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.
Top 5 Rural Home Security Providers
- ADT Home Security — Best for Industry Experience
- Vivint Smart Home — Best for Smart Homes
- SimpliSafe Home Security — Best for Easy Installation
- Frontpoint Home Security — Best for Professional Monitoring
- Link Interactive — Best Build Your Own Package
Compare Rural Security Systems
| 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+ |
Compare Cheap Home Security Providers
Starting at $45.99/mo
Our take on ADT Home Security
ADT Inc. stands apart as the home security company with the most experience and the best guarantee in the industry. That’s on top of certified monitoring centers and a competitive equipment lineup that includes intrusion protection, environmental monitoring, video surveillance and smart home automation.
What we like
- 140+ years in business
- 6-month money back guarantee
- $500 Theft Protection guarantee
What we don’t like
- Contract required
- No self-installation option
- Mobile app access not available in basic package
Starting at $29.99/mo
Our take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint offers all of today’s must-have home security features (professional monitoring, top-of-the-line equipment, home automation, mobile app access) with the added benefit of extensive smart home options and flexibility with your equipment and payment plan.
What we like
- Flexible equipment configuration
- Flexible payment options
- Variety of cutting-edge smart home devices and features
What we don’t like
- Long contract if financing equipment
- Expensive equipment cost
- No DIY installation option
Starting at $14.99/mo
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe could be considered a disrupter in the home security industry, because it was among the first to provide forward-thinking customer benefits like self-installation, self-monitoring, video verification and month-to-month pricing. Its generous 60-day risk-free trial helps ensure long-term customer satisfaction.
What we like
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
What we don’t like
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
Starting at $44.99/mo
Our take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint offers a competitive range of security equipment and monitoring services with the freedom of do-it-yourself installation and month-to-month contracts. We also appreciate their straightforward pricing and solid customer service reputation.
What we like
- Month-to-month contract
- Renter-friendly services and equipment
- Good customer service
What we don’t like
- Outdoor camera, doorbell camera only available as add-ons
- Limited home automation devices available
- High monitoring starting price
Our take on Link Interactive Home Security
Link Interactive combines the best of time-tested security solutions with modern technology and equipment. It’s the nationwide DIY branch of Mountain Alarm Fire & Security, a commercial and residential protection company founded in 1952 operating out of Utah.
What we like
- Build-your-own equipment packages
- 1, 2 or 3-year contracts
- Family owned and operated
What we don’t like
- No smart home capabilities in base plan
- No professional installation option
- Video monitoring only available in highest-tiered plan
Frequently Asked Questions About Rural Security Systems
Do all security systems require a phone line?
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.
Do you need WIFI for home security?
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.
Does SimpliSafe work in rural areas?
Yes, SimpliSafe can work in rural areas. SimpliSafe partners with Verizon and T-Mobile to use their cellular networks.
What are some good farm security systems?
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.
What equipment can I get with an affordable home security system?
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.
