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Sometimes, having a tall fence and locking your front door isn’t enough to make you feel like your home is safe and secure. That’s where home security systems come in. A home security system from a trusted provider can give you peace of mind with sophisticated equipment, professional 24/7 monitoring, mobile app integration, home automation, and more.
There are a wide range of home security systems that serve San Jose, but they can differ in their available packages, installation method, cost, and more. To help you find a security solution for your home, the This Old House Reviews Team created a comprehensive review of the best home security systems in the area. Read on to find out about our top recommendations for home security in San Jose, California.
Top 6 Home Security Systems in San Jose
- 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. The provider has nearly 150 years of industry experience and offers a six-month money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction. ADT serves millions of customers and operates the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the nation.
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 purchase this optional equipment at a one-time charge:
- Touchscreen keypad
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Video doorbell camera
- Smoke detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Flood sensor
- Glass break sensor
- 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
Vivint offers straightforward home security systems that come with seamless smartphone and smart home integration to help customers streamline their lives. Systems can integrate with smart devices like the Nest thermostat, Philips Hue smart light, and Kwikset smart lock for added convenience. The provider also offers technologically-advanced features like camera analytics that can notify you when people and packages arrive at your 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 different home security packages. If you want something more advanced than the most basic package but don’t think you need the most comprehensive one, consider the Home Security System Bundle Package, which comes with a smart smoke detector and smart lock.
- “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package: The starter kit works with a touch screen panel that can be controlled through the mobile app. The package contains the Smart Hub, a motion sensor, two entry sensors, and a water sensor. Vivint also provides a $100 credit toward purchasing more sensors.
- “Home Security System Bundle” Package: This features all of the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit’s devices, plus a smart smoke detector that can be integrated with the system to control smart locks when the smoke alarm system is triggered.
- “Smart Home Control Bundle” Package: This package contains all of the above equipment, plus a smart lock, smart thermostat, and smart garage door opener for added convenience. Customers require a subscription to the Smart Home Video Plan to fully use this package.
- “Video Security Bundle” Package: This bundle features the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit’s equipment and video surveillance, including a doorbell camera, an indoor camera, and an outdoor security camera. This package also comes with Wi-Fi-enabled storage that’s set up to archive playback recordings for later review. A Vivint Smart Home Video Plan is required to fully use this package.
- “Smart Complete Bundle” Package: The most comprehensive protection option combines the devices from the Video Security Bundle with Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle’s automation features.
Vivint Pricing
| Pricing | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control Bundle” Package | “Video Security Bundle” Package | “Smart Complete Bundle” 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 Bundle” Package | “Video Security Bundle” Package | “Smart Complete Bundle” Package |
Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe offers convenient home security systems and is flexible, providing you with a choice between customer-friendly DIY installation and expert installation. The provider has no contract requirements and its systems come with a battery life of 10 years or longer. SimpliSafe also lets you integrate smartphones, Amazon Alexa, and other third-party smart devices with your system.
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 offers five home security packages and a customizable package that lets you design a kit to fit your needs. The Haven Package offers the most protection, with all of the basic devices you need, plus a panic button.
- “The Foundation” Package: The starter package features basic equipment like a base station, key pad, motion sensor, and entry sensor.
- “The Essentials” Package: The Essentials builds on The Foundation Package with two additional entry sensors.
- “The Hearth” Package: The Hearth Package features added equipment for extra protection, including a key fob and siren.
- “The Knox” Package: The Knox Package is SimpliSafe’s second-most comprehensive package and provides all of the security equipment included in The Hearth Package. It has a total of six entry sensors, the most of any package.
- “The Haven” Package: This comprehensive package protection contains the basic equipment, plus a temperature sensor, water sensor, and panic button.
You can design your SimpliSafe security package by following these three steps.
- Start with the core of your system—a base station and a wireless keypad.
- Choose your protection sensors (smoke detectors, temperature sensor, water sensor, and carbon monoxide sensor) and burglary sensors (motion sensors, entry sensors, glass break sensors, SimpliCam, and panic button).
- Select your desired optional add-on equipment to round out your package (pro setup help, key fob, extra keypad, extra 105db siren, and 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 monthly and the Interactive Monitoring Plan costs $24.99 monthly.
Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint is a DIY home security system that provides a variety of customizable smartphone notifications to keep customers in the loop when they’re away from home. The security system is durable, featuring crash and smash protection that guarantees the control panel will remain functional even if it’s damaged or destroyed. Frontpoint has no contract requirement.
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. If you want extras like a glass break sensor and a smoke and heat sensor, consider the Safe Home Select Package.
- “Safe Home Starter” Package: The starter package includes all of the must-have basics, including a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, and a pair of door/window sensors.
- “Safe Home Everyday” Package: The Safe Home Everyday Package features all of the equipment from the starter kit, plus an additional door/window sensor and motion sensor.
- “Safe Home Select” Package: This package provides even more protection by introducing a glass break sensor and a smoke and heat sensor.
- “Safe Home Preferred” Package: The preferred package offers the most comprehensive security with all of the devices described above, plus an additional 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 pay for your Frontpoint equipment upfront or finance the devices through the payment service Affirm with a 3-, 6-, or 12-month payment plan.
Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Home Security
Abode offers highly-customizable home security systems that you can connect with up to 160 different devices. They provide a straightforward DIY monitoring plan that is user-friendly and ideal for customers who don’t want to pay for professional surveillance. Abode doesn’t require a contract.
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 | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Wifi-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 customers a choice of four different security packages. If you’re interested in the technologically-advanced Iota All-in-One Gateway but don’t want to commit to the most expensive package, consider the Iota Kit Middle Package.
- “Smart Security Middle” Package: This streamlined package uses the Gen 2 Gateway and includes one keypad, one key fob, one sticker, one motion sensor, and three door/window sensors.
- “Iota Kit Middle” Package: This package uses the sophisticated Iota All-In-One Gateway along with one keypad, one key fob, and three door/window sensors.
- “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package: Using the Gen 2 Gateway, the elite package contains one keypad, one key fob, two motion sensors, four mini door/window sensors, and one sticker.
- “Iota Kit Elite” Package: The most complex, comprehensive package includes advanced protection with the Iota All-In-One Gateway, a keypad, a key fob, one 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 offers personalized home security solutions, allowing customers to create their own unique package that’s built to meet their specific needs. You can choose the equipment you want so that you only pay for what you need. On average, Alder responds to alerts in 3.4 seconds, one of the fastest response times in the industry.
Alder Packages & Equipment
You can tailor your package to your exact needs by choosing different Alder devices. Here is a breakdown of the company’s equipment.
- Touchscreen Panel: The touchscreen panel controls the entire Alder system and uses a cellular connection so that it can continue to function even if the internet goes out.
- Indoor Security Camera: The camera uses two-way talk, night vision, and a wide-angle lens. Baby crying detection is also included, making it a solid choice for parents. The camera can even send alerts when someone in the house requires special attention.
- Outdoor Security Camera: The outdoor security camera has advanced protection features, including a wide-angle lens, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and mobile notifications.
- Motion Sensor: The motion sensor detects movement using infrared technology. When a motion sensor is tripped, the system sends a notification to the control panel, alerting you and the monitoring center.
- Door/Window Sensor: When the system is armed and a door or window is opened, the sensors will alert your system. If the security system isn’t armed and a door or window is opened, the base station will chime.
- Smart Smoke Detector: The smart smoke detectors send alerts before smoke signals start and double as carbon monoxide detectors.
- Medical Alert Pendant: Designed for people with medical issues and seniors who live alone, the pendant dispatches emergency services when the button is pressed.
- Flood and Freeze Detectors: The detectors send alerts when they sense excess water in your home. Good spots for installation include near sinks, appliances that use water, and major piping in the basement.
- Doorbell Camera: The doorbell camera shares a livestream of your door and sends alerts when it detects visitors.
Alder Pricing
We spoke to an Alder customer service representative to get a recommendation for the equipment we’d need for a three-bedroom home. You can find the recommended devices below. The activation fee was $89, with a monthly monitoring charge of $44.99.
- 1 touchscreen panel
- 1 motion sensor
- 2 door sensors
- 1 monitored fire sensor
- 1 outdoor wireless camera with two-way audio
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team ranked a wide range of home security providers based on key factors like available security packages, equipment, installation ease, and more. We found that the best home security systems in San Jose are ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode. Our top recommendations all offer peace of mind with essential equipment, comprehensive packages, and industry-leading customer service.
We always recommend that homeowners reach out for multiple quotes to help them determine the security system that’s right for you and your home. You can use the tool below to contact some of the top home security services we recommend.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in San Jose
- 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 talk to friends and family who have invested in the system and read online reviews to get a sense of the company’s track record.
- Types of equipment: Different home security providers offer different packages that come with a range of security equipment. If you require specific equipment, make sure that it’s offered by the provider.
- Installation method: Some people prefer DIY installation to professional installation because it can be done on your own schedule and has no associated fees. However, not all providers give you that option.
- Cost: While narrowing down your choices, be sure that the costs of installation, equipment, and monthly monitoring fit into your budget.
- Smart home integration: Some of the best home security systems offer smart home integration that allow you to use devices like the Nest thermostat through their app.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Security Systems in San Jose
What is the best home security system available?
The This Old House Reviews Team has rated many companies and determined that ADT is the best home security system available. It has more than 140 years of industry experience, operates the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the US, and offers a six-month money-back guarantee.
Is SimpliSafe as good as ADT?
SimpliSafe is one of our top choices, with affordable rates and easy installation, but we rate it below our top choice, ADT.
How much is ADT monthly?
ADT’s monthly cost will depend on which package and monitoring plan you choose.
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.