Looking for a great home security system? Home security systems differ quite a bit in terms of what’s offered. Some old school systems like ADT might require contracts, professional installation, and offer both the hardware and customer support, while others allow you to install the system and connect to existing smart home security devices for do-it-yourself home monitoring.
Prices for home security systems depend on a combination of what type of system you’re looking for as well as any installation fees. Some companies might have monthly membership or cloud access fees, while others may not. We’ll talk a little bit about pricing for each item on this list, but for an accurate look at cost, it’s best to visit the website and request a personalized quote. Get ready to feel more secure with these home security systems, listed in no particular order.
SimpliSafe
Explore alarm monitoring options, compare DIY and wireless home security systems and read customer reviews to find the best home security company for you. Best Home Alarm and Security Systems. The best home security monitoring companies have the infrastructure and trained operators to survive anything from a tornado to a server fire without the slightest hiccup in service. We evaluated the monitoring services of the seven best nationwide home security companies to see which truly excelled at eliminating network redundancy and handling a large volume of alarms.
SimpliSafe is a home security hub that comes with alarm monitoring, sirens, and a number of sensors to detect movement, flooding, fires, and many other natural disasters. The “simpli” part of the system? There’s really only one device, plus a security code keypad you can use. You can also buy an additional smart cam, but the system is based on that sensor-loaded hub. This makes installation as easy as picking a table to put it on, and keeps associated costs down, making this an ideal option for people who want to save money.
SimpliSafe is not the first provider to offer this one-hub-that-does-everything model, but they are one of the few to offer an alarming monitoring service along with it. If you want to protect an apartment or smaller home, look into this option.
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Ring Alarm
Ring Alarm doesn’t disappoint. A starter kit comes with a hub, keypad, motion detector, and contact sensor. You can easily add more sensors to track movement (such as windows opening), or one of Ring’s doorbells or outdoor security cameras for more comprehensive security. You aren’t breaking the bank either (you will pay a small monthly fee for professional monitoring, though). Ring also offers products such as the Alarm Flood & Freeze Sensor, Alarm Smoke and CO Listener, and Dome Siren.
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Vivint
Vivint offers the latest smart devices for creating a home security system — and its fully compatible with Google. You can pick from a number of thermostats, cameras, doorbells, sensors, and smart locks, or bundle multiple devices to get exactly the setup you want, which is ideal if your house is a little short on smart devices. You’ll want to have the Vivint system professionally installed, so this option is great for people who are wary of doing it themselves.
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Nest Secure
Are you a devoted DIY enthusiast? Are you okay with skipping the monitoring services for a system that you don’t have to pay for every month? Nest has one of the best solutions on the market for those who are already comfortable with managing their own smart homes.
Nest Secure provides a hub with a motion sensor and a satellite Detect sensor for guarding windows, doors, and other areas. There’s also a separate Tag device that lets people or pets pass by the sensors without setting them off. Buy as many sensors as you need, add some Nest cameras, and put together your own system. But keep in mind the initial costs for buying Nest devices can be high.
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Abode
Abode has one of the easiest (and most beautiful) starter kits we’ve seen in a home security system. The kit includes a hub device, door sensor, motion sensor, and key fob for easier entry. Set up these wireless devices where you need them, download the app to monitor for alerts, and add more Abode devices like cameras as needed. The monitoring services are also pleasantly versatile, with three-day, seven-day, and monthly options you can pick from to save money.
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ADT
ADT remains one of the most traditional home security brands on the market, but the company has updated its packages with a Pulse line of smart home devices. They’ve also partnered with other brands like Nest and Samsung SmartThings, so it’s easy to find what type of home security system you’re looking for. They’ve also been known to add in perks like free installations for low-tier packages, and freebies like a Nest Thermostat with the right video setups. However, reading the fine print is important: ADT monitoring has some of the most restrictive contracts in the business.
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Link Interactive
Link is a strong choice for those who want a traditional security system with professional monitoring, locks and detection devices, and packages that take care of the process for you. Link also features monitoring and controlling from an app. To this, Link features some advanced protection, like an electrical setup that keeps the system active if a burglar tries to disable it. Many traditional security brands have tried to update their offerings with smart home tech, and Link is one of the most successful.
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Scout
Scout has a far more flexible model than many other security brands. You can build your own system, including the components you want and the color and finish you want. Or, you can purchase a kit from somewhere like Amazon. The monitoring is month to month, so there are no long-term contracts, but it’ll cost you an additional $20 per month. The app is easy to use though, and it gives you quick alerts if alarms go off.
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Protect America
Protect America offers customizable plans that allow you to add all kinds of smart gadgets to your system, from door sensors to Amazon Echo devices. It all ships at once, and they install everything for you. Prices vary, but tend to big a bit on the low side, and rates are locked in. If the other, more traditional home security brands don’t do much for you, Protect America is worth a look.
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Honeywell Smart Home Security System
The Honeywell Smart Home Security System starter kit comes with the camera base station, two access sensors for windows and doors, and a remote-control key fob. The base station includes an HD camera, siren, and Alexa smart speaker. There’s also features like facial recognition and motion detection. But there’s also support for Google Assistant, IFTTT and Z-Wave Plus. This is a completely DIY system with no professional monitoring. For those who don’t want to deal with contracts and want to manage their own security, this could be a good pick.
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Editors' Recommendations
We researched the top 10 best home security systems when it comes to service, pricing & more. See why we rated Vivint as #1 in home security.
Best Overall5
- Smart home tech
- Customizable
- Month-to-month contracts
4.5
- Fast response
- Great guarantees
- 140+ years of experience
4
- Risk-free trial
- DIY installation
- Great customer service
3.6
- Lifetime warranty
- Locked-in rates
- Many package options
3.5
- Cheap monthly monitoring
- Money-back guarantee
- No fancy extras
How SafeWise Picked theBest Home Security Systems
SafeWise knows home security. Over the past five years, more than one million people have come to us for home security information and recommendations. And we’ve helped thousands of those people pick the best home security system for their homes. We test, research, and compare home security companies based on the factors that matter most when looking at security systems.
Response time
Features
Style/design
Ease of use
Brand | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.2 | 3 | 2.6 |
Lowest Price | $29.99 | $27.99 | $34.99 | $19.99 | $14.99 | $30.99 | $29.00 | $9.99 | $19.00 | $29.99 |
Installation | Professional 5 stars | Professional 5 stars | DIY 5 stars | DIY or professional 4 stars | DIY 4 stars | DIY 3 stars | DIY 3 stars | DIY 4 stars | DIY 3 stars | DIY or professional 3 stars |
Customer Service | 4 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 3 stars | 4 stars | 4 stars | 3.5 stars | 3 stars | 2.5 stars | 3 stars |
Standout Feature | Works with Alexa, Nest | Pet-immune motion detector | 100% cellular | Free equipment | 100% wireless | 2-way voice | Power outage backup | Tool-free install | No Rush arm/disarm | Smoke/CO monitoring |
Learn More |
Prices effective as of March 4, 2019. Offers and availability subject to change.
#1 Vivint: Best Overall
There’s a reason Vivint put “smart home” in the middle of its name—this relative newcomer to the security game has gone all-in when it comes to combining home security and home automation. With hands-free voice control features, you can do everything from closing the garage door to turning up the heat without lifting a finger. Read the full Vivint review.
- Pros
- High-end technology and equipment
- Customizable security packages
- Short-term contract available
- Highly-rated mobile app
- Free in-home security consultation
- Cons
- Higher overall cost
- Negative customer reviews
4
5
5
4
5
Overall Score 4.6
Our Favorite Vivint Plan: Smart Home Video
We like the Smart Home Video monitoring plan because it includes security cameras and video monitoring. For equipment, you can work with Vivint’s home security and home automation experts to put together a package that gives you the components and features you want.
Key Features
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Remote access and control
- 100% cellular connection
Price
$49.99/mo.
$99 installation fee
Bottom Line
Even though Vivint has only been on the scene since 1999, a strong commitment to providing intelligent home solutions has made it a major player. If you’re looking for more than home security, Vivint offers the most comprehensive home automation and energy management upgrades.4.6
Month-to-month contracts
Vivint provides state-of-the-art home security combined with leading home automation tech.
#2 ADT: Best Monitoring Experience
When it comes to home security monitoring, no one can beat ADT for experience. This home security company has been providing home protection for more than 140 years and serves more than eight million people worldwide. Read the full ADT review.
- Pros
- Fast response times
- Outstanding customer guarantees
- 140+ years of experience
- Free whole-home risk assessment
- Six redundant monitoring centers
- Cons
- Long contracts with no trial period
- Expensive early termination fees
3.75
4.5
4
4
5
Overall Score 4.25
Our Favorite ADT Package: ADT Pulse®
We recommend the ADT Pulse® plan because it includes home automation technology and wireless equipment. These features make home security easier for renters and people who may move before their contract is up.
Key Features
- Wireless security monitoring
- Cell Guard®
- Mobile access and alerts
Price
$52.99/mo.
$99 installation fee
Bottom Line
ADT is the most experienced security monitoring company in the country. Even though prices are on the higher end, years of experience combined with the most monitoring centers in the land assure ADT customers get fast response times and helpful service when they need it most.4.25
Free risk assessment
ADT has more monitoring centers and more experience than any other home security company.
#3 Frontpoint: Best Customer Service
In addition to having the best DIY installation option, Frontpoint blows away the competition when it comes to taking care of customers. Frontpoint has an “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau and is one of the few security companies we’ve found that puts its money where its mouth is—you can try out the system risk-free for thirty days. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll get a full refund. Read the full Frontpoint review.
- Pros
- No-cost DIY installation
- Outstanding customer service
- Smoke, CO monitoring in basic plans
- Works with Alexa, Google Home
- Cons
- No professional installation option
- Higher monitoring fees
3.25
3
4
5
5
Overall Score 4.05
Our Favorite Frontpoint Package: Interactive Plan
The Interactive Plan provides a variety of equipment, remote access, and plenty of home automation options—all for under $50 per month.
Key Features
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Remote access and control
- Crash & Smash protection
Price
$44.99/mo.
Bottom Line
Frontpoint puts the customer first. From transparent pricing to knowledgeable customer service help, this security company does everything it can to make sure you get the residential security features you need without any hassle or extra costs.4.05
30-day risk-free trial
Frontpoint offers great customer service and the best DIY installation experience.
#4 Protect America: Best for Your Budget
Protect America is the most affordable residential security company to make our top five. It has the lowest monthly monitoring fees, starting at just $19.99 per month—but that price is only for standard, landline monitoring. You can also lock in your rate, which means that your monitoring fees will never increase as long as you don’t interrupt or cancel your plan. Read the full Protect America review.
- Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Many packages to choose from
- Three monitoring options
- Customer-first policies
- Cons
- Cheapest packages require a landline
- Package and upgrade options can be confusing
4.5
3.5
3
3
4
Overall Score 3.6
Our Favorite Protect America Package: Silver Package
This isn’t the cheapest package Protect America offers, but we think it provides solid home security that’s still affordable. And if you choose DIY installation, you’ll save money up front, which helps with the higher monthly fee.
Key Features
- Professional monitoring
- Mobile app with broadband and cellular
- Professional installation available
Price
$37.99/mo.
Bottom Line
If you have a limited budget but want to give your home and family the extra protection of a home security system, Protect America is a good place to start. Just know that if you want extra features like smart locks, you’ll end up paying more.3.6
Locked-in rates for life
Protect America’s affordable rates make home security accessible to nearly any household.
Offer Alert: Get a doorbell camera and touchscreen panel for $99 while supplies last.
Offer Alert: Get a doorbell camera and touchscreen panel for $99 while supplies last.
#5 SimpliSafe: Best for Avoiding High-Pressure Sales
SimpliSafe has set out to change the home security industry. It doesn’t employ any salespeople and lets you choose the equipment and monitoring level you want. SimpliSafe equipment is modern, sleek, and easy to set up. Best of all, you don’t have to sign a contract. Read the full SimpliSafe review.
- Pros
- Lifetime equipment warranty
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Customizable plans and equipment
- Great options for renters
- Cons
- Limited home automation options
- Higher up-front costs
4
3
2.5
4
4
Overall Score 3.5
Our Favorite SimpliSafe Package: Hearth Package
SimpliSafe’s Hearth Package includes all the home security essentials you need, plus fire and smoke detection. This isn’t the cheapest SimpliSafe package, but we think the addition of smoke protection is a plus worth paying for.
Key Features
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- 105 dB siren
Price
$14.99/mo.
$374 equipment package
Bottom Line
SimpliSafe has some of the cheapest monthly monitoring fees available, plus high-end equipment that comes with a lifetime warranty. Best of all, this security company doesn’t use high-pressure sales, so you won’t end up paying for more security than you need.3.5
No contracts
SimpliSafe does home security on its own terms, which means no sales people or long contracts.
#6 Link Interactive: Best Entry-Level Plan Options
This security company provides some of the most comprehensive basic plans we’ve seen. Link Interactive’s mid-level Gold package offers everything except video monitoring and live streaming. That includes 24/7 professional monitoring, mobile access and alerts, home automation, and Crash & Smash protection, which keeps your system active if a burglar tries to damage and disable it. It’s rare to get all of that without having to upgrade. Read the full Link Interactive review.
- Pros
- Crash & Smash protection with all plans
- Friendly customer service
- Home automation capability
- Up to 48 window and door sensors in basic package
- Cons
- High termination fees
- Confusing DIY installation
3
3
4
4
3
Overall Score 3.4
Our Favorite Link Interactive Package: Gold Plan
This mid-tier plan offers security you can rely on plus home automation and energy management features. We also like that fire and CO alarms are included.
Key Features
- 100% cellular connection
- Home automation
- 24/7 professional monitoring
Price
$39.99/mo.
Bottom Line
Link Interactive offers basic packages that are anything but basic, which means you can end up with more security for your money. The company also knocks it out of the park when it comes to taking care of customers.3.4
Shorter contracts
If you’re wary of long contracts, Link Interactive offers contracts as short as 12 months.
#7 Brinks: Best Money-Back Guarantee
This is the only residential security company we’ve found that gives you a full three months to decide whether or not you like your system. This 90-day money-back guarantee makes it easy to try out a Brinks alarm system—but if you cancel after the trial period, you could owe up to 80% of the remainder of your contract.
- Pros
- Locked-in rates
- Easy DIY installation
- Power outage backup
- Wireless door and motion sensors
- Cons
- High early termination fees
- Expensive monthly monitoring
2.75
3.75
3
3.5
3
Overall Score 3.25
Our Favorite Brinks Package: Home Complete with Video
This package will run you about $40 per month, but it comes with impressive extras like a doorbell camera and an indoor security camera with night vision. You also get 24/7 live streaming video, which provides peace of mind whether you’re at home or on the go.
Key Features
- Smart control panel
- Hacker protection
- Hands-free disarm
Price
$39/mo.
Bottom Line
Brinks offers cutting-edge technology that won’t let you down during a phone or power outage. Plus, the company’s money-back guarantee makes Brinks a solid choice for the commitment-averse that want to try out a home security system before signing a long contract. Just make up your mind before the trial period ends to avoid termination fees.3.25
Money-back guarantee
Brinks has customer-first policies that make it less risky to try out a home security system.
#8 Scout: Best for Staying Out of a Long Contract
Scout is a flexible, entry-level home security system. You build your own system, which gives you control over how much protection you have. But options are limited, and vital equipment (like security cameras) isn’t available.
- Pros
- Low monthly monitoring fees
- Tool-free installation
- Multiple colors and finishes
- Smart home capabilities
- Cons
- No security cameras
3.5
2
3.5
3
4
Overall Score 3.2
Our Favorite Scout Package: Always On+
The Always On+ plan from Scout costs a little bit more, but it includes 24/7 professional monitoring, which adds extra peace of mind.
Key Features
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Email and text alerts
- Cellular and battery backup
Price
$19.99/mo. (equipment must be purchased separately)
Bottom Line
Scout lets you control your home’s level of protection. You also control how much you spend because you build the system yourself. But equipment options are limited, and Scout doesn’t offer any security cameras.3.2
No contracts
With Scout, you control your home security—from picking components to adding monitoring.
#9 Nest Secure: Best DIY Self-Monitoring
Nest Secure provides innovative home security that’s designed to be self-monitored, although you do have the option to add on professional monitoring. You can add other Nest products like a camera or thermostat to make your home both smart and secure—but it will cost you. The starter pack is around $400, and that doesn’t include any security cameras.
- Pros
- Easy DIY setup
- Responsive door and window sensors
- Stylish design
- Free Nest App
- Cons
- Expensive up-front costs
- Skimpy starter package
2.5
4
3
2.5
3
Overall Score 3
Our Favorite Nest Secure Package: Starter Pack with Nest Cam Indoor
This expanded starter packbundle includes the Nest Guard hub and multiple Nest Detect sensors, plus one indoor Nest Cam to help you keep an eye on your home. You’ll save money by purchasing the bundle instead of adding on cameras later.
Key Features
- Remote arm/disarm
- Live video with free Nest App
- Optional professional monitoring
Price
$498 for bundle (add 24/7 monitoring starting at $19/mo.)
Bottom Line
If you want to be in charge of your home’s security, Nest Secure is a good choice. Through the Nest App, you can monitor your home, watch live video, and arm or disarm your system. And if you decide you need more protection, it’s easy to add professional monitoring to your Nest system.3
Month-to-month options
Nest Secure is smart and it helps protect your home with DIY or professional monitoring.
#10 LifeShield: Best Smoke and CO Monitoring
LifeShield is one of the only security companies to provide smoke and CO monitoring in every package. It’s also known for high-quality equipment that’s manufactured in-house.
- Pros
- Smoke and CO alarms in every package
- Apartment-friendly options
- 3 layers of monitoring
- Mobile access
- Cons
- No home automation
- Weak warranties
2.5
3.5
1
3
3
Overall Score 2.6
Our Favorite LifeShield Package: Security Advantage
The Security Advantage package provides all the basics you need to keep your home secure, plus video monitoring.
Key Features
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Free mobile app
- 30 days of video storage
Price
$39.99/mo.
Bottom Line
LifeShield provides more than security from intruders. Every package also includes fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide protection. You also get three levels of monitoring through broadband, cellular, and landline connections.2.6
Free equipment deals
LifeShield provides a lot of options to help you find the right residential security system.
Home Security System FAQs
What are the differences between landline, broadband, and cellular monitoring?
Landline, broadband, and cellular monitoring are different ways your home security system can be connected to the monitoring center. Landline monitoring uses a home phone line, broadband uses an internet connection, and cellular monitoring uses a cellular uplink.
How susceptible each connection is to tampering and which options are available in your area are important to consider when you’re looking for the right security system for your home. Landline monitoring is most vulnerable because a phone line could be cut, and cellular is least vulnerable because there are no wires.
Every company on our best home security systems list offers broadband or cellular connections, but not all give you a landline option. Landline connections used to be the most common, but broadband and cellular have taken over because they have expanded availability and fewer security vulnerabilities.
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At first glance, a $40 or $50 per month monitoring fee can seem steep, but that adds up to $600 or less per year. That’s still significant, but it’s a lot less than the average loss of a break-in. In 2017, people whose homes were burglarized lost an average of $2,416.¹ We found that most residential security systems cost less than that (usually by at least $1,000) for the whole term of the contract, which is typically 36 months—and that includes standard equipment.
When you factor in the financial and emotional costs of a break-in, the expense of a home security system is almost always less than the loss you’d face if the worst were to happen. Keep in mind that the more features and extras you add to your system, the bigger the price tag. Some top-tier packages cost upwards of $60 per month.
But we don’t want you to risk financial security for home security. Take the time to figure out your budget and identify exactly what you want from a home security system. That way you won’t end up paying for extra bells and whistles that you don’t need.
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What is the difference between professional monitoring and self-monitoring?
A professionally monitored security system has trained professionals keeping an eye on your home 24/7. Monitoring centers contact you if the alarm is triggered, and they can dispatch emergency services to your home. We recommend professional monitoring because it’s your most direct line to help if something happens.
With a self-monitored system, you and other authorized household members are the ones checking in to make sure everything’s okay at home. Depending on the security system you choose, that may or may not include motion detector alerts, outside security camera alerts, and life-saving alerts like notification that your smoke alarm went off.
You can save money with self-monitoring by avoiding monthly monitoring fees. But that can leave your home more vulnerable because you won’t have experts watching around the clock—and you won’t always have a connection to local law enforcement if you end up needing emergency assistance.
More security companies are offering contract-free professional monitoring options that are more affordable. You can get 24/7 monitoring for as low as $15 per month from DIY home security companies like SimpliSafe.
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What are the differences between wired and wireless home security systems?
This can be a tricky question. “Wireless” usually refers to the use of wireless technology like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for monitoring and to connect the components of your system. “Wired” on the other hand, refers to a home security system that is hardwired into your home’s electrical system.
That makes it easy to assume that a wireless home security system would not have any wires at all, but that’s not always the case. Some wireless security systems use a hardwired control panel that needs to be connected to your home’s electrical system—ADT’s Pulse® systems are a good example. There are truly wireless systems, like Frontpoint, that don’t require any hardwiring.
Don’t worry—being wired or wireless doesn’t really impact how well a home security system will protect your home. If power goes out, or the internet or cellular uplink goes down, the best security systems are designed to stay connected to the monitoring center (or send out an alarm) if the connection is disrupted.
From a practical perspective, wireless systems have more flexibility if you may move or don’t want to put holes in walls. A hardwired system could be the perfect option if you want a complete smart home and you’re able to incorporate the installation into a renovation or new construction.
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Does a home security system give me a discount on homeowners insurance?
Yes. Most insurance companies offer a discount when you install a security system. Depending on your insurance, you may qualify for as much as 15% off your premium.² When you’re looking for the best home security system to buy, be sure to verify that you’ll get a certificate to submit to your home insurance company after installation.
A word of warning—if you forgo 24/7 professional monitoring, you might not qualify for a discount. It could be worth weighing the monthly monitoring fee against the monthly or annual savings on your home insurance premium.
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Yes. Thanks to wireless technology, it’s now easy to add security to your home—whether you own, rent, or live in a dorm or with roommates. Many of our top home security systems have packages that meet renters’ security needs. To make it even easier, we also ranked the best security systems for renters.
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Possibly. It depends on which security company you choose. Many professionally monitored home security systems require a contract, and contract length can range from three to five years. But today you’ll find more home security options than ever before that offer shorter contracts and month-to-month (contract-free) terms.
The perks of a contract might include the ability to finance the cost of equipment. Many no-contract options require you to pay for your home security equipment up front. That can be tough when you’re looking at equipment costs that start around $300 on the low end and run all the way into the thousands, depending on what you want.
We like the flexibility of completely contract-free options (like SimpliSafe and Scout) because you can add 24/7 monitoring when you go on vacation—or during the holidays to thwart porch pirates—and drop it when everything’s back to normal.
Before you jump into a contract, be sure to read all the fine print, because most home security companies will charge you around 75% of the remaining term of your contract if you cancel early—and some require 100%.
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What’s the difference between home security and home automation?
The best home security systems use tools and technology to help keep you, your family, and your property safe. Home security is made up of many devices and resources including burglar alarms, security cameras, door and window sensors, motion sensors, reinforced door locks, and more.
Home automation uses technology to automate everyday activities like locking the doors, turning up the thermostat, or starting the coffee pot. Home automation is connecting smart products (like a smart thermostat) to one another over an internet connection and a protocol like Z-Wave or Zigbee. When connected, they can speak to each other and you can control them from smart speakers, a hub, or a phone. When combined with home security, home automation can help increase your home’s energy efficiency, remotely control your alarm system, and let you check in on kids or pets when you’re away from home.
Most of the companies that made our top home security systems offer some combination of home security and home automation—but a smart home upgrade can cost you. Different equipment, more sensors, mobile apps, and other features add up, so consider what you can afford.
And be aware that not all smart devices are compatible with all home security systems. If you’ve already made an investment in smart home tech (like Nest or Ring products), make sure your new home security system can work with your existing equipment.
And be aware that not all smart devices are compatible with all home security systems. If you’ve already made an investment in smart home tech (like Nest or Ring products), make sure your new home security system can work with your existing equipment.
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The difference between a traditional alarm system and a smart one is that different components within the system can communicate with one another. Not only does smart technology give you the ability to control and monitor your home alarm system from anywhere—it also makes your system able to respond to your habits and routines.
The most common elements of a smart security system include a control panel (or hub), an app for remote access and monitoring, environmental controls, and smart accessories like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You can also find smart security cameras and lights to augment your home’s security. We like security cameras with two-way voice that let you talk to visitors (welcome or not) and family members even if you’re stuck in traffic.
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If you like to sling a sledgehammer, then DIY home security might be right up your alley. Home security systems that are 100% DIY let you pick the security products, set them up, and monitor them—all on your own.
Even better, you can go hybrid and opt for full-on professional monitoring with DIY installation (think Frontpoint, Protect America, or Link Interactive). This can save you money and give you the satisfaction of upgrading your home’s security with your own two hands.
Not every company gives you that option, but you can find some of our favorites on our full list of the best DIY home security systems.
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When should I go with a professional installation?
Sometimes you don’t have a choice. High-end home security companies like Vivint and ADT offer only professional installation. But most other companies on our best home security systems list give you a DIY option.
Using professionals to install alarm systems and sensors can make things simple. You’ll have an expert by your side who understands the best setup for your home security system—and both ADT and Vivint provide free in-home security assessments to make sure you have the right protection for your home.
Alarm systems that require wiring and sensor or camera placement benefit from professional installation companies—especially if an incorrectly placed motion sensor, door sensor, or security camera could lead to false alarms, or worse, an intruder.
Professional installers assess the layout of your home to determine where to place sensors, cameras, and devices for optimal performance. They can also resolve any issues with the alarm system along the way. And because the installer is certified and likely has years of experience on the job, you have added reassurance that the installation was done right.
But there are some downsides to a pro install—primarily the up-front costs and the necessity of scheduling appointments and waiting around for techs to get the job done.
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Sources:
- FBI, Uniform Crime Reporting, “Burglary”
2. Allstate, “Home Insurance Discounts”
Four Burglary Facts You Need to Know Now
Think you can’t afford a home security system? Think again.
- Burglaries cost around $2,500 a pop.
In total, burglaries cost Americans an estimated $3.4 billion in losses in 2017. The average cost per burglary was $2,416.
- Burglaries happen every 22 seconds.
Every 22.6 seconds, to be exact. That adds up to more than 1.4 million burglaries across America in 2017.
- Most burglaries happen to homes and involve force.
Nearly 60% of all burglaries in 2017 involved forcible entry, and 67.2% were at residential properties. Cities with populations between 100,000 and 250,000 had the highest concentration of burglaries, with 175,848 offenses.
- Burglaries are on the decrease, but those that happen rarely get solved.
Even though burglaries decreased by 7.6% between 2016 and 2017, there were still more than 1.4 million burglaries across America in 2017. Just 13.5% of those crimes resulted in an arrest or identification of the offender.
Sources:
FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, 2017 Crime in the United States, Burglary; FBI Crime Clock
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