The Best Home Security System Apps

Home security apps let you connect to your security system from anywhere. We researched the best home security apps.
Best for smart security
screenshots of Vivint app
Vivint
  • pro
    Smart home controls
  • pro
    Availability with all plans
Best for easy navigation
screenshots of Frontpoint app
Frontpoint
  • pro
    User-friendly interface
  • pro
    Remote account management
Best for voice control
ADT Control App 2
ADT+
  • pro
    Voice control
  • pro
    Live video feed
Best for sharing video
screenshots of SimpliSafe app
SimpliSafe
  • pro
    Intuitive layout
  • pro
    Social media sharing
Best for Apple customers
Abode app
Abode
  • pro
    Slick user interface
  • pro
    Live video feeds

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

The Vivint app makes it easy to secure your home and control smart home features from anywhere (like turning up the heat on the way home from the ski hill). Many home security system apps are compatible with smart home controls, but they usually require multiple apps to control everything.

With Vivint, you’ve got one app that does everything from arming your system to turning off the lights. And you don’t need to upgrade to a more expensive monitoring plan to get the app—Vivint includes it with every package. Take a peek at the rest of our top contenders to see how they stack up against Vivint's app.



Compare the best home security system apps

Brand
Best for
Requires contract
Available with all plans
Minimum requirements
Learn more
Smart security pick
bulletYes
bulletYes
iOS 13
Android 8.2
Easy navigation pick
bulletNo
bulletYes
iOS 13
Android 6
Voice control
bulletYes
bulletNo
iOS 13
Android 6
Video-sharing pick
bulletNo
bulletYes
iOS 14
Android 7
Best for Apple customers
bulletNo
bulletYes
iOS 11.4

Android 7

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

Reviews: Best home security system apps

1. Vivint Smart Home app: Best smart security

Best smart security

You’ll need to have a customer account with Vivint to use its app, but once you do, get ready for a slew of home automation functions. Adjust the lights so they’re bright when you pull in the driveway, turn down the heat while you’re at the office during the day, or unlock the front door for your kids if they forget a key.

pro
Pros
pro Comes with all plans
pro Has seamless smart home integration
pro Uses built-in AI assistant to learn routines
con
Cons
con Available only with Vivint home security system
con Requires upgrade for continuous video storage

Sky uses geolocation and your home’s sensors to tell if your house is empty or full of a bunch of teenagers. It automatically adjusts the climate control to make sure the heat isn’t blasting when you’re out for the day (or when a crew of kids is upping the indoor temperature). Vivint Sky helps you conserve energy and stay comfy.

Plus, you can set up rules to automatically lock up the house at 10:00 p.m. each night and get an alert if a door or window opens after that time. If you’ve got rambunctious kids looking to exert a little too much independence, this feature could be a lifesaver.

Learn more in our complete review of the Vivint app and our Vivint security review

What can you do with the Vivint app?

  • Activity feed: See what’s going on with detailed reports of your home's day-to-day activity.
  • Family plan: Create and manage personalized accounts for every member of the household.
  • Smart clips: Save 20-second clips of security camera video to review later—whether it’s someone suspicious at the door or your dog doing something adorable.
  • Custom actions: Set up rules and routines to make life easier. Automatically turn lights on or off at the same time each day or lock the doors after everyone’s tucked in for the night.
  • Vivint playback: Add this feature to your app to store up to 30 days of continuous video.

2. Frontpoint app: Easy navigation

Best for easy navigation

Frontpoint is the only security company on our list that uses Alarm.com technology for its mobile app. But Frontpoint has put in a lot of time to customize the app to best serve its customers.

A great example of this is the company’s DIY installation guidance. Frontpoint was one of the first home security companies to automate installation through a mobile app.

The Frontpoint app recently got a facelift, and users are raving about the simple, intuitive interface. The navigation menu is easy to follow, and the company has given more power to the individual user.

pro
Pros
pro Easy navigation and setup
pro Live video feed
pro User-controlled account management
con
Cons
con Delays after motion detection

It used to take a call to customer service to change user settings, update login information, and make other standard changes. With the latest app update, those calls are no longer necessary—which is great news if you hate having to make phone calls (like me).

Learn more in our guide to the Frontpoint app or the full Frontpoint security review.

What can you do with the Frontpoint mobile app?

  • System setup: Follow the prompts for quick, easy setup of your Frontpoint security system.
  • Notifications: Get real-time alerts via text, email, or push notifications.
  • Video: Check in on your home, kids, or pets with live video or recorded clips.
  • Smart home control: Turn up the heat, dim the lights, or unlock the front door from your office or a ski slope.
  • Account management: Edit users, link multiple systems to a single login, and increase app security with extra features like two-factor authentication. No more need to call customer service for these housekeeping issues.

3. ADT+: Best for voice control

Best for voice control

The ADT+ app works with ADT home security systems and monitoring. It boasts a full lineup of home automation controls so you can remotely let the kids in after school or check to make sure you didn’t leave the coffee pot on.

We especially like the voice control options that come with the ADT+ app. It allows two-way talk and it works with Amazon Alexa. You can use voice control to arm and disarm your system—an option that isn’t always available from a security system app.

pro
Pros
pro Voice control with Alexa
pro Geo-fencing services for security, climate, and privacy
pro Live video monitoring (available on phone, tablet, TV, Apple Watch)
con
Cons
con Connection issues
con Required upgrade to pricey system

Unfortunately, the ADT+ app isn’t available with every ADT home security system. You can get the ADT+ app only with some of ADT’s pricier packages or with ADT Self Setup. But it does get high customer ratings in both the App Store and on Google Play, so the high price tag seems worth it to most users.

Learn more about ADT in our review.

What can you do with the ADT+ app?

  • Voice control: Use Amazon Alexa to arm and disarm your system, dim the lights, or turn up the heat.
  • Alerts: Receive text/email alerts when a window/door is opened or when the status of your system changes (e.g. from armed to disarmed).
  • Video monitoring: Watch live footage or store video clips to review later.
  • Apple Watch integration: View camera footage, control alarms, and set automation schedules on your Apple Watch.
  • Smart home control: Turn lights on and off, change the thermostat, or see if you left a small appliance on in your rush out the door.
  • Custom automation: Set up schedules for everyday life or program a vacation mode.

4. SimpliSafe Home Security app: Best for sharing video

Best for sharing video

SimpliSafe has taken the home security world by storm, and its proprietary mobile app is one reason why. Just like every other part of a SimpliSafe security system, the app is easy to navigate and intuitive for the user.

But that doesn’t mean SimpliSafe skips all the bells and whistles. It lets you share video from your SimpliCam or Video Doorbell Pro on social media. We like this feature because we pick up more antics from our kids and pets than from potential intruders. Plus, all the best videos happen when the kiddos or puppies think we’re not watching.

pro
Pros
pro Intuitive design
pro Video sharing options
pro Fire, CO, and flood alerts
con
Cons
con Notification glitches with latest update

But there are some quirks that are frustrating—users complain about push notifications that won’t turn off and restrictions that let only one user receive alerts.

The SimpliSafe app used to be limited to the most expensive monitoring plan, but SimpliSafe ditched this upsell model. Now, the app is available with all plans. A few features, like downloadable video recordings, are still limited to certain plans, but you can always arm or disarm the SimpliSafe system from the app no matter what. 

Find out more in our SimpliSafe security review.

What can you do with the SimpliSafe Home Security app?

  • Alerts: In addition to the usual notifications, you get updates about fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leaks.
  • Event log: See who’s coming and going from your home. This is a great way to keep tabs on dog walkers and other household helpers.
  • Smart home control: Incorporate third-party smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, August door locks, Google Home, and the Nest thermostat.
  • Video: View live or recorded video, and share clips with friends and family on social media.

5. Abode: Smart home pick

Smart home pick

Abode gave its app a complete overhaul. You get free access to the Abode mobile app when you buy an Abode smart security system or Abode Iota all-in-one security camera.

What can you do with the Abode app?

  • Remote arming and disarming: Control your Abode system from anywhere to let the kids in after school.

  • Live video feeds: Watch your home from work, vacation or just about anywhere.

  • Unified dashboard for smart home and security functions: One handy app for controlling all of your devices.

  • Full administrative access: There's no more need to log into the web app.

  • Single-touch quick actions: Control automations for smart lights, smart door locks, smart garage door opener, etc. with the touch of a button.

6. ADT Self Setup: Best crime map

Crime map pick

ADT Self Setup is the company's new DIY security system; you get its mobile app for free. If some of its features look familiar to you, it might be because ADT Self Setup used to be LifeShield Security.

After ADT acquired LifeShield, it updated and rebranded the system. In fact, you’ll still see “LifeShield Security” right under ADT Self Setup in the App Store.

Learn more in our ADT Self Setup.

What can you do with the ADT Self Setup app?

  • Smart control: Arm and disarm the security system.
  • Video control: Check security camera footage.
  • Notifications: Get real-time push notifications and receive familiar face alerts.
  • Talk to visitors: Use two-way talk with doorbell camera.
  • Check your area: Access a crime map of your area.

More security apps we considered

ADT Pulse app

This one is an oldie but a goody. Pulse was ADT’s first mobile app for smart home automation and control. Now that ADT launched the ADT+ app, ADT Pulse is a legacy app that’s still fully supported and functional for existing ADT Pulse customers.

Even though you can’t get the Pulse app as a new ADT customer, here are a few highlights for current Pulse users:

  • Arm and disarm security system
  • Control smart home devices
  • Access from your smartphone, tablet, or smart watch
  • Lock and unlock doors
  • Review and organize activity logs
  • View and archive live camera footage, snapshots, and video clips
bullet
Other home security apps we considered

Things to consider before you buy

You might think the only types of security system apps out there would be apps for Android and apps for iOS, but it gets a little more complicated. Here’s our guide to navigating the differences between proprietary and nonproprietary (Alarm.com) home security apps.

Proprietary home security apps

Proprietary apps are developed by security companies specifically for their own systems. Each company owns its app and is responsible for features, updates, bug fixes, and customer satisfaction.

App quality varies by company, but the benefit of a proprietary app is that it’s tailor-made for your system. Depending on the resources of your security company, app development can be slower than with a generic, industry-wide app.

Alarm.com apps

Many companies forgo developing their own app and partner with Alarm.com instead. Alarm.com is a home security industry leader for both security equipment and the technology that supports it—including mobile apps. The Alarm.com app is compatible with a number of security systems and generally receives high customer ratings.

The downside is that updates and new features are dependent on Alarm.com and not your home security company, so some things like compatibility with new smart home devices can be delayed.

What should I look for in a home security app?

When it comes to apps that give you remote control of your home security system, it’s important to determine your needs.

  • For homes with children: If you have children who walk home from school, you’ll probably want a video doorbell camera with live streaming and two-way communication that lets you check in so you know they got home safe.
  • For families with fur babies: If you like to check in on your pets, live security camera screening is something that will help you keep an eye on them.
  • For smart home aficionados: If you want to be able to control your lights and thermostat while you’re away, look for a plan and technology with home automation capabilities.

Final word

Vivint is the best smart security app on the market. We love that you can control your home security and smart home devices in one place and customize the alerts and notifications you receive. 

If you’re ready to purchase or upgrade your system, read more about top home security providers to find the best match for your lifestyle.

FAQ

Vivint has the best home security app. It lets you control your home security devices and smart home security device without switching apps. 

You can use Abode and SimpliSafe apps without a monthly fee. All of the apps on our list are free, but you'll need to subscribe to a monitoring plan for full access to the features.

You can download the Vivint app on Google Play or from the Apple Store.

Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past decade. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime and safety reports and spotting trends. Her expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like NPR, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of podcast, radio and TV clips in the US and abroad.

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