Many systems offer mobile apps and voice controls to monitor and control the security system, while some even work with smart home hubs and devices for an integrated security experience.
SimpliSafe provides homeowners with an accessible home security solution that’s simple to set up. Their no-contract monitoring plans and cellular backup are ideal for users who prioritize affordability and flexibility.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe stands out as our most popular security device with its combination of do-it-yourself functionality and live monitored peace of mind. It features an appealing aesthetic that blends well into homes.
Choose from seven pre-set equipment packages to tailor a system to fit your space, purchase sensors a la carte, and add smart locks and cameras as desired. 24/7 professional monitoring costs less than $1 a day with no contract requirement; additionally, they offer 60-day money-back guarantees and free return shipping!
SimpliSafe earned our top ranking because it’s straightforward to set up and use. Its wireless sensors connect directly to a base station that relays alerts to you (and authorities in an emergency). Furthermore, this station boasts a 24-hour backup power supply and fee-free cellular connectivity – giving you alerts even if internet or Wi-Fi service goes down temporarily or becomes compromised.
The SimpliSafe app makes it easy to arm and disarm your security system from anywhere, receive immediate notifications, and track activity in a real-time timeline. Plus, its Smart Alarm indoor camera can verify human-triggered alarms by broadcasting a live stream video feed directly to a monitoring agent – speeding police response times while decreasing false alarms; or use this feature if you want two-way audio communication with intruders directly.
Ring Alarm
Ring initially launched as a video doorbell system but has since expanded into a comprehensive home security solution with numerous options and accessories. They now offer packages that feature the Ring security base station with Eero Wi-Fi mesh router, door/window entry sensors, motion detectors, digital keypad, professional monitoring subscription options, as well as smoke/carbon monoxide alarms/flood/freeze sensors/Dome sirens etc – each available separately for purchase.
This system can integrate with multiple third-party Works With Ring devices, including Kwikset and Schlage smart door locks and GE and Leviton switches and dimmers. Furthermore, Alexa Guard transforms Echo speakers and displays into security sensors, listening for sounds like glass breaking or smoke alarms going off while you’re away.
While Ring’s smarts and integrations are impressive, some features still need to be added that keep it from being our top DIY home security system. For example, its cameras only record video locally without saving it to the cloud. Furthermore, its Protect Pro subscription fee is more costly than similar offerings from Wyze and SimpliSafe; but still cheaper than what would be needed with professional monitoring from an established player like ADT.
Abode
Abode first made waves when it launched its smart security system for any home in 2014 without contracts (although subscribers may opt to pay subscription fees for professional monitoring). Abode offers various add-on cameras, such as their Abode Cam 2, an outdoor smart cam with weatherproofing features, person detection detection, and full-color night vision capabilities for monitoring the property.
Abode offers a sleek, intuitive design ideal for small homes. The starter kit includes a hub, key fob, and sensor; you can then easily add additional sensors to monitor doors, windows, cabinets, or pets. Their app is easy to use with mobile event alerts that provide clear details; however, we wish Abode had included touchscreen control panels like Vivint does, and their Smart Security Hub looked like it came straight out of the 1990s internet router days.
The Abode Hub supports Z-Wave and Zigbee devices, featuring a built-in 93-decibel siren. Furthermore, Ethernet support means you can plug it directly into your router if Wi-Fi access becomes necessary. Furthermore, its powerful smart home automation engine, CUE, makes this one of the best DIY systems for creating automated sequences based on your schedule or location.
The company provides a free plan that allows you to self-monitor your system without key features like instant alerts and cellular backup. Our advice would be to opt for their paid subscription plan starting at $7/month for maximum convenience.
ADT
As one of the oldest home security companies in the country, ADT boasts an expansive network of monitoring centers. Furthermore, their wide range of smart devices offers an integrated, comprehensive security solution. Unfortunately, their prices are more expensive than many of its rivals.
Pay a monthly subscription fee for ADT Self Setup (optional) or Vivint (required with all systems). ADT boasts that their system can help save up to $500 of insurance deductible from fire damage – an incredible benefit. One unique feature is a camera that detects unusual heat sources like fires and alerts you or calls 911 immediately – this feature can also help identify repair people or package delivery drivers and record their visits for later reference.
ADT stands out among providers by working seamlessly with Google Nest products, an industry leader in smart home technology. ADT integrates smart locks, thermostats, and displays compatible with voice controls into its services – this makes ADT an attractive option for home automation enthusiasts with installed Google products and an affinity for home automation. Customer support for ADT can be reached either through phone call support, online chat, or phone – they even boast an extensive FAQ section on their website – customer reviews show them to have received positive reviews overall, with ConsumerAffairs reporting long wait times or unhelpful representatives being reported back by ConsumerAffairs users.
Vivint
If you want a home security system that can help prevent expensive damage to your home, one with smart doorbells and indoor and outdoor cameras may be ideal. These devices can notify you when someone is at your doorstep or alert you of a fire or water leakage emergency.
Many alarm systems provide keypads that allow you to arm and disarm the alarm at will. This feature is especially convenient if you have cleaners or dog walkers who may need access to your home regularly. Some models even include additional door frame sensors to monitor who enters and exits your property.
Vivint offers an impressive list of features for smart home systems, from its security equipment to third-party smart home products and voice control technology from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants, making the experience truly intuitive. Their sensors use voice command technology from these platforms to control voice alarms and automate devices like lighting or thermostat controls.
Smart Hub provides two-way conversation with its monitoring center, so if you feel unsafe at home or notice suspicious activity around the house you can easily speak to an agent without leaving your Smart Hub. Furthermore, its devices include battery backup should any power or internet outages occur, while its devices can detect movement and sound a 100dB alarm when intruders are detected.
Cove
Cove uses cutting-edge smart home technology to offer an all-encompassing system that protects your entire home. As its competitors do, Cove includes door, window, and motion sensors as well as indoor/outdoor cameras with night vision capability for 2-way communication and night vision capabilities that have night vision technology for night time surveillance – you can even set custom alerts that instantly alert medical, fire, or police services when an alarm goes off in your home.
Cove door sensors are remarkably tiny, half the size of our top pick from ADT. Utilizing 3M adhesive strips, they’re easily installed or moved around. Both hub and controller offer large touchscreen displays where you can arm/disarm your system, view camera feeds, adjust settings, or add count-down delays if someone breaks into your home or accidentally activates an alarm sensor.
Cove provides professional monitoring through its partnership with RapidSOS, one of the premier emergency response providers worldwide. You can reach the emergency services via phone call, email, live chat, or other platforms; its hub features both cellular backup and battery power of 24 hours for battery backup – better than most DIY systems’ hubs – but its multi-camera storage plans may be lacking compared to rival products available for less.