The Best Home Security Systems of 2024 (2024)

Picking the best security system — it sounds easy until you actually have to do it. There are dozens of great systems out there with tons of unique features and security components, making it nearly impossible to pick out just one. Luckily, you have us.

Our team of security experts has notched thousands of hours researching and testing security systems to decide which options provide the best home protection. We came up with the top 10 options, from well-established brands like ADT and SimpliSafe to newcomers but surprisingly good picks like Cove and Alder. We tested each and every security system. In this guide, we’ll relay to you our personal experience with each, what we thought of the equipment and features, and how much each security system costs.

You still have to decide which is the best one for you, but that should be a lot easier with all the relevant information we’ll provide. So without wasting any more time, let’s start! Here are our top picks and where they excelled at.

The Best Home Security Systems of 2024

• ADT Home Security - Most Trusted Name
• SimpliSafe - Innovative Security Pick
• Vivint Smart Home - Smart Security Pick
• Alder Security - Best Cellular Monitoring
• Cove Security - Best Cellular Monitoring
• Frontpoint Home Security - Custom Features Pick
• Brinks Home Security - Google Home User Favorite
• Ring Alarm - Budget Buyer’s Pick
• abode Home Security - Top Innovative IoT Hub
• Deep Sentinel - Best Video Monitoring

Comparison of the Top Home Security Systems

System	ADT Security	SimpliSafe Home Security	Vivint Smart Home	Fastest Response Favorite	Cove Security	Frontpoint Home Security	Brinks Home Security	Ring Alarm	abode	Deep Sentinel Security
Ranking	1st View Packages	2nd View Packages	3rd View Packages	4th View Packages	5th View Packages	6th View Packages	7th View Packages	8th View on Amazon	9th View Packages	10th View Packages
SecureScore™	9.2	9.2	9.1	8.8	8.8	8.7	8.7	8.2	8.0	7.9
Best For	Most Trusted Name	Innovative Security Pick	Smart Security Pick	Fastest Response Favorite	Best Cellular Monitoring	Custom Features Pick	Google Home User Favorite	Budget Buyer’s Pick	Top Innovative IoT Hub	Best Video Monitoring
Installation	Professional	DIY or professiona	Professional	DIY or professiona	DIY or professiona	DIY or professiona	Professional	DIY or professiona	DIY or professiona	DIY or professiona
Warranty	1 Year	1 Year	120 Days	Lifetime	1 Year	3 Years	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year
Monitoring	Professional	Self or professional	Professional	Professional	Professional	Professional	Professional	Self or professional	Self or professional	Professional
Requires a Contract?	36 months	No	48 months	36 months	No	36 months	36 months	No	No	12 months
Cameras Available?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Environmental Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Read Review	ADT Review	SimpliSafe Review	Vivint Review	Alder Review	Cove Review	Frontpoint Review	Brinks Review	Ring Alarm Review	Abode Review	Deep Sentinel Review

Ranking the Best Home Security Systems of 2024

• 1. ADT Home Security - Most Trusted Name

  

  SecureScore™

  9.2

  

  877-959-7762

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  8.6

  Value

  8.7

  Equipment

  9.5

  Features & Technology

  9.6

  Ease Of Use

  9.6

  SecureScore™

  9.2

  How We Review

  Overview:

  ADT is a household name, but how did it get there? Well, for one, it has been in business for a century and a half. And frankly, that shows. ADT knows how to build security systems that answer the changing needs of customers. Home automation was new when we first tested ADT back in the early 2010s and the ADT Pulse system was one of the early adopters of the technology. It was also one of the first security systems to offer an app. In short, you can always trust ADT to offer the latest in home security technology, all while staying grounded to the true purpose of a security system — protecting homes.

  FYI: ADT topped our list of the best security systems with an app because of its intuitively designed and easy-to-use app. The ADT Control app provides real-time alerts, controls, and management options.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use app
  • 24/7 professional monitoring with nine monitoring centers
  • Cellular backup
  • SMART Monitoring technology for faster response times
  • 150 years of experience
  • Offers Google Nest Cams
  • Now offers DIY components via ADT Self Setup

  Cons:

  • Requires a contract; 36 months minimum
  • Installation fee costs $99 minimum
  • Limited touch-screen control panel features
  • Equipment costs more than the DIY competition

  Our Experience:

  ADT Pricing

  From a cost perspective, ADT tends to be on the higher end. It’s not prohibitively expensive, and it does offer financing options. But you will be paying more than you would with the newer DIY-friendly companies. Let’s compare ADT’s pricing with that of its DIY counterpart, ADT Self Setup.

  Equipment Pricing	ADT Pro Install	ADT Self Setup
  Entry sensor	$50.00	$14.99
  Motion sensor	$100.00	$24.99
  Extra keypad	$200.00 (touch-screen)	$89.99 (analog)
  Nest Cam (battery)	$309.00	$179.99
  Nest Cam (indoor)	$199.99	$99.99
  Nest Doorbell (battery)	$229.99	$179.99
  Cheapest equipment package	$499.00	$194.98

  On the bright side, though, ADT’s professional monitoring plans have become a lot more affordable. It used to charge up to $60 per month for monitoring. Now it’s down to $24.99 to $34.99 per month. The features didn’t change either. ADT still offers protection through nine monitoring facilities (the most of all the systems we tested), SMART Monitoring, and video verification. More on those features next.

  Note: Keep in mind that ADT requires a contract, unlike most DIY options that will let you come and go as you please. Its monitoring contract locks you into the professional monitoring service for at least 36 months (24 months in the state of California).

  ADT Equipment and Features

  

  ADT Control Panel

  Despite the higher cost, we recommend ADT for being one of the most feature-rich security systems we’ve tested. Now keep in mind, most of those features are packaged into the monitoring subscriptions. For example, you’ll need the Essential + Video plan ($34.99 per month) and at least one ADT security camera to get video verification. That’s when the monitoring center uses your live camera footage to verify alerts. It speeds up police response, which complements ADT’s fast response times. It responded to all our break-in simulations between 30 seconds and 1 minute.

  On the other hand, both monitoring plans include SMART Monitoring. This is a new feature added in 2022. It uses text-based communication to make coordination easier during emergencies. The text alerts arrive a little sooner than ADT’s alarm calls (by around 10 seconds), in our experience. From there, you can immediately verify or cancel the alarm without having to talk to an agent. SMART Monitoring is also a nice feature to have for homes with deaf occupants, since it doesn’t require verbal communication. That’s why ADT made our roundup of the ideal security systems for the deaf.

  Our Experience With ADT

  Testing ADT can be a bit overwhelming. There’s always a lot going on. It required us to sign a contract, it needed to be installed by a professional, and we even had to get a consultation before we could buy a security system. But in all fairness, ADT made the process as streamlined as possible. It took us only two business days to get an ADT system installed after we initially called for a quote. Other systems, like Vivint and Alder, took three to five days.

  Once installed, our initial impression was that ADT is a modern, high-tech security system. And for the most part, it proved us right. The touch-screen control panel controlled the system functions; we had an app to access our cameras and manage our system on-the-go. We also integrated ADT with voice control using our Nest Home smart speakers.

  When it comes to home protection, ADT takes a more traditional approach. Sensors were the main attraction (quite literally). The motion sensors and glass break sensors were bulkier than we expected. On the bright side, one of the door sensors the technician installed was brown to match our door’s brown trim.

  As for functions, we pretty much got what we expected from ADT’s sensors.

  • Door sensors: ADT’s magnetic door sensors alerted us everytime a door opened but not when we accidentally left the backdoor ajar. That said, we could check the ADT Control app to see the status of a sensor (i.e., Open or Close) to make sure we’ve closed all doors and windows before leaving. (FYI: Frontpoint’s door sensors can be configured to notify you when a door is left open for longer than a specified time.)
  • Motion sensors: ADT’s motion sensors are pet-friendly. They can be configured to ignore pets up to 80 pounds, although the sensitivity can be set to a lower level if you have a smaller pet. Even at the lowest sensitivity level, though, it still noticed us everytime we walked in front of it. The pet-friendly motion sensors were a big part of why ADT made our roundup of the top security systems for pet owners.
  • Glass break sensors: Our ADT glass break sensors provided extra coverage in rooms with lots of glass windows. We didn’t exactly break any windows to test it, but even playing the sound of breaking glass on our TV triggered it. Just make sure the glass break sensors aren’t armed during movie night.

  Pro Tip: We recommend placing glass break sensors in rooms with multiple glass windows or rooms with sliding glass doors.

  There are a few things to consider about ADT though. For one, the control panel doesn’t show camera footage nor does it control home automation features. To us, that seemed like a missed opportunity for a system with touch-screen controls.

  Another thing is that customer service can sometimes be a mixed bag. We were happy with the service we got, but because ADT has a network of dealers nationwide, some users we interviewed have had bad experiences.

  Lastly, watch out for the contract terms. If you see yourself moving soon or if you’re not sure you can hold up your end of the three-year contract, ADT might not be the one for you. There is a cancellation fee — a hefty one — and the moving policy could be more customer-friendly.

  Product Specs:

  Equipment cost	Packages starting at $194.98
  Monitoring options	Professional
  Monitoring cost	Starting at $24.99 per month
  Contract length	Starting at 36 months
  Installation options	Professional or DIY
  Smart platform integration	Alexa and Google Home

• 2. SimpliSafe - Innovative Security Pick

  

  SecureScore™

  9.2

  

  800-548-0526

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  9.0

  Value

  9.4

  Equipment

  9.0

  Features & Technology

  9.2

  Ease Of Use

  9.2

  SecureScore™

  9.2

  How We Review

  Overview:

  SimpliSafe is our next top contender. It started out as a renter-friendly DIY security system in 2006. While it’s still a great DIY option, its innovative security features have made it capable of going toe-to-toe with ADT and other more traditional security systems like Vivint. And thanks to its DIY nature, it’s also a lot more flexible and versatile as those options. It doesn’t tie you to a contract, you can take the system with you if you move, and you can even use it as a self-monitored alarm. We strongly recommend sticking with professional monitoring.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Affordable equipment and monitoring
  • No long-term contracts or monthly fees required
  • Professional monitoring plans starting at $19.99 per month
  • Easy DIY wireless installation with optional pro installation
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Three-year equipment warranty
  • Indoor and outdoor cameras
  • Video doorbell options
  • Environmental disaster sensors
  • Integrations With Alexa, Google Assistant, August Locks, and Apple Watch
  • Award-winning company

  Cons:

  • Up-front equipment expenses
  • Control panel is push-button, not touch screen
  • Sensors are slightly larger than average
  • Only one outdoor camera option

  Our Experience:

  SimpliSafe Pricing

  SimpliSafe is one of those DIY companies that are cheaper than ADT. The catch is you’ll have to purchase the system upfront or sign up for financing with a maximum repayment term of 24 months. In comparison, ADT and Vivint offer equipment financing up to 60 months. SimpliSafe is cheaper in the long run, but expect the first- and second-year ownership cost to be higher than ADT.

  To give you a sense of how much SimpliSafe costs, take a look at the premade packages available on SimpliSafe’s website below. Keep in mind, those are regular prices. SimpliSafe often runs deals that mark prices down by up to 60 percent.

  SimpliSafe Packages	Total Cost	Monthly Cost with Financing (24 months)
  The Foundation	$249.96	$10.42
  The Essentials	$279.95	$11.66
  The Hearth	$399.91	$16.66
  The Lighthouse	$469.93	$19.58
  The Knox	$479.87	$19.99
  The Haven	$519.86	$21.66
  The Beacon	$709.90	$29.58

  On top of budget-friendly equipment, SimpliSafe offers affordable professional monitoring. It starts at $19.99 for the Standard Plan but we highly recommend the $29.99 Fast Protect plan for its high-end features and extensive video security.

  SimpliSafe Equipment and Features

  

  SimpliSafe equipment

  SimpliSafe became known for being a simple, DIY option, but in all the years we’ve been testing it (since 2010), we’ve come to appreciate its innovative spirit. That’s especially true now that it has added a bunch of new cutting-edge features to its Fast Protect monitoring plan. For about a buck per day ($29.99 per month), SimpliSafe will monitor your security system, give you cloud storage for up to 10 security cameras, and offer you Live Guard Protection, Alarm Texts, and video verification.

  Alarm Texts and video verification are similar to ADT’s SMART Monitoring. What truly stands out is Live Guard Protection. If you have a Smart Alarm indoor camera — a newer version of the SimpliCam indoor camera we reviewed — SimpliSafe will access its live video and two-way audio to respond to alarms. Agents will be able to speak directly to the intruder. They will let the intruder know they’re being recorded and that police are on the way.

  In a recent press release, SimpliSafe also announced it’s bringing Live Guard Protection to its outdoor cameras too. This time, with a new smart twist: facial recognition. When the outdoor camera detects someone approaching, it uses AI to see if that someone matches the profile of one of the registered house members. If it doesn’t, the camera initiates Live Guard Protection and starts a two-way audio link with the monitoring center. This feature is even better than Smart Alarm’s Live Guard Protection, in our opinion, because it has the potential to stop break-ins before they even happen. Just note that it’s not available to all users yet. Only select early access participants are able to use the feature for now.

  Our Experience with SimpliSafe

  It’s nice that SimpliSafe lets customers opt for professional installation now, but with installation fees starting at $125, we chose to do it ourselves. It took us no more than 45 minutes. It would have gone even faster if we didn’t have to hardwire the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro to our front door. In any case, most people will find the installation process easy.

  Post-installation, SimpliSafe gave us three days to use it in “practice mode.” It was like using the system with training wheels on. It sent us alerts, but the monitoring center didn’t call emergency services. Three days was just enough time to learn to use the system. After that, SimpliSafe took the training wheels off and started working as it should. So how was it living with SimpliSafe

  The sensors were snappy in detecting possible intrusions and sending alerts. There was a 30-second entry delay. This is standard with most security systems, but you can customize it in the app. We recommend setting it to only 10 to 15 seconds if the keypad is close to your door. Better yet, get a key fob and use it to disarm the system before entering your house.

  FYI: Most security systems have an entry delay. The sensors don’t set off the alarm right away to give you time to disarm the system. However, in a real break-in scenario, the entry delay gives the burglar a lot of time to get away. That’s why if possible, we recommend turning off the entry delay and using a key fob or the app to disarm the system before opening your door.

  In terms of response times, we commend SimpliSafe’s monitoring center. They sent us Alarm Texts within 15 seconds of being triggered during our break-in simulations. And that’s with the entry delay set to 10 seconds. Alert phone calls came in about 30 to 45 seconds. Here’s the full alerting process.

  1. A sensor is tripped; it alerts the base station after the entry delay.
  2. The base station notifies the monitoring center.
  3. The monitoring center sends an Alarm Text, through which you can confirm or cancel the alarm.
  4. If you don’t respond in about 15 seconds, the monitoring center calls your primary emergency contact numbers one after the other until someone answers.
  5. They’ll ask you to verify the alarm. If you confirm it, they’ll send the police right away.
  6. If no one answers or if you’re not sure if the alarm is real, they’ll still send the police to be sure your home is protected.

  Keep in mind that that’s the alerting process for the $29.99 Fast Protect plan. If you go with the $19.99 Standard Plan, SimpliSafe will skip the third step and go straight away to calling your phone. The average response time is 40 to 50 seconds, accounting for the 10-second entry delay we set.

  SimpliSafe worked pretty much as expected. It’s certainly not a perfect home security system. We’d like to see more outdoor security camera options from SimpliSafe. And what’s with that push-button control panel? Most systems these days have sleek touch-screen panels. But overall, the flexibility, affordability and fast response time of SimpliSafe makes it a good pick. Add to that the fact that it’s a security system that doesn’t require contracts.

  Product Specs:

  Equipment cost	Packages starting at $249.96
  Monitoring options	Professional or DIY
  Monitoring cost	From $19.99
  Contract length	Monthly
  Installation options	Professional or DIY
  Smart platform integration	Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Watch

• 3. Vivint Smart Home - Smart Security Pick

  

  SecureScore™

  9.1

  

  855-934-0535

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  8.9

  Value

  8.4

  Equipment

  9.3

  Features & Technology

  9.5

  Ease Of Use

  9.2

  SecureScore™

  9.1

  How We Review

  Overview:

  Vivint’s more traditional approach to monitoring contracts and installation mimics ADT, but it’s more than just an ADT alternative. It stands on its own legs as one of the premiere options for smart home security.

  Interesting fact: The name Vivint is a combination of the words vivere (“to live” in Latin) and intelligent. Vivint essentially means “to live smart,” which we can say is the ethos behind the Vivint system. It offers a lot of smart features that can automate and make your everyday life more convenient. That’s why Vivint is our smart security pick.

  See Also

  Weekend Edition Sunday for June, 23 2024

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Wireless equipment
  • Advanced home automation and customizations
  • 7-inch touch-screen smart home hub
  • AI-powered outdoor, indoor and doorbell cameras
  • Professional installation service
  • Cellular monitoring with two monitoring facilities

  Cons:

  • Equipment can be pricey
  • Requires a contract up to 60 months
  • Short three-day cancellation window
  • Lack of pricing transparency on its website

  Our Experience:

  Vivint Pricing

  If you thought ADT was expensive, you’re going to want to brace yourself for Vivint’s pricing. ADT’s cheapest package costs $499. Vivint’s cheapest package costs $100 more. More than that, Vivint’s security cameras are some of the priciest we’ve seen. Take a look:

  Security Cameras	Vivint	ADT
  Indoor camera	$249.99	$199.00
  Outdoor camera	$399.99	$309.99
  Outdoor camera with floodlight	$649.00	$299.99
  Doorbell camera	$249.99	$229.99

  But just like ADT, Vivint justifies its pricing by offering advanced features you won’t see in a regular security system. For instance, all its cameras include AI detection and a feature called Smart Deter, which we’ll discuss below.

  As for professional monitoring, Vivint requires it, but the prices aren’t out-of-reach expensive. The monthly fee starts at $39.99. That’s more expensive than ADT and SimpliSafe, but there are options that cost far more.

  Vivint Equipment and Features

  

  Vivint Smart Home Equipment

  Vivint offers two types of equipment we’d say are a must-try.

  First is the Smart Hub, and you have no other choice but to get it since it’s the heart and brain of the Vivint system. The 7-inch touch-screen control panel may look like the one from ADT, but it offers a lot more functionality. It can display live security camera footage, it acts as a computer box that controls Vivint home automation, and it has two-way audio for speaking with Vivint monitoring during emergencies. Those are in addition to connecting with Vivint’s sensors and doing the things a normal home security hub does.

  The second must-try Vivint components are the security cameras, thanks to their Smart Deter feature. They use a combination of lights and alarm sounds to deter burglars, intruders and lurkers by following a set of rules you’ll set. For example, we set our Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro to flash red lights and sound a warning tone when someone lurks in our front yard for more than 60 seconds. Smart Deter’s parameters (how long a person stays within your property line, what time it activates, what warning tone it plays, etc.) is fully customizable.

  Our Vivint Experience

  Vivint is no DIY system. We had an installer from the company named Don install it. He performed the job so proficiently, we named Vivint one of the top pro-installed security systems.

  Following the installation, the first thing that jumped out to us was how well Vivint seems to have mastered the art of automating homes. We had a ton of options to customize our system and how it responds to us. We got to set a schedule for automatically arming and disarming the system; we programmed our cameras to record based on sensor triggers. We even got our thermostat to adjust on its own depending on whether we’re home or away. It wasn’t hard at all to automate, either. We used the Vivint app for the most part where we were able to set triggers and actions, kind of like with IFTTT.

  Pro Tip: IFTTT stands for If This, Then That, which is the building block recipe for creating most automations. Vivint doesn’t work with IFTTT, but its automation platform allows for the creation of IFTTT-like rules. And in case you want to check them out, see our roundup of security systems that integrate with IFTTT.

  That’s not to say Vivint sacrifices security for flashy AI and smart-home features. It’s quite the opposite. Those Vivint automations allowed us to use the system more efficiently and improved our security too. Vivint’s sensors didn’t just send alerts; they also triggered automations designed to deter crime. For example, we set our living room motion sensor to turn on the living room lights when it detects movement while in Away mode. That way, the lights would surprise the burglars and (hopefully!) send them packing. We couldn’t do that with our SimpliSafe system because again, it doesn’t work with smart-home devices.

  Those automations are in addition to Vivint’s normal alarm response, which was pretty standard. The alarm calls came in about 30 to 45 seconds on average, but alarm texts averaged less than 10 seconds. Of all the systems offering text alerts (e.g., ADT, SimpliSafe, Alder, and Cove), Vivint was the fastest we tested.

  The two-way audio link to the monitoring center via the Vivint Smart Hub was also a nice touch. You won’t have to pull your phone out of your pocket to cancel a false alarm; simply give the agent your verbal passcode. Make sure everyone in your household knows the passcode. Vivint is strict about that, as it should be. If it’s a real alarm, on the other hand, the voice coming from the Vivint Smart Hub has a good chance of scaring burglars away.

  Pro Tip: You can adjust the Smart Hub’s volume. Tap the “speaker” icon in the top-right corner and use the slider under Panel Volume. You can also adjust the doorbell chime volume from there if you have a Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro.

  Product Specs:

  Monitoring Options	Professional only
  Installation	Professional
  Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home
  Equipment Cost	From $599.99
  Monthly Monitoring Cost	From $39
  Contract Length	48 to 60 months

• 4. Alder Security - Fastest Response Favorite

  

  SecureScore™

  8.8

  

  855-706-1457

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  8.9

  Value

  9.1

  Equipment

  8.6

  Features & Technology

  8.7

  Ease Of Use

  8.9

  SecureScore™

  8.8

  How We Review

  Overview:

  For a long time Alder was one of the best kept secrets in home security. That’s because while the company began in 2008, it only provided service to a small region of the country. Only more recently has Alder become a national provider. It’s become just as popular nationally, though, as it was regionally, mostly by using the same basic model of home security. Even now that it’s monitoring the whole country, for instance, it boasts average response times 10 times shorter than the industry standard — an astonishing 3.4 seconds per alarm. We didn’t personally experience response times quite that fast from Alder, but we can say it’s one of the faster alarm companies to respond to alerts. More on that later.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Stylish touch-screen control panel
  • 4 G LTE cellular monitoring
  • Smartphone controls
  • Silent exit feature
  • Fast response (20 to 45 seconds)

  Cons:

  • Pricey monitoring plans
  • Lacks pricing transparency
  • Limited home automation
  • Buggy mobile app
  • No online buying option

  Our Experience:

  Alder Pricing

  It can be a little difficult to nail down Alder’s pricing. Its website doesn’t include any pricing details and we were told by Alder’s sales rep that the prices sometimes differ from one state to another. But having tested Alder, we can at least help you set your expectations before you give the company a call.

  For starters, Alder doesn’t charge an upfront equipment fee if you’re buying only a base package. The company will give it to you for free, but you’ll have to be willing to sign a three-year monitoring agreement. Keep in mind that there are companies like ADT and Vivint that will charge you an equipment fee and still require you to sign a contract. Alder is a better option if you’re not looking to cash out anything upfront. That is, if the base equipment package is enough. You will have to pay for add-on components.

  As for monitoring, the monthly fee ranges from $40 to $55. That’s in the same ballpark range as Vivint, which puts Alder in the mid-range compared to other systems we tested. We encourage you to read our Vivint vs. Alder comparison though. (You’ll see why we ranked Alder one spot lower than Vivint.)

  Alder Equipment and Features

  

  Alder Security Equipment

  Let’s just say that Alder is a little less flashy and a little more grounded than Vivint. It has a touch-screen control panel that looks a bit like a Nintendo Switch, which is a nice touch. It even has voice prompts when you arm and disarm the system. But speaking strictly about features, it’s not really out to impress. Alder is one of those security systems that are focused on securing homes and nothing more.

  One of the features we appreciated from Alder was the two-way voice in the alarm panel itself. Sure, a loud siren is a good way to scare off burglars, but hearing a real human voice while you’re trying to quietly ransack a house is scarier. Besides that, it allows you to answer alarm calls even when your phone is not with you, as long as the alarm panel is within your earshot.

  Pro Tip: Leaving lights and a few appliances on is another way to scare off burglars, especially when you’re away. That’s one of the things burglars don’t want you to know. Unfortunately, Alder doesn’t offer home automation features like ADT and Vivint does. If you’re looking to incorporate this tip into your security routine, there are better options for you.

  Our Alder Experience

  Alder is a DIY security system. It wasn’t always one, but the last time we bought an Alder system, it came to us in a box for self setup. We’re not complaining. In fact, we loved it. Everything in the package was already preprogrammed so all we had to do was turn on the main panel, make sure the sensors have paired to it, and then place the sensors. It was one of the better DIY installs we’ve done in a while. We got it done in under 30 minutes, not that we’re trying to break any records.

  Once we got it installed, we set up the system’s professional monitoring. By the way, that part of the service is required. Alder doesn’t work as a self-monitored alarm like SimpliSafe does. That said, just like Vivint, Alder will contact you in three ways in case of an emergency:

  1. Text alerts: Less than 15 seconds after alarm trigger
  2. Alarm call to your primary emergency contacts: In 22 seconds on average (the fastest was 18 seconds; the slowest was 27 seconds in our experience)
  3. Two-way audio via the control panel: In 35 seconds on average

  We didn’t quite see Alder’s advertised 3.4-second response time in 2017, but we’d categorize Alder’s response as “faster than average.

  In addition to that, there were a few nifty features we noticed. For example, audible entry announcements. The control panel announces when a door or window opens (and you make the voice masculine or feminine). That’s a nice warning feature that doubles as a burglar deterrent. Another example is the activity log, which shows your sensors’ 200 most recent activities (e.g., front door opened, backdoor closed, movement in the living room, etc.). We found it as a great way to monitor the comings and goings, especially when we had relatives over.

  Alder was reliable too. The door sensors in particular were very sensitive. Even a slight opening of doors would set off the alarms. The motion sensors were sometimes off though. Alder advertises that it has a 45-foot range with a 90-degree viewing angle. But sometimes, it doesn’t detect us when we’re coming from the other end of the hallway — roughly 40 feet from where the sensor sits.

  Pro Tip: Motion sensors are most sensitive when the moving object is moving across the field of view rather than straight toward or away from the sensor. That’s one thing to keep in mind when placing your security sensors, especially with DIY systems.

  We also learned that Alder is fully cellular. The panel doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi; it uses a cellular chip to communicate alerts. Cellular security systems are the most reliable, in our experience. That said, it would have been better if it had another way to communicate. Cellular signal rarely gets lost, but it still does from time to time.

  Overall, Alder proved to be reliable and fast. It’s a bit simplistic, unlike Vivint and ADT that offers advanced customizations and automations. But we see it as one of Alder’s more attractive qualities rather than a weakness.

  Product Specs:

  Equipment cost	Packages starting at $360
  Monitoring options	Professional
  Monitoring cost	Starting at $35 per month
  Contract length	36 months
  Installation options	Professional or DIY
  Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home

• 5. Cove Security - Best Cellular Monitoring

  

  SecureScore™

  8.8

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  8.9

  Value

  8.8

  Equipment

  9.2

  Features & Technology

  8.6

  Ease Of Use

  8.4

  SecureScore™

  8.8

  How We Review

  Overview:

  Cove is even newer to the scene than Alder, having been established in 2018. But things immediately clicked for Cove, and it’s not hard to see why. It offers affordable, DIY security systems that use the latest in technology for reliable monitoring: cellular communication that works without power and internet.

  We’re not overly fond of Cove’s equipment selection, though, especially its lack of home-automation devices. But if you want a system that puts its head down and protects your home for less than most companies charge, Cove is easily one of the best options.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Monitoring starts at $17.99 per month
  • Simple but functional mobile app and touchscreen controller
  • 85 dB siren built into each Cove Hub and touch-screen keypad
  • Equipment packages start at $150
  • Frequently offers deals and discounts

  Cons:

  • No self-monitoring option
  • Limited home automation and integrations
  • Doesn’t offer equipment financing
  • More limited equipment options than other brands

  Our Experience:

  Cove Pricing

  It’s no secret that one of the main reasons for Cove’s popularity is its pricing. Where else can you buy a security system for $150 or less? The secret? Besides Cove’s already affordable pricing, the company runs deals regularly with significantly high discount rates. For example, if the system you’re eyeing costs $500, you’ll be able to buy it for $175 if Cove runs a 65 percent discount.

  Here’s Cove’s regular pricing for its equipment.

  Cove Equipment	Regular Price
  Cove hub	$100
  Alarm panel	$150
  Door/window sensor	$15
  Motion detector	$30
  Glass break sensor	$35
  Secondary siren	$120
  Smoke detector	$95
  Carbon monoxide detector	$95
  Key fob	$25
  Medical pendant	$20
  Eufy Indoor Cam	$59.99
  Eufy Doorbell Cam	$99.99
  Eufy Outdoor Cam	$129.99

  FYI: Being from a third-party supplier, the Eufy cameras offered by Cove aren’t included in the percentage off deals. They, however, come with a fixed-price discount up to $50. Learn about Eufy in our Eufy camera review.

  Cove Equipment and Features

  

  Cove equipment

  Cove lacks a “wow factor,” much like Alder, but its new hub and keypad setup is worth noting. The approach is similar to Frontpoint — No. 6 and next on this list. So why is it noteworthy?

  For starters, some burglars will look to destroy your control panel to deactivate your alarm after breaking in. That’s called the crash-and-smash technique. They crash in, smash the control panel (which is usually placed near the front door), and take what they can get. That works against security systems with an alarm panel with a built-in keypad because the device itself is used for communication.

  With Cove’s setup, the hub is separate from the keypad. The hub communicates with the monitoring center; the keypad simply controls the system. You can tuck the hub away and keep the keypad accessible. The crash-and-smash technique won’t work against it.

  It’s also worth pointing out that the hub uses dual-path communication. It can send alert signals off of your internet connection or the built-in cellular chip, but Cove recommends you keep both lines active. That way, when one is down, the other takes over. That’s why Cove is one of the top cellular security systems.

  Our Cove Experience

  After taking it for a test ride, we can even say that Cove definitely has the potential to give industry giants like SimpliSafe and Frontpoint a run for their money, with money being the operative word. Unlike SimpliSafe, there’s no option with Cove to self-monitor. However, professional monitoring is just $17.99 to $27.99 per month, lower than Simplisafe’s Fast Protect monitoring. And Cove’s price point is a full $32.00 less than Frontpoint.

  We’re also pretty high on Cove’s DIY process, which we found even easier than SimpliSafe’s. Our only complaint was the hub needing an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet. It works without an internet connection thanks to the hub’s cellular chip, but if you want the dual-path communication we mentioned earlier, a wired connection is necessary. Other than that, the setup went smoothly.

  Pro Tip: Not up for DIY installation? Cove partnered with HelloTech to provide professional installation. HelloTech charges a minimum of $129 for the installation, but the fee scales with the size of your security system.

  Nothing immediately jumped out to us when we got to testing the system. The sensors detected activity as they should; the Cove Hub and Alarm Panel’s built-in sirens were just loud enough. Plus, the cellular and internet connection kept the system online day in and day out. It’s a simple security system.

  We do have a note on the alarm process though. Cove’s monitoring partner is RapidSOS, and they have a platform that automatically and digitally relays information to 911 in emergency situations. That, in our opinion, is faster, more reliable, and more accurate than having a monitoring agent verbally relay information to dispatch operators.

  RapidSOS doesn’t affect Cove’s response time. It took them about 40 seconds to call us, but it can speed up police response. No other system we’ve tested had that feature. You can see in our Cove review that police came and responded to our alarm in 15 minutes. It was a silly false alarm scenario and we ended up paying a fine, but at least we got to test RapidSOS’s potential.

  Product Specs:

  Monitoring Options	Professional or DIY
  Installation	DIY
  Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home
  Equipment Cost	From $87
  Monthly Monitoring Cost	From $17.99
  Contract Length	1 month

• 6. Frontpoint Home Security - Custom Features Pick

  

  SecureScore™

  8.7

  

  855-506-1016

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  9.1

  Value

  8.8

  Equipment

  8.3

  Features & Technology

  8.9

  Ease Of Use

  8.6

  SecureScore™

  8.7

  How We Review

  Overview:

  Frontpoint’s original claim to fame was that it was among the first wireless fully wireless home security systems. The company offered wireless sensors and cellular communication at a time when companies like ADT were still having to connect via landlines. That helped Frontpoint become an industry leader in the early 2010s.

  Frontpoint remains a great system for anyone interested in wireless connectivity. But the company has also become known for its customizable systems. The hardware is scalable. It works for small apartments just as well as it works for large homes. In fact, it’s one of our top security recommendations for large homes. The features are customizable too, thanks to some really advanced automation options like geofencing.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • High-quality wireless equipment
  • DIY installation with professional install option
  • Fully cellular communication
  • Customizable automations
  • Outstanding app

  Cons:

  • Expensive monitoring
  • No touch-screen control panel included in basic packages
  • Outsourced monitoring
  • Limited keypad functionality; more app reliant

  Our Experience:

  Frontpoint Pricing

  There are two sides to Frontpoint’s pricing. On the hardware side, Frontpoint is an affordable option. The smallest equipment package costs only $129. Even the priciest package with 14 pieces of equipment costs only $419. That’s still cheaper than ADT’s most basic package ($499). Plus, Frontpoint also offers equipment financing with repayment terms up to 36 months. Not bad, huh?

  Here are Frontpoint’s equipment packages. Keep in mind, you can customize them with additional components if needed.

  Frontpoint Packages	Inclusions	Price
  Starter	Frontpoint Hub and keypad 3 door/window sensors 1 set of yard signs and stickers	$129
  Premier	Frontpoint Hub and keypad 1 touch-screen keypad 3 door/window sensors 1 doorbell camera 1 set of yard signs and stickers	$169
  Ultimate	Frontpoint Hub and keypad 1 touch-screen keypad 5 door/window sensors 1 motion sensor 1 glass break sensor 1 smart lock 1 flood sensor 1 indoor camera 1 doorbell camera 1 set of yard signs and stickers	$419

  The other facet of Frontpoint’s pricing is the monitoring cost, and you should pay close attention to this. Frontpoint requires a 36-month monitoring agreement, and the monthly monitoring fee is $49.99. That’s a fixed price for all Frontpoint systems. You won’t get tiered options like you would with ADT or Vivint. For a basic system, $49.99 per month is expensive. You won’t be able to take advantage of its best features (e.g., home automation, video security, and video verification) if you don’t have the right equipment. So the best way to get your money’s worth is to invest in a complete Frontpoint security system.

  FYI: Frontpoint offers a pretty good home-automation platform via the Frontpoint app. We did a separate review of Frontpoint’s automation features, so check that out if you’re interested in a Vivint-like smart security system with more affordable equipment.

  Frontpoint Equipment and Features

  

  Frontpoint equipment

  Speaking of the $49.99 monitoring plan, Frontpoint’s one and only subscription unlocks all the features Frontpoint offers. That includes a unique feature called geofencing. Essentially, Frontpoint can use your phone’s location to automate things like arming and disarming your alarm, locking and unlocking your doors, and setting your smart thermostat. You might think that’s a common feature in smart security systems, but Frontpoint was the only system we tested that made geofencing work.

  Geofencing was far from the only automation option Frontpoint offers though. It draws comparisons with Vivint, our top smart security pick. The only issue is that Frontpoint is more app-reliant. The analog keypad doesn’t really offer any smart-home functionalities. Unless your Frontpoint system comes with a touch-screen keypad ($149), you’re stuck with the Frontpoint app for smart-home controls. The Frontpoint app isn’t bad at all, but it’s not as streamlined for automation as Vivint’s app either.

  Our Frontpoint Experience

  Frontpoint offers a fresh take on DIY security with innovative, high-tech features like geofencing and home automation capacities. It’s the first DIY option that made this list with real home-automation capabilities. SimpliSafe, Alder and Cove all have smart-home integrations with Alexa and Google Assistant, but none of them offered customizable smart home features like Frontpoint did.

  Thanks to automations, we were able to get more out of our Frontpoint sensors. They served as triggers, allowing us to create automation rules, such as:

  • “Start an indoor camera recording when the front door opens.”
  • “Lock the front door when the living room motion sensor detects movement while in Away mode.”
  • “Start an indoor camera recording when the keypad is used to disarm (to show who disarmed the system).”
  • “Turn the bedroom TV smart plug when the living room motion sensor detects movement in Home or Away mode.”
  • “Lock the front door smart lock when the door sensor detects ‘door closed.’”

  Of course, Frontpoint made sure we were covered 24/7 with professional monitoring. Its response time was comparable to Vivint (30 to 45 seconds on average). But text alerts were similar to ADT, where other household members can chime in. We liked that much better than Vivint’s more simplistic (but very fast) approach to text alerts.

  That said, some of Frontpoint’s policies shot our DIY experience out of the sky. There’s the three-year monitoring contract that can be a pain to get out of, the expensive $49.99 monthly monitoring fee, and Frontpoint’s requirement of a credit check. To be fair, though, Frontpoint only requires a credit check if you finance your equipment. So it’s still a good security system for people with a low credit score, but only if they’re willing to pay upfront.

  Product Specs:

  Equipment cost	Packages starting at $79
  Monitoring options	Professional
  Monitoring cost	Starting at $49 per month
  Contract lengths	Monthly or 36 months
  Installation options	DIY
  Smart platform integrations	Google Home, Alexa, and Siri

• 7. Brinks Home Security - Google Home User Favorite

  

  SecureScore™

  8.7

  

  855-313-2866

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  8.3

  Value

  8.7

  Equipment

  8.8

  Features & Technology

  8.7

  Ease Of Use

  9.0

  SecureScore™

  8.7

  How We Review

  Overview:

  We see their armored trucks in the streets, but did you know that Brinks has a security system too? Brinks started offering security systems in the 1980s and we remember it being a household name in the early 2000s. But the Brinks system we know now is not technically the same. Moni, a Texas-based security company, bought the licensing rights to Brinks in 2018. After that, the company revived the Brinks Home brand by rebranding Moni into it.

  It proved to be a good move. Brinks Home quickly expanded to regain its position as one of the top options, thanks largely to its heaping serving of third-party integrations. In fact, it’s currently one of our favorite Google Home security partner brands.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Rate-lock guarantee
  • High-quality modern security system
  • Third-party smart-home integrations
  • Strong home automation
  • Alarm.com equipment

  Cons:

  • App is new; still has bugs and kinks to iron out
  • Lack of pricing transparency
  • Requires a 36-month contract
  • Some components and sensors look dated

  Our Experience:

  Brinks Pricing

  Brinks isn’t transparent with regards to its pricing. The two times we called for a quote, the sales agents gave us different package configurations and pricing. We went with the second agent’s offer because it seemed more affordable, but generally, Brinks’ pricing is still on the higher end. It starts low at $199, the mid-tier package costs $349, and the highest option costs a whopping $1,099.

  With only an outdoor camera and video doorbell added on top of the mid-tier package, we think the $1,099 package is a tad overpriced. We recommend sticking with the mid-tier option if you want to get the most value for your money. As for monitoring, we paid $39.99 per month. That was the only option available. And while it’s cheaper than Frontpoint, it’s still more expensive than the likes of ADT and SimpliSafe.

  Overall, we’re not so thrilled about Brinks’ pricing and its lack of transparency, but it’s a decent option, especially if you’re gunning for a system with lots of integrations.

  Brinks Equipment and Features

  

  Brinks equipment

  Speaking of integrations, Brinks actually offers equipment from Alarm.com, which is known in the industry for offering smart home-friendly equipment.

  It all starts with the touch-screen control panel — the hub of the system. Besides Brinks sensors, the control panel works with Z-Wave devices. Z-Wave is a smart-home wireless protocol that enables cross-brand integrations. The fact that Brinks works with Z-Wave makes it compatible with thousands of other Z-Wave-enabled third-party devices.

  On top of that, Brinks’ hub integrates directly with Alexa and Google Home. Many security systems work with Alexa, but it’s rare to find one that works as well with Google Assistant as Brinks. Through the integration, we were able to control the system’s arming modes with our voices as well as some of the smart-home components we connected to the control panel.

  Our Brinks Experience

  The knock on Brinks is that it’s merely an ADT clone. And, in fact, there is some truth to that. If you think about it, though, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Brinks, for instance, offers solid equipment and 24/7 professional monitoring. There’s also an excellent app that gives you control over how your system operates.

  On the other hand, Brinks employs another time-honored ADT strategy: requiring customers to invest in three-year contracts. We can tell you from experience that canceling a home security contract isn’t the easiest experience, and Brinks’ hot-and-cold customer service does nothing to help matters. We’d really only recommend Brinks if you’re sure you can stay with it for the next three years. Brinks also mimics ADT when it comes to requiring professional installation.

  In other areas, Brinks doesn’t offer quite the service you’d get with ADT. Brinks’ monitoring service, while commendable, is a bit slower than the industry average. Our response times ranged from about 40 to 60 seconds. The app functions well, but it doesn’t provide as many functions as you get with ADT, and it’s not quite as jazzy either.

  Here’s what you do get with Brinks though: a cheaper price than ADT’s. The bottom line is that if you’re looking for an almost-ADT at a less-than-ADT price, Brinks is a great choice.

  Product Specs:

  Monitoring Options	Professional only
  Installation	DIY
  Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home
  Equipment Cost	From $199
  Monthly Monitoring Cost	From $39
  Contract Length	36 months

• 8. Ring Alarm - Budget Buyer’s Pick

  

  SecureScore™

  8.2

  View on Amazon

  Customer Service

  8.0

  Value

  8.3

  Equipment

  8.4

  Features & Technology

  8.2

  Ease Of Use

  7.9

  SecureScore™

  8.2

  How We Review

  Overview:

  There’s no question that Ring is the industry leader when it comes to doorbell cameras. Ring invented these devices, and it continues to dominate the market more than a decade after bringing out its first device. This page isn’t about video doorbells, though. It’s about security systems. We’ll be honest, Ring’s doorbells are a big part of why we decided to include the company on this list, but we need to dig into all the other system components if we’re going to give a complete picture of a Ring security system.

  To its credit, Ring doesn’t rest its reputation entirely on its doorbells. In fact, within a year after Ring had established its lineup of security cameras and video doorbells, it released Ring Alarm, its full system option. Ring Alarm provided Ring cameras with a context. It integrated them into a full network of sensors to provide total home security protection. One of the nice things about these systems, though, is that because Ring began life as a camera company, it was well-positioned to become a major player in the DIY market when it began offering whole systems. Ring systems remain an incredibly popular option for budget-conscious consumers.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Plenty of security and doorbell cameras to choose from
  • Affordable professional monitoring ($20 per month or $200 per year)
  • 30-minute DIY installation
  • Seven-day practice mode for new professional monitoring subscription
  • Loud built-in siren

  Cons:

  • Limited sensor options
  • Has had privacy and security breaches (which have been resolved)
  • Cameras need a subscription to record
  • Slower professional monitoring response times

  Our Experience:

  Ring Alarm Pricing

  Ring Alarm’s pricing comes in two waves.

  The first wave is the equipment cost, which shoppers usually pay for right out the gate. If you want, you may qualify for Affirm and pay in three, six, or 12 monthly installments. You might not need to, though, because even the 14-piece Ring Alarm kit costs only $419 before discounts.

  Here are the Ring Alarm kits available; keep in mind you can buy add-on equipment a la carte.

  Ring Alarm Kits	Regular Price
  5-piece	$199
  8-piece	$249
  10-piece	$259
  14-piece	$419

  The second wave comes in monthly payments for cloud and/or monitoring services. The thing about Ring is that its hardware can’t do much without a subscription. The cameras won’t record without a cloud plan, and the system pretty much functions as a local alarm without monitoring service.

  The good news is that Ring rolled both the cloud and monitoring services into one affordable subscription. For $20 per month, Ring will monitor your security system and give you up to 180 days of cloud storage for an unlimited number of Ring cameras and doorbells. That’s even cheaper than Cove Plus ($27.99), Cove’s monitoring plan that includes cloud storage, making Ring one of the most affordable security options.

  Ring Alarm Equipment and Features

  

  Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Equipment

  Ring Alarm is pretty lean in terms of equipment, but Ring makes up for that with its extensive catalog of video monitoring equipment. There are four different lines of Ring cameras and eight versions of Ring Video Doorbells.

  We like to think of Ring Alarm as Ring’s indoor-focused security system. It comes complete with most sensors you’ll need to detect break-ins, like motion sensors and entry sensors. There are also third-party smoke alarms compatible with the hub.

  For outdoor security, the Ring cameras take charge. We especially like the Ring Spotlight Cam — a line of outdoor cameras with built-in motion-sensing spotlights. The lights turn on automatically when they detect movement, providing security lighting that deters burglars.

  Our Ring Alarm Experience

  We’ve been testing Ring cameras long before Ring Alarm hit the shelves. By the time we first tested their security system, we already had Ring cameras installed. That made the DIY setup a lot easier; the whole process took under 20 minutes to install. That said, if you’re also installing security cameras and video doorbells, give yourself at least a couple hours to finish the setup. Some cameras and doorbells require hardwiring.

  Our favorite aspect of Ring is the app. It ties the security system and cameras together. (Rightly so, because Ring doesn’t offer a touch-screen keypad.) The app will be your primary control center.

  Rest assured that the Ring app isn’t difficult to master. It’s the same app Ring has been using since 2013, and it has received a ton of updates and refinements since. Ring has been doing a good job so far. The app offers a lot of features, from quick arming modes to deep customizations in the settings page. But it still provides user-friendly navigation and controls. It’s right up there with ADT’s app in terms of user-friendliness.

  Product Specs:

  Monitoring Options	24/7 professional and DIY
  Installation	DIY
  Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home
  Equipment Cost	From $179.99
  Monthly Monitoring Cost	$20
  Contract Length	1-12 months

• 9. abode Home Security - Top Innovative IoT Hub

  

  SecureScore™

  8.0

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  7.3

  Value

  8.3

  Equipment

  8.2

  Features & Technology

  8.3

  Ease Of Use

  8.0

  SecureScore™

  8.0

  How We Review

  Overview:

  Remember Vivint’s smart security system? If you’re looking for a DIY Vivint alternative, abode might be the right choice for you. The company was founded in 2014 and became an immediate hit because of its innovative hub that incorporates smart-home integrations and home automation controls. It’s actually a smart-home hub and a security system hub in one.

  We tested the most advanced of the three hubs abode offers, the iota All-in-One. And so far, we were able to integrate with it almost all our existing smart home hardware. So even if you already have a home automation system in place, abode can fit right in. It even works with Apple HomeKit, making it one of very few security systems to do so.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Home automation powered by abode’s CUE engine
  • Multiple hubs to choose from
  • Integrates well with third-party smart home products
  • Innovative iota All-in-One hub comes equipped with a camera and motion sensor

  Cons:

  • Only one security camera offered
  • Setup could be more intuitive
  • No touch-screen panels; app reliant
  • Limited equipment in starter kits

  Our Experience:

  abode Pricing

  abode’s equipment pricing is in line with DIY options like SimpliSafe and Frontpoint, but the reason abode is affordable is that the packages don’t include much equipment. Kits for the cheaper hub start at $179. For the iota All-in-One, kits start at $329. That’s for a six-piece bundle with the hub, a key fob, two door sensors, a glass break sensor, and a motion sensor. The first month of professional monitoring, which is valued at $24.99, is also free.

  Speaking of professional monitoring, abode offers only one option for the service. However, there’s a premium self-monitoring option that unlocks features like home automation and video recording for much cheaper.

  Features	Standard Plan (premium self-monitoring)	Pro Plan (professional monitoring)
  Professional monitoring	No	Yes
  Cellular backup	No	Yes
  Video recording	Yes	Yes
  CUE home automation	Yes	Yes
  Free ground shipping for add-on equipment	Yes	Yes
  Exclusive deals	Yes	Yes
  Monthly price	$6.99	$24.99
  Annual price	$69.99	$229.99

  abode Equipment and Features

  

  abode Equipment

  The reason we picked the iota All-in-One hub is that it comes with a built-in security camera and motion sensor. That’s why it’s called an “All-in-One” hub. Besides that, it’s also an all-in-one hub because it can communicate with other devices using the most popular smart-home protocols and smart platforms. It works with:

  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Assistant
  • Apple HomeKit
  • IFTTT
  • Zigbee
  • Z-Wave

  While that may not seem like a very long list, abode integrates with more smart-home devices than other systems. Take SimpliSafe’s integrations for example. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant. That’s it.

  abode’s Zigbee and Z-Wave integrations alone allow it to work with thousands of other brands. It can integrate with brands like Kwikset and Yale for smart access control, Nest and ecobee for smart temperature control, and First Alert for smart fire protection.

  abode’s iota hub is really one of the most innovative and useful hubs for smart-home security.

  Our abode Experience

  There’s no question that abode’s equipment setup is easy and straightforward. We had our entire system set up in under 15 minutes, something of a record for us. That only got us set up physically, though. When it came to the smart-home side of things, we had significantly more trouble.

  For example, when we tried to connect our Nest Thermostat to abode, abode’s app had us log in to our Nest account. We did that, but abode didn’t initially recognize our thermostat. We had to reboot the system and restart the app to fix the issue. All in all, we spent half a day setting up since we have a ton of smart home devices.

  The good news is that once we got things setup, the system worked like a dream. Abode offers its own home automation platform, CUE. We found its interface super easy to use and we had tons of control over the system. CUE let us customize automation rules, create schedules, and set up routines. We’d say it is every bit as user-friendly as Vivint’s app, which is one reason we recommend abode as a DIY alternative to Vivint.

  Since our iota Hub came with a built-in camera, we made sure to put a little extra thought on where we put it. Good thing it has Wi-Fi, unlike the Cove Hub we discussed earlier that requires an Ethernet cable. We ultimately placed it in our living room, on a shelf about 4 feet above the ground. That gave the camera just the right vantage point.

  FYI: Unlike most indoor cameras, iota’s built-in camera doesn’t tilt up and down. The viewing angle shoots straight out, so we recommend placing it at chest level. For security cameras that can tilt up and down, though, we recommend placing them at least 6 feet off the ground angled slightly downward.

  abode doesn’t offer a lot of sensors, nor does it have any camera besides the indoor/outdoor Abode Cam 2 and the iota’s built-in one. Not that abode is lacking on the equipment front. Even the trio of motion sensors, entry sensors, and glass break sensors can be enough for most homes. But if you need more than that, we hate to break it to you: abode isn’t the best option. It even lacks a smoke alarm and instead offers a listening device to detect the sound of your existing smoke alarms.

  Product Specs:

  Monitoring Options	Professional and DIY
  Installation	DIY
  Smart Platform Integration	Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
  Equipment Cost	From $139.99
  Monthly Monitoring Cost	From $5.83
  Contract Length	Month-to-month

• 10. Deep Sentinel - Best Video Monitoring

  

  SecureScore™

  7.9

  

  844-975-3686

  View Packages

  Customer Service

  8.1

  Value

  7.2

  Equipment

  8.9

  Features & Technology

  7.4

  Ease Of Use

  7.9

  SecureScore™

  7.9

  How We Review

  Overview:

  Deep Sentinel takes a unique approach to home security that isn’t going to suit every homeowner. The company offers outdoor security cameras and nothing else. That’s right, no security sensors, no smoke alarms, and no indoor cameras. Just outdoor cameras and base stations to operate them.

  There is something to be said for Deep Sentinel’s approach, though. You don’t have to worry about sorting through a lot of confusing equipment options. You also don’t have to pay for a lot of extra equipment. Deep Sentinel is betting on a very particular notion of home security: that if you protect the outside of your home well enough you shouldn’t have to worry about entry sensors and indoor cameras. And the company does offer top-tier professional monitoring to ensure its exterior-based system works. We admit this isn’t going to work for everyone. If you’re an apartment-dweller, for instance, you may not even be allowed to install outdoor cameras. Still, we think it will definitely appeal to some homeowners.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Battery-powered outdoor cameras with smart motion detection
  • Live guards monitoring video feeds
  • Two-way audio response from monitoring center
  • Fast response
  • Transparent pricing

  Cons:

  • Pricey equipment
  • Pricey video monitoring
  • Minimum one-year contract
  • No security sensors for indoor monitoring

  Our Experience:

  Deep Sentinel Pricing

  Deep Sentinel is a great system, but we can imagine a lot of potential buyers backing out after seeing how much it costs.

  First, let’s talk about the equipment. A package with one wireless outdoor camera, one rechargeable battery for the camera, and one hub costs $499. The hub can accommodate up to six cameras, and each additional camera costs $200. That’s on the expensive side of security camera pricing, even if you take into account that Deep Sentinel has AI features. A Google Nest Cam (battery), which is capable of facial recognition and person detection, costs $179.

  Second, there’s the monthly monitoring cost; it’s required if you buy a Deep Sentinel system. You even have to sign a one-year contract. The monthly fee depends on how many cameras you have. It starts at $100 for one-camera monitoring, and increases at $50 increments for each camera you add. So for a six-camera system, the monitoring service will cost you a whopping $350 — per month!

  Deep Sentinel Equipment and Features

  

  Deep Sentinel Equipment

  Why is Deep Sentinel so expensive? That’s because of its unique monitoring style. Well, it’s not so unique now. Still, only a few companies offer it. It all starts with the cameras that can detect motion and tell apart a person’s movement versus other moving objects. There’s nothing so special about that, though. A lot of security cameras have person detection.

  What sets Deep Sentinel apart is that when it detects human movement, it notifies the homeowner and the monitoring center manned by real human guards. Most cameras would notify only the homeowner. Upon receiving the alert, the guards will check the live feed. If they see a real threat, they’ll call the police and engage the intruder with the camera’s two-way talk.

  If you noticed, that’s similar to how SimpliSafe’s Fast Protect plan handles the Smart Alarm camera. The difference is that Smart Alarm is an indoor camera; Deep Sentinel allows camera placement outdoors only. That’s for your privacy, and we think it’s a better approach than Fast Protect (more expensive, but better).

  Our Deep Sentinel Experience

  We got to test out Deep Sentinel, but we didn’t test it for as long as the other systems because of the cost. That said, we saw that the monitoring service works as advertised. The few times we did simulated break-ins, we heard the surveillance guard’s loud booming voice coming from the cameras. We wished the speakers were louder, especially for homes that are near busy streets, but they are audible enough from about 5 feet to 10 feet.

  Take note that Deep Sentinel cameras are DIY-ready. And since the cameras are wire-free and battery-operated, they are a breeze to install. Just make sure to fasten them to the wall with screws – the cameras themselves are eye-catching and expensive.

  Product Specs:

  Monitoring Options	24/7 professional and DIY
  Installation	DIY
  Smart Platform Integration	None
  Equipment Cost	$399
  Monthly Monitoring Cost	$60
  Contract Length	1-12 months

Do You Really Need A Top-Quality Security System?

Picking a security system requires so much research; why not just go with the most affordable or accessible option? We dedicate a huge chunk of our professional lives testing and looking for top-quality security systems to recommend because we believe they make a huge difference.

Any motion sensor can detect movement; any security camera can record; any security system can alert you. But if you go with a top-quality option, you’ll enjoy perks you don’t usually get with just any security system. For example:

• Fast response: It’s not just a question of whether a security system can alert you. The “when” is most important. Every second counts in a burglary situation, so getting a call within at most 60 seconds from when the break-in started is crucial.
• Reliability: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.” That’s Murphy’s law. A cut landline wire, spotty internet connection, or power outage during a break-in can render a security system unable to send alerts. But good security systems have reliable contingency measures in the form of cellular and battery backup.
• Usability: Don’t forget user experience. You won’t have to be on your phone 24/7 to use a security system, but it helps a lot if it has a user-friendly app. Automations and custom features like geofencing can help out too.

So yes, we think choosing a top-shelf home security option versus just any security system makes a huge difference. And if you’re ever in a bind, check out our home security buying guide. We laid out there what you should look for in a security system.

About Our Rankings

Curious about how we ranked our top 10 list? Well, we personally unbox the security systems and try them out to see how they measure up against the competition. With thousands of hours of hands-on testing under our belts, we have a proven process of getting to the “who’s who” in home security. Have a look for yourself!

About Our SecureScore™

We use a proprietary ranking system to give every home security system a numbered score, from 1 to 10. We call it the SafeHome.org SecureScore™. It takes into account all of our research, testing and a handful of other important factors. We think you’ll find our SecureScore™ to be a simple way to compare security systems. It also helps you to see our research at a glance.

So why does Vivint get a 9.1, but Ring only gets a 8.2? And why don’t any of the systems get a perfect 10 SecureScore™? Keep reading to find out!

Our Approach & Methodology

Keep in mind that a whole range of factors goes into narrowing down and ranking the best home security systems out there. Our SecureScore™ ranking factors include:

• Key features and tech
• Ease of use
• Installation type
• Equipment options
• Contract length
• Customer service
• Overall value
• Current sales and discounts
• Insider buying tips
• Available packages and plans
• And, of course, pricing!

Our Home Security Experts

Our team of security experts has over 75 years of combined experience and 10,000-plus hours of research under their belts. We’re in the industry trenches every day, learning about new security products and other ways to protect your home and family.

Home Security FAQs