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Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *ADT $28.99 for landline system only. Full ADT disclaimer
We recommend SimpliSafe as our top home security pick overall, thanks to its live monitoring, affordable equipment, and optional subscription.
If you want other options, each home security system we recommend has its perks. Vivint offers high-end equipment and theft-deterring cameras without contracts if you pay for equipment upfront. If you prefer a company with over 150 years of experience protecting folks—ADT fits the bill—just know you'll need to sign a contract.
To find the best home security systems, we dig into hands-on tests, meet with security companies, and learn from real customers.
Image: SafeWise
Local security companies are more likely to uniquely understand your neighborhood. And sometimes these providers can offer packages with the best of different brands. But it’s also typical to experience longer waits for installs, less transparent pricing/packages, and fewer customer-support resources.
Bay Alarm
bayalarm.com
510 Myrtle Ave. #102
South San Francisco, CA 94080
1-800-610-1000
Powerhouse Security
phsecurity.com
1 Hillcrest Ave
San Anselmo, CA 94960
415-335-4300
Redwood Security Systems Inc.
redwoodsecurity.com
P.O. Box 1809
Mill Valley, CA 94942
415-929-9297
Bamboo Communications
securitycamerainstallationsf.com
4200 California St, Suite 204
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-816-7111
Golden Gate Burglar Alarm Co.
goldengateburglaralarm.com
415-285-1787
Northwest Security Inc.
P.O. Box 14084
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-861-0200
North Bay AVS
northbayavsdesign.com
Santa Rosa, CA
707-526-4549
Kurtis Company
kurtisco.com
3145 Geary Boulevard, Suite 130
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-738-8533
The best home security system for your family depends on your priorities. Maybe you value the latest tech a national company provides. Maybe you like that local providers are more tied to your community.
More resources for a wider customer base
Better equipment available
Familiar brands would-be intruders recognize 
Some brands prone to high-pressure sales
Long contracts with high cancellation fees
Knowledge of local problems
Packages with best of different brands
Fewer customer support resources
Longer wait for install
Less transparent pricing/packages Home security isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. Here are the top things to consider when picking out your perfect home security match.
Household type and composition
If you rent, look for wireless home security equipment that won’t damage your walls and is easy to take with you when your lease is up. If you’re a homeowner, consider the size of your property and the number of ground-floor access points.
Do you live alone, or do you have others in the home like children or pets? If you have kids coming home on their own after school, you might want security cameras or a video doorbell in your system. (Video doorbells can help spot package deliveries and detect familiar faces too.)
For pups who like to take off, look for motion sensors to tack onto a pet door or outdoor gate. If you have roommates, you may want to protect only your room, so look for a smaller DIY security system you can manage on your own.
Neighborhood
Look into local crime stats, talk to neighbors, and connect with your neighborhood watch. You can also use neighborhood safety tools like Ring’s free Neighbors app. It gives you real-time updates from people in the neighborhood and provides crime reports from local law enforcement. If your neighborhood has a lot of vehicle break-ins, think about an outdoor security camera or a system that offers car security.
DIY vs. professional installation
If you’re into doing things yourself, then a DIY alarm system might be a better fit. SimpliSafe is our DIY recommendation, but there are other good options out there like Frontpoint. Want the convenience of letting someone else sweat during the install? Vivint does all the work for you and offers high-end equipment.
You can tailor your system’s security cameras to your needs—whether you need indoor or outdoor cameras, or more advanced features like motion-activation or night vision. You can also use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to view footage from your cameras and access your home security system remotely. With motion-activated cameras, you can quickly review relevant footage.
You can get home security systems that don’t include professional monitoring, but we don’t recommend it. You’re always safer with trained pros watching your home 24/7. Plus, sometimes local police won’t respond to a burglar alarm without verification of a threat (which is automatically provided when you add professional monitoring to your home security system).
Smart home automation is easy and affordable. And you can monitor your security system and other gadgets from your phone. Control your smart locks or appliances remotely and link up voice-assistant speakers with your security system. Plus, automated security systems let you set up text and email notifications for events, like children coming and going, or emergencies.
Installation cost, equipment, and monthly monitoring charges are the three main pricing variables for your home security system.
We recommend Vivint. Few brands can compete with its proprietary high-end equipment and smart home selection. With Vivint, you can customize home security packages to your heart’s content. Vivint products also feature proactive theft-deterring features, and installation is a breeze since the pros do it for you.
SimpliSafe is the best DIY home security system, hands down. It has some of the most affordable monthly monitoring fees in the industry, and it doesn’t tie you down with lengthy contracts. We’re also big fans of SimpliSafe’s RapidSOS feature for faster help during emergencies. SimpliSafe lives up to its name with a stress-free online shopping experience—no pushy salespeople to deal with.
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.
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