Home is your sanctuary, yet also one of the most vulnerable places in your life. Security systems can detect potential threats and protect both you and your loved ones.
Installing a security system is an expensive investment; take into account how long you plan to live at your current address before making this purchase decision. Look for systems offering either DIY installation or lease equipment, with professional monitoring options and smart home integration features at an affordable price point.
1. Simplisafe
Simplisafe was launched as one of the earliest DIY home security systems back in 2006 and remains one of the more established solutions on the market, making it less likely to disband than newer competitors. Offering an easy-to-use and cost-effective system with no contracts or installation fees involved.
Simplisafe’s distinctive features include video verification of alarms (allowing monitoring agents to quickly access livestream camera feeds to verify whether an alarm is legitimate, speeding up police response time) and 24/7 cellular monitoring. Furthermore, sensors detect smoke, carbon monoxide and floods.
SimpliSafe equipment is wireless, making installation quick and effortless. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home Hubs, August Smart Lock and the August Smart Lock but does not support Apple HomeKit.
2. Vivint
Vivint offers an outstanding home security system with premium equipment and professional installation, such as their smart touchscreen control panel and AI-powered cameras. Their unique camera models stand out: Outdoor Pro offers 4K video for sharp imagery while Indoor Cam uses active deterrence with lights and sounds to prevent crime. Vivint also integrates seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue smart lighting and Nest thermostats for convenient automations.
Vivint stands out among professional monitoring companies by offering month-to-month contracts and an expansive selection of equipment to choose from, with only three-day cancellation windows compared to most home security systems.
3. ADT
ADT stands out as the premier professional monitoring provider in the industry, boasting nine alarm response centers located throughout the U.S. that provide emergency police, fire, and medical response for any incident that arises. In addition, ADT boasts one of the most innovative smart home security integrations available today – linking with Google Voice Assistant through its app and providing users with access to integrate Google Nest cameras as part of their system.
Smart Home Control integrates ADT security equipment with other smart devices in your home, enabling you to turn lights on or off, adjust thermostat temperatures, or lock/unlock doors by tapping a single device.
ADT’s cellular backup can give anyone peace of mind knowing their home will always be secure, but for those not wanting a contract commitment there are other solutions available.
4. Abode
Abode first made waves in 2014 with their DIY home security offering without contracts and affordable equipment. Since then, their hardware and pricing have evolved, but Abode remains an attractive option for those seeking self-monitoring of their home without making long term commitments.
The Abode Security System is easy to set up and use with its modern web portal that is user friendly across both desktop and mobile platforms. Access a timeline of events and alerts, view live video streams, set geofencing smart home automations (for automated home improvements), geofencing smart home automations (and much more).
Abode offers several packages that combine on-demand professional monitoring and 4G cellular backup, at an extra monthly charge, with their selection of add-on devices for customizing home security systems.
5. Ring
Ring is one of the leading smart home security companies. Beginning as video doorbell manufacturers, today their selection includes products compatible with Alexa. Furthermore, new hardware keeps being released.
This app gives you control of all of your devices from a single location, including viewing and editing Tiles – internal groupings of Ring device locations – as well as discovering new features.
With a Ring Plus video doorbell, the app enables you to monitor when a package arrives at your doorstep – helping prevent porch pirates from stealing it! This feature makes an invaluable difference.
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