Best Apartment Security Systems

We crowned SimpliSafe the best home security for apartments and renters after testing every wireless, no-contract system on the market. We prioritized features that serve people who are renting and may move, affordability, and equipment that won't mess up the walls (or wires) of your apartment. But it was a really close race, so we'll explain why you might want to consider other options for your apartment security system instead. 

In short, SimpliSafe's got the most affordable equipment and there are no hoops to jump through if you want to cancel your monthly subscription. But ADT Self Setup's is a good idea if you want the best professional monitoring in the business.

Yes. Home security is a good idea for apartments because renters are nearly twice as likely as homeowners to experience a burglary.¹ But security systems have traditionally catered to homeowners with credit checks, long-term contracts, hardwired equipment, and even "you must be a homeowner" clauses. 

Fortunately, that baloney is now the exception rather than the rule.

Like renters, security systems have to move around sometimes—all of our apartment security picks are wireless, free of contracts, and can move with you whenever your lease is up. Each DIY security system costs under $50 per month, and many have flexible up-front equipment purchasing options so they can fit your budget while protecting your personal property.

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There's one thing you can't do with Cove: monitor the system yourself free of charge. If an optional subscription is important to you, try SimpliSafe. This DIY security giant recently (finally) improved their self-monitoring plan, meaning after your first month of professional monitoring, you can switch to self-monitoring if you choose. This makes it a great fit for renters who want to avoid a monthly payment.

SimpliSafe gives you a basic security system and nothing more. Don't expect many cool smart home gadgets or third-party compatibility. Who says renters don't want smart homes too? When it comes to smart home integration, we wish SimpliSafe's offerings were more robust.

We've tested SimpliSafe over and over in multiple staff members' homes. Get a summary of our opinions—good and bad—in our full SimpliSafe review. Or check out our SimpliSafe FAQ page and our head-to-head Cove vs. SimpliSafe review.

ADT Self Setup combines a no-contract system with ADT's industry-leading monitoring services. It's a great choice if you wish you could get ADT but have been blocked by their homeowner-only policy. Plus, you get that professional monitoring for an incredible price: $24.99/mo. or about a third of what it can cost to monitor a full-blown ADT system.

ADT Self Setup's product line isn't super fancy, but it includes everything you need for a basic security system. ADT Self Setup's equipment costs more than competitors like Wyze and Ring, so the main reason to get it is for that sweet ADT monitoring deal. 

Read more in our ADT Self Setup review or ADT vs. ADT Self Setup match-up.

ADT Self Setup carries an enormous 15-piece system for just under $300. It includes an indoor camera and a gaggle of door and window sensors and motion detectors. It’s hard to beat this price for what you get.

• ADT Self Setup Equipment and Compatibility
• ADT Self Setup Outdoor Wireless Camera Review
• YouTube: How does ADT’s DIY Security Brand Stack Up?

For apartment renters short on space, Abode sells a unique system called the Iota All-in-One Security Kit. We've tested the Iota—which houses a base unit, siren, speaker, motion sensor, and camera in a single tower—multiple times over the years, and we're always impressed by how much it can do from a single tabletop vantage point. No fuss, no muss—and certainly no screw holes or chipped paint.

Just check out our Abode compatibility guide before you buy—it integrates with a lot of devices, but still doesn't work with everything.

When we say Abode's best for apartment security, we're not only talking about the size and layout of your rental, but also the fact that you probably only need indoor security. Abode's outdoor camera—the Cam 2—didn't work well for any of us when we passed it around for testing. 

But the good news is that Abode connects to some excellent third-party cameras like Arlo and Blink. If you want to use Abode for a rental home with outdoor surveillance needs, save yourself a headache and skip the Cam 2. Everything else works great.

Get the full scoop on what it's like to set up and use this system in our full Abode review, or read our Abode FAQs.

Founded around 2018, Cove is an industry newcomer focusing on customer satisfaction. Every time we chatted with Cove customer service during our system tests, we experienced short wait times and friendly service. When we met with Cove in October '21, they told us about their unique "do it with me" installation option and a neat $5/month upgrade credit that rolls over each month, which is perfect for renters needing different equipment after a move. 

You can head straight to the online shop or take a custom quiz to let Cove pair you with the equipment you need based on the number of doors and windows in your rental (among other factors). Here's what the quiz suggested for us:

We did some extra mystery shopping and math to put these prices into context: Cove sells the most affordable equipment in the industry. You'd spend an extra $100 to $300 to get the same equipment from other top security brands. 

If you live in an apartment or townhome with a unit number, you're not eligible for Cove's "economy payment" plan, which allows you to use $415 worth of equipment for free with a 36-month contract. 

Instead, you'll need to pay for the equipment up front. On the plus side, you won't be locked into a long-term contract and can cancel at any time without penalty. 

We learned a lot about Cove by testing this system hands-on—and in a rental to boot.  Find out what we like and dislike about this security brand in our full Cove review, or check out our Cove FAQs.

Here's why some familiar names didn't make it onto our list of top apartment security and systems for renters.

Vivint told us they don't typically install a security system in an apartment unit. They're willing to work with you if you rent a single-family home as long as your landlord approves all the drilling and hardwiring. Other downsides to using Vivint in a rental include high equipment fees, long-term contracts, and a four-day trial period.

ADT 's original security system (different than ADT Self Setup) maintains a strict "homeowners only" policy—probably because they require credit checks, long-term contracts, and hardwired installation.

You'll be redirected to their DIY option ADT Self Setup as soon as you mention renting. 

Technically, renters can get a Brinks Security system, but there are plenty of reasons to steer clear:

• You have to sign a 36-month contract.
• You owe 100% of the remaining balance if you need to cancel.
• You need to pass a credit check.
• Its monthly fees start at around $40, which is higher than the industry average of $32 per month.
• Brinks equipment is usually more expensive than the industry average.

SimpliSafe offers streamlined equipment that's affordable and easy to move. Best of all, you won't be tied into a contract—and SimpliSafe makes it easy to cancel monthly monitoring if you don't need it.

Not sold on SimpliSafe? Our other picks are also contract-free:

• Cove’s custom systems mean you buy only what you need for your home, and their customer service is second to none.
• ADT Self Setup has the best professional monitoring you can find, with 100+ years of experience in the industry and ADT's trusted brand name.

To rank the best home security for apartments and renters, we focused on these criteria:

• No contracts (and, by default, no cancellation fees or credit checks)
• DIY installation (the easier the better)
• No "homeowners only" policies

From that list of must-haves, we narrowed down the contenders by looking at these features:

• Mover-friendly policies and packages
• Self-monitoring option
• Value for the money
• Equipment price
• Equipment variety
• Financing option

We also considered the most common renting scenarios—home rental, apartment rental, studio rental—and made sure we could recommend a brand for each one.

Finally, we factored in our team's experience testing each of the security systems that made it to our final "best for renters" list. This hands-on knowledge confirmed whether a system is truly easy to install and take down—and whether the equipment and monitoring service is worth paying for in the first place. 

Check out our methodology page to learn more about how we approached apartment security systems and all our reviews.

• The Apartment Security Guide for Renters
• 5 Best Door Locks for Apartments and Renters
• Best Peephole Cameras
• I Rent an Apartment. Should I Still Consider a Security System?
• 7 Safety Questions to Ask Your Landlord Before Moving In
• Is Your Landlord Trespassing? Learn Your Rights as a Renter

1. US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, "Household Burglary, 1994–2011." Accessed December 9, 2022.
2. Randy Travis, FOX 5 Atlanta, "We Asked 99 Burglars 20 Questions--Their Answers Could Make You Safer," February 2018. Accessed December 9, 2022.
3. Eufy, "Compatibility Between eufySecurity Devices." Accessed December 9, 2022.