Best Google Home Security Systems of 2024

ADT Overview

There’s a reason why ADT is at the top of my list of best home security systems. Actually, there are several reasons. There’s ADT’s century and a half of experience in the home security business, its top-of-the-line 24/7 professional monitoring, its intuitive app, and its highly responsive customer service.

Also, ADT now works directly with Google, which means not only is ADT compatible with Google Home, but it’s now supported by Google’s technology. ADT customers can purchase the following Google Nest products through ADT and have a professional installer set them up in their homes:

• Nest Doorbell (battery)
• Nest Cam (battery)
• Nest Cam (wired)
• Nest Cam with floodlight (wired)
• Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and Nest Hub Max
• Nest Mini
• Nest WiFi and WiFi Point
• Nest Learning Thermostat
• Nest Thermostat
• Nest Aware
• Nest Aware Plus

So that’s pretty handy! Let’s take a quick look at some pros and cons of working with ADT, and then we’ll talk about how to integrate an ADT system into your Google Home network.

Using ADT With Google Home

Setting up ADT with Google Home is a relatively simple, straightforward process. If you’re comfortable with the Google Home app, it shouldn’t be an issue for you. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet
Step 2: Tap “Devices”
Step 3: Tap “Add New Device”
Step 4: Choose “Works with Google”
Step 5: Select “ADT Smart Home,” and then follow the steps to complete setup

In all, this process took me about 20 minutes to complete. For context, I have a pretty small home — about 1,600 square feet — and it doesn’t take a whole lot of equipment to secure it. For my test, I used three ADT contact sensors, a glass break sensor, two Nest Cameras — both indoor and outdoor — as well as a flood sensor.

ADT Monitoring

Currently, there are no options to self-monitor an ADT system. For that, you might want to check out my list of the best self-monitored security systems. That said, your monitoring fees are going to cost you anywhere between $40 and $60 per month. It’s not the cheapest in the industry, but for what you get, ADT’s pricing isn’t half bad. I’ve tested this monitoring by triggering it several times, and each time I got a response in about 30 seconds or less. That’s about industry average, and I consider that 30-second mark to be the sweet spot. You still have plenty of time to call off a false alarm, but not enough time for burglars to make off with your valuables.

>> Compare: ADT vs. Frontpoint

If you want to talk specs, ADT has nine interconnected, redundant monitoring centers. What that means is that if one center fails to operate — if there’s a natural disaster in the area or something similar — your service isn’t going to be affected at all. This isn’t something you’ll get from most other providers. Most brands will only have a few monitoring centers spread across the nation. Something to keep in mind!

ADT Costs

There are three packages to choose from, including a DIY option called ADT Self Setup. I have a whole ADT Self Setup review that you can take a look at, but here’s the most up-to-date information on their three primary security packages.

I have more information on this in my guide to ADT’s traditional packages and pricing, but the long and short of it is this — they’re not the most affordable security option out there. Packages are going to run you between $600 and $1,100 if you pay upfront, or you can finance the cost over a 24-, 36-, or 60-month period. And there’s also the monitoring costs to contend with. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, definitely check out Cove or Simplisafe.

Looking for a cheaper, more DIY approach? Keep on reading!

SimpliSafe Overview

When SimpliSafe came out in 2009, it was a game changer. There had been DIY security solutions before — heck, whacking another caveman on top of the head with your club could be considered DIY home security — but SimpliSafe really made it mainstream. Mainstream and accessible to everyone.

>> Compare: SimpliSafe vs. ADT

Back in the day, home security systems were really for the affluent. But with the increasing popularity of companies like SimpliSafe, Ring, Cove, and others, affordable, DIY home security became a thing. Suddenly you didn’t need to pay a massive monthly bill to protect your property — all you really needed was a smartphone and a few pieces of affordable equipment.

One thing I do dislike about this system has to do with the installation. Almost every piece relies on command strips to adhere the sensor to the wall, which doesn’t feel super secure to me. While it never happened during my testing period, I could totally see a motion sensor falling off the wall one day, triggering a false alarm. I’d definitely recommend using the provided anchor points in the housing to drill each piece of equipment into your wall. Although, I will say the mobility of the command strip system is a definite benefit — particularly for renters. If you ever want to move, all you have to do is unstick your sensors from the walls and door frames. To each their own.

>> Check Out: Best Home Security Systems for Renters

I’m going to talk about what it’s like to use a SimpliSafe system with Google Home, but first let’s look at some really quick benefits and drawbacks.

Using SimpliSafe With Google Home

Setting up SimpliSafe on your Google Home account is… well… Simple. Here’s the quick breakdown.

Step 1: Open the Google Home app, and then tap on your profile icon.
Step 2: Scroll down to Assistant Settings
Step 3: Tap “Home Control”
Step 4: Tap the “+” icon
Step 5: Type “SimpliSafe” into the search bar
Step 6: Add the SimpliSafe integration
Step 7: Log into your SimpliSafe account
Step 8: Select your Google Home location

There you have it. You’ll be able to use Google to arm your SimpliSafe system and check your system’s status. Right now, there is no functionality for streaming video through your Google Nest hub, but that’s a forgivable offense in my book. A few of the other providers on this list — Ring, for example — do offer this functionality, though.

SimpliSafe Monitoring

If you’d asked me a year ago about SimpliSafe’s monitoring, the answer would have been simple: Do It Yourself. That is, SimpliSafe has traditionally been a DIY, self-monitored home security system.

These days, though, SimpliSafe has rolled out a pretty impressive professional monitoring plan called Fast Protect. It costs just $29.99 per month and has some pretty interesting functionality. The most interesting is that it’s meant to pair with SimpliSafe’s new indoor camera — the Smart Alarm cam — which allows SimpliSafe technicians to immediately assess what’s going on in your home when an alarm is triggered.

I was worried that I’d feel a little weird having a camera that someone else can access in my house, but SimpliSafe helped a lot by including a privacy screen on the camera that snaps open and shut to let you know when it’s in use. During my testing period I felt really confident that no one was invading my privacy because there was a physical barrier on the camera’s lens.

If there’s an intruder, though, that lens will snap open and the tech can even converse with them to let them know authorities are on the way. They can also relay important information to authorities in real-time, like if they see smoke coming from a certain room or if someone has a medical emergency. The camera is relatively affordable, too, at just $139.99.

>> Learn More: Fire Safety Tips

Keep in mind though, that isn’t the only monitoring option you have with SimpliSafe. You can also choose their standard self-monitoring plan, which will alert authorities when you have an alarm event. It’s pretty basic, but at just $19.99 per month, it’s pretty reasonable when you consider the extra layer of protection you’re getting.

SimpliSafe Costs

One of the reasons SimpliSafe remains so popular is its affordability. Its biggest security package — the Haven — is still less expensive than the most basic security package from ADT. Plus, you have the option of self-monitoring the whole thing, meaning you’re not going to run into any recurring costs. I have more in my guide to SimpliSafe’s prices, but here’s a rundown of SimpliSafe’s security packages:

And true to their DIY ethos, you can also piece together your own system a la carte. Here are the costs of a few of their most popular pieces of equipment:

Something worth noting: A lot of SimpliSafe’s security packages and equipment go on sale frequently, so make sure to bookmark my guide to SimpliSafe’s deals to stay up to date on the most recent savings.

Vivint Overview

If you’re into smart home automation — and since you’re reading an article about integrating your security system with Google Home, I’ll assume you are — Vivint is definitely a provider to check out. They’ve been in the home security game for a little over 10 years now and have made a name for themselves as one of the best smart home security systems out there.

I personally lived with and tested a Vivint system for over a month, and I was definitely feeling like George Jetson with the level of automation I was able to achieve. Once I had everything set up in Google Home, not only was I able to watch my video feeds, I could also create pretty intricate schedules, like having my thermostat go down to 60 degrees whenever I armed the system in Away mode. It’s little conveniences like this that really make living in the modern age worthwhile, right?

Here’s a little bit of what I liked and a little bit of what I disliked before we talk specifics.

Using Vivint with Google Home

As you’d expect with a system that’s really technologically advanced, setting your Vivint system up with Google Home is relatively straightforward. It’s almost identical to SimpliSafe, but here are the steps you’ll need to take.

Step 1: Open the Google Home app
Step 2: Tap the home icon
Step 3: Press the + icon
Step 4: Select “Set up device”
Step 5: Select “Works with Google”
Step 6: Tap the magnifying glass
Step 7: Search for Vivint and link to your account

Step 8: Press “Allow”
Step 9: Enter your Vivint account information
Step 10: Assign your devices to their respective rooms
Step 11: Use the voice command: “Hey Google, sync with Vivint.”

All set! Now you’re ready to control your Vivint system from Google Home.

>> Learn About: Google Nest Hub Review

Vivint Monitoring

Every Vivint system comes with a professional monitoring contract — exactly how much you’ll pay, though, depends on the size of the system. Here’s a hint, too: If you’re looking for pricing information for a Vivint system online, it’s going to be pretty difficult to find. Since each system is bespoke and professionally installed, it’s difficult to say your Vivint system is going to cost XYZ. Mine cost a little over $1,000 when all was said and done, but your mileage will vary.

>> Read More: Best Security Systems for Large Homes

That said, Vivint’s monitoring starts at $40 and can go up from there, depending on the size of your system. For this, you’ll get 24/7 monitoring, phone alerts if an alarm is triggered, and automatic authority dispatch if you can’t be reached.

Vivint Costs

Like I said above, Vivint is pretty difficult to get a clear answer from if you’re looking for prices. They really want you to call and get your own quote for your own property. Don’t worry, though, I’ve compiled a list of costs from the last time I tested Vivint, and I’ll share them here.

So yeah… Not cheap. Especially when you compare these component prices to SimpliSafe above or Cove below. Vivint’s outdoor camera is over double the price of SimpliSafe, and a full-blown Cove System is just a little cheaper than Vivint’s video doorbell.

>> Compare: Vivint vs. SimpliSafe

I will say, though, you get what you pay for. I have a lot more information in my guide to Vivint’s prices, but the long and short of it is this: There’s a good reason people are willing to pay this much for their security. I’ll also say that there are a few opportunities to save on a Vivint system if you’re so inclined. I’ve detailed those in my guide to Vivint’s deals.

Cove Overview

As the Pythons say — and now for something completely different.

Cove is a relative newcomer to the home security scene. Founded in 2018, they’re slowly making a name for themselves for their high-quality, DIY systems, their lack of long-term contracts, and their easy-breezy online quiz-based sales system.

They’re not going to knock your socks off in terms of home automation, but they do a great job integrating their relatively simple equipment with Google Home. I was able to unbox and set up my test system from start to finish in about 30 minutes and for under $400. So, if you’re looking for a simple that won’t blow the budget and that will play nice with Google, Cove’s a great option.

Here are some quick pros and cons, and then we’ll get down to the details.

Using Cove with Google Home

Out of all the integrations that Cove offers, Google is by far the best. Not only could I alarm the system in away mode or ask for the alarm status, but I could also ask for event history and control connected devices. It was also able to stream video to my Nest Hub, which I definitely liked.

Setting it up was really simple, too. Here are the steps I took:

• Open the Cove Home app
• Click the link at the top
• Enter your login credentials
• Click “Send to Device”
• Select Your Google Assistant device

That should take care of things for you. Your device should wake up and open on the Cove Home Action screen.

One red flag that I need to wave really high, though: The Cove Google Assistant Action is only available to customers with the Cove-Plus monitoring package. I’ll discuss that more below.

Cove Monitoring

Unlike SimpliSafe, Cove doesn’t offer a self-monitoring option. I think that’s a little weird for a DIY system, but hey, I’m not sitting in the boardroom. The good news is that both monitoring options are relatively affordable, and both offer cellular backup security, which will keep you protected if the power goes out. I live in a pretty old home with not-so-great wiring, so my power has been known to be a little iffy at times. The cellular backup kept right on rolling during my test period brownout with Cove, though, so that was definitely a plus for me.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you get with both monitoring packages:

Again, keep in mind that if you want to control your system using Google Home, you have to have a Cove Plus plan. The good news there is that it’s the most affordable professional monitoring option on our list, with the exception of SimpliSafe’s most bare-bones package.

Cove Costs

Cove doesn’t offer any security packages. Instead, you purchase an alarm panel and build out your system from there. Using their online tool, they’ll provide you with a recommended system for your home, but you can always tailor that to your specific needs. I really appreciate this approach, but I can understand why some people might feel a little overwhelmed by it.

With that said, here’s the breakdown of Cove costs. This should give you a pretty good idea of what you’re looking at.

Everything’s pretty cheap when you compare Cove to SimpliSafe. And Cove’s really cheap when you compare it to Vivint. Like I said above, you can outfit a small home with a comprehensive Cove system for the cost of one of Vivint’s outdoor cameras. Definitely something for folks to keep in mind if they’re on a budget.

Brinks Overview

Brinks is one of the largest home security providers in the country, with over 1 million users to date. Now, I’m not typically a “go with the crowd” kind of guy — especially when it comes to my security — but a million users really says something.

That said, Brinks is similar to ADT in that they take a pretty traditional approach to home security, but they’re still appealing to folks with more modern sensibilities, myself included. This means Brinks does a great job offering DIY installation options, a user-friendly mobile app, and affordable pricing structures.

>> Learn About: Brinks vs. ADT

Here are the gives and takes of Brinks to give you some context, then we’ll move on to integrations.

Using Brinks with Google Home

So first things first, Brinks doesn’t technically have its own Google Assistant action. You’re instead going to have to use a third party — Alarm.com — to control your Brinks devices. Don’t worry, though, the steps are almost identical to SimpliSafe and Vivint.

Step 1: Open the Google Assistant on your mobile device
Step 2: Click the “+” icon in the top right of the Google Assistant
Step 3: Scroll down to Home Control and find Alarm.com
Step 4: Tap the Alarm.com card and scroll down to the link on the skill page
Step 5: Tap the link and follow the prompted directions
Step 6: Use the Voice Command: “Okay Google, talk to Alarm.com”
Step 7: Entry your Alarm.com credentials and sync your account.
Step 8: Create a PIN

There you have it. You can now control your security system, your lights, your thermostat, your door locks, and pretty much everything else in your Brinks home security system. I always like asking Google if the system is armed before I walk in from outside because, hey, sometimes I forget. We’ve all been there, mistaking ourselves for a home invader. Just me?

Brinks Monitoring

Brinks offers three tiers of professional monitoring, depending on what package you purchase. At the time of my tests, these cost about $40, $45, and $50 per month. Not exactly cheap — you can definitely get more bang for your buck with Cove or SimpliSafe, but here’s a quick breakdown:

In terms of costs, Brinks is definitely up there with Vivint and ADT. But let’s dig a little deeper into that.

Brinks Costs

In terms of equipment prices, we’re looking at a little less than Vivint, but not much. Here’s the most recent breakdown of Brinks’ equipment costs. Keep in mind, though, Brinks changes these prices up pretty regularly, but this should give you a basic idea.

So, some of this equipment is a little pricey to me — like the $40 door sensor — and some of it seems pretty extreme — like the $240 outdoor camera. Heck, you could get a pretty decent Arlo camera for that much, and those are about the best on the market today.

Brinks is definitely a rock-solid security system, but just make sure you’re prepared for a pretty steep price tag if you go with them.