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If you’re worried that a locked gate and a barking dog aren’t enough to deter burglars from your home, you might consider investing in a home security system. These systems keep your house under 24/7 surveillance to ensure that your house is always safe regardless of if you’re home or not.
There are a wide variety of home security systems available in Boston, but they differ widely in terms of packages, equipment, cost, and more. The This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated the best home security systems on these key factors to help you decide the best fit for your Boston home.
Top 6 Home Security Systems in Boston
- 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 has several features that set it apart from the other home security providers. It has more than 140 years of experience in the industry and the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the US. ADT also 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 purchase this optional add-on equipment for a one-time charge:
- 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
Vivint offers easy smartphone and smart home integration. You can seamlessly sync your security system with third-party smart devices like the Philips Hue smart light, Nest thermostat, and Kwikset smart lock to control everything in one place.
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 you a choice between five home security packages. The starter kit is more comprehensive than first-tier packages from some of Vivint’s competitors, as it includes $100 toward purchasing more sensors to help you customize your protection.
- “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package: The starter package includes a touchscreen panel, the Smart Hub, two entry sensors, and a motion sensor along with the $100 for more sensors.
- “Home Security System Bundle” Package: This next package includes the equipment from the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit plus a smart smoke detector that will unlock smart locks for you if the smoke alarm system is triggered.
- “Smart Home Control Bundle” Package: This package features the devices from the previous packages as well as a smart lock, smart thermostat, and smart garage door opener. A Vivint Smart Home Video Plan is needed to use this package.
- “Video Security Bundle” Package: This bundled package features the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit’s equipment plus video surveillance via an outdoor camera and doorbell camera. The package also includes Wi-Fi-enabled storage that archives recordings. You’ll need a Smart Home Video Plan to fully use this package.
- “Smart Complete Bundle” Package: The most comprehensive protection package bundles the automation of Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle with the video equipment of 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 a flexible home security system provider that allows you to choose between DIY and professional installation. The company doesn’t have contract requirements either, and the batteries on its systems can last 10 or more years.
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 and one build-it-yourself package. People who live in large homes with many entry points should consider The Knox Package, which includes six entry sensors.
- “The Foundation” Package: The most streamlined package features all of the must-have devices, including a base station, key pad, motion sensor, and entry sensor.
- “The Essentials” Package: Building on the basic package, The Essentials Package has two more entry sensors for heightened security.
- “The Hearth” Package: This package includes additional devices like a key fob, siren, and smoke detector.
- “The Knox” Package: The Knox includes all of the security equipment in The Hearth Package plus three more entry sensors and one more motion sensor.
- “The Haven” Package: This package has the most protection with all of the essential equipment along with a temperature sensor, water sensor, and panic button.
You can create your own SimpliSafe package by following these steps:
- Start off with a base station and a wireless keypad.
- Choose your protection sensors (water sensor, temperature sensor, smoke detector, carbon monoxide sensor) and burglary sensors (entry sensor, glass break sensor, SimpliCam, motion sensor, panic button).
- Select any add-on equipment to complete 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 |
The 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
Frontpoint provides customizable smartphone notifications to keep you informed of everything going on at your house while you’re out and about. The security system also has crash and smash protection for durability, which guarantees that you’ll still receive notifications even if the control system is damaged or destroyed.
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 provides a selection of four home security packages, with each package including the primary equipment: a hub, a keypad, two or more door/window sensors, and one or more motion sensors.
- “Safe Home Starter” Package: This streamlined starter package features all must-have devices—a hub, keypad, motion sensor, and two door/window sensors.
- “Safe Home Everyday” Package: This package includes all of the equipment from the starter package plus an extra motion sensor and door/window sensor.
- “Safe Home Select” Package: This package provides even more security elements, including a glass break sensor and smoke and heat sensor.
- “Safe Home Preferred” Package: The preferred package provides the most comprehensive protection with all of the equipment from prior packages as well as an indoor 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 security system equipment in one of two ways. You can purchase it upfront with a single payment 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 is a versatile home security option, giving you the ability to connect up to 160 devices for tailored protection. Abode also has DIY monitoring, making it an attractive choice for people who don’t have professional monitoring in their budget or needs.
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 provides four different security packages that increase in protection as they increase in price. The packages alternate what gateway they use, with the Iota All-In-One Gateway being more advanced than the Gen 2 Gateway.
- “Smart Security Middle” Package: This starter package is built around the basic Gen 2 Gateway and contains 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 previous one, but features the sophisticated Iota All-In-One Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, and three door/window sensors.
- “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package: This elite package uses the Gen 2 Gateway as a foundation and contains one keypad, one key fob, one sticker, one pair of motion sensors, and four door/window sensors.
- “Iota Kit Elite” Package: This elite package includes the Iota All-In-One Gateway, a keypad, a key fob, a motion sensor, and four door/window sensors for complete protection.
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 takes a different approach to home security. Most of its competitors provide a variety of preset packages with devices selected by the company. Alder, however, lets you create your own package.
Alder Packages & Equipment
You can create a unique package that fits your exact specifications by mixing and matching the devices below.
- Touchscreen Panel: The touchscreen panel is the foundation of Alder home security systems. It uses a cellular connection, meaning it remains functional even when the internet goes out.
- Indoor Security Camera: This security camera operates with a wide-angle lens, night vision, and two-way talk. It also sends you alerts when an individual in your home requires special attention like if your baby is crying.
- Outdoor Security Camera: This camera features advanced characteristics like night vision and a wide-angle lens. Additional features include motion detection, mobile notifications, and two-way audio.
- Motion Sensor: The motion sensors detect movement inside the home with infrared technology. When a motion sensor gets tripped, the system notifies the control panel, alerting you and the monitoring center.
- Door/Window Sensor: When the system is armed and someone opens a door or window, the sensor will notify you. When the security system isn’t armed and someone opens a door or window, the base station makes a chiming sound.
- Smart Smoke Detector: These pieces of equipment send alerts before smoke signals start. They also work as carbon monoxide detectors.
- Medical Alert Pendant: The alert pendant contacts emergency services when someone presses the button, making it ideal for seniors who live alone or customers with disabilities.
- Flood and Freeze Detectors: These detectors work by alerting you of excess water in the house. Common places for installation include near sinks, appliances that use water, and piping in basements.
- Doorbell Camera: The camera gives a livestream of the door where it’s set up and alerts you whenever someone arrives.
Alder Pricing
Alder can’t give you pricing information on its website, since every plan looks different. However, we received a quote for a three-bedroom home that included the following equipment:
- 1 touchscreen panel
- 2 door sensors
- 1 motion sensor
- 1 monitored fire sensor
- 1 outdoor wireless camera
The activation fee for this package is $89, and the monthly charge is $44.99.
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team has reviewed a wide range of home security systems, selecting ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode as the best providers in Boston. Each one offers extensive protection with must-have equipment like motion sensors and keypads plus individual pros like no contract requirements or fast average response times.
We recommend reaching out to several home security providers to get personalized quotes. You can use the tool below to get started.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Boston
- Reputation: If you want to learn details about a company’s track record, consider speaking with friends and family who have the system and reading through online reviews.
- Types of equipment: Home security systems differ in terms of the specific types of equipment they offer. If there are certain devices you’re looking for, make sure that the provider you’re considering carries them.
- Installation method: If you prefer DIY installation, confirm that the provider doesn’t require professional installation.
- Cost: You don’t want to select a home security system only to discover that installation, equipment, and monitoring costs won’t fit in your budget.
- Smart home integration: Only some home security systems can be integrated with smart home devices like smart locks and smart thermostats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security Systems in Boston
How much does it cost to have a security system installed?
Professional installation fees typically range from $99 to $199, but the exact amount you pay will depend on the provider and package you choose.
What are the top five security systems?
We believe that the top five security systems come from ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint. However, Abode is another strong option.
Does ADT require a credit check?
Many home security providers, including ADT, run a credit check on potential customers.
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.
More on 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.