Choosing a Security System for Your Home

When selecting a home security system, it’s important to approach the decision systematically. We developed a testing process to evaluate and compare various systems across several key factors:

1. Equipment
   Ensure the system includes the necessary devices to secure key areas of your home, whether that’s cameras, motion detectors, window sensors, or other components. Look for customizable options to address your specific needs.

2. Monitoring Options
   Decide whether you prefer professional monitoring, where experts handle alerts and emergencies, or DIY monitoring, where you take control. Choose a system that aligns with your comfort level and lifestyle.

3. Cost
   Security systems come in a wide range of price points, so it’s possible to find one that fits your budget. Be sure to account for upfront equipment costs, ongoing monitoring fees, and any hidden charges.

4. User Experience
   Since you’ll interact with this system regularly, opt for one with an intuitive interface, reliable functionality, and seamless integration with your devices. A system that’s easy to use ensures you’ll get the most value from it over time.

By focusing on these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and select a security system that offers both peace of mind and long-term satisfaction.

Homeowners Insurance Discount

If you’re a homeowner, your insurance policy might offer you an unexpected perk: discounts on premiums for having a monitored security system. Many insurers provide reductions ranging from 2% to 10% for homes equipped with these systems.

Start by reaching out to your insurance agent to find out which security companies qualify for a discount under your policy. This step not only helps you save money on insurance but also narrows down your options, making it easier to choose a system with the features you need most. By aligning your security system choice with potential savings, you get double the benefits: enhanced protection and lower costs.

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Crime Protection

Let’s start by looking at the crime prevention aspect of home security systems. Are security systems worth it in the first place? Do you need a home security system if you’re working from home? Research says yes, security systems can protect you from home invasions, vandalism, and theft. A five-year-long study from Rutgers University found that as the number of home alarm systems in a neighborhood increased, the amount of crime decreased steadily.3 The fact is that even just having a security system set up makes burglars less likely to choose your home or neighborhood. But just how common are the crimes that security systems protect you from and what exactly do they entail? Let’s take a closer look.

Home Invasions

Burglary, commonly referred to as home invasion, occurs when someone unlawfully enters a home to commit theft or another felony. This crime is categorized into three types:

• Unlawful Entry: No force is used to gain access.

• Attempted Forcible Entry: An unsuccessful attempt is made to use force.

• Forcible Entry: Force is successfully used to break in.

Burglaries account for about 20% of all property crimes, with nearly 60% involving forcible entry. Knowing these statistics underscores the importance of securing your home. Additionally, it's crucial to be prepared with a plan in case your home is broken into. Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures can help protect your property and peace of mind.

Vandalism rates differ significantly between urban and rural areas. Here’s how they compare:

1. Urban Areas:

   • Urban areas generally experience higher overall property crime rates, including vandalism, compared to rural areas. This is attributed to factors such as higher population density and greater opportunities for criminal activity25.

   • Urban households face property crime rates that are approximately 57% higher than rural households (271 per 1,000 households in urban areas versus 173 per 1,000 in rural areas)2.

2. Rural Areas:

   • While rural areas typically have lower overall crime rates, vandalism is one of the most frequently occurring crimes in these regions. It often results in direct economic losses for victims6.

   • Rural areas face unique challenges, such as fewer law enforcement resources and isolated properties, which can make them vulnerable to property crimes like vandalism36.

3. Key Differences:

   • Urban areas are more likely to experience vandalism associated with public spaces or infrastructure due to higher population density.

   • In rural areas, vandalism often targets private property, such as farms or homes, and may involve damage to vehicles, equipment, or livestock-related structures36.

In summary, while urban areas report higher overall rates of vandalism due to population factors, rural communities still face significant challenges with this crime type, particularly given their unique vulnerabilities.

Theft

Larceny theft is the most prevalent property crime in the U.S., accounting for over 70% of all property crimes in recent years. In 2023, there were approximately 4.5 million reported cases of larceny-theft, representing a slight decline from previous years.

The financial impact of larceny theft is significant, with total losses from property crimes, including larceny, estimated at $280.5 billion in 2023. This highlights the importance of preventive measures like robust security systems and insurance to mitigate these losses.

Remote Monitoring and Control

Modern home security systems are designed not only to alert homeowners of potential crimes but also to actively deter them. Here are the most effective crime-deterrent features of these systems:

1. Visible Security Components

• Cameras and Signage: The mere presence of visible security cameras and alarm system signage acts as a strong deterrent. Studies show that burglars often avoid homes with visible security measures, as they increase the risk of detection and apprehension.

• Motion-Activated Lights: These lights illuminate areas when movement is detected, surprising intruders and drawing attention to their presence.

2. Real-Time Alerts and Remote Monitoring

• Mobile App Integration: Most modern systems, such as Ring, Frontpoint, and ADT, allow homeowners to receive real-time alerts, livestream footage, and control devices remotely through mobile apps. This ensures immediate awareness of any suspicious activity.

• Geofencing: Some systems use geofencing technology to automatically arm or disarm based on the homeowner's location, reducing manual errors and enhancing security.

3. Advanced Camera Features

• AI-Powered Detection: Cameras like those from Vivint use AI to detect suspicious behavior and can trigger alarms or notifications when specific rules are met (e.g., someone loitering for an extended period).

• Night Vision and Motion Sensors: High-quality cameras with night vision and motion detection ensure round-the-clock monitoring, even in low-light conditions.

4. Loud Alarms

• Audible alarms are triggered when a breach is detected, alerting neighbors and scaring off intruders. This immediate response often causes criminals to abandon their attempts.

5. Professional Monitoring

• Systems like Frontpoint and ADT offer 24/7 professional monitoring services. These services ensure that authorities are notified promptly in case of an emergency, even if the homeowner is unavailable.

6. Smart Home Integration

• Many systems integrate with smart devices like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Z-Wave products, allowing homeowners to control locks, lights, thermostats, and more. This creates a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances both security and convenience.

7. Cellular Backup

• Cellular connectivity ensures that the system remains operational even during power outages or internet disruptions, a feature commonly offered by systems like Frontpoint.

8. Psychological Impact

• The perception of being monitored (known as the "Hawthorne Effect") discourages criminal behavior. Knowing that their actions are being recorded or could be reviewed later makes intruders think twice before targeting a property.

By combining these features, modern home security systems not only protect against potential break-ins but also create a strong deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of crimes occurring in the first place.

Ring Alarm Pro Security System

Live streaming and remote control have their advantages. For example, if an intrusion happens when no one’s home, which accounts for 72% of all burglaries in the United States,8 we’d get alerted if any of our sensors went off. From there, we could actually check in with our cameras right from our phones, or even smart displays, Chromecast or Fire TV, depending on the device. After verifying an emergency, we could call the police, armed with video evidence that we could later show them via cloud storage.

Of course, we can’t always be available to deal with home emergencies, even with this remote technology. That’s where 24/7 professional monitoring comes in, which brings us to our next point.

Emergency Response

Professional monitoring services for home security systems are highly recommended for individuals who cannot monitor their systems 24/7 due to work, errands, or other responsibilities. Here’s why professional monitoring is valuable:

Key Benefits of Professional Monitoring

1. 24/7 Surveillance: Trained professionals monitor your home around the clock, ensuring that any alarm triggers are promptly addressed, even when you’re unavailable19.

2. Rapid Emergency Response: Monitoring centers have established protocols to contact emergency services (police, fire, or medical) if an alert is verified and you cannot be reached. This ensures faster response times, minimizing potential damage or risks19.

3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that experts are watching over your property provides reassurance, especially during vacations or busy periods when you can’t respond to alerts yourself114.

4. False Alarm Reduction: Some services include video verification to confirm the cause of an alarm before contacting authorities, reducing false alarms and unnecessary dispatches19.

Cost Considerations

• Monthly fees for professional monitoring typically range from $20 to $60, depending on the provider and plan features15.

• Some systems, like Ring Alarm Pro, offer optional professional monitoring plans for added protection and peace of mind11.

Tax Deductibility

While home security systems are generally not tax-deductible for personal use, they may qualify as a deduction if used for business purposes. For example:

• If you have a home office that meets IRS requirements (used regularly and exclusively for business), you can deduct a portion of the system's cost related to that space, including monitoring fees367.

• For home daycare providers or businesses operating from rental properties, deductions may also apply proportionally to the business use of the property616.

Conclusion

Professional monitoring is an excellent investment for those seeking hands-off management of their home security system. It provides continuous protection, faster emergency response, and peace of mind while potentially offering financial benefits through insurance discounts or tax deductions in specific scenarios.

SimpliSafe’s full device lineup

Home Security Considerations

Now that you’ve narrowed down your list of finding a home security system to choose from (hopefully), it’s time to decide exactly what you’re looking for in a system. Here are some things you should keep in mind:

Individual vs. Family Security Needs

When choosing a security system, consider whether it's for personal use or a household. Most modern systems are scalable, meaning you can start with the basics and add more components—such as sensors, panic buttons, or other equipment—over time as your needs grow.

If you’re living with family or friends, it’s essential that everyone in the household has access to the system. Look for an app that supports multiple users, allowing everyone to receive alerts and control the system as needed. In summary, prioritize a security system that offers both scalability and multi-user functionality to ensure it meets the needs of your entire household.

House vs. Apartment vs. Business Security

Whether you’re securing a house, an apartment, or a business, the key is ensuring you address all critical entry points. We recommend installing contact sensors—commonly referred to as entry, window, or door sensors—on all ground-level doors and windows. These sensors are essential for detecting unauthorized access and enhancing overall security.

To avoid over-purchasing or missing key components, assess your property’s layout and create a list of the items you’ll need before placing an order. Tailoring your security system to your specific environment ensures effective coverage without unnecessary expenses.

Professional Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring

When choosing a security system, it’s important to decide between professional monitoring and self-monitoring, or even a combination of both.

• Professional Monitoring: With this option, trained agents monitor your system 24/7, responding to alerts and dispatching emergency services if needed. It’s ideal for those who want peace of mind and can’t always stay on top of notifications.

• Self-Monitoring: Here, you’re in control. Alerts are sent directly to your smartphone, allowing you to decide how to respond. This option works well if you prefer handling issues yourself and want to avoid ongoing fees.

Some systems include professional monitoring as a standard feature, others make it optional, and some don’t offer it at all. Decide which approach fits your needs and set a budget for any recurring monthly or yearly costs. We’ll explore pricing details further to help you make an informed choice.

Indoor Needs vs. Outdoor Needs

When it comes to home security, the question often arises: should you focus on indoor or outdoor coverage? The answer is simple—why not both?

• Outdoor Coverage: Outdoor cameras and video doorbells act as a strong deterrent, discouraging potential intruders before they even attempt to break in. These devices can monitor entry points and provide real-time alerts for suspicious activity.

• Indoor Coverage: If outdoor measures fail, indoor cameras can capture critical evidence of crimes as they occur. This footage can be invaluable for assisting police and securing a resolution.

Combining both indoor and outdoor security ensures comprehensive coverage, giving you the best chance of both preventing crimes and responding effectively if one occurs.

Equipment

The safety of your home isn’t just limited to a few alarms strewn throughout. These days, there is a ton of equipment to choose from that can help protect your home, some of it obvious, some not so obvious. Let’s talk about what a security system is based on its components.

Pro Tip: When determining which security components you need for your home, doing a self-assessment of your current home security comes in handy. Our “What Is My Security Score?” online tool can help you pinpoint key areas of your home security that need improving.

Security Cameras

From clunky surveillance cameras like Lorex to sleek numbers from Google Nest, security cameras let us actually see what’s going on inside and outside of our home. This was helpful, as we didn’t have to call the police from our dog setting off a sensor. We could actually verify if an emergency was happening and even use that video footage as evidence down the line, if need be. Cameras break down into two main categories:

• Indoor: Indoor cameras are typically more affordable than outdoor cameras, priced at an average of $100 compared to $200. These days, most smart security cameras have speakers and microphones enabling two-way audio, which let us speak to whoever the camera was recording.

Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (2nd gen) vs. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen)

• Outdoor: Outdoor cameras are designed to withstand the elements. Make sure that the camera’s temperature range works for your climate. For us, living in New York City,9 we prefer cameras that work from negative five to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can be totally all over the place throughout the year weather-wise. Also pay attention to the camera’s IP rating, which tells us how susceptible it is to solids and liquids.

Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2)

Doorbell Cameras

Exactly as their name suggests, doorbell cameras are doorbells equipped with a video camera. It’s a relatively recent invention, and one that we consider among the best innovations of the 21st century. One doesn’t need to be a security expert to see the benefits of a camera-equipped doorbell. Because doorbell cameras are internet-connected, they let us see who’s at our front door even while we’re away. Additionally, most doorbell cameras offer two-way talk, opening up a ton of possible use cases. You can tell the Amazon delivery guy where to hide your package, welcome guests, or even yell at ding-dong ditchers.

Most video doorbells are weather-resistant and have day as well as night vision through infrared LED sensors. If you have a problem with package theft, a video doorbell may be just what you need to catch the perp red-handed as soon as you receive an alert.

Most video doorbells have the same basic functionality: they alert your smartphone when there’s someone at the door, let you livestream, and record motion or events. There are exceptions, though.

Lorex 2k Battery Video Doorbell

Smart Locks

Few things are more disheartening than being locked out of your home, especially when you can see that couch and TV waiting for you through the window. But with smart locks, even if we left our key at the office, we could still get inside either through an app or a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant. Plus, we hooked up our smart locks with our security system so our sensors disarmed whenever the door was unlocked, meaning we didn’t have to enter in a passcode. Nothing wrong with a little home automation, especially when it makes our lives more convenient.

Vivint Smart Lock

Security Sensors

Sensors are the key components of any security system, and they come in a variety of forms, from wired to wireless options:

• Motion: If you only have enough money to buy one security sensor, we recommend going with a motion sensor, which, you guessed it, detects motion in a specific radius. Some motion sensors can distinguish between people and animals, ideal for those with pets who want to avoid constant notifications from Scruffy. Some sensors even allowed us to adjust the sensitivity, which means that users can customize them to their pets, be it an eight-pound cat or an eighty-pound dog.

SimpliSafe System Motion Sensor

• Contact: Contact sensors should be put on the doors and windows on the ground floor of a home. Made in two parts, one going on the door or window itself and one going on its frame, we got alerted whenever the door or window was opened or closed when the system was armed.

Tip: Aside from monitoring your doors and windows, contact sensors can be used on safes, jewelry boxes, and even liquor cabinets.

• Glass break: Not all burglars use finesse to enter homes. Some will simply break a glass window for entry. Glass break sensors were created specifically for such cases. These devices can detect the frequency of the sound of breaking glass, which trips the alarm and alerts you. We recommend installing glass break sensors near first floor windows not covered by motion sensors. It also makes sense to put one in rooms with multiple windows.

Cove Glass Break Sensor

• Garage door: Finally, there are special sensors that work exactly like contact sensors but are designed to fit garage doors, although this is a rarity in the home security market.

Environmental Sensors

Aside from security sensors, there are also a number of environmental sensors designed to keep homes safe from floods, fires and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

• Flood: We placed flood sensors, well, anywhere where flooding could occur, whether that was near our dishwasher, washing machine, or bathrooms. If we could stop a leak before it becomes a full-blown flood, we could save $1,141 to $425, the average cost of water damage repair.10

• Fire: There are a number of WiFi-connected smoke and fire alarms, much more useful than local smoke detectors. If our home reached dangerous temperatures or smoke was detected, we’d get alerted via our mobile apps and could call the fire department, saving ourselves from insurmountable damage.

• Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide or CO is one of the most dangerous gases. Tasteless, odorless, and invisible to the naked eye, it can be lethal in large enough doses, which is why every home should include a CO monitor, sometimes combined with smoke detectors. We recommend getting one that’s WiFi connected so you can receive notifications even when you’re not at home.

SimpliSafe System Smoke and CO detector

Features

Those are the basic components that’ll keep any home safe, but these days, smart home security goes much further than just safety. Linked with other connected devices, security systems made our lives both safer and more convenient; let us tell you why.

Home Automation

These days, it’s no longer necessary to flick on the light switch, disarm your security system or even unlock your door manually. Rather, you can set up IoT, or Internet of Things devices to trigger one another automatically. One example that we like to do is have our lights turn on whenever our security system is armed so it seems like we’re home when we’re not, but that’s not where the smart home technology ends.

• Smart assistant integrations: Who doesn’t want to be able to control objects with your voice alone like you have super powers? Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Google Assistant can control many IoT devices, from entire security systems to cameras to smart lights. We recommend committing to either a Google or Amazon smart home ecosystem so you don’t have to toggle between the two voice assistants.

Note: When Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri were tested, Google Assistant performed best, answering 93% of questions correctly. However, in our experience, more connected devices worked with Alexa, so it’s really a choice of quality vs. quantity.

• Lighting control: As we said before, smart lights can be controlled either via a mobile application or a voice command. We could also set them up to only turn on when there’s motion, which was great news for our electricity bill. Plus, some bulbs allowed us to set them on schedules or even connect them to the GPS on our phones, a process called geofencing. Our favorites had what’s called “away mode”, meaning that the lights turned off and on randomly throughout the day rather than just leaving them on all day. Intruders who think someone is home are much less likely to choose that particular house, so something as simple as a smart light bulb can be a true lifesaver.

• Entry control: Typically in the form of smart locks, there are a variety of ways to control entry rather than using an old-fashioned key. Many smart locks let us give access to people during specific time periods, meaning we could avoid leaving a key under the mat for burglars to find and use. This came in handy when we went on vacation for a week and wanted to give our house sitter access during that week, but not all the time. With temporary passcodes, smart locks made it easy to grant guests access without risking our home’s security.

• Environmental controls: We constantly complain about the temperature, so smart thermostats were a lifesaver. Connecting to WiFi, we could alter the temperature on the app, through a voice assistant, or through automated schedules, tailoring our home’s climate to our needs. It was nice to be able to turn on the central air an hour before we got home so we walked into a blissfully cool home on hot summer days. We also synced our smart thermostats with our smart lights, having the lights go down when the heating or cooling system was off. Some smart thermostats could even save us money on heating and cooling bills,11 paying for themselves within a couple of years!

Vivint Panel temperature controls

24/7 Monitoring

While you should be able to monitor your home 24/7, it shouldn’t take up all of your time; like us, we’re sure you have places to go and people to see. But when it comes to monitoring smart security systems, there are two routes to go:

• Self-monitored options: Self-monitoring meant that we were 100% responsible for our home’s security via our mobile application. When we got notified that alarms went off, it was up to us to check in with our livestream to see what was wrong, and if something was wrong, to call the proper authorities. For most systems, self-monitoring is free, making it a great option for someone on a budget.

• Professionally monitored options: Professional monitoring used to be included with nearly every security system, but now it’s usually an option to add onto self-monitoring. What does it entail, exactly? Well, professional monitoring means that a team of real people at monitoring centers can answer your alarms along with you (or without you if you’re otherwise occupied). If you don’t answer, the team can verify the emergency and call the police for you. We recommend getting professional monitoring for that added protection, even while you’re sleeping, working or vacationing in France.

Environmental Protection

Some security companies also sell environmental monitoring devices like freeze, flood, smoke or CO sensors. These are typically wireless and WiFi-connected so the user can receive alerts even if they’re not home. Every house should have a smoke and CO detector at the very least, and having it all under one app certainly makes things easier.

Video Streaming and Recording

Sure, an alarm can tell you if there’s been motion or glass breaking, but to see what’s going on at home, you’re going to have to look with your own eyes. That’s where smart security cameras come in. Connected to an app via Wi-Fi or cellular backup, we were able to actually view our living room and front yard with the touch of a button from anywhere in the world. That would come in handy if we had an intrusion and needed video evidence, or simply to see if the cleaning lady had come yet.

As far as recording goes, our choices are divided into cloud or local storage. Cloud storage is typically available for a few dollars a month, although some companies gave it to us for free. We also like to backup our footage on local storage, which could be in the form of a micro-SD card built into the camera or a hard drive. While we prefer cameras with both cloud and local storage, it’s not a dealbreaker if they have one or the other.

Events on the Wyze app

App Control

Finally, the ability to control connected devices remotely is the hallmark of the Internet of Things. Whether it was turning off the bathroom light after we had already left for work, checking to make sure our front door was locked or arming our cameras while on a plane, we loved being able to control our smart home remotely, in particular our smart security system. Remote control is usually included with the purchase of smart security, although this isn’t always the case, as we have learned.

Video Guide

Ultimate Guide to Home Security Systems

Costs

Now that we’ve talked your ear off about the benefits of and necessity for smart security, let’s talk about the bottom line, how much home security systems cost. Basically, costs are going to break down into a few different categories: equipment (the actual price of the physical system), monitoring and storage, which are sometimes optional, installation fees for companies with professional installation and activation fees, which fortunately have become pretty rare.

Equipment

While security systems used to be quite costly, disruptors like SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm have certainly shakin things up when it comes to price. Now, it’s possible to spend under $100 on smart home security, depending on the size of the home.

CompanySecurity System NameReviewPricing OverviewSystem ComponentsPriceabodeiotaabode iota Reviewabode Security PricingBase station (motion sensor and camera built-in), key fob, entry sensor$279.99ADTVideo PackageADT reviewADT pricingKey pad, motion, entry, and glass break sensors, key ring remote, smart lock, alarm, indoor camera, video doorbell$773Alder SecurityBase System and camerasAlder Security reviewAlder Security pricingTouchscreen control panel, entry sensors, motion sensor, life safety sensors, YI Indoor camera, Kami Outdoor Camera$400BrinksHome Complete with VideoBrinks reviewBrinks pricingBase station, video doorbell, glass break sensor, cellular communicator$500CoveCustomCove reviewCove pricingTouch panel, door sensor, motion sensor, key remote$127.60FrontpointCustomFrontpoint reviewFrontpoint pricingFrontpoint Hub, radio, door/ window sensor, motion sensor, glass break sensor, keypad, keychain remote, video doorbell, smart lock, indoor camera$198.24Link InteractiveCustomLink Interactive reviewLink Interactive pricingPanel and cellular module, deadbolt, doorbell camera, indoor camera, entry sensors$734Lorex8-channel systemLorex security camera reviewLorex security camera pricingfour outdoor cameras, one TB hard drive$349.99MinutPoint Smart Home AlarmMinut reviewMinut pricingPoint (base station with built-in motion, glass break, temperature, humidity, light, mold, noise sensor, and siren)$129NestNest Secure (no longer sold by Nest)Nest Secure reviewNest Secure pricingBase station, two motion/ entry sensors, two key fobs$399NotionAll-In-OneNotion reviewNotion pricingMotion sensors, bridge, contact sensor$149Ring AlarmSecurity KitRing Alarm reviewRing Alarm pricingBase station, keypad, contact sensors, motion sensors, range extender$199.99SimpliSafeSummerfort SystemSimpliSafe reviewSimpliSafe pricingBase Station, keypads, entry Sensors, motion Sensors, glass break sensor, security camera, panic button, key fobs, siren$570.40Swann8-channel systemSwann reviewSwann pricing6 cameras, one or two TB hard drive$699.95VivintBasic security systemVivint reviewVivint pricingPanel, sensors, lock, video doorbell, smoke and CO sensors, indoor camera$844WyzeWyze Sense and Wyze Cam v3Wyze Sense reviewWyze Sense pricingBridge, three contact sensors, motion sensor, camera$70

What’s nice about most of these systems was the amount of customization we had at hand. Being able to choose from an array of packages or create our own systems meant that we didn’t have to buy any equipment we didn’t want, unnecessarily raising our costs. Rather, we only paid for the equipment we wanted; nothing more, nothing less. In the above chart, you’ll see exactly what we paid for each security system, with prices ranging from just $60 all the way up to about $900.

Savings Ahead: To save on equipment costs, choose a company that offers refurbished systems, which can be up to 20% to 30% cheaper than new systems.

Activation

Although most companies have done away with activation fees, some still charge for this type of fee. Typically, the activation fee is a one-time fee that we paid at the beginning of the buying process, up to $100 based on our past experience, but we’re glad that companies are dropping these unnecessary costs, rolling the savings straight to our wallets.

Installation

Okay, here’s some good news: most of the security systems on the market today have DIY installation, meaning we didn’t have to pay a penny to get our systems up and running. But while some companies have professional installation as an option, usually ranging from about $80 to $150, some companies require it, like ADT. If you’re looking to save money, choose a system with DIY installation, although professional installation may be helpful to an older adult or anyone with mobility issues.

Storage

Believe it or not, storing our cameras’ footage was typically not something we could do for free. Rather, we often had to pay a monthly or yearly fee for cloud storage if we wanted to review our footage after the fact.

CompanyIncluded in Monitoring Plan?Local StorageCloud Storage in DaysCloud Storage Monthly CostCloud Storage Yearly CostScoutNoNo14$0 for first camera with Always On+ Plan then $2.99, $2.99 for Always On Plan$0, $35.88abodeYesYes3, 14, 90$0, $10, $20$0, $96, $200Link InteractiveNoYesn/a- up to 1,000 or 5,000 clips$0, $5$0, $60ADTYesNo30$0$0FrontpointYesYesn/a- up to 1,000 clips$0$0LorexNoYes2$0$0SimpliSafeYesNo30 days$9.99, $27.99$119.88, $335.88Wyzen/aYes14$0$0

While none of these storage costs will break the bank, make sure you take them into consideration when choosing a home security system.

Monitoring

Finally, there’s monitoring, perhaps the most expensive fee after equipment. Nowadays, many companies allow their customers to avoid monthly or yearly fees completely and self-monitor through the system’s respective mobile apps. However, when we self-monitored our system like with Lorex, we were completely responsible for our home’s security, which was a big load on our shoulders (although we certainly didn’t miss paying monthly fees).

CompanyProfessional Monitoring Required?Cellular Backup Included In Monitoring Fee?Minimum Monthly CostMinimum Yearly CostContract Term LengthabodeNoYes$20$200Month-to-month or yearADTYesYes$28.99$347.883 yearsAlder SecurityYesYes$40$4803 yearsBrinksNoYes$29n/aMonth-to-monthCoveYesYes$17.99$215.88Month-to-monthFortressNoYes$8.95$107.40YearlyFrontpointYesYes$49.99$599.881 or 3 yearsblue by ADTNoYes$19.99$239.88Month-to-monthLink InteractiveYesYes$30.99$371.881, 2 or 3 years in initial contract then can go month-to-monthLorexNoNon/an/an/aMinutNoNon/an/an/aNest Secure (has since been discontinued)NoYes$19$2281 or 3 yearsNotionNoNon/an/an/aRing AlarmNoYes$20$200Month-to-monthScoutNoYes$19.99$215Month-to-month or yearSimpliSafeNoYes$17.99$215.88Month-to-monthSwannNoNon/an/an/aVivintYesFree with any system$39.99$479.88Monthly if paid up front, length of loan if financedWyzeNoNo$4.99 (increase to $9.99 starting April 2022)$59.88 (increase to $99.99 starting April 2022)Month-to-month

Many companies let us choose between self-monitoring, professional monitoring, and both, as you can see from the above chart. If we choose 24/7 professional monitoring, the monthly cost ranges from under $10 with Wyze all the way up to a minimum of around $40 with Vivint.

But the good thing about having so many options is that most people will be able to get professional monitoring that’s both affordable and flexible, meaning you won’t be locked into a long-term contract. Many plans even included cellular backup, which kept our systems on even when the power and internet went out.

Installation

Since we’ve tested so many different security systems, we are more than experts when it comes to DIY installation. But if you’re more comfortable having technicians take care of the installation, there are companies that offer professional installation. In fact, some companies require it. When it comes to installation, we like to break it down in two ways:

• DIY vs. professional: While DIY installation is free, it’s clearly more strenuous and time consuming than professional installation, which typically costs around $100 or more. However, it definitely doesn’t take security experts like us to set up most DIY systems nowadays. Oftentimes, the system’s app had step-by-step instructions which guided us through the process, although some systems were more complicated to set up than others, which brings us to our next point.

• Wired vs. wireless: Obviously, wireless systems are typically much easier to set up than wired systems, which are hardwired into a house’s existing electrical system. Many sensors these days are peel-and-stick with long battery lives, so once we set them, we forgot them. Plus, wireless systems have the advantage of not relying on a home’s power source.To explore some great wireless options to kick off your home security, check out our review of the best wireless cameras and the best wireless outdoor cameras. Unless your outlet situation is less than ideal, we recommend choosing a mostly wireless system over one that requires hardwiring.

Installing the Nest Cam

Companies

We test all of our systems from our offices and apartments in Brooklyn, where home security is a necessity because thousands of break-ins and burglaries happen here every year.

However, with so many security systems available to buy, it can be hard to know which one is right for your home, which is why we’ve tested them all out, one at a time. We’ve reviewed a wide variety of security systems, DIY installation vs. professional installation, self-monitoring, 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular, landline, Wi-Fi and battery backup; if you’ve heard of it, we’ve reviewed it. Learn more about whether security systems need landlines, whether security systems need permits or whether security systems can be hacked.

Signs from the security systems we have tested

Comparisons

We’ve also compared our security systems to each other so you can make a decision if you’re down to the wire.

24 Resources

• Frontpoint vs. RingJune 10, 2024

• Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafeJanuary 6, 2025

• SimpliSafe vs. abodeOctober 1, 2024

• SimpliSafe vs. ADTSeptember 19, 2024

• SimpliSafe vs. VivintJanuary 5, 2025

• Vivint vs. ADTDecember 13, 2024

• Vivint vs. FrontpointFebruary 15, 2024

• ADT vs. Ackerman SecurityAugust 23, 2024

• ADT vs. Bay AlarmJanuary 30, 2024

• ADT vs. CPI SecurityFebruary 29, 2024

• ADT vs. FrontpointAugust 27, 2024

• ADT vs. Protection 1February 15, 2024

• ADT vs. RingDecember 13, 2024

• Brinks vs. ADTAugust 27, 2024

• Nest Secure vs. Ring AlarmJune 17, 2024

• Nest vs. ADTAugust 23, 2024

• Ring Alarm vs. SimpliSafeDecember 11, 2024

• Ring vs. ArloDecember 16, 2024

• Ring vs. NestDecember 11, 2024

• SimpliSafe vs. ArloSeptember 19, 2024

• SimpliSafe vs. BlinkDecember 20, 2024

• SimpliSafe vs. FrontpointSeptember 20, 2024

• Vivint vs. RingDecember 18, 2024

• Xfinity vs. ADTJune 4, 2024

Summary

Choosing a home security system to protect you, your home and your family may seem like a daunting task, but hopefully this guide will help point you in the right direction. If you’re still not sure where to start, we recommend looking at our “best of” pages, which includes the best options with cellular backup, DIY installation, or wireless components. Remember, better safe than sorry!

A Comprehensive Houston Security And Safety Guide That Covers More Than Just Your Home Security System