The Best Home Security System for Your Needs
A home security system is a popular tool that allows buyers to safeguard their belongings, finances, and families. The best home security systems give the purchaser more power. They can operate and monitor the property via a central mobile application on a phone or tablet.
People can control many home security products using their voices. This is because many of these products work with smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You don’t even need to have a professional install them. As more rivals enter the market and more effective technology becomes more affordable, home security prices have also fallen.
Most people buying home security systems today expect them to have a lot of features, like doorbell cameras, indoor and outdoor security cameras, motion sensors, smart detectors, and smart alarm systems. But it’s not just about the technology. The company behind the system is important, too. More reliable companies will offer better-quality products, better applications, better security features, and better monitoring services. We looked at several top home security companies to find the best ones available.
Quick Picks: The Best Home Security System for Your Needs
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What to Consider When Selecting the Most Appropriate Home Security System
When looking for a smart home security system, it is important to consider its cost and how easy it is to install. What equipment you are getting for your money, and are any subscription fees. We will look at each of these below.
Pricing and Fees
Most home security systems have a base cost for the equipment; sometimes, you must pay for installation. Make sure you know what you’re getting for that cost. Also, find out if there are any monthly fees or subscription fees.
When considering what company to use for a home security system, it is important to look at the cost of the service and what is included. Ensure you receive the expected services, including smart-home integration, video recording, monitoring, and product support. Examine the specifics to determine precisely what you are receiving for your money.
Installation and Equipment
Do you want to install the security system yourself, or would you prefer a professional do it? Companies like SimpliSafe and Frontpoint are good for people who want to install the system themselves. Other companies like ADT and Vivint offer professional installation.
It is also not a good idea to eliminate options with higher up-front costs. This is because you might not get the best system if you do this. For example, if you only pay the minimum for your base equipment costs, you might think you are getting a good deal. But you might only get a few products for that amount.
You must have enough window and door sensors, cameras, and smoke/CO detectors. You will need more equipment for a large two-story home than a small rancher. Make sure that the type of camera you want (wired vs. wireless) is compatible with your preferred voice assistant.
Monitoring
Professional monitoring systems typically have monthly fees, but self-monitored systems don’t have fees. However, professional monitoring systems have certain benefits you don’t get with self-monitored systems.
With professional monitoring, you have access to a team of experts that can assist you in the event of an emergency. With self-monitoring, you have to take care of things yourself if there is an emergency. Professional monitoring usually costs more money. But it can be worth it because the professionals will usually contact the authorities sooner than you would be able to on your own.
If your home is safe and you feel comfortable self-monitoring, you can save money by not getting professional monitoring. There are now more user services available like Alexa Guard Plus, so some people might not feel they need professional monitoring.
For $5 a month, you can access an emergency helpline and alerts when something dangerous happens in your home. Alexa Guard Plus can also help deter intruders by making siren or barking dog noises and turning smart lights on and off to make it look like someone is home. Keep in mind that this service is not a professional monitoring service. Still, it does include a few extra features to help promote security.
Trial Period
Some businesses offer their monthly monitoring or subscription services for a limited time. There may be a free trial for the first three days, seven days, thirty days, or even ninety days. After that period, you will be required to pay for or lose access to the service. Moreover, you may not be satisfied with your home security system if you do not receive the additional benefits of a monthly subscription or monitoring service. The monthly payment may not be optional if you’re financing the equipment.
At this point, it is essential to thoroughly read the contract, paying close attention to any asterisks or fine wording. Consider the difference between the short-term and long-term costs. Consider the costs you may pay after the trial period and determine whether you can afford them on a long-term basis.
Warranty
No tech product lasts forever. But as new home security products come out, it’s natural to want to know how long your product will last compared to similar products.
When a brand offers a long warranty, it is a good sign that the company is confident in its product. There is a wide range of warranty lengths for home security systems. Some brands provide a 90-day warranty, while others provide three years or longer.
The details of a warranty are important. For example, is the warranty only for manufacturer defects with the equipment? Or does the warranty cover the installation and all of the equipment? You should ask the company for more information about its warranty if the details are unclear.
Packages and Plans
Many home security brands offer different security solutions, which can be good for people with a small or big houses.
You can buy different parts of a security system separately from different brands. This way, you can choose the devices you want and build your system exactly how you like it.
Our Top Picks
1. Vivint
Vivint is a great choice for people who want smart-home features and advanced home security. It has a flexible system that can be integrated easily with other smart-home devices and comes with professional monitoring.
The Vivint starter kit costs around $600. It includes a hub panel, two-door and window sensors, a motion detector, and a flood sensor. Depending on the current deals available, you might be able to get more sensors included in that price. Vivint’s pricing can be a disadvantage if you want a home security system with cameras and other add-ons.
If you want to buy extra equipment for your security systems, like cameras or a smart lock, it will cost around $400-$600. But even though the equipment is expensive, it is a good quality system. The company also offers financing options if you don’t want to pay for the equipment all at once.
If you choose Vivint, a monitoring team is waiting to help you. The main panel makes sure all of your devices work together. If something happens, the main panel notifies the monitoring services.
Vivint is an excellent home security system since it is simple to use and the technology handles most of the job. The 4K Outdoor Camera Pro employs Smart Deter technology, which monitors your chosen areas. Then sounds an alarm and lights on a light if someone lingers there for too long.
Specs
- Base cost: $599
- Monthly minimum cost: $29.99
- Installation: Professional
- Trial period: 3 days
- Warranty: Length of the service contract
2. ADT
ADT is one of the biggest and most well-known companies for home security. It has been in the business for many years. It remains a top competitor by keeping up with the latest smart-home technology and releasing new home security products.
ADT has existed for a very long period. They have always been on top of the latest technology. They are one of the best security companies because they use the latest technology. You can choose from different packages they offer to find one perfect for you.
You must sign a contract for 36 months to get an ADT security system. The contract is even longer if you finance your system (60 months). If you cancel before the contract ends, you might have to pay 75 percent of your monthly fees.
If you choose a regular ADT system, you will likely have to pay between $28.99 and $63 each month. You may also need to pay for installation, as well as the cost of your equipment. With ADT, you can get a comprehensive home security solution regardless of your needs. If unsatisfied with the service, you can change your mind within the first 6 months and get your money back.
Specs
- Base cost: Installation fees vary
- Minimum monthly cost: $28.99
- Installation: Professional
- Trial period: 6 months
- Warranty: 90 days
3. SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is a great home security solution with different service levels to fit your needs. It is an affordable option, and it is easy to set up.
SimpliSafe is a well-known company that makes wireless home security systems. We like their products, which include cameras and sensors. We also appreciate the lengthy warranties and affordable base packages they offer.
You can choose from different SimpliSafe starter packages. The basic package includes a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor. More comprehensive systems are also available that include extra security products like water sensors, smoke detectors, and panic buttons. You can add other products like cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks.
One of the best things about SimpliSafe is choosing how you want to install it. You can do it yourself or have professionals do it for you. And if you choose to have professionals do it, SimpliSafe still offers a great value. Their standard monitoring service only costs $14.99 per month. It includes 24/7 monitoring, police dispatch, fire monitoring and dispatch, and medical response dispatch. This means you’ll get help quickly if there’s ever an emergency.
The $15-per-month service charge includes water leak detection, dangerous temperature detection, and other features. If you upgrade to the $24.99 interactive monitoring service, you get more features like text and email notifications and arming reminders.
Specs
- Base cost: $229
- Minimum monthly cost: $14.99
- Installation: DIY
- Trial period: 60 days
- Warranty: 3 years
4. Ring
The ring is one of the best home security companies because it has cutting-edge technologies and continues to release new products.
Ring provides a lot of features for your monthly subscription. The cheapest monthly subscription option is only $3 per month. This tier of subscription does not include professional monitoring. Still, it is perfect for someone who has a stand-alone Ring camera or video doorbell.
The Ring Protect Pro service is $20 per month. It is a better option than other home security systems because it includes professional monitoring and Alexa Guard Plus. With this service, you can save video recordings for your camera and get alerts to possible emergencies. You can also deter intruders with the included Alexa Guard Plus service.
The ring is a security system where you can choose the products you want. You can get a starter kit for as little as $200. You can add other products like doorbells, cameras, floodlights, and smoke/CO detectors.
You can control your Ring devices through the Ring app. This app has a feature that lets you see any suspicious activity your neighbors have reported in your neighborhood.
Specs
- Base cost: $199.99
- Minimum monthly cost: $3
- Installation: DIY
- Trial period: 30 days
- Warranty: 1 year
5. Frontpoint
Frontpoint offers a system you can install with professional monitoring from a team of reliable professionals.
Frontpoint is not as well-known as some other companies on this list, like ADT or Ring, but it is a major competitor in the home security space. Unlike those other companies, Frontpoint does not require a long-term contract. However, it only offers professional monitoring as a full-service home security solution (no self-monitoring). For its monitoring service, Frontpoint charges $50 per month. This price includes 24/7 support, fast response times, an emphasis on privacy and security, and several other perks like alerts, sensor history, and video history.
The Frontpoint has a limited selection of wireless equipment. Still, it does have a variety of different equipment solutions for different levels of security needs. Customers can also build their own packages if the preselected ones don’t suit their needs.
Frontpoint also works with security devices from other companies. So if someone already has security equipment, they can choose Frontpoint’s services. Another thing that makes Frontpoint special is that it does hourly automatic system checks. This means your devices don’t die or get disconnected for a long time.
Specs
- Base cost: $326.96
- Minimum monthly cost: $49.99
- Installation: DIY
- Trial period: 30 days
- Warranty: 3 years
What to Know Before You Buy
A home security system protects you and your family from people who try to enter your house without your permission. You should get a system that has everything you need. This includes products like video doorbells and outdoor cameras. These products can help you catch the person who did something bad after it happened, but they are not as good at preventing the bad thing from happening in the first place.
A good home security system helps to keep your home safe. It does this by having signs outside your house that warn people and sensors that tell you when someone is moving around or if there is glass breaking. You can also get help from a monitoring service in an emergency.
The Costs of Home Security Systems
There are many different home security systems to choose from. Some people prefer a system like Vivint because it is easy to use. Other people prefer a brand like Ring or SimpliSafe because they are more affordable and offer more flexibility. You need to weigh the benefits and costs of each system to find the best one for you. The annual cost of a home security system averages around $600. Still, it varies based on monitoring, installation fees, amount of equipment parts, and other factors.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Home Security Systems
Home security systems are a way to stop bad things from happening and find out what happened if something goes wrong. Yard signs let people know that you have a security system. Home alarms may also help to stop someone from coming into your home. Smoke and CO detectors can help prevent fires or carbon monoxide gas from hurting people in your home.
If someone breaks into your home, your security cameras will film them. Your alarm will also go off, and people will come to help. You might have a panic button to get help quickly. As more and more homes have video surveillance, it becomes harder for criminals to get away with their crimes.
Having a good home security system is important. It can give you peace of mind and make you feel safe in your home. It’s an investment in your safety and well-being.
- Home security systems can deter home intruders.
- Home security systems can make you feel safer and your home more secure.
- The cost of a home security system has decreased, while the available features and technology have increased.
Final Thoughts
Vivint offers a range of alarm, camera, and sensor products to protect your home. ADT is also a well-known company that provides full-service monitoring. A ring is a good choice if you want a more affordable option. You can install it and get professional monitoring if you choose the Pro Plan.
Read more: Do Security Systems Make Your Home Safer?
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Home Security System
Even with these enhancements, ADT’s exorbitant price is not justified. Despite the system’s adequate performance, its poor user experience, cumbersome design, and hefty prices make it one of the least appealing professional home security systems available.
Vivint is better than ADT, but there are even better options. The clear winner this round is Vivint. It costs less for the same or similar equipment, offers a better user experience, and does not require contracts.
ADT’s wireless security door/window, fire/heat, and carbon monoxide sensors use a different frequency than Wi-Fi. If you have wireless video services, the wireless cameras and touchscreen use a separate private network that will not interfere with your home Wi-Fi network.
ADT charges high prices for their services. They have many current customers who continue to pay more and more. It could potentially destroy the company if they lowered the price for new customers.
All ADT cameras record continuously and 24/7. You can check in on your camera at any time. If there is a motion detector or noise, you will get an alert on your phone or security system.
ADT is one of the biggest security companies. Vivint is its main competitor. The two companies have been fighting for many years to get more customers. Comcast Security, Frontpoint Security, and SimpliSafe are also competitors.
The installation fee for most home security packages is about $150. The cost of home security monitoring and the monthly equipment payment will vary depending on your chosen package.
A DIY home security system has some benefits, like being cheaper, and you can install it yourself. But a professionally monitored security system has some advantages too. Professionals will install it for you, so you don’t have to worry about it. Plus, you’ll get better protection with a professional system.
