Rural Security Systems
According to the Census Bureau (2017), “[1] in [5] Americans live in rural areas.” For those who are familiar with rural living, this typically means quieter evenings, more privacy, and unfortunately for some, inconsistent Internet. However, living in a rural area doesn’t disqualify you from finding what you need to secure your home. Break-ins can happen anywhere, and if you’re searching for the right provider, we share our top 5 picks and their features for rural home security.
Compare Rural Security Systems
 SimpliSafe Security |  Link Interactive | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting price for professional monitoring | $35.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. | $30.99/mo. |
Installation type | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY | DIY |
Contract | 3 years | 42 - 60 months for financing | No contract required | No contract required | 1-3 years |
Trial Period | 6 months | 3 days | 60 days | 30 days | 30 days |
BBB rating | A+ | C- | A+ | A+ | A+ |
What is the best home security system for you?
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Compare Cheap Home Security Providers
Our Take on SimpliSafe Home Security
Keep those pesky burglars away with a SimpliSafe security system. Choose from a range of packages and equipment, and get inexpensive professional monitoring.
★ Recommended Plan
We recommend The Barrington if you’re interested in SimpliSafe. This package combines intrusion detection and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $388.93. Professional monitoring starts at $14.99 per month. Self-monitoring is free.Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
- Free self-monitoring
Cons
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
- Research SimpliSafe
- Best for Money-Back Guarantee
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT is a well-recognized name in the home security business thanks to its top-notch equipment, award-winning monitoring centers and commitment to customer service. For people who feel like you get what you pay for, it’s hard to beat ADT.
ADT prefers to provide a brief consultation before quoting a custom package. Contact ADT to get started.
★ Recommended Plan
ADT’s Video Lite Plan is nothing minor — you’ll get motion detection, smart home capabilities, and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $599. Professional monitoring starts at $54.99 per month.Pros
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- $500 theft protection guarantee
- High-quality equipment
Cons
- Must pay for an extended warranty
- Lengthy contracts
- More expensive than competitors
- Best for Smart Homes
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint really shines when it comes to equipment. Perhaps no other provider has such an extensive catalog, which makes it an excellent provider for those who plan to install new equipment over time.
★ Recommended Plan
Vivint’s Smart Home Service is our recommended plan because it unlocks a larger selection of smart home devices, as well as video monitoring.
Pros
- Month-to-month contract option if equipment is purchased up front
- Backup battery included with the Sky Control panel
- Extensive equipment features, including Vivint Car Guard
Cons
- Long contract if equipment is financed
- Installation can take 3-4 hours
- Short (120-day) equipment warranty and service guarantee (unless you purchase Premium)
- Short (3-day) trial period
- Best for Customer Service
Frontpoint Home Security
Our rating7.6Starting at$44.99/moOur Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint recently changed its billing model to month-to-month contracts, which we believe shows that the company strives to stay on top of industry trends and cares about customer service. We also appreciate that Frontpoint’s equipment is compatible with the major smart home hubs.
★ Recommended Plan
Our recommended Frontpoint plan is the Safe Home Starter equipment package combined with the Ultimate monitoring plan, which will give you access to a smartphone app for monitoring your security devices.
Pros
- No lengthy contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Variety of equipment to choose from
Cons
- Monitoring fees are relatively expensive
- Short (30 days) trial period
- No professional installation option
Our Take on Link Interactive Home Security
Link Interactive represents a middle ground between the all-out customization offered by SimpliSafe and the more traditional options offered by Brinks or ADT. You’ll sign a contract, for example, but you do get some say in how long the contract will be.
★ Recommended Plan
We recommend Link Interactive’s Elite Plan because it offers both video surveillance monitoring and smart home integration.
Pros
- Locked-in monitoring prices (for 3 years)
- Wide selection of equipment
- Ability to build your own package
Cons
- Video monitoring only available in most expensive plan
- Smart home capabilities not included in most affordable plan
- No professional installation option
Frequently Asked Questions About Rural Security Systems
No, not all security systems require a phone line. You can choose a provider that offers cellular monitoring (which we highly recommend). However, we do understand that some rural areas may not be able to receive strong cellular signals, so if you choose a security system with a landline, we’d recommend getting cellular backup in case of a power outage or if you have spotty WiFi.
No, for most providers you do not need a WIFI connection to use a home security system. The only instances in which WIFI is typically used with a home security system is for monitoring and smart home devices.
Generally, you can choose between a landline, broadband, or cellular connection for monitoring. Most providers offer cellular monitoring, eliminating the need for WIFI. If, however you want to use smart home devices, the need for WIFI will depend on the devices you choose.
Yes, SimpliSafe can work in rural areas. SimpliSafe partners with Verizon and T-Mobile to use their cellular networks.
Yes, most cheap home security systems have a monthly monitoring fee unless you decide to monitor your own system. In that case, you may be able to avoid this fee.
As with most home security systems, you’ll get the essentials: a control panel, motion sensor(s), door/window sensors, and signage. If you want additional equipment like security cameras, smart home devices, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, glass break sensors, and other devices, you can expect to pay more. If you want some of these additional features for less, we’d recommend providers like Blue by ADT and Cove.
