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 is known for its longevity in the industry and its certified monitoring centers. Choose from one of ADT’s four packages or customize to fit your needs.
★ 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
- 140+ years in business
- 6-month money back guarantee
- $500 Theft Protection guarantee
Cons
- 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
Winner of the 2020 IoT Breakthrough Award for its outdoor camera, Vivint is a leader in home security with its expansive equipment lineup and features.
★ Recommended Plan
Vivint’s Smart Home Service has a ton of features and devices to help you protect your home to include the basics plus home hazard monitoring devices. Equipment starts at $599.99. Professional monitoring starts at $29.99 per month.Pros
- Flexible equipment configuration
- Flexible payment options
- Variety of cutting-edge smart home devices and features
Cons
- Long contract if financing equipment
- Expensive equipment cost
- No DIY installation option
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.Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular 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
Starting at $44.99/mo
Our Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Nationally recognized for its customer service, Frontpoint is a top contender in home security with a range of packages you can choose from.
★ Recommended Plan
For the basics—a hub, sensors, and signage—Frontpoint’s Safe Home Starter plan comes at an affordable price. Equipment starts at $319.95. Professional monitoring starts at $44.99 per month.Pros
- Month-to-month contract
- Renter-friendly services and equipment
- Good customer service
Cons
- 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
Get a locked monthly monitoring rate and flexible contract options with Link Interactive. Choose between three monthly plans and select the equipment that’s right for your home.
★ Recommended Plan
Go gold with Link Interactive for motion detection, home hazard monitoring, and smart home functionality with the Gold Plan. Request a quote for equipment pricing. Professional monitoring starts at $39.99 per month.Pros
- Build-your-own equipment packages
- 1, 2 or 3-year contracts
- Family owned and operated
Cons
- 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.
