Picking a home security system can feel like a huge chore. You are trying to protect your home and family, but the options seem endless. It is easy to get lost in all the technical specs and different pricing plans.
You just want to know what works and what will keep you safe. That is why we spent weeks testing these systems in a real house. We wanted to find the best home security system by living with them, day in and day out.
Table Of Contents:
- How We Found the Top Home Security Systems
- ADT Home Security: The Best Professional Monitoring
- SimpliSafe: The Best for Intruder Prevention
- Vivint Smart Home: Best for Home Automation
- Cove Security: The Best Value System
- Ring Alarm: Your Best Bet for Video Security
- Choosing the Best Home Security System for You
- Conclusion
How We Found the Top Home Security Systems
We did not just read brochures or look at websites. Our team bought the alarm systems and installed them in a 2,200-square-foot home. This let us see exactly how they perform in a real living space.
We focused on three big things. Equipment quality mattered most, followed by how fast the professional monitoring responded. Of course, price was a big factor, too, from the upfront cost to the monthly monitoring fee.
You can trust our advice. Our whole team is made up of home security experts, including former law enforcement officers. We have spent over 10,000 hours researching these security systems so you do not have to.
ADT Home Security: The Best Professional Monitoring
ADT has been around for a long time, and their experience shows. They have a massive network of 12 monitoring centers across North America. This redundancy means if one center goes down, another one picks up the slack instantly.
Their response times during our tests were impressive. We consistently heard from them in under 35 seconds. It is that kind of reliability from a professional monitoring team that gives you real peace of mind.
Many systems offer professional monitoring, but ADT’s infrastructure is one of the most robust. Their operators are highly trained to handle any emergency. They coordinate with first responders to get you help as quickly as possible.
Our Experience with ADT
We chose one of the professionally installed systems from ADT. The technician knew exactly where to place sensors for the best coverage. He did not just set it up and leave; he walked us through the whole system on the touchscreen control panel.
During our fake break-ins, ADT sent a text message first. This let us quickly cancel a false alarm. If we did not respond, a phone call came right after, followed by a dispatch call to police.
The ADT+ app control is really powerful. We could change sensor sensitivity and even add trusted neighbors who could receive alerts. This is a great feature if you are out of town.
ADT Equipment and Pricing
ADT’s systems work with Google Nest products, which is a huge plus. We tested the Nest Cam and a Nest Doorbell, and they worked seamlessly with the system. The video quality from the security camera was crystal clear.
Equipment packages starting around $349 are common, and you can add devices as you go. Professional monitoring starts at around $30 per month. But you will need the pricier plan to get video support for your security cameras.
ADT offers a wide range of security sensors, including contact sensors for doors and windows and motion sensors for larger areas. They also offer environmental detectors for carbon monoxide and smoke. This allows you to build a comprehensive safety net for your home.
What About Contracts?
If you choose professional installation, you will need a three-year contract. You can avoid this by picking one of their DIY kits, called ADT Self Setup. It is nice to have that flexibility, as many ADT offers are geared toward long-term service.
ADT also lets you finance the equipment costs for up to 60 months. This can make a high-end system feel a lot more affordable. They offer a great six-month money-back guarantee, too.
SimpliSafe: The Best for Intruder Prevention
SimpliSafe is a huge name in DIY security for good reason. They make quality gear that is super easy to install yourself. We had our entire system up and running in less than an hour.
What really stood out was their intruder prevention feature. If an indoor camera detects a person when the alarm is set, a monitoring agent can speak through the camera’s speaker. They will warn the intruder that they are being recorded and that police are on the way.
This active deterrence is a powerful tool. It changes the dynamic from passive monitoring to an active response. This can make a significant difference in preventing a crime.
Putting SimpliSafe to the Test
We triggered the alarm on purpose to see what would happen. About five seconds later, the camera’s privacy shutter opened. A clear voice came through the speaker telling us to leave.
This feature could genuinely scare off a burglar before they take anything. When paired with the knowledge that many burglars look for easy targets, this visible and audible response is powerful. SimpliSafe can also send video verification to the police, which can speed up their response time.
SimpliSafe’s Equipment and Costs
You can get started with a SimpliSafe equipment bundle for around $250. While they do not have as many camera options as other brands, their gear is well-made and reliable. The essentials, like the base station, entry sensor, and motion sensor, are all there. SimpliSafe also has doorbell cameras, interior cameras, outdoor cameras (which can be monitored for an additional rate), and a variety of other helpful tools.
Professional monitoring is very affordable, starting around $1 a day. You do not need a contract, so you can stop or start the service whenever you want. This is perfect for renters or people who might be moving soon.
We have used SimpliSafe in 3 different houses (we move a lot), and transferring services has been a breeze.
The smartphone app is clean and easy to use. From the app control dashboard, you can arm and disarm the system, check sensor status, and view live camera feeds. The user experience is one of the best we have seen for DIY systems.
Contracts and Getting Help
There are no long-term contracts with SimpliSafe’s monitoring. The only contract you will ever see is if you decide to finance your equipment. But even then, you are free to cancel your monitoring plan.
Their customer service is great, with multiple ways to get in touch. We found their online community forum especially helpful. You can often find an answer from another user without ever needing to call for help.
Vivint Smart Home: Best for Home Automation
If you love smart home technology, Vivint smart home security is for you. This system goes way beyond basic security. It ties your locks, lights, thermostat, and cameras security into one intelligent system.
We set up custom rules that made life a little easier. For example, when we armed the system at night, the doors would lock automatically. The front porch light would also turn on.
This level of integration transforms your house into a responsive, automated environment. You can even control your garage door or smart thermostats from the same single app. Vivint truly connects all your smart-home devices.
How Vivint Works
Vivint is a professionally installed system. You have to call them to get a quote and design a system for your house. This is a bit different from brands you can just buy online.
The central hub is a slick, wall-mounted tablet called the Smart Hub, which functions as a touchscreen control panel. We used it to control everything and set up our custom automation. It took a little getting used to after relying on phone apps, but it was very convenient.
The professional installation service was thorough. The technician not only set up the security sensors but also helped connect other devices like our smart locks. This ensures everything works together from day one.
Vivint’s Tech and Price Tag
Vivint’s equipment is top-notch but it is not cheap. We spent over $1,200 on our setup, which is quite an investment. The quality of their security cameras and sensors is fantastic.
Monthly monitoring starts around $40 per month. Like other premium brands, you will need to subscribe to their higher-tier plan to get camera support. Expect to pay about $50 a month for all the features.
Beyond security, Vivint also offers sensors to monitor air quality in your home. This is a great addition for health-conscious families. It is another example of how Vivint expands beyond traditional alarm systems.
The Commitment with Vivint
Since the gear is expensive, most people finance it. This locks you into a contract that can be as long as 60 months. During that time, you cannot cancel your professional monitoring service.
Vivint is a serious commitment. But for those who want a fully integrated smart home security system, it is one of the best you can get. Just know what you are signing up for.
Cove Security: The Best Value System
Everyone wants to feel safe, but not everyone has a huge budget. Cove offers a really affordable way to get professional monitoring. They are almost always running a huge sale on their equipment.
We bought our system for around $300, which was a steal. Even without a sale, their prices are lower than most. This makes home security accessible for more people.
Learn more about Cove Home Security here.
Our Cove Test Drive
Setting up the Cove system was a breeze because the equipment comes pre-programmed. The hub automatically found all our sensors. We really like the Eufy outdoor camera. Resolution is crisp, and it has one of the sleekest solar charging features we’ve seen. SimpliSafe, for example, will sell you a separate solar panel to charge your outdoor cameras. They’re fairly large. The Eufy camera has a solar panel integrated into the camera body, allowing for a much cleaner look.
Cove’s response times were super fast. A text message arrived almost instantly when an alarm went off. If we did not reply, we got a phone call in under 30 seconds.
The system is easy to operate using the included key fob or the intuitive keypad. The ability to quickly keypad arm or disarm the system is convenient for daily use. This simplicity is a major plus for users who want security without complications.
What You Get with Cove
The equipment range is smaller than what ADT or Vivint offer. You get the key components, like door sensors, motion detectors, and cameras. They use Eufy cameras, which are a well respected third-party brand.
Earlier this year, Cove updated their Cove Connect app to be compatible with the Eufy cameras. Previously, it would require two different apps. We think this is a major improvement.
Despite this, the value is undeniable. The monitoring cost is competitive, and you get reliable protection with rapid response times. For budget-conscious homeowners, Cove is an excellent choice.
Ring Alarm: Your Best Bet for Video Security
You probably know Ring for its video doorbells. But they also offer a complete home security system that integrates perfectly with their cameras. If you want eyes on every corner of your property, the Ring Alarm is a great choice.
Ring has a huge variety of security cameras, from floodlight cams to small indoor stick-up cams. They all work together in one excellent smartphone app. Setting up our cameras was the easiest of any system we tested.
For video enthusiasts, this ecosystem is hard to beat. You can even find solutions for network video recording with an NVR security setup if you have extensive camera needs. Ring’s platform is incredibly flexible.
Setting Up and Using Ring
We had the main Ring Alarm system set up in about 30 minutes. Adding cameras was just as fast. The Ring app guides you through every single step with clear instructions.
As an Amazon company, Ring works perfectly with Amazon Alexa. We could arm the system or check a security camera with a simple voice command. It did not work nearly as well with Google Assistant, however.
Ring Plans and Costs
Ring’s professional monitoring is one of the most affordable options out there. For $20 a month, you get 24/7 monitoring and cloud video storage for every camera you own. It is an incredible value.
The equipment is also priced very reasonably. An 8-piece starter kit costs about $250. This is very competitive with other DIY brands like SimpliSafe.
Their Protect Pro plan includes a cellular backup for the base station. This means that if you have a power outage or your internet goes down, the system can still send signals to the monitoring center. A battery backup keeps the system running for hours if the power is cut.
Choosing the Best Home Security System for You
You have seen our top picks, but how do you make the final call? The right system really depends on your specific home and needs. Here are a few things to think about to help you decide.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Are you comfortable setting things up yourself? Companies like SimpliSafe and Ring are designed for easy DIY installation. If you would rather leave it to an expert, brands like ADT and Vivint are the way to go.
Many systems offer a professional installation service for a fee. This can be worth it for large homes or for people who are not comfortable with technology. A pro installer can also optimize sensor placement for maximum effectiveness.
To Monitor or Not to Monitor?
Professional monitoring means someone is always watching over your home. When an alarm goes off, they contact the authorities for you. We strongly recommend a monitored security system for the best protection.
Some systems, like SimpliSafe and Ring, let you monitor them yourself for free or a low fee. This saves money, but you are responsible for calling for help in an emergency. This option won’t work for everyone, especially if you travel often.
Thinking About Your Budget
You will need to budget for two things: the upfront equipment cost and the ongoing monthly fee. A basic DIY kit might cost $200 with a $20 monthly fee. A professionally installed system could be over $1,000 upfront with a $50 monthly fee.
Think about what you are comfortable spending both now and over the next few years. Remember to check for Black Friday deals, as many companies offer deep discounts. Also, ask insurance companies about discounts on your homeowners insurance for having a monitored system.
| System | Installation | Starting Monitoring Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADT | Professional | ~$30/mo | Professional Monitoring |
| SimpliSafe | DIY | ~$28/mo | Intruder Prevention |
| Vivint | Professional | ~$40/mo | Home Automation |
| Cove | DIY | ~$20/mo to $30/mo | Best Value |
| Ring Alarm | DIY | $5/mo to $20/mo | Video Security |
Key Features to Consider
Beyond the basics, certain features can significantly improve your system’s effectiveness. Cellular backup is crucial. It allows your system to communicate with the monitoring center even if your internet is down.
A good battery backup is also a must. This ensures your control panel and sensors stay active during a power failure. Look for systems that offer at least 24 hours of battery life.
Finally, consider the wireless range of the components. This is especially important for DIY systems in larger homes. Make sure the base station can reliably communicate with the furthest contact sensor or motion sensor.
Conclusion
Protecting your home is a deeply personal choice, and there is no single right answer for everyone. The systems we tested from ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint all offer outstanding protection in different ways. ADT provides unmatched professional monitoring, SimpliSafe excels at affordable and smart DIY security, and Vivint delivers a truly connected smart home.
By thinking about your budget, home setup, and how you want to interact with your system, you can find the perfect fit. Your choice will depend on whether you prefer a hands-off, professionally installed system or the flexibility of a DIY setup. All of the systems start with the goal of keeping you safe.
Making this choice gives you not just a safer home, but also a valuable sense of security. You can find the best home security system for you among these excellent choices. It is a worthwhile investment in the safety of your property and loved ones.
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