The 11 Best Home Security Systems of 2021

The best home security systems offer a variety of products and services to choose from at an affordable price. After looking at 25 of the best home security systems and over 100 features, we boiled down the various research, considerations and conclusions.

All in all, SimpliSafe is our top security pick for its affordability, flexibility, and equipment features. But traditional security providers, like ADT and Vivint, are close calls for reliability despite long-term contracts and required traditional services. No matter which provider you pick, you’re bound to have a better sense of security with our most trusted recommendations. 

• Get free shipping on all LOREX on all orders. 
• Free Vivint Installation — Get free installation on your new Vivint home security system. Enter code SAFETY at checkout.
• Shop Cove’s Sales & Savings — Get the best deals on new systems and add-on equipment. 
• Get FREE installation on an ADT video doorbell and outdoor camera. 
• For a limited time, get up to $250 off a new Link Interactive security system.
• Save up to 20% on Arlo Security Bundles + FREE ground shipping on all orders $35 or more.
• 10% off your first Scout order.

Check out more home security deals and limited-time offers.

Deals from these providers are accurate as of June , 2021.

Your ideal home security system depends on many factors. Consider your home’s square footage, entry points, and your security needs. You should also think about your desired cost and whether you want some services, including professional monitoring and installation. There’s a lot to consider from smart home compatibility to surveillance. So, how do you decide which alarm system is best for you?

It all comes down to knowing you’re safe and feeling safe. Here are a few of our recommendations based on a few common needs.

Renters and Frequent Movers: It’s best to look for DIY options that are wireless and contract-free so you can easily pack and reinstall if you move. 

Pet Owners: Some security providers, like Vivint and ADT, offer pet-friendly adjustable sensors to reduce false alerts from pets wandering your home.

Senior Citizens: ADT is one of the best options for senior citizens thanks to its professional monitoring, reliable equipment, and access to medical alerts for senior safety. 

Homeowners with Kids: Vivint, SimpliSafe, and  ADT are the best options for parents thanks to their sturdy equipment, convenient control options, and professional monitoring plans. 

Homeowners with Smart Home Integrations in Mind: If you’re looking to connect dozens of smart devices and connect them to your home alarm system for smart security, we recommend Scout, Link Interactive, Ring, or Vivint.

Travelers: If you’re always on the go, you’ll need a home security system that gives you full control with your mobile device. We recommend Vivint, Ring, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint.

The best home security systems are affordable and offer flexible payment options. But there are several costs to add up when buying home security. You may not have to pay a few of these costs depending on your home security provider’s available services and equipment. The average cost of home security is close to $300. Most families pay between $10 – $35 for professional monitoring and between $100 – $250 for equipment. Here’s a breakdown of costs to factor in. 

Professional monitoring: Some providers, like ADT and Vivint, require professional monitoring. The cost will depend on your package, but most providers charge between $10 – $35. But you may be able to cut this cost with DIY monitoring for free with providers, like SimpliSafe and Blue by ADT. 

Equipment: Depending on your provider, you may have the option to pay monthly installments of your equipment with your other service costs and usually requires a contract. On the other hand, some DIY home security systems must be purchased upfront and may not offer financing options. But you’ll still have the flexibility to buy what’s within your budget for now and add-on later. 

Installation: Traditional home security systems require professional installation for a proper setup. Installation averages $100, but DIY installation eliminates this cost. If you’d like professional installation for your wireless system you’ll likely use a third-party installer, and costs will vary depending on your equipment.

Video surveillance and storage: You’ll need to factor in the cost of cloud storage if you add security cameras. Some providers, like Ring, require separate storage plans for each camera. You can expect to spend at up to $10 per month for video storage if it’s not included in your monitoring plan. If you’d like continuous video recording (CVR) you’ll likely need to pay extra, like the Nest Aware Plus plan for $12 per month. 

Smart home features: If you’d like smart home features like voice control and automated routines, you may need to upgrade your home security package. For example, both SimpliSafe and ADT require an upgraded monthly plan for smart home features and mobile app control. 

Remember to always look for home security deals and savings to help lower the cost. Some providers may offer free installation or waive fees with certain packages.

• Best DIY Home Security Systems
• Best Apartment Security Systems
• Best Self Monitored Home Security
• Cheap Home Security Systems
• Best Wireless Home Security Systems

Most home security systems come with security essentials such as motion detection, door and window sensors, a control panel, and yard signs. Some even come with a keyfob to easily control your system with a handheld device. But nowadays, home security has more to offer, with smart security devices that can be controlled using your smartphone. 

Smart lock: The best way to upgrade your door security is to add a smart lock. Use a mobile app, voice assistant, or pin code to lock and unlock your door. You can also easily check the status of your smart lock using a mobile app and see the history of its status. Smart locks are popular for homeowners interested in creating a full smart home with the latest smart gadgets. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about forgetting your keys. Our favorite smart lock is the Yale x Nest Smart Lock for its backup battery power, 20 unique codes, and Google Nest compatibility. 

Video doorbell: Video doorbells are popular standalone security cameras, and some wirelessly pair with their compatible security systems, such as SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro. A video doorbell gives you a better view of what’s happening outside your door from your smartphone. You can also speak to guests using the doorbell’s two-way audio feature. When motion is detected, you’ll receive a mobile alert to monitor activity and see recorded clips from your phone. We love SimpliSafe’s doorbell, but the Arlo Video doorbell is our top choice for its Amazon Alexa compatibility, custom activity zones, and object detection for fewer false alerts. 

Security camera: There are plenty of security cameras to choose from depending on your surveillance needs. The best security camera is the Arlo Ultra 2 because of its long-lasting battery, noise-canceling audio, and object detection, just like its video doorbell. If you’re looking for a security camera, make sure you choose one that gives you the best features to keep an eye on your home on the go, including mobile app control, custom activity zones, and digital zoom for a close-up view. Most importantly, don’t forget to look into privacy features to keep your footage safe from hackers.

If you already feel safe in your home, you may wonder if you need a home alarm system. Safety.com conducted a home security survey to find out more about alarm system ownership and the motivation behind security alarm purchases. Here are a few insights about home security systems:

• About 74% of survey respondents say their home security system or product makes them feel safe. A security system gives you peace of mind knowing that your provider has equipped you with the right equipment to get help quickly if something unexpected happens.
• 50% of respondents who own security products wanted to add extra security to their homes. Security systems should give you the flexibility to easily add equipment based on your security needs. You should have everything you need to feel safe. Providers like SimpliSafe and Scout make it easy to add security equipment whenever you need it.
• 38% of Americans own a home security product. And 41% of 18-34-year-old respondents (Gen-Z and Millennials) own a home security system or product. Did you know that installing a home security system can help deter burglars? Starting with standalone security such as a Ring video doorbell or camera can help keep you safe and increase preventative measures.
• 33% of those who don’t own a home security product said they couldn’t afford it. Fortunately, DIY home security systems that don’t require a contract let you start with the essentials and expand over time. Systems like Cove and SimpliSafe allow you to build your system based on your budget. And some options like Frontpoint let you finance your equipment so you can pay over time without breaking the bank.
• About 16% of all respondents own a professionally monitored security system. 24/7 professional monitoring can alert emergency responders whether you’re home or away. You’ll have a fast emergency response to catch intruders or respond to an emergency while you focus on staying safe from harm.

Where Did Our Sleep Go? Up to 61 Million U.S. Adults Lost Sleep in 2020 From Feeling Unsafe

A survey conducted by Safety.com reveals that 1 in 4 Americans lost sleep in 2020 due to concerns about their security.

Key findings:

• 1 in 4 (24%) U.S. adults lost sleep in 2020 for safety-related concerns.

• Gen Z and Millennials were most likely to lose sleep.
• Women were found to lose more sleep than men

• More than half of U.S. adults surveyed don’t have a home security system.
• Most admit that locking their doors and windows made them feel safe during the night.

Read More: How to Overcome Security Concerns and Get More Sleep

1 in 4 Americans Weren’t Planning to Protect Their Homes From Burglary in the 2020 Holiday Season

A Safety.com survey found that nearly 1 in 4 Americans (24%) weren’t taking any steps to protect their homes from break-ins during the 2020 holiday season — not even if they were traveling away from home. While almost half of Americans (48%) were planning to rely on home security features they already own (like door and window locks), our survey results also indicate 54 million U.S. adults planned to leave their home unattended for more than a few hours during the 2020 holiday season, leaving them more vulnerable to burglaries.

Key findings:

• An estimated $57 billion in packages will be delivered during the holidays.

• 54 million US adults will leave their homes unattended this holiday season.
• Only 38% of Americans have a home security system.
• 44% of Americans plan to rely on door and window locks, but 1 in 4 Americans don’t plan to proactively prevent burglaries this holiday season.

Baby Boomers seem to be the most concerned about burglary, while Millennials seem to be the least concerned.

• A number of cost-effective home security devices could deter burglars.

Read More: Tips & Tools for Preventing Package Theft

Before you choose your favorite home security system, there are a few points to keep in mind. 

• Alarm system choices: Some security systems are only available based on your location. Some providers may not be available in your area, but you’ll have more options when ordering DIY systems that can be used almost anywhere.

• Wifi range: Most alarm systems rely on wifi and cellular connectivity to enable features and connect to monitoring centers. If you live in a rural area or where wifi and cell service can be spotty, you’ll need to ask about range extenders or other available equipment for a better connection.

• Local vs. national security companies: Local security companies often have a better understanding of the latest local crime statistics and your neighborhood. But national companies are just as helpful and may have more industry experience and resources at their disposal. Regardless of the provider, make sure you have the service and system that makes you feel safe. 

We chose some of the top home security companies, crime statistics and safety findings in a few cities to help narrow down your search. 

• Best Home Security Systems in Los Angeles, CA
• Best Home Security Systems in Charlotte, NC
• Best Home Security Systems in Houston, TX
• View All Cities

SimpliSafe gives you affordable home security with several products and services to choose from — all without requiring a contract. It’s a top pick for many because of its preventative features, including a ‘smash safe’ base station, and cellular connectivity with a back-up battery for your system to continue to work during a power outage. Of all the providers we looked at, SimpliSafe does the most comprehensive job of keeping customers safe and making them feel safe. 

SimpliSafe doesn’t hold customers in a contract but gives them the freedom to decide between DIY and professional installation, as well as self or professional monitoring. SimpliSafe isn’t in the Dark Ages with its technology either — you’ll find a security camera, smart door lock, and video doorbell among the provider’s lineup. With packages starting at less than $200 and monitoring at $14.99 per month, renters and homeowners alike are more able to make SimpliSafe part of their home.