The Best Alexa-Compatible Home Security Systems

SimpliSafe or Vivint are both compatible and work well with Alexa, with all the newfangled bells and whistles needed to make your home smart.

ADT has been the first name in home security for nigh on two centuries—but that esteemed reputation has collected a little dust over the years. We’ve enjoyed all the updates and changes ADT has rolled out, and its strong Amazon Alexa integration is one of our favorites.

While most of the best home security systems let Alexa arm and disarm your system, ADT gives you true voice control. You can turn smart lights on, adjust the temperature, and ask if you left the garage door open (hint—if you did, Alexa will close it for you).

To figure out which security systems work best with Amazon Alexa, we started with the systems we already know do a good job at keeping your home and family safe. We considered our usual criteria, including price, tech and equipment, customer satisfaction, and overall value.

From there, we looked at how easy it was to add voice control with Alexa and how much you could do with it.

We prioritized systems that offer great pro monitoring and those that let you do more with Alexa than simply arm and disarm your security system. Top consideration was given to these primary factors:

• Built-in Alexa integration
• Alexa Guard integration
• Smart home controls and smart devices
• Emergency help integration

When all is said and done, it’s a little confusing to figure out how to best maximize Alexa integration with the Ring Alarm system.

I usually love the option to shop by myself online without having to talk to someone. But to get the best Ring Alarm and Amazon Alexa setup, it took a lot of digging and reading to make sure I had all the components I’d need—and knowing this stuff is quite literally my job!

We recommend reaching out to Ring for help to make sure you get everything you need to have all the controls and convenience you want. Their online chat support is your best bet, especially with COVID-19 measures in place.

Learn more in our full review of Ring Alarm.

Here’s a sample of all the things you can control with your voice when you add the Ring skill to your Amazon Alexa app:

• Control Ring video doorbells and set up doorbell announcement notifications.
• Control Ring smart lighting devices.
• Control and access footage from Ring security cameras.
• Control Ring smart locks.
• Monitor battery life in all of your devices.
• Create smart home routines.
• Use Alexa Guard to listen for breaking glass and smoke and CO alarm alerts.
• Use Alexa Guard Plus (free with Ring monitoring) to call for help in an emergency.

Plus, you can activate Alexa Guard to listen for signs of danger when you’re not at home. If something suspicious is detected (the fire alarm or breaking glass) you can get an instant alert on your phone or have Alexa send an audio clip directly to an ADT monitoring center for immediate assistance.

These extra “ears” let you run errands or visit the grandparents in peace—knowing that ADT (and Alexa) are keeping watch on everything while you’re away.

The biggest disappointment is that you need to spend more to get these benefits. The lowest-level monthly plan that comes with Alexa compatibility runs about $45 per month, and you can’t get smart home controls until you jump up to the $63 monthly plan.

Get all the details in our full ADT review.

On top of arming and disarming with the ADT skill, you can use Alexa to control other smart home devices and keep you updated on system activity. You can try these tasks:

• Check in on the status of your system (is it armed?).
• Turn lights on and off, and dim or change colors on smart light bulbs with home automation options.
• Check your Nest Doorbell when the motion detector at your door goes off.
• Lock and unlock smart door locks.
• Control the temperature in different rooms to make sure everyone is comfy.
• Use Alexa Guard to monitor CO and smoke alarms, listen for suspicious sounds like glass breaking, and automatically send audio clips to ADT’s monitoring centers.

Plus, you can activate Alexa Guard to listen for signs of danger when you’re not at home. If something suspicious is detected (the fire alarm or breaking glass) you can get an instant alert on your phone or have Alexa send an audio clip directly to an ADT monitoring center for immediate assistance.

These extra “ears” let you run errands or visit the grandparents in peace—knowing that ADT (and Alexa) are keeping watch on everything while you’re away.

The biggest disappointment is that you need to spend more to get these benefits. The lowest-level monthly plan that comes with Alexa compatibility runs about $45 per month, and you can’t get smart home controls until you jump up to the $63 monthly plan.

Get all the details in our full ADT review.

On top of arming and disarming with the ADT skill, you can use Alexa to control other smart home devices and keep you updated on system activity. You can try these tasks:

• Check in on the status of your system (is it armed?).
• Turn lights on and off, and dim or change colors on smart light bulbs with home automation options.
• Check your Nest Doorbell when the motion detector at your door goes off.
• Lock and unlock smart door locks.
• Control the temperature in different rooms to make sure everyone is comfy.
• Use Alexa Guard to monitor CO and smoke alarms, listen for suspicious sounds like glass breaking, and automatically send audio clips to ADT’s monitoring centers.

Voice control is fun and convenient, but when it comes to your security system, voice control needs to add extra safety. Here’s a quick recap of which home security systems’ Alexa integrations fit the bill.

Ring Alarm comes with built-in Amazon Alexa compatibility and also includes Alexa Guard, but Ring’s security system equipment and features aren’t as robust as ADT’s.

ADT offers the most benefits when you add voice control with Amazon Alexa. And we like that the company is so committed to these features that it includes Amazon Echo devices with some of its packages. We also like the extra reassurance of Alexa Guard—that gives you back-up if something happens when you’re asleep or away from home.

If you’re still not decided, check out our favorite smart home security systems.

• Best Home Security Systems for Renters
• Best DIY Home Security Systems
• Outfitting Your Smart Home: Amazon Alexa Devices
• The Best Smart Home Devices
• Ultimate Guide to Alexa and the Amazon Echo Family