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.

Ring Review for March 2026 | Best Alarm System Companies

Item: Ring Review
Rating: 3
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Friday, March 6th 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.

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
High tech with smart integrations
No contract required
30-day money-back guarantee

AVERAGE

3.0

On the Ring website

Ring, founded by Jamie Siminoff in 2013 and later acquired by Amazon in 2018, is renowned for its smart home gadgets like video doorbells, security cameras, and alarms. Many customers are drawn to it due to its convenient connectivity features and fully wireless setup. Operating in both Canada and the US, Ring's systems utilize the services of the Utah-based Link Interactive. This setup allows your system to connect to home Wi-Fi or use the 4G LTE network if Wi-Fi is unreliable, so that alerts are promptly sent through the fastest available path.

Build the system that works for you

Ring enables you to assemble a customized alarm system with a variety of wireless components. Whether you seek only the essentials or a full suite of devices, you can choose what suits your needs. Instead of taking a quiz like what's offered by other companies, you can simply browse through the different Ring devices and add them to your online cart. Ring offers all the essential tools for an alarm system as well as advanced monitoring devices like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or smart home devices like light dimmers, thermostats, and electronic locks. To save money, you can also explore the Certified Refurbished section on Ring's website, and keep in mind that orders exceeding $49 qualify for complimentary shipping.

Choose from three premade kits

If you prefer a pre-designed kit, Ring provides three categories to consider: Connected Starter Kits, Protected Starter Kits, and Whole Home Starter Kits. Each category offers several price ranges to accommodate different needs, whether you intend to secure only your front door or your entire residence. You can opt for the basic option of a specific package or add extra devices to cover a larger area. Here's a breakdown:

Connected: 3 bundle options, focused on front door security. Cost: $199.98 to $479.99
Protected: 3 bundle options, includes 5-14 pieces for alarms and door monitoring. Cost: $344.94 to $694.85
Whole Home: 3 bundle options with 5-15 pieces for alarms, cameras, and doorbell. Cost: $444.93 to $944.84

Monitoring plans from $4.99 to $20 per month

Ring offers three monitoring plans. The Basic Plan costs $4.99/month or $49.99/year, the Plus Plan is $10/month or $100/year, and the Pro Plan is $20/month or $200/year. Both the Plus and Pro Plans cover an unlimited number of devices in your home. The Plus Plan also includes 24/7 professional monitoring, alarm, cellular backup, SOS request for help, and extended warranties for all devices. For the Pro Plan, you can expect all features of the Plus Plan, plus camera, home and away modes, digital arm and disarm your Ring alarm, create alarm system automation, alarm event history, and package detection. The Basic Plan only enables self-monitoring through smartphone alerts, with no contractual obligation.

Mixed feedback for Ring

Ring's reputation is a mixed bag. They offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee for returns and hold a "B+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. However, customer reviews vary. On Trustpilot, over 70% of more than 4,800 reviews are 1-star, citing concerns like short battery life and frequent system "offline" status. Many customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Ring's customer service and complained about their Ring devices not being properly monitored due to outages.

Good alarm systems, but reputation leaves concerns

While Ring offers benefits like a return policy and reasonable pricing, its customer service remains a major point of concern. Compared to companies with better reputations and services, Ring falls short. To improve its standing, Ring would need to demonstrate a greater commitment to customer service and offer more reliable equipment that consistently stays online and monitored as intended. While not the worst option for an alarm system, there's room for improvement, particularly in customer service and the uptime of devices and services.

On the Ring website

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.

Ring Review: Alarm System Companies

2026 Alarm System Company Reviews

Ring

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems?

Alarm System Company FAQ