A home security system provides peace of mind to your entire household. Not only do they help with theft, but they also help with fires and medical emergencies. But there are many variations in modern home security systems — from DIY installation to professional monitoring to smart-home integration. So how do you know which one is right for your home?
We at the Home Media reviews team have spent hundreds of hours researching the home security industry and available providers. Read over the best home security systems with our guide that compares equipment and cost.
Top home security systems of 2022
Check out the top home security systems we’ve rounded up:
SimpliSafe
- Award: Editors’ choice
- Connection Type: Dual cellular and Wi-Fi
- Price range: $99–$505
- Founded: 2006
Pros and cons
+ System is easy to install and requires no drilling or tools
+ No long-term contract required
+ Features a cellular backup
– Does not feature facial recognition, so SimpliCam may send false alerts
– Installation and smartphone app may not be best for non-tech-savvy users
Packages, equipment and cost
SimpliSafe provides five package options, as well as a build-your-own package option. The Hearth package is a great option if you’re unsure where to start. This package provides a simple yet thorough sensor system, and SimpliSafe currently offers an additional indoor camera with any new system. But our top recommendation is SimpliSafe’s custom package, which can be configured to suit your exact security needs.
Here are SimpliSafe’s packages:
- The Foundation ($245, currently $198*): This package includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor.
- The Essentials ($275, currently $220*): This package offers one base station, one keypad, three entry sensors and one motion sensor.
- The Hearth ($390, currently $312*): This is a great starter package as it offers one base station, one keypad, three entry sensors, two motion sensors, one smoke detector, one key fob and one wireless siren.
- The Knox ($465, currently $372*): This package offers one base station, one keypad, six entry sensors, two motion sensors, one smoke detector, one key fob and one wireless siren.
- The Haven ($505, currently $404*): This is SimpliSafe’s most comprehensive package as it includes one base station, one keypad, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, one panic button, one smoke detector, one temperature sensor, one water sensor, one key fob and one wireless siren.
*SimpliSafe offers 20% off all its systems as of March 2022.
Get a quote: Get any of the SimpliSafe packages above, or start creating your own by filling out this easy-to-use form.
SimpliSafe offers outdoor, indoor and doorbell camera options. You may customize your own package around these cameras or add any of them to the packages above. Installation of SimpliSafe’s cameras requires only a Phillips-head screwdriver. The company does offer professional installation for $75 if you are concerned about installing equipment on your own.
Read more about SimpliSafe’s cameras and smart-lock:
- SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera ($170): This camera features 1080p HD video, 140-degree field of view, 8x digital zoom, full-color night-vision and a rechargeable battery that lasts 3 to 6 months. It is weather-resistant in snow and rain from negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
- SimpliCam Indoor Camera ($99): This camera has HD video that may be viewed live from the SimpliSafe mobile app, a 120-degree field of view, night vision, motion alerts, a three-year limited warranty and recording options with 30-day storage (with monitoring plan). It does require Wi-Fi to function properly.
- SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro ($169): This camera has 1080p HD video, a 162-degree field of view, two-way audio, infrared night vision, motion alerts, a door chime and requires an existing doorbell and Wi-Fi.
- SimpliLock Smart Lock ($99): This lock automatically locks on a timer and sends alerts when anyone locks or unlocks the door. You may also lock and unlock the door using a built-in PIN Pad, the SimpliSafe key fob or your smartphone.
- View other SimpliSafe equipment here.
Monitoring options
SimpliSafe features two monitoring plans: Interactive Monitoring and Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings. Both plans require no contract and can be canceled anytime. The Interactive Monitoring plan is better for an all-inclusive, monitored system that helps with emergency dispatch and extreme temperature monitoring. Self-Monitoring with Camera Recordings only adds camera storage and recording options.
Here are SimpliSafe’s two monitoring options in detail:
- Interactive Monitoring ($0.83 per day): 24/7 police dispatch, unlimited camera recording, 24/7 fire and medical dispatch, video verification, and 24/7 flood and extreme temperature monitoring.
- Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings ($0.33 per day): Unlimited camera recording.
ADT
- Award: Our pick for a money-back guarantee
- Connection Type: Cellular
- Price range: $56–$82 per month
- Founded: 1874
Pros and cons
+ Offers a six-month money-back guarantee
+ One of the oldest home security companies in the country
+ Offers same-day professional installation if ordered before 2 p.m.
– Does not offer a DIY installation option
– Requires a 36-month contract
Packages, equipment and cost
ADT Home Security offers three types of equipment packages to customize to fit your home security needs. The company offers a comprehensive list of equipment, and it lets you pay off through financing your equipment rather than paying a large, up-front sum. The range in pricing for each option reflects the cost for a baseline package and increases to the cost after adding the maximum amount of equipment. Some options include 0% APR.*
You add equipment to the following ADT starter packages:
- Secure ($599–$899 one time or $56–$61 per month for 60 months): This option starts with intrusion protection; fire, carbon monoxide and flood monitoring; a touchscreen control panel and voice control.
- Smart ($919–$1,219 one time or $66–$71 per month for 60 months): This package builds on the equipment and protection offered in the Secure package by adding a remote access mobile app and smart home automation.
- Complete ($1,049–$1,449 one time or $75–$82 per month for 60 months): This is ADT’s most comprehensive starter package, offering intrusion protection; fire, carbon monoxide and flood monitoring; a touchscreen control panel; voice control; a remote-access mobile app; smart home automation; video security and stored video clips.
*Subject to credit approval
Get a quote: To start customizing your ADT equipment package, fill out this easy-to-use form.
ADT provides a wide selection of products for you to choose from, including three camera options. The company also offers life safety and smart-home automation equipment. This makes ADT an excellent option for a more all-inclusive home security system. The company does require professional installation, which starts at $99.
Here is some of ADT’s equipment in detail:
- ADT Doorbell Camera ($3.33 per month): This video doorbell lets you view 720p HD video from motion detected alerts. It automatically records and stores a 30-second clip for viewing later through the ADT mobile app. It also features two-way audio.
- ADT Pro HD Outdoor Security Camera ($4.83 per month): This camera features 1080p HD video during both its live feed and recorded clips. It utilizes motion detection that can be customized to avoid false alerts from pets and vehicles. The camera can also record in low light and allows you to communicate through two-way audio.
- ADT Pro HD Indoor Security Camera ($2.50 per month): Similar to the outdoor camera, this indoor camera records in 1080p HD video, including dark or low-light areas. It also features two-way audio.
- Google Nest Hub Max ($3.82 per month): ADT adds this touch-screen hub to your system, which allows you to use Google Assistant to arm and disarm your system, as well as control smart-home devices like locks, lights and more. It also includes a built-in Nest Cam for video calls to friends and family.
- View other ADT equipment here.
Monitoring options
ADT charges its professional motoring plans according to the starter package that you pick. The plan includes 24/7 monitoring from nine in-house monitor centers, rapid intrusion detection and monitoring of smoke and carbon monoxide sensors.
Here is the cost of ADT’s professional monitoring plan:
- Secure: $45.99 per month
- Smart: $49.99 per month
- Complete: $56.99 per month
Frontpoint
- Award: Our pick for third-party equipment compatibility
- Connection Type: Duel cellular and Wi-Fi
- Price range: $99–$798
- Founded: 2007
Pros and cons
+ Uses non-proprietary equipment, so it is easy to mix and match with third-party providers
+ Does not require a contract
+ Features a customizable smartphone app
– Monitoring prices are higher than some competitors
– A lot of functionality is locked behind monitoring plans
Packages, equipment and cost
In addition to letting you build a full-customized security equipment package, Frontpoint offers three packages. Though its build-your-own option is most likely the best option for you, Frontpoint’s The Bunker acts as a great motion-sensor-based security system, in addition to one indoor camera, for a small to medium-sized home. Frontpoint currently offers a free video doorbell with all of its package options, as well as a 35% discount.*
Below are Frontpont’s packages in detail:
- The Safehouse ($392, currently $99*): This package has one Frontpoint hub and keypad, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, one yard sign, three decals and one door sticker.
- The Bunker ($634, currently $475*): This package includes one Frontpoint hub and keypad, three door/window sensors, one motion sensor, one indoor camera, one smoke-and-heat sensor, one yard sign, three decals and one door sticker.
- The Fortress ($798, currently $599*): This is Frontpoint’s most comprehensive package as it offers one Frontpoint hub and keypad, six door/window sensors, two motion sensors, one indoor camera, one smoke-and-heat sensor, one yard sign, three decals and one door sticker.
Frontpoint also offers the option to pay your system off in monthly payments**. Here are the monthly prices for Fronpoint’s systems:
- The Bunker: $18, currently $15*
- The Fortress: $22, currently $19*
*Frontpoint offers 35% off all its systems on its website as of March 2022.
**Prices are subject to credit approval.
Get a quote: To see what package you can build with Frontpoint or buy one of the packages above, complete this short survey.
Frontpoint offers four different cameras that you may add to your package. This includes two different indoor cameras, an outdoor camera and a video doorbell. Each one features a simple, DIY installation process using adhesive strips, and they can connect through Roku and Apple TV.
Here are Frontpoint’s cameras in detail:
- Frontpoint Indoor Camera ($65): This camera has live video, recording options (with monitoring plan), 1080p resolution, a 110-degree field of view, night vision up to 15 feet and a three-year warranty. It connects with the Frontpoint mobile app for recording and viewing.
- Premium Indoor Camera ($130): This indoor camera has higher specs and more features. It features live video, recording options (with monitoring plan), 1080p resolution, a 180-degree field of view with enhanced zoom, two-way audio, night vision, pet detection and a three-year warranty. It also connects with the Frontpoint mobile app for recording and viewing.
- Outdoor Camera ($130): This camera has live video, recording options (with monitoring plan), 1080p resolution, a 117-degree field of view with enhanced zoom, night vision up to 40 feet, pet-detection, a three-year warranty. It also connects with the Frontpoint mobile app for recording and viewing, and it requires an external power source.
- Video Doorbell ($123): This video doorbell has infrared night vision, a 180-degree field of view, motion detection, two-way audio, two color options, a three-year warranty. Like all other Frontpoint cameras, it connects with the Frontpoint mobile app for recording and viewing.
- View other Frontpoint equipment here.
Monitoring options
Frontpoint features one highly comprehensive monitoring plan option. This plan includes a lot of functionality that you might receive with other home security companies at a lower price, such as night vision. Check out Frontpoint’s monitoring plan in detail below:
Interactive Monitoring Plan ($2 per day): 24/7 support, geo-location services, mobile alert and notifications via email and text, remote control, sensor history, live video streaming and recording, video and image history, motion-triggered alerts, night vision enabled, smart-light control and smart-lock control.
Abode
- Award: Our pick for monthly value
- Connection Type: Ethernet gateway
- Price range: $99–$329
- Founded: 2014
Pros and cons
+ No long-term contract
+ Features flexible options for professional monitoring, including on-demand options
+ Uses Abode Cue to control smart-home devices
– A lot of functionality, including a 4G cellular backup, is locked behind monitoring plans
– Starter packages are minimal and lacking
Packages, equipment and cost
Abode mainly focuses on providing customized, DIY home security systems, but the company does offer two premade systems. Its Smart Security Kit connects to your ethernet, but its iota All-In-One system connects to ethernet or 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi. You will most likely get better performance out of an ethernet connection, though.
Here are Abode’s systems:
- Smart Security Kit ($279, currently $232*): This kit includes one Gen 2 Gateway, one mini door/window sensor, one key fob, one motion sensor and one sticker.
- iota All-In-One system ($329, currently $280*): This kit offers one iota All-In-One Gateway (features a built-in camera), one mini door/window sensor and one key fob.
*Abode offers 7%–15% off its systems as of March 2022.
Get a quote: To get either of Abode’s gateway systems for your home, fill out this online questionnaire.
Abode offers one surveillance camera called Abode Cam 2 that may be used for both indoor and outdoor monitoring. The company also offers a variety of motion sensors that are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Read about some of Abode’s unique security equipment here:
- Abode Cam 2 ($38, currently $33*): This is an outdoor/indoor camera with 1080p full HD at 30fps, a 121-degree field of view, full-color infrared night vision, IP65-rated weatherproof, two-way audio, a flexible base and person detection.
- Slim Strip Sensor ($42, currently $33*): This is a sensor that easily installs into the frame of a door or window of gaps up to 0.60 inches, and it has a battery life of up to 8 years (non-replaceable). It may be placed up to 1,000 feet of range from your gateway, and it syncs with the Abode app for push notifications and is designed so that you barely notice it is there.
- Acoustic Glass Break Sensor ($59, currently $52*): A completely wireless device, this sensor listens for the sound of glass breaking with a 25-foot detection range. It features a battery life of up to two and a half years (replaceable) and up to 1,000 feet of range from the gateway, and it syncs to the Abode app for push notifications.
- Multi-Sensor ($60, currently $46*): This device senses motion, light, temperature and humidity. It features a battery life of four years (replaceable) and the option to customize settings through the Abode app.
- View other Abode equipment here.
*Abode offers 17%–40% off on select equipment as of March 2022.
Monitoring options
Abode offers two monitoring plans. The Standard Plan’s self-monitoring plan has you monitor your own system for alerts and emergencies. Its professional monitoring plan, the Pro Plan, has a monitoring center that pays attention to any alerts in your system for possible emergencies. It will dispatch the proper authorities in the instance of an emergency.
Abode’s monitoring plans may be accessed on-demand. This means you may opt to have the Pro Plan for one day or a weekend away but return to the Standard Plan when you return. This helps you receive excellent monthly value for your Abode system.
Here are Abode’s monitoring plans in detail:
- The Standard Plan ($0.20 per day): Live feed and recording for unlimited cameras, notifications, video storage, 10 days of history, home automation features, in-app panic alarms, customer service support and person detection.
- The Pro Plan ($0.66 per day): 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, live feed and recording for unlimited cameras, notifications, video storage, 10 days of history, home automation features, in-app panic alarms, customer service support, person detection, free ground shipping within the continental states, access to exclusive deals and discounts and homeowners insurance discounts.
Scout
- Award: Our pick for beginners
- Connection Type: Cellular
- Price range: $120–549
- Founded: 2013
Pros and cons
+ Includes a three-year warranty on all equipment
+ Allows you to customize notifications and smart-home features like sequences of actions
+ Features a 60-day trial period
– Basic package is somewhat lacking
– Does not offer any professional installation option
We reached out to Scout about the cons, and the company stated that “the packaging is meant to accomplish two simple goals; (a) provide adequate protection during transit and (b) color code the devices and provide recognizable iconography such that the installation process is a breeze.”
In regards to its lack of professional installation, Scout comments that it bills itself as a DIY system, which is more affordable and flexible. The company stated that it is “an alternative to professional install and looking to increase the number of homes that have access to home security. Over the course of [its] 9-year history, self-install has been on the rise and pro-install on the decline.”
Packages, equipment and cost
Scout features a build-your-own-system option, the best approach for a home security system. The company features a collection of premade security packages, though. These packages focus on motion sensors, and its Elements Pack helps with emergencies such as fires and floods.
Learn about Scout’s security packages here:
- Scout Small Pack ($229): This package offers one Scout Hub, one door panel sensor, one motion sensor, two access sensors, two key fobs and one yard sign.
- Scout Large Pack ($319): This package includes one Scout Hub, one door panel sensor, two motion sensors, five access sensors, two key fobs and one yard sign.
- Scout Elements Pack ($349): This package adds some environmental monitoring devices as it offers one Scout Hub, one door panel sensor, one motion sensor, four access sensors, two key fobs, one water sensor, one smoke alarm and one yard sign.
- Scout Architect Pack ($549): This is Scout’s most comprehensive package as it includes one Scout Hub, one door panel sensor, one motion sensor, four access sensors, two key fobs, one glass-break sensor, one smart lock and one yard sign.
Get a quote: To start building your own package or receive one of the packs from Scout above, complete this easy-to-use survey.
You can add Scout’s equipment to any of the packages or build your own from scratch, starting with one of Scout’s 4G LTE Hubs. Scout only has two camera options. Its simple design and cellular connection make it an ideal choice for beginners in home security.
Learn more about some of Scout’s equipment options below:
- Scout Indoor Camera ($99): This camera provides a 1080p HD live video feed to the Scout mobile app. It also features motion detection, night vision, video cloud storage, and it syncs to the Scout app for push notifications.
- Scout Video Doorbell ($99, $106 for digital): This video doorbell comes in both analog and digital options. Both feature 1080p HD, two-way audio, person detection, a 180-degree field of view and integration with the Scout app for recording and alerts. The main difference between the analog and digital doorbell is the chiming mechanisms and power supplies used. Scout provides the necessary power supply for its digital video doorbell.
- Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector ($47): This device alerts you when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. If you have Scout’s Always On+ plan, fire department dispatch can occur automatically. You will also receive alerts through the Scout app, and this device is entirely wireless.
- Glass Break Sensor ($50): This completely wireless sensor detects breaking glass from any windows or doors within 25 feet. It also sends alerts when its batteries are running low, so there is no guesswork on your part.
- View other Scout equipment here.
Monitoring options
Like Abode, Scout offers two plans broken down into self-monitoring and professional monitoring options. You may choose to pay for these plans monthly or receive 10% off by signing up for a year.
Below are Scout’s monitoring plans with both the monthly and yearly costs:
- Always On ($10 per month, $107 per year): 4G LTE cellular and battery backup, Scout mobile app, email notifications, push notifications to mobile devices and SMS and phone call alerts.
- Always On+ ($20 per month, $215 per year): 24/7 professional monitoring, police and fire dispatch, 4G LTE cellular and battery backup, Scout mobile app, email notifications, push notifications to mobile devices and SMS, and phone call alerts.
Canary
- Award: Our pick for cameras
- Connection Type: Wi-Fi
- Price range: $10–$298
- Founded: 2014
Pros and cons
+ Provides the option to pay off your equipment in monthly payments, allowing for lower costs
+ Includes free 24-hour video history
+ Does not require a long-term contract
– Does not offer a professional monitoring plan
– Many features are locked behind a service plan
Packages, equipment and cost
Canary does not provide premade security equipment packages. Instead, it offers high-quality surveillance cameras with service plans. It does not offer much equipment in the vein of motion sensors and alarms. If you mainly desire a security camera, Canary may be your best choice.
You can pay for Canary’s cameras monthly or at one up-front price.
Below are Canary’s cameras with both the monthly and one-time payment options:
- Canary View ($10 per month with Premium Service, $99 with Basic Service or $198 with one year of Premium Service): Canary View provides 1080p HD video with a 147-degree wide-angle field of view. It also includes night vision and two-way audio (with the Canary Premium Service).
- Canary Pro ($13 per month with Premium Service, $169 with Basic Service or $268 with one year of Premium Service): This camera features 1080p HD video, a 90-decibel siren and built-in climate monitoring. With Canary’s Premium Service, you also receive 30 days of video storage, desktop streaming and two-way talk capability.
- Canary Flex ($15 per month with Premium Service, $199 with Basic Service or $298 with one year of Premium Service): Canary Flex works as both an indoor and outdoor camera — it is waterproof and can withstand temperatures between negative 4 degrees Fahrenheit and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. It provides HS video, and as with Canary’s other cameras, you receive two-way communication, 30-days of video storage and desktop streaming with the Premium Service plan.
Get a quote: To see what Canary’s cameras are capable of, fill out this brief form.
Monitoring options
You either opt for Basic Service or Premium Service with Canary. Canary’s Basic Service is highly limited. Most functionality and features are locked behind its Premium Service plan.
Here are Canary’s service plans in more detail:
- Basic Service (Free): Free of cost, Canary provides 24/7 live video, one day of video storage, person detection, activity zone masking to avoid false alarms, one-touch access to first responders and a one-year warranty.
- Premium Service ($10 per month or $99 per year for first-device): Canary’s Premium Service provides 24/7 live video, a personal safety button, full-length video recording, 30-day video storage, two-way audio, incident support, unlimited video downloads, desktop streaming, a two-year warranty, person detection, activity zone masking to avoid false alarms and one-touch access to first responders.
Cove
- Award: Our pick for warranty options
- Connection Type: Cellular
- Price range: $265+
- Founded: 2018
Pros and cons
+ Does not require a long-term contract
+ Includes a lifetime warranty for Cove Plus members
+ Features a 60-day money-back guarantee
– Does not feature any smart-home integration
– Requires you to pay for its monitoring service for remote functionality and mobile app integration
Packages, equipment and cost
Cove only offers a Build My System option for its systems. The company focuses solely on home security and surveillance equipment. It does not include any home automation options. The overall cost of your package with Cove will vary according to the equipment you require. You will at least pay $265 given that Cove’s Touch Alarm Panel is $250, and its door and window sensors cost $15 each.
Get a quote: Check out what system you can create with Cove and get an instant quote by filling out this short questionnaire.
Cove offers a decent selection of home security equipment and surveillance cameras. The company takes information about your home, such as the number of doors and windows. It also asks about any environmental protection you want, such as fire or flood protection. Cove creates a custom equipment package for your home and family from this information.
You may also opt to have your Cove system professionally installed for $79.
Here are some of the equipment options you can expect with Cove Security:
- Indoor Camera ($99): Using both cloud storage and a memory card, this camera features a 110-degree wide-angle lens, 1080p HD video and enhanced night vision. It may also be used for two-way audio.
- Outdoor Camera ($199): This wireless camera may be placed anywhere outside using its built-in mount. It features a 140-degree wide-angle lens, 1080p HD images, AI detection, two-way audio and enhanced night vision.
- Kami Doorbell Camera ($99): This video doorbell allows you to chat with whomever is at your door through two-way audio. It also features package detection, HD live video streaming and an IP-65 weatherproof rating so it operates in rain and snow.
- Cove Touch Alarm Panel ($250): This device is required and included in every Cove system. This is a 7-inch touch-screen panel that connects to all of your Cove devices. It features a 24-hour backup battery, an 85 dB siren, two-way communication and smash-and-grab protection.
- View other Cove equipment here.
Monitoring options
Cove offers professional monitoring with features such as LiveAssist and InstaText. LiveAssist provides a dedicated two-way communication channel between you and the Cove Touch Alarm Panel. This means that Cove speaks to you directly through the panel whenever your alarm goes off. InstaText provides a similar service but through text messaging. These services help Cove dispatch the proper emergency response authorities.
You may also self-monitor with a Cove system; however, you lose a lot of functionality when you opt for this.
Here is Cove’s professional monitoring plan in more detail:
- Cove Monitoring ($25 per month): This plan includes a lifetime equipment warranty, 24/7 professional monitoring, mobile app remote control and monitoring, Alexa and Google Home voice control options, a $5 monthly equipment credit and a lifetime professional monitoring rate-lock guarantee
SafeStreets
- Award: Our pick for insurance coverage
- Connection Type: Cellular
- Price range: Starts at $99
- Founded: 2000
Pros and cons
+ Offers next-day installation
+ Includes its Theft Protection Guarantee (covers up to $500 of your insurance deductible if a burglary occurs during monitoring)
+ Backed by ADT
– Requires a 36-month contract
– Cancelation may require 75% of your overall cost to be paid
– Does not provide online pricing
Packages, equipment and cost
SafeStreets combines home security, smart-home automation and ADT monitoring using fully customizable equipment packages. Pulling from ADT’s large collection of security equipment, SafeStreets helps you create a custom equipment package that fulfills your choice of a protection plan. Because of this, SafeStreets focuses on providing details on its monitoring capabilities online instead of equipment options.
Here are the protection plans that SafeStreets will help you create a custom package based on:
- Traditional Plan: This package covers the basic functionality with some optional bonuses. It includes ADT 24/7 monitoring, burglar alarms and a cellular connection for monitoring. Optional options include two-way audio and life-safety options.
- Remote Plan: This plan combines the Traditional plan with remote functionality. This plan allows you to arm and disarm the security system remotely through a smartphone app and receive notifications on multiple devices.
- Control Plan: This plan adds Safetreet’s video monitoring options, including real-time video footage, to the same features of the previous two plans.
- Video and Automation Plan: This plan offers the most comprehensive options. It includes smart-home automation technology in addition to real-time video with 24/7 monitoring. This allows for a fully automated system that actively protects and surveys your home.
Get a quote: To see what package SafeStreets can create for your monitoring plan of choice, complete this simple survey.
ADT backs SafeStreets, so many of its equipment options are the same as ADT’s. Its pricing may change depending on the package you create, though. Here are some additional equipment options provided by ADT via SafeStreets:
- ADT Glass Break Sensor: This device instantly notifies you whenever there is a break-in at your home by detecting the sound of glass-breaking. Each sensor has a 25-foot range.
- ADT Monitored Flood Sensors: These sensors are easily installed in a low area in a room that may experience water leaks. They pair with 24/7 monitoring to let you instantly know of any leaks and rising water levels.
- ADT Carbon Monoxide Detector: Similar to a smoke detector, this wireless and battery-powered device detects any leaks of carbon monoxide in your home. It also features a built-in alarm and LED status indicator.
- ADT Smart Thermostat: This divide helps you establish a thermostat schedule that helps you save on energy costs, as well as receive custom alerts whenever your home temperature is too hot or too cold. You can also control your home’s temperature thermostat from anywhere using the mobile app.
- View other SafeStreets equipment here.
Monitoring options
SafeStreets uses the same monitoring services as ADT. This means you receive in-house professional monitoring. The company only offers professional monitoring and no self-monitoring options. This means you must agree to a 36-month contract with SafeStreets whenever you sign up for its services.
SafeStreets does not provide any online pricing for its monitoring plan.
Note: We reached out to each company on this list for a comment on the cons listed in this article. Unless otherwise noted, we did not receive a response from the brand.
The bottom line: Which is the best home security system for you?
Each home security company offers different solutions and experiences to protect you and your family. It is important to consider whether or not you desire a DIY, self-monitored system that allows you to receive alerts and makes you responsible for alerting authorities for a lower cost or if you find value in a professionally monitored system that has a monitoring center that watches your home and alerts authorities for you.
We find that SimpliSafe is one of the most comprehensive home security systems on the market. You may either install its easy-to-use equipment on your own or pay for professional installation. In addition, the company offers competitive rates on its dual cellular and Wi-Fi systems, and it allows you to avoid long-term contracts. Frontpoint is another excellent option if you are interested in obtaining a range of third-party security equipment that easily integrates into a system that provides professional monitoring.
Methodology: Our system for ranking the best home security companies
We at the Home Media reviews team collected data on dozens of home security companies and created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings. Then, we measured each company against a wide range of criteria to create a cumulative score for each provider.
As part of our research, we called each home security company and spoke directly with representatives to fully understand equipment and monitoring options. We also simulated the quote and scheduling process.
Additionally, we listened to customer service calls to gain insight into the customer experience with each company. We also closely examined hundreds of customer reviews to understand significant pain points of the customer service and installation experience with each company.
We use the following scoring system to grade each home security provider on a 100-point scale:
- Number of packages (5 points): Companies that offer at least three predetermined packages received a higher score, while those with fewer received a lower score. Those with a fully customizable option scored best.
- Special features (10 points): We assigned a score based on the number of the following special features they offer: pet monitoring, video recording, cloud storage, an audible alarm, battery backup, a keypad, fire prevention and panic buttons.
- Installation process (5 points): Does the company only offer professional or DIY installation, or does it offer both options? The more available options, the higher the score.
- Connectivity options (15 points): We graded companies on their equipment’s capacity to connect to the following options: Wi-Fi, Z-Wave or Zigbee. We also assessed whether it had functionality with any of the following smart-home automation platforms: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistance or Apple Siri.
- Pricing (20 points): We graded companies on their lowest and highest available equipment costs, as well as their highest and lowest available monitoring fee.
- Contract period (10 points): Is there a mandated contract period? If so, how long is it? Companies with lengthier contract periods received lower scores.
- Warranty (15 points): Companies with warranties of at least one year received higher scores.
- Trial period (10 points): Companies were awarded points for having trial periods for their service. The longer the trial period (30-day, 60-day or 90-day+), the more points we awarded.
- Usability (5 points): Companies with mobile apps and self-monitoring options received higher scores.
- Trustworthiness (5 points): Companies with years of service in the industry and favorable ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received higher scores.
All company data is monitored on an ongoing basis to keep all rankings and information up to date.