How many households have alarm systems today?

As many as 21 million households in the US use a security alarm system to protect themselves from burglary, home invasions and other crimes. With almost four million burglaries each year, it's important to have round-the-clock monitoring and an immediate emergency response if someone tries to break in.

Is it expensive to have an alarm system?

It doesn't have to be. There are two costs associated with all alarm systems: the equipment and the monitoring service itself. Some companies give you the equipment at no charge as part of your plan, but the monthly fees are often higher to account for the free gear. Other services may require you to pay for your equipment upfront, but your monthly charge will be lower than the competition. Most alarm systems have monthly fees ranging from the low $30s to the upper $50s.

Do I need to have my system installed by a technician?

In the past, alarm systems were 100% wired - and yes, they had to be installed by a professional. While there are still a handful of companies that use these types of systems (including a landline to monitor them), most services today use totally wireless technology. In fact, many alarm systems have equipment that you can install yourself in just a few minutes.

What types of equipment should I consider including in my alarm system?

The most basic systems include a few door contact sensors and that's about it. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to include wireless motion sensors for the interior or exterior of your home, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors or even a panic pendant. The most advanced alarm systems give you options for video recording as well.

Do I have to sign a lengthy contract?

You might. If you got your equipment at no cost, chances are you'll be signing a contract of at least three years (ouch). If that doesn't appeal to you, consider an alarm system company where you purchase your equipment outright: they're less likely to require you to sign a contract to use their monitoring service.

If I move, can my alarm system come with me?

You can rest assured that your alarm system provider wants to keep your business, and they'll make it as easy as possible if you move. Whether that includes setting up monitoring at your new address or even doing a full install, they will help you get it done. The easiest systems to move are the ones with do-it-yourself installation: move the equipment when you go, and don't forget to update the alarm company with your location.

Will having an alarm system save me money on my homeowner's insurance?

Almost certainly. Savings typically range from 2-10%, depending on the type of alarm system you have and your insurer.

What if I install my system and it doesn't work the way I expected? Can I get a refund?

Many of today's popular alarm systems come with a 30-day risk-free trial. However, some companies have hefty fees for cancelling a contract prior to the end date, so you'll want to read all of the fine print before you commit to a provider.

Best Alarm System Companies for February 2026

Item: The Best Alarm System Companies - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Sunday, February 15th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Alarm System Company Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems? Whether you rent or own your home, security is a top priority. With the costs of living and the need to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself, finding the right security solution is an important balancing act of top-notch service with value. Among the many ways out there to protect your home, alarm systems are gaining popularity for their reliability and effectiveness.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Frontpoint

Security system kits from $99 to $499
Monitoring from $44.99 to $59.99 per month
Custom systems upon request

Read Full Review

EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Frontpoint website

Frontpoint is a well-established alarm system provider that offers a range of customizable products and professional monitoring services to keep you safe and secure. With the option to integrate with existing home automation devices and a 30-day risk-free guarantee, Frontpoint is a great choice for those looking for flexibility and reliability. Frontpoint's top-rated customer service and positive reviews from satisfied customers make it a standout choice in the industry, earning it a 5-star rating from us.

4.5

GREAT

Great

SimpliSafe

Security system kits from $124.95 to $709.90
Monitoring from $9.99 to $29.97 per month
Buy equipment upfront

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the SimpliSafe website

SimpliSafe is an alarm system company that offers a unique 100% wireless approach, allowing you to install and monitor your system without the need for professional installation. With a range of customizable options, including build-your-own kits and pre-designed packages, SimpliSafe makes it easy to find a solution that fits your needs and budget. Plus, with transparent pricing, a 60-day risk-free trial, and a user-friendly interface, SimpliSafe is a top choice for budget-friendly alarm systems.

4.4

GREAT

Great

Cove

Alarm systems under $500
Monitoring from $18 to $27.99 per month
Quiz-based assistance for creating a bespoke system

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.4

On the Cove website

Cove is a reliable and affordable alarm system provider that's quickly made a name for itself in the industry. What sets Cove apart is its innovative approach to alarm response, which includes instant text notifications and the LiveAssist feature to minimize false alarms and potential fees. With a customizable alarm system build, no contracts required, and transparent pricing, Cove offers a hassle-free solution that's tailored to your specific needs and budget, making it a top choice on the market today.

3.5

GOOD

Good

ADT

Security system kits from $194.98 to $744.92
Monitoring from $45.99 to $49.99 per month
Buy equipment upfront

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.5

On the ADT website

ADT is a well-established and reputable alarm system provider with over 150 years of experience, serving over six million customers nationwide. While their products and services may come with a higher price tag, ADT offers reliable monitoring and a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. With a long history and strong reputation, ADT is a great choice for those who value the security and reliability that comes with a well-known brand, but may not be the best fit for those on a tighter budget or looking for more flexibility.

3.4

GOOD

Good

Alarm Relay

Security kits from $198 to $438
Monitoring from $8.95 to $19.95 per month
Buy equipment upfront

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.4

On the Alarm Relay website

Alarm Relay is a reliable alarm system provider with a focus on straightforward solutions, offering a range of essential security components and monitoring options. While their selection may be limited compared to other providers, Alarm Relay stands out for its ability to integrate with existing technology. However, recent concerns about system downtime and customer service have raised questions about Alarm Relay's reliability, which may be a deciding factor for homeowners looking for a trustworthy alarm system.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Ring

Alarm system kits from $199.98 to $944.84
Monitoring from $4.99 to $20 per month
Buy equipment upfront

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

3.0

On the Ring website

Ring is a popular choice for smart alarm system gadgets, offering a range of wireless devices and customizable systems that can be tailored to your needs. With options for both pre-designed kits and build-your-own systems, Ring makes it easy to find a solution that fits your budget and lifestyle. However, customer reviews reveal mixed feedback, with some customers expressing concerns about customer service and device reliability. All of that makes Ring a "just average" option for alarm systems.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Guardian Protection Services

Prices given after calling for a quote
Monitoring from $34.95 to $59.95 per month
Buy equipment upfront

Read Full Review

FAIR

2.5

On the Guardian Protection Services website

Guardian Protection is a well-established security company with a long history, but it's limited to serving specific regions across the US. Despite its impressive reputation, the company's lack of transparency in pricing and package details makes it difficult for customers to make informed decisions. With mixed reviews and a below-average rating, we recommend exploring other alarm system options that offer more clarity and competitive pricing.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Abode

Security kits from $159.99 to $800
Monitoring from $69.99 to $149 per year
Buy equipment upfront or get monthly financing

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

2.0

On the Abode website

Abode, based in San Francisco, offers alarm systems with smart home integration. While their quiz aims to simplify customization, it may require adjustments for accurate coverage. They offer pre-configured kits starting from $159.99, but recent reviews highlight connectivity issues, raising concerns about reliability during emergencies. For this reason, Abode ranks much lower than many competitors.

1.9

SUBPAR

Subpar

CPI Security

Call for quote on systems
Call for quote on monitoring
"No false alarm guarantee"

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

1.9

On the CPI Security website

CPI Security is a reliable alarm system provider with a long history, but its service area is limited to specific regions in the southeastern United States. While they offer customized alarm systems and a "No False Alarm" Guarantee, customers have reported mixed experiences with their support, citing long hold times and poor customer service. If you're looking for a reliable and responsive alarm system provider, you may want to consider other options that offer more transparency and better customer support.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Brinks

Call in for pricing
Custom systems
"B+" rating from the BBB

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.5

On the Brinks website

Brinks Home is a well-known name in the alarm system industry, with over a million customers across North America, but recent changes to their pricing and service model have made it difficult for potential customers to understand their offerings. Unlike other providers, Brinks Home doesn't offer pre-packaged kits or transparent pricing, requiring customers to schedule a phone call to get a personalized quote and details on their services. Unfortunately, this lack of transparency and customer service issues have led to a poor rating in our review.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems?

Whether you rent or own your home, security is a top priority. With the costs of living and the need to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself, finding the right security solution is an important balancing act of top-notch service with value. Among the many ways out there to protect your home, alarm systems are gaining popularity for their reliability and effectiveness.

If budget is a concern, alarm systems provide a range of options that let you control your spending. You can decide how much to invest and what features to include. If you choose to skip professional monitoring or plan to add components later, alarm systems make these adjustments straightforward.

Why worry about the security of your home or buying low-tech locks and keys when you can choose an alarm system that offers both simplicity and robust protection? When choosing an alarm system, your first decision is whether you want to monitor your home yourself using apps and camera feeds sent right to your smartphone or opt for 24/7 professional monitoring.

While professional monitoring adds extra costs, many find peace of mind knowing that their home is watched around the clock and that these services can trigger the alarm and even call law enforcement for you in the event of an emergency. Alternatively, you can save money by choosing to monitor the system yourself and keeping a close eye on alerts and notifications.

Next, think about the equipment you need for your alarm system. At a minimum, you'll likely need door sensors for all first-floor entry points and a panel or touchscreen hub for arming and disarming the system. Other popular components include indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and sensors for smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide.

Some companies allow you to purchase equipment individually, while others offer packages with the option to add extra components as needed. Keep in mind that adding advanced features like video cameras with storage may increase your monthly costs, but you have the freedom to choose what works best for you.

Now that you have an idea of what you want in an alarm system, how do you choose the right provider? Here are some important factors to consider:

Value. What do you get for your money? Does the company provide good service for the equipment you install? Are the components high-quality and durable?
Contracts. Will you need to sign a contract? Sometimes the cost of the equipment is included in the monitoring fee, which could lock you into a long-term commitment. If you don't want this, you may need to look at different options.
Satisfaction guarantee. What if you're not happy with your system? Can you get your money back? Does the provider offer a trial period or satisfaction guarantee?
Reputation. What do other homeowners say about their experience? Look for alarm systems that are easy to operate and responsive when there's an alert. Customer reviews and ratings from the Better Business Bureau can provide valuable insights into the system's reliability and the company's customer service.

To help you simplify your security, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best alarm systems available today. We hope this information helps you find the best solution to protect your home and loved ones at a price you can afford. This way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home, family, and belongings are safe, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most.