10 Best Home Security Systems of 2023

After hundreds of hours of tests and research, we picked Vivint as the top home security system of 2023.
Best overall
Vivint yard sign
Vivint
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starts at
$29.99
/mo
  • pro
    Pro installation
  • pro
    Smarter security cameras
Budget pick
simplisafe sign
SimpliSafe
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starts at
$17.99
/mo
  • pro
    DIY installation
  • pro
    Efficient dispatch technology
  • Icon Emoji  Fire
Trusted brand name
ADT
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$28.99
/mo
  • pro
    Pro installation
  • pro
    Longest money-back period
Best customer experience
Cove
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$17.99
/mo
  • pro
    DIY installation
  • pro
    No-hassle cancellation
  • Icon Emoji  Fire
Best optional monitoring
ADT Self Setup
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$19.99
/mo
  • pro
    DIY installation
  • pro
    No contract
  • Icon Blank

Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

SafeWise is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click links on our site. Learn how we rank and review.

Home security can be confusing. To help you find the best home security system, we tried them all. We chose Vivint as the best security system because of its high-end equipment, advanced smart home features, and its ability to thwart theft. Don't count out these other picks, though. Each one has its own benefits.

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You can trust our reviews

SafeWise puts in hundreds of hours of hands-on testing and research to bring you the best products and services for your needs. 

Check out this week's home security deals!

🔥Vivint is offering $100 off the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro when you use the code 100DBC.

🔥 SimpliSafe is offering 40% off and a free indoor camera.

🔥 Cove is offering 65% off equipment + a free HD camera.

🔥 ADT is offering free installation of a Google Nest Doorbell.

🔥 Abode is offering up to 50% off storewide.


Compare the best home security systems

Brand
Best for
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Starter equipment price
Contract required
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
Read review
Best overall$599.00
Icon Yes  LightNo *
Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
Budget pick$245.00
Icon Yes  LightNo
Amazon,
Google
Most experienced$0.00
Icon No  LightYes
Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
Best customer experienceQuote required
Icon Yes  LightNo *
Amazon,
Google
Best optional monitoring$199.15
Icon Yes  LightNo
Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
Best for Apple customers$279.00
Icon Yes  LightNo
Amazon, Apple, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee
Quality DIY pick$129.00
Icon Yes  LightNo
Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
Best outdoor cameras$199.99
Icon Yes  LightNo
Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
Most gadgets$85.98
Icon Yes  LightNo
Amazon,
Google

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

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Check out these best home security system reviews

1. The best overall security system : Vivint

Best overall
vivint home security system on desk
Vivint security
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starts at
$29.99
/mo
  • pro
    High-end equipment
  • pro
    Advanced smart home features
  • pro
    Smart Deter lurker detection
  • pro
    Free in-home security consultation
  • con
    Higher overall cost

If you’re on the hunt for a smart home security system that doesn’t require you to lift a finger, Vivint is the best of the bunch. Vivint’s high-end equipment with pro installation, 24/7 monitoring, smart home features, and state-of-the-art security tech make it the best wireless security system available.

Here's why Vivint is our top pick

We love Vivint for so many reasons:

  • Professional installation that’s more affordable than competitors ($49)
  • Financing model where equipment payment and monitoring are separate
  • Free in-home home security consultations
  • Smart home security smartphone app
  • Full proprietary equipment line (Vivint doesn’t just rely on other folk’s tech)
  • Unique car guard device
  • 24/7 professional monitoring
  • Three-time TMA Center of the Year award winner

Standout feature: Vivint's security cameras with Smart Deter lurker detection are a staff favorite. Learn all about it in our Vivint cameras guide.

vivint banner

Image credit: Vivint

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.

See everything that’s got us revved up about Vivint—read our full Vivint review.

“When Vivint switched its focus from smart home to smart security, it was a game changer. I can't get enough of the video doorbell that’s loaded with AI and proactive features (like the whistle) that actually shoo porch pirates away.”

—Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise security expert

Our Vivint testing experience at a glance

vivint doorbell screenshot of package being delivered

Vivint SmartSentry Test

Vivint Car Guard Test

Learn more about Vivint Home Security

2. The security system that's budget-friendly: SimpliSafe

Budget pick
simplisafe-base-lit-up-on-table
SimpliSafe security
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starts at
$17.99
/mo
  • pro
    No contracts
  • pro
    Live video feed available
  • pro
    Affordable monitoring
  • pro
    Great options for renters
  • con
    Basic smart home compatibility

Our readers have spoken—and they love SimpliSafe’s affordable, straightforward cellular security system. SimpliSafe’s name says it all. Its security systems are simple—and so is its pricing. SimpliSafe has some of the cheapest monthly monitoring fees available, and you can start or stop it whenever you want to.

Here's what makes SimpliSafe a fan favorite

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
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • New outdoor security camera (finally!)

Standout feature: SimpliSafe features RapidSOS (only one other system has this security monitoring feature) to speed up help in an emergency. It skips sending information to a monitoring center and sends it directly to 911 dispatchers so first responders get to you (wherever you are) faster.

Image credit: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

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.

Get the rundown on SimpliSafe’s home security offerings in our full SimpliSafe review.

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SimpliSafe's new outdoor home security camera

We're thrilled that SimpliSafe now has an outdoor camera. Protect your home inside and out when you add the affordable wireless camera with high-quality video to your SimpliSafe system.

Our SimpliSafe testing experience at a glance

SimpliSafe Smart Lock Review

person holding simplisafe equipment

Installing SimpliSafe

Learn more about SimpliSafe

3. The security system with the most trusted brand name: ADT

Trusted brand name
ADT Shield
ADT security
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$28.99
/mo
  • pro
    6-Month ADT Money-Back Guarantee
  • pro
    147 years of experience
  • pro
    9 monitoring centers
  • pro
    Free whole-home risk assessment
  • con
    Long contracts with no trial period
  • con
    High termination fees

Money-back guarantee applicable for system problems during the first six months that ADT is unable to resolve. 

ADT is the most experienced security monitoring company in the country. If you’ll sleep better knowing that a well-known, tried-and-true security company is watching over your home, ADT is worth the money.

This is why ADT’s experience matters

No one can beat ADT’s experience with home security monitoring.

  • Top-notch protection delivered for 147 years
  • ADT Home Security looks out for more than 8 million people across the globe
  • 9 professional monitoring centers
  • Partnerships and integration with tech from Google Nest and Ford
  • 6-month service guarantee (the longest money-back period in the industry)

Standout feature: ADT Home Security has more monitoring centers than any other security company. If one monitoring station goes down, your home’s protection transfers to another center. That’s 24/7 protection that you can rely on, even when Mother Nature does her worst.

adt product bundle

Image credit: ADT

If you’re going with one of the best home security companies out there, you may as well go all in. The Complete plan includes home automation controls, wireless equipment, and video monitoring.

Learn more about what ADT has to offer in our full ADT review.

Learn more about ADT Home Security

4. The security system with the best customer experience: Cove

Best customer experience
Cove security
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$17.99
/mo
  • pro
    Free upgrades
  • pro
    No-hassle cancellation
  • pro
    7-in. touchscreen panel
  • pro
    Great customer reviews
  • con
    Limited smart home compatibility
  • con
    No Z-wave, Zigbee, or IFTTT integration

If you’re motivated by good customer service, Cove will make you all warm and cozy inside. Cove told us its policy is to be “more than fair” with customers. That’s probably why Cove has a whopping 98%* customer retention rate. Customers love Cove, and we do too.

Here's how Cove puts customers first

On top of offering affordable monthly monitoring prices—that you can get without a contract—Cove makes it painless to cancel if the system isn’t for you. 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!)
  • RapidSOS to get you help sooner
  • Cove Equipment Rewards that let you to upgrade to the newest equipment 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

Standout feature: Cove sets itself apart with something it calls “done-with-me installation.” This combo of pro and DIY  lets you install the system yourself, with help.

The touchscreen walks you through installation with large, easy-to-follow illustrations. We’ll take it any day over installation booklets or tiny illustrations on an app.

cove home security system in box

Image credit: SafeWise

When it comes to monitoring, the Cove Plus monitoring plan is our pick. It includes video monitoring and smart device integration plus a lifetime extended warranty.

Dig into more of what Cove has to offer in our full Cove review.

“I’ve consistently been impressed with the customer-first focus from Cove. As a newer DIY security system, Cove is up against bigger players like SimpliSafe. It stands out with customer-first policies, seeks out feedback, and then responds to feedback (more camera options, please!) so it can deliver a better security system.”

—Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise security expert

*Information provided by an interview with Cove representatives in October 2021.

Our Cove testing experience at a glance

Cove Indoor Camera Review

person installing cove door sensor

Installing Cove

Learn more about Cove

5. The best security system with optional professional monitoring: ADT Self Setup

Best optional monitoring
blue by adt starter system product bundle
ADT Self Setup
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$19.99
/mo
  • pro
    No contract
  • pro
    Self-monitoring option
  • pro
    Reliability of ADT
  • pro
    Many equipment and camera options
  • con
    Glitchy mobile app
  • con
    Bulky equipment

If you’re looking for flexibility with the experience of ADT, look no further. ADT Self Setup offers the best of both worlds—easy DIY home security with optional monitoring backed by trustworthy pro monitoring from ADT.

Here's why ADT Self Setup is different

ADT Self Setup gives you the experience of ADT and its dedicated, redundant monitoring centers without the contracts, mandatory professional installation, and in-home consultations.

If you want to go pro, the professional monitoring plan sets you back about $20 per month, and there are no contracts or commitments. And if you opt for self-monitoring, you won’t lose camera cloud storage. We love that.

Image credit: ADT Self Setup

We initially ranked this system higher, but after a year of upgrades from other DIY companies, we bumped it down. We’re excited to see what this newcomer does next.

Read more in our full ADT Self Setup review.

Standout feature: Big system under $300

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

Learn more about ADT Self Setup

6. Best for Apple Customers: Abode

Best DIY automation security system
Abode security
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$21.99
/mo
  • pro
    Apple HomeKit compatibility
  • pro
    Zigbee and Z-wave compatibility
  • pro
    Easy setup
  • pro
    Ideal size for apartments or dorms
  • con
    Up-front equipment costs
  • con
    Limited function for bigger houses

If you’re all about smart home automation, then Abode is the best smart home security system for you. It’s the only smart security system on our list that works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. It lets you connect to almost any smart device on the market, and this flexibility can’t be beaten by any other system on our list.

Why Abode is smarter than the average DIY system?

Abode can protect your home with its more traditional Smart Security Kit or its sleek all-in-one Abode Iota security hub. Whichever way you go, Abode adds smarts to your home security setup with voice control through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. In fact, it’s one of the only home automation security systems out there that cater to Apple devotees.

abode iota on shelf next to books

Image credit: Celeste Tholen, SafeWise

On top of voice control, you can add smart lighting, smart locks, smart speakers, and smart smoke and CO detectors to your Abode security system. Plus, pro monitoring starts at a around $20 per month.

Get the total rundown on Abode smart security in our full Abode review.

Standout feature: Apple HomeKit compatibility

Abode is the only security system on the market that works with Apple HomeKit. You can ask Siri about your system’s status, use HomeKit to arm your system, and create automations so your Abode system works with your Apple devices.

Our Abode testing experience at a glance

person holding abode iota

Abode Security Equipment

person peeling plastic off of new abode cam

Abode Cameras

Learn more about Abode

7. Our quality DIY pick: Frontpoint

Best no-contract DIY
Invalid image: 227605
Frontpoint security
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starts at
$34.99
/mo
  • pro
    Wide equipment options
  • pro
    Crash & Smash protection
  • pro
    Live video feed
  • pro
    ID theft protection
  • con
    Higher monitoring fees
  • con
    No pro installation options

Frontpoint delivers all the home security bells and whistles of full-service professionally installed systems but puts all the control (and installation) in your hands. For those who like the independence of DIY but don’t want to compromise on equipment options or features, Frontpoint fits the bill.

Here's why Frontpoint dominates DIY home security

Frontpoint delivers all the perks you want from a DIY home security system:

Standout feature: Every system comes with Frontpoint ID Protect powered by AllState Identity Protection. Yep, this smart security system protects your home and those you love and your identity—and you get this service and its nifty features for free.

Light Bulb
Deal alert

We teamed up with Frontpoint to offer readers an exclusive monitoring deal! The Interactive Monitoring plan gives you mobile control and professional monitoring of your system for $34.99 a month.

Invalid image: 227605

Image credit: SafeWise

Get all the details about Frontpoint’s plans, packages, and equipment in our full Frontpoint review, and see how easy Frontpoint is to install in our complete installation guide.

“Frontpoint has focused on improving both its service and equipment options, which helps justify its pro monitoring fees. Its top tier of $50/month gives you everything including smart home and video. ADT's top tier is $63/month, and that's the only way to get home automation.”

—Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise security expert

Our Frontpoint testing experience at a glance

screenshot of frontpoint video feed

Frontpoint Camera Reviews

Using the Frontpoint App

Learn more about Frontpoint

8. The security system with the best outdoor cameras: Ring

Best outdoor cameras
ring security system installed on wall
Ring security
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starts at
$20.00
/mo
  • pro
    Built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router
  • pro
    Wide camera selection
  • pro
    Affordable monitoring plan
  • con
    No cameras included with kits
  • con
    Up-front equipment cost

Ring is the best Wi-Fi security system if you want to build your home’s protection around cameras.

This is why Ring is security camera royalty

Even the best home security systems seem to slack when it comes to security cameras. Brands often offer a basic selection with basic features. Not Ring. It has everything from Ring doorbell cameras to Ring floodlight cameras with excellent video quality and advanced features:

  • Geofencing
  • IFTTT compatibility
  • 3D motion detection
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi
  • Motion tracking
  • Advanced noise cancellation
  • Loud sirens

Image credit: SafeWise

We love that you can power most of these cameras with solar accessories. Ring’s optional security lights are solar too: the perfect solution if you hate charging equipment or changing batteries.

Plus, Ring alarm security kits are affordable. You can buy Ring’s five-piece security kit and add monthly monitoring for a year for cheaper than buying just equipment with most other DIY security companies.

Read all about Ring alarm equipment and prices in our full Ring Alarm review.

Standout feature: Better connection

Each Ring Alarm Pro system comes with a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router. The router stabilizes Wi-Fi with speeds up to 900 Mbps and covers up to 1,500 square feet. Plus, your Ring system has 24/7 backup internet to keep it connected.

Our Ring testing experience at a glance

Ring Alarm Review

screenshot of wyze v3 feed

Ring Stick Up Cam Review

Learn more about Ring

9. The pick with the most gadgets: Wyze

Most gadgets
wyze home monitoring system on desk
Wyze security
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starts at
$9.99
/mo
  • pro
    Lowest monthly monitoring price
  • pro
    Affordable equipment
  • pro
    Fantastic budget cameras
  • pro
    Wide equipment selection
  • con
    Weak smart home support
  • con
    No cellular backup

Wyze Home Monitoring has just about every smart home gadget you can think of in its accessory line-up. Some of its offerings include security cameras, smartwatches, video doorbells, scales, a gun safe, and even a remote control car camera.

This is why Wyze wows

Not only does this security system pick have gobs of equipment, it's also affordable. Wyze security kits and monitoring are the lowest we’ve seen. You can get Wyze Home Monitoring for less than $10 per month and a base security kit for less than $80. While the base kit includes only two entry sensors, a motion sensor, keypad control panel, and base station, it’s still competitive with top security systems on our list.

Wyze has been one of our favorites when it comes to budget security cameras for a while now. The cameras are jam-packed with features you don’t find on cameras twice the price. (Most Wyze cameras are under $50.) You can imagine how jazzed we were to see a monitored Wyze security system.

wyze home monitoring system on desk

Image: John Carlsen, SafeWise

While we love Wyze, its monitoring is new, so we hesitate to move it up in our rankings. We’re watching and waiting to see how it performs over time.

Read more in our full Wyze Home Monitoring review.

Standout feature: Gadgets galore

Wyze specializes in smart home technology and has more gadgets than any other brand. From smart bulbs to smart plugs to a smart digital scale (we tried and loved the scale, by the way), it has just about every smart home device you can think of. If you’re looking for all the home automation your heart desires at low prices, we recommend Wyze.

Our Wyze testing experience at a glance

person touching top of wyze cam pan

Wyze Cam Pan Review

screenshot of wyze v3 feed

Wyze v3 Review

Learn more about Wyze

10. Security system with most safety sensor options: Brinks

Most safety sensor options
Brinks security
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Starts at
$39.99
/mo
  • pro
    Variety of sensors
  • pro
    Apple Watch compatibility
  • pro
    Lots of equipment chioices
  • pro
    Fast response times
  • con
    Required contracts
  • con
    High cancellation fees

Brinks has straightforward pricing and equipment packages that make it a good choice for home security newbies. We particularly love its expansive line of sensors.

How Brinks monitors just about everything

Brinks is best for those that like a simple installation while having lots of sensor options. Plus, the company’s money-back guarantee makes Brinks a solid choice for the commitment-averse who want to try out a home security system before signing a lengthy contract.

No matter what you want to monitor, Brinks has a sensor:

  • Qolsys encrypted door/window sensor
  • Wireless door sensors
  • IQ wireless garage door tilt sensor
  • Wireless glass break detector
  • GE wireless vibration detector
  • Motion sensor
  • IQ wireless carbon monoxide detector
  • GE Security wireless water/flood sensor
  • IQ wireless flood detector
  • Wireless freeze sensor
  • IQ smoke detector
brinks equipment banner

Image credit: Brinks

Out of the Brinks equipment package choices, we like its Smart Security Complete best. It works with Brinks’ Smart Security pro monitoring plan but kicks it up a notch with a night vision indoor camera and an extra motion sensor.

Check out all the details in our full Brinks review.

Standout feature: Apple Watch compatibility

Apple fans will love that they can use the Brinks app on their Apple Watch. You can check your system status, arm your system, check to make sure your garage door is closed, and more right on your wrist.

Learn more about Brinks

Haven’t found what you’re looking for?

Final word

Vivint doubles down when it comes to smart home security—emphasizing both smart home features and state-of-the-art security tech—making it the best home security system for many people's needs.

You may have noticed that many brands on this list have similar star ratings. That’s because we found them equally fantastic, just in different ways. Choose a system that caters to your specific needs:

  1. Vivint: Best overall security system
  2. SimpliSafe: Reader favorite security system
  3. Frontpoint: Quality DIY pick
  4. ADT: Trusted brand name
  5. Cove: Best customer experience

Home security system related questions

What is the best home security system available today?

Vivint is our pick for the best home security system on the market today. We like that Vivint's equipment works as both an alarm system and a deterrent. Not only does Vivint alert you—and the authorities—if there's an emergency like a break-in or fire, but it also helps deter bad actors before they breach your home or swipe a package. 

Is a home security system worth it?

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, most burglars say they’d skip a house that has a security system.

That depends on your budget and comfort with risk. Based on our comparisons of home security monthly fees, the median cost of professional monitoring is lower than ever at less than $30 a month. Some plans, like Wyze Home Monitoring, cost $10 or less each month.

A $40 or $50 per month monitoring fee can seem steep, but that adds up to $600 or less per year. Keep in mind that the more features and security devices you add to your system, the bigger the price tag.

Some top-tier packages cost upward of $60 per month. That’s still significant, but it’s a lot less than the average loss of a break-in. While the rate of burglaries nationally has decreased, the average loss remains high—around $2,600 per incident.

Related questions

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.

Related questions

Wireless refers to the use of wireless technology like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for monitoring and connecting the components of your system. Wired refers to a home security system hardwired into your home’s electrical system.

Both protect your home just fine, but wireless home security systems have more flexibility if you move or don’t want to put holes in walls. A hardwired system could be the perfect option if you want a complete smart home or if you can incorporate the installation into a renovation or new construction.

Related questions

What are the pros and cons of wired and wireless security systems?

 

Yes. Most insurance companies offer a discount when you install a security system. Depending on your insurance,  24/7 professional monitoring may qualify you for as much as 15% off your premium. When you’re looking for the best home security system to buy, verify that you’ll get a certificate to submit to your home insurance company after installation.

Related questions

Can purchasing a home security system decrease my homeowners insurance?

Yes. Thanks to wireless technology, it’s now easy to add security to your home—whether you own, rent, or live in a dorm or with roommates. Many of our top home security systems have packages that meet renters’ security needs. To make it even easier, we also ranked the best security systems for renters.

Related questions

I rent an apartment. Should I still consider a home security system?

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%.

Related questions

 

The best home security systems use tools and technology to help keep you, your family, and your property safe—think burglar alarms, security cameras, entry sensors, motion sensors, and reinforced door locks. Home automation uses technology to automate everyday activities like locking the doors, turning up the thermostat, or starting the coffee pot.

Combined with home security, home automation can help increase your home’s energy efficiency, remotely control your alarm system, and let you check in on kids or pets when you’re away from home.

Related questions

The difference between a traditional alarm system and a smart one is that different components can communicate with one another. Not only does smart technology give you the ability to control and monitor your home alarm system from anywhere—it also makes your system able to respond to your habits and routines.

Related questions

Home security systems that are 100% DIY let you pick the security products (like an entry sensor, smart lock, window sensor, cameras), set them up, and monitor them—all on your own. Brands like Frontpoint offer DIY installation with professional monitoring. Find some of our favorites on our full list of the best DIY home security systems.

Related questions

Sometimes you don’t have a choice. High-end home security companies like Vivint and ADT offer only professional installation. But most of the other best security companies on our residential security services list give you a DIY option.

Alarm systems that require wiring and sensor or camera placement benefit from professional installation companies—especially if an incorrectly placed motion sensor, door sensor, or security camera could lead to false alarms, or worse, an intruder. But there are some downsides to a pro install—primarily the necessity to schedule an appointment and have someone come into your home.

Related questions

How we picked the best home security systems

person testing home security system

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

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.

Contributing writers:

Rebecca Edwards

John Carlsen

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.

†Google, Google Nest Secure, Google Home, Google Nest Protect, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina Bradford
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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