SimpliSafe offers seven customizable home security system packages. We think the setup is straightforward, and we like the system’s sleek design and user-friendly app. There are six monitoring options, ranging from free to $79.99 a month, which you can pay for monthly and cancel anytime without entering a long-term contract.
Simplisafe Foundation bundle. Image courtesy Simplisafe.
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$250.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they’re running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$22.99
Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
- Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
- No record of security breaches.
- Can be self-monitored for free.
Cons
- Only integrates with Alexa, Google and Apple Watch, while other providers have more extensive smart home integration.
- Smart home automation and scheduled arming require a paid monthly plan.
Equipment cost
$250.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they’re running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$22.99
Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
- Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
- No record of security breaches.
- Can be self-monitored for free.
Cons
- Only integrates with Alexa, Google and Apple Watch, while other providers have more extensive smart home integration.
- Smart home automation and scheduled arming require a paid monthly plan.
In addition to its well-known doorbells, Ring also offers full alarm systems with built-in Eero routers to extend or replace your Wi-Fi. Amazon owns Ring, so it automatically integrates with an Amazon account and any Alexa-enabled smart home device, though it won’t work with Google Home.
Courtesy Ring.
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
on Money.com and Amazon.com
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
on Money.com and Amazon.com
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes alarm base station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector and alarm range extender.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$19.99
Self monitoring with smart features starts at $4.99 per month. You’ll need a $9.99 monthly plan to arm and disarm your system remotely.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
- Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
- Offers a self-monitoring option with rich video features.
- Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage.
Cons
- Has had a security breach.
- Can only integrate with Alexa, not Google, unless you use a third-party app.
- Requires a paid monthly subscription starting at $9.99 if you want to arm and disarm the alarm system from your phone.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes alarm base station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector and alarm range extender.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$19.99
Self monitoring with smart features starts at $4.99 per month. You’ll need a $9.99 monthly plan to arm and disarm your system remotely.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
- Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
- Offers a self-monitoring option with rich video features.
- Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage.
Cons
- Has had a security breach.
- Can only integrate with Alexa, not Google, unless you use a third-party app.
- Requires a paid monthly subscription starting at $9.99 if you want to arm and disarm the alarm system from your phone.
Arlo is a budget-priced home security provider that offers self-installed home security alarm systems, cameras and doorbells. Its multifunctional sensors can perform eight different types of detection: motion, open/close, water leaks, freezing, tilting, light and listening for sounds from smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms. The company also offers several reasonably priced self- and pro-monitoring plans, but you can still use the alarm system’s basic features without paying for a plan.
Courtesy Arlo.
Best multifunction sensors
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes one keypad sensor hub, two sensors, and a free 30-day pro monitoring trial.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self monitoring for cameras starts at $9.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Sensors can detect water and temperature and alert you when a smoke/CO detector goes off.
No actual smoke/CO detector, and you’ll need a paid monthly plan to use the sensor’s alarm listening feature.
Key facts
Arlo provides a flexible system for a variety of safety needs with 8-in-1 sensors.
Pros
- Customizable system with versatile sensors.
- No record of security breaches.
- Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT.
Cons
- Cellular and battery backup requires an extra device and a paid monthly monitoring plan.
- Cameras only differentiate among motion types if you have a monitoring subscription starting at $19.99 a month.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes one keypad sensor hub, two sensors, and a free 30-day pro monitoring trial.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self monitoring for cameras starts at $9.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Sensors can detect water and temperature and alert you when a smoke/CO detector goes off.
No actual smoke/CO detector, and you’ll need a paid monthly plan to use the sensor’s alarm listening feature.
Key facts
Arlo provides a flexible system for a variety of safety needs with 8-in-1 sensors.
Pros
- Customizable system with versatile sensors.
- No record of security breaches.
- Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT.
Cons
- Cellular and battery backup requires an extra device and a paid monthly monitoring plan.
- Cameras only differentiate among motion types if you have a monitoring subscription starting at $19.99 a month.
Best professionally installed option: Vivint
Vivint isn’t a DIY option; it must be professionally installed and hardwired into the house. Our three-hour professional installation was time-consuming but not difficult or stressful. However, Vivint is the most expensive home security system we’ve reviewed. You can control the system via the smart hub, the keypad or the Vivint mobile app. It also offers smart lights, speakers and thermostats that integrate with Google Home, Nest and Amazon Echo.
Courtesy Vivint.
Best professionally installed option
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$449.99
Base kit includes Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel,
2 door/window sensors, and 1 motion sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Systems with smart home devices start at $39.99 per month and cost an additional $5 per month per camera.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and water sensor.
Key facts
Vivint offers best-in-class video and alarm features, including theft deterrent protection, with white-glove service.
Pros
- Offers top-tier professional installation and features.
- Highly rated for security and privacy with no history of breaches.
Cons
- Starter package relatively expensive.
- Required monthly professional monitoring fee.
- No self-monitoring option.
Equipment cost
$449.99
Base kit includes Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel,
2 door/window sensors, and 1 motion sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Systems with smart home devices start at $39.99 per month and cost an additional $5 per month per camera.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and water sensor.
Key facts
Vivint offers best-in-class video and alarm features, including theft deterrent protection, with white-glove service.
Pros
- Offers top-tier professional installation and features.
- Highly rated for security and privacy with no history of breaches.
Cons
- Starter package relatively expensive.
- Required monthly professional monitoring fee.
- No self-monitoring option.
ADT operates six U.S.-based professional monitoring centers, leading to fast alarm response times. We think the packages are expensive compared to other providers, especially for self-setup packages and basic equipment. But the professional monitoring is tried-and-true. ADT alarm systems integrate with some Google Nest cameras (mostly newer models) but not all: They won’t connect with the Nest Cam indoor or outdoor (1st gen) cameras, the Nest Hello doorbell, or Nest Cam IQ cameras.
Courtesy ADT.
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
on ADT Security System’s website
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
on ADT Security System’s website
Equipment cost
$269.00
Base kit includes one ADT base and one door/window sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99 and up
$39.99 with cameras and $29.99 with other smart home devices. Monitoring costs are $10 more per month with professional installation. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for DIY and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a DIY system for free after the first month.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
Key facts
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
- Owns 6 U.S.-based professional monitoring centers.
- Integrates with Google Nest cameras.
- Has been operating for over 150 years.
Cons
- Has had a security breach.
- Required monthly monitoring fees for all plans, ranging from one month to 3-5 years. Monitoring fees are high compared to other providers.
Equipment cost
$269.00
Base kit includes one ADT base and one door/window sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99 and up
$39.99 with cameras and $29.99 with other smart home devices. Monitoring costs are $10 more per month with professional installation. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for DIY and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a DIY system for free after the first month.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
Key facts
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
- Owns 6 U.S.-based professional monitoring centers.
- Integrates with Google Nest cameras.
- Has been operating for over 150 years.
Cons
- Has had a security breach.
- Required monthly monitoring fees for all plans, ranging from one month to 3-5 years. Monitoring fees are high compared to other providers.
Best smart home integration: Abode
One great thing about Abode is that you can buy a camera or doorbell from another company and easily integrate it with an Abode alarm system. In fact, Abode is compatible with the widest range of smart home products of any provider we tested, including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. It offers three base security alarm bundles with different hub models.
Courtesy Abode.
Best smart home integration
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$130
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$25.99
Self monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can also use basic features for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No actual smoke/CO detector.
Key facts
Abode’s security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
Pros
- Can be self-monitored for free.
- No record of security breaches.
- The alarm system can be connected directly to an ethernet cable or work wirelessly with your Wi-Fi network.
Cons
- Smart detection requires a paid subscription starting at $7.99 per month.
- Doesn’t offer an actual smoke alarm, just a smoke alarm monitor.
Equipment cost
$130
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$25.99
Self monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can also use basic features for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No actual smoke/CO detector.
Key facts
Abode’s security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
Pros
- Can be self-monitored for free.
- No record of security breaches.
- The alarm system can be connected directly to an ethernet cable or work wirelessly with your Wi-Fi network.
Cons
- Smart detection requires a paid subscription starting at $7.99 per month.
- Doesn’t offer an actual smoke alarm, just a smoke alarm monitor.
Two other things to consider when choosing a home security system
1. Whether you want professional monitoring or self-monitoring
You can choose to have your home security system professionally monitored, or you can respond to alerts yourself. Some providers, such as Vivint, only let you use professional monitoring with their equipment, but others offer both options.
Professional monitoring comes with additional fees: typically around $20 to $50 per month. However, the benefits can be worth the price in an emergency.
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When an event triggers your alarm, your provider’s call center is instantly notified, and a representative calls you to check in. If you don’t respond, they contact emergency or police services.
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Some providers, such as SimpliSafe, offer the option to let a representative access your camera footage to investigate what triggered the alarm before calling authorities.
If you opt for self-monitoring, you’ll need to respond to the phone alerts your alarm system sends you and decide what steps to take.
Some providers, such as Ring, offer professional monitoring without a contract, so you can purchase temporary alarm monitoring during a vacation, for example.
2. Whether you want smart home integration
Smart home devices let you control your home’s temperature, lighting, music and more from your phone, computer or tablet.
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Many home security systems also integrate with existing WiFi-connected smart home networks, such as Google Home and Alexa, to give you the ability to activate and disarm your alarm system — and check your cameras — from your personal devices too.
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If you already use a specific smart home network, you may want to choose a security system that integrates with that network. Abode, for example, integrates with a wider variety of smart home systems, while Google Nest is best matched with other Google Home products.
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