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It’s hard not to worry about the safety of your home when you’re away. You want to make sure your home is protected, and sometimes just having a security system sign in front of your house or a locked gate isn’t enough. That’s where a home security system comes in. This system can safeguard your home with professional monitoring, mobile alerts, flood and carbon monoxide detection, and more.
Because of all the home security options out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose for your home. That’s why the This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated the best home security systems based on factors like packages, installation, cost, and more to help you determine the best fit for your home. Read on to find out about our top Louisville, Kentucky, home security system recommendations.
Top 6 Home Security Systems in Louisville
- ADT: Best Overall
- Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration
- SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation
- Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration
- Abode: Best for Customization
- Alder: Best for Medical Alerts
Compare Home Security Systems
ADT Home Security
ADT is the This Old House Reviews Team’s top pick for home security systems. ADT has more than 140 years of industry experience and the most extensive network of professional monitoring centers in the U.S. The company serves millions of customers across the country and offers a six-month, money-back guarantee.
ADT Package Comparison
| Feature | Secure | Smart | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intrusion Detection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 24/7 Fire, Flood, & Carbon Monoxide Monitoring | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ADT Go Mobile App | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Touchscreen Panel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alexa Guard / Voice Control Integration (with Amazon Alexa) | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| ADT Mobile App and Remote Access | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Video Surveillance (Motion activated + alerts) | – | – | ✔ |
| Stored Video Clips (Up to 8 cameras) | – | – | – |
| Smart-Home Automation | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Feature | Secure | Smart | Complete |
You can also purchase these pieces of equipment as an add-on to any of the packages: Glass break sensor, flood sensor, smoke detector, video doorbell camera, indoor and outdoor cameras, touchscreen keypad, panic button, carbon monoxide detector
ADT Pricing
| Pricing | Secure | Smart | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront | $599-$899 | $919-$1,219 | $1,049-$1,449 |
| Monthly for 60 months | $55.97-$60.97 | $65.31-$70.31 | $75.47-$82.14 |
| Professional Monitoring | $45.99 per month | $49.99 per month | $59.99 per month |
| Pricing | Secure | Smart | Complete |
Learn more: ADT Home Security Review
Vivint Smart Home Security
Vivint offers sophisticated home security that can be seamlessly integrated with a range of third-party smart home devices like the Kwikset smart lock, Nest smart thermostat, and Philips Hue smart light. Its technologically-advanced equipment includes security cameras that operate with advanced analytics, alerting customers when people and packages arrive on their doorstep.
Vivint Package Comparison
| Feature | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SkyControl Panel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart Entry Sensors (2) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Voice Control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Motion Sensor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart Smoke Detector | – | ✔ | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Element Thermostat | ✔ | – | ✔ | ||
| Smart Lock | ✔ | – | ✔ | ||
| Smart Garage Door Opener | ✔ | – | ✔ | ||
| Doorbell Camera | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Outdoor Camera | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Ping Indoor Camera | ✔ | ||||
| Feature | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
Vivint offers five packages, each with varying equipment.
- Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit: Vivint’s most streamlined plan features a touch screen panel homeowners can control via the mobile app. It includes the Vivint Smart Hub, one motion sensor, two smart entry sensors, and one water sensor plus $100 toward purchasing more sensors.
- Home Security System Bundle: This next package includes everything in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit, along with a smart smoke detector that you can integrate with your system to unlock any smart locks when the smoke alarm is triggered.
- Smart Home Control Bundle: This extensive package includes everything from the prior packages as well as a smart thermostat, a smart garage door opener, and smart door lock. You’ll need to subscribe to the Vivint Smart Home Video Plan to use the system.
- Video Security Bundle: This gives you video surveillance and all the perks of the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit. It comes with a video doorbell, an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, and a Wi-Fi-enabled storage device to archive every playback recording.
- Smart Complete Bundle: The most comprehensive smart package includes all of the security devices of the Video Security Bundle and the automation from Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle.
Vivint Pricing
| Pricing | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $599.00 | $709.98 | $1,049.95 | $1,379.95 | $1,789.92 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | $9.98 | $11.83 | $17.50 | $23.00 | $29.83 |
| Pricing | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe offers DIY installation for people who don’t want to pay extra for professional installation. The system integrates with smart devices like phones, Apple Watch, and Amazon Alexa. SimpliSafe doesn’t require a contract either, allowing you to cancel at any time.
SimpliSafe Package Comparison
| Feature | “The Foundation” Package | “The Essentials” Package | “The Hearth” Package | “The Knox” Package | “The Haven” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Station | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keypad | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Entry Sensor | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 3 included | ✔ 3 included | ✔ 6 included | ✔ 4 included |
| Motion Sensor | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 2 included |
| Siren | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keyfob | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smoke Detector | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Panic Button | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Temperature Sensor | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Water Sensor | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Feature | “The Foundation” Package | “The Essentials” Package | “The Hearth” Package | “The Knox” Package | “The Haven” Package |
SimpliSafe has a range of five home security packages plus a customizable plan that allows you to choose the equipment you need.
- The Foundation: This starter package features key pieces of equipment, including a base station, keypad, motion sensor, and entry sensor.
- The Essentials: This next package has The Foundation’s features plus two extra entry sensors.
- The Hearth: This includes everything in The Essentials Package plus extra features like a key fob and siren.
- The Knox: This more advanced package features all devices in The Hearth Package plus three more entry sensors for a total of six.
- The Haven: The Haven Package offers the most comprehensive security with all of the base equipment along with a panic button, temperature sensor, and water sensor.
You can create a custom SimpliSafe home security package by following these steps:
- Start off with a base station and a wireless keypad.
- Add any protection sensors you want, like smoke detectors and motions sensors.
- Choose any optional add-on equipment, like an extra keypad or key fob.
SimpliSafe Pricing
| Pricing | “The Foundation” Package | “The Essentials” Package | “The Hearth” Package | “The Knox” Package | “The Haven” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $229.00 | $259.00 | $374.00 | $449.00 | $489.00 |
| Pricing | “The Foundation” Package | “The Essentials” Package | “The Hearth” Package | “The Knox” Package | “The Haven” Package |
The Standard Monitoring Plan costs $14.99 per month, and the Interactive Monitoring Plan is $24.99 per month.
Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint has a number of unique features, like its crash and smash protection that still notifies the monitoring center when a motion sensor is activated even with a damaged control panel and its ability to create custom smartphone notifications.
Frontpoint Package Comparison
| Feature | “Safe Home Starter” Package | “Safe Home Everyday” Package | “Safe Home Select” Package | “Safe Home Preferred” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hub and keypad | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included |
| Door/Window Sensor | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 3 included | ✔ 4 included | ✔ 5 included |
| Motion Sensor | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 2 included |
| Glass Break Sensor | – | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smoke and Heat Sensor | – | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Indoor Camera | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Feature | “Safe Home Starter” Package | “Safe Home Everyday” Package | “Safe Home Select” Package | “Safe Home Preferred” Package |
Frontpoint offers four home security plans. Every package features a hub, a keypad, and at least two door/window sensors and one motion sensor.
- Safe Home Starter: The most streamlined package includes a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, and a couple of door/window sensors.
- Safe Home Everyday: This package features all of the equipment from the starter package plus an additional door/window sensor and an additional motion sensor.
- Safe Home Select: The second-most comprehensive package includes a glass break sensor and smoke and heat sensor.
- Safe Home Preferred: The most comprehensive package brings together every feature from the other packages and adds an indoor camera for extra peace of mind.
Frontpoint Pricing
| Pricing | “Safe Home Starter” Package | “Safe Home Everyday” Package | “Safe Home Select” Package | “Safe Home Preferred” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $99.00 | $295.94 | $383.92 | $479.90 |
| Monthly Financing Cost | $17.00 | $25.00 | $32.00 | $40.00 |
| Pricing | “Safe Home Starter” Package | “Safe Home Everyday” Package | “Safe Home Select” Package | “Safe Home Preferred” Package |
You can pay for your Frontpoint security equipment with a one-time payment upfront or finance it through Affirm with a three-, six-, or 12-month payment plan.
Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Security
Abode offers comprehensive protection with a versatile system that’s able to connect up to 160 devices. Abode has no contract requirements and makes monitoring straightforward for customers who would rather handle monitoring themselves than pay for professional monitoring.
Abode Package Comparison
| Feature | “Smart Security Middle” Package | “Iota Kit Middle” Package | “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package | “Iota Kit Elite” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keypad | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Key Fob | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sticker | ✔ | – | ✔ | |
| Motion Sensor | ✔ 1 included | – | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 1 included |
| Door/Window Sensors | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 3 included | ✔ 4 included | ✔ 4 included |
| Smart Device integration | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in Motion Detector | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Wi-Fi-Enabled | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Type of Gateway | Gen 2 | Iota | Gen 2 | Iota |
| Feature | “Smart Security Middle” Package | “Iota Kit Middle” Package | “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package | “Iota Kit Elite” Package |
Abode offers four security packages so that you’re sure to find a package that meets your requirements. If you need more than three door/window sensors, consider the two elite packages.
- Smart Security Middle: This most affordable package comes with Abode’s Gen 2 Gateway, one sticker, one keypad, one key fob, three door/window sensors, and one motion sensor.
- Iota Kit Middle: This package builds off of the previous one with the more sophisticated Iota All-In-One Gateway, three door/window sensors, one key fob, and one keypad.
- Smart Security Kit Elite: This elite package features the Gen 2 Gateway just like the Smart Security Middle Package along with one sticker, a pair of motion sensors, four mini door/window sensors, one keypad, and one key fob.
- Iota Kit Elite: The most comprehensive security package features the All-In-One Gateway, four mini door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a keypad, and a key fob.
Abode Pricing
| Pricing | “Smart Security Middle” Package | “Iota Kit Middle” Package | “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package | “Iota Kit Elite” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $342 | $379 | $389 | $445 |
| Pricing | “Smart Security Middle” Package | “Iota Kit Middle” Package | “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package | “Iota Kit Elite” Package |
Learn more: Abode Security Review
Alder Home Security
Alder operates in a different way than many of its competitors. Instead of offering a range of predetermined packages with specific equipment, Alder allows you to customize your own package by choosing the exact equipment you want.
Alder Packages & Equipment
You can find the breakdown of the company’s equipment below.
- Touchscreen Panel: The central touchscreen panel controls the Alder system. It uses a cellular connection, so you don’t need to worry about the internet going out and shutting off the system. The panel is also wireless so that you can move it from room to room as needed.
- Indoor Security Camera: The indoor security camera includes two-way talk, night vision, and a wide angle lens. Baby crying detection is available, which sends motion-activated notifications when individuals in the home need special attention.
- Outdoor Security Camera: The outdoor security camera features a wide-angle lens to monitor a larger area. Night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and mobile notifications are also included.
- Motion Sensor: The motion sensor uses infrared technology to detect when someone is in the home. When a sensor is tripped, it sends a signal to the security system’s control panel, alerting the homeowner and monitoring center.
- Door/Window Sensor: The door/window sensors send alerts if windows and doors are opened while the system is armed. If the system isn’t armed, the base station will chime when the sensor detects an open door or window.
- Smart Smoke Detector: These detectors notify homeowners before smoke signals start. They can also detect carbon monoxide.
- Medical Alert Pendant: This pendant is a good choice for seniors who live alone or people with a serious medical condition. The pendant notifies emergency services when the medical alert button is pressed.
- Flood and Freeze Detectors: These devices notify you whenever they detect excess water in the home. Most people place these detectors near pipes, sinks, or other appliances that use water.
- Doorbell Camera: This device gives you a livestream of your door, lets you talk to visitors in real time, and sends you notifications when someone arrives at your door.
Alder Pricing
Alder’s pricing information isn’t available on the website, but you can discuss costs with a customer service representative over the phone. Monthly monitoring prices start at $39.99 per month, and a three-year contract is required.
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team has chosen ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, Abode, and Alder as the best home security systems for Louisville homes. Each of these providers ranks highly in terms of packages, equipment, installation, affordability, and more.
We recommend reaching out to several of these companies to get custom quotes that will help you choose the best security system for your needs. You can use the tool below to start this process.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Louisville
- Reputation: You can learn a lot about a company’s pros and cons through word of mouth and by reading online reviews from past customers.
- Types of equipment: Different home security providers and packages offer different types of equipment. Confirm the home security system you select includes all of the equipment you need.
- Installation method: Some providers only offer professional installation instead of giving you a choice between that and DIY. That could be a negative, since there’s typically a fee for professional installation.
- Cost: Before investing in a home security system, make sure that the installation costs, equipment costs, and monitoring fees are within your budget.
- Smart home integration: If you enjoy the convenience of smart home devices, look into companies that allow you to integrate them into your security system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security in Louisville
What is the best home security system available?
We have ranked ADT as the Best Overall home security system because of its money-back guarantee, over 140 years of experience, and large network of professional monitoring centers.
How much does it cost to have a security system installed?
Installation fees usually cost $99-$199, but the specific amount will depend on the home security system you choose.
Does ADT security systems require Wi-Fi?
ADT requires an internet connection, preferably high-speed, but it can be Wi-Fi or ethernet.
Other Resources:
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT
- SimpliSafe vs. Vivint
- Abode vs. SimpliSafe
- Frontpoint vs. Vivint
- Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for home security providers is on a 100-point scale based on 10 factors:
- Number of systems (5)
- Special features (10)
- Installation options (5)
- Connectivity and smart home automation (15)
- Pricing (15)
- Contract period (5)
- Warranty (15)
- Trial period (15)
- Usability (5)
- Trustworthiness (10)
Our Reviews Team reviewed 32 companies and spent 744 hours researching and testing out products to help us compare home security systems on key factors such as package options, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Read more on our methodology here.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.