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The Best Home Security Systems

Which Home Security System is the Best?

Home security systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek to protect their homes and families from potential threats. With a wide variety of options available on the market, choosing the right system for your needs can be overwhelming. We can help you take the stress out of the decision-making process and ultimately select a home security setup that's perfect wherever you live.

Let's get started. As you already know, a home security system is a network of electronic devices designed to secure your home against theft, vandalism, and other possible dangers. A typical system may include sensors, cameras, alarms, and monitoring services.

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Home Security System Reviews

Cove Review Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award 5 Star Rating

Cove

5 Star Rating Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Cove proves that you don't need to rely on established home security companies to get top-notch protection. Despite being a newer provider, Cove offers clear and transparent pricing, reasonable equipment fees, and affordable monthly monitoring costs. Plus, you can enjoy a 60-day risk-free trial with no contract required. While their customer service may have some room for improvement, the vast majority of customers give Cove high marks. If you're looking for a home security system, Cove should definitely be on your shortlist - because it's at the top of ours.

Alarm Relay Review 4 Star Rating

Alarm Relay

4 Star Rating

Alarm Relay offers a basic home security system that can use their equipment or what you already have installed, with contracts for just a year at a time. Although these systems don't have the most cutting-edge equipment, many people in the US and Canada appreciate the affordability and reliability of Alarm Relay's service. If you're looking for a straightforward home security setup, Alarm Relay is a good option to consider.

Xfinity Review 4 Star Rating

Xfinity

4 Star Rating

If you are located in an area covered by Xfinity, you may want to consider their home security systems which are both reasonably priced for equipment and affordable for monthly services without requiring a contract. Even if you are not an Xfinity TV or internet subscriber, you may still benefit from their home security system. However, if Xfinity is not available in your area, you will have to explore other options for your home security needs.

Link Interactive Review 4 Star Rating

Link Interactive

4 Star Rating

Link Interactive boasts over 70 years of experience in the home security industry and receives high praise from customers for their exceptional customer service. Their preprogrammed equipment makes installation easy and appealing to DIY enthusiasts who may not be as tech-savvy. However, it's important to note that you'll need to sign a minimum one-year contract and budget for higher upfront equipment costs.

Guardian Protection Review 3.5 Star Rating

Guardian Protection

3.5 Star Rating

Guardian Protection has gained a reputation as one of the top providers of home security systems due to the excellent quality of their 24/7 monitoring centers and outstanding customer service. However, the company's fees are not transparent and can only be obtained by speaking with a representative. Plus, their service area is limited and their home security systems may not be available in your location.

CPI Security Review 3 Star Rating

CPI Security

3 Star Rating

CPI Security has a strong reputation, both with the BBB and their own customers giving them high praise. Unfortunately, their home security systems are only available in a small part of the southeast US, and they're not the cheapest option around when it comes to equipment and monitoring costs. Plus, you won't have even a ballpark for what you pay or how long you'll be spending that much unless you reach out for a (presumably pitch-y) sales quote. That keeps CPI Security from being one of our more recommended home security system providers.

ADT Review 3 Star Rating

ADT

3 Star Rating

ADT is an experienced provider of home security systems with over 140 years of history and a large customer base exceeding 6 million subscribers. However, its lengthy contracts and high installation fees make it a little less attractive compared to other services that provide similar coverage with more customer-friendly terms. Plus, despite paying top dollar, you'll likely find that the customer service post-installation here leaves a lot to be desired.

Brinks Home Review 2.5 Star Rating

Brinks Home

2.5 Star Rating

Brinks is one of the most recognizable names in security, protecting millions of homes and businesses across more than a century in operation. However, the company makes it almost impossible to learn anything about their equipment, monitoring, or contracts unless you provide contact information. That would be tolerable if Brinks Home had a phenomenal reputation, but customer feedback at the BBB and elsewhere certainly doesn't tell that story. We're disappointed that Brinks doesn't even make it into our top 5 home security systems.

SimpliSafe Review 2.5 Star Rating

SimpliSafe

2.5 Star Rating

SimpliSafe used to be one of our top ranked home security systems, offering a 60-day trial, affordable do-it-yourself equipment packages, and lower-than average fees for monitoring. Sounds pretty compelling, right? Unfortunately, customer satisfaction with SimpliSafe has declined consistently over the last few years, with frequent complaints about equipment failures and poor customer service. You'll want to check out other options before investing in a SimpliSafe home security system.

Frontpoint Review 2.5 Star Rating

Frontpoint

2.5 Star Rating

Frontpoint was our #1 pick among home security systems for many consecutive years. Customers used to rave about the company's no-contract equipment, fantastic customer service, and easily-expandable setup that could include lots of smart home technology. Over the last few years, unfortunately, Frontpoint seems to have done away with most of the features that made it stand out in the industry: not only will you get three-year contracts here, but you'll also have a really hard time getting out. Even long-term subscribers say it's sad how much this service has declined. We think you've got better options than settling for what Frontpoint has become.

Abode Review 2 Star Rating

Abode

2 Star Rating

Abode has some novel features, like the ability to choose self- or professionally-monitored home security and ample integrations with most smart home platforms. That's not enough to convince us that Abode's problems - including equipment failure and poor support - are no big deal. With so many reliable and affordable home security systems out there, Abode just doesn't make a strong case for itself as an option to consider.

Ring Review 1.5 Star Rating

Ring

1.5 Star Rating

When you take a look around your neighborhood, it's hard to miss the ubiquitous Ring video doorbells. If you're considering purchasing their home security system, you might want to think twice. While Ring's system does have some unique benefits, such as the ability to choose between self-monitoring and professional coverage, and the freedom to add as many components as you like, thousands of homeowners have rated Ring poorly. Additionally, privacy concerns surrounding the company may raise doubts about whether they can genuinely keep you safe. Fortunately, there are numerous providers of video doorbells and home security packages available, and we recommend opting for a more reliable service than Ring.

Vivint Review 1.5 Star Rating

Vivint

1.5 Star Rating

Vivint, a popular brand in the home security industry with over two million customers in North America, has a friendly door-to-door sales approach that may seem appealing. But, customers are often locked into lengthy contracts with no guarantee of reliable service. And, despite something of an improvement in Vivint's BBB rating (from an "F" to a "C" ), there are still thousands and thousands of complaints about how these home security systems function down the line after being installed. As a result, Vivint has received one of our lowest rankings among home security systems.

Wyze Review 1 Star Rating

Wyze

1 Star Rating

The Wyze home security system falls short of expectations. Every time we've shopped at Wyze over the last 12+ months, the central component necessary to operate the system wasn't available for purchase. Also, it's not enough to be affordable if what you deliver doesn't work consistently, and that's the picture painted by Wyze's numerous customer complaints. We recommend selecting another provider to fulfill your home security requirements because Wyze - even when it is in stock - is nothing but a let-down.

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Continued from above...

Sensors are the backbone of a home security system. They detect any unusual activity in and around your home and alert the system. The most common types of sensors are door and window sensors, motion sensors, and glass-break sensors. Door and window sensors are placed on the frames of doors and windows and detect any movement when the doors or windows are opened or closed. Motion sensors detect movement within a room, while glass-break sensors detect the sound of breaking glass. Pretty self-explanatory.

Cameras are an essential component of many home security systems. They provide visual evidence of any unusual activity around your home and can help identify intruders. Most cameras are connected to the internet, allowing you to view the footage remotely from your phone or computer.

Alarms are designed to alert you and your neighbors to any potential threats. When a sensor is triggered, the alarm will sound, and a notification will be sent to your phone or monitoring service. These companies monitor your home security system 24/7, and if a sensor is triggered, they will usually contact you to verify whether there is a genuine threat. If they are unable to reach you, they will contact the authorities on your behalf.

Now that you have a solid understanding of the basics of any home security system, what other factors might have an impact on your decision? Here are some criteria to consider:

  • Professional install vs. DIY. Professionally-installed systems are designed for those who want a more comprehensive setup, often including cameras, sensors, alarms, and monitoring services. The professional install makes these systems more expensive than DIY systems but provide a higher level of security. DIY systems are designed for those who want affordability and are willing to install and maintain their home security system.
  • Cost. Will you pay upfront for the service and/or equipment? What monthly fees are involved? Contracts can often range from 3-5 years, but not every home security system requires one.
  • Portability of service. Can you take your home security system with you if you move, either by taking the equipment itself or transferring your contract and having a new install?
  • Cancellation. What happens if you decide you don't need a home security system anymore? Many providers have hefty cancellation fees, especially if you signed a lengthy contract in exchange for no upfront equipment costs.
  • Trial period. The best home security providers give you a grace period to see how the system works. After all, there's a pretty steep learning curve involved, and you want to make sure your system gives you the coverage and peace of mind you're paying for.
  • Satisfaction guarantee/refund policy. Can you get your money back if you don't like how your security system works once it's installed?
  • Customer feedback. What do other homeowners have to say about the home security system? Is the customer service team responsive? How often does the system register false alarms?

Top Consumer Reviews brings you the ultimate guide to the best home security systems on the market today. Our comprehensive review and ranking system is designed to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision and protect your loved ones both now and in the future.

The Best Home Security Systems Compare Home Security Systems Compare Home Security System Reviews What are the best Home Security Systems Best Home Security System Reviews

Home Security System FAQ

There are more than 2 million break-ins every year in the United States alone. Home security systems are the most logical way to give yourself the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you, your loved ones and your property are being watched over.
The most important feature is 24/7 monitoring, which most services offer as part of your monthly fees. At a minimum, you'll want to have sensors for all of the exterior doors in your residence.
There are many add-ons that can offer additional security and protection. Your home security system could have smoke and CO2 detectors, flooding sensors, motion detectors, night vision cameras, and much more.
You'll find plans both with and without required service contracts. The tradeoff is usually in the price of the equipment vs. the monthly service fees. (See the next question for more on that.)
That depends. You should expect two costs: equipment and monthly service charges. Some providers of home security systems give you the equipment "for free", as long as you sign a contract (usually 2-5 years). Others have you pay for the equipment upfront as a one-time charge, but their monthly fees tend to be lower. And, with most services, you'll pay more for monthly monitoring if your system has all of the bells and whistles.
One of the most customer-friendly aspects of today's home security systems is DIY installation. While there are still a handful of companies that require you to sit down with a sales rep and then wait for a professional to come and set up your system, the vast majority are designed to be easy and fast for you to install yourself. You'll have ample support via phone or online chat if you need extra guidance during the process.
Yes, most of the time. You'll typically have a 30-day window to use your home security system and decide if it provides the protection and service you need. Terms vary, however: you may get a full refund for all fees paid, or you may only be allowed to break your contract without getting any money back. Be sure to understand the details of any plan you select, before you sign up.
Usually, yes. Because of the do-it-yourself nature of most of today's systems, you can uninstall and move your equipment just as easily as you set it up the first time. You'll just need to update the company with your current address, so that emergency responders have the right location in the event of an alarm.

Compare Home Security Systems

Select any 2 Home Security Systems to compare them head to head

best-home-security-systems
  • Cove
  • Alarm Relay
  • Xfinity
  • Link Interactive
  • Guardian Protection
  • CPI Security
  • ADT
  • Brinks Home
  • SimpliSafe
  • Frontpoint
  • Abode
  • Ring
  • Vivint
  • Wyze
Cove vs Alarm Relay Cove vs Xfinity Cove vs Link Interactive Cove vs Guardian Protection Cove vs CPI Security Cove vs ADT Cove vs Brinks Home Cove vs SimpliSafe Cove vs Frontpoint Cove vs Abode Cove vs Ring Cove vs Vivint Cove vs Wyze Alarm Relay vs Xfinity Alarm Relay vs Link Interactive Alarm Relay vs Guardian Protection Alarm Relay vs CPI Security Alarm Relay vs ADT Alarm Relay vs Brinks Home Alarm Relay vs SimpliSafe Alarm Relay vs Frontpoint Alarm Relay vs Abode Alarm Relay vs Ring Alarm Relay vs Vivint Alarm Relay vs Wyze Xfinity vs Link Interactive Xfinity vs Guardian Protection Xfinity vs CPI Security Xfinity vs ADT Xfinity vs Brinks Home Xfinity vs SimpliSafe Xfinity vs Frontpoint Xfinity vs Abode Xfinity vs Ring Xfinity vs Vivint Xfinity vs Wyze Link Interactive vs Guardian Protection Link Interactive vs CPI Security Link Interactive vs ADT Link Interactive vs Brinks Home Link Interactive vs SimpliSafe Link Interactive vs Frontpoint Link Interactive vs Abode Link Interactive vs Ring Link Interactive vs Vivint Link Interactive vs Wyze Guardian Protection vs CPI Security Guardian Protection vs ADT Guardian Protection vs Brinks Home Guardian Protection vs SimpliSafe Guardian Protection vs Frontpoint Guardian Protection vs Abode Guardian Protection vs Ring Guardian Protection vs Vivint Guardian Protection vs Wyze CPI Security vs ADT CPI Security vs Brinks Home CPI Security vs SimpliSafe CPI Security vs Frontpoint CPI Security vs Abode CPI Security vs Ring CPI Security vs Vivint CPI Security vs Wyze ADT vs Brinks Home ADT vs SimpliSafe ADT vs Frontpoint ADT vs Abode ADT vs Ring ADT vs Vivint ADT vs Wyze Brinks Home vs SimpliSafe Brinks Home vs Frontpoint Brinks Home vs Abode Brinks Home vs Ring Brinks Home vs Vivint Brinks Home vs Wyze SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint SimpliSafe vs Abode SimpliSafe vs Ring SimpliSafe vs Vivint SimpliSafe vs Wyze Frontpoint vs Abode Frontpoint vs Ring Frontpoint vs Vivint Frontpoint vs Wyze Abode vs Ring Abode vs Vivint Abode vs Wyze Ring vs Vivint Ring vs Wyze Vivint vs Wyze
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