Table Of Content

All of the systems in this article are installed by professionals, which are good for those who don't have the time, patience, or expertise to install all the requisite sensors and equipment. Since the systems compared here are all installed by the company or another professional installer, all you need to do is open the door to let them in and pay the bill. However, in general, professionally installed systems cost more, and you usually have to also sign up for a monitoring plan. The Vivint Smart Home system is the best home security system as it's the most sophisticated and customizable systems on offer.
Ring: Best budget-friendly home security system
And, in addition to ADT's first-party lineup of cameras, doorbells, and sensors, you can add third-party Z-Wave devices that enable you to control the system via Alexa and Google Assistant commands. For $200 to $250, you get the Gateway and just one door/window sensor, one motion sensor, and a key fob. A good example is the Vivint Smart Home Security system, which we’ve reviewed and don’t recommend for most people. This kit is affordable and easy to install and use, and it works reliably. The optional monitoring plan costs the same as the one for our top pick but doesn’t provide video storage.
Response time and monitoring options
It's important to note that, in some areas, you may have to file for a permit to have a security system installed in your home. Do-it-yourself security setups are ideal for budget shoppers because they can save you a bundle on installation charges and subscription fees. Most DIY systems are easy to install and are available as kits that you can configure to suit your needs. As your needs change, you can order additional sensors and other components at your convenience and pair them with the system in a matter of minutes.
How we picked top home security systems
Depending on your needs, you can go with a system that you monitor yourself, or pay a subscription fee to have professionals surveil your home 24/7 and contact your local fire or police departments when an alarm triggers. You can even take advantage of on-demand monitoring services when you're away on vacation. Of course, the more coverage you have, the more you should expect to pay.
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Customer Service and Support
We don’t include cameras in this category since they’re such an essential piece of the home security equation. We think super-easy and affordable SimpliSafe is the best value right now. But we also like Vivint’s über smart system, which has the most advanced and innovative equipment on the market. And we can’t exclude the ever-popular ADT, whose years of experience makes it a go-to for so many. We use a proprietary ranking system to give every home security system a numbered score, from 1 to 10. It takes into account all of our research, testing and a handful of other important factors.
Cove - Most Affordable DIY System
We ran a system through the setup process and tested all the sensors to see how they worked. And our YouTube safety expert Katie McEntire tested the system at home, read customer reviews, and shared her findings. Second, all-in-one devices have motion detectors but they’re very poor at monitoring access points like doors or windows, which is where home security systems really shine. We will give a nod to Arlo’s interesting all-in-one sensor that detects a whole assortment of household ills, which could save you some money if you're using an Arlo system. More advanced features, such as facial recognition, broken-glass detection and communication with emergency services may not be available from all manufacturers and devices.
Can I install a home security system as a renter?
Installation is DIY, with professional installation available for the Ultimate plan. The monitoring rates start at $39.99 and go up to $49.99 per month, with occasional promotions offering reduced rates. Each plan includes smart home integration and video surveillance features. Frontpoint offers a simple and smart monitored home security service, using a wide range of different wireless devices. No professional installation is required and you can set up your cameras, sensors, and other monitors precisely where you think you need them, and everything is pre-configured to work together out of the box. Some home security systems are highly customizable, which means you can add and remove elements as required.
The detailed product pages, enhanced by illustrative videos, shed light on how each device functions within the Ring ecosystem, providing a clear picture of its utility. The “build your system” feature was a standout prompting a series for questions to tailor recommendations to our specific security requirements, streamlining the selection process and linking directly to a purchase option. The depth of Ring’s support page impressed us, brimming with a wealth of troubleshooting content and comprehensive guides, ensuring users have robust support a their disposal. SimpliSafe is ideal for homeowners looking for an affordable, flexible home security solution that they can install and customize themselves.

But we also consider Z-Wave, Zigbee, IFTTT, Apple HomeKit, and other smart home protocols. The brand is also known to partner with local police departments, a decision that could be more popular. You can read more in Here's What You Should Know about Ring Cameras' Security and Privacy Issues. The main drawback with Cove is that it won't suit many household's needs. Still, lots of people love Cove, and you might, too, if you give it a try. The ADT security system has been around since 1874(!), and the system is so longstanding and widespread that it’s worth mentioning just for its reputation.

Not only does SimpliSafe alert you—and the authorities—if there's an emergency like a break-in or fire, but it uses RapidSOS to make sure you get the help you need as fast as possible. We bought the Starter Bundle and tested it for a week with an Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera from a previous review. We planned to use this system with the Arlo Pro 5S, but the wireless camera didn't come on time.
The build your system quiz further enhanced our experience by intuitively guiding us towards a personalized security solution, with the option to directly purchase the suggested setup. This intuitive approach to assisting potential customers through their exploration and purchase phases underscored Abode’s focus on user satisfaction. Ring’s extensive range of security products and affordable monitoring plans make it a top contender for accessible home security. Its no-contract approach and encouragement of self-installation appeal to those who prefer hands-on control and flexibility. SimpliSafe shines as the best for DIY installation and flexibility with a 4.5 star rating, offering buget-friendly professional monitoring without contracts. Founded in 2006, it’s celebrated for its ease of installation, customizable packages and user-friendly app, making it a top pick for homeowners who value simplicity and control in their home security.
But despite the drawbacks, ADT is still a known factor that’s a solid option for most people. Something they bring to the table is years of experience,” says Ben Michael, an Austin defense attorney who also happens to be an ADT customer. But while we love lots of things about SimpliSafe, the automation side of the hardware could use an update. SimpliSafe equipment doesn’t work with most smart home brands, leaving your security system as an island unto itself. If you opt for self-monitoring, you’ll need to respond to the phone alerts your alarm system sends you and decide what steps to take.
Accessing product support was also straightforward, with resources readily available for any potential questions or troubleshooting needs. SimpliSafe’s user-friendly approach extended throughout the entire website, making it easy for us to gather information and make informed decisions about our home security needs. The support section of ADT’s website was equally user-friendly, covering a wide range of topics from billing inquiries to system troubleshooting. This section is well-equipped with informative how-to videos and comprehensive guides, enhancing the user’s ability to self-serve. Our overall impression was that ADT places a strong emphasis on user accessibility and support, aligning with its reputation as a customer-centric home security provider. Thanks to the device’s built-in microphone and speaker, you can communicate with someone in your home as you’re viewing their activities.
We also talked to the tech teams, CEOs, and other innovators at the companies we review. Below you can find a summary of our hands-on testing and research for the top ten security companies. On top of voice control, you can add smart lighting, smart locks, smart speakers, and smart smoke and CO detectors to your Abode system. We evaluated how easy it was to set up, arm and disarm, and how well its sensors and cameras performed.