Best Business Security Systems
Protect your business with these security systems, tested by our home security experts.
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Last Updated on Dec 07, 2023
- Custom-built systems for every business
- Available cybersecurity options protect you and your customers
- Voice commands improve business efficiency
- Scalable system covers businesses large and small
- Professional monitoring protects your business even after hours
- Optional emergency button in case of robbery
- Protect company vehicles with Vivint’s auto security
- Look out for shoplifting with continuous recording options
- White glove installation service specifically designed for business customers
Successful entrepreneurs are adept at making wise investments, but even the best ones sometimes forget the importance of investing in business security. After all, security systems protect both your employees and your customers.
Making sure you have a working security solution tailored to your business’ needs can also help you protect your other investments. And we’re not just talking about robberies, shoplifting, and other types of crime. For example, having security cameras can protect you from legal trouble (and from a ruined reputation) if and when issues arise in the workplace.
With so many things to keep in mind when choosing a security solution, let’s check out the best business security solutions we’ve personally tested.
What’s A Good Business Security Solution?
There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to choosing a business security solution. Every business is unique. An office building has different security needs than a restaurant, for example. So when looking for a security system to protect your business, the only thing every business owner should look for is flexibility. It has to be able to adapt to varying security needs of businesses.
Of course, there are other things to consider, chief among which is the cost. A security solution need not be expensive, but generally, it’s going to cost more than a home security system.
You should also consider which types of equipment you’ll need. For almost any type of business, security cameras play a big role in security. But do you need security sensors as well? How about automated access systems? Does the security system offer enough components to cover every square inch of your property? Do you even need that much coverage?
>> Learn more: Best Security Cameras for Businesses
We can’t tell you which business security solution is best for you. You know your business better than anybody. But we can definitely narrow down your options with our list of the six best security providers that cater to businesses.
Our Feature Preferences
| Installation | DIY or professional |
|---|---|
| Camera resolution | 1080p HD to 4K |
| Storage | Cloud, local |
| Smart platform integrations | Amazon, Google |
Best Business Security Systems of 2023
- ADT - Best Commercial Grade Security
- SimpliSafe - Best for Self-monitored Business Security System
- Vivint - Best Smart Business Security
- Frontpoint - Best for Small Business
- Lorex - Best Security Cameras for Business
- Cove - Best DIY Business Security System
Side-by-Side Comparison of Business Alarm Systems
| System |
ADT
|
SimpliSafe
|
Vivint
|
Frontpoint
|
Lorex
|
Cove
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Equipment price | Varies depending on security needs | $249 and up | Varies depending on security needs | $129 and up | $849 and up | Varies depending on security needs |
| Monitoring type | Professional monitoring | Professional or self-monitoring | Professional monitoring | Professional monitoring | Self-monitoring | Professional monitoring |
| Monthly cost | Customized | $19.99-$29.99 | Customized | $49.99 | None | Customized |
| Installation | Professional | DIY or professional | Professional | DIY or professional | DIY | DIY |
| Read Review | ADT Review | SimpliSafe Review | Vivint Review | Frontpoint Review | Lorex Review | Cove Review |
Detailed List of the Best Security Systems for Businesses
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1. ADT - Best Commercial Grade Security
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $109 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $49 Contract Lengths 36 months Installation Options Professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home What better company to hire to protect your business than one that knows how to run a successful business, too? ADT has been in business for well over a century, and while it’s widely recognized as one of the best home security systems, it also offers a complete suite of security solutions for businesses large and small.
ADT takes a similar approach to business security as it does home security, but you’re not getting just a larger-scale home security system. ADT tailors its solutions to every business’ needs, and it even offers extra features and services just for its business clients. For instance, aside from physical security, ADT can cover cybersecurity with solutions that can mitigate risks such as data breaches.
What We Like
- ADT customizes each system to each business it works with
- Business cybersecurity is an optional add-on
- Over 140 years in the security business
- Offers the latest technology in business security, including voice control
What We Don’t Like
- ADT’s equipment can be quite expensive
- No universal pricing for plans, so you’ll need to speak with a sales rep
- Requires long-term contracts
- Requires professional installation with fees
ADT provides comprehensive security solutions for businesses, offering video surveillance, automated access control, establishment safety solutions, and cybersecurity products. The customizable business security packages allow you to adjust services based on your specific needs.
ADT actually offers two types of business security solutions. The first type is for small businesses, and through this offering, ADT provides equipment resembling its home security systems. It’s powered by a touchscreen control panel, it comes with security sensors like motion sensors and door sensors, and it also protects against fire, gas leaks, and flooding. It can also provide access control, although this is considered a more premium feature of the system.
The second type is Everon (formerly ADT Commercial), which is now a standalone division of ADT that caters to larger, commercial businesses. It’s also through Everon that ADT offers features like cybersecurity that we mentioned earlier.
ADT Alarm Pricing
ADT’s business security solutions work best when they’re tailored specifically for your business, and ADT is excellent at doing that. You’ll have access to a representative who will help you design a security system for your business.
For your reference, though, ADT’s pricing for home security systems is affordable, and you can expect its business security pricing to be the same. Home security from ADT starts at $45.99 per month over a 36-month term.
We can also tell you that ADT runs special deals often, and you should take full advantage of those to get discounts or free equipment. And since you’ll be dealing with a real person from ADT — not an automated bot like some alarm companies use — you can put your entrepreneurial skills to good use and negotiate or ask for ways to save money. All in all, ADT’s monitoring prices aren’t the lowest, but ADT is one of the best business security companies out there, so you get what you pay for.
ADT’s Customized Business Security
Let’s talk more about ADT’s customized business security solutions. ADT has been in the security business longer than any other company in the U.S., and with that comes experience and knowledge. It knows that each business needs a different security setup, so instead of letting customers just buy security systems, ADT helps each business customize its security systems.
If you go with ADT for your business security, a security expert will assess your business needs and design a setup for you specifically. You can make changes along the way, like adding or removing equipment as you see fit, but you’ll find the input from ADT’s security experts valuable, likely. In particular, we recommend ADT’s custom-fit business security solutions to larger businesses or enterprises, as the experience will be like having your own security advisors.
Pro Tip: For smaller shops, ADT recently launched a DIY home security system called ADT Self Setup. This system consists of entry sensors and motion sensors, security cameras from Google Nest, and smart automation devices. It taps into ADT’s monitoring network too, so if a personalized business security solution from ADT isn’t ideal for you, the ADT Self Setup system is a good alternative.
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2. SimpliSafe - Best for Self-monitored Business Security System
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $250 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $20 Contract Lengths Single month only Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe stands out as a simple but scalable security solution. It’s particularly well-suited for small and medium enterprises. As a DIY system, you can buy SimpliSafe equipment online and install it yourself. You won’t have to go through a lengthy consultation or sit through a demonstration by a sales representative. You’re completely in the driver’s seat.
The same is true when it comes to monitoring. Professional monitoring is not required. You can monitor your business all on your own with the help of SImpliSafe sensors and cameras. Of course, we recommend having professional monitoring. With this service, SimpliSafe’s monitoring service can assist you in responding to alerts. Here’s how much the services available cost:
Self-monitoring Free Self-monitoring with cloud storage (1 camera) $4.99 Self-monitoring with cloud storage (5 cameras) $9.99 Standard monitoring plan $19.99 Fast Protect monitoring plan $29.99 What We Like
- Flexible monitoring options
- You can build a system as large as you need with wireless components
- Equipment options can cover entire office spaces
- SimpliCam indoor cameras provide video surveillance
What We Don’t Like
- You’ll have to design the system yourself since there’s no on-site assessment
- Requires upfront equipment payment
- Security camera cloud storage starts at $9.99 a month
- Requires Wi-Fi if you self-monitor the system
SimpliSafe doesn’t offer as many types of equipment as ADT, but it has everything a business needs for basic protection. It has motion sensors, entry sensors, and glass break sensors for detecting intrusion, security cameras for video monitoring, and emergency buttons as a way to get help quickly. It can also monitor for fire and other safety emergencies. And if you’re looking for a shortcut, SimpliSafe has ready-made packages for businesses.
The recently released Smart Alarm indoor camera is particularly useful to businesses. When paired with the Fast Protect monitoring plan, alerts from the camera go straight to SimpliSafe’s monitoring center for live guard response. An agent from SimpliSafe will be able to see, talk to, and possibly deter a would-be robber.
The downside of SimpliSafe is that it’s not as customizable as ADT. While the DIY aspect gives you certain freedoms to choose your own equipment and style of monitoring, remember that it’s primarily a home security system. Homes have different security needs than businesses, so you’ll have to make adjustments when setting up and using SimpliSafe.
SimpliSafe Monitoring
While it’s certainly possible to use SimpliSafe without monthly fees by self-monitoring, we highly recommend going for a paid plan, particularly the $29.99 per month Fast Protect plan. That’s because with this plan, you’ll get free cloud storage for up to 10 cameras (more than enough to monitor a small office or shop). You’ll also get the live guard feature for the Smart Alarm camera detailed above, as well as video verification for other SimpliSafe cameras.
Video verification is a trick-of-the-trade for alarm companies to speed up police response. Basically, the police typically respond to alerts faster when there’s a verifiable source that a crime is in progress as opposed to just alarms sent in by security systems, which could turn out to be false alarms. If you’re on the Fast Protect plan, SimpliSafe will access your cameras to verify alarms, and will relay the information accordingly to the authorities.
You might also love the extra features. For example, with the Fast Protect plan, you’d be able to integrate SimpliSafe with Alexa or Google Assistant. We have the Echo Show 8 we reviewed and the Nest Hub Max we tested here in our office, and we enjoyed simply telling them to arm our SimpliSafe office system when we’re done for the day.
SimpliSafe equipment costs are low, starting at just $249 for the cheapest starter kit, The Foundation. With the best online promotions, The Foundation includes the SimpliCam or the Smart Alarm for free.
It also includes a SimpliSafe hub, a wireless keypad, an entry sensor, and an indoor motion detector. You can add more units a la carte or choose a bigger bundle like The Hearth, which also has a smoke detector and a freestanding siren. All in all, you can connect up to 41 sensors to the hub, just enough for a typical office.
Wireless vs Cellular Service
SimpliSafe requires a communication line to work. It uses this to send alerts either to you if you’re self-monitoring or to both you and the monitoring center if you have a monitoring plan.
Typically, the system connects to Wi-Fi, and if you’re self-monitoring, that will be your only option. However, if you add a monitoring plan, either the $19.99 Standard plan or the $29.99 Fast Protect plan, you’ll also get cellular backup.
Cellular backup means the system will still be able to communicate alerts even when your Wi-Fi or internet is down. It will use cellular signals, the same type of signal our phones use to send texts. Adding cellular backup improves the system’s reliability, as its ability to send alerts is no longer contingent on your office internet working. Remember, though, that you can only get cellular backup with a professional monitoring plan.
Features Self-monitoring Self-monitoring with camera recording Standard monitoring Fast Protect monitoring Monthly fee None $4.99 for one camera, $9.99 for five cameras $19.99 $29.99 Communication method Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Cellular and Wi-Fi Cellular and Wi-Fi Control the system remotely Yes Yes Yes Yes Watch live camera footage on the app Yes Yes Yes Yes Record event videos automatically No Yes No Yes (10 cameras) Record video-on-demand No Yes No Yes Video verification No No No Yes 24/7 Live Guard (for Smart Alarm camera) No No No Yes Smart platform integrations No No No Yes To sum up, SimpliSafe systems are inexpensive but not built cheaply. They can guard your office against intrusions, provide environmental alerts, and implement basic smart features for your office.
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3. Vivint - Best Smart Business Security
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $600 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $40 Contract Lengths 42-60 months Installation Options Professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Vivint means business. A security solution from the company starts with a professional assessment from a security expert and culminates with professional installation — all white-glove service from start to finish.
Once the system is installed, you’ll have access to cutting edge technology in Vivint’s tablet-like control panel and mobile apps, plus around-the-clock professional monitoring.
Video surveillance is also an option, and an excellent one at that. Vivint’s outdoor camera, for example, uses AI to detect lurkers and sirens and lights to ward them off. If you have a parking lot or if nighttime break-ins are a main concern, those features will come in handy.
That being said, the high-quality Vivint cameras come with a premium price tag, with each unit costing up to $400. But after testing the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro ourselves, we can say that it’s a worthwhile investment. It’s expensive, but the value it provides to your security is priceless.
Just to give you an idea, here’s Vivint’s pricing for its cameras.
Vivint security cameras Price Vivint Ping Indoor Camera $199 Vivint Indoor Camera Pro $199 Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro $399 Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro $249 Lastly, Vivint has an offer that could prove useful to businesses that use transport vehicles, like car rental businesses or warehouses that transport cargo. It’s called Car Guard, which is a simple device that plugs into a vehicle’s OBD2 port. It comes equipped with GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and disturbance alerts. It uses 4G/LTE to generate alerts, and thanks to the Vivint app, you can check on it anytime.
What We Like
- Security cameras can record 24/7 with the Vivint Smart Drive
- Highly-rated mobile apps
- Integrates well with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Modern, high-tech equipment
What We Don’t Like
- Prices equipment and monitoring
- Long-term contracts
- Professional installation is non-optional
- Hit-or-miss customer support
When we tested it, we looked at Vivint as a home security solution, but we also noticed its potential in business security. As with most security systems, it included professional monitoring, which ensures emergency response in times of distress. Vivint can dispatch police, firefighters, and paramedics, depending on the incident.
Moreso, Vivint’s equipment is top-of-the-line, which makes it ideal even for business security. Vivint’s cameras, in particular, are above industry standards in terms of specifications, video quality, and artificial intelligence, which includes person detection and the ability to detect lurkers.
Continuous Video Recording
Continuous video recording, or CVR, is an alternative to motion-triggered video clips. The option to use CVR gives Vivint an advantage over ADT and other close competitors. It’s useful for countless business reasons, from patrolling against shoplifters to ensuring that workers follow safety protocols.
There’s more than one option to activate CVR. One is a $249 Vivint Smart Drive, which is like a DVR, but it connects to the internet and can stream recordings to your phone anytime. One Smart Drive can store videos from up to four cameras for up to 30 days.
The other option is to use the built-in microSD card slot in Vivint’s newer cameras. While this is a practical option, given that microSD cards are cheaper compared than the Smart Drive, we recommend using a Smart Drive over this option as it’s easier to lose footage stored in a microSD card. For example, if trespassers smash your camera or steal the microSD card, you’d have no backup. At least with the Smart Drive, the storage device is separate, so you can keep it locked in a secure room.
As for camera options, these are Vivint’s indoor and outdoor solutions:
- Indoor Camera Camera: A 1080p HD indoor camera that plugs into power outlets. It can stream videos, detect motion, record event videos, or record continuously with the assistance of the Smart Drive.
- Outdoor Camera Pro: The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro we reviewed is a $399 outdoor camera with AI features. It can detect and deter potential burglars, especially those who like to lurk around business establishments before attacking. It also has superb video thanks to its 4K HD image sensor with HDR.
Aside from streaming to mobile phones, these Vivint cameras can also stream to smart displays, like the Google Nest Hub we reviewed, different Echo Show models, Fire TV, or Chromecast. This is all thanks to Vivint’s integrations with Alexa and Google Assistant. So you see, Vivint is truly at the top of the game when it comes to its security cameras.
Vivint Pricing & Products
Pricing for Vivint’s business security involves a monthly monitoring fee and equipment purchase. You can pay the equipment fee upfront or avail of financing over the course of 60 months.
As for monitoring, Vivint doesn’t advertise its business security pricing, not unlike ADT. You’ll need to contact Vivint and request a quote after a free security assessment of your business. However, for your reference, Vivint home security monitoring costs $39.99 to $49.99 a month.
Features $39.99/month $49.99/month Professional monitoring Yes Yes Home automation Yes Yes Local camera recording +$249 for the Vivint Smart Drive +$249 for the Vivint Smart Drive Cloud camera recording No 30-day storage, up to four cameras Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant Yes Yes Access to Vivint app Yes Yes Vivint certainly isn’t the most affordable security system, whether for businesses or homes, but it’s worth its price thanks to the quality of Vivint’s equipment.
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4. Frontpoint - Best for Small Business
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $99 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $18 Contract Lengths 1-36 months Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Frontpoint is a favorite for protecting homes and small businesses with trustworthy security systems. The company has a reputation for friendly service, straightforward pricing, and dependable equipment. It can support business security, environmental monitoring, and building automation with Z-Wave hubs and professional monitoring. Each Frontpoint system uses cellular communication and can have Wi-Fi backup.
What We Like
- No long-term contracts if you pay for equipment in full
- Straightforward pricing with only one monitoring plan ($49.99 per month)
- Easy DIY installation
- Battery backup and cellular communication makes the Frontpoint system impervious to power outages
What We Don’t Like
- No self-monitoring option
- Equipment costs can stack up quickly
- Not for bigger establishments, as Frontpoint designed its equipment for home or small business use
- Security cameras don’t record continuously
A big difference compared with ADT and Vivint is that you can install Frontpoint yourself. This is why we nominate it as the best small business security system, but not necessarily ideal if you’re surveilling a sprawling property. With DIY labor you can guard a small business with Frontpoint in an hour or less.
Professional monitoring is included with and required for all Frontpoint systems. One small catch is that you’ll have to sign a three-year contract, but the good news is that it locks in your monthly rate. For home security monitoring, Frontpoint charges a universal fee of $49 per month, which includes all premium features such as:
- Professional monitoring
- Smartphone alerts
- Remote control via app
- Home automation
- Video monitoring
- Cloud storage for security camera event clips
Pricing for Kits & Monitoring
Frontpoint lets you get business security without a credit check, as you own the equipment upfront.
The cheapest starter kit is just $99 with online discounts, but it normally retails for more than $300. You can add other equipment such as glass break sensors, pipe freeze sensors, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and smart bulbs a la carte… or else choose a bigger Frontpoint starter kit.
DIY installation is simple and tool-free with Frontpoint’s all-wireless security kits. If needed, Frontpoint customer service can help by phone. Equipment is either freestanding or uses removable adhesive strips so you can avoid drilling/cutting into walls.
Professional monitoring costs $49.99 per month, and since there’s only one plan, you get all the features Frontpoint has to offer, depending on your choice of equipment. One of the features that works great for businesses is Crash and Smash Protection; police will be dispatched even if criminals destroy security equipment! The $49.99 per month Frontpoint plan also includes video monitoring and smartphone remote control along with compatibility for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
In a nutshell, Frontpoint features some of the best small business security systems that you can self-install and get expertly monitored.Everyday customer service is friendly and readily available. Emergency monitoring is high quality with cellular and Wi-Fi signaling both available, and with two monitoring centers for redundancy.
All systems carry a 30-day money-back guarantee. Frontpoint equipment is under warranty for up to three years.
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5. Lorex - Best Security Cameras for Business
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 4K HD Field of View Up to 180° Power Wired, battery, PoE Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud, Local Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home Lorex Technology is a leading supplier of industrial-quality security cameras for indoor and outdoor use. Whether you’re guarding a small storefront or spacious warehouses and parking lots, this brand has high-performance options to fit your needs. You can buy Lorex cameras individually or in multi-packs of two to 32 units with free shipping, and prices range from moderate to above-average. You can choose cams with rare special features like 115-foot night vision, color night vision, and vandal-proof casings.
The cameras are sold for your business’s own installation and monitoring. The Lorex Secure mobile app can keep you connected with alerts, cloud recordings, and livestreams anytime. It also lets you group camera feeds onto one screen and save video to your phone. For higher definition viewing Lorex sells wide-screen video monitors too.
You can buy Lorex cameras individually or in multi-packs of two to 32 units with free shipping, and prices range from moderate to above-average. You can choose cams with rare special features like 115-foot night vision, color night vision, and vandal-proof casings. We discussed Lorex’s pricing here, so check it out if you want to learn more.
What We Like
- Wide range of security cameras to choose from
- On-site local recording and cloud storage options
- Commercial-grade security camera designs
- Easy to expand security camera systems with add-on cameras and cross-compatibility
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks security sensors (motion sensors, door sensors, etc.)
- No professional monitoring
- Some cameras are expensive
- Internet-reliant security camera systems
Lorex sells security cameras, but it will be up to you to deploy and install your cameras. The Lorex Secure mobile app can keep you connected with alerts, cloud recordings, and live streams in real time anytime. It also lets you group camera feeds onto one screen and save the video to your phone. For higher definition viewing, Lorex sells wide-screen video monitors, too, as well as a Lorex doorbell camera which we’ve tested.
Commercial-Grade Security Cameras
Compared with the companies above, Lorex stands out for its security camera variety. Its website makes it easy to sort by camera styles with different power sources and output options. The main Lorex categories to search are wireless, digital IP, analog IP, and wire-free. There are also hybrid solutions (i.e. systems with digital IP and Wi-Fi cameras mixed together) under the Fusion line.
For businesses, we recommend a digital IP setup with an internet-connected NVR (a recording storage device) and a mix of indoor and outdoor cameras. With such, you’ll be able to enjoy 24/7 continuous recording, plus, most Lorex NVRs have expandable storage. You can add up to three hard drives each up to 1 TB to quickly expand the NVR’s storage space.
Hardiness helps make Lorex cameras qualify as industrial quality. Many models are vandal-proof; their casings are virtually indestructible. Furthermore, Lorex outdoor cameras have weatherproof ratings of IP66 to withstand extreme temperatures as well as serious precipitation. For comparison, the typical outdoor security camera has an IP65 rating, which means it’s water-resistant and dustproof.
Ultra-HD resolution is available, and you can even get cameras with color night vision. Competing companies above provide crisp black and white night vision only, and color only by day. Some other special features are two-way voice, motion zones, and built-in sirens.
Lorex Video Storage
Depending on the type of your cameras, you can either store footage locally onto a micro-SD card, NVR, or DVR. Local storage makes sense if you want easy access to your videos. If you have an NVR or DVR, you can review footage right away just by plugging a monitor into your recorder. If your cameras store videos on micro-SD cards, you can simply pop the micro-SD cards onto your computer.
Another option is to store videos in Lorex’s cloud. For free, most Lorex cameras capable of cloud recording get two days of cloud storage with up to 10 GB of storage space. If you need more storage, you can pay $6.99 a month to expand the storage to 30 days.
Although more expensive than local storage, cloud storage offers off-site video storage. That means if anything happens to your NVR, DVR, or cameras, you have backup videos in the cloud.
Free Plan Premium Plan 2 days of storage 30 days of storage 10 GB of storage Unlimited storage 3 RapidRecaps Unlimited RapidRecaps 8 hours of RapidRecaps 12 hours of RapidRecaps $0 monthly $6.99 monthly $0 yearly $69.99 yearly In conclusion, Lorex is focused on high-quality video surveillance. You can buy its cameras individually and monitor one or more with the Lorex Secure app. Typically though, Lorex customers are bigger businesses with lots of territories to guard. It’s most common to connect Lorex cameras to widescreen monitors.
Lorex cameras have free shipping and a 60-day return policy.
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6. Cove - Best DIY Business Security System
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $87 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $50 Contract Lengths Single month only Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Cove takes a DIY approach in business security, making Cove a better fit for small businesses than large ones. Nonetheless, you get professional monitoring from Cove, so you can rest assured knowing that an entire team out there is watching over your business security.
What We Like
- 24/7 monitoring and cellular backup
- RapidSOS monitoring technology
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Affordable plans
- DIY Installation
- No contracts
What We Don’t Like
- No self-monitoring option
- Limited equipment options
- Mobile smartphone controls cost $24.99 per month
Cove systems start with a touchscreen, tablet-like control panel that wirelessly connects with and controls the system components. This touchscreen panel has 24-hour battery backup, which combined with Cove’s monitoring through cellular signals instead of Wi-Fi or landline, allows for professional monitoring to continue even when there’s a power outage. That is a critical feature for business security systems as you’d never want your business to be left unprotected even for just a few hours.
Cove Security System Equipment
Standing behind the touchscreen panel is a solid supporting cast of system peripherals, mostly sensors and cameras. Among the sensors sold by Cove, we think the glass break sensors make the biggest impact. Glass break sensors are noise sensors fine-tuned to listen for the sound of breaking glass. If your shop has large glass windows, placing glass break sensors strategically would help you monitor multiple points of break-in.
Aside from the glass break sensor, the usual motion sensors and entry sensors could help you detect break-ins that happen after office hours, as these sensors are built to detect the presence of people when there shouldn’t be anyone around. Placing entry sensors on your main and back entrances and motion sensors in offices or near safes and cash boxes ensures that you’ll be informed in case of a break in at night.
Affordable DIY Security System
Since Cove is a DIY system, it’s scalable in terms of size and equipment. But if you want your security system setup tailored to your business security needs, you’ll have to buy all the pieces of equipment you need from Cove. That also means you’ll probably have to spend more in equipment fees for your business security than you would for your home security.
Here’s the good news: Cove is affordable. We’ve seen entry sensors go for as low as $7.50 apiece, motion sensors for $15, and glass break sensors for less than $20. In fact, except for the cameras and the touchscreen panel, Cove’s equipment prices do not exceed $30 per piece. On top of that, professional monitoring with remote access via a smartphone app costs only $27.99 per month, which is much lower than most traditional business security systems we’ve looked into. And since it’s a DIY system, there are no installation or activation fees.
Now, Cove isn’t a perfect system for businesses. We do wish it offered a wider range of surveillance cameras. But overall, it’s a pretty solid pick.
How To Choose A Security System For Your Business
In business security, much like in home security, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You need to consider how much security your business needs. To do that, you need to pinpoint your current security’s weak points, know what types of equipment you need, and assess your budget. Below, we’ve outlined our criteria for choosing the best security systems for businesses.
Equipment
In business security, the more equipment options, the better. When we selected our top picks, we went with those that offered a wide selection of security equipment. Ideally, that includes:
- Security sensors: These are your motion sensors, door and window sensors, and glass break sensors that can alert you to break-ins during and after office hours.
- Environment monitoring sensors: These are your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and any other sensor you need to make sure your building is safe from environmental threats.
- Panic buttons: In cases of robberies and holdups, as well as non-criminal emergencies like fires, panic buttons and alarms can connect you and your employees to emergency services immediately.
- Security cameras: Security cameras provide video surveillance so you or security personnel can monitor your establishment during and after office hours. It’s ideal if your alarm company can provide both indoor and outdoor cameras.
Security cameras play crucial roles in business security, which is why we also added criteria for choosing security cameras. They must have:
- Security features: Such as motion and sound detection, or even better, artificial intelligence like person detection
- Good specifications: At least a 1080p HD resolution, infrared night vision, 120 degrees viewing angle, and two-way audio
- Storage: Most ideally, local recording via micro-SD cards, NVRs, or DVRs, as well as backup cloud storage
Technology
It’s also important to choose a security system that can work in your current office setup. Most businesses today have internet and Wi-Fi, so we selected security systems that use the internet for communication. Communication is crucial because this is how the system will alert you or your alarm company in case of emergencies.
However, as we all know, internet connections can be unreliable sometimes, so you also need backup communications. For most of the security systems on our list, that backup communication comes in the form of cellular backup. With cellular chips built into hubs or control panels, security systems can still alert you over cellular signals should your internet go down.
Power backup is another vital technology in business security. With the use of batteries, which can last for up to a day on a single full charge in most cases, security systems can continue to provide protection through power outages.
Monitoring
If you have on-site security personnel 24/7, good for you. Otherwise, alarm companies can monitor your business for you. They won’t watch your security feeds 24/7, mind you, so it’s still up to you to catch shoplifters and the like.
However, in the event of real emergencies, like after office hours break-ins, alarm companies can send police dispatch to your building. With professional monitoring, you can gain peace of mind knowing that you’re never on your own in protecting your business.
Installation
Most of our top picks offer DIY and professional installation. Choosing the installation method is really a matter of preference; however, professional installation is ideal for larger businesses in particular.
If you go the DIY route, you need a basic understanding of the system you’re installing and where to install your system components for maximum effectiveness. With professional installation, those tasks will fall in the hands of experienced technicians. So while DIY installation is doable, if you have the means, go for professional installation.
FAQs
Still got questions about the best security systems for businesses? We’re here to help.
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What is the best security system for a small business?
The best security systems for a small business are Cove, Frontpoint, and SimpliSafe. All three options offer professional monitoring, have outstanding customer service, are affordable, and allow DIY installation.
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How much is a security system for a business?
A security system for a business can range from $100 to thousands of dollars, depending on the company and the size of the physical business. Professional monitoring can also add on costs of anywhere from $10 to $60 a month.
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How much is ADT Business Security a month?
ADT doesn’t advertise the prices for its Business Security. However, its home security professional monitoring costs range from $40 to $60 a month. You can negotiate these rates with your salesperson.
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What is the most secure security system?
ADT is the most secure security system. ADT has been in the security business for over a century, and its longevity is due to the fact that it’s able to keep up with new technologies. Even ADT’s home security systems are known for being secure, so expect its commercial security solutions to offer even more protection. We also like that ADT has cybersecurity offers for businesses, which goes to show that ADT is serious about security overall, not just physical security.