Our Rating Methodology for Home Security Providers
Our team spent time creating an objective rating system to score each home security company. Here’s what that review process looked like:
- We researched every home security provider and analyzed the information on each home security website. This allowed us to determine what exactly is covered in each package.
- We received quotes from each home security provider to compare pricing between companies.
- We update all of this information on a continuous basis, storing it in a proprietary database that allows us to compare dozens of home security companies against each other.
With this data, we created a rating system to score each home security company. Our rating system is a weighted, 100-point scale on the following factors:
- Number of packages (5): Giving customers the ability to choose from a few different security systems, instead of pressuring them to buy a single option, allows them to be flexible and find the right home security system for their home protection needs. Providers with multiple home security package options were rated higher than those that offered just one.
- Special features (10): A comprehensive home security package will include items like video surveillance, sensors, and other features to ensure your home stays safe and secure all year round. The more special features a home security company provided, the higher the score.
- Installation options (5): Some customers may require professional installation assistance, while others will prefer to install security systems on their own. We scored providers higher if they gave customers both options.
- Connectivity and smart home automation (15): Security systems that have wireless connections make it easier for consumers to operate and manage their systems. Additionally, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home automation devices can help make managing your home’s security easier.
- Pricing (15): The equipment price, monthly monitoring price, and activation price all play an important role in the home security selection process.
- Contract period (5): Not requiring a contract allows customers to easily opt out of a system or plan if they don’t want to continue service.
- Warranty (15): Having a solid warranty alludes to the home security company having the customer’s best interests at heart. Home security providers with a multi-year warranty scored higher than those without.
- Trial period (15): Allowing customers a trial period to test a home security system can help them determine what they like and don’t like and allow them to return their system if not satisfied.
- Usability (5): Features like a mobile app and self-monitoring give the customer easy access and control of their system without having to go through a home security company intermediary.
- Trustworthiness (10): There are a number of home security companies that aren’t reputable and don’t follow through on their agreements. We gauged trustworthiness based on years of experience and customer feedback from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
In summary, the This Old House Review Team reviewed 32 companies to select our 7 best home security providers. To keep our ratings and data current, we update our information on a continuous basis.