7 Best Home Security Systems of 2024
Home security systems offer a wide range of protection and coverage options. Modern systems can include features ranging from in-home motion and heat sensors to doorbell cameras, as well as apps and smart home integration to monitor your home from any location.
If you’re in the market for a home security system, take a look at our list for the seven best home security systems, from automated and professionally installed to no-contract, self-monitoring options.
Our Top Picks for Best Home Security Systems
- Abode - Best for Smart Homes
- ADT - Best for Customization and Versatility
- Brinks Home - Best for Phone Monitoring
- Frontpoint - Best DIY Home Security Setup
- Ring - Best Budget Option
- SimpliSafe - Best No-contract Option
- Vivint - Best for Home and Vehicles
Best Home Security System Reviews
The home security systems in our top picks are listed in alphabetical order.
- Abode's Cue integration can connect most smart home devices
- One year warranty
- Professional monitoring available
- Compatible with Apple smart devices
- Base package doesn't include a keypad
Abode offers a wide variety of smart home solutions, including smart home devices powered by Google Nest and Apple HomeKit, among others. It also integrates with voice assistant programs such as Google Assistant, Z-Wave and Amazon Alexa. This makes Abode the best choice for people looking for smart-enabled security systems.
Abode systems come in DIY home security kits starting at $259. Plans include self monitoring options under the standard plan or professional monitoring with the Pro Plan, with the latter costing $24.99 a month. You can also choose the annual plan for $229.99, reducing the monthly cost to under $20 a month.
- Base cost:
- Starts at $229
- Contract required:
- No
- Type of installation:
- DIY and Professional
- Compatible with:
- Google Assistant, Alexa, Z-Wave, iOS and Zigbee
- Monthly Fees:
- Optional, starting at $6
- 12 Monitoring centers available nationwide
- Theft Protection and 6-month money-back guarantee
- 36-month minimum contract, 24-month in California
With services available for homes and businesses, ADT’s home security has a high degree of customizability. Devices include:
- Door and window sensors
- Smoke detectors
- Night vision outdoor cameras
- Flood sensors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Full inside/outside video surveillance
ADT allows you to customize your system with a straightforward setup and ample gadgets from which to choose. ADT’s DIY system also syncs up your Google Nest products through its ADT+ mobile app, allowing you to control your smart home security setup and receive safety notifications from virtually anywhere.
ADT’s DIY options include a suggested Starter Kit and Premium package, as well as the option to shop for each add-on individually. The Build Your Own option goes for $194.98, the Starter Kit for $389.96 and the Premium option for $744.92. All three options come with professional monitoring, with a $24.99 a month essential monitoring option for the Build Your Own kit and a $34.99 a month option to add video monitoring.
Note: See terms and conditions for ADT's Money-Back Guarantee and Theft Protection Guarantee.
- Cost
- - Self Setup: Build-Your-Own (Starting at $194.98) / Starter Kit ($389.96) / Premium ($744.92)
- Pro Install: Build-Your-Own (Starting at $13.47/mo for 60 mo. or $808) / Smart Home ($14.30/mo. for 60 mo. or $858.00) / Video & Smart Home ($22.62/mo for 60 mo. or $1,357)
- Contract required:
- Yes. (three-year contract, except California's two-year contract)
- Type of installation:
- DIY and professional installation
- Compatible with:
- Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Kwikset and Z-Wave
- Monthly Fees:
- Starting at $24.99 per month
- Devices have simple interfaces and are easy to use
- Cellular backup included in all plans
- One year warranty
- Monitor for fire or flood
- Requires a three-year contract
- Basic starter kit doesn't include a camera
- Home security and automation requires an extra $39-$49.99 a month
Brinks home security systems feature 4G LTE cellular backup and battery-powered backup. This means that any information and notifications that you monitor with your phone are kept and protected through cloud storage, so you won’t have to worry about power outages. Home security and automation options aren’t automatically included with any package, so you’ll have to pay extra for them.
Customers can choose between three smart security solutions: Essential, Complete and Ultimate. All three tiers include devices that are easy to set up and use. For example, the Essential package includes a touch control panel with a simple touchscreen interface, a motion sensor, and two wireless door sensors.
Brinks also offers several add-ons for increased customizability, including:
- Outdoor security cameras
- Smoke detectors
- Smart door locks
- Thermostats
- Base cost:
- Starts at $199
- Contract required:
- Yes
- Type of installation:
- DIY and Professional
- Compatible with:
- Google Assistant, Alexa, iOS and Z-Wave
- Monthly Fees:
- Starts at $39.99
- Professional installation available
- Equipment can be used with other security monitoring companies
- Four home security packages to choose from
- Professional monitoring can get expensive
- Personal remote monitoring costs extra
Frontpoint’s DIY home security systems don’t require a professional installation and offer a high degree of customizability. The company allows you to purchase a barebones hub-and-sensor pack and add to it the equipment you see fit. Its ease of installation, combined with its low point of entry, makes this the best choice for homeowners on a budget.
Frontpoint’s starter home security system costs $79, by far the lowest entry point on DIY security systems on the market. The company also offers more involved systems such as its Premier system ($169) and its Ultimate system ($419). You can also build your own system from scratch to mix and match to your liking.
Frontpoint also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that includes return shipping, so you can try the system without commitment.
- Base cost:
- Starts at $79
- Contract required:
- No
- Type of installation:
- DIY
- Compatible with:
- Google Assistant, Alexa and Z-Wave
- Monthly Fees:
- Starts at $49.99
- Premium monitoring and video plan only costs $20 a month
- You can choose between professional or DIY installation
- One year warranty
- Contact sensors are bulky
- Some users have claimed connectivity issues
Ring, known for their Amazon Alexa-enabled video doorbells, offers alarm security kits that include door and window contact sensors, motion detection and alarm range extenders. Ring also offers a Protect Pro subscription with no-contract, 24/7 alarm professional monitoring for one location. Ring’s alarm systems come in two varieties: its 2nd-generation Alarm Security Kit and its Ring Alarm Pro, which comes with a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 Router.
Ring’s alarm systems start at $199.99 for its 5-piece Alarm Security Kit and $299.99 for its 8-piece Ring Alarm Pro variety. Both systems have upgrade options to add more equipment. Ring Protect Pro’s no-contract subscription starts at $20 a month when billed monthly or $200 a year, per location.
- Base cost:
- Starts at $199.99
- Contract required:
- No
- Type of installation:
- DIY and Pro
- Compatible with:
- Google Assistant, Alexa, Z-Wave and iOS
- Monthly Fees:
- Starts at $20 per month
- Five home security packages available
- HD video indoor cameras, Smart Lock and video doorbells and other smart home security add-ons
- Option to discontinue monitoring for a specific period
- Home automation requires a $24.99 plan upgrade
- No facial recognition available with Simplicam
SimpliSafe is a no-contract DIY home security system with simple, no-tools-required installation. The company’s system bundles focus on different types of security risks, including “The Haven” for water leaks, “The Knox” for larger homes and “The Foundation” for smaller homes and apartments.
SimpliSafe’s bundles for traditional homes start at $167.97 (Essentials package) and go all the way up to $425.94 for its all-in-one system The Beacon. You can also opt to pay monthly over a 24-month payment plan instead of paying everything upfront. The company’s “Fast Protect" professional monitoring services cost $29.99 a month.
- Base cost:
- Starts at $149.98 for the Foundation package
- Contract required:
- No
- Type of installation:
- DIY
- Compatible with:
- Alexa and Google Assistant
- Monthly Fees:
- Starting at $9.99 per month
- Equipment integrates with third-party smart home devices
- Control the system using mobile app, voice control recognition, or key fob
- Professional monitoring includes carbon monoxide detection, live video monitoring, and medical alert monitoring
- Requires a 60-month long-term contract if you don't pay upfront
- No DIY option available
- Short cancellation/refund policy of three days
Vivint doesn’t have pre-set equipment packages, opting instead to go with systems custom-built to your specifications and needs. To get a quote, you must call and speak with one of the company’s home security experts.
Vivint offers various smart home options, including smart locks, garage door control, thermostat, and lighting. All these devices can be connected to and monitored by Vivint’s Smart Hub. With this feature, you can control all these devices, and your home’s security systems, all through an integrated touchscreen.
Vivint Smart Home’s protection extends beyond your home — with Vivint Car Guard, you can protect your vehicle, too. You’ll be able to monitor your vehicle in the same home security app and receive alerts if your vehicle is being stolen, towed, or has been bumped.
Since Car Guard is on the same platform as your home security, you can configure your settings to turn on your outdoor lights when a car disturbance is detected while on your property.
- Base cost:
- $599
- Contract required:
- No
- Type of installation:
- Professional
- Compatible with:
- Google Assistant, Alexa and Z-Wave
- Monthly Fees:
- Starts at $40
Other Companies We Considered
Link Interactive
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Variety of smart home integration options
- System is compatible with third-party devices
- Only 36-month contracts available
- Monthly monitoring costs start at $30.99
Why it didn’t make the cut: Cancellation fees can be steep. If you decide to cancel your contract with the company before it expires, you must pay the remainder upfront.
Cove
- Lifetime equipment warranty
- $5 monthly equipment credit if you upgrade your devices
- No contract
- No smart home integration or self-monitoring options
- You need a premium subscription for remote monitoring
- Cameras only work with their plus plan
Why it didn’t make the cut: Cove’s lack of smart home and self-monitoring choices limits its options as a home monitoring system.
Home Security Systems Guide
The following section includes a glossary of home security terms you should be acquainted with, how a home security system works, the costs of installing one in your home and the difference between DIY and professional install.
Home Security Terms You Should Know
- Control Panel: This is the central hub of a home security system. It allows users to arm or disarm the system, get notifications, and control the security features.
- Motion Sensor: This device is able to detect movement within its field of view. If movement is detected, the device will trigger an alarm and/oror notify the homeowner.
- Door and Window Sensors: These devices detect when doors or windows are opened or closed.
- Smart Locks: These electronic locks can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing homeowners to lock or unlock doors from wherever they are.
- Access Control: These are the technologies used to regulate entry to a property. Access control devices include keypads, biometric scanners, and keyless entry systems.
- Home Automation: An “automated” home is one where the security system is integrated with other smart devices and technologies. This integration enables automated actions such as turning on lights or adjusting thermostats.
- Monitoring Service: Some companies offer this subscription-based service to continuously monitor a home and alert authorities in case of an emergency or break-in.
- Panic Button: When activated, this device immediately triggers the alarm and notifies authorities.
- Environmental Sensors: Devices that detect changes in environmental conditions — smoke, carbon monoxide, or flooding, for example — to provide early warnings of potential hazards.
- Geofencing: This is a virtual boundary created around a property using GPS or RFID technology. When someone enters the designated area, an alert is immediately sent.
- DVR/NVR: Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) systems are used to store and manage recorded footage from security cameras for later review.
How do home security systems work?
Home security systems usually consist of a network of devices connected to each other through a base station or central hub with the purpose of protecting your home. The hub gathers the information that each device records or highlights and delivers it either to you — via a phone app or computer program — or to a professional monitoring agency.
Home security devices usually involve cameras or sensors (including glass-break sensors), and they’re commonly placed in vulnerable entry points to your home, such as windows, doors, and corners. A typical home security kit includes:
- A central control panel or “hub”
- Sensors for doors and/or windows
- A siren or alarm
- Security cameras (wired or wireless)
- Interior and/or exterior motion sensors
- Window stickers or yard signs
Home security systems come in two types: professionally installed home security and do-it-yourself (DIY) home security systems. Each has its own pros and cons, which we’ve broken down below.
How Much Is a Home Security System?
The overall cost of home security systems varies greatly for professionally installed systems and DIYs, and from company to company. However, there are three basic costs related to purchasing a home security system:
- Security equipment - prices average around $200-$400
- Installation/activation - costs range from free to $199
- Monitoring fees - usually around $25-$50 per month
Professionally installed home security vs. DIY home security
When it comes to choosing between DIY or a professionally installed system there are several factors you should consider to ensure you select the right option for you and your home.
Professionally installe
DIY
Best suited for large houses or homes
Best suited for renters and/or small apartments
The company chooses where to place your hub, security cameras and sensors
They tend to be wireless, so you can move them from one location to another
A professional assesses your home’s vulnerabilities and gives advice on what you need
These systems can be built out or upgraded at once or over time
Provides peace of mind, as the installer ensures that each camera and sensor has been placed correctly
Most DIY home security systems are easy to set up, and have no contract fees
Includes professional monitoring, which typically responds moments after the alarm is set off
They typically don’t include professional monitoring, though some companies offer this option
Can be very expensive when compared to DIYs
Are generally more affordable than professional systems
There’s a chance that you’ll be pressured into buying more than you need
Some devices might not connect with each other or may not be compatible with your smart assistant such as Alexa or Google
Wired vs. wireless home security system
Wired
Wireless
Installation
May require professional installation
Setup is usually easy
Reliability
Wired systems are highly reliable and less susceptible to dropped signals or interference
Subject to wireless signal and more susceptible to lost or dropped signals
Maintenance
Generally low once installed
May require maintenance such as replacing the battery
Scalability
May be difficult or costly to upgrade given you’ll have to contact the provider
Easy to upgrade and to add devices as needed
Security
Harder to disable or tamper with
Potentially vulnerable to signal interference
This will depend on what you're looking for and what type of security you want. The best home security system is one that includes a network of devices connected by a base station or central hub. This hub helps you gather the information and recordings of all devices and allows you to access the data using your phone app or computer.
While some security systems are DIY where you monitor the system yourself, there are options where a professional monitoring agency monitors your system, alerts you and can even call 911 in case of a break-in or emergency.The best home security system for an apartment is one that monitors the entryway and interior of the apartment. Often a DIY option is better for apartments, especially for renters, given that professional systems are more permanent additions. To these ends, apartment owners should look for systems with minimal equipment and portable security cameras.
If you're a renter, the best system for you may be one that is contract-free or offers short contracts that you can tailor your rent or lease agreement.The best home security system for an apartment is one that monitors the entryway and interior of the apartment. Often a DIY option is better for apartments, especially for renters, given that professional systems are more permanent additions. To these ends, apartment owners should look for systems with minimal equipment and portable security cameras.
If you're a renter, the best system for you may be one that is contract-free or offers short contracts that you can tailor your rent or lease agreement.How We Chose the Best Home Security Systems
We evaluated the best home security systems of 2024 using four factors:
- Security features - We chose companies that offer a wide variety of security options from door sensors to video cameras and more. We also made sure to include a selection of professionally monitored and installed options, as well as systems that embrace a DIY approach.
- Contracts and payment options - While most security companies require contracts, we looked for some no-contract options as well. Most of the companies that do require contracts offer at least a 30-day trial before commitment.
- 24/7 Monitoring and assistance availability - With 24/7 monitoring, a security company can request help for you when you can’t. The companies included in this ranking all offer 24/7 monitoring and emergency assistance.
- Company reputation - We weighed factors like the company’s user reviews, satisfaction ratings and the company’s reputation for providing responsive customer support.
Summary of Money’s Best Home Security Systems of 2024
- Abode - Best for Smart Homes
- ADT - Best for Customization and Versatility
- Brinks Home - Best for Phone Monitoring
- Frontpoint - Best DIY Home Security Setup
- Ring - Best Budget Option
- SimpliSafe - Best No-contract Option
- Vivint - Best for Home and Vehicles