Best Home Security Systems of 2022
40% off
- Vivint is offering a free Doorbell Camera Pro + free install ($448.99 value) with a system purchase. Call with Code: CYBERMONDAY2021
- Frontpoint systems are 40% off + get a free video doorbell
- SimpliSafe systems are 50% off + get a free camera
- Cove is offering 65% off + get a free HD camera
- ADT is offering a $100 gift card from SafeStreets when you sign up for a new system
- Abode is offering $300 0ff security systems + get a free security camera + free Echo Show
- : Best overall
- : High-end DIY pick
- : Reader favorite
- : Best customer experience
- : Most experienced
- : Best DIY automation security system
- : Best outdoor cameras
- : Best optional monitoring system
- : Best budget pick
- : Most safety sensor options
Compare the best home security systems side-by-side
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Brand
|
Contract required
|
Lowest monitoring price
|
Starter equipment price
|
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 No * |
$29.99/mo. | $599.00 |
 |
No |
$34.99/mo. | $99.00 |
 |
No |
$14.99/mo. | $229.00 |
 |
No * |
$14.99/mo. | Quote required |
 |
 Yes |
$27.99/mo. | $0.00 |
 |
No |
$20.00/mo. | $279.00 |
 |
No |
$20.00/mo. | $199.99 |
 |
No |
$19.99/mo. | $199.15 |
 |
No |
$4.99/mo. | $85.98 |
 |
Yes |
$39.99/mo. | $199.00 |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Full ADT disclaimer.
Video: Best home security systems
Find us on YouTube for more videos about each of these home security systems and their accessories.
1. Vivint: Best overall
Image credit: Vivint
High-end equipment Advanced smart home features Smart Deter lurker detection Smart home security app Free in-home security consultation
Higher overall cost Steep termination feesBottom line: If you’re looking for a high-quality 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 advanced security tech make it the best wireless security system available. Read our full Vivint review.
2. Frontpoint: High-end DIY pick
Image credit: Frontpoint
Wide range of equipment options Crash & smash protection Live video feed Complementary ID theft protection 24/7 video recordings No pushy sales and in-home consultations
High monitoring fees No pro installation optionsBottom line: 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. For more info, read our full Frontpoint review.
3. SimpliSafe: Reader favorite
Image credit: SimpliSafe
No contracts Live video feed available Affordable monitoring Great option for renters 60-day money-back guarantee
Higher up-front costs Basic smart home compatibilityBottom line: The people have spoken—and they love SimpliSafe’s affordable, straightforward cellular security system. SimpliSafe’s name says it all. Its electronic security systems are simple—and so is its pricing. With SimpliSafe, you choose the equipment and monitoring level you want with some of the cheapest monthly monitoring fees available. Get the full rundown in our full SimpliSafe review.
4. Cove: Best customer experience
Image credit: Cove
No contracts Live video feed available Affordable monitoring Great option for renters 60-day money-back guarantee
Higher up-front costs Basic smart home compatibilityBottom line: If exceptional customer service is a must for you, Cove is the right pick. They have a whopping 98%* customer retention rate. Customers love Cove, and we do too. 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 without the punishing penalties and fees. Dig into more of what Cove has to offer in our full Cove review.
*Information provided by an interview with Cove representatives in October 2021.
5. ADT: Most experienced
Image credit: SafeStreets, an authorized ADT provider
140+ years of experience 9 monitoring centers Free whole-home risk assessment 6-month money-back period
Long contracts with no trial period High termination feesBottom line: No one can beat ADT’s experience with home security monitoring. It’s delivered top-notch protection for nearly 145 years and looks out for more than 8 million people across the globe. 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. Learn more about what ADT has to offer in our full ADT review.
6. Abode: Best DIY automation security system
Image credit: Abode
Apple HomeKit compatibility Zigbee and Z-wave compatibility Easy setup Ideal size for apartments and dorms
Up-front equipment costs Limited function for bigger housesBottom line: If you’re all about smart home automation, then Abode is the best wireless 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. Get the total rundown on Abode smart security in our full Abode review.
7. Ring: Best outdoor cameras
Image credit: Ring
Built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router Wide high quality camera selection Affordable monitoring plan
No cameras included with Ring Alarm security kit Up-front equipment costsBottom line: Ring Alarm is the best Wi-Fi security system if you want to build your home’s protection around cameras. It has everything from doorbell cameras to floodlight cameras with excellent video quality and advanced features—like IFTTT compatibility, 3D motion detection, and more. Plus, your ring system has 24/7 backup internet to keep it connected. Read all about Ring Alarm equipment and prices in our full Ring Alarm review.
8. Blue by ADT: Best optional monitoring system
Image credit: Blue by ADT
No contract Self-monitoring option Reliability of ADT Many equipment and camera options
Glitchy mobile app Bulky equipmentBottom line: If you’re looking for flexibility with the experience of ADT, look no further. Blue by ADT offers easy DIY home security with optional monitoring backed by trustworthy pro monitoring from ADT. No contracts, no mandatory professional installation, and no in-home consultations. Read more in our full Blue by ADT review.
9. Wyze: Best budget pick
Image: SafeWise
Lowest monthly monitoring price Affordable equipment Fantastic budget cameras Wide equipment selection
Weak smart home support No cellular backupBottom line: If you’re low on funds, Wyze Home Monitoring is the best budget security system. It offers quality equipment for prices that no other brand can touch. 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. Read more in our full Wyze Home Monitoring review.
10. Brinks: Most safety sensor options
Image credit: Brinks
Variety of sensors Apple Watch compatibility Lots of equipment choices Fast response times
Requires contract High cancellation feesBottom line: 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. 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. Check out all the details in our full Brinks review.
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:
- Vivint: Best overall security system
- Frontpoint: High-end DIY pick
- SimpliSafe: Reader favorite security system
- Cove: Best customer experience
- ADT: Most experienced security company
Home security system FAQ
Your home security system can connect to a monitoring center through landline, broadband, or cellular monitoring.
Landline monitoring uses a home phone line, broadband uses an internet connection, and cellular monitoring uses a cellular uplink. Landline monitoring is most vulnerable because phone lines can be cut. Cellular isn’t as vulnerable because there are no wires.
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
Many home security systems offer extra sensors that provide protection beyond keeping out intruders. Flood sensors and freeze sensors help you protect your home from flooding and freezing temperatures. Smart sensors take information from the physical surroundings to detect changes in the environment that could signal trouble.
Some security systems also use smart sensors to “listen” for CO and smoke alarms. When those sensors hear an alarm, you and the monitoring center are notified, and emergency help is dispatched if needed.
Related questions
- How do home security systems protect against fire and floods?
- How can I prevent my home from flooding?
Tooltip: A small temperature sensor designed to prevent frozen pipes. Alerts you when temperatures around it drop below a minimum.
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
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.
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.
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