To help you find the best home security system for your needs, we tried them all. Vivint came out on top because of its high-end equipment, advanced smart home features, and its ability to thwart theft—not just record it happening. But our other picks like ADT, SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, and Wyze all have their pluses, whether it's the most experience, cheaper fees, no contracts, or simple DIY setup.
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.
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full ADT disclaimer
Best home security systems of 2023
- : Best overall
- : Most trusted security brand
- : Best optional subscription
- : Best customer rating
Compare the best home security systems
Brand | Installation | Monthly cost
 | Best for | Starter equipment price | Contract required | Smart home compatibility
| Learn more |
| Professional | $29.99/mo. | Best overall | $599.00 | No * | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | |
| Professional | $28.99/mo. | Most trusted security brand | $0.00 | Yes | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | |
| DIY or Pro | $19.99/mo. | Best optional subscription | $245.00 | No | Amazon, | View packages | |
| DIY or Pro | $17.99/mo. | Best customer rating | Quote required | No | Amazon, Google | View packages |
1. Vivint: The best overall security system
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.
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.
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“Vivint is fantastic at what they do. I have had the system for 7 years now and haven’t had any major issues with the system at all. The thing I love the most would be the doorbell camera for my wife and I. I would highly recommend the system to anyone looking for a hassle free experience.”
—Garth, Vivint customer review
—Garth, Vivint customer review
2. ADT: The most trusted security brand
Money-back guarantee applicable for system problems during the first six months that ADT is unable to resolve.
ADT is the most experienced security company in the country. If you’ll sleep better knowing that a well-known, tried-and-true 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.
- Top-notch protection delivered for 147 years
- ADT Home Security looks out for more than 8 million people across the globe
- 6 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 six redundant monitoring centers. 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.
Image credit: ADT
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3. SimpliSafe: Best optional subscription
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.
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1-800-411-9637
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.
"I like that it was easy to install on our own rather than requiring professional installation. I also like the affordability of the monitoring system…it feels like a good value…and the response time is great. We had a false alarm once and they were reaching out to us immediately.
It made me feel safe; it made me feel that there was someone looking out for us and available to dispatch help at a moment’s notice."
—Vannessa W., SimpliSafe customer review
It made me feel safe; it made me feel that there was someone looking out for us and available to dispatch help at a moment’s notice."
—Vannessa W., SimpliSafe customer review
4. Cove: The best customer rating
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.
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.
“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
—Rebecca Edwards, SafeWise security expert
*Information provided by an interview with Cove representatives in October 2021.
5. Frontpoint: Our quality DIY pick
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:
- Smart home integration
- Lots of equipment to choose from
- Mobile smartphone app control
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras
- 24/7 video recordings
- Security videos on your television
- Video verification to reduce false alarms
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- No pushy sales and in-home consultations
- Extras in its entry-level plan like CO and smoke detector monitoring
- No wires for burglars to cut on this wireless alarm 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.
Pricing alert
Frontpoint recently shook up its pricing structure. Now you can get Frontpoint's professional monitoring starting at just $24.99 a month, with upfront equipment purchase starting at $399. (That could save you $120 per year!)
Image credit: SafeWise
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6. Abode: The security system for home automation
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.
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 mere $20 per month.
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.
7. Ring: Best outdoor cameras
Ring is the best Wi-Fi security system if you want to build your home’s protection around cameras.
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.
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.
8. Wyze: The pick with the most gadgets
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.
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.
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.
9. Arlo: Best sensors
Arlo rolled out its security system in 2022, but don't let that scare you. We have long been a fan of Arlo's cameras, which have been going strong since 2018. Arlo has straightforward pricing and equipment packages that make it a good choice for home security newbies. We particularly love its eight-in-one sensors and outstanding security cameras.
How Arlo innovated with the security system sensor
Every Arlo system comes with sensors to detect if a door or window is opening or if there's motion. Arlo decided to take these very basic devices and make them more useful.
An Arlo sensor detects eight different things instead of just one:
- Motion Detection
- Open/Close Detection
- Water Leak Detection
- Freeze Detection
- Tilt Detection
- Light Detection
- Smoke Listening (requires monitoring plan)
- CO Alarm Listening (requires monitoring plan)
This means that you don't have to buy a particular type of sensor for each of your needs. It's one and done.
Image credit: Arlo
And Arlo, like Ring, offers a wide range of camera types, from indoor to outdoor, plus spotlight, floodlight, and more. Check out all the details in our full Arlo security camera review.
Home security system related questions
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
- What type of contract length can I expect from security providers?
- Home security system cancellation policies
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
That's a complicated question. Beyond calling for help when there's an emergency, many people find security cameras helpful for watching children, watching for packages, and other practical things. Of course, there are a lot of things to consider before making the investment. Our guide can help you sort out if you need a security system or not.
It depends on what you need. If you're looking for a DIY security system, then you'll need to look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you're looking for a system that is professionally installed with a solid track record when it comes to protecting customers, ADT is a good choice. Learn more in our ADT review.
How we picked the best home security systems
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:
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.
