The Best Business Security Solutions of 2024
We recommend choosing ADT for its custom-built solutions, multiple cybersecurity solutions, and voice command capabilities.
&
Last Updated on Dec 12, 2024
- 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
Business security systems are not just for giant corporations. There are affordable solutions for everything from petite boutiques to rugged industrial areas. The best part is that many of the top security systems are scalable, so you can add new equipment to your security system as your business grows.
But what’s the best security system for businesses? We tested over 60 brands in our office and compared their performance, flexibility, and effectiveness. ADT was the top performer due to its scalability and best-in-industry monitoring service. We also liked what we saw from SimpliSafe, Vivint, Frontpoint, and Lorex and think they are great alternatives for different types of businesses. Keep reading to find out how we arrived at the top five.
>> Related: How Much Does a Security System Cost?
Our Top Recommendations for Business Security
- ADT - Personalized Security for Small and Large Businesses
- SimpliSafe - Affordable Business Security Solution
- Vivint - High-End Security for Small and Large Businesses
- Frontpoint - DIY Security for Small Businesses
- Lorex - Robust Security Camera Systems for Businesses of Any Size
What Is a Good Business Security Solution?
A good security solution is one that is right-sized for the organization, which is the same goal when choosing a home security system. Every company has its own unique challenges, from maintaining compliance to protecting highly valuable assets. For example, the owner of a clothing store might want to put security cameras all over the shop, while a doctor’s office cannot put cameras in certain areas without violating HIPAA regulations.
The security system also needs to be flexible. You might move into a bigger office or downsize to a smaller building if you need to cut costs. Maybe you’re a seasonal business and only need to worry about security during certain times of the year. If you can customize the security system to meet these changing needs, you can better manage costs without sacrificing performance. So keep these three factors in mind while you’re shopping around:
- Type of system: In the same way there are security systems for renters and security systems for homeowners, there are different solutions for small businesses, large businesses, and enterprises.
- Cost: Business security costs can vary widely depending on factors such as equipment, monitoring services, and features. Security cameras, for example, require video storage, which can raise the overall cost.
- How to set up: If you’re running a small operation, it might make sense to opt for DIY installation, skipping professional installation costs. If you have a larger business though, you might want to consider professional installation to make sure all areas are covered.
>> See Also: DIY vs. Professional Security System Installation
After narrowing down your options, the next step is to compare the security systems. We won’t do the comparison for you, because you know your business better than anyone. We will, however, give you the facts by highlighting the type of equipment each service provider offers and what monitoring options are available.
Business Security Systems Compared
| System |
ADT
|
SimpliSafe
|
Vivint
|
Frontpoint
|
Lorex
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 |
| For small businesses | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| For large businesses | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Consultation | Yes | Online quiz only | Yes | Yes | No |
| Installation type | Professional | Professional or DIY | Professional | DIY | DIY |
| Monitoring type | Professional | Professional or DIY | Professional | Professional | DIY |
| Security cameras | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video verification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cloud video storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 video recording | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Price range | Varies depending on security needs | Starting at $289 for a basic system | Varies depending on security needs | Varies depending on security needs | Starting at $300 for a basic system |
| Read Review | ADT Review | SimpliSafe Review | Vivint Review | Frontpoint Review | Lorex Review |
-
1. ADT - Personalized Security for Small and Large Businesses
View Packages Links to ADTProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $349 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $30 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month 36 months and up Installation Options Professional and DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Type of Security Solution
ADT used to offer all its business security solutions under one roof, ADT Commercial, but it has been divided into two separate operations. ADT’s business security for small businesses remains under ADT, but its commercial offering is now called Everon and is under the management of the Chicago-based company GTCR.1
Although it isn’t the ADT brand we all know and love, Everon provides a broader range of products and services aimed at medium-sized and large businesses, including security staffing and cybersecurity. If your company has multiple facilities, we suggest reviewing all of the options available to you at Everon.
If you own a small business, you’ll want to focus on the business security offerings from ADT. There aren’t as many options as with Everon, but ADT’s business offerings are better than the four others that we reviewed for our small business. We found ADT to have the most advanced compared to what we saw from the other companies. For example, ADT offers continuous video recording and automated access control, two features that aren’t available from our No. 2 pick SimpliSafe.
Closeup of the ADT Outdoor Camera Cost
It’s no secret that ADT is not the most affordable home security system, but you’ll find that ADT’s pricing is fair enough for a small business. In fact, we found ADT’s pricing for small businesses to be just a tad higher than their home security prices. That’s not always the case for companies that offer home and business security solutions.
So how much exactly does an ADT business security cost? Well, it all depends on your final equipment, but when we inquired about a basic business solution, ADT quoted us $500 to $700 for the equipment and about $60 per month for monitoring. That’s a competitive price, considering that a similar package from Vivint can cost upwards of $800.
FYI: ADT has a Theft Protection Guarantee. We inquired about it and the ADT representative told us that if all the conditions are met, they would reimburse up to $500 of our office insurance deductibles in case of a burglary or theft.
How to Set Up
ADT started us off with a consultation with a Security Specialist named Sharon who – based on her recommendations – knew a lot about business security. She scouted the office and sent us a quote with a list of components and their prices. It didn’t mean we had to buy everything though. We asked to take off access control and she obliged after a little bit of convincing us to keep it. What’s important is that we didn’t feel obliged to buy anything we didn’t need, and neither should you.
After that, we signed an agreement and finalized the paperwork. Professional installation came next. A team of technicians brought our new ADT equipment and installed it in our office. The service wasn’t free, but ADT took off $200 from the total installation cost as part of a special promotion. We saved some money while enjoying the luxury of sitting back and letting the technicians do the install work for a change.
>> Learn More: The Best Professionally Installed Security Systems
Pro Tip: ADT offers DIY security systems now, but for businesses (especially bigger ones), we recommend professional installation. That way, ADT’s expert technicians can assess your needs and help place sensors and devices in their ideal locations. We wouldn’t have thought about placing a contact sensor on our filing cabinet full of sensitive documents.
What We Like
- Personalized solutions for each business
- Free professional consultation
- High-quality installation and monitoring service
- Company has a great reputation with over 100 years of experience
What We Don’t Like
- May be more expensive than other options
- Requires a contract
- Can’t be self-monitored
- Lack of pricing transparency online
ADT Equipment
Much like its home security systems, ADT’s business security systems are built on security and safety sensors: entry sensors (aka door sensors), motion sensors, glass-break sensors, smoke alarms, and more.
These smoke detectors from ADT are interconnected; if one sounds, they all sound. We also received security cameras, but we were surprised that they gave us ADT-branded cameras instead of Google Nest Cams typically offered as ADT home security cameras. Nest Cams are more high-tech since they offer facial recognition and person detection, but the ADT-branded cameras are more suitable for business because they can record 24/7 via an on-site DVR. Nest Cams, on the other hand, only record to the cloud when their sensors are triggered.
FYI: Continuous video recording is crucial for businesses as it allows cameras to record all types of incidents; not just break-ins. For instance, if a customer complaint comes in, you can review recordings and see what really went down. That’s not always possible if your camera records only when triggered.
ADT Monitoring Options
No other security company on this list does professional monitoring like ADT. For starters, it has 12 monitoring centers across the United States. Each building has backup generators, servers, and communication lines so they can support one another in the instance a facility is unavailable. ADT ensures its service is running 24/7.
ADT even has some advanced monitoring features that are exclusive to business clients:
- Video escort: With a quick phone call, high-level employees and executives will be monitored via a live video link to ensure their safety as they enter or leave your business.
- Video guard tours: Virtual security guards perform a remote tour of your facility to look for suspicious activity and conditions at set intervals, based on your instructions.
ADT has been in business for well over 100 years — longer than any other security company in the market.2 It uses its experience and knowledge to provide businesses and homes the security they deserve.
-
2. SimpliSafe - Affordable Business Security Solution
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 Type of Security Solution
SimpliSafe has business-themed equipment packages like “The Business Essentials” and “The Storefront System.” But the truth is, they include the same equipment as SimpliSafe home security packages.
That bodes well for some, price-wise. SimpliSafe is one of the most affordable home security systems. But we don’t think SimpliSafe is a good fit for large businesses or companies trying to secure a sprawling industrial complex. It lacks features like continuous video recording and access control. The security sensors don’t go beyond motion, entry, and glass detection.
With what we saw from SimpliSafe, we believe it’s best for small-to-medium businesses, like a store or restaurant.
Pro Tip: We wouldn’t sleep on SimpliSafe’s features though. It doesn’t have continuous recording, but some of its monitoring plans include professional monitoring of outdoor cameras – especially useful to businesses with a large outdoor space to protect, such as parking lots. Monitoring center operators can even speak through the camera speakers.
Business owners can protect their businesses with the same SimpliSafe home security equipment we tested. >> Related: The Best DIY Security Systems (SimpliSafe at No. 1)
Cost
You can buy a SimpliSafe security system with the hub, a keypad, three entry sensors, and one motion sensor for $280. That’s a lot cheaper than our ADT office security system, but it’s nowhere as comprehensive. We still bought additional components like security cameras, extra motion sensors, and even a glass break sensor. Our total was about $600.
While that wasn’t far off from what we spent on ADT, SimpliSafe offers the option to save if you self-monitor it. It’s one of the best no-monthly-fee security systems after all. Of course, we highly recommend professional monitoring because it’s affordable and includes much-needed features such as video verification (which speeds up police response)3, cloud video storage, and Live Guard. We’ll discuss all these later on, but you can get those features starting from $31.99 per month.
Expert TakeFrom Gene Petrino, Retired SWAT Commander and Law Enforcement“Many businesses can’t afford a security system. These are usually new small businesses that do not understand the need for them. In one case, I was investigating a business burglary where there was no system. The business owner told me he couldn’t afford to purchase the system that he wanted because it would cost him $1,000. Unfortunately, the loss from the burglary was over $10,000 and he realized how valuable the system would have been.”How to Set Up
One of the best things about SimpliSafe is that you can set it up yourself. You don’t need to book an appointment and block out your day for someone to come and demonstrate how to use a SimpliSafe security system. All you have to do is choose the equipment you need and install it around the office. It’s fairly easy. It took us about an hour to set up our system.
Even professional monitoring is optional. You can monitor your business all on your own with the help of SimpliSafe sensors and cameras, and for some, that might be the best route. However, if you feel that your business needs 24/7 monitoring, it’s cheaper to pay SimpliSafe $31.99 per month than hire a dedicated staff member to monitor your alerts.
>> Further Reading: How to Install Security Cameras
What We Like
- Affordable equipment and monitoring
- Video verification feature
- User-friendly buying and setup process
- Professional monitoring is optional, but highly recommended
What We Don’t Like
- Limited security camera options
- Recordings are stored in the cloud only
- No option for 24/7 continuous video recording
- Not for large businesses
SimpliSafe Equipment
SimpliSafe has everything a small business needs for basic protection. It has motion sensors, door and window 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.
A closer look at the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Pro, which works with the Pro and Pro Plus plans. The Smart Alarm indoor camera is particularly useful to businesses. When paired with the Core monitoring plan ($31.99), SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents can access the camera and use its two-way audio to deter burglars whenever a sensor or alert is triggered. The Pro and Pro Plus plans ($49.99 and $79.99, respectively) extend that feature to the SimpliSafe outdoor cameras.
The downside of SimpliSafe is that it’s not as customizable as ADT. It doesn’t offer more advanced features like access control because it’s primarily a home security system. You can customize it for a small shop, restaurant, or warehouse, but it will be hard to manage, for example, if your business requires employees to come in at different hours.
SimpliSafe Monitoring
For monitoring, SimpliSafe offers six options. Yes, six! It’s overwhelming, but they’re pretty easy to understand once you know what features you want.
SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans Self-Monitoring Standard Core Pro Pro Plus Professional monitoring No Yes Yes Yes Yes Cellular backup No Yes Yes Yes Yes Access to app for alerts, control, and management Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Live Guard Protection (indoor live video monitoring) No No Yes Yes Yes Active Guard Outdoor Protection (outdoor live video monitoring) No No No Overnight only (8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time) 24/7 Price per month $0 $21.99 $31.99 $49.99 $79.99 The Core plan comes with a lot of premium features, such as Live Guard. It also offers video verification for all other SimpliSafe cameras, such as the SimpliCam indoor camera we tested or the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Pro. It’s currently the best-value option, in our opinion.
The Pro and Pro Plus plans are also great if you want perimeter protection because of the Active Guard Outdoor Protection feature. The Pro plan offers great value to businesses that close down at night, in particular, because it’s affordable (same price as Frontpoint’s top-tier plan) but activates the Active Guard feature at your business’ most vulnerable time – at night.
Pro Tip: If you have a storefront, consider placing at least one outdoor camera outside and sign up for the $49.99 Pro. That’s what we recommend because of the Active Guard Outdoor Protection feature, which will monitor your security cameras overnight between 8pm and 6am.
-
3. Vivint - High-End Security for Small and Large Businesses
View Packages Links to VivintProduct Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $449 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs Starting from $30 per month Contract lengths Starting at 42 months Installation options Professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home Type of Security Solution
We believe Vivint is much better suited for large businesses than SimpliSafe. We’ve tested Vivint in our home and saw that it has the potential for commercial security. For example, its line of indoor and outdoor cameras provide advanced security through A.I. The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro alone can be a powerful tool for keeping criminals at bay. It can detect lurkers and it has an automatic warning system that uses sounds and light to drive away potential threats.
Granted, that’s not as good as SimpliSafe’s live video monitoring, but Vivint offers continuous recording. Captured videos are stored on-device, meaning in the camera’s built-in memory. There’s enough storage for up to 10 days of video for each camera. However, because of the setup, an intruder could tamper with evidence by destroying or stealing the camera. You’ll see later why we prefer Lorex’s DVR recording, but for now, let’s focus on VIvint.
>> Learn More: Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro Review
The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro impressed us with its AI detection and automatic deterrence features. Cost
While Vivint might be better suited to larger businesses than SimpliSafe, it’s also more expensive than SimpliSafe. That Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro we mentioned earlier will set you back around $400. With other brands, it ranges between $120 and $200. Overall, a Vivint security system will cost up to $1,000, but it could be more expensive depending on how much equipment you need.
Vivint is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-end business security solution though, and not just because of the cameras. Its cameras use artificial intelligence to improve alerts and it can control and automate devices such as smart thermostats and locks. That level of smart security is what Vivint customers pay for.
How to Set Up
Vivint means business. The company’s security solutions start with a professional assessment from a security expert and culminate with professional installation — all white-glove service from start to finish.
When we had a Vivint system installed, a licensed technician did the job. He was well dressed and arrived on time, and he clearly knew the Vivint system inside and out. He gave us useful pointers, such as where to best place sensors and cameras, and he hung around after the installation to explain how the system worked. That’s all part of Vivint’s premium service.
>> More Information: Where to Place Security Cameras
What We Like
- Advanced security camera features
- Highly rated and user-friendly mobile apps
- Integrates well with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Great quality installation service
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than most options
- Long-term contracts
- Lack of pricing transparency on the website
- Professional monitoring and installation are mandatory
Vivint Equipment
Vivint business security systems consist of three types of equipment: security sensors, security cameras, and Car Guard.
Here’s the Vivint door sensor we tested, one of the several types of sensors available from Vivint. Vivint’s cameras are top of the line. They use artificial intelligence to improve detection, and have clear 1080p HD video powered by a 4K image sensor, HDR, and clear two-way audio. They also each come with a microSD card slot for local storage.
As for Car Guard, it’s a monitoring device that plugs into any modern vehicle’s OBD2 port. Consider getting Car Guard if your business uses transport vehicles, since it’s equipped with a GPS tracker, vehicle diagnostics, and disturbance detectors (e.g. dings while parked). It has a 4G/LTE connection, which it uses to generate alerts and inform users about the status of their vehicles.
>> Related: What to Do If Your Car Is Broken Into
FYI: While we didn’t test Car Guard, we asked the technician about it and he said that there’s an additional $9.99 per month fee to use the device. That’s on top of the device’s $200 cost.
Vivint Monitoring
Vivint requires a professional monitoring plan to go along with its equipment, similar to ADT. And much like ADT, Vivint doesn’t openly advertise its pricing for business security monitoring. We paid about $50 per month for ours, and we feel that we got our money’s worth. While Vivint doesn’t have as many monitoring centers as ADT – it only has two – the response time was fast and efficient. We got text alerts about triggered sensors in less than 10 seconds, and call alerts came in after about 30 to 50 seconds.
That being said, there’s a limit to the number of security cameras you can add to your monitoring plan. The limit is 12 cameras, which is more than sufficient for homes but may not be enough for businesses that need more video security coverage.
>> Related: Vivint FAQs
FYI: Vivint didn’t monitor our security cameras like SimpliSafe did, but we were able to customize automations based on triggers such as people lurking outside after hours. A quick beep from the camera and some outdoor lights turning on should be enough to turn away most would-be trespassers.
-
4. Frontpoint - DIY Security for Small Businesses
View Packages Links to FrontpointProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $386.93 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $49.99 Contract Lengths 1-36 months Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Type of Security Solution
Frontpoint is a favorite for protecting homes and small businesses with trustworthy security systems. We’ve come to know it for its reputation for friendly service, straightforward pricing, and dependable equipment. We even saw features reminiscent of ADT and Vivint – security and safety monitoring with cellular backup plus a little bit of automation using Z-Wave devices.
Frontpoint is a DIY system, like SimpliSafe. We think it’s best suited for small businesses with one or two rooms rather than larger office areas. It also means it won’t take long to set it up. When we were testing Frontpoint, we were up and running in less than an hour.
Pro Tip: If you really want professional installation, you can contact a local technician to install Frontpoint. The equipment comes from well-known manufacturers like Alarm.com and GE, so it’s not as difficult to set up as proprietary equipment from ADT and Vivint.
This Frontpoint security system cost us only a little over $200 >> Learn More: ADT vs. Frontpoint
Cost
You’d be hard pressed to find a more affordable business security solution than Frontpoint. There’s SimpliSafe, of course, but with more equipment options, Frontpoint is more on the level of ADT and Vivint, but with more competitive pricing.
We also found that Frontpoint’s business security solutions are as customizable as their packages for residential installation. That’s good news because one of Frontpoint’s biggest selling points is the low entry cost. When we bought a Frontpoint home security system, the cheapest option we saw was $79. Granted, that package includes just a couple of devices, but even if you build a custom package with cameras and smoke sensors, it’s not going to break the bank.
How to Set Up
Unlike Frontpoint’s home security systems, you can’t just buy a business security system. It takes a similar approach to ADT, wherein you have to speak to an expert to get a quote. The difference is that you’ll be doing the installation yourself, but Frontpoint provides helpful guides in the form of videos and articles.
Frontpoint’s customer service is among the best in the industry. When we tested the system, we called in and got through to its support line at 8 p.m. Not a lot of alarm companies offer support past normal business hours, so props to Frontpoint for that.
As for the actual installation process, it was super simple. The system was 100 percent wireless, so all we had to do was set up and connect all the components. It took less than an hour to set up everything.
What We Like
- Affordable equipment
- Straightforward monitoring plans with universal pricing
- Easy DIY installation
- Stellar customer support
What We Don’t Like
- No option for self-monitoring
- Monitoring is expensive if your system has only basic components
- Security cameras don’t record continuously
- Not for bigger businesses
Frontpoint Equipment
Frontpoint’s equipment is pretty standard. It has security sensors such as door and motion sensors, safety sensors such as smoke alarms, security cameras, and even automation devices such as smart locks and thermostats if you ever need them for your business.
From a baby monitor to a makeshift office CCTV, we found plenty of use for this Frontpoint indoor camera. We do like to point out Frontpoint’s backup measures though. The hub can run on both Wi-Fi or cellular signals to send alerts. If an employee accidentally turns off your business Wi-Fi at closing time, for example, Frontpoint won’t have a problem monitoring your business overnight. That’s also why it’s one of the best cellular security systems.
Of course, all the security systems on this list are cellular-ready, except for Lorex. What really stood out to us was crash-and-smash protection. If someone were to try to smash the hub to deactivate it, they’d actually trigger an alarm instead. It’s a feature Frontpoint shares in common with SimpliSafe.
Pro Tip: While crash-and-smash protection safeguards Frontpoint from tampering, we’d still recommend hiding the hub. We placed ours in an office that we lock at night. If you do that though, buy a couple of auxiliary sirens. The hub’s siren is not loud enough if it’s in a different room as the intruder.
Frontpoint Monitoring
Professional monitoring costs $49.99 per month. 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 the security equipment! The $49.99-per-month Frontpoint plan also includes video monitoring and smartphone remote control, in addition to compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
In a nutshell, Frontpoint features some of the best small-business security systems 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.
-
5. Lorex - Robust Security Camera Systems for Businesses of Any Size
View Packages Links to LorexProduct 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 
Type of Security Solution
Lorex is the oddball of the group because it doesn’t offer security sensors like the others. Instead it offers security cameras — hundreds of them. Lorex has a wide range of indoor and outdoor cameras that offer a variety of features, from 4K video quality to long-range night vision. We even saw business-grade security cameras that can see up to 250 feet in total darkness under the Nocturnal lineup.
Because Lorex offers only security cameras, we recommend it as a supporting system for your primary business security. Lorex doesn’t offer professional monitoring, so it would still be best for your business to have a monitored security system installed. The advantage of adding Lorex, though, is that you get a wider selection of security cameras and plenty of storage space for continuous recording.
Although they don’t look like it, the Lorex cameras we tested were actually weather- and tamper-resistant. >> Check This Out: Do Security Cameras Deter Crime?
Cost
Another advantage of Lorex is the cost. There are no mandatory monthly fees, because Lorex cameras record locally and save videos to a digital or network video recorder (DVR or NVR). A video recorder is a network-attached computer with terabytes of storage space that can store rolling footage for days or even weeks. That’s certainly something we’d want from business security cameras.
As for the cost of Lorex cameras, it depends on the package. Bundles with less-powerful cameras, which come with four cameras and a DVR, can cost as little as $200 to $300. Larger bundles and more advanced cameras cost more, sometimes up to $2,000 for an eight-camera system. The good news is there’s plenty to choose from, so you can set a budget first and go from there.
FYI: The biggest bundles we’ve seen include 32 cameras and a DVR or NVR fully capable of networking them all. Those cost over $5,000, but it shows just how scalable Lorex can be.
How to Install
Unfortunately, Lorex cameras are designed for DIY installation. We say “unfortunately” because it’s not the easiest thing to do, especially since most Lorex cameras are wired. First you’ll have to connect the DVR to your local internet network, and then connect the cameras to the DVR — usually via a coaxial or Ethernet cable. That may not be something you want to do by yourself.
If you want easier installation, look for Wi-Fi models that can connect to the DVR wirelessly or power-over-Ethernet models that use a single cable for both data transfer and power. Lorex offers some of the best PoE cameras on the market.
In our experience, although wiring Lorex cameras can be tedious, it’s not super technical. We literally just plugged one end of the cable into the DVR and the other end into the camera. Depending on your store’s physical layout, you may be able to work even with wired Lorex cameras.
What We Like
- Wide range of security camera options
- On-site (local) and off-site (cloud) recording options
- Commercial-grade hardware
- Scalable system with DVRs that can accommodate up to 32 cameras
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks security sensors
- No professional monitoring
- Some packages can cost up to $2,000
- Most cameras are internet-reliant
Lorex Equipment
For businesses, we recommend a digital IP setup with an internet-connected NVR and a mix of indoor and outdoor cameras. We tested a Lorex system like that.
Our setup of four 1080p digital IP cameras sent footage to the NVR. With 1 TB of storage space, we were able to save about five days of continuous video. We recommend setting aside time every few days to review recordings before they’re written over.
We also recommend attaching a computer monitor to the NVR, so you can monitor the cameras live or even hire security personnel to monitor it. Just make sure to read up on the legality of security camera monitoring in your state. At the very least, monitoring high-traffic public areas such as parking lots and store entrances should be fine.
Pro Tip: Considering investing in expansion hard drives. Our DVR had slots for three hard drives in addition to the 1 TB drive already in. More storage space equals longer video history.
Lorex Monitoring
The reason we recommend adding your own live monitoring for Lorex is that Lorex doesn’t offer any monitoring options. It’s a completely DIY brand, so you have to be hands-on in monitoring your cameras. That’s one downside of Lorex compared to monitored business security solutions that offer security cameras and video verification. We discussed a few options that offer such features earlier, including SimpliSafe and ADT.
On the bright side, Lorex does have features that would make it possible for you to use it without monitoring. For example, they can detect movement and even distinguish people from other moving objects. You may be even able to view live feeds on your phone depending on your DVR or NVR model. Look into those features if you ever decide to use Lorex at your place of business.
Expert TakeFrom Gene Petrino, Retired SWAT Commander and Law Enforcement“A reliable security system has many benefits for a business. Not only does it provide protection from break-ins, but it can also reduce already high insurance premiums, reduce employee theft, and protect the company from false claims by customers (e.g., slip-and-fall allegations). There was one case where I responded to an injury at a business. The person stated that he fell in the store because the floor was wet. Luckily, the security camera captured the incident of the person pouring water on the floor and faking the fall.”
What Type of Security Equipment Do Businesses Need?
Setting up a business security system doesn’t end in choosing a provider. You should also know what equipment you need to successfully defend your business against crime. Each business will need a different set of equipment, but, in general, these are the types of products you’ll need.
Security Sensors
Security sensors are designed to detect possible intrusions or break-ins, such as door and window sensors, motion sensors, and glass-break sensors. You may not need all of them. A motion sensor, for example, won’t provide much value if there’s always movement in your place of business, such as if you’re running a restaurant or a 24-hour convenience store. A glass-break sensor is more appropriate for such businesses, since it detects the sound of breaking glass.
You should also consider getting panic buttons, especially if customers come and go in your place of business. Panic buttons are linked to a monitoring center. When pressed, they trigger an alarm response and sound your security system’s siren, if available. They can be good for deterring crime.
Safety Sensors
Safety sensors, on the other hand, detect hazards such as fire, flooding, and gas leaks. They are especially important in the food business, but even offices and stores should at least have smoke alarms. Early detection is the key to stopping a fire, and smoke alarms help greatly.
Smoke alarms and gas-leak detectors (aka carbon monoxide detectors) can be monitored alongside your security sensors. Most providers don’t charge extra for smoke and gas-leak monitoring, so take advantage of that to protect your business from such hazards.
>> Pro Tip: Fire Safety and Prevention Pointers
Security Cameras
When installed in a place of business, security cameras can do more than just protect you from crime. They can also help you monitor day-to-day operations, and, of course, shield you from legal, reputational, and financial damages that could arise.
For example, a car dealership in Illinois recently installed high-definition security cameras to thwart false customer claims and prevent employee theft. Before that, management said they were losing $3,000 to $4,000 per month to customers claiming the dealership damaged their cars while being serviced. With high-quality cameras installed, they could definitively investigate whether customer claims were true.4
Our tip when choosing security cameras is to look for one that offers both on-site and off-site video storage. On-site storage, also called local storage, provides easy access to recordings. We recommend adding cloud backup (aka off-site storage) so you don’t lose important footage in case of a damaged recorder.
>> Further Reading: Tips for Storing Sensitive Data (Like Video Recordings)
What Is Professional Monitoring?
All our top picks — except Lorex — offer professional monitoring. Professional monitoring for homes and businesses works the same way: A team of trained agents are on standby to respond to any alerts coming from your system. If an intrusion is detected, for example, they’ll contact you via phone and alert the proper authorities. That means you don’t always have to be hands-on.
Not all businesses need professional monitoring. If you have on-site security personnel around the clock, for example, that’s good for you. Hiring someone to protect your business can cost a pretty penny, though, so professional monitoring is the best option if a dedicated security team is out of your budget.
Business Security Recap
Much like in home security, choosing a business security solution requires careful consideration. You probably have a limited budget to work with, but you certainly want to make sure you can address your business’s security needs. We know it’s not easy, but with our recommended service providers, you’ll enjoy quality equipment, a solid monitoring service, and competitive prices so you can protect your life’s work with ease.
FAQs
Still got questions about the best security systems for businesses? We’re here to help.
-
What is the best security system for a small business?
The best security systems for a small business are ADT, SimpliSafe, Vivint, Frontpoint, and Lorex. All of them provide high-quality equipment, and most offer around-the-clock professional monitoring. ADT and Vivint stand out if you want professional installation service, while SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Lorex all offer DIY systems.
-
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.
-
How much is ADT Business Security a month?
ADT offers professional monitoring solutions to businesses costing around $50 to $60 per month. However, more advanced features such as access control and cybersecurity protection are available for additional costs. The best way to find out how much it costs to set up an ADT business security system is to get a quote.
-
Are businesses required by law to have a security system?
There are no laws that require having a security system, but there are some safety regulations in place with which businesses have to comply. For example, most states require commercial buildings to install fire alarms. While that doesn’t mean they have to install a security system as well, monitored business security solutions often include fire safety monitoring in their packages.
-
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.
ADT. (2023). ADT Commercial Establishes Standalone Organization, Rebrands Company to Everon™ as GTCR Completes Acquisition.
everonsolutions.com/insights/newsroom/press-release/adt-commercial-establishes-standalone-organization-rebrands-companyADT. (2024). About ADT.
adt.com/about-adtBay Alarm. (2024). WHAT IS VIDEO ALARM VERIFICATION & HOW DOES IT WORK?
bayalarm.com/blog/what-is-video-alarm-verification-how-does-it-work/Car Scoops. (2023). How A Ford Dealer Outsmarts Fake Customer Damage Claims Saving Up To $4,000 Monthly.
carscoops.com/2023/02/ford-dealer-saves-thousands-each-month-over-fake-damage-claims-by-using-high-def-cameras/