The Best Home Security Systems

Wednesday, March 3rd

2021 Home Security System Reviews

Frontpoint

• 30-day risk-free trial
• Free shipping on orders and returns
• No contract required
• Monthly monitoring from $34.99 to $49.99 per month
• DIY installation, no technician required

Frontpoint has been leading the pack for over a decade, as the first nationwide alarm company to include smart security in every home system they sell. Frontpoint has always had a great reputation, and it only keeps getting better: since the time of our last review, the company's rating with the BBB has gone from a respectable "A" to a flawless "A+", indicating that they show no signs of slacking off when it comes to responding to any of their customers' concerns.

30 day risk-free trial

One way they take great care of their clients is with a 30-day risk-free trial. If you order a Frontpoint system and don't love it, you'll get a full refund when you return the equipment. Not only will they pay for the shipping to your home, but they also cover the costs if you have to send it back. Compared to other retailers of home security systems that lock you into a lengthy contract and then make you keep paying even if your protection isn't working properly, Frontpoint comes out way in the lead with their customer-friendly guarantee.

3 home security packages

Frontpoint continues to offer three packages for home security systems:

• Protection ($34.99/month): as the most basic tier of service, this plan gives you intrusion protection, environmental protection, fire protection, and life safety monitoring.
• Interactive ($44.99/month): this plan includes all of the features of the basic plan, plus geo services, crash & smash protection, remote access and control, as well as email/text alerts.
• Ultimate ($49.99/month): this is the most robust of Frontpoint's packages, adding live video streaming, motion-activated alerts, HD/night vision camera capabilities, light controls, automated door locks, and energy management control to the features of the first two levels of service.

Free personalized quote

So, how much does the equipment cost? Like many home security systems companies, Frontpoint lets you request a free quote; once you've entered your name, number, email and some basic details about the level of coverage you need, you'll get a call from one of their sales reps to help determine what equipment fits your situation.

4 pre-made home security packages

But, you can always click on the "Shop" button at the top of the page (or the "Shop Online" button after you've requested a free quote) to see what pre-made packages might be a good match for your home. Here are some to consider:

• Safe Home Starter: in this 7-piece system, you'll get 1 hub/keypad, 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor, 1 yard sign, 1 door sticker and 5 window decals. While the site says that the retail price for this package is $430.95, their everyday price is more like $69. That's extremely affordable - a great value if you have a small home or apartment.
  There is another package for the same price of $69 that includes 1 more door/window sensor and an extra motion sensor, listed as the Safe Home Everyday system. You may want to look for that package as you shop, since it didn't pop to the top like the Starter kit did.
• Safe Home Select: with this 12-piece home security system, you'll get a total of 4 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors, plus 1 glass break sensor and 1 smoke/heat sensor, in addition to the components of the Starter and the Everyday packages. Again, Frontpoint lists a retail price ($701.90) that is much higher than what they actually charge ($201.90) for the equipment.
• Safe Home Preferred: if you want to add an indoor camera to your package, this set might be the right one for you. You'll get everything included in the Select plan, plus an extra door/window sensor (total of 5). Retail price is shown as $834.88, but actual cost is $334.88.
• Safe Home Elite: if you want the most comprehensive package Frontpoint offers, consider the 18-piece Elite set. You get the usual decals, stickers, hub/keypad and yard sign. Plus, you'll receive a total of 6 door/window sensors, 2 glass break sensors, 2 motion sensors, 1 smoke/heat sensor, 1 indoor camera, 1 outdoor camera, and 1 doorbell camera. Despite a retail price of over $1300, you'll pay just $832.84.

Home security customization

Any of Frontpoint's packages can be customized to add any extra monitoring devices or sensors you may need. You may want to add a carbon monoxide sensor ($89.99) or a flood sensor ($44.99) in the laundry room or bathroom. Or, you could be looking for home automation options like a garage door controller ($69.99) or a smart door lock ($179.99). It's easy to add them to your equipment, and you won't pay extra for your monthly monitoring when you include additional devices.

At the time of our most recent review, Frontpoint was offering a free doorbell camera with any purchase over $69. Keep an eye out for any promotions that might be in place when you shop the site.

Easy self-installation

All of the equipment they offer is self-installed. Many customers love not having to endure a pushy in-home technician/sales rep, and people say that every component is easy to set up DIY-style. And, if you need any extra help, Fronpoint's friendly customer service team stands at the ready to answer your questions and help you get it all set up with minimal hassles.

Room to grow

Because you pay for your equipment upfront, it could be more expensive initially to get a home security system from Frontpoint. But, the good news is, you can add equipment at any time. So, if you're on a tight budget, maybe you'll start with one of the $69 starter packages until you can afford to add the extra coverage you'd like to have.

No long-term contract

Frontpoint doesn't lock you into a service contract, but they do lock in your rates: you'll never get an unexpected price increase on your monthly monitoring fees. Good luck finding another home security systems company that offers you that promise! Of course, you may need to upgrade your monitoring plan if you start with basic equipment and then add video monitoring, for example, but that will always be your choice, no unpleasant surprise rate hikes.

Industry best

If you're looking for the industry's best home security systems, your first consideration should be Frontpoint. From 24/7 monitoring that you can afford to equipment packages with all the bells and whistles you could ask for, this company gives customers all of the peace of mind they want. And, if problems arise, you're protected by an exceptional satisfaction guarantee and refund policy in your first 30 days, with no contracts to lock you into a service you don't need or want. Frontpoint continues to earn our highest rating among providers of home security systems.

SimpliSafe

• All DIY installation
• $14.99/month monitoring fee regardless of number of sensors
• No required service contracts
• Strong features like Secret Alerts and Duress PIN
• 60-day money-back guarantee

SimpliSafe wants to make it beyond easy for you to have a home security system that works for you, without any high-pressure in-home sales pitches or requirements to have a technician for the install. Every piece of equipment they offer can be set up quickly and easily by even the least tech-savvy consumers in just a matter of moments. (But, if you'd prefer some expert help, SimpliSafe can refer you to a certified pro in your area.)

Low monthly monitoring

SimpliSafe has the lowest monthly monitoring costs on the market: no matter how many sensors and devices you have on your system, you'll just pay $14.99 per month. You get the same round-the-clock protection as the home security companies that charge four times that amount.

60 day trial

This is also one of the only home security systems on the market today that lets you try it for 60 days. If you don't love it, you can get a full refund - and you won't even have to pay for the return shipping on your equipment. That's a big plus over their competitors.

Pay upfront

That being said, you do have to pay for your equipment upfront when working with SimpliSafe: you don't get it for "free" (in other words, paying for it through higher monthly monitoring fees) or on an installment plan.

5 ready-made home security packages

While you can always create a customized a la carte package for yourself - SimpliSafe clearly displays pricing information on every sensor and component, which we appreciate - there are also a few ready-made packages to choose from:

• The Foundation: regularly priced at $229, this entry-level kit is ideal for apartments and small homes. It comes with one motion sensor, one sensor for your main door, and the base station + control pad.
• The Essentials: for $259, you increase the coverage of the first plan by adding two more door sensors.
• The Hearth: at a retail price of $374, this package tacks on a 105dB alarm, a smoke detector, and a key fob to control your system.
• The Knox: priced at $449, this tier expands your protection with twice as many motion detectors and entry sensors as the first three packages. You'll want to consider this package if you have more than three bedrooms in your home.
• The Haven: as one of SimpliSafe's top tier of equipment packages, this set adds a panic button, freeze sensor and water (flood) sensor. You'll pay $489 for the package.

Customization available

Not seeing what you're looking for in those packages? The Stonefort, the Keep, and the Fortress have varying arrangements of sensors that might be a good fit. For example, if you live in the South and never have to worry about your pipes freezing, you can select a package that takes out the freeze sensor but adds on a camera or an extra control pad. You can also custom-build your own package with whatever devices you need.

SimpliSafe is also the only home security system in our review that offers refurbished equipment packages, which could save you some extra cash when setting up your protection for the first time.

Secret alerts

SimpliSafe has some features you may not find with home security systems. The two that really stand out to us are the Secret Alerts and the Duress PIN. Do you have an area in your home that you want to monitor without setting off loud alarms (maybe the cabinet where you stash your favorite candy or the closet where you hide the Christmas presents)? You can get a notification through Secret Alerts that lets you know - without the person doing the snooping finding out! And, if you're ever in the unlikely-but-terrifying position of being forced to disarm your system, the Duress PIN (separate from your regular arm/disarm PIN) makes it appear that you've complied while still sending a silent alert to the authorities.

Monitoring redundancy

SimpliSafe also uses redundancy in their monitoring centers, in six different locations throughout the US. So whether a hurricane is pounding the Florida panhandle or California is experiencing wildfires, you can be assured that no disaster - man-made or natural - will interrupt your home security system's coverage.

At the time of our most recent visit to the SimpliSafe site, there was a promo in place offering a discount of 25% off any new system, plus a free camera ($99 value). So, be sure to look around for any sales that might be in effect when you're shopping for your home security system.

Mixed customer reviews

SimpliSafe continues to enjoy an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. We recognize that this means the company has done a good job at responding to customer complaints. That's important because we found mixed reviews about SimpliSafe's customer service after their home security systems are installed. While the average of the reviews linked to from the SimpliSafe website was a strong 4.6 out of 5 at the time of our review, most of the comments described customers who were happy with the purchase and install process.

Equipment issues

On the other hand, the reviews posted to the BBB site focused more on the customer experience with the monitoring service and equipment - people were frustrated that parts of their system stopped working and they couldn't get anyone to help them get it up and running. Another troubling comment was that the system often triggered false alarms and sent the police to the home - even after the customer had cancelled the monitoring service twice and removed all of the equipment. You'll definitely want to pay close attention to your home security system and how it's working for you in the first two months - knowing that you're protected by SimpliSafe's 60-day satisfaction guarantee if it doesn't meet your expectations.

Because of their upfront pricing, extremely reasonable monthly fees, and top-notch rating from the BBB, we still recommend SimpliSafe as one of our favorite providers of home security systems.

Brinks

• 30-day risk-free guarantee with no termination fees
• DIY or professional installation available
• 2-year warranty on equipment
• Award-winning customer service
• Some systems require 3-year monitoring contract
• Monitoring fees of $29-$39/month

With more than 1 million subscribers, Brinks offers some of the most popular home security systems available today. J.D. Power and Associates named this company as their top-rated provider for customer satisfaction, clearly demonstrating the business' success in providing peace of mind through excellent security system coverage.

Choose professional installation or do-it-yourself

Brinks gives you lots of choices. Do you prefer professional installation or do-it-yourself? Would you rather order online or over the phone? The decision is yours. That's a breath of fresh air, compared with many of the big-name home security systems providers that won't do anything until you meet with an overly eager sales rep.

4 home security packages

Let's take a look at the four home security systems packages Brinks offers:

• Nest Secure: this is the only one with no required contract. You'll pay $399 for your equipment (or $11.08/month with no interest), and $29/month for monitoring. The package consists of the Nest Guard (keypad/motion detector/alarm/panic button all in one, plus Google Assistant), Nest Detect (a sensor that detects motion as well as open/close), and Nest Tag (a key fob that you tap on the Guard to arm/disarm the system). Your package comes with 2 Detects and 2 Tags, and you can add more as desired.
  Some of the features incorporated into the Nest devices are, frankly, very cool. The Detect sensors have Pathlight, which turns them on and off as people pass - a default nightlight. Remind Me alerts can be set up to let you know if you're the last one to leave home or the first one to get back, so that you can arm/disarm accordingly without forgetting. You may also want to check out the features of Quiet Open, Dog Pass, and even everything Google Assistant can do with your Brinks system.
• Smart Security Essential: billed as "easy DIY install at an affordable price", this package has an equipment cost of $199 and monitoring fees of $29/month. A 36-month service agreement is required. This entry-level package gives you 2 wireless door sensors, a wireless motion sensor, and a touchscreen control panel that can be used as a smart home hub for any home automation device you may already have or choose to add on to your home security system.
• Smart Security Complete: adding on to the Essential package, this tier gives you access to 24/7 video monitoring via smartphone. Your equipment will cost $499 (or $13.86/month with no interest fees) and it comes with 3 wireless door sensors, 2 wireless motion sensors, an indoor camera with night vision, and the Home Touch control panel. This plan also requires a 3-year service agreement, and monitoring costs $39/month.
• Smart Security Ultimate: as the only package that comes with free professional installation, it should be no surprise that it's also the most expensive at $1099 (or $30.53/month with no interest) for your equipment. The package comes with the touchscreen control panel, video doorbell, 2 wireless motion sensors, 3 wireless door sensors, and an outdoor camera. You'll pay the same $39/month (with a 3-year contract too) for your monitoring service.

30-day satisfaction guarantee

We appreciate that Brinks offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you don't love your home security system, you can end your service without paying a termination fee. While we'd like to see them up the ante by offering a refund of any fees already paid, this is still a decent way to give you a low-risk way to see if their coverage and equipment is a good fit.

While you can get home security systems that are less expensive equipment-wise, you can't go wrong with everything Brinks has to offer if you're willing to spend the money and don't mind committing to a 3-year service agreement on most packages. Their reputation is stellar, and your safety is in very good hands with any Brinks home security system.

Xfinity

• Equipment costs ranging from $360 to $600
• Professional installment required (fees of approx. $100)
• Monthly monitoring costs of $30-$50
• Customizable with most smart home brands
• View cameras and more on your TV with Xfinity X1 service
• No required contracts
• Limited service areas

Xfinity has come a long way since our last evaluation. In the past, you were only able to use their home security systems if you were a subscriber to their X1 TV service. While it's still true that you'll get more out of your package if you have it - like being able to see your cameras and more directly on your television - you can still get a robust package of equipment and monitoring as a standalone service.

2 home security monitoring plans

We like that Xfinity keeps their options simple. You only have to choose between two plans:

• Home Security Plan: 24/7 professional monitoring, the ability to control smart home devices (from a variety of brands, like Phillips and Yale), real-time alerts, cellular system backup, live HD video, all controllable through the Xfinity Home app
• Home Security Plus Plan: Everything in the Home Security Plan, plus motion-activated, 24/7 recording (that can differentiate among people, vehicles and pets)

You may also find an autopay and paperless billing discount as you go through the ordering process. That brought our monthly costs down to $30 or $40/month.

3 home security equipment packages

Then, choose your equipment package. Each one can either be paid for in interest-free monthly installments over two years, or as a one-time fee:

• Base Home System: $15/month or $360. This includes 1 touchscreen controller, 3 door/window sensors, 1 pet-friendly motion sensor, battery and cellular system backup, and an Xfinity Home Security yard sign
• Complete Home System: $20/month or $480. You'll get all of the equipment from the Base package, along with 2 extra door/window sensors, 1 wireless keypad, and 1 HD indoor/outdoor Xfinity Camera.
• Ultimate Home System: $25/month or $600. This expands the equipment from the lower tiers by giving you 10 door/window sensors and 2 HD cameras.

Add-on equipment

Xfinity also offers an array of add-on equipment that can be monitored. For example, you can get a smoke detector ($70), an outlet controller ($50), or a Zen thermostat ($120).

Limited availability

The biggest drawback to the Xfinity Home Security System is the limited service area. Unless you have Xfinity available in your area, you can't subscribe to their service. For example, in one major metro area we tested, we were referred to their partner, Spectrum. Unfortunately, Spectrum doesn't offer any home security systems with their TV/Internet/Phone packages. That could eliminate a lot of prospective customers.

If you live in an area where Xfinity is available, congratulations! You've got access to an affordably-priced, contract-free home security system that has all of today's bells and whistles. If not, you'll need to check out the other providers we evaluated to find the one that's right for you.

Guardian

• Strong reputation for excellent customer service
• Professional installation required
• Limited service area

With almost 70 years in the home security systems market, Guardian Protection has delivered peace of mind to hundreds of thousands of customers. The company has won several awards for their monitoring center's fantastic service and even won the coveted Angie's List Super Service Award.

Excellent reputation

As you can see, Guardian Protection has an excellent reputation, as demonstrated by an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and hundreds of 4- and 5-star reviews from satisfied customers. From the sales associates to the installers and customer service reps, Guardian does a fantastic job of being friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient.

3 home security plans

Since our last review, Guardian has changed its packages for home security systems. Here are the three plans you can choose from now:

• Standard Security: this entry-level package gives you standard devices (1 touchscreen keypad, 3 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor, yard sign/window decals), wireless and cellular coverage, 24/7 monitoring, smart home control, and life safety features.
• Essential Security: this plan includes home automation, HD video doorbell (or your choice of 4 other home automation devices, like a thermostat or door lock), standard devices, wireless and cellular coverage, 24/7 monitoring, smart home control, and life safety features.
• Premium Security: as Guardian's top-tier package, this service level gives you all of the features of the first two plans, along with video surveillance and your choice of a video doorbell, indoor camera or outdoor camera.

Professional installation

Every system lets you arm and disarm from anywhere using your internet-connected tablet, smartphone or computer. You'll also get event-driven email or text alerts when a sensor has been activated or the alarm goes off. Regardless of which one you choose, all packages require professional installation by a Guardian technician.

Limited service area

Guardian has a limited service area. You may want to consult their coverage map to see if your area is included; if you don't live in Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Florida, Texas, Indiana, Tennessee or Arizona, you may not be able to use Guardian as your home security system provider.

Pricing restricted

What we don't love about the Guardian website is that it is extremely tight-lipped, so to speak, about what you'll pay for their services. Many of today's top providers of home security systems are very transparent with their equipment costs, installation fees, and monthly service charges, but Guardian - like several of their "old guard" competitors - require you to speak with a sales rep to assess your security needs and get recommendations for equipment and monitoring features.

Costs may vary

From what we gathered from other customer comments, it's safe to assume you'll pay installation fees of at least $99 with Guardian - but as for what the equipment costs and what you'll spend month-to-month, that depends on your service area, any deals or discounts the rep may offer to try and close the deal, and so on.

Because Guardian Protection has established such an outstanding reputation for service and quality, we've kept their rating steady at 3.5 stars. But, to really compete with our top home security systems, this provider would need to be much more open about their costs and have a greater coverage area that could serve a wider range of customers.

ADT

• Installation fees starting at $99
• Required contracts of 24 to 36 months
• Monthly monitoring ranging from $27.99 to $58.99/month
• Landline or wireless monitoring packages available

ADT enjoys some of the highest name recognition in the home security systems industry. It's no wonder - with more than 140 years of experience providing security of many different kinds, this company has been around for a long time.

Reliable 24/7 monitoring

One of the advantages of ADT's size is their 24/7 monitoring centers: with six locations throughout the US, you don't have to worry that a natural disaster or other event will disrupt your coverage. This is a huge benefit compared with smaller companies that use a single location to provide their monitoring services.

One of the most expensive

As with many products, however, brand names can equal more money from your wallet - and ADT is one of the most expensive home security systems available today. Their entry-level package, the Basic, sounds like a good deal at just $27.99/month - but you'll have to have a landline. That's great if you haven't made the switch to purely mobile for your phone usage; otherwise, you'll need to factor in the costs of installing a landline and paying for its monthly service separately from your ADT package.

Big price jump

There's a big price jump from the Basic to the next level of service, ADT Pulse. You won't need a landline because this package is monitored wirelessly, but you'll be paying $53.99/month for the service. And, if you want to add video surveillance to your home security setup, ADT charges a hefty $58.99/month for their highest level of coverage.

3 home security packages

There are three main packages offered by ADT, which may be named differently depending on your part of the country and the partner provider servicing your area. In a nutshell, here's what you can expect:

• Traditional: ADT's most economical home security system, this includes a digital panel, entryway contacts/sensors, wireless keychain remote, motion detector, yard signs and window decals, and 24/7 monitoring. While ADT doesn't specify on their site exactly how many entryway sensors are included, customer comments indicate that you should expect to receive 3 in your initial equipment package and you can add more as you need them.
• Control: this level of coverage adds remote arm/disarm, smart home controls, and customizable alerts, schedules and automations to your home security system.
• Video: as the top tier of service, this package increases your protection with security cameras that can be live streamed from mobile devices, and that allow you to record and save video clips.

Proifessional installation required

All ADT systems require professional installation, with fees starting at $99 and increasing as you add more equipment. Also, be aware that all of their prices may vary, depending on where you live. ADT doesn't publicize their rates on their main website, because the monitoring, installation and equipment charges depend on your local service area.

Limited 6-month guarantee

ADT offers a 6-month money-back guarantee. It states that you "may receive a refund" of the installation price and any monitoring fees already paid if the company can't resolve any service- or installation-related concerns, but certain restrictions apply. Looking at the fine print, these conditions just require you to have all equipment fully removed before your refund is processed, and any system-related issues can't have been caused by you.

While ADT gives you the advantage of a long history and the comfort of brand recognition, their prices and packages are not transparent - and many customers complain about hidden fees, the lengthy contract requirements, and charges they didn't expect. Most of the home security systems ADT puts together can be found with other providers - who charge much less, with no required contracts.

Vivint

• Installation fees from $49-$199
• No contract required when equipment is bought upfront
• 42- or 60-month contract with Flex Pay equipment purchase
• Monitoring fees from $29.99-$44.99/month
• Medical pendant support if desired
• Entry, smoke and CO detection included on all plans

You may be familiar with Vivint because of their door-to-door salesforce. The company has more than 1.4 million customers throughout the US and Canada.

Partner resellers

As with most of the larger providers of home security systems, Vivint relies on partner resellers and servicing companies to provide your coverage - so be aware that when you request a quote through the main Vivint site, your information will be passed along to one of those partners.

3 home security packages

The Vivint site itself doesn't give too many specifics about their packages and pricing - so we took a look at some of their authorized resellers' websites. While availability and fees in your specific area may vary, here's a good general idea of what to expect from Vivint's services:

• Smart Security Monitoring: you'll pay $29.99/month for the most basic coverage, which includes mobile access to your home security system, entry/smoke/carbon monoxide detection, medical pendant support, and 24/7 monitoring.
• Smart Home Monitoring: for $39.99/month, this package includes smart home integration, letting you control your system through Google Home or Amazon Echo.
• Smart Home Video Monitoring: if you want to add video surveillance to your home security system, this is the package for you. It starts at $44.99/month.

Professional installation

All of Vivint's systems require professional installation, and you can expect those fees to range from $49 to $199, depending on the equipment you choose. Unlike most of the home security systems we evaluated, Vivint doesn't seem to have pre-configured packages of equipment. Instead, your system will be customized to your specific needs.

5-year equipment contract

The only equipment package we found advertised was the Flex Pay Starter Home Security System: 4 door/window sensors and a motion detector, starting at $9.17/month with a lengthy 5-year commitment. Vivint offers Flex Pay plans on all of their equipment, but you're locked into a contract for up to 60 months. You can also pay for your sensors and other devices upfront with no contract requirement, but until you schedule an appointment with a Vivint sales rep, you won't know exactly how much your system may cost.

Limited pricing

Vivint lists a few of their product prices - Doorbell Camera ($249.99), Element Thermostat ($169.99), Outdoor Camera ($399.99), etc. - but don't give you an idea of how much you'll pay if you need more than 4 door/window sensors or any other equipment. We love that Vivint has so many ways to make your home "smart" and secure, and that they include smoke/CO detection in all of their monitoring plans, but customers want to know how much they're going to spend ahead of time.

Disappointing reputation

Where Vivint comes up really short is in reputation. No other home security systems provider we evaluated had the high number of complaints we found regarding Vivint. On the BBB site alone - where, incidentally, Vivint has a disappointing "D" rating - there were more than 2700 complaints closed in the most recent 12-month period and a whopping 8900+ closed in the last 3 years. Other than a few compliments for "friendly, nice" salespeople, it's hard to find anyone with something positive to say about Vivint's home security systems.

Customer problems

When you're looking for increased peace of mind and safety, but your equipment has frequent outages, your smart home doorknobs unlock at random times, and you can't get help from the company you're locked into for up to 5 years, that's worse than having no home security system at all. Unfortunately, those are just a few of the problems customers report experiencing when using Vivint.

While Vivint initially seems to have all of the bells and whistles you could want for your home protection needs, the actual experience of having their service is almost guaranteed to be a let-down. Because of Vivint's poor reputation, we strongly recommend you go with one of the higher-ranked home security systems in our review.

Alarm Relay

• Low monthly monitoring fees starting at $8.95
• Compatible with equipment you may already have installed
• Strong reputation

Alarm Relay is one of the most confusing home security systems on the market, in our opinion. Customers are instantly attracted to the low monthly monitoring costs of just $8.95 - an incredibly low price for a service that usually costs at least $30 per month. And, looking at both the "A+" rating from the BBB and hundreds of reviews from satisfied customers, your impression will probably be a favorable one.

What do you get?

What's the catch? The Alarm Relay site makes it really hard to find out what exactly you get for that $8.95/month fee. Digging around, you'll discover a few things. First, that monthly fee is actually billed annually. So, figure on spending $107.40 right out of the gate for your first year of service. There's also a one-time administrative fee of $35, so that Alarm Relay can program your system.

Home security monitoring

What system? Great question. In order to use the Alarm Relay service, you must have an active alarm system connected to a landline. if you moved into a home with equipment already installed, this could be the ideal setup - to use the sensors and other components already in place without having to use the original monitoring company. Or, if you found a great deal on a used system from Honeywell, DSC, GE or one of the other manufacturers supported by Alarm Relay, you could use Alarm Relay as your monitoring system.

If you're not confident that you can install or set up your equipment, Alarm Relay can refer you to a third-party contractor in your area who can help. Naturally, fees will vary based on the partner you select.

Optional services available

The $8.95/month fee covers standard burglary and fire signals, restorals, and a monthly communications test, as well as trouble signals like low battery power and AC loss. There are optional services, like weekly or daily communications testing, but you'll have to speak to a sales team representative to get more information on what Alarm Relay offers.

Confusing home security equipment offerings

It took some surfing around, but eventually we found where Alarm Relay offers equipment for purchase. Sifting through the packages and individual components felt overwhelming. What would we need? How would we get the right equipment for our needs? Even on the front page, Alarm Relay advertised a simple plug-and-play, DIY alarm system, but when we clicked on the button for more information, it took us to two security systems that were definitely NOT simple or DIY.

While Alarm Relay may be the absolute best deal with respect to price and reputation, their website makes it hard to understand how their service works - especially for a consumer who may be brand-new to shopping for a home security system. If you already have equipment in your home and are just looking for the absolute lowest monitoring price, you might like what this provider has to offer. Otherwise, you might feel more comfortable getting your home security system from a provider that holds your hand just a little bit more as you get everything set up for the first time.

Protection One

• 4 levels of monitoring ranging from $34.99 to $54.99/month
• Landline or wireless communication available
• 24- to 36-month monitoring contract required
• 90-day equipment warranty
• $99 installation fee

Since our last evaluation, Protection 1 has undergone some massive changes. Why? The company merged with well-known security company ADT in 2017. That means that everything you see on the Protection 1 site - from service plans to links to their Better Business Bureau rating - all redirect to ADT.

What's the difference?

That left us wondering if there were any significant differences between starting the process of ordering a home security system through the Protection 1 site vs. going directly to ADT. Here's what we found: first, it looks like you'll still get Protection 1-branded equipment. If your system includes a control panel, and if you use the mobile app, you'll see Protection 1 on all of it.

Pricing, number of plans

Next, the package naming and pricing between the two companies is not identical. Where ADT's entry-level Basic monitoring package is priced at $27.99/month, Protection 1 charges $34.99 for the same coverage in their Secure plan. On the other hand, Protection 1 offers three higher tiers of service, ranging in price from $44.99 to $54.99 per month, where ADT only offers two (and they cost more!).

3-year contract, professional installation

In every other aspect, we found Protection 1 and ADT to be the same. Both companies require professional installation of your home security systems, with a fee of $99. You'll also have to sign a contract for 36 months of monitoring (24 months if you live in California) - and, on top of that, you may be charged the full balance of your contract if you terminate service before the end of the 24 or 36 months.

Looking at the whole picture, it seems that the only reason to go with Protection 1 over ADT is if you want to save a few dollars a month on some of the higher tiers of service. Other than that, everything they have to offer is functionally identical to what you'll get through ADT - and with ADT being the leader in terms of brand recognition and market share, there's no guarantee that your service won't be handed over to them anyway. (As a matter of fact, when you fill out the Free Quote form, it specifically tells you that you'll be contacted by either an ADT or Protection 1 specialist: their choice, not yours.) For all of these reasons, we recommend that you either start your home security system purchase through ADT itself, or that you go with one of the more affordable, no-contract-required options in our review.

CPI Security

• Technician-installed home security systems customized to your needs
• 100% wireless - no need for landline
• 24/7 monitoring starting at $29.99/month
• "No False Alarm" guarantee
• Equipment costs start at $499: pay in full or 0% interest over 39 or 60 months

CPI is a trusted name among providers offering home security systems. In business for nearly three decades, the company is well-known for its excellent customer service - including a "No False Alarm" guarantee that will credit your account if a system malfunction ever results in a fine from your local authorities.

3 home security packages

There are three main packages you can get from CPI:

• inTouch Essentials: secures your main entry points with 3 door/window sensors and 1 motion detector. This package includes a wireless control panel and the inTouch app for controlling your system with your smartphone.
• inTouch Essentials Plus: This mid-range package includes the same 3 door/window sensors and motion detector as the Essentials tier, but also gives you a doorbell camera and a SmartHub instead of a wireless control panel.
• inTouch Edge: The top-tier package offered by CPI adds an outdoor camera and touchscreen/keyless door lock, above and beyond what you get in the first two plans.

Customizable

Keep in mind that all of these packages are 100% customizable to your home's needs. Maybe you need sensors for 10 doors and windows, or you want an outdoor camera for both the front and the backyard. No problem! Your CPI sales representative will create a package and plan that addresses all of your areas of concern and desired coverage.

3-5 year contracts

When choosing among the packages and plans offered by CPI, it's important to know that you'll be obligated to a monitoring agreement of either 39 or 60 months, unless you decide to purchase your security equipment upfront. Equipment prices start at $499, increasing as you add features and devices beyond the basic package. Given that many of CPI's competitors give you the equipment for free with a contract, rather than spreading it out over 3-5 years, that makes their home security systems some of the most expensive on the market. On a more positive note, you'll get your equipment at a 0% interest rate when you choose one of the two contract lengths, so at least you won't be paying more than the original price.

Talk with a rep

What will your individual package cost? The only way to find out is by speaking with a sales representative. CPI tells you in their FAQ that monthly monitoring starts at a minimum charge of $29.99, with higher fees as you add more sensors and detectors in your package. Even the live chat doesn't connect you with an online rep - it's more of a glorified "contact us" form that gives CPI your phone number so that someone can call you.

3 security monitoring plans

Because you'll be speaking with a sales representative, the pricing and packages CPI offers you may vary. But, as a general guideline, here's a ballpark of what you can expect:

• Basic Security: $29.99/month for monitoring
• Basic Security + Smart Home: $39.99/month for monitoring
• Basic Security + Smart Home + Video: $49.99/month for monitoring

At the time of our most recent evaluation of CPI's home security systems, there was also a promo in place offering a free inTouch Doorbell Camera and Outdoor HD Camera as part of your smart home security package. That could be a good deal if you were already planning on installing one of the top two tiers of monitoring, but it wouldn't be a bargain if you were only looking for the most basic coverage.

Limited service area

CPI has a limited service area. Unless you live in the southeastern part of the United States (the greater metro areas of Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta or Knoxville, to be exact), you won't be able to use this company's home security systems.

Strong reputation

If you do live within their service area, you may appreciate CPI's strong reputation, as demonstrated by accreditation and an "A+" rating from the BBB over nearly 30 years of service, plus an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars over more than 200 independently-verified customer reviews.

While we give CPI high marks for having a strong reputation, we can't get past the fact that their home security systems are only available to a small fraction of potential customers in the US. And, with high equipment costs, lengthy contracts, and monitoring fees that are more expensive than some providers', CPI still winds up towards the bottom of our rankings.