We chose Vivint as the finest home security system of 2024 after thousands of hours of testing and study. Our reviews show you what each home security system does best, making it easier to choose the ideal one for you.
What is the best home security system?
Over the past decade, we’ve researched, reviewed, compared, and ranked the best home security systems on the market to help you confidently protect what matters most in your life.
Vivint is our top pick because it’s the leading company out there actively innovating to deter crime, not just record it. Vivint’s state-of-the-art proprietary equipment, advanced smart home integration, and theft-deterrent features are a cut above the average system. Plus, every Vivint alarm system comes with professional monitoring, professional installation, and an in-home security assessment. For top-shelf home security from a name you trust, we also recommend ADT.
SimpliSafe is our pick for the best DIY home security system because of its streamlined, affordable DIY home security system that comes without a contract and an optional subscription. SimpliSafe offers stress-free online shopping and has low monthly monitoring fees. Plus, you have the freedom to start or stop it whenever you like. Our next favorite DIY home security system is Cove, thanks to its super-simple installation and rave reviews from customers.
The best home security systems of 2024
- Vivint: Best professional installation
- ADT: Most trusted security brand
- Cove: Best customer rating
- Ring: Best budget-friendly option
- SimpliSafe: Best DIY installation
- Frontpoint: Best quality DIY equipment
- ADT Self Setup: Best self-monitoring
- Abode: Best for smart homes
- Arlo: Best sensors
- Eufy: Best for no subscription
Compare the best pro-install and DIY home security systems of 2024
| Brand | Installation | Monthly cost | Best for | Starter equipment price | Contract required | Smart home compatibility |
| Vivint | Professional | $29.99/mo. | Best professional home security | $599.00 | No * | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT | Professional | $28.99/mo. | Most trusted security brand | $0.00 | Yes | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
| Cove | DIY or Pro | $17.99/mo. | Best customer rating | Quote required Online quiz | No * | Amazon, Google |
| Ring | DIY | $20.00/mo | Best budget-friendly pick | $199.99 | No | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
| SimpliSafe | DIY or Pro | $19.99/mo. | Best DIY home security | $245.00 | No | Amazon, |
Vivint: The best professional security system
When Vivint switched its focus from smart home to smart security, it was a game changer. If you’re on the hunt for a smart home security system that doesn’t require you to lift a finger, Vivint is the best of the bunch. Vivint’s high-end equipment with pro installation, 24/7 monitoring, smart home features, and state-of-the-art security tech make it the best wireless security system available.
Here’s why Vivint is our top pick
We love Vivint home security for so many reasons:
- Professional installation that’s more affordable than competitors ($49)
- Financing model where equipment payment and monitoring are separate
- Free in-home security consultations
- Smart home security smartphone app
- Full proprietary equipment line (Vivint doesn’t just rely on other folk’s tech)
- Unique car guard device
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Three-time TMA Center of the Year award winner
Standout feature: Vivint’s security cameras with Smart Deter lurker detection are a staff favorite. We love the video doorbell with AI and proactive features (like the whistle) that scare away porch pirates. Learn all about it in our Vivint cameras guide.
Image credit: Vivint
Like any luxury item, you’d expect Vivint to come with a luxury price tag. It’s a balance: its equipment is pricey, but Vivint’s monthly monitoring fees remain in line with other top security companies (the U.S. average is $31.99/mo.) The Smart Home Video plan gives you video, smart home control, and integration for about $40 per month.
ADT: The most trusted security brand
ADT is the most experienced security company in the country. If you’ll sleep better knowing that a well-known, tried-and-true company is watching over your home, ADT is worth the money.
This is why ADT’s experience matters
No one can beat ADT’s experience.
- Top-notch protection delivered for 147 years
- ADT Home Security looks out for more than 8 million people across the globe
- 6 professional monitoring centers
- Partnerships and integration with tech from Google Nest and Ford
- 6-month service guarantee (the longest money-back period in the industry)
Standout feature: ADT Home Security has six redundant monitoring centers. If one monitoring station goes down, your home’s protection transfers to another center. That’s 24/7 protection that you can rely on, even when Mother Nature does her worst.
If you’re going with one of the best home security providers out there, you may as well go all in. The Complete plan includes home automation controls, wireless equipment, and video monitoring, starting around $60 per month (Vivint starts at $45 for similar features). That works out to just under $800 a year.
If you have a three-year contract, that’s around $2,400 over three years. That may seem steep, but keep in mind that the average loss from one burglary is around $2,600.
Cove: The best customer rating
If you’re motivated by good customer service, Cove will make you all warm and fuzzy inside. Cove told us its policy is to be “more than fair” with customers. That’s probably why Cove has a whopping 98%* customer retention rate. Customers love Cove, and we do too.
Here’s how Cove puts customers first
Cove provides low-cost monthly monitoring without a contract and allows easy cancellation if the system doesn’t suit your needs. Cove sets you free without punishing penalties and fees, unlike other security solutions that charge 75% to 100% of your remaining contract.
Cove has some more customer-forward goodies we love:
- Large 7-inch touchscreen panel that comes with every package
- InstaText service that lets you confirm an emergency through a quick text message
- LiveAssist service that calls you through the control panel (no phone needed!)
- Rapid response with RapidSOS to get you help sooner
- Cove Equipment Rewards that let you to upgrade to the newest safety equipment or smart home device for free
- Lifetime equipment warranty (only one other brand on our list offers a lifetime warranty)
- Rate-lock guarantee that keeps your monitoring price the same
Standout feature: Cove sets itself apart with something it calls “done-with-me installation.” This combo of professional and DIY lets you install the system yourself, with help.
The touchscreen walks you through installation with large, easy-to-follow illustrations. We’ll take it any day over installation booklets or tiny illustrations on an app.
Image credit: SafeWise
When it comes to monitoring, the Cove Plus plan is our pick. For $28 per month, it includes video recording and monitoring and smart device integration plus a lifetime extended warranty.
Ring: Best budget-friendly home security system
Ring is the best Wi-Fi security system for building your home’s protection around cameras.
This is why Ring is security camera royalty
Even the best systems seem to slack when it comes to security cameras. Brands often offer a basic selection with basic features. Not Ring. It has everything from Ring doorbell cameras to Ring floodlight cameras with excellent video quality and advanced features:
- Geofencing
- IFTTT compatibility
- 3D motion detection
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Motion tracking
- Advanced noise cancellation
- Loud sirens
We love that you can power most of these cameras with solar accessories. Ring’s optional security lights are solar too: the perfect solution if you hate charging equipment or changing batteries.
Plus, Ring Alarm security kits are affordable. You can buy Ring‘s five-piece set and receive one year of monthly monitoring for approximately $400. This is cheaper than purchasing equipment alone from other DIY companies.
Standout feature: For $100 more than the basic 5-piece starter kit, the Ring Alarm Pro 8-piece kit comes with a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router. The router stabilizes Wi-Fi with speeds up to 900 Mbps and covers up to 1,500 square feet. Plus, your Ring system has 24/7 backup internet to keep it connected during a power outage.
SimpliSafe: The #1 rated DIY home security system
Our readers have spoken—and they love SimpliSafe’s affordable, straightforward cellular security system. SimpliSafe’s name says it all.
Its security systems are simple—and so is its pricing. SimpliSafe has some of the cheapest monthly monitoring fees available. Plus, you have the flexibility to start or stop it whenever you like.
Here’s what makes SimpliSafe a fan favorite
SimpliSafe does home security on its own terms. That means ditching some things that turn off customers: brash salespeople and lengthy contracts.
- You choose the equipment and monitoring level you want
- No-pressure online shopping
- Professional monitoring service on demand—no contracts
- Rapid response with Rapid SOS to help you faster
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- New outdoor security camera (finally!)
Standout feature: SimpliSafe has RapidSOS to quickly get help in an emergency, which is only found in one other system. Instead of going to a monitoring center, information is sent directly to 911 dispatchers. This helps first responders reach you faster, no matter where you are.
Image credit: Alina Bradford, SafeWise
What SimpliSafe monitoring do we recommend? Go with the Fast Protect™ plan. You can control your SimpliSafe security system through a mobile app for just $30 per month. Plus, you will get email and text alerts, and access live video if you add a home security camera.
