your bedroom while you’re at work.
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4. abode - Best for Smart Apartments
View Packages Links to abodeProduct 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
Have you decked out your apartment with smart home products? You should consider abode. It has all the plug-and-play ease of SimpliSafe with the supercharged home automation of Vivint.
Even though we’re not home automation geeks, the possibilities of abode’s CUE system turned us into one. That’s because it let us improve our apartment’s security. When we tested abode, we set a rule that if the front door opened between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., the living room lights would turn on and the Alexa speaker would blast a siren. Take that, intruders.
One word of caution, though: abode is affordable as a security system, but adding smart home gadgets drives up the equipment cost. It’s cheaper than Vivint as a smart home system, but a system that supports CUE outprices SimpliSafe and Cove.
We bought the abode Iota Security Kit to experience their full home automation capabilities. FYI: Abode’s iota system integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
What We Like
- Works with just about every smart home platform
- Affordable equipment
- Can cancel subscription in-app
What We Don’t Like
- Not every package comes with full smart home integrations
- Some sensors require drilling
- Lack of camera options
abode Contract
abode doesn’t force you to speak to a human (yuck!) to cancel its monitoring plan. Just open the app and tap unsubscribe.
Compare abode and SimpliSafe, which requires you to call its customer service line. abode makes it much easier to opt out of monitoring. When you have to move out because your landlord decided to sell your apartment building, you’ll be glad you went with abode.
How to Cancel abode
- Open the abode app.
- Tap Plan Details.
- Tap Unsubscribe.
When it comes to moving, you’re also free to take abode with you. Just know that it won’t send you a free moving kit like SimpliSafe would.
FYI: If you signed up for monitoring through your phone’s app store, you’ll need to cancel your subscription the same way. On an iPhone, open Settings, tap Subscriptions, and, when you find the right one, tap Cancel
abode Install
If you live in an apartment, you’re more likely to call maintenance than break out the power tools. Don’t worry. Even the least confident DIYers can install abode.
We pulled the sticker off the peel-and-stick backing on the abode Entry Sensor to install it on our door. It took us a grand total of 20 minutes to install our abode security system. For context, it took us about 30 minutes to install SimpliSafe.
How did we manage to set it up so quickly? You guessed it: peel and stick sensors. Installing our abode kit was almost as easy as placing stickers in a scrapbook.
It would be a different story if we’d gone with abode’s recessed door sensors. They require drilling. We might have needed some professional help and permission from our landlord.
FYI: The most confusing part of abode isn’t installation; it’s ordering. The iota hub supports pretty much every smart home protocol, while the security hub supports only Google Home and Alexa. Make sure you order the right hub for your apartment.
abode Price
You don’t need to pay thousands of dollars for dozens of sensors for your studio apartment. You can save money and protect your place for less than $200.
The simplest, cheapest abode kit is only $159.99. That’s the lowest price on the list. It’s also as basic as it gets: one contact sensor, one key fob, and a security hub. For context, the Ring Alarm starter kit costs $244.95, but it comes with four entry sensors and a motion detector. Those extra components would bring abode’s package up to about $260. For basic apartment security, one entry sensor might be enough though.
Did You Know: To use abode’s smart home integrations, you’ll need at least the Smart Security Hub. Those packages start at $279.99. For the CUE automation we fell in love with though, you’ll need the Iota Hub which costs $379.99.
That’s the equipment. What about the features? With abode, you can stream security camera footage, integrate smart home products, and receive push notifications. That’s not so unusual. What is unusual is the price: free 99. In other words, you don’t need a subscription to use abode.
If you do decide you want a subscription, you have two plan options: Standard and Pro. Both are pretty good deals.
Standard Pro Yearly price $69 $169 Professional monitoring No, User-monitored Yes Cellular backup No Yes Live video Yes Yes Event timeline Yes Yes We should mention that abode’s biggest selling point is CUE, the home automation program the system uses to smarten up homes. We used it to create schedules, set up automation rules, and program smart scenes. But what we appreciated most was the ability to connect smart home devices without a subscription. Both SimpliSafe and Ring made us pay for that functionality.
Pro Tip: Want abode on a budget? Try its price-match program. If you find a comparable security package that is cheaper, abode will do its best to match it.
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5. Ring Alarm - Best for Alexa Users
View on Amazon Links to Amazon.comProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $199.98 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
If you live in an apartment complex, there’s a chance that your neighbors already have Ring. We know ours do. It’s that ubiquitous. And it’s that good.
Our Ring Alarm system came with enough components to keep our small apartment secure. When we tested the Ring Alarm system, we were actually pretty impressed. The cameras recorded clear footage. The sensors detected people and ignored cats. And the Ring – Always Home app kept us informed about every little event.
Even better? It’s affordable. For less than $250 up front and as low as $19.99 per month, you get a functional, professionally monitored security system. That’s hard to beat.
What We Like
- Wide range of equipment, from bare bones to advanced
- Works with Alexa
- Only $19.99 per month for professional monitoring
What We Don’t Like
- Some equipment is pricey
- Virtual Guard feature is expensive
- Not fully compatible with Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Ring Alarm Contract
Maybe someday, you’ll want to upgrade your apartment to a home and your Ring Alarm to ADT. (Hey, it could happen.)
If that day comes, Ring Alarm will be easy to cancel. All we had to do to cancel our Ring Alarm subscription was click, well, cancel.
How to Cancel Ring Protect Pro
- Log in to Ring.com.
- Select Protect Plan.
- Click Cancel Plan.
- Select now or at end of billing cycle.
- Confirm.
FYI: Did you sign up on the Amazon website? You can head over there instead.
Ring Alarm Install
The basic Ring Alarm package is dead simple to install. It took us under half an hour to get the five-piece package up and running.
We paired our Ring Alarm Equipment with Alexa to get voice alerts on our phone. That’s even more impressive because we ran into some technical difficulties. Our base station wouldn’t connect to the Wi-Fi network at first. Obviously, it would be better if the process was bug-free. But the fact that we handled this snag and installed everything else in less than 30 minutes is telling of Ring’s user-friendliness.
The “everything else” came together so quickly thanks to Ring’s peel-and-stick sensors. All we had to do was remove the pull tabs from the battery slots, peel off the protective film, and affix the sensors on our doors, windows, and walls.
The Ring store does sell some more complicated equipment. You wouldn’t want to try installing a high-tech pipe sensor on your own, for example.
If you do choose to add on some advanced tech, you might want to fork over the for professional installation.
Ring Alarm Price
At $179.99, the Ring Connected Basic Kit is one of the most affordable video security systems in the business. It’s not a Ring Alarm security system though. For Ring Alarm with a base station and professional monitoring, you’ll need at least the Alarm Security Kit which costs $244.95.
Does that mean Ring is cheap? Not necessarily. You could go all out on Ring.com buying up the place. The most expensive piece of equipment we’ve found on the site is nearly $800.
If you’re renting a room in an apartment to save money, you probably don’t want a luxury water monitor. Skip the extras and stick with the basic kit.
Pro Tip: If you do decide to buy a pricey Ring package, you can spread out the cost with Affirm.
Ring Alarm will function without any extra purchases. You can view live security footage from the app, free of charge. But if you do decide to subscribe, Ring’s plans range from affordable to luxe. And take note that none of these actually include professional monitoring for Ring Alarm. That’s an additional $10 per month on top of either the Standard or Premium subscription, but either way, those prices are affordable or at the very least comparable with other affordable options. We went with the Standard plan with professional monitoring.
Basic Standard Premium Monthly price $4.99 $9.99 $19.99 Alarm Professional monitoring No Add-on ($10/month) Add-on ($10/month) Virtual Security Guard No Add-on ($99/month) Add-on ($99/month) Cellular backup No Yes Yes Video storage Events only Events only 24/7 Smart home integration Yes Yes Yes Event summary No Yes Yes Ring Home plans range from $4.99 to $19.99 per month. Where is the luxe plan, you may ask? That would be the Virtual Security Guard, which rings up for an additional $99 per month. Think of this feature like supercharged professional monitoring. Your virtual guard can respond to security events in real-time by actively monitoring your video feed and deterring intruders with two-way audio and flashing lights on outdoor cameras. Virtual security guards will also proactively contact first responders in an emergency. We found this to be overkill for our apartment at $99 per month.
Sound familiar? That’s because SimpliSafe offers a similar feature for a fraction of the price. If you love the idea of a virtual guard but you’re on a tight budget, you might want to go with SimpliSafe.
>> Read More: Ring Alarm vs. SimpliSafe
Methodology:
How We Chose the Best Security Systems for Apartments
To figure out which security systems work the best for apartments, we tested them out ourselves in the apartment we live in. It’s a two bedroom, one bathroom apartment with a living room/kitchen space. We pulled insights from our team members who have tested over 60 security systems in their home to decide which systems would be best to test in our apartment. Then, we bought the top eight systems to install them and test them in our apartment.
Those eight systems took us six months to test. That means we tested each one for close to a month. Some of them we tested for longer like ADT and abode so we could fully test out their advanced features.
After finishing our tests, we scored each system based on its useability, the security it offered, its flexibility, and of course how much it costs amongst other factors. After all, nobody wants to pay the $1,149 Deep Sentinel price tag in an apartment. We used these scores to figure out the top five security systems and described our experience with them here.
Why You Need a Security System for Your Apartment
It’s easy to overlook home security when you live in an apartment. There’s a vague sense that if something happens, someone else will take care of it.
But apartments get burgled too. They burn down. They flood. And you’re the one who has to live with the consequences. Here are a few more reasons you might want a security system for your apartment.
FYI: Ground-floor apartments are more likely to be broken into. Make sure you install sensors on every easy-access window.
Protect Yourself From Roommates
Do you share your apartment with friends (or enemies)? Those people are among the most likely to steal from you.
Pop an entry sensor on your bedroom door and an indoor camera in your room. That way, you’ll know if they go rifling through your things.
Prevent Package Theft
An apartment building can be a very attractive target for a porch pirate. (Are they still considered porch pirates if they aren’t stealing from an actual porch? We digress.) They can gain entry to your hallway and scoop up your package — and all your neighbors’ packages too.
FYI: Did your Amazon order get swiped? Report package theft here to be included in our national database.
Stop thieves in their tracks with a doorbell camera. The best doorbell cams alert you when anyone starts snooping, so you can use two-way audio to scare them off.
Get a Discount on Renters Insurance
Insurers love security systems. After all, if you never get robbed, you’ll never file a claim for robbery. Check if your insurance company offers a discount on rental insurance for residences with a monitored security system.
Pro Tip: Don’t have renters insurance? You should probably get it. It won’t stop a disaster from happening, but it will make your life a lot easier when it does.
Can You Install a Security System in Your Apartment?
You can almost certainly install a security system at your place — whether that place is a shared apartment or a farmhouse. There are some questions you should ask yourself first, however.
Will the Security Camera Capture Anyone Else?
The legality of security cameras is pretty clear. You have the right to record your private space — and no one else’s. But, when you live in an apartment complex, it can be tough to place security cameras in a spot where you’re the only one they see.
You could always stick to the basics and skip the security cameras. Alternatively, ask your neighbors. They might appreciate the extra security.
Will Installation Damage the Property?
Many apartment-dwellers rent. Because every renter dreads losing their deposit, it helps to go with a peel-and-stick system. That way, you’re not doing anything more damaging than hanging a poster to the wall.
More Ways to Keep Your Apartment Safe
Your safety doesn’t stop with your security system. Here are three important ways to secure your home — even if your home is a 300-square-foot studio.
Move Into a Safe Apartment
The first step starts before you move in. Choose a safe apartment.
Of course, not everyone can afford to live in a high-rise with a doorman. But you don’t need to. Keep these tips in mind instead:
- Avoid the ground floor. It’s easier for an intruder to access.
- Avoid high-crime areas. Check your local police department’s website for crime stats in the neighborhood you’re considering.
- Inspect thoroughly. Is there a tree nearby that could crash through your window? A neighbor that doesn’t feel right? A rusted old fire escape? Take note when you tour.
Install Better Equipment
Ah, the trusty old landlord special. A fresh coat of white paint. Broken blinds. Bargain-bin fittings — including the deadbolt, of course.
You don’t have to settle for unsafe equipment. If your apartment came with subpar locks, change them. While you’re at it, upgrade your blinds. Keep creeps from peeking in and burglars from breaking in. Just check in with your landlord before changing the locks.
Develop Good Habits
Now that you’ve got those nice, new high-quality blinds and locks, use them. Leaving your blinds open lets every burglar passing by see what you have. Forgetting to lock the door seals the deal — you’re at risk for a break-in.
Pro Tip: Do you often forget to lock your doors? The best smart locks will do it for you. Just set a time for them to auto-lock.
Recap
Your home is your castle. You need a moat to keep the bandits out. Except it’s 2025, so your castle is an apartment and your moat is a home security system. There are plenty of great options, but SimpliSafe, ADT, abode, Ring, and Cove are a cut above the rest.
These security systems are easy to install. (SimpliSafe’s sensors are peel and stick.) They’re easy to cancel. (To stop paying for Ring Protect, all you have to do is tap a button in the Ring app.) Finally, they’re easy to afford. (You can score a Cove system for under $100.)
Most importantly, these security systems are effective. They feature reliable equipment, smart home integrations, and professional monitoring (for a fee). Any one of them will help keep the bandits from storming your walls — or swiping your Amazon packages.
FAQs
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Can I put a home security system in my apartment?
The short answer is yes, but you need to make sure you’re not infringing on the privacy of other residents.
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Can I take my security system with me when I move?
Most security providers allow you to buy your equipment upfront. If you signed a contract to pay over time, you may need to pay the full amount before you move the equipment to another location.
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Does professional monitoring work for apartments?
Yes, professional monitoring for apartments works just as well as professional monitoring for a house. We always recommend subscribing to professional monitoring in an apartment too.
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When I buy a home, can I take my apartment security system with me?
Most security systems let you move them yourself. If it requires professional installation, expect another installation fee for moving though.
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Will my landlord let me install a security system in my apartment?
Usually, landlords like it when their tenants install security systems as long as it doesn’t require permanent alterations to the apartment. It helps keep the community safe.
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Statista. (2023). Distribution of residents and households who live in rental accommodation in the United States in 2022, by structure type.
statista.com/statistics/743422/share-of-residents-who-are-renting-usa-by-structure-type/ -
Apple. (2023). If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple.
support.apple.com/en-us/HT202039
