Best Home Security Reviews in 2026

After hundreds of hours of tests and research, we picked ADT as the best professionally monitored home security, and SimpliSafe for the best do-it-yourself security with deals in 2026.

4.25

Starts at$28.99/mo

Pro installation
High Quality Google Nest Cameras

See packages

855 641-7233

4.5

Starts at$29.99/mo

Pro installation
Smarter security cameras

See packages

855-313-2503

Starts at$19.99/mo

DIY installation
60-day trial period

See packages

4.75

Starts at$22.80/mo

DIY or pro installation
Advanced dispatch technology

See packages

Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. ADT $28.99 for landline systems only. Full ADT disclaimer

product considered

250+

research hours in 25+ in-home tests

10k+

years of combined experience

176+

homes and people protected

10M+

Last Updated: 1 week ago

Updated top picks and verified that all pricing and info is current.

Home security is something you want to get right the first time. Trusting a home security company with your home and loved ones takes a lot.

We get it. That’s why we won’t recommend a security system we wouldn’t rely on to protect our families.

ADT and Vivint are excellent choices if you want full-service, professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, advanced smart home tech and monthly financing options. If you're set on professional monitoring with do-it-yourself installation, Cove is the best value.

Thanks to its live monitoring, affordable equipment, and optional subscription, SimpliSafe is a great option if you want to install your system yourself.

Compare the best home security systems

Brand	Self-monitoring?	Pro monitoring price	Starter equipment price	Installation	Learn more
ADT Safe Streets	No	$28.99/mo.	$0.00	Professional	See packages
Vivint	No	$39.99/mo.	$599.00	Professional	See packages
Cove	No	$19.99/mo.	Quote Required	DIY or Pro	See packages
SimpliSafe	Yes	$22.80/mo.	$250.96	DIY or Pro	See packages

Info current as of post date. Monitoring and equipment prices vary based on plan. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimers.

How much does a home security system cost?

Home security equipment costs can range from $99 for a self-monitored system to $599 or more for a monitored system. Monthly monitoring subscriptions range from $19.99 to $60. Our data gathered from over 30 home security providers shows that $29.97 is the median price for home security subscriptions in the U.S.

How much does a home security system cost?

The Best Home Security System Reviews

To help you find the best home security system for your needs, we tried them all. Our team has spent thousands of hours testing 20+ security systems in real homes over the past 12 years. We believe it’s better to be proactive than reactive, and that’s what pushed ADT and Vivint to the top of our list in 2026.

1. ADT: Best professionally installed + monitored home security

Also: Runner-up for older adults, Runner-up for real-time crime deterrent

4.75

Starts at$28.99/mo

Professional installation
6-Month ADT Money-Back Guarantee
150 years of experience
6 monitoring centers
Trusted Neighbor feature
Google Nest cameras
Convenient touchscreen control panel
Long contracts with no trial period
High termination fees

See Packages

SafeWise tester Katie McEntire gets an image alert from the Nest Cam she tested as part of the ADT security system. Image: Katie McEntire, SafeWise

Why we recommend ADT and its security cameras

After more than 150 years in the game, ADT still knows how to evolve. Its partnership with Google Nest brings next-level smarts to one of the most established security brands around. Think: Nest cameras, facial recognition, and automation that makes your home feel futuristic — without losing that tried-and-true ADT reliability.

We’re especially impressed by the Trusted Neighbor feature, which uses facial recognition to let in familiar faces (like your dog walker) and keep everyone else out. It’s the kind of smart, secure convenience we didn’t expect from an old-school system — and it works.

ADT pricing snapshot

ADT has a bit of a reputation for being pricier, especially compared to DIY security systems. Monthly fees range from $28.99 (for a landline system) to $64.99 or more (depending on your equipment). There's no question — you’ll probably pay more monthly than you would for a self-installed setup. But there are some upsides baked into the model.

For one, you don’t have to fork over a pile of cash to get started. Instead, ADT includes equipment costs in your monthly payment, which helps spread out the expense and makes budgeting easier.

You will need to pay for professional installation ($99–$199), but considering you get an expert walk-through of your home’s vulnerabilities during setup, it’s not a bad deal.

Monitoring: Starts at $28.99/mo
Installation: $99–$199 (includes professional setup + risk assessment)
Contract: Typically 36 months
Equipment: Included with plan

Katie McEntire testing Nest Cam with an ADT security system. Image: SafeWise

We recommend the $65/month Video and Control package, which gives you wireless ADT equipment, Google Nest cameras, and automation features. That price may seem steep, but it works out to around $775 per year. Over a three-year contract, you'll pay about $2,300. Considering that the average loss from a residential break-in is around $5,500, ADT's protection can be well worth the investment.

Customer insights

Customers praise ADT's professional installation and fast response times, highlighting positive experiences with knowledgeable technicians and responsive support. Frustrations tend to focus on contracts and billing issues. The newest ADT+ app gets much better reviews than previous versions, garnering 4.8★ on iOS and on Android.

Real customer review

“I had a different security system that I wasn't happy with, which is why I went with ADT. I have been with them for at least 10 years, and the good part is that it works. I forgot I had the alarm on when I came back home, and it went off within five minutes. There were two officers there and they were asking for my security code."

—Sandra, ADT customer review, ConsumerAffairs, February 2026

Bottom line

ADT may not be the cheapest or most flexible system, but it’s dependable, modern, and smarter than ever thanks to Google Nest. If you want a trusted name with professional installation and advanced smart features, ADT’s a solid pick.

Keep shopping if you want concierge service without a long-term contract (consider Vivint's no-contract option instead) or you want a system that's compatible with Amazon Alexa.

Visit ADT's website

Call 855-641-7233

2. Vivint: The best 24/7 monitored security system, installed by pros

Vivint control panel. Learn all about Vivint's security system and pricing on Vivint's website.

Vivint control panel showing what it looks like when the system is disarmed, how many doors are open and unlocked.

Tester's take: My favorite Vivint features

"My favorite part about the Vivint system in my house is the hidden sensors. They're installed inside your door so that they don't even show when the door is closed."

Alina Bradford is a safety expert with over 25 years of experience.

—Alina Bradford, SafeWise contributor and tester

Why Vivint is the smartest monitored home security system

We love Vivint for so many reasons. Vivint's engineers are constantly working on more ways to help prevent a break-in:

Most affordable professional installation ($49)
$0 down financing
Free in-home security assessment and consultation
One app to rule them all—you don't have toggle between multiple apps to protect and control your home
Full proprietary equipment line (Vivint doesn’t just rely on other folk’s tech)
Theft-deterrent features
24/7 professional monitoring
Three-time TMA Center of the Year award winner

Image credit: Vivint

Standout feature: Vivint's security cameras with Smart Deter lurker detection to help prevent break-ins.

Go with Vivint if you want the reassurance of professional installation, robust smart home security, and expert-guided customization. Like any luxury item, you’d expect Vivint to come with a luxury price tag. It’s a balance: its equipment is pricey, but Vivint’s monthly monitoring fees remain in line with other top security companies. The Smart Home Video monitoring plan delivers video plus smart home control and integration for around $40 a month.

Real customer review

“Employees were very knowledgeable. The quality of the picture on the cameras is outstanding."

—Christina, Vivint customer review, Trustpilot, March 2026

Visit Vivint's website

3. Cove: The best value home security

Unboxing the Cove home security system, showing the control panel and yard sign in the box. Image credit: SafeWise staff.

Tester's take: Very responsive sensors and alerts

"After using Cove for around a month in my home, here's my take: The new version of Cove is easy to install and fully customizable. [When there was water leaking from the washing machine,] I got a text, I got a call, and the alarm itself sounded. Cove really wants to make sure you get the alert when something goes wrong, even if it's a leak in the basement ... I loved seeing how fast Cove responded to its sensors detecting trouble.”

Katie McEntire, SafeWise security tester

Why Cove is the customer-favorite DIY system

Cove is a great value, with low-cost monthly monitoring that doesn't require a contract, and allows easy cancellation if the system doesn't suit your needs. Cove sets you free without punishing penalties and fees, unlike other security solutions that charge 75% to 100% of your remaining contract.

Cove has some more customer-forward goodies we love:

Large 7-inch touchscreen panel that comes with every package
InstaText service that lets you confirm an emergency through a quick text message
LiveAssist service that calls you through the control panel (no phone needed!)
Rapid response with RapidSOS to get you help sooner
Cove Equipment Rewards let you to upgrade to the newest safety equipment or smart home device for free
Lifetime equipment warranty (only one other brand on our list offers a lifetime warranty)
Rate-lock guarantee that keeps your monitoring price the same

Image credit: Cove

Standout feature: When it comes to monitoring, Cove is the most affordable, starting at $19.99/mo.

The Cove Plus plan is the one we recommend. For $28 per month, it includes 24/7 professional monitoring, video recording and monitoring, and smart device integration. Plus, a lifetime extended warranty!

Real customer review

"The system was easy to install, easier to operate, and for added security it has a backup battery that is capable of running for 24 hours. I have confidence Cove can effectively protect me and my home."

—Marcia, Cove customer review, Trustpilot, March 2026

Visit Cove's website

4. SimpliSafe: Best DIY home security with optional subscription

Alina testing SimpliSafe home security system.

Alina is currently testing the latest SimpliSafe system with Active Guard monitoring. Setting up the base station. Image credit: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

Editor's take: SimpliSafe helps deter burglars

I haven't always been impressed by SimpliSafe's simple approach to home security. But SimpliSafe Active Guard Outdoor Protection takes this DIY security system to the next level. Advanced AI and trained security agents watch over your home with a mission to scare away intruders before they make any trouble. This is proactive home security like never before! Ring is the only other system on our list that offers this type of service.

SafeWise Managing Editor Rebecca Edwards

Rebecca Edwards, Managing Editor

Why SimpliSafe is the best DIY security system of 2026

SimpliSafe does home security on its own terms. That means ditching some things that turn off customers: brash salespeople and lengthy contracts.

You choose the equipment and monitoring level you want
No-pressure online shopping
Professional monitoring service on demand—no contracts
New outdoor security camera (finally!)
Optional monthly subscription (after first month)
60-day money-back guarantee

Image credit: SafeWise

Standout feature: Triple-threat monitoring and dispatch technology with video verification, Rapid SOS, and Active Guards that get you the help you need faster.

What SimpliSafe monitoring do we recommend? Go with the Interactive plan. It gives you mobile app control of your SimpliSafe security system and includes email and text alerts. You can also access live video if you add a home security camera.

Real customer review

"Besides having the best products in the industry, SimpliSafe's technical support team, from chat to live agents, is the best experience I've had in customer support, especially since COVID."

—Dave, SimpliSafe customer review, Trustpilot, March 2026

Visit SimpliSafe's website

Home security review related questions

Yes, a home security is worth the investment over time. It would take around six years of paying for a home security system to match the cost of being burgled just one time. The average loss from a burglary is over $2,600.

With the average annual cost of a home security system coming in around $400 after equipment, it’s a preventative measure that’s worth it. Plus, you can get discounts on home owners insurance, and most burglars say they’d skip a house that has a security system.

A professionally monitored security system has trained professionals keeping an eye on your home 24/7. Monitoring centers contact you if the alarm is triggered, and they can dispatch emergency services to your home. We recommend professional monitoring because it’s your most direct line to help if something happens.

With a self-monitored system, you and other authorized household members check in to make sure everything’s okay at home. Depending on the security system you choose, that may or may not include motion detector alerts, outside security camera alerts, and life-saving alerts like notifications that your smoke alarm went off.

You can save money with self-monitoring by avoiding monthly monitoring fees. But that can leave your home more vulnerable because you won’t have experts watching around the clock.

It depends on which security company you choose. Many professionally monitored home security systems require a contract, and contract length can range from three to five years. But you’ll find more home security options than ever before that offer shorter contracts and month-to-month (contract-free) terms—especially if you can pay for equipment up front.

Most home security companies will charge you around 75% of the remaining term of your contract if you cancel early—and some require 100%.

How we picked the best security systems

Person testing home security equipment eq

Katie getting "hands-on" with home security equipment. Image: SafeWise.

Every month, more than 1 million visitors look to us for home security information and recommendations. Our honest reviews and expert insights come from hundreds of hours of hands-on tests, interviews with real customers, and meetings with technical pros, owners, and CEOs of large and small home security companies.

While we research, we look at factors that matter most for protecting your home and family:

Cost and contracts
Response time and monitoring options
Security features and smart home integration
Customer service and reputation
Ease of installation and use

Learn more about our rigorous testing process in our full methodology.

Why we recommend ADT home security

We recommend ADT home security for it’s dependable, modern, and smarter than ever Google Nest cameras. If you want a trusted name with professional installation and advanced smart features, ADT’s a solid pick.

🔥 See ADT packages

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Read full disclaimers.
†Google, Google Nest Secure, Google Home, Google Nest Protect, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.