Best Google Home Security Systems of 2024

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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.

    Pro Tip: Looking to save on an ADT system? Check out my guide to ADT’s deals.

    Arming the ADT Home Security Control PanelArming the ADT Home Security Control Panel
    Arming the ADT System

    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.

    What We Like
    • 24/7 professional monitoring
    • Top-of-the-line equipment
    • 145+ year history in the security business
    • User-friendly app
    • Plays well with Google
    What We Don’t Like
    • Minimum three-year contract
    • Relatively high prices
    • No self-monitoring options
    • Requires professional installation

    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

    Adding ADT Smart Home to the Google Home appAdding ADT Smart Home to the Google Home app
    Adding ADT Smart Home to the Google Home app

    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.

    ADT Home Security Yard SignADT Home Security Yard Sign
    ADT Home Security Yard Sign

    >> 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.

    Package name Build Your Own Smart Home Video and Smart Home
    24/7 Professional monitoring Yes Yes Yes
    Remote arming and disarming Yes Yes Yes
    Customizable alerts, schedules and automations Yes Yes Yes
    Live Streaming from mobile devices No No Yes
    Record and save clips No No Yes
    Digital panel Yes Yes Yes
    Entryway contact sensors Yes Yes Yes
    Keychain remote Yes Yes Yes
    Motion detector Yes Yes Yes
    Yard signs Yes Yes Yes
    Window decals Yes Yes Yes
    Smart light bulb Not included Yes Yes
    Smart thermostat Not included Yes Yes
    Garage controller Not included Yes Yes
    Smart plugs Not included Yes Yes
    Doorbell camera Not included Not included Yes
    Outdoor camera Not included Not included Yes
    Indoor camera Not included Not included Yes

    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.

    ADT Home Security Video Review from Gabe Turner

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

  • 2. SimpliSafe – Best DIY Option

    Product Specs

    Equipment Costs Packages starting at $280
    Monitoring Options Professional and DIY
    Monthly Monitoring Costs $19.99 per month
    Contract Lengths Month-to-month
    Installation Options DIY or professional
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home

    SimpliSafe Overview

    SimpliSafe System's full device lineupSimpliSafe System's full device lineup
    SimpliSafe’s full device lineup

    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.

    What We Like
    • Alexa and Google Assistant integrations
    • Fast DIY installation
    • Affordable professional monitoring
    • Month-to-month contracts
    What We Don’t Like
    • Cloud storage and smart device integrations are only available with the 24/7 professional monitoring plan.
    • History of hacks
    • No cellular backup if you self-monitor

    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

    Adding SimpliSafe to the Google Home appAdding SimpliSafe to the Google Home app
    Adding SimpliSafe to the Google Home app

    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.

    SimpliSafe's Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor CameraSimpliSafe's Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera
    SimpliSafe’s Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera

    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:

    Package Number of Components Regular Price
    The Haven 14 $519.86
    The Knox 13 $479.87
    The Beacon 10 $709.90
    The Hearth 9 $399.91
    The Lighthouse 7 $469.93
    The Essentials 6 $279.95
    The Foundation 4 $249.96

    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:

    Name Cost
    Entry Sensor $14.99
    Motion Sensor $34.99
    Glass Break Sensor $39.99
    Outdoor Camera $189.99
    Smart Alarm Indoor Camera $139.99
    SimpliCam Indoor Camera $99.99
    Video Doorbell $169.99
    Water Sensor $19.99
    Smoke and CO Detector $59.99
    Smoke Detector $34.99
    Temperature Sensor $29.99
    Panic Button $19.99
    Key Fob $24.99
    Extra Loud Siren $59.99

    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.

    FYI: SimpliSafe pricing is on par with other DIY home security systems like abode, Ring, and Cove. As mentioned, ADT and Vivint are more premium providers, so expect to pay more for those systems.

  • 3. Vivint – Best Smart Home Features

    Product Specs

    Equipment costs Starting at $449
    Monitoring options Professional
    Monthly monitoring costs $40 per month
    Contract lengths Starting at 42 months
    Installation options Professional
    Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home

    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.

    Vivint Smart Home SignageVivint Smart Home Signage
    Vivint Smart Home Signage

    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.

    What We Like
    • Professional installation
    • Pro monitoring 24/7
    • Best smart home features
    • Impressive cameras
    What We Don’t Like
    • Pricey equipment
    • Long contracts
    • Re-installation fee if you move
    • No money-back guarantee

    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

    Adding Vivint to the Google Home appAdding Vivint to the Google Home app
    Adding Vivint to the Google Home app

    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

    Vivint Outdoor Cam ProVivint Outdoor Cam Pro
    Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro

    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.

    Component Retail Price
    Smart Drive $250
    Car Guard $200
    Smoke Detector $100
    CO Detector $100
    Smoke alarm and Carbon Monoxide Monitor $100
    Smart Lock $180
    Garage Door Controller $100
    Vivint Smart Thermostat $170
    Lamp Module $50
    Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro $250
    Outdoor Camera Pro $400
    Vivint Ping Indoor Camera $200
    Vivint Indoor Camera Pro $200
    Spotlight Pro $250
    Water Sensor $50
    Flood/ Freeze/ Heat Sensor $50
    Smart Sensor $50
    Panic Pendant $50
    Key Fob $50
    Tilt Sensor $50

    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.

  • 4. Cove – Most Affordable

    Product Specs

    Equipment Costs Must customize package
    Monitoring Options Professional
    Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $17.99 per month
    Contract Lengths No contract required
    Installation Options DIY
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home

    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.

    Cove Security SystemCove Security System
    Cove Security System

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

    What We Like
    • Affordable professional monitoring
    • Lifetime warranty with Cove Plus plan
    • DIY installation
    • Cellular backup
    What We Don’t Like
    • No self-monitoring option
    • The remote control isn’t available with all plans
    • Google Home integration isn’t available with all plans

    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.

    Cove WirelessCove Wireless
    Cove Wireless

    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:

    Feature Cove Basic Cove Plus
    24/7 Professional Monitoring Yes Yes
    Environmental Monitoring Yes Yes
    Cove InstaText Yes Yes
    Cove LiveAssist Yes Yes
    Smash and Grab Protection Yes Yes
    Cellular Backup Yes Yes
    Hourly Automated System Check Yes Yes
    24-hour Battery Backup Yes Yes
    Equipment Warranty 1 year Lifetime
    Smartphone Control No Yes
    Alexa and Google Assistant Integrations No Yes
    Lifetime Rate-Lock Guarantee No Yes
    Monthly Cost $17.99 $27.99

    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.

    Item Price
    Cove Touch alarm panel $124.50
    Door sensor $7.50
    Motion detector $15.00
    Key remote $12.50
    Glass break sensor $17.50
    Window sensor $7.50
    Smoke and CO detector $27.50
    Flood sensor $10.00
    Medical/panic button $10.00
    Outdoor camera $99.50
    Indoor camera $49.50
    Cove Security System and camerasCove Security System and cameras
    Cove Security System and Cameras

    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.

  • 5. Brinks Home Security – Best Reputation

    Product Specs

    Equipment costs Starting at $360
    Monitoring options Professional
    Monthly monitoring costs Starting at $39.99 per month
    Contract lengths 36 months
    Installation options DIY or professional
    Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home

    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.

    Brinks panel on table ready to armBrinks panel on table ready to arm
    Brinks panel ready to arm

    >> 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.

    What We Like
    • DIY installation option
    • Low-cost DIY video security
    • Great online support
    • Brinks Home Security app and Google Assistant integration work well with Android
    What We Don’t Like
    • 36-month contract
    • Deals and prices change often
    • No self-monitoring option
    • Expensive monitoring

    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:

    Features Smart Security Essential Smart Security Complete Smart Security Ultimate
    24/7 Professional Monitoring Yes Yes Yes
    Cellular Backup Yes Yes Yes
    Tamper Protection Yes Yes Yes
    Smartphone Control Yes Yes Yes
    Home Automation Yes Yes Yes
    Google Assistant and Alexa Integration Yes Yes Yes
    LiveVoice Assist Yes Yes Yes
    Live Video Streaming No Yes Yes
    Cloud Video Storage No Yes Yes
    Free Professional Installation No No Yes
    Total Cost of Equipment $360 $519 $799
    Monthly Monitoring Service Fee $39.99 $44.99 $49.99

    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.

    Component Price
    Door sensor $40
    Keychain Remote $40
    Garage Door Tilt Sensor $48
    IQ Flood Detector $56
    Motion sensor $80
    IQ Smoke Detector $80
    FireFighter $80
    IQ Carbon Monoxide Detector $80
    Glass Break Detector $80
    SkyBell Slim Line Video Doorbell $159
    Indoor camera $160
    Alarm.com Z-Wave Thermostat $160
    Kwikset 888 Smartcode Deadbolt $200
    Outdoor camera $240
    Kwikset SmartCode Lever Lock $240
    Smart Video Doorbell $240
    Indoor Camera with Two-Way Voice $240

    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' Alarm.com cameras and doorbellBrinks' Alarm.com cameras and doorbell
    Brinks’ Alarm.com cameras and doorbell

    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.

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