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The Best Wireless Security Systems

Which Company Offers the Best Wireless Security Systems?

You may be surprised at the number of wireless security systems offered today. You can choose from popular companies that have been in business for decades to startup carriers marketing do-it-yourself, budget-friendly residential protection and automation.

There are many factors to consider when selecting a wireless security system, whichever solution you pick. There are products that can shield you and your family against burglaries when you're out that can also provide added assurance if you're among numerous Americans who work from home often. Want to see who is knocking at your door? You can get live video on your smartphone or tablet screen so you can choose whether to pause a remote meeting to answer the door!

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Wireless Security System Reviews

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

Frontpoint

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

For yet another consecutive year, Frontpoint beats the competition and gets the first-place win among providers of wireless security systems. We found more than 10,000 five-star ratings from clients who praise this company for offering transparent pricing for both monitoring and equipment, protection they can count on, and no mandatory contracts. Your Frontpoint system can easily expand to accommodate all the bells and whistles - even gear you buy outside of their company. You can't go wrong with Frontpoint as your wireless security system service, and they earn our highest ranking.

Cove Review 4.5 Star Rating

Cove

4.5 Star Rating

Don't let Cove's "new kid on the block" status scare you: we love their no-guesswork pricing, budget-friendly equipment, and reasonable monitoring fees. Even better, their wireless security systems come with a 60-day, risk-free trial and zero contracts. We'd like to see a little bump in their attention to customer service going forward, but most homeowners have great things to say about these security systems. Definitely give Cove a look when deciding which company is right for you.

Alarm Relay Review 4 Star Rating

Alarm Relay

4 Star Rating

Just the basics, ma'am: that's what you'll get from Alarm Relay. You can either buy one of their wireless security systems or incorporate equipment that's already in your house, and you'll get solid, reliable home protection. Plus, there are no multi-year contracts required. No wonder this company has so many loyal customers throughout the US and Canada. You're not going to get much in the way of home automation features here, but if all you need is a trustworthy company and the essentials of a wireless security system, Alarm Relay deserves a shot.

Brinks Review 3.5 Star Rating

Brinks

3.5 Star Rating

More than a million wireless security systems in America are monitored by Brinks Home. Customers turn to this provider for "smart home" capabilities that can connect more than 100 devices ranging from light switches to thermostats and much more. These security systems tend to be on the spendy side, and unfortunately you won't know even a ballpark of what you'll pay until you reach out to get a quote. But, Brinks Home is definitely a reliable, well-known wireless security company with plenty of happy clients. This is a company to consider if you need smart hub features aplenty.

Guardian Protection Services Review 3.5 Star Rating

Guardian Protection Services

3.5 Star Rating

If you live in one of their nine service areas, Guardian Protection's got wireless security systems you'll like: thousands of clients have given this provider a perfect five-star rating, and their monitoring centers have earned lots of accolades. The downside is that you can't get pricing unless you request a quote, and according to our research you'll pay more for your protection with this company.

ADT Review 3 Star Rating

ADT

3 Star Rating

ADT is the trusted provider of more than six million wireless security systems. Should they get your business as well? You'll like the fact that the company has a history spanning well over a century, and their coverage includes nine monitoring centers that keep you protected. On the other hand, ADT is much more expensive than most security companies. Maybe it would be worth the money if ADT had a stellar track record with its clients, but several thousand people have rated their wireless security systems as "poor" . It's worth looking at the competition before you sign up with ADT.

SimpliSafe Review 3 Star Rating

SimpliSafe

3 Star Rating

SimpliSafe formerly tied for our highest rating among wireless security system companies, largely because of their 60-day no-risk trial and affordably-priced monitoring that made it possible for most consumers to get protection. We were disappointed to see that recent changes to their service have alienated a lot of clients, giving SimpliSafe a big drop in our rankings until further notice.

Ring Review 2.5 Star Rating

Ring

2.5 Star Rating

So many people use Ring for its DIY video doorbells; your neighborhood is probably full of them. Is that a good thing? We like the idea of being able to choose between self-monitoring with a smartphone app and professional monitoring, and having a wireless security system with an unlimited number of components. But, thousands of users give Ring a bad rating, and the company's issues surrounding privacy give us pause when considering entrusting these systems with our safety. Ring is no longer the only option for video doorbells (or other wireless security equipment), and we recommend choosing a more reputable service.

CPI Security Review 2 Star Rating

CPI Security

2 Star Rating

CPI Security has one of the smallest coverage areas we've seen among wireless security system providers: just a handful of places in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. They've been in the industry for over three decades, and the Better Business Bureau rates this provider with an "A+" . Unfortunately, customers still say they have a hard time getting help from CPI when they need it, and you'll be more likely to have a good experience with one of the higher-rated wireless security systems in our review.

Vivint Review 1 Star Rating

Vivint

1 Star Rating

Vivint is a wireless security provider that looks good at first glance: their friendly door-to-door reps are well-known, and their ads are compelling. And yes, they advertise many security features and home automation capabilities that anyone would love. In actuality, though, we've seen this company earn an "F" from the Better Business Bureau year after year. Thousands of customers have really unpleasant experiences with Vivint, which keeps the company in our last-place spot among sellers of wireless security systems.

Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

What matters most when choosing a wireless security system? You'll likely want a few window/door sensors and some type of control panel as a basic option, which most systems tend to have. Some conventional devices still exist that consist of an in-wall panel, however the majority of today's systems have standardized on a touchscreen device of some kind to arm and disarm the security system. Lots of other choices exist, including video doorbells, indoor/outdoor cameras, smoke/fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and lots of other ways to maintain a feeling of security.

Today's systems truly are space-age technology. Just ten years ago, who would have dreamed that they could use a smartphone to raise or lower the temperature on the way home from work? Now you can! Who would have thought they could arm the alarm just by saying a few words while getting ready for bed? It's now possible! Hardly anyone thought they could sign into their system from a computer to check the lock on the front door, and lock it if it wasn't. That's one less thing you have to worry about now.

The task of choosing a wireless security system can be overwhelming when there are so many options. Here is a summary of what to consider when deciding so that you get the perfect system for your needs:

  • Features. What do you absolutely need in a security system? Look at having the correct amount of door and window sensors that cover all vulnerable entries on the first floor, and an intuitive screen that everyone can understand and use. What are the nice-to-have options that you really want? Some options could be lots of home automation capabilities, indoor video monitoring and storage, etc. Put these two lists together when comparing providers for your requirements.
  • Cost. Wireless security systems include numerous costs. First is the payment in advance or a recurring/contractual cost. Next are fees for monthly monitoring, and sometimes the installation. Various companies will tell you a firm price upfront, but others require you to ask for an estimate. The terms and conditions document is very important, so be sure that you fully understand the agreement before you buy. For example, some home security contracts have a minimum of one year or more.
  • Service Area. The majority of wireless security companies have a presence in each of the 50 states. However, not all have universal coverage, so make sure that your address or zip code is covered by their services. Depending on where you live, there may or may not be a dealer or authorized reseller to install and service your equipment.
  • Reputation. Find out what current customers like and dislike about their security solutions. Did they get their money's worth? Is there prompt, reliable, and professional technical support when things go wrong? Keep in mind that larger companies will have more complaints than smaller companies, but that is not necessarily an indicator of a bad service if you can see that they are responding to complaints quickly and courteously.

TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best wireless home security systems available today. We're certain that this detailed review will give you everything you need to know to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property with an excellent combination of equipment and service.

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

Wireless Security System FAQ

Increasingly, the answer is yes. Unless you want to be one of the two million victims of break-ins every year in the United States alone, you need to protect your home and your loved ones.
Most homeowners choose a home security system for the round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring that at any time of day or night they have someone watching over their property. You could stick with a basic system that just includes sensors on all of the exterior doors, or you could choose a robust package with all of the bells and whistles.
That depends on what will give you the most peace of mind. Many customers today like to have video cameras at the door/doorbell at a minimum, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside the home. You might want to consider systems that you can control and monitor from your smartphone, that include flooding sensors or night vision cameras, or that have wearable panic buttons.
It might. If you choose a provider that includes all of your equipment "for free" , chances are good that you'll have a contract for anywhere from 1-3 years. If you prefer not to have a contract, you'll typically pay for your equipment outright and then just have month-to-month monitoring fees.
There are two costs associated with security systems: equipment and monitoring. You might be able to get your equipment at no cost, but you'll pay more for the monthly monitoring service -$45-$85/month, on average -and probably have to sign a contract of 1-5 years. On the other hand, if you buy your sensors, cameras, and any other system equipment outright, you could pay under $20/month for the monitoring. Either way you go, expect to spend more for your monitoring as you add features to your system like motion sensors and outdoor HD cameras.
You might think that if a system is wireless, it won't need to be installed by a professional - and, in many cases, that's true. Customers love the ease of security systems that they can set up on their own, take with them when they move, and rearrange as needed. However, there are still a few providers whose systems will require a visit from a technician to set it up properly.
Yes, most providers offer some kind of satisfaction guarantee, usually a 30-day timeframe to put your system to the test and see if it meets your needs. But, if you decide you're unhappy, what happens next varies by company: you may get a refund for what you've paid thus far, or you might be allowed to break your contract but not get any money back. Make sure you read all of the fine print before you commit to a wireless home security provider.
Unlike the security systems of decades ago that required hardwiring and landlines, most wireless systems are easily transferred from one address to another. The most important part is making sure that your provider has your most current address, in the event that emergency services need to be dispatched to your location.
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The Best Reviews of Wireless Security Systems