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Best Home Security Systems of 2024
The best home security systems are user-friendly, affordable and customizable to your needs.
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Dalia Ramirez Lead Writer | Estate planning, home security
Dalia Ramirez writes about home security for NerdWallet. She has previously written on topics including estate planning, cryptocurrencies, small business software and personal finance. Dalia has a B.A. in science and technology studies and a certificate in critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in Los Angeles.
Tina Orem Assistant Assigning Editor | Taxes, small business, Social Security and estate planning, home services
Tina Orem is an editor at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has been a financial writer and editor for over 15 years, and she has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and a Master of Business Administration. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance for several public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
A home security system is a collection of electronic hardware that is connected by software and managed by a central control panel or app.
The components, which can include door/window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, smoke detectors, glass-break sensors, panic buttons and more, work together to keep you and your home safe.
What is the best home security system?
Protecting your home or apartment from intruders and hazards doesn’t have to be complicated or break the bank. The best home security systems are customizable, affordable and have a variety of features that can make it easier to keep an eye on your loved ones and possessions.
Traditional alarm systems require professional installation and multiyear contracts, but modern kits can be self-installed, self-monitored and integrate smoothly with smart home technology.
How we found the best home security systems
We identified the largest home security providers by market share and search volume, and then we ran each of them through a comprehensive rubric that evaluates their pricing, video features, monitoring, privacy records and customer reviews. We included the top seven providers in this roundup, and there were several providers with a high search volume that did not score high enough to be included.
Best overall: SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe offers seven customizable home security system packages. We think the setup is straightforward, and we like the system's sleek design and user-friendly app. There are six monitoring options, ranging from free to $79.99 a month.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$249.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$21.99
Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
No record of security breaches.
Can be self-monitored for free.
Cons
Only integrates with Alexa, Google and Apple Watch, while other providers have more extensive smart home integration.
Smart home automation and scheduled arming require a paid monthly plan.
Arlo is a budget-priced home security provider that offers self-installed home security alarm systems, cameras and doorbells. Its multifunctional sensors can perform eight different types of detection: motion, open/close, water leaks, freezing, tilting, light and listening for sounds from smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms. The company also offers several reasonably priced self- and pro-monitoring plans, but you can still use the alarm system’s basic features without paying for a plan.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes one keypad sensor hub, two sensors, and a free three-month pro monitoring trial.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self monitoring for cameras starts at $9.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Sensors can detect water and temperature and alert you when a smoke/CO detector goes off.
No actual smoke/CO detector, and you'll need a paid monthly plan to use the sensor's alarm listening feature.
View details
Key facts
Arlo provides a flexible system for a variety of safety needs with 8-in-1 sensors.
Pros
Customizable system with versatile sensors.
No record of security breaches.
Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT.
Cons
Cellular and battery backup requires an extra device and a paid monthly monitoring plan.
Cameras only differentiate among motion types if you have a monitoring subscription starting at $19.99 a month.
You can install any Ring product or system yourself, which makes it a great DIY home security choice (you can also pay extra to have your alarms professionally installed). The door/window and motion sensors stick well to walls and door frames, and the peel-and-stick backing feels sturdier than the Command strips competitors provide. Amazon owns Ring, so it automatically integrates with an Amazon account and any Alexa-enabled smart home device. It won’t work with Google Home.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$244.95
Base kit includes alarm base station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, alarm range extender and free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring. Pro starter kit comes with a Wifi router.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$19.99
Other features/self monitoring available with plans starting at $4.99 per month. You'll need at least the basic plan to arm and disarm your system remotely.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
View details
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
Offers a self-monitoring option with rich video features.
Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Can only integrate with Alexa, not Google, unless you use a third-party app.
Requires a paid monthly subscription starting at $4.99 if you want to arm and disarm the alarm system from your phone.
One great thing about Abode is that you can buy a camera or doorbell from another company and easily integrate it with an Abode alarm system. In fact, Abode is compatible with the widest range of smart home products of any provider we tested, including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. It offers three base security alarm bundles with different hub models.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$159.99
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Self monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can also use basic features for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No actual smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Abode's security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
Pros
Can be self-monitored for free.
No record of security breaches.
The alarm system can be connected directly to an ethernet cable or work wirelessly with your Wi-Fi network.
Cons
Smart detection requires a paid subscription starting at $6.99 per month.
Doesn’t offer an actual smoke alarm, just a smoke alarm monitor.
ADT owns six U.S.-based professional monitoring centers, leading to fast alarm response times. We think the packages are expensive compared to other providers, especially for self-setup packages and basic equipment. But the professional monitoring is tried-and-true. ADT alarm systems integrate with some Nest cameras (mostly newer models) but not all: they won’t connect with the Google Nest Cam Indoor or Outdoor, the Google Nest Hello, or Nest Cam IQ cameras.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$269.00
Base kit comes with 1 ADT Smart Home Hub and 1 ADT Door/Window Sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99 and up
$44.99 with cameras and $34.99 with other smart home devices. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for self setup and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a self-setup system for free after the first month.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns 6 U.S.-based professional monitoring centers.
Integrates with Google Nest cameras.
Has been operating for over 150 years.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fees for all plans, ranging from one month to 3-5 years. Monitoring fees are high compared to other providers.
Vivint isn't a DIY option; it must be professionally installed and hardwired into the house. Our three-hour professional installation was time-consuming but not difficult or stressful. However, Vivint is the most expensive home security system we’ve reviewed. You can control the system via the smart hub, the keypad or the Vivint mobile app. It also offers smart lights, speakers and thermostats that integrate with Google Home, Nest and Amazon Echo.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$449.99
Base kit includes Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel,
2 door/window sensors, and 1 motion sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Systems with smart home devices start at $39.99 per month and cost an additional $5 per month per camera.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and water sensor.
View details
Key facts
Vivint offers best-in-class video and alarm features, including theft deterrent protection, with white-glove service.
Pros
Offers top-tier professional installation and features.
Highly rated for security and privacy with no history of breaches.
Other things to consider when choosing a home security system
1. Professional monitoring vs. self monitoring
You can choose to have your home security system professionally monitored, or you can respond to alerts yourself. Some providers, such as Vivint, only let you use professional monitoring with their equipment, but others offer both options.
Professional monitoring comes with additional fees: typically around $20 to $50 per month. However, the benefits can be worth the price in an emergency.
When an event triggers your alarm, your provider’s call center is instantly notified, and a representative calls you to check in. If you don’t respond, they contact emergency or police services.
Some providers, such as SimpliSafe, offer the option to let a representative access your camera footage to investigate what triggered the alarm before calling authorities.
If you opt for self-monitoring, you’ll need to respond to the phone alerts your alarm system sends you and decide what steps to take.
Some providers, such as Ring, offer professional monitoring without a contract, so you can purchase temporary alarm monitoring during a vacation, for example.
2. Smart home integration
Smart home devices let you control your home’s temperature, lighting, music and more from your phone, computer or tablet.
Many home security systems also integrate with existing WiFi-connected smart home networks, such as Google Home and Alexa, to give you the ability to activate and disarm your alarm system — and check your cameras — from your personal devices too.
If you already use a specific smart home network, you may want to choose a security system that integrates with that network. Abode, for example, integrates with a wider variety of smart home systems, while Google Nest is best matched with other Google Home products.
Methodology
We collect data from providers and do firsthand testing as necessary. Our process starts by gathering information from providers and contacting providers for further information where needed. This information, combined with our specialists’ hands-on research, makes up our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance. The final output produces star ratings from poor (1 star) to excellent (5 stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star. Learn more about our ratings methodology here.
