Best Cellular Security Systems

1. SimpliSafe - Best No-Contract System

Editors Rating:

9.2 /10

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How We Review

SimpliSafe is a longtime leader in wire-free home security systems. They sell high-quality equipment at low prices, and no payment is needed to keep a SimpliSafe alarm system running. However, it’s only with paid monitoring that SimpliSafe uses cellular signals to send mobile alerts; without a monthly payment, your SimpliSafe system will communicate over home Wi-Fi.

A SimpliSafe paid monitoring plan includes professional monitoring at affordable rates. Both the Standard plan ($17.99 per month) and the Interactive plan ($27.99 per month) offer cellular backup. That’s one distinction you have to keep in mind: By default, SimpliSafe uses your home Wi-Fi to communicate, but when the internet is down, it can switch over to cellular signals.

SimpliSafe is designed for simple do-it-yourself installation. No tools are required unless you install the SimpliSafe video doorbell, which calls for a Phillips. It shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to set up a basic cellular security system with entry sensors, indoor motion sensors, freestanding camera, and wire-free keypad.

Cellular Coverage, Prices, and DIY Installation

Along with an award-winning monitoring center, what makes SimpliSafe one of the best cellular security system brands? An expansive cellular network, low prices, and easy DIY installation make SimpliSafe a great value for millions of households.

• Expansive Cellular Network – The cellular chips in SimpliSafe security systems can communicate over networks used by Verizon and T-Mobile. This helps make cellular home security available across virtually all the USA. Before buying a SimpliSafe set, you can call the company and verify that cellular security service can be activated at your address.
• Low Prices – SimpliSafe prices are relatively low. That’s true of the equipment and optional cellular monitoring. For equipment, customers get factory-direct deals and can also buy refurbished security systems with long warranties included. The cheapest SimpliSafe starter kit costs about $200, but with SimpliSafe deals, you can often snatch one for less than that.
• Simple DIY Installation – As you’d expect from the name, SimpliSafe is simple to install yourself. Each system arrives with a thumb drive that guides you through tool-free setup. Most equipment is freestanding or can attach to flat surfaces with removable adhesive strips. For instance, you don’t need to plug-in or hardwire SimpliSafe motion sensors; their batteries can last for up to seven years.

SimpliSafe’s stand in terms of monitoring contracts is also worthy of praise. To live up to its promise of “simple home security,” SimpliSafe doesn’t require customers to sign a contract. After buying the equipment, customers can opt in and out of professional monitoring anytime they want. With more traditional security systems, a contract is required, and opting out while there’s an active contract would result in hefty penalties.

Let’s talk about SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans. The Standard plan costs $17.99 per month and includes the features you’ll need to self-monitor the system and professional monitoring. You’ll be able to receive smartphone alerts, control your home security using the app, and even livestream camera feeds to your phone. However, home automation, cloud storage, voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, and other premium features are reserved for users on the Interactive plan. This plan costs $27.99 per month.

Without a plan, the system still works, albeit with limits. You’ll still be able to receive alerts on your phone and control the system with the app, but there’s no professional monitoring. The cellular chip becomes inactive, as well, so when your internet is down, SimpliSafe won’t be able to send alerts. The siren still works, though, but will that be enough? That’s up to you to decide. Personally, we prefer having more than just a siren.

Any drawbacks? There are. SimpliSafe isn’t the top choice for video monitoring. It does offer an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, and a video doorbell, but if you’re looking for sophisticated video surveillance and monitoring, they aren’t the right cameras for you. You’re probably better off buying a dedicated security system from an established security camera brand like Lorex.

SimpliSafe also falls short when it comes to home automation. It relies on integrations with third-party smart home products, and right now, the list of compatible products is short.

SimpliSafe customers tend to be very satisfied. Customers get a 60-day money-back guarantee, and equipment is under warranty for up to three years.

2. ADT - Best Professionally Installed System

Editors Rating:

9.8 /10

855-908-4461

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How We Review

ADT is America’s longest-established home security company. Their digital division, ADT Pulse or ADT Control, professionally installs cellular systems. They provide the best professionally installed cellular security service on-demand; if you call before 2 p.m. you could get installation the same day. ADT Pulse is also the best professional install security company in terms of buyer protection: You can live with the system for 30 days before a cancellation penalty would apply, and even after six months, if the system isn’t working as intended, you can get your money back.

Each ADT customer gets a customized security system. A technician can install basic security sensors, indoor/outdoor surveillance cameras, environmental sensors, and home automation devices such as smart lights, keypad locks, garage door sensors, and smart thermostats. Following pro installation, you can add more sensors yourself without advanced DIY skills. The ADT Pulse hub is Z-Wave compatible to give endless add-on possibilities, and the ADT mobile app helps make setup easy.

Remote control options with ADT Pulse include a smartphone app, a desktop app, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. For instance, you can use the voice command, “Alexa, dim the living room lamps.”

Compared with SimpliSafe, ADT Pulse gives you access to lots more equipment without upfront payment. However, ADT customers sign 36-month contracts for professional 24/7 monitoring, which also helps pay off the equipment over time.

Prices vary depending on the installed equipment and your region of the US. When your contract is up, you can choose to have the equipment monitored by an ADT competitor; the equipment isn’t proprietary.

Overall, ADT Pulse is a leading option if you’d like professional installation and monitoring, but also the freedom to add Z-Wave devices yourself. The ADT Pulse trial period is 30 days.

3. Vivint - Best Smart Security System

Editors Rating:

9.4 /10

844-922-0575

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How We Review

Vivint competes with ADT Pulse for customers seeking professionally installed cellular security systems. While ADT has some advantages, Vivint is the better choice if you want continuous video recording; ADT cameras will only save motion-triggered clips. Vivint is also the best choice for home automation that enhances security, lowers energy consumption, and streamlines your day. The company is a leader in smart home planning and installation.

You can add security cameras for indoor and outdoor surveillance. By default, the Vivint video doorbell will store 30-second clips triggered by motion, each with a snapshot summary. Other Vivint cameras will store images and 90-second clips by default. Optionally you can set any Vivint camera to record continuously. Footage has cloud storage for up to 45 days.

Along with a cell chip, a Vivint home security hub has a Z-Wave radio chip. This lets you incorporate an endless variety of smart home devices by third parties. Examples are smart outlets, smart dimmers, and remote-controlled window coverings.

Vivint security plans are relatively affordable considering their high-quality features. Prices are currently unadvertised at the Vivint site. However, in our experience, the cheapest plan costs just $29.99 per month. For $39.99/month you’ll get remote control over your home with Google Assistant and your smartphone.

Any downsides? Many Vivint customers have only three days to reconsider their purchase, whereas other companies have 30-day refund periods. Another possible drawback with Vivint is proprietary equipment. The Vivint hub can monitor equipment from other brands, but only Vivint can monitor its own brand of cameras and other installed equipment.

All in all, Vivint is the best choice for cellular home security with virtually unlimited home automation. You’ll need to pay each month for service though; unlike the SimpliSafe siren, a Vivint siren won’t sound unless connected to emergency dispatchers. Energy savings and a Vivint-related discount on homeowner’s insurance might help offset the monthly cost.

4. Frontpoint - Best DIY Installed System

Editors Rating:

8.9 /10

844-933-2405

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How We Review

Frontpoint is the best choice for people seeking expert cellular security monitoring but do-it-yourself installation. Systems can be monitored by Frontpoint’s partner, Rapid Response Monitoring Services, with month-to-month or annual agreements. Among Rapid Response’s accolades are accreditation from the Department of Defense and the New York City Fire Department.

Installing a 100% cellular security system is easy; like SimpliSafe, Frontpoint provides equipment that you can set up without tools. Also, Frontpoint lets you move your cellular security system to a new address for no charge. Each cellular security system with a Frontpoint Smart Hub can automatically move to Wi-Fi if cellular towers are unavailable.

Pricing for Frontpoint cellular security systems starts at $99 for equipment, plus $49.99 monthly for professional monitoring. Being the only professional monitoring option from Frontpoint, the $49.99 plan includes every feature in Frontpoint’s arsenal: Crash and Smash protection, video monitoring, smartphone remote control, and Google Home and Alexa integrations. The plan also lets you add automation devices such as smart locks and smart thermostats.

Frontpoint finds that customers save up to 20 percent on home energy bills when a smart thermostat is included, so this helps offset the home security expense.

Why choose Frontpoint over SimpliSafe? One advantage is outdoor video surveillance; Frontpoint has weatherproof security cameras. Another advantage is Frontpoint’s Z-Wave radio chip. With Z-Wave and the Frontpoint app, you can easily integrate gadgets from third parties. Adding a component takes about 10 minutes.

Why choose Frontpoint vs ADT? Frontpoint publishes all its prices, and you can choose a month-to-month service instead of signing a contract. Since you’ll purchase Frontpoint equipment outright, you won’t need a credit check either.

5. Cove - Most Affordable System

Editors Rating:

8.7 /10

How We Review

Typically, cellular monitoring costs more than landline monitoring. However, with Cove, you don’t have to pay a premium price to enjoy the premium protection that cellular systems provide. When we dug deeper into Cove’s pricing, we were pleased to find their professional monitoring through cellular signals starts at only $17.99 per month. For that price, you’ll get a team of trained monitoring center agents monitoring your system 24/7 for any disturbances, including break-ins, fire, and even medical emergencies (if you spring for all the options, that is).

If you want to get most out of your system, though, you might want to consider upgrading your monitoring plan to Cove Plus. For $27.99 a month, Cove Plus adds in security camera integrations, smartphone control, Alexa and Google Home automations, and a seven-day cloud video storage. Considering that most security companies charge around $50 a month for those features, the extra $10 per month is well worth it.

Cove’s affordability extends to its equipment as well. Keep in mind that Cove’s equipment is entirely wireless, and that all pieces are monitored through the cellular-ready touchscreen panel. With cellular systems, we usually see sensors sold for $30 to $75 a piece, depending on what the sensor does. But with Cove, the most expensive sensor, which is the smoke and carbon monoxide sensor, retails for only $55. And if you purchase your equipment up-front, you’ll get a 50-percent discount. Entry sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors all retail for less than $20, including discounts. And one more thing: You’ll get a free indoor camera worth about $100 with any purchase of a security system, not bad at all.

With those prices, you can get a basic Cove system for less than $200 (discounted price). However, if you don’t want to shell out that amount up-front, Cove also offers a flexible payment plan. You will receive up to $450 worth of equipment (retail price) without initial payments in exchange for a 36-month professional monitoring contract and a $10 increase in your monthly payment. Over the course of three years, you will only have paid $360 for the equipment, so we think that’s a fair ask.