Your home is your castle, but what’s a castle without a moat!? One break-in is enough to damage your property, hinder your finances, and possibly even hurt you or your family members. Don’t leave anything to chance. Here are the five best security systems for your home to protect the people and things you love.
Vivint (Best Overall)
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Vivint is consistently rated as one of the best home security systems by both happy customers and online review websites. They offer affordable, customized security solutions designed to fit your unique home.
The best part about a Vivint system is that it’s custom-designed to fit your home. When you place an order, Vivant security specialists will come to your house, determine the best equipment for your needs, and install them in the ideal locations to protect your home and family.
Vivint offers all the security equipment you need to secure your house:
- Video doorbell
- Security cameras
- Environmental sensors
- Motion detectors
- Thermostats
- Glass-break sensors
All your devices can be linked to a central seven-inch touchscreen monitor for complete control over your home security system. You can also access your system remotely using the dedicated Vivint smartphone app.
While Vivint might be considered the best overall, it comes at a price. You can pick up a Vivint Starter Kit for $599 that includes all the sensors and cameras you need to get started. You’ll also pay an additional $49.99 per month for professional monitoring. You can choose not to get the monitoring, but you’ll have to monitor and respond to threats yourself. Plus, you’ll lose access to the mobile app.
Overall, Vivint is the best home security system you can get for your home. It strikes a perfect balance between affordability and premium services.
Pros
- 24/7 monitoring available
- Smart home compatibility with Alexa and Google
- No contracts required
- Control all security equipment with dedicated smartphone app
- Customized security solutions
Cons
- Components can be expensive
- Requires monthly subscription for remote access
Abode (Best for Smart Homes)
If you’re looking for more of a DIY approach to home security, Abode is a solid choice. They offer complete home security packages that are simple to install (no tools required!) and connect to all your other devices for a total smart home experience.
The most popular Abode package is the iota Smart Security Kit. For only $279.99, you can get all the equipment you need to get started with home security:
- Security base station
- One door/window sensor
- Key fob
From there, you can start adding devices as you see fit, including high-resolution security cameras, environmental sensors, and motion sensors. Each device you add easily connects to the base station, giving you a scalable security solution you can control from a single hub.
You can even connect your other smart home devices like garage door openers and thermostats. You can then control the entire hub using Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands, Apple HomeKit, or IFTTT applets. Abode adds security into your smart home capabilities by creating a seamless, integrated system for all your devices.
Though it’s not required, Abode does offer professional monitoring services. For a low monthly fee, you can add professional monitoring to protect against break-ins, fires, and medical emergencies. If your system detects an issue, emergency services will be dispatched automatically, even if you can’t be reached.
In the end, Abode provides one of the best scalable, smart home security solutions on the market. The installation couldn’t be easier, and you can control your entire home from a single smart hub. If you’re looking for a complete DIY security system, Abode is a no-brainer.
Pros
- Simple DIY installation
- Crystal clear 1080p cameras
- Compatible with third-party devices
- Google, Alexa, HomeKit, and IFTTT support
- Local storage
- Professional monitoring available
Cons
- Components can be expensive
- No free cloud storage
Frontpoint (Best for Whole-Property Monitoring)
Sometimes it’s not enough to protect just your house; you want to watch over your property, too! Frontpoint offers some of the best home security systems for DIY installation that focus on whole-property monitoring.
You can build your own security system or choose from one of three preconfigured packages to start monitoring your property right away. Systems include all the important equipment, including:
- Central hub
- Keypad
- Door/window sensors
- Outdoor motion sensors
- Video doorbell
- Indoor camera
- Heat and smoke detector
- Yard sign and stickers
Preconfigured systems start at $259 for the basic “Safehouse” package and go up to about $480 for the “Fortress” package. Or, if you prefer, you can pick and choose the equipment you want to build your own home security system.
Security equipment comes with double-sided adhesive, making installation a breeze! Once you choose which package you prefer, all components come pre-configured to the central hub. You don’t even have to worry about connecting the system! Just stick the components, and your house is protected.
Frontpoint monitoring services cost $44.99 per month, which includes 24/7 professional monitoring, access to the mobile app, cellular and wireless connectivity, text alerts and notifications, and geo-location services. The monthly service also includes cloud storage for up to 1,000 clips along with smart lighting and lock controls for your home.
Frontpoint used to require a long-term service contract, but they have since changed their service. Now, you can pay month to month without any contracts. Cancel at any time. Just be aware, you’ll lose access to the mobile app, monitoring, and cloud storage if you choose to cancel your subscription.
With all the outstanding devices available—especially outdoor cameras and motion sensors—Frontpoint offers one of the best home security systems designed to protect your entire property from intruders and environmental damage.
Pros
- Easy installation
- No contract required
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands
- Many component choices
- High resolution and wide-angle cameras
Cons
- Monthly plans can be expensive
- No IFTTT support
- Must pay for monthly plan for access to mobile app or voice command abilities
ADT Command (Best Professional Monitoring)
If you want the best of the best, you want ADT Command. ADT has been a trusted home security services provider for decades, and Command is their entry into the smart security technology market.
One call to ADT Command and you can consider your house safe. Their security professionals handle everything from the device selection and installation to monitoring and maintenance. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the peace of mind. It’s a complete end-to-end home security solution.
ADT offers several service levels. Costs start at $599 for the devices and installation with $59.99 monthly fees—and that’s at the low end. For custom home packages, expect to pay upwards of $1,500 or more.
However, for that premium price tag you also get premium services. ADT Command technology is top-of-the-line and almost guaranteed to work. You’ll never have to worry about downtime or connectivity issues. If you ever need assistance, real people are ready to answer your calls within minutes, 24/7. You’ll also get professional monitoring from ADT, which is one of the top monitoring services available today.
If you’re looking for a complete home security system that requires absolutely no work on your end, ADT Command might be the choice for you. One call, and their pros will handle everything from start to finish, including 24/7 monitoring. You don’t have to lift a finger to keep your home protected.
Pros
- Best-in-class customer service
- Tons of security and home automation devices
- Support for third-party devices
- Mobile and web app
Cons
- Can be expensive with installation and monthly subscriptions
- Long-term contract required
Ring (Budget Choice)
For those who want to protect their home as well as their bank account, Ring offers some of the most cost-effective home security solutions on the market.
Ring provides a wide variety of home security systems. You can pick and choose the devices that suit your needs, or you can choose from their preconfigured packages. The Ring Alarm Security Kit, for example, costs just $199 and comes with everything you need to keep an eye on your home:
- Base station
- Keypad
- Door/window sensor
- Motion sensor
- Z-Wave range extender
- Installation and mounting hardware and instructions
If you have a larger home and need a more substantial kit, Ring also offers eight-, ten-, and 14-piece kits. The largest 14-piece Ring security bundle costs only $329.99, which is much cheaper than just about any other DIY home security system.
All Ring security devices are compatible with each other, which means your Ring doorbell (or any other device you pick up) can also integrate with the rest of your security system. It also means you can add new components to your system as your needs change.
Ring offers professional monitoring services for an additional monthly fee, though it’s not required. Even if you don’t want monitoring, you’ll still have remote access to your system through the mobile app.
Protecting your house doesn’t have to break the bank. With Ring, you can get quality, easy-to-install security hardware for an affordable price.
Pros
- Easy DIY installation
- Affordable pricing
- Professional monitoring available (though not required)
- Supports multiple wireless platforms
- Responds to Alexa voice commands
Cons
- Bulky sensors
- No IFTTT or HomeKit support
Protect Your Castle with the Best Home Security Systems
The smart home security market has blown up in recent years. While it might be difficult to choose between all the great options, there’s no doubt that you can find the perfect system to suit any need or budget.
No time to go through the process? In a few clicks, Alpha Living will pair you with top-rated home security companies that serve your area so you can compare options and save time and money. Enter your zip here to find approved home security pros near you.
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