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Home security systems can give you peace of mind whether you’re away from your home or asleep at night. You can’t be vigilant all the time, but your security system can. With features like 24/7 professional monitoring, motion sensors, entryway sensors, and more, you can feel confident that your home is safe from potential threats.
There are a lot of home security systems available in Austin, but they aren’t all equal. Companies can vary in terms of their packages, equipment, pricing, and more. The This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated the best home security systems on these key metrics to help you determine the best fit for your Austin home.
Top 6 Home Security Systems in Austin
- 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. The company sets itself apart with its extensive experience of more than 140 years in the industry, its six-month, money-back guarantee, and its large network of professional monitoring centers around the country.
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 |
Customers can add this equipment at an extra charge:
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Touchscreen keypad
- Video doorbell camera
- Glass break sensor
- Flood sensor
- Smoke detector
- 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 provides seamless smartphone and smart home integration. The company makes it easy to connect to third-party devices like the Nest thermostat and Philips Hue smart light.
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 gives customers the choice between five security packages. The Smart Complete Bundle Package offers the most extensive protection, including outdoor cameras.
- Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit: The most basic option includes all the essentials, like a touchscreen panel that customers can control through the mobile app. The kit also includes two smart entry sensors, one motion sensor, and The Smart Hub along with $100 toward purchasing more sensors.
- Home Security System Bundle: This package includes all of the devices in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit along with a smart smoke detector that customers can integrate with the system to unlock smart locks if the smoke alarm gets triggered.
- Smart Home Control Bundle: This bundle package features all equipment from the previous two packages along with a smart door lock, smart thermostat, and smart garage door opener. You have to subscribe to the Vivint Smart Home Video Plan to use this package.
- Video Security Bundle: This package brings together video surveillance and every feature of the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit. The package also features Wi-Fi enabled storage to archive all playback recording. Customers need a subscription to the Smart Home Video Plan to use this package.
- Smart Complete Bundle: This smart package combines the automation from Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle with all devices from the Video Security 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 is flexible, offering customers the choice between professional installation and DIY installation depending on your preference and budget. The company also doesn’t have contract requirements, and the system can last for 10 or more years on the same battery.
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 | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Key Fob | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 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 offers five home protection packages along with a customizable package that lets customers pick the precise equipment they want. Customers can tailor their SimpliSafe system to their needs with additional equipment, including extra security cameras.
- The Foundation: The starter package gives customers all of the primary equipment, like the base station, motion sensor, entry sensor, and keypad.
- The Essentials: Building on The Foundation Package’s devices, The Essentials adds two more entry sensors.
- The Hearth: This includes all of The Essentials Package’s equipment plus extra features like a key fob and siren.
- The Knox: The Knox includes all security devices from The Hearth Package and doubles the amount of entry sensors and motion sensors.
- The Haven: This package offers the most extensive protection from SimpliSafe, featuring all of the basic equipment plus a water sensor, temperature sensor, and panic button.
Customers can tailor their SimpliSafe security package to their specifications by following these steps:
- Begin with a base station and wireless keypad.
- Choose protection sensors like smoke detectors and entry sensors.
- Select any optional add-on equipment like a key fob or extra keypad to finish the package.
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 is $14.99 per month, and the Interactive Monitoring Plan is $24.99 per month.
Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint does not require a long-term contract and features convenient and customizable smartphone notifications, ideal for customers on the go. The Frontpoint system is also durable—its crash and smash protection guarantee promises that customers will continue to be notified even if the control panel is destroyed or damaged.
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 packages. Each one includes a hub, keypad, one or more motion sensors, and two or more door/window sensors.
- Safe Home Starter: The foundation package includes a keypad, a hub, a motion sensor, and a pair of door/window sensors.
- Safe Home Everyday: This package includes all of the devices in the starter package along with an additional door/window sensor and motion sensor.
- Safe Home Select: This package includes extra devices like a smoke and heat sensor and a glass break sensor for increased peace of mind.
- Safe Home Preferred: The most comprehensive protection package combines all features from the previous packages and adds an indoor security camera.
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 |
Customers have two payment options. They can pay for their Frontpoint security equipment upfront through a one-time payment or finance the devices through the payment service Affirm with a three-, six-, or 12-month payment plan.
Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Home Security
Abode is a versatile home security system that can connect up to 160 different devices for extensive protection. Abode has no contract requirement, giving customers a lot of flexibility in terms of cancelation.
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 a range of four protection packages that have essential coverage, comprehensive coverage, and everything in between to ensure customers find a security package that matches their needs.
- Smart Security Middle: The most basic package features Abode’s Gen 2 Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, one motion sensor, two door/window sensors, and one sticker.
- Iota Kit Middle: This package builds on the foundation of The Smart Security Middle Package. It includes the Iota All-In-One Gateway, three door/window sensors, one keypad, and one key fob.
- Smart Security Kit Elite: Like the Smart Security Middle Package, this package has the Gen 2 Gateway and features one keypad, one key fob, one sticker, two motion sensors, and four mini door/window sensors.
- Iota Kit Elite: This package provides the most comprehensive security, featuring Abode’s All-In-One Gateway, a keypad, a key fob, a motion sensor, and four mini door/window sensors.
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 Home Security Review
Alder Home Security
Alder operates with a unique format in the home security space. While most companies provide a variety of preset packages, Alder takes a customizable approach. Customers make their own packages by choosing the exact devices they want for their home.
Alder Packages & Equipment
Customers can build their package from the following list of equipment.
- Touchscreen Panel: The foundation of Alder’s home security system, the panel, uses a cellular connection, meaning that it remains functional even if the internet cuts out.
- Indoor Security Camera: The camera has night vision, a wide-angle lens, and two-way talk. It’s able to detect a baby crying or another sound that indicates someone requires special attention.
- Outdoor Security Camera: This camera includes a variety of benefits like a specialized wide-angle lens to monitor a large area. Night vision, two-way audio, mobile notifications, and motion detection are also included.
- Motion Sensor: The sensor has infrared technology to detect when someone moves within the home. If a motion sensor gets tripped, it notifies the control panel, alerting both the customer and the monitoring center.
- Door/Window Sensor: These sensors send notifications if a window or door is opened while the system is armed. When the system isn’t armed, the base station makes a chiming sound if the sensor detects a window or door opening.
- Smart Smoke Detector: These smart detectors alert customers even before smoke signals go off. They can also detect carbon monoxide in the air.
- Medical Alert Pendant: The pendant is designed for customers with medical conditions or seniors who live on their own. If the medical alert button is pressed, emergency services are alerted.
- Flood and Freeze Detectors: These devices alert customers as soon as they detect excess water in the house. Most customers set the detectors near appliances that use water, sinks, and pipes in the basement.
- Doorbell Camera: The doorbell camera allows customers to view a livestream of their door. The camera sends alerts as soon as someone arrives and lets customers talk to them.
Alder Pricing
Alder’s doesn’t provide pricing information on its website, but customers can contact Alder representatives by phone to discuss cost. The security service requires a three-year contract, and monthly monitoring prices start at $39.99.
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated several home security systems and ultimately determined that ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode are the best home security options in Austin. Each provider offers key elements like indoor cameras and professional monitoring along with unique pros that set them apart from the competition.
We recommend that customers reach out to multiple providers to get a variety of quotes and see what all of their options are. You can use the tool below to contact the first three companies we recommend.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Austin
- Reputation: Learn what you can about a provider’s benefits and drawbacks by talking to family and friends who have the home security system or by reading online reviews from past customers.
- Types of equipment: Included equipment varies from provider to provider and package to package. Before choosing a home security system, confirm it offers all of the equipment you need.
- Installation method: Some systems only allow professional installation instead of giving you the choice between DIY and professional. Since there is typically a fee for professional installation, this could be a dealbreaker for customers on a budget.
- Cost: Before purchasing a home security system, it’s wise to confirm you can afford all of the costs, including the price of equipment, installation, and professional monitoring.
- Smart home integration: Certain home security systems can be seamlessly integrated with smart home devices. If you have smart devices in your home, be sure to look for a system that’s smart-home friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security in Austin
What is the best home security system available?
That will depend on the customer’s individual needs, but we recommend ADT as our top choice with its more than 140 years of experience, six-month, money-back guarantee, and large network of professional monitoring centers.
How much does it cost to get a home security system installed?
Professional installation fees usually range from $99-$199, but the exact cost will depend on the provider.
Is SimpliSafe better than ADT?
SimpliSafe is one of our top recommendations because of its easy installation, seamless smart home integration, and no contract requirement. However, ADT is our top choice overall.
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.
Other Resources:
- Best Home Security Systems of 2021
- Best Wireless Home Security Systems
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT
- Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe
- Frontpoint vs. Vivint
- Abode vs. SimpliSafe
- SimpliSafe vs. Vivint
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.