Affiliate Disclosure: This Old House‘s Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. To support this business model, This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.
If you wish you could monitor your home at any time from anywhere, then a home security system could be a solid investment. Along with helping you rest easy when you’re away, home security systems can make your life easier by letting you control your smart devices remotely and tailor them to your schedule.
There are a wide range of home security systems available in Birmingham, but they offer different packages and equipment at different costs. Keep reading to learn about the best home security systems in Birmingham that the This Old House Reviews Team has conducted extensive research on.
Top 6 Home Security Systems in Birmingham
- 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 recommendation for home security because of the company’s impressive numbers. ADT has over 140 years of experience offering coverage to millions of customers through a large network of professional monitoring centers.
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 buy this optional add-on equipment:
- Touchscreen keypad
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Video doorbell camera
- Smoke detector
- Flood sensor
- Glass break sensor
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Panic button
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 Home Security
On top of being smart-home friendly, Vivint has some of the most advanced technology in the industry with high-end features like camera analytics that notify you as soon as people and packages arrive at your door.
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 provides five home security packages. The Smart Home Control Bundle Package is a good middle-of-the-road package for those that want advanced equipment without paying a large amount.
- “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package: The starter kit uses a touchscreen panel, the Smart Hub, a motion sensor, and two entry sensors. Vivint also gives you $100 toward purchasing more sensors with this package.
- “Home Security System Bundle” Package: This bundle contains the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit’s devices along with a smart smoke detector that you can integrate with the system.
- “Smart Home Control Bundle” Package: This package contains the equipment above plus a smart lock, smart thermostat, and smart garage door opener. A Vivint Smart Home Video Plan is needed to fully use this package.
- “Video Security Bundle” Package: This kit contains the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit equipment along with cameras for video surveillance. Customers need a subscription to the Smart Home Video Plan for this package.
- “Smart Complete Bundle” Package: The most comprehensive protection package bundles the video equipment from the Video Security Bundle with the automation equipment from the 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 customer-friendly DIY installation with no installation fee or visits from a representative. However, if you prefer the security that comes with knowing your system is installed correctly, you can still choose professional installation.
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 preset home security packages along with one customizable package that lets you design the exact protection you want.
- “The Foundation” Package: The starter package contains all of the primary devices, including a base station, key pad, motion sensor, and entry sensor.
- “The Essentials” Package: The Essentials Package adds onto the basic package by offering additional entry sensors.
- “The Hearth” Package: The Hearth Package features supplemental equipment, including a key fob and siren, for added peace of mind.
- “The Knox” Package: The Knox Package offers all of the security devices in The Hearth Package along with double the number of entry and motion sensors.
- “The Haven” Package: This package has a temperature sensor, water sensor, and panic button along with all of the basic equipment from the other packages.
You can design your own SimpliSafe security package with the following steps:
- Start with the foundation of your system—a base station and a wireless keypad.
- Choose your protection sensors (smoke detector, temperature sensor, water sensor, carbon monoxide sensor) and burglary sensors (motion sensor, entry sensor, glass break sensor, SimpliCam, panic button).
- Select any extra equipment to round out your package (pro setup help, extra keypad, key fob, extra 105db siren, extra yard sign).
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 |
SimpliSafe’s Standard Monitoring Plan costs $14.99 per month, and the Interactive Monitoring Plan costs $24.99 per month.
Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
Frontpoint Home Security
In addition to customizable smartphone notifications, Frontpoint has a durable system that remains functional even when the control system is destroyed or damaged thanks to crash and smash protection.
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 security packages of varying levels and costs.
- “Safe Home Starter” Package: The starter package includes all of the basic devices: a hub, keypad, motion sensor, and two door/window sensors.
- “Safe Home Everyday” Package: This package contains all of the starter package’s devices along with an extra motion sensor and door/window sensor.
- “Safe Home Select” Package: This package provides an even greater degree of security with a smoke and heat sensor and a glass break sensor.
- “Safe Home Preferred” Package: The preferred package provides the most extensive security with all of the equipment above plus a 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 |
You can buy your Frontpoint equipment in one of two ways. You can pay for all of it upfront or finance it through the payment service Affirm with a three-, six-, or 12-month payment plan.
Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Home Security
Abode offers a high degree of flexibility. You can connect up to 160 devices to the security system without paying for a long-term contract and without paying for professional monitoring services.
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, each built around one of two gateways—the standard Gen 2 Gateway and the more advanced Iota All-in-One Gateway.
- “Smart Security Middle” Package: This starter package works with the Gen 2 Gateway and includes one sticker, one keypad, one key fob, one motion sensor, and two door/window sensors.
- “Iota Kit Middle” Package: This package is similar to the Smart Security Middle Package except it’s built around the Iota All-In-One Gateway and comes with three door/window sensors instead of two.
- “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package: The elite package uses the Gen 2 Gateway and has one keypad, one key fob, two motion sensors, four mini door/window sensors, and one sticker.
- “Iota Kit Elite” Package: The most sophisticated package offers advanced protection with the Iota All-In-One Gateway, a keypad, a key fob, four door/window sensors, and a motion sensor.
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 has one of the quickest average response times in the home security system industry. With an Alder security system, you can expect a response from the company in about 3.4 seconds.
Alder Packages & Equipment
Unlike most other home security providers, Alder allows you to build your own package from the following list of equipment.
- Touchscreen Panel: The touchscreen panel acts as Alder’s core, using a cellular connection to remain functional even when the internet cuts out.
- Indoor Security Camera: This camera uses night vision, two-way talk, and a wide-angle lens for better monitoring.
- Outdoor Security Camera: The outdoor security camera has night vision, a wide-angle lens, motion detection, two-way audio, and mobile notifications.
- Motion Sensor: The motion sensors detect indoor movement with infrared technology. When a motion sensor is tripped, the system notifies the control panel, which alerts you and the monitoring center.
- Door/Window Sensor: When the system is armed and a door or window is opened, the sensor will send notifications. When the security system is not armed and a door or window is opened, the base station will make a chiming sound.
- Smart Smoke Detector: The smart smoke detectors alert you before smoke signals start and double as carbon monoxide sensors.
- Medical Alert Pendant: Designed for seniors who live alone and people with medical issues, the alert pendant contacts emergency services when someone presses its button.
- Flood and Freeze Detectors: These detectors send alerts when there is excess water in your home. Common installation locations include near sinks, appliances that use water, and major piping in basements.
- Doorbell Camera: The doorbell camera shares a livestream of the door where you’ve installed it and sends alerts when it detects someone arriving.
Alder Pricing
We spoke to an Alder customer service representative who recommended we get the following equipment for a three-bedroom home:
- 1 touchscreen panel
- 2 door sensors
- 1 motion sensor
- 1 monitored fire sensor
- 1 outdoor wireless camera with two-way audio
This package costs $89 to activate and $44.99 a month to monitor.
To build your own package and learn how much it will cost, use our tool below to contact a representative.
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team has reviewed several home security systems on key metrics like installation, monitoring, cost, and equipment and has chosen ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode as the best providers in Birmingham. Each of these home security systems offers a wide variety of packages plus their own individual benefits like no contract requirements and fast response times.
We recommend reaching out to three or more of the providers in this review for custom quotes. You can use the tool below to start.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Birmingham
- Reputation: Before you invest in a home security system, it’s a good idea to learn about a provider’s benefits and drawbacks. You can do this by talking to friends and family with the system and reading online reviews.
- Types of equipment: Home security providers offer different packages with different pieces of equipment. If you want specific devices, confirm that the company offers them.
- Installation method: Some people prefer DIY installation because it doesn’t have a fee and can be done on their own schedule. However, this isn’t an option with all providers.
- Cost: You should make sure the costs of installation, equipment, and monitoring fit into your budget.
- Smart home integration: Not every security system can be integrated with smart home devices, so look for one that does if you have devices like the Philips Hue light, Nest thermostat, and Kwikset smart lock.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security in Birmingham
Can installing a home security system decrease my homeowners insurance premium?
Yes. Most insurance companies assume that homes with security systems are less prone to perils like theft and fire. That’s why many apply a discount to your homeowners insurance policy if you have one.
Is there a monthly fee with SimpliSafe?
That depends on how you set up your system. If you choose DIY monitoring instead of professional monitoring, there is no monthly fee.
Will my pets set off a motion detector?
It depends on your pet and the sensitivity of your motion detector. Smaller pets are typically immune to all motion detectors, but if you have a larger pet, you’ll either want to avoid motion detectors or use ones that know the difference between humans and animals.
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.
Compare 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.