ADT
Best Equipment and Professional Monitoring
Vivint
Ideal for automated smart homes
Frontpoint
A system with the most extended warranty
SimpliSafe
Best Video Security Monitoring
Ring Alarm
Best Security Cameras and Video Doorbells
Home security systems help protect your loved ones and valuables, whether at home or on the go. The best home security systems give you peace of mind and assurance that your house is always safe, whether that means professional monitoring done for you for a monthly charge or you can monitor the situation yourself using a phone app.
It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated to provide peace of mind for your house. Traditional home security systems can require costly professional installation and lengthy contracts. Still, most intelligent security systems are affordable, easy to install, and offer the option to pay for a monitoring plan only when needed.
Home security systemsare designedto stop burglaries and theft, and they typically include entryway sensors,security cameras, motion sensors,and a central base station. To help you pick which system is ideal for your house, we researched over a dozen of the industry's leading home security systems and developed this list of the top 5.
ADT
Best Equipment and Professional Monitoring
ADT Home Security is one of the most well-known names in security systems. It provides systems based on high-quality ADT indoor security and outdoor security cameras. These cameras are extremely simple to self-monitor and incorporate precise, dependable entry sensors. As an extra benefit, the sound quality of the recordings was among the sharpest and clearest of any system we tested.
ADT's reputation for dependability, extensive monitoring services, and new security features make it an attractive option. Its unique assurances and customer-focused practices indicate ADT's dedication to security and customer pleasure.
ADT is the best choice for homeowners who value expert installation, a wealth of knowledge, and a wide selection of features in their security systems. It is appropriate for people who want to combine their protection with smart home technology and appreciate the guarantee of a long track record in the field.
ADT home automation integration includes voice assistant compatibility and ADT smart locks, lighting, and thermostats. Our research's impressive results were the indoor and outdoor ADT cameras' performance in analyzing facial expressions. Both maintained reasonable reliability when detecting facial emotions at 20 feet, proving their ability to pick up minute information even when far away.
Pros:
- Outstanding voice assistant and smart home connections.
- Complete safety equipment that goes beyond ADT smart home security.
- Excellent hardware with a variety of package choices.
Cons:
- High Price tag
- No glass break sensors
- There are no plans for self-monitoring available.
Vivint
Ideal for automated smart homes
There are several reasons to choose Vivint security systems, including its user-friendly app and excellent external cameras. Its uniqueness is its compatibility with several third-party smart home services, such as Google Home and Amazon Echo.
We choose Vivint home security because of outstanding Vivint smart home technology and client-centered offerings. It is excellent at providing a customized security experience, connecting with well-known smart home helpers like Google and Alexa, and ensuring customer service is always available. Vivint's approach to home security is unique and user-centric, even though it uses proprietary equipment and needs expert Vivint monitoring.
Highly customized Vivintsmart locksare made possible by the wide variety of intelligent security technologies and their compatibility with popular smart home platforms. Voice assistant compatibility, Vivint home automation integration, smart locks and thermostats, and other featuresare providedby Vivint.
Homeowners looking for an all-inclusive, integrated home security system that works well with smart home technology may consider Vivint. Vivint smart home products will be especially attractive to those who value the ease of professional installation and strong customer support. Given the possible extra expenses for system movement, DIY enthusiasts and people who move around a lot might not find it the best option.
Pros:
- Excellent items with a variety of equipment choices
- Easily fits into the system itself
- 24/7 expert supervision and support
Cons:
- Long-term contracts without outright purchasing the system
- Costly minimum equipment purchases
- Only provides a trial period of three days.
Frontpoint
A system with the most extended warranty
Frontpoint is an excellent option for people looking for dependable, user-friendly frontpoint security solutions because of its easy installation and smart home features. Its Z-Wave compatibility and high-quality hardware improve smart home integration.
Frontpoint has one of the most beautiful designs of all the systems we evaluated. It also has the longest warranty of three years,which is crucial in ensuring customer satisfaction. The reliable app makes arming and disabling the system remotely simple. The picture is sharp up close, even if the cameras don't provide the finest footage of the systems we examined.
Frontpoint provides a build-your-own system in addition to four packages. A hub and keypad, one frontpoint motion sensor, one door/window sensor, three window decals, one-yardsign, and one stickerare includedwith the starter pack.
For those who value integrating security systems with already-existing smart home devices and prefer a hands-on approach to home security setup, Frontpoint is the best option. It is appropriate for individuals who are new to home security because of the Frontpoint smock detector, Frontpoint camera, user-friendly platform, and Frontpoint security customer service, which guarantees a smooth transition to a safer, smarter home.
Pros:
- Does not need a written agreement
- Includes extra identity protection
- Simple to use and install
Cons:
- High monthly monitoring fees
- Changing in terms of sensor and video quality
- No self-monitoring
SimpliSafe
Best Video Security Monitoring
The SimpliSafe home security system is one of the simplest to install and lives up to its name. Although there are some limits inclarity, SimpliSafe cameras are quite reliable and function well most of the time. Nevertheless, SimpliSafe security systems are generally user-friendly andfull of features, including the much-needed ability to integrate Google Home or Amazon's Alexa with smart homes.
A complete home security system from SimpliSafe includes glass-break sensors, door and window intrusion sensors, and motion detectors. All seven of SimpliSafe's primary template packages include 24/7 alarm monitoring. Additionally, none of SimpliSafe's equipment needs a landline to function, and none of it does either.
SimpliSafe vs Ring:On a scale from 0to 10, SimpliSafe and Ring both receive overall satisfaction scores of 8.8. An average of the other satisfaction ratings does not constitute the overall satisfaction rating.
SimpliSafe plans are great for customers seeking a cheap, adaptable home security solution that they can install and customize themselves. Its simple system and no-contract monitoring options are ideal for people who desire to avoid long-term contracts and value the simplicity of a user-friendly security setup.
The cameras produced some intriguing, though inconsistent, results. The indoor camera performed exceptionally well in bright light or during the day, but the quality dropped a little in lower light.
Pros:
- There are options for both professional and self-monitoring.
- Superior quality of camera
- Quick and simple DIY installation
Cons:
- Glass-break sensors might have a higher sensitivity.
- Incompatible from the start with Apple HomeKit
Ring Alarm
Best Security Cameras and Video Doorbells
Ring Alarm systemis widely recognizedin the home security industry, and its reputation hasbeen earned. The foundation of ring systems isfull of features, auser-friendly interface,and high-quality cameras. Ring Alarm Pro is a fantastic DIY choice because it's easy to install, but if you require professional installation, it also interacts with OnTech to provide that service. It offers simple, dependable self-monitoring choices; Neighbor alerts and other features are just thecherry on top.
Ring Alarm system installation is a leading challenger for easily accessible home protection because of its wide selection of security devices and reasonably priced monitoring packages. Its no-contract policy and promotion of self-installation make it appealing to people who value flexibility and direct control.
Ring alarm systems with cameras are the perfect option for those looking for a DIY, cost-effective home security system that readily interacts with smart home ecosystems. They may also appeal to those who value flexibility and want to customize their security system to fit their lifestyle without being limited by long-term contracts.
Ring alarm systems use standard equipment. There are smoke alarms and security sensors, but no smart home technology. However, Ring more than makes up for this with a ton of security cameras and video doorbells. Security kits for Ring Alarms are reasonably priced. For about $400, you can get a Ring alarm security kit and get monthly monitoring for a year.
Pros:
- A strong device ecosystem
- Simple installation and setup
- Excellent app support
Cons:
- Subscription required for many functions
- Poor quality of the video
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System
Each person has a different home andidea of what makes them feel safe. Fortunately, home security systems can cover each of those factors. This article explains how to choose the best security system.
Initial Testing and Reviews
Online review sites provide plenty of helpful information about home security solutions in the information age. Instead of just depending on star ratings, read some positive and negative reviewsto gain insight into the system you're thinking about from actual user experiences.
Many home security businesses provide trial periods or many free weeks of use before committing to a system, even though it's not always practical to test home security systems first without purchasing one.
System Price
There is an extensive pricing range for home security systems. You can want the most advanced system available for your budget, or you might not need the most complex and costly one to protect your house. Consider the system purchase's total cost and related monitoring costs while balancing your security demands, including your peace of mind.
Equipment
Every home security company offers its components and equipment differently, but the majority offer equipment bundles that contain the most popular products that their customers typically purchase. Often, these solutions begin as starting kits with a few door and window sensors, a control module, one or more cameras, or a doorbell cam.
Installation
Three installation methods are available. The first is do-it-yourself installation, where the client installs the system themselvesor employs a third party to do it for them. The second choice, professionally installed systems, can be more expensive. Either the company or an installer it hires completes the installation.
Smart Features and Monitoring
Depending on the kind of home security system you choose and the monitoring specifications, you may have multiple options for different features like monitoring and smart home compatibility. Make sure the security system you select is compatible with the products in your home forsmooth integration.
Specific Needs
If you live in an apartment building, it's unlikely that you will buy a driveway alarm. In the same spirit, do not purchase a home security system with features and parts you will never require. To keep your house safe, invest in a system that contains all you need without having to spend for extras.
Benefits of the Home Security System
Protection
Protecting your property and the people who live there against tragedies like burst pipes and burglaries, home attacks, and fires is the first objective of a home security system. In addition to keeping an eye on your home while you're not there or aware of a problem, professional monitoring services may help in an emergency medical situation.
A Barrier for Burglars
Stickers, yard signs, and exterior cameras for video monitoring are examples of visible alarm system signs that havebeen shownto repel burglars who frequently commit crimes of opportunity.
Peace of Mind
When you have a home security system installed, you can rest easy knowing your house is secure, even while you're not home or asleep. Modern wireless security systems that are online allow you to monitor your house from anywhere in the world.
Energy Saving
The higher cost of a security systemisjustifiedby the convenience and energy savings provided by modern home automation features included in security systems. When a security system is activated, smart thermostats and lights can adjust to conserve energy. Similarly, connected garage door openers and smart door locks can safelywelcome guests into your home.
Reduced Home Insurance Premiums
Installing a professionally monitored security system might result in a rate decrease of 5% to 20% from many homeowner's insurance providers. Higher savings are typically offered for intrusion and environmental monitoring systems, which can detect water damage, fire, and smoke. This will help make a professional system more reasonable in the long term, even though it won't completely cover the expense.