The Best Home Security Systems of 2021

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If you’re a homeowner, your home is likely your most valuable asset. To protect this asset from break-ins and get a potential discount on your homeowners insurance, you might be wondering if you should get a home security system and, if you decide to buy one, what kind of system to buy. Because of all the options out there, choosing what security system to purchase can be tough.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best home security systems that includes important information, such as the average cost of the system and its pros and cons. The systems we reviewed are:

• Vivint
• Ring
• ADT
• SimpliSafe
• Frontpoint
• Cove

The Vivint home security system is somewhat pricey, but it comes with plenty of cool features that make it worth your while. The base package comes with the alarm system, which includes motion sensors, plus door and window sensors. If you want additional features, you’ll have to pay extra money.

• Average base cost: $599 for the security system, $29.99 a month for 24/7 monitoring, plus extra for add-ons

Pros

• Large touchscreen panel: The Vivint home security system comes with a large touchscreen panel you can use to disarm and arm the alarm.
• Smart home integration: You can buy a smart lock that integrates with the system. And if you have a Google Home or an Amazon Alexa smart home device, you connect your security system to it via WiFi and control it with your voice.
• Mobile app: In addition to controlling the system with your voice, you can control it by using the Vivint app. If you choose to buy the outdoor camera or video doorbell add-ons, you can login to the app and view the security cameras while you’re away from home.

Cons

• Price: At $599, the price of this camera is on the higher end. Also, Vivint doesn’t publish the base price on its website – you have to call them to get it.
• Professional monitoring fee: The cost of Vivint’s 24/7 monitoring plan is $29.99 a month – that’s $359.88 per year.
• Cost of add-ons: You have to order additional equipment, such as the smart door locks with keypad entry and outdoor cameras, separately. This greatly increases the price of the home security system.

The ADT home security system also comes with some cool features, and there’s no upfront costs. If you decide to get the base package, it includes a touchscreen panel, door sensors and voice control integration. Plus, it comes with a fire, flood and carbon monoxide detector for added protection and peace of mind.

• Average base cost: No upfront cost, base package costs $45.99 per month

Pros

• No upfront costs: If you sign up for this security system, you might not have to pay upfront fees for installation or equipment costs.
• Smart home integration and mobile app: ADT has nine professional monitoring centers to help protect your home 24/7.
• DIY options and self-monitoring: If you don’t want to get your system professionally installed, you can choose to purchase one of ADT’s DIY options instead. It comes with the option to choose 24/7 professional monitoring or self-monitoring.

Cons

• 36-month contract: While there is no upfront cost for the equipment, you may have to enter into a 3-year contract that costs $9 per month or $324 for the duration of the contract to lock in that promotion.
• Price: Although the security system doesn’t have any upfront fees, the equipment fee and other monthly fees quickly add up. For example, if you get a package that has a monthly fee and equipment fee totaling $55.98, you’ll pay $2015.28 if you keep it for 36 months. You also have to speak with one of ADT’s sales agents to get price information.
• Limited technology in basic package: The basic package doesn’t come with remote access via a mobile app, home automation or outdoor security cameras.

The Ring Alarm system may be the best DIY home security systems on the market. It’s easy to install and comes with Amazon Alexa integration and remote app control. The five-piece starter kit comes with a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector and video doorbell.

• Average cost: Five-piece starter kit costs $249 on Ring.com

Pros

• No contract: If you purchase this home security system, you don’t have to worry about monthly fees, unless you sign up for professional monitoring.
• Professional monitoring: You have the option to sign up for 24/7 professional monitoring. The cost is $10 per month, and the system will help you contact your local police department and fire department in case of emergencies.
• Price: At $249, the Ring starter security kit is cheaper than other options. You can sometimes find it cheaper on Amazon’s website.

Cons

• No touchscreen panel option: Unlike the home security systems mentioned above, the Ring alarm system doesn’t come with an interactive touchscreen panel.
• Glitches: Some Ring Alarm system users have reported sensor and video glitches.
• Past security issues: In the past, users have reported hackers taking over their security cameras.

The SimpliSafe home security system is one of the most customizable DIY packages on the market. Its cheapest package, the foundation system, comes with a wireless keypad and a base station – a cool-looking smart device that controls your sensors and sends your monitoring alerts to the company's monitoring center. Additionally, it comes with a yard sign, one entry sensor, one motion sensor and a free HD camera.

This system comes with smart home integration, so you can control it using your Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or even your Apple Watch.

• Average cost: Lowest package is $229

Pros

• DIY installation: According to SimpliSafe, 97% of their customers set the system up themselves. If you choose this security system and set it up yourself, you can avoid an installation fee.
• Money back guarantee: You can test the security system out for 60 days. If you’re unsatisfied with it, you can return it to the company for a full refund.
• No contract option: When you purchase the system, you don’t have to worry about signing a contract. This gives you the flexibility to cancel the system if it no longer fits your budget.
• Add-on devices: You can purchase a panic button to press if you need to trigger the alarm quickly to alert local authorities or a glass break sensor to alert you when a window is smashed. Plus, you can purchase a temperature sensor to place near your thermostat to alert you when your pipes are in danger of freezing.

Cons

• Cost of 24/7 monitoring: If you want your home to be professionally monitored, you’ll have to pay $14.99 for the standard monitoring plan and $24.99 for the plan that includes more features.
• Remote app control: The standard monitoring plan doesn’t offer remote app control. If that’s something you want, you’ll have to purchase the $24.99 monitoring plan.

The Frontpoint home security system is another system that allows you to do self-installation. Its starter kit comes with one keypad, two door or window sensors and a free doorbell camera. It also comes with a home defense kit, which includes a yard sign, window decals and door stickers.

Additionally, this home security system offers smart home integration. You can control your system using Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant.

• Average cost: The starter kit costs $392.40

Pros

• 30-day trial: If you don’t like this security system, you can return it within 30 days.
• No contract: You don’t have to sign a long-term contract.
• DIY installation: You can choose to install the security devices yourself, so you don’t have to worry about setting up an appointment or paying an installation fee.

Cons

• Touchscreen: If you want a touchscreen control panel, that’ll set you back $89.99.
• Monitoring fee: Professional monitoring plans start out at $44.99 per month.

The Cove home security system is a highly customizable DIY option that has a touchscreen control panel. When using the build your own system option, you can add window and door sensors, motion detectors and other sensors.

• Average cost: Base package starts at $309

Pros

• Touch panel battery: If you have a power outage at your home, your touch panel will continue to work because it has a backup battery that works up to 24 hours.
• Monitoring stations: Cove has six monitoring stations that connect to your system 24/7.
• False alarm protection: The company has a three-step process to minimize false alarms. Its reps will contact you through the touch panel, text and call you before alerting the authorities.

Cons

• Remote app control: To control the system using the Cove mobile app, you have to purchase their more expensive monitoring package, which is $24.99 per month.

You can buy a home security system in five easy steps.

1. Research And Compare Home Security System Companies

Before you purchase a smart home security system, research the home security companies reviewed above, as well as others to compare and contrast the price and features.

2. Decide What Kind Of Protection You Need

Next, decide what type of protection you need. Do you need a security alarm that has 24/7 monitoring, a video doorbell or an indoor or outdoor camera? If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, choose a base model from a reputable security company.

3. Set Your Budget

To avoid purchasing a security system you can’t afford, create a budget that accounts for the upfront costs of the home, plus any monthly fees. If a sales rep from one of the companies tries to upsell you and the price doesn’t fit your budget, politely say no.

4. Decide Whether You Want To Install The System Yourself Or Call In A Professional

If you can install the home security system yourself, you might be able to save money. For example, with the Ring alarm system, you have the option to do self-installation. However, depending on which security system you choose, installing it yourself might not be an option.

The Vivint smart home system is one system that only allows for professional installation. Ask the company before you purchase the system what your installation options are.

5. Pay For The Home Security System

Finally, pay for the home security system. You can pay for it out of pocket, if you can, or finance it. For example, If you want to purchase a home security system but don’t want to pay for it immediately, consider using one of the best credit cards for home improvement.

Here are some commonly asked questions about home security systems.

What Is The Cost Of A Home Security System?

According to the latest data from HomeAdvisor, the cost of a home security system ranges from $282 to $1,088. The cost of a home security system will vary based on several factors, such as your location and what home security features and add-ons you choose.

What’s Included In A Home Security System?

Although what’s included in a home security system varies, it typically comes with a control panel or an app to disarm and arm the alarm, window and door sensors, a security camera, security stickers and yard signs.

Can Home Security Systems Be Hacked?

If your home security system includes a security camera, having your systems hacked is possible. To minimize the chances of a hacker taking over your camera, consider changing your password and enabling two-factor authentication.

When choosing each security home system above, we considered factors such as the base security package offered, home automation capability, affordability, professional monitoring and the amount of protection each security system offers consumers.

While getting a home security system is a personal choice, you should get one if you want to reduce the chances of a burglar entering your home. Although no system is 100% effective in stopping robberies from happening, having a home security installed could deter a criminal from breaking into your home.

If you can’t afford the more expensive home security system packages that come with all the bells and whistles, choose a cheaper do-it-yourself option that fits your budget.

Also, if you want to add another layer of protection for the valuables inside of your home, consider getting a home warranty.