How To Choose a Home Security System

If you’re looking to boost your home’s safety, a home security system is a good place to start. These systems offer peace of mind with features like 24/7 monitoring, emergency alerts, and advanced equipment. However, with so many options available, choosing the right one can feel daunting.

To help protect your property, our team has researched and tested dozens of home security systems to find the best ones for price, reputability, ease of installation, and more. Here’s how to choose a home security system that works for your home and family.

Understanding Your Home Security Needs

Before diving into the world of home security systems, take the time to evaluate your specific needs and goals. This assessment will help you choose a system that addresses your property’s unique vulnerabilities and aligns with your security objectives.

Assessing Your Property’s Vulnerabilities

Start by examining your home’s potential weak points. Walk around your property and identify areas that might attract intruders, such as:

• Ground-level windows
• Poorly lit areas
• Secluded entry points
• Easily accessible second-story windows

Take note of these areas, as they will inform the number, type, and placement of the  security devices you’ll need.

Determining Your Security Goals

Consider what you want to achieve with your home security system. Are you primarily concerned with deterring burglars, or do you also want to monitor for fire and carbon monoxide? Do you need to keep an eye on your children or pets when you’re away? Do you want a system that can stand on its own or one that can integrate with a larger smart home system? Clarifying your goals will help you choose a system with the right features and capabilities.

Types of Home Security Systems

Home security systems come in three main types: wired, wireless, and hybrid. Each has its own advantages and considerations.

Wired Systems

Wired systems are hardwired into your home’s electrical system and telephone landline. They offer reliable connectivity but require professional installation and are less flexible if you want to reconfigure your system later. And obviously, you can’t take this system with you if you move. However, this system is much more economical if you move into a house that’s already wired for it.

Wireless Systems

Wireless home security systems communicate via cellular networks or Wi-Fi. They’re easier and generally less expensive to install and move, making them ideal for renters or homeowners who anticipate changes. They’re also easier to upgrade as technology improves. However, they may be susceptible to signal interference or hacking if not properly secured.

Hybrid Systems

Hybrid systems combine elements of both wired and wireless technology. They offer the reliability of a wired connection with the flexibility of wireless components, providing a versatile solution for many homeowners. Unfortunately, not all companies offer hybrid systems.

Key Features To Consider

When choosing a home security system, consider these factors to ensure you select a system that meets your needs and preferences.

Cost

When it comes to the cost of a home security system, you must consider equipment, installation, activation fees, and monitoring—as well as potential hidden fees. Some providers charge an activation fee in addition to the upfront equipment cost. Always be sure to read the fine print, especially when it comes to costs you might not have considered, like cancellation or reinstallation fees.

The cost of equipment will vary widely from provider to provider and from package to package. A basic wireless system typically runs between $200 and $400 with an additional $25–$300 for each extra sensor or camera. Wired systems, on the other hand, tend to cost $800–$1,600 because the installers must cut into your walls. 

However, companies that provide wired systems don’t typically charge for installation because they make most of their money on monthly monitoring fees, which average $20–$30 per month. Wireless system monitoring can cost anywhere between $10 and $65 per month. For plans with security cameras, you may also have to pay data storage fees for video recording.

Keep in mind that the cheapest package doesn’t always have the best value. You should balance your budget with your priorities to find the best fit. 

Note: The cost information featured in this section was sourced from Angi.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

Some providers will offer you the choice between professional or do-it-yourself (DIY) installation, while others won’t give you an option. There are pros and cons to each type of installation. 

Professional home security system installation is typically performed by experienced security experts. They can walk you through the process and install equipment in locations that maximize protection. However, professional installation means you have to work around someone else’s schedule. While most companies don’t charge for wired system installation, those that do tend to charge $120–$600.

DIY installation means you won’t benefit from professional expertise, but many DIY security systems come pre-programmed to make installation easier. Many DIY security systems also offer peel-and-stick adhesive equipment, meaning you won’t have to worry about drilling holes in your wall. The drawback is that you won’t benefit from a professional’s experience in terms of where and how to place cameras and sensors. A mistake could be costly in terms of safety.

Monitoring Options

Decide between professional monitoring or a self-monitoring system. Professional monitoring provides round-the-clock protection from experts who are alerted as soon as an alarm is triggered. The experts can investigate the issue and contact emergency services if needed. Professional monitoring comes with a monthly fee.

If you choose professional monitoring, your system will need a method to connect with the monitoring center. You may or may not have a choice of method, but here are the most common.

• Broadband: If your house is already wired for broadband internet, your security system can use this connection, but it can be lost if the power goes out.
• Cellular: A connection that travels through cell towers is the most reliable because it’s not dependent on power or a physical connection, but it’s also the most expensive on a monthly basis.
• Landline: A traditional landline connection is the least expensive and will stay connected even if the power goes out, but it can be physically cut along with the phone line.

Alternatively, monitoring your system yourself means no professional monitoring fees, but it also requires you to be responsible for notifying the authorities when needed. With DIY monitoring, you will still receive alerts and notifications if your alarm is triggered, but you must take the extra step to call the appropriate emergency service.

Contract Requirements

Traditionally, home security companies have required homeowners to sign long-term contracts that can be up to a three-year commitment. Now, though, many offer short-term contracts or don’t require one at all. Wireless systems are usually entirely month-to-month. This can be advantageous, especially if you plan on moving or if you don’t want a long-term commitment.

Smart Home Integration

Certain home security systems can be integrated with third-party smart home devices like the Nest thermostat, Kwikset smart lock, Philips Hue smart light, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and more. If you already have one of these systems, or you’ve always wanted to try one, make sure you pick a security system that offers easy integration. If you don’t, check to ensure that you’re not paying for features you won’t use.

Data and Storage

If you choose an alert-only system, this might not be a factor. However, if you integrate security cameras into your system, make sure you know where and how long the video feed is stored. Most cameras no longer record onto local memory—they send the data to the cloud. However, this connection may be interrupted if your power or Wi-Fi goes out. Make sure you know the memory limit of your storage and what happens when it fills up. 

Also ask questions about privacy rights. In the past, security companies have provided video feed directly to the police without a warrant or user consent. Most companies have stated they no longer do this, but if this is a concern, look for cameras with local storage only.

Evaluating Equipment and Components

The equipment included in your home security system plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Understanding the essential devices and optional add-ons will help you build a comprehensive security solution tailored to your needs.

Essential Security Devices

All home security systems include three basic components:

• Contact sensors: Attach to windows and doors and send an alert if the window/door is opened
• Control panel or base station: The core of your security system that connects all of your security devices and allows you to arm and disarm your system, control your smart devices, and more
• Motion sensors: Can be placed in various locations and send an alert if movement is detected

Often, a base packaged will contain a control panel, two or three contact sensors, and two or three motion sensors. You can add more sensors for an extra fee. 

Common Additional Devices

Anything over the base package will usually include the following components, typically paid for on an a la carte basis.

• Doorbell camera: Records footage and alerts you when someone comes to your front door, many also have two-way communication
• Glass break sensors: Detects the sound of shattering glass and sends an alert
• Keypad or key fob: Allows you to arm or disarm your device quickly
• Security cameras: Designed for either indoor or outdoor use, some have two-way communication

Optional Add-ons for Enhanced Protection

Many modern systems also come with additional options for improved home safety.

• Flood and leak sensors: Detect excess water
• Panic buttons or pendants: Directly alerts emergency services when pressed, ideal for older or vulnerable adults
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Alert you in case of fire or a carbon monoxide (CO) leak
• Temperature sensors: Detects temperature changes from conditions like HVAC malfunctions or freezing pipes

Tailoring Equipment To Your Home’s Layout

Analyze your home’s floor plan and identify key areas that require protection to determine how many sensors you need. Here are some common recommendations for equipment layout.

• Place door sensors on all exterior doors
• Install window sensors on ground-level and easily accessible windows
• Position motion detectors in high-traffic areas and near valuables
• Mount cameras to cover entry points and important interior spaces

Scaling Your System Over Time

Your security needs may change as your lifestyle evolves. Choose a system that allows for easy expansion and upgrades. Many providers offer modular systems that let you add new devices or features as needed, ensuring your security solution can grow with you.

Our Top Recommendations for Home Security Systems

Our top three recommendations for home security systems offer comprehensive packages, sophisticated equipment, and more.

ADT Home Security

ADT offers one of the best home security systems in the industry. The reputable provider has more than 150 years of experience and services millions of customers. ADT also offers a convenient six-month money-back guarantee, the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the country, and 24/7 professional monitoring.

Learn more: ADT Home Security Review

Vivint Smart Home Security

Vivint’s sophisticated home security systems can be integrated with smartphones and a wide variety of tech-savvy third-party smart home devices like the Nest thermostat, Philips Hue smart light, and Kwikset smart lock. The provider’s technologically-advanced devices include security cameras that use advanced camera analytics to notify customers of people and packages on their doorstep.

Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review

Alder Home Security

Alder operates with a different format than most home security providers. Unlike its competitors, Alder doesn’t offer a series of preset packages with specific equipment. Instead, customers can create their own packages. Notably, however, Alder features a 3.4-second average response time, one of the fastest in the industry.

Learn more: Alder Home Security Review

Our Conclusion

Choosing the right home security system is an important decision that impacts the safety of your home and loved ones. By carefully assessing your needs, understanding the available options, and considering factors like installation, monitoring, and cost, you can select a system that provides optimal protection and peace of mind. Remember that the best home security system is one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and budget while addressing your specific security concerns.

FAQs About Home Security

Our Rating Methodology

We back up our home security recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. Our research includes analyzing product specifications, reviewing service and plan information, speaking with customer service representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score the provider against our review standards for system options, special features, installation options, connectivity and smart-home automation features, pricing, contract terms, warranty, usability, availability of a trial period, and trustworthiness to arrive at a final score out of 5 points.