Best Home Security Systems in 2024
Explore and compare our top picks for the best home security systems on the market
Best in MA, CT, and RI
Professional install
Leading emergency services response time
Most trusted
Professional install
Best professional monitoring
Best smart home automation
Professional install
Theft-deterrent technology
Compare home security companies
The best home security system is the one that makes you feel safe and includes all the smart home security features you need without breaking the bank.
To some, the convenience that comes with a home security installation is the most important factor when choosing their home security whereas others favor the flexibility of DIY systems or the specific features available in some systems. The best choice for you depends on your home, preferred features, and budget.
Because we believe that professional monitoring brings unparalleled peace of mind and success, all of our top recommended systems come with professional monitoring.
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| Get Quote | Get Quote | Get Quote | Get Quote | |
| Rating |  |  |  |  |
| Starting Price | Varies | Varies | $129+ | $599+ |
| Monitoring Price | Starting at $26.99+/mo | $24.99/mo for Self Setup* $38.99/mo for Pro Install* | $24.99/mo | $29.99+/mo |
| Installation Type | Professional | DIY/Professional | DIY | Professional |
| Contract Length | 1-36 months | Self Setup: Month-to-month Pro Install: 36 months | Not required | Month-to-month |
*Requires system purchase and pro monitoring plan (one month minimum) w/ADT Self Setup OR pro install w/36-month monitoring contract (Early term & install fees). Excludes QSP. Valid for orders made over the phone. Taxes addt’l. See here for full terms.
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Best home security systems in 2024
Best in MA, CT, and RI Alarm New England 
Best Reputation ADT
Best DIY System Frontpoint
Best Innovative Equipment Vivint
Find the best security system for you
When buying a home security system, we know that your top priority is going to be the safety that it brings to your home. But there are other benefits and factors to consider when looking for the best home security system for you.
Some families look for the convenience that comes with smart home integration while others look for the flexibility of DIY systems and others still just want the most cost-effective option.
Explore from the list of qualities below to find our recommendation based on what matters most to you.
Brand Reputation
Runner Up: Vivint
Best for Smart Home
Runner Up: Frontpoint
Camera Quality
Runner Up: ADT
Professionally Installed
Runner Up: Vivint
The top home security systems of 2024
The top home security systems of 2024
Best in MA, CT, and RI: Alarm New England
Whether you’re looking for a fully customized, professionally installed home security system or just a reliable local alarm company to monitor your existing system, Alarm New England has choices for you. Overall, we feel that their combination of experience, technology, and a customer-centric approach makes Alarm New England a top choice for home security in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Key features:
Local professional monitoring with award-winning customer service
Option to fully customize your system to fit your home
Risk-free guarantee and 1-year warranty for residential systems
Why we think Alarm New England is the best in MA, CT, and RI
With over 50 years of experience and 30,000 local customers in the region, Alarm New England has many positive customer reviews. Most positive reviews among customers seem to be related to their excellent customer service and the personalized level of attention they give to every new customer. It also helps that Alarm New England exclusively serves those in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island and they boast the industry-fastest police, fire, and medical service response times.
Most trusted: ADT
As the most well-known name in home security, ADT security prides itself on providing top-tier, professionally installed home security systems with professional monitoring plans that give their customers ultimate peace of mind.
Key features:
24/7 professional monitoring with Theft Protection Guarantee*
Proprietary smart home products with Google Nest integration
Professional installation with service and repairs included
Why ADT is the most trusted brand among consumers
ADT has 150 years of experience keeping homes safe. ADT’s industry-leading professional monitoring is backed by 6 monitoring centers and thousands of employees ready to help. ADT also stands by its products with its 6 Month Money-Back Guarantee* and Theft Protection Guarantee** good for up to $500 towards your deductible in case of break-in.
*Applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system related issue. For professionally installed systems only. See here for full terms.
**Subject to the terms of the Residential Services Contract. For professionally installed systems only. See here for details.
Premium DIY: Frontpoint
Frontpoint security offers starter packages and build-your-own system options so you can customize your system based on your home’s needs. Frontpoint is a premium DIY security system with 24/7 professional monitoring. Frontpoint boasts they offer “advanced technology that’s easy to use,” and we have to agree.
Key features:
Easy-to-install, high quality, easy-to-use preconfigured systems
State-of-the-art 24/7 security monitoring
Lights, door locks, and thermostat automation features that can be managed via the Frontpoint app
Why Frontpoint is a premium DIY solution
Frontpoint offers the flexibility of a DIY system with all the benefits of professional monitoring. With their build-your-own package, you can customize your system with high-end security products, choosing from dozens of cameras, sensors, and smart home accessories. Then, it’s easy to install your system and get plugged into their 24/7 professional monitoring so your home is always secure.
Best smart home automation: Vivint
With Vivint security, you can customize the system you need with guidance from home security professionals. Professional home security installation is included in the cost of most Vivint systems, and they offer budget-friendly options for financing the smart home security system of your dreams.
Key features:
Professionally designed and installed systems – tailored to your home
Theft deterrent technology to stop crime before it happens
Fully integrated smart home system with mobile app and voice control
Why we think Vivint is the best in smart home automation
The Vivint Smart Hub, which is included in every Vivint package, makes it easy to control all your devices from one place at home, and you can control all your smart devices remotely via the Vivint app. Vivint smart home features are intuitive and easy for every customer to use. Plus, all Vivint systems are professionally installed, so you know your smart home products will work correctly.
User-friendly security: Brinks
As a trusted name in home security, Brinks aims to make protecting your home, property, and valuables simple. They pride themselves on being able to customize your home security system to fit your lifestyle. You can select your Brinks home security system online or over the phone and choose between DIY or professional installation.
Key features:
DIY or professional installation options for your security system
System arming and disarming functions using the Brinks security mobile app
Personalized device placements, mobile alerts, and system addition
What makes Brinks so user-friendly
Brinks offers many features that make it user-friendly. First off, Brinks home security systems can be installed professionally or on your own with the help of their excellent customer support team. Your system will be designed with your lifestyle in mind, and you can easily manage and control your Brinks system through the home hub, voice control, or on the go with the mobile app.
Best basic DIY: SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is an award-winning DIY home security systems that offers 24/7 professional monitoring plans. You also have the option for self-monitoring with camera recording. With SimpliSafe, it’s easy to install your customized system, and it’s easy to control your system once it’s up and running with the option to arm/disarm from the SimpliSafe app.
Key features:
No-contract, award-winning wireless security solutions
Build-your-own options to create a fully customized system
Alexa, Google Home, and third-party smart home integrations
Why we recommend SimpliSafe for basic DIY home security
As its name implies, Simplisafe makes home security simple. They offer complete home security packages that are easy to install and include all of the essentials for whole-home protection, without a ton of bells and whistles. If you want an affordable but complete DIY system and don’t mind foregoing more sophisticated smart home features, Simplisafe will be a good option for you.
Best for a budget: Ring
Ring is a DIY home security solution in the truest sense, offering both Do-It-Yourself home security installation and monitoring. It’s the most flexible home security system we review for a few reasons. First, all monitoring plans are optional, so you won’t have a monthly monitoring fee or be locked into a contract. Second, all products are individually priced and purchased, so you don’t need to purchase a base system to get started.
Key features:
DIY, no-contract home security with optional professional or self-monitoring
Individually priced video doorbells, cameras, sensors, and more
Alexa voice control and third-party smart home solutions
Why we recommend Ring for families on a budget
Since all Ring products are individually priced and sold, you can customize your system to only include products that are in your budget. Additionally, all Ring monitoring plans are optional for a low monthly fee. You can even try out self-monitoring for free for 30 days before deciding if you need monthly monitoring. And if you move, you can take your system with you without paying fees (and add to it if you move into a bigger place).
Why you need security
Home security systems provide peace of mind by protecting your home, property, family, and valuable possessions against intruders and environmental harm. In 2019, the FBI reported over 1.1 million burglaries resulting in $3.0 billion in property loss.
Home security systems keep you from becoming a number in these staggering statistics by capturing potential burglars on camera and alerting you and emergency personnel when an intruder does attempt a break-in.
Types of systems to consider
With so many kinds of home security systems available, it’s time to consider which option is right for you. You can choose a DIY or professional installation system depending on the size of your home and the amount and type of protection you want.
A DIY security system typically consists of a doorbell camera, which you can install yourself to monitor who is at your door. Alternatively, a professional home security system may include features such as a control panel to monitor interior and exterior cameras, window sensors, doorbell cameras, and more. Burglars aren’t always so kind as to attempt their entrance at your front door. With a professional system, you have 360-degree protection. However, it’s important to note that these types of systems generally require a professional to install.
You can also choose a wired or wireless home security system. Both systems rely on sensors installed in various places throughout your home, which typically includes all windows, doors, and other highly trafficked areas. The difference is in the home security installation process, reliability, and functionality.
Wired systems
Wired systems require a more invasive installation process, such as drilling holes in your walls because they use a hardwired connection to power and transmit signals. Because they are hardwired, they are typically reliable systems and are unlikely to run out of power. They also tend to be more cost-effective than wireless systems.
Wireless systems
On the other hand, wireless systems have a less invasive installation process because they are battery-powered and use radio waves to connect and monitor your devices. Wireless home security systems tend to cost more, but they generally offer additional features, such as the ability to remotely arm and disarm your security system, monitor your cameras from your smartphone, and connect to other “smart” devices in your home. Whether you choose a wired or wireless home security system, proper installation is essential for optimal protection.
Frequently asked questions
We’ve heard it all before, and we’re happy to answer your questions. Find answers to our top most-asked questions below.