9 Best Home Security Systems

A home security system can improve overall home safety, protecting you and your family from potential home intruders. Top home security systems protect you from unexpected break-ins and allow you to keep an eye on your home remotely.

With so many providers out there, it can be hard to figure out which one has the best home security system for you. That’s where the This Old House Reviews Team comes in. We’ve compared packages, pricing, contracts, installation options, and warranties to help you find the most secure system for your home.

• ADT Home Security: Best Overall
• SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation
• Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration
• Abode: Best for Customization
• Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration
• Alder: Best Medical Alert System
• Canary: Best Two-Way Audio System
• Scout: Best for Disaster Prevention
• Blue by ADT: Best System for Beginners

Compare the Best Home Security Systems

ADT offers one of the best home security systems in the industry. The company has more than 145 years of experience and serves millions of customers nationwide. It also provides 24/7 professional monitoring, giving customers peace of mind that their home is protected at all times. Due to its comprehensive package options, professional installation process, and competitive pricing, ADT is our No. 1 pick for the best home security system.

Note: The packages and prices listed are for ADT’s professionally installed systems.

If you’d like more details on ADT’s offerings, read our ADT home security system review or check out the following brand comparisons:

• SimpliSafe vs. ADT
• ADT vs. Vivint

To Learn More: ADT Home Security Review

SimpliSafe is an affordable, no-contract alternative to other top home security systems like ADT. It’s easy to install on your own and integrates with a variety of smart-home devices. SimpliSafe is ideal for renters since installation doesn’t require you to drill into walls or doors.

Check out how the company compares to other top home security companies in detail with these brand comparisons:

• SimpliSafe vs. ADT
• Ring vs. SimpliSafe
• SimpliSafe vs. Vivint
• Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe
• SimpliSafe vs. Nest
• Abode vs. SimpliSafe

Get a Quote: To get a quote for SimpliSafe Home Security, visit the company’s website.

To Learn More: SimpliSafe Home Security Review

Vivint has more than 20 years of experience, with an emphasis on smart-home integration and automation. It’s ideal for homeowners who want to integrate their security system with existing smart-home technology gadgets. Vivint’s system easily integrates with popular smart-home platforms, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and the company can provide assistance with features like smart air control and smart lighting.

See how Vivint compares to other smart-home security systems with these comparison guides:

• SimpliSafe vs. Vivint
• Frontpoint vs. Vivint
• ADT vs. Vivint

To Learn More: Vivint Home Security Review

Founded in 2014, Abode is a relatively new home security company in the industry. However, it provides a wide selection of home security system devices and monthly monitoring packages that don’t require a long-term contract. We find Abode the best for customization due to its Build My System option. This option involves working with an Abode representative to create the perfect home security system package for protecting your home.

You can also see how Abode compares with top providers with these brand comparisons:

• Abode vs. SImpliSafe

Get a Quote: To get a quote from Abode, visit their website here.

To Learn More: Adobe Home Security Review

Frontpoint provides one of the best DIY systems in the industry. It comes with 24/7 professional monitoring, no long-term contracts, and highly customized smartphone notifications. Frontpoint sends the equipment straight to your door. All you need to do is connect the monitoring hub and sensors to your Wi-Fi.

Note: Frontpoint includes yard signs, window decals, and door stickers with all home security systems.

When analyzing customer service and sales calls, we observed that customers who did not own a smartphone or were concerned about using a smartphone had difficulties setting up their systems. If you’re uncomfortable with smartphones and apps, you should let Frontpoint know in advance and be sure to have a tech-savvy friend or family member on hand to help.

• Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe
• Frontpoint vs. Vivint

To Learn More: Frontpoint Home Security Review

Alder Home Security is a basic home security system that is ideal for those who are new to home security systems. Alder helps you create a customized package based on your needs and the size of your home. Alder’s medical alert pendants and buttons paired with its professional monitoring make it an excellent choice for those concerned about medical emergencies.

Alder Packages and Pricing

Alder provides only custom packages, unlike most home security companies. It offers a touchscreen panel, indoor/outdoor cameras, door/window sensors, motion detectors, medical alert buttons, doorbell cameras, and other items. You can expect to receive two-way audio with Alder’s indoor cameras.

Alder’s custom package pricing will vary depending on the items you choose. However, professional monitoring fees start at $39.99 per month.

To Learn More: Alder Home Security Review

Canary Home Security is a great option for those looking for top-tier technology in their home security system. Each of Canary’s packages comes with a video camera that alerts you to activity inside the home, records video, and automatically adjusts its security mode based on home activity. Canary can also assist with smart-home integration to help monitor temperature and air quality.

Get a Quote: See what home security system package Canary can provide you by visiting here.

To Learn More: Canary Home Security Review

Scout Alarm provides another great option for DIY home security systems that allows you to avoid a long-term contract. The Scout Elements Package comes with the best alarm system with disaster prevention tools such as a smoke alarm and water sensor to help you catch fires or flood damage early. The company also provides some great perks, such as a 60-day return policy and a three-year warranty.

Get a Quote: See how Scout can help with your home’s disaster prevention by learning more on the company’s website here.

To Learn More: Scout Alarm Home Security Review

Blue by ADT is ADT’s DIY home security service and is a great starting place for those interested in going the DIY route. With its base package, customers receive two security cameras, a video doorbell, and an optional sensor. Customers can also take advantage of other useful features, such as local video storage options and facial recognition technology.

Blue by ADT Packages & Pricing

Blue by ADT offers four package options. Each package features a number of security cameras, alarm sensors and other equipment that you can mix and match to fit your home’s security needs.

Blue by ADT costs $109.19 to $349.99 up-front for an equipment package. Customers decide on either $2.99 or $12.99 per month for cloud storage. Customers can either self-monitor for no additional cost, or they can opt for a monthly $19.99 professional monitoring service.

Our Take on Blue by ADT

• Superlative: Best for Beginners
• Recommended Package: We suggest you look into the Build-Your-Own Package with Blue by ADT. This option gives you some control over your total equipment cost and allows you to choose the right equipment for your home and family’s security needs.

Blue by ADT is a great option for anyone starting with home security. The company offers simple package options with plenty of customization and flexibility. Customers get access to a user-friendly mobile app, ADT monitoring service without the lengthy contract, and a 30-day free trial for professional monitoring. Blue by ADT’s equipment is simple and easy-to-use making it a prime choice for home security beginners.

To Learn More: Blue by ADT Review

• Ring: Known primarily for its video doorbell cameras, Ring also offers a range of cameras and other security equipment. Ring may be best for those on a budget looking for the best home alarm systems, since the company offers some of the most affordable systems in the industry.
• Google Nest: Google offers home alarm systems that easily integrates with its other smart home products, which is great if you rely on your Google Assistant for home automation.
• Blink: If security cameras are your main concern, check out Blink’s products for night vision, motion activation, indoor/outdoor monitoring, and more.
• Xfinity Home: Xfinity customers can receive a discount by bundling the company’s best security system with its phone, internet, and cable services. If you only want to pay one bill for all of the above, you may want to give this company a shot.

Check out some of the current deals offered by some of the top home security system providers:

• ADT: $100 Visa® Reward Card with purchase
• SimpliSafe: save 20% with 24/7 professional monitoring, get one free month of professional monitoring, and a free HD camera with your package
• Abode: 15% off accessories with purchase of a starter kit
• Alder: 50% off an outdoor camera
• Canary: Free HD camera with night vision in every package
• Blue by ADT: First month of 24/7 professional monitoring free with purchase of a plan

The This Old House Reviews Team backs 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 100.