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
- Best Overall DIY Security System
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security:
SimpliSafe is our top pick for inexpensive monitoring, durable equipment and reliable services that simplify home security. You’ll have all the right devices and features to give you peace of mind — even when the unexpected happens.
★ Recommended package: Barrington
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 the basic monitoring plan
- Best Home Security for Industry Experience
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT’s a well-recognized name in the home security industry. It offers traditional security that requires professional installation and monitoring at a steep price.
★ Recommended Plan
CompletePros
- 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 Smart Home Security
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint has an extensive line of smart security equipment that you can expand over time. The downside is that you’ll have a long-term contract if you finance your equipment.
★ 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 upfront
- 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)
- Best Pet-Friendly Home Security
Our Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint lets you choose both your package and monitoring plan to help build the perfect home security system for renters and homeowners alike. Monitoring can be costly, but free DIY installation helps lower costs without reducing reliability or protection.
★ 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. For example, you’ll sign a contract, 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 up to three years)
- Wide selection of equipment
- Ability to build your own package
Cons
- Video monitoring only available in the most expensive plan
- Smart home capabilities not included in the 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.