A Comparison of 5 Top Home Security Control Panels

The control panel or hub is the brain of a security system. Since you'll be using these devices a lot, you want to find one that works for what you want—whether that's a simple keypad or something with a that you can review video from.

Each alarm panel or hub on list our falls into three categories: touchscreen panel, separate keypad and base station, and mobile app-controlled device (that may or may not have a keypad).

• Offers one-button alarm activation.
• Streams live HD video from Vivint video cameras and the Vivint doorbell camera. Provides recorded video clips via a DVR application.
• Allows for direct two-way communication with alarm monitoring professionals via built-in microphone and speaker.

• Communicates via cellular technology—more reliable than landline or Wi-Fi connections.
• Updates the system automatically so you always have the latest features.
• Allows you to add up to 50 user codes.
• Has a battery backup that lasts at least 24 hours.

• Offers direct control of door locks, window and door sensors, motion detectors, connected power outlets, and the Vivint Smart Thermostat.
• Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave smart home platforms.

• Capacitive touchscreen responds to a light finger touch, instead of applied pressure.

• Keypad has a hidden panic button.
• Base station includes a 95-decibel alarm.

• Cellular and internet connections let you communicate with the monitoring center even if one loses connection.
• Base station has 24-hour battery backup for when the power is cut.
• System contacts monitoring center if someone smashes the keypad.

• Base station controls up to 100 sensors—plenty for all but the biggest of homes.
• System works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and August smart locks.

• Keypad easily mounts on your wall.
• Light-up keypad display is easy to see at night and turns off when not in use.
• Keypad display doubles as directional button for selecting settings from the menu.
• Base station uses voice prompts for easy setup.

Frontpoint uses a combination of a keypad and hub, similar to what you find on SimpliSafe. But unlike SimpliSafe's keypad, Frontpoint's lacks a screen. If you're willing to pay an extra $105 or so, Frontpoint also sells a touchscreen panel, but it isn't the default option like it is on brands like Vivint and ADT.

• Arms and disarms the system with the touch of a button.
• Includes 104.5-decibel siren.

• Includes a 24-hour battery backup.
• Offers simultaneous cellular and Wi-Fi connection for redundancy backup and improved speed.
• Is compatible with Crash and Smash protection, which enables the system to send an alarm signal even if it has been damaged.
• Allows you to program unique user codes.

• Supports up to 80 individual sensors, including smoke and heat, carbon monoxide, and water and flood sensors.
• Works with home automation devices using Z-Wave, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

• Easily mounts on a wall or rests on a table.

• Phone notifications, like disarm snapshots that can be sent to phone.
• Video package that accommodates 8 cameras and 6,000 clips.
• Monitoring available for carbon monoxide, fires, and floods.

• Bluetooth disarming when user is close to keypad.
• Remote door locking/unlocking for visitors.
• Encrypted alarm sensors for added security and increased wireless range.

• Automation for smart home devices like lights, thermostats, cameras, and deadbolts.
• Security system status updates for all home entry points.
• Built-in Amazon Alexa voice controls and support for Google Home app.

• Two-way voice over cell.
• Built-in how-to videos.
• Crash and smash protection.

The ADT Self Setup Smart Home Hub is similar to SimpliSafe's base station in design. But instead of using a separate keypad, it places it on top of the base station. You can get a wall-mounted ADT Self Setup keypad for about $90, but it's optional.

The keypad is one of the simplest on this list (no screen) since ADT Self Setup allows you to control system with a mobile app and no subscription.

• Includes a built-in siren.
• Offers a one-touch panic setting to send an immediate signal to the monitoring center for police, fire, and medical emergencies.

• Communicates with the central monitoring station by cellular signal.
• Run off AC power and has a rechargeable 24-hour backup battery.

• Uses Wi-Fi to connect to the ADT Self Setup mobile app (no subscription required to self-monitor system).
• Integrates with system components such as cameras, door and window sensors, and doorbell.
• Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Z-Wave smart home devices.

• Rests on a shelf or tabletop—there's no wall-mount option.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a home security system. Having a home security panel that is user-friendly and meets your needs and lifestyle is among the most important. For homeowners who have many entry points to manage and enjoy bells and whistles, the HD touchscreen tablet panels from Vivint and ADT would fit the bill.

If you live through your smartphone, Frontpoint and ADT Self Setup might be best. And for those who don’t like or need potentially complicated interfaces, the straightforward LCD screen and rubber keypad security panel from SimpliSafe is ideal.

Now that you know more about the popular control panels on the market, research the best home security systems and find the system that’s right for you.

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• The Difference Between Monitored and Unmonitored Security Systems