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When it comes to home security, there are many options. And with technology changing so rapidly, it can be hard to keep up with the latest and greatest products on the market. Some families want a comprehensive security system that includes professional installation, monthly monitoring, and smart home integration. Others are looking for DIY-friendly home security solutions with low-cost monitoring options and no long-term contracts. Ultimately, the best home security system is the one that meets your expectations and keeps your home safe.
Fortunately, there are many customizable security systems available, and we’ve found and reviewed the best options for each unique situation. If you’re in the market for home security, we’ve made it easy for you to learn about the best security systems available. Read on to learn more about various home security companies, the unique products and services they offer, and the home security system recommended for your needs.
| Rating | Starting price | Monitoring price | Installation type | Contract length | Read review | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.5/5 stars | $500+ | $29.99+/mo | Professional | Not required | Read review | View packages |
 | 4.2/5 stars | Varies | $45.99+/mo | Professional | 36 months | Read Review | View packages |
 | 4/5 stars | $99+ | $1.64+/day | DIY | Not required | Read review | View packages |
 | 4/5 stars | $244.96+ | $24.99+/mo | Professional/DIY | Not required | Read review | View packages |
 | 3/5 stars | $199+ | Optional self-monitoring | DIY | Not required | Read review | View packages |
ADT does offer service starting at $28.99/mo for those not looking for cameras or home automation. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please verify pricing with your provider prior to purchase.
We recommend a professionally installed system for families in their forever homes who want peace of mind knowing their security system was designed and installed by experts.
If you’re looking for a professional home security system, Vivint and ADT offer the best professionally installed solutions on the market. Both companies offer customers hands-on support when selecting, installing, and activating their home security products, and both companies have financing options to accommodate home security on a budget.
Vivint security offers products and services designed to record and prevent crime at your home or property. They accomplish this by selling customizable home security systems with monthly monitoring plans. Once you choose a base system package, you can tailor your system to fit your house by adding products and features such as additional window or door sensors, video security, and smart home automation.
Regardless of which security products you choose, Vivint will professionally install your system. Often, the installation is included in the price of your Vivint system, although some products do require a special installation fee. At most, you can expect to pay a nominal installation fee for specific products or if you move and need your system installed at a new address.
Vivint is known for their white-glove installation services which give their customers peace of mind that everything in their smart home is installed correctly. Other Vivint home security system benefits include video security, voice control abilities, and industry-leading smart home automation features.
With over 140 years of experience protecting families and individuals across the United States, ADT security is the most trusted name in home security. When you purchase an ADT home security system, you gain access to 24/7 professional monitoring, a theft protection guarantee*, and smart home automation features.
ADT will professionally install all of its home security systems and products. Installation fees vary depending on the products you choose.
Other benefits of an ADT home security system include life safety sensors, video security, and professional monitoring from 11 centers to ensure your home is always protected. ADT stands by all of its home security systems with service and repairs included in the price, and ADT offers a 6-month money-back guarantee* on its systems – the best guarantee in the industry.
*Certain restrictions apply. Full Terms.
Of course, there are other options available if you’re looking for a professionally installed home security system. One of these options is Ring’s X Line. The X Line is Ring’s line of premium security products and the only system Ring offers thatyou receive an in-home consultation and professional installation with your purchase. However, Ring X Line products tend to be more expensive than other professionally installed systems, and Ring does not offer professional monitoring options, so we usually recommend Ring as a budget-friendly starter system.
Many families and individuals are looking for DIY-friendly home security systems that are easy to install and activate, without the hassle of scheduling an installation appointment. Fortunately, many companies offer DIY installation, including Frontpoint, SimpliSafe, Brinks, and Ring. DIY systems are great for families or individuals who want a more flexible and custom security system, and there is a wide range of DIY systems available – from Frontpoint and SimpliSafe’s professional support and monitoring to Ring’s individually priced products.
Frontpoint security is a high-end solution that combines self-setup with monthly monitoring and identity guard for a combination of do-it-yourself and 24/7 professional protection. Once you select your system, you are sent the products with instructions to install them yourself. Frontpoint also offers a 30-day risk-free trial, 3-year system warranty, and no long-term commitments. It’s the perfect pick for someone looking for a system with the right blend of DIY customization and professional-grade products and monitoring.
SimpliSafe is a highly customizable DIY home security solution. With five pre-built system packages, plus the option to build your own (starting with the SimpliSafe base station and wireless keypad), you can select the exact equipment that suits your needs. Products include cameras, hazard sensors, burglary sensors, and security accessories. All SimpliSafe systems are DIY-friendly, and professional installation is available for those that want it for an additional fee.
Brinks offers simple, DIY home security solutions from start to finish. You can select your products online or over the phone and choose between DIY and professional installation. Your Brinks security system arrives pre-programmed and labeled, so you can quickly unpack and install it yourself. The only Brinks security system that is not DIY-friendly and comes with professional installation is their Smart Security Ultimate package.
Brinks also boasts the best in voice control and numerous equipment options for optimal coverage; however, Brinks does not offer as many products and features as other home security companies, so if you’re looking for specific features, you may be limited.
Ring sells DIY home security systems and individual products so you can customize your security solutions to meet your needs. Ring offers affordable security equipment, whether you just need a few indoor and outdoor security cameras or want a complete system. The benefit of Ring is that its security products are sold individually, which is not the case for most other security companies that require you to purchase a system package before customizing it with additional products. However, Ring only offers limited monitoring options and is best suited for those who do not need a robust system, such as renters.
Another option for a DIY-friendly home security system is ADT Blue. While ADT is first and foremost a professionally installed security system, ADT Blue offers a large selection of devices with flexible service options, such as self-monitoring, video storage, and DIY installation. This is optimal for renters that want a system backed by years of experience.
Cost is a significant factor when choosing the best home security system for you. When it comes to affordability, Frontpoint offers the most affordable base system, Vivint is the most affordable professional installation and monitoring, and Ring offers the least expensive equipment. That’s why we think these brands are the best options for people on a budget.
Frontpoint Security offers affordable equipment and system packages that meet the needs of those on a budget. Frontpoint’s build-your-own system package includes the Frontpoint Hub and Keypad for around $300. From there, you can choose the type and number of security products you want for a completely customized system within your budget.
Vivint is your best option for the most affordable home security system with professional installation. With Vivint, professional installation is often included in the system cost, and even when it isn’t, it only costs a nominal fee, which is significantly less expensive than other installation fees. Vivint’s monthly monitoring costs are also competitive and come with no-contract options so that you can get whole-home protection for less.
Because it sells all of its products individually, Ring offers the most affordable home security products on the market. Plus, they have an extensive selection of products to choose from, so you can build a customized system within your price range, whether that’s one camera and a sensor or an entire 14-piece system. Because Ring is DIY-friendly, you don’t have to pay installation fees. And although their monitoring options are minimal, the costs reflect the services provided.
Home security is not just for homes but for apartments as well. However, between contracts, wired systems, and extensive packages, not all security companies provide reasonable solutions for apartment living. The best home security systems for apartments come from ADT Blue, Ring, and SimpliSafe because of their no-contract options and DIY-friendly installation solutions.
ADT created Blue as a DIY solution for those living in an apartment, condominium, or rental house. With the flexibility to take your security devices with you if you move and a no-contract option should your security needs change, Blue is ideal for those who aren’t yet living in their “forever home.” All Blue products include smart home automation features and are DIY-friendly and easy to set up and use. With Blue, you can choose between self-monitoring or professional monitoring with 24/7 emergency alerts.
What makes Ring apartment-friendly is the option to purchase individual security products rather than a complete system. If you live in a small apartment with only a few windows and one door, you might not need multiple products and extensive monthly monitoring. Instead, you can choose the type and amount of security products you need to keep you and your apartment safe. Plus, you can easily take the products with you when you move and add to your collection of security products if you need to protect more space in the future.
SimpliSafe aims to provide simple solutions to home security, making it an excellent option for apartment security. SimpliSafe offers five pre-built security packages so that you can choose one with the correct number and type of products for your space. Plus, with their build-your-own system, you can customize a system that meets the needs of your apartment. SimpliSafe offers a no-contract option for products and monthly monitoring, so it’s easy to make changes if you move or your security needs change.
When it comes to keeping your home and family safe, it’s important to be confident that security team members will be available to assist you when you need it most. That’s why finding a home security system with the best customer service is essential. Our top picks for customer service (and customer satisfaction) include Vivint, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, ADT, and Brinks.
Vivint offers 24/7 customer support to those with a Vivint security system and monthly monitoring plan. They also provide an online Help Center, where customers can find answers to frequently asked questions regarding their account, security system, and specific products.
SimpliSafe is one of the highest-rated home security companies due to its customer service options and team. The SimpliSafe customer support phone line is open daily from 8:00 AM to Midnight (ET). There is also an online Help Center that customers can use to find more information about their products or chat with a customer service team member between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (ET).
Frontpoint offers some of the best customer support in the industry. Its customer service team is on-call 24/7 for those with a Frontpoint security system and monitoring service. Frontpoint also offers an online Help Center where customers can find useful information about their security products, services, and account information.
ADT provides its customers with 24/7 customer support that is always available to help with account or system issues. ADT also provides an online Help Center with answers to commonly asked questions. Where ADT really goes above and beyond for its customers is with its product guarantees: a theft protection guarantee with up to $500 towards your deductible and a 6-month money-back guarantee upon purchase*.
*Certain restrictions apply. Full Terms.
Brinks’ customer support team is available by phone and text seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (CST). Additionally, the Brinks technical support line is available 24/7 to help existing customers troubleshoot issues with their systems at all hours. Plus, there is an online Help Center that includes relevant articles and community discussion boards. Brinks customers appreciate all the different ways they can access support.
The best home security package depends on what you’re looking for in terms of product availability, professional monitoring plans, cost, and additional features. When it comes to choosing a home security package, Frontpoint offers the most customizable packages, Vivint has the best smart home automation features, and ADT gives you the most professional monitoring features with their monthly plans.
Frontpoint ranks as the best customizable home security system because it offers a build-your-own package from a wide array of high-end DIY products. Start with the Frontpoint Hub, Keypad, and professional monitoring and add products from there. Choose from various cameras, intrusion and hazard sensors, smart home automation products, and accessories, with the option to pay for your customized system in full or monthly.
Vivint makes it easy to integrate your security system with smart home features, starting with the Vivint Smart Hub–the control center for your security system. It is touch-screen and offers two-way communication between you and the home monitoring team. Vivint’s hub integrates with Google Home so that you can adjust thermostats, lighting, appliances, and your security system on the go using hands-free technology. Plus, customers have access to the Vivint Smart Home App to always stay connected to their system.
ADT is a leading home security company, and one of the reasons is its professional monitoring plans. ADT’s monthly monitoring plans are tied directly to the system equipment you choose. Their plan for the starting package includes:
Video surveillance and home automation features are included in their monitoring plans when you choose equipment that requires these services. ADT has 11 monitoring centers to ensure your home is always protected.
Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly security products, a DIY-friendly home security solution, or a professionally installed system with 24/7 monitoring, there are security solutions available for you. From no-contract options perfect for apartment living to customizable packages that enable you to design the system of your dreams, you can find the best home security systems for 2023.
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Home Security Expert at Home Guardian
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Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $38.99/mo. without QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $935.76) and minimum installation amount of $599 for professionally installed systems OR month-to-month monitoring contract for ADT Self Setup systems starting at $24.99 without QSP (one month minimum) and minimum purchase amount of $194.98. Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. For reactivations of professionally installed systems, a $99 test and inspect fee applies . Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is available for additional fee. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Professionally installed system remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. For Self-Setup Systems, cancel by calling 888-392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. To avoid contract termination charges, cancellation must occur no later than 30 days after the contract date. Contract termination charges may be applied for cancellation after the initial 30-day period. Equipment must be fully removed and returned before a refund will be processed. Any shipping costs previously paid are non-refundable. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Self Setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS.
Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. For professionally installed systems only.
Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. For professionally installed systems only.