Best Wireless Home Security Systems of 2025
Our pick is ADT, which continues to operate during a power outage and is easily scalable if you need more equipment.
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Last Updated on Aug 14, 2025
- Secure even in a power outage
- Easily scalable
- Powerful professional monitoring adds a layer of security
- Secure even in a power outage
- Easily scalable
- Powerful professional monitoring adds a layer of security
- All equipment is battery-powered
- Easy DIY Installation
- Next-Gen professional monitoring for immediate response
- All equipment is battery-powered
- Easy DIY Installation
- Next-Gen professional monitoring for immediate response
- Communicates seamlessly with smart home devices
- Battery backup for total reliability
- No moving fees
- Communicates seamlessly with smart home devices
- Battery backup for total reliability
- No moving fees
Can you trust wireless security equipment to protect your home? While the best wired home security systems will continue working if your internet drops out, they’re a hassle to install. Today’s wireless security systems have built-in contingencies like cellular backup to combat spotty Wi-Fi.
To assess their reliability, we tested over 30 wireless security systems and found ADT performed best. We also recommend SimpliSafe, Vivint, and Frontpoint as great alternatives. Let’s go through the pros and cons so you can feel confident you’re choosing the best home security system for your needs.
>> Read More: The Best Home Security Systems of 2025
A Comparison of the Best Wireless Home Security Systems
| System |
ADT
|
SimpliSafe
|
Vivint
|
Frontpoint
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Installation | Professional or DIY | Professional or DIY | Professional only | DIY only |
| Professional monitoring cost | $24.99 to $49.99 per month | Starts at $21.99 per month | $29 to $49 per month | $14.99 to $49.99 per month |
| Equipment package prices | Starting at $269 | Starting at $250.96 | Starting at $599 | Starting at $386.93 |
| Read Review | ADT Review | SimpliSafe Review | Vivint Review | Frontpoint Review |
The Best Wireless Home Security Systems of 2025
- ADT - Best Professional Monitoring
- SimpliSafe - Best Intrusion Prevention
- Vivint - Best Smart Home Integrations
- Frontpoint - Easiest System to Set Up
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1. ADT - Best Professional Monitoring
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $269 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $24.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or 36 months and up Installation Options Professional and DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home ADT Overview
Our latest tests of ADT gear included the base station, a wide range of sensors, a smart lock, and even security cameras. ADT offers a lot of wireless equipment you can install yourself or have installed by a professional technician. We tested ADT Self Setup, their DIY security system. It didn’t take us long to set it up and we even got access to ADT’s award-winning professional monitoring service.
Pro Tip: We also had an ADT system professionally installed. Beyond the convenience, we appreciate that the technician made sure everything was properly connected to the base station and ADT’s monitoring center.
What We Like
- Choice between DIY and professional installation
- Professional monitoring redundancy with 12 monitoring locations
- Wireless gear from Google Nest, including Nest Cams
- Long-range wireless connectivity of base station (up to 1,100 feet)
What We Don’t Like
- Cost could stack up if you spec up your system
- Professional monitoring can cost as much as $49.99 per month
- Requires a contract for professionally installed systems
ADT Wireless Equipment
The wireless and battery-powered Google Nest Doorbell watching over the outside of our house. Only one of ADT’s equipment requires hardwiring – the Nest Cam with floodlight – and that one connected to our Wi-Fi so it’s still partly wireless. On the other end of the spectrum, the Nest Cam (battery) we tested and the Nest Doorbell both have batteries and are completely wire-free.
All the other equipment from ADT is wireless in one form or another. Our ADT motion and door sensors, glass break sensors, smoke alarms, and auxiliary sirens all didn’t need wiring. Plus, the main device, the ADT Base, only needed to be plugged in. It connected to our Wi-Fi network after that, and then to other equipment using either Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), Z-Wave, or the 1.9 GHz DECT ULE standard.1
ADT Monitoring
ADT Self Setup systems offer self-monitoring, but we recommend choosing a professional monitoring plan. If you use Nest Cams like us, you’ll need the most expensive subscription. The Complete package includes a lot of the same features as a Nest Aware subscription, like activity zones and facial recognition.
ADT Monitoring Plans Monthly Fee Secure $34.99 Smart $39.99 Complete $49.99 Most of the time, we connected to the ADT monitoring center via our Wi-Fi network. If our connection dropped or we had network issues, our system automatically switched to the cellular network. This feature is available with all ADT plans and ensures you can always reach the monitoring center.
>> Keep Reading: The Best Professionally Installed Security Systems
ADT Pricing
We recommend placing a door/window sensor on every first-floor door and window, as they are all potential entry points. We found ADT’s pricing well within the average cost of home security systems, but significantly higher than the best affordable security systems. SimpliSafe, for example, charges as low as $31.99 per month even if you have security cameras. Cove goes even lower with its top-tier plan costing only $29.99.
If you’re not sure where to start, get a basic system for $269 and add the extra equipment you need. Alternatively, ADT offers bundles designed for different uses like front door protection and hazard monitoring. We paid around $800 for our system, and that includes the Nest Cams we added.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for ADT deals. They offer significant savings on equipment, often slashing the price by more than 30 percent. Just watch out for the terms and conditions. To learn more, see ADT’s FAQs.
Our Recommendations About ADT
ADT is our best pick if you want a reliable, wireless home security system that offers professional monitoring. Not only does it have built-in failsafes like cellular and battery backup; even the 12 fully-redundant monitoring centers have backup power supplies and communication channels.
Something to Consider: ADT is in the middle ground in terms of cost. If you want something cheaper, our next pick, SimpliSafe is a great ADT alternative. It’s also one of the best self-monitored security systems, which means there are no required monthly fees.
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2. SimpliSafe - Best Intrusion Prevention
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $250.96 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starts at $21.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe Overview
We bought every component that SimpliSafe offers so we could test out their full system. SimpliSafe started as a security system for renters. Now it’s just as good a security system for apartments as it is for large homes, largely thanks to their new intrusion protection features. Their Core, Pro and Pro Plus plans include active monitoring that enables their agents to spook off potential intruders using your camera’s two-way talk, lights and siren. This also makes SimpliSafe one of the best security systems for businesses.
FYI: Keep in mind that these are SimpliSafe’s prices as of today. We’ve seen them increase their rates multiple times over the past few years.
What We Like
- No contracts
- Advanced monitoring plans with intrusion prevention features
- Affordable prices with regular discounts
- 60-day money-back guarantee
What We Don’t Like
- Video doorbell requires hardwiring
- Price increases for monitoring are a regular occurrence
- All systems require an analog keypad
- Intruder Intervention feature is only available for the premium Wireless Indoor Camera
SimpliSafe Wireless Equipment
SimpliSafe has a great selection of equipment that’s mostly modern and mostly wireless. We say mostly modern because they still require a dated analog keypad with every system. While we were using our SimpliSafe system, we hardly touched it and just used the mobile app to control our system instead.
As for the wireless part, every component is entirely wireless except the video doorbell. To install that one, we had to replace our existing doorbell. It was a straightforward process, but installing the battery-powered Nest Doorbell from ADT system was undeniably easier. Even with those two drawbacks, we like SimpliSafe’s lineup of wireless equipment more than most.
>> Learn More: Best Security System With Apps
Arming SimpliSafe using the non-touch screen keypad proved to be a hassle at times. SimpliSafe Monitoring
SimpliSafe offers some of the most advanced monitoring we’ve tested on a month-to-month basis making them one of the best no-contract security systems. You’re not required to get premium monitoring, though, as they offer plans for every budget:
SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans Monthly Fee Self-Monitoring with Cloud Storage $9.99 Standard Monitoring $21.99 Core Monitoring $31.99 Pro Monitoring $49.99 Pro Plus Monitoring $79.99 We recommend choosing Core, Pro, or Pro Plus so that you get access to SimpliSafe’s intruder intervention features. They can proactively scare off criminals inside your home or around your property. Just keep in mind these features require the Wireless Indoor Camera and Outdoor Camera.
>> Read About: Best No Monthly Fee Home Security Systems in 2025
SimpliSafe Pricing
When you compare SimpliSafe and ADT prices, SimpliSafe is clearly more affordable. Sure, their Pro Plus monitoring plan costs more than any ADT monitoring plan, but that’s not required and every other aspect of SimpliSafe’s pricing is lower.
That said, ADT’s been in the business for 150 years so it makes sense that they charge a premium. Compared to other DIY options, SimpliSafe sits on the higher end of the spectrum. For instance, Cove’s pricing for a comprehensive package starts at under $200 while a basic system from SimpliSafe starts at about $250.
Pro Tip: SimpliSafe often runs deals throughout the year, with savings up to 60 percent off. We recommend waiting for SimpliSafe’s Black Friday sale, which often brings the biggest discounts with free equipment thrown in.
Our Recommendations About SimpliSafe
Our SimpliSafe base station (pictured above) keeps our system connected to SimpliSafe’s monitoring centers. If you want premium monitoring with flexibility, we recommend SimpliSafe. Their no-contract approach lets you switch to their expensive active monitoring plans when needed and then switch back to basic monitoring or self-monitoring to keep your budget in check.
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3. Vivint - Best Smart Home Integrations
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $599 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 Vivint Overview
Vivint’s bright orange sign stood out clearly in our front yard warning burglars that our home is protected. Everything about Vivint’s security system is smart. It provides plenty of automation features, which also help boost home security. For instance, the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro we tested uses computer vision to detect threats, then scares them off with the integrated light and siren.
>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT
Did You Know: Enhanced street lighting has been shown to decrease criminal activity in several studies.2 That’s why we consider the automated spotlight in the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro to be so effective.
What We Like
- Hybrid wireless approach ensures a strong Wi-Fi connection to outdoor cameras
- Strong automation capabilities that prioritize security
- Advanced security cameras with crystal clear image quality
- High-quality mobile app
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive equipment with packages starting at $599
- All systems require a professional monitoring subscription
- Free installation is only available with certain deals
- Pricing is not transparent
Vivint Wireless Equipment
Most of Vivint’s equipment is entirely wireless. The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro uses a hybrid wireless system, though. It uses an attached Wi-Fi cable that Vivint’s installation technicians drill through your wall to create a stronger Wi-Fi connection. That would have been a complicated process for us, so we were glad Vivint required professional installation.
Aside from the outdoor camera, though, all other Vivint equipment is wireless. That includes their video doorbell, unlike SimpliSafe. Even Vivint’s Spotlight Pro is basically wireless. The only wire is the power cable that connects it to the outdoor camera. It doesn’t need a hardwired connection like similar camera lights from Ring.
>> Read More: The Best Home Security Systems for Google Home
The Outdoor Camera Pro was our favorite Vivint gear thanks to its AI-powered detection and ability to deter criminals. Vivint Monitoring
Vivint’s monitoring service gets you cellular backup and around-the-clock monitoring by Vivint’s two monitoring centers. It’s not as many as ADT has, but we found it almost as reliable, although Vivint costs a bit more.
We should point out that Vivint’s monitoring plan also includes 10 days of continuous recording for its latest generation of cameras. To get that from ADT, you’d need to purchase a separate Nest Aware Plus subscription from Google.
>> Read More: Vivint Sales and Deals
Vivint Pricing
Our Vivint technician had all sorts of specialized tools for installing our system. Similar to ADT, the primary drawback of Vivint is the eye-watering price. It’s possible to start for as low as $599, but the bills quickly pile up as soon as you start adding security cameras and home automation gadgets. And let’s face it, a starting price of $599 is awfully high. Comparing Vivint to SimpliSafe, that’s over double the price.
On top of the high equipment price, Vivint also requires professional monitoring which costs $30 to $50 per month. If you cancel your monitoring even after your contract ends, your equipment will no longer work. ADT and SimpliSafe let you monitor your own equipment if you cancel your monitoring subscription.
>> Learn More: Best Security Systems for Large Homes
Heads Up: Vivint requires a contract that includes a hefty early termination fee. There’s a three-day grace period for canceling without a fee, but that’s short compared to SimpliSafe’s 60-day and ADT’s six-month money-back guarantee.
Our Recommendations About Vivint
Vivint isn’t cheap, but its products and services are state-of-the-art. We recommend signing up if you’re looking for future-proof technology with innovative features, like the automatic intruder deterrence built into the Outdoor Camera Pro. If you have the budget and don’t mind committing to a long-term contract, you’ll get one of the smartest wireless home security systems in return.
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4. Frontpoint - Easiest System to Set Up
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $69.00 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $14.99 Contract Lengths 1-36 months Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Frontpoint Overview
While Frontpoint’s green sign looks nice, it doesn’t stand out as much as the orange Vivint sign or blue ADT sign. You won’t need professional installation for a Frontpoint security system. We had our system up and running in around 25 minutes, thanks to its pre-programmed equipment. All we had to do was choose where to place each piece and pull the battery tab to activate it.
Compare Options: Frontpoint vs. Ring
Did You Know: Frontpoint’s not the only cost-effective DIY security system to offer impressive home automation capabilities. We were similarly impressed when testing abode’s CUE automation system.
What We Like
- Straightforward installation process for all components
- Affordable equipment with packages starting at $69
- Impressive home automation capabilities
- Helpful customer service
What We Don’t Like
- Required monitoring that’s comparatively expensive
- Purchasing a lower tier monitoring plan requires a phone call
- Constant sales makes pricing confusing
- Analog keypad required even if you buy a touchscreen control panel
Frontpoint Wireless Equipment
Almost all of Frontpoint’s equipment is wireless. They offer a wired video doorbell, but it also comes in a wireless configuration. It costs more and has a slightly lower field-of-view. We understand it costing more, but we wish it had the same 180-degree field-of-view as the wired one. That limitation prevented ours from seeing our packages, although it’d be able to see a porch pirate running off.
The outdoor floodlight camera is also not wireless, but we still prefer its power configuration over the Nest Floodlight Cam offered by ADT. Instead of requiring hardwiring, it can be plugged right into an outlet. Again, the name of the game for Frontpoint is easy installations.
>> Learn More: Frontpoint Frequently Asked Questions
Frontpoint forced us to buy an analog keypad. Frontpoint Monitoring
While Frontpoint requires monitoring, they offer three plans to choose from. Only the most expensive plan is available online, though. We called them up to get the details on their other two plans so you can choose the best one for you before talking to their salesperson. Here’s how much each Frontpoint monitoring plan costs:
Frontpoint Monitoring Plans Monthly Price Video-Only $14.99 Interactive Monitoring $45.99 Ultimate Monitoring $49.99 Frontpoint Pricing
Pricing for Frontpoint’s equipment is great. They offer some of the best value in the industry with basic systems consisting of two entry sensors, a base station, and a keypad costing under $70. Add a wireless doorbell camera and that price only goes up by $90. That’s even lower than SimpliSafe’s prices.
As we mentioned earlier, Frontpoint’s monitoring prices are not easy to follow. You can subscribe to the Ultimate Monitoring Plan via the website for $50 per month. That’s expensive, as comparable coverage with SimpliSafe is only $32 per month. Frontpoint also offers a Video-Only Plan ($15 per month) and Interactive Monitoring Plan ($46 per month), though you’ll need to speak to someone if you want to subscribe to these options.
>> Compare: SimpliSafe Vs Frontpoint
We added the touchscreen control panel to our Frontpoint system so we didn’t need to use the analog keypad. Our Recommendations About Frontpoint
Setting up a Frontpoint system doesn’t take up much time, which is a good thing. It means you can spend more time playing with Frontpoint’s excellent home automation features.
How Do Wireless Security Systems Work?
Wireless security systems typically connect devices together using a wireless protocol. This could include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data, although some use a proprietary radio frequency to make their devices talk. Internet-connected systems are the most common, with some offering cellular backup for reliability.
The wireless protocol also connects the system to professional monitoring centers. This allows agents to respond to alerts and dispatch help. Using a control panel or mobile app, you can control the components, arm and disarm the system, and perform other vital functions. These devices also let you know when batteries get low.
Are There Benefits to Using a Wireless Home Security System?
There are a few major benefits to using a wireless home security system. One of the key factors is reliability, specifically with systems that offer cellular backup.
Back in the day when we first started testing home security systems, the only thing a thief had to do to disable your alarm system was cut your landline — a pretty simple task for anyone handy with a pair of bolt cutters. Now, with data traveling over Wi-Fi and cellular backups, nothing — not even power outages — will take out your system. That’s pretty handy.
What Are the Drawbacks of Using a Wireless Home Security System?
Wireless security systems aren’t perfect. One of the biggest issues is dependability, as they rely heavily on Wi-Fi networks. If your internet drops out, you’re vulnerable. Signal interference is another concern. Large spaces and thick walls make it tough for a wireless system to maintain a connection.3
You also need to consider the professional monitoring costs. Landline systems are cheaper to monitor, as cellular systems cost about $10 more per month for network access.
Methodology: How We Test Wireless Security Systems
We tested the four security systems on this list, as well as over 60 other systems, for three to six months each before making our decisions. We installed all the systems in our homes and offices assessing them on the following criteria to develop this list:
- Wireless Protocol: Wireless home security systems typically connect to their mobile applications via Wi-Fi. Some other options that aren’t affected by power outages are cellular or landline backup for sending alerts.
- Equipment: There are a lot of different components to consider, but the most important are motion sensors, entryway sensors, and security cameras. Bonus points for providers that also provide environmental-protection devices, such as flood, fire, and carbon monoxide sensors.
- Monitoring: All smart security companies offer some form of monitoring through their mobile app with some requiring professional monitoring. We prefer providers with optional professional monitoring and free options.
- Contracts: Some providers require a contract of up to three years with hefty cancellation fees. While that doesn’t prevent a provider from getting on our list, it’s definitely a downside.
- Price: We assess the overall lifetime cost of a system instead of just the bottom line you need to pay when you first purchase it. That includes everything from equipment costs and installation fees to monitoring fees and cloud storage costs.
Each system is tested by one of our home security experts with years of experience in the industry. Then, we confirm our results with third-party experts and current customers to ensure accuracy in our ratings.
Final Thoughts
Assuming you have a solid internet connection, we always recommend wireless security systems. They’re more convenient and reliable. Plus, they add safety features that aren’t possible with hardwired systems like remotely viewing your security camera footage.
Our favorite wireless security systems are ADT, SimpliSafe, Vivint, and Frontpoint. Which one is best for you depends on your specific circumstances. ADT offers the best monitoring. SimpliSafe makes the best DIY system with active guard protections. Vivint’s smart home capabilities are unmatched. And Frontpoint offers the lowest cost equipment.
FAQs About Wireless Home Security Systems
Let's go over some of the questions I get asked most frequently.
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How reliable are wireless home security systems?
How reliable a wireless security system is really depends on the company it comes from, as well as its wireless protocol and mobile application. Less-reliable systems rely purely on Wi-Fi, which can go out, or have buggy mobile applications that can lose connectivity to the wireless components.
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Do I need a home security system?
You don’t need a home security system, but you don’t have to lock your doors at night either. A burglary happens almost every 30 seconds in the U.S., and unless you’re taking proactive measures to protect yourself, you may become a victim.
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Are home security systems expensive?
In the past, the answer would have been yes. Today’s home security systems are fairly reasonable, however, especially if you select a DIY provider. Most modest homes can be protected comprehensively for around $200 to $500.
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Can I install a home security system myself?
Absolutely. Modern DIY home security providers make it extremely easy to install an alarm system in your home. Most of the time, you won’t even need power tools. If you can stick a magnet to a fridge, you can set up a SimpliSafe motion sensor.
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Do home security systems require monthly fees?
Some home security providers offer the option to self-monitor their systems, but it’s not recommended. You’ll usually miss out on important system functionality, and you won’t have access to powerful protections such as professional monitoring.
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DECT ULE. (2025). Standard and Certification.
https://www.dect-ule.com/standard -
The American Society of Criminology. (2022). The impact and policy relevance of street lighting for crime prevention: A systematic review based on a half-century of evaluation research. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1745-9133.12585
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Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science (EMACS) Journal. (2021). WiFi Signal Strength Degradation Over Different Building Materials. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355305200_WiFi_Signal_Strength_Degradation_Over_Different_Building_Materials
