Leading Surveillance and Safety Technologies - 2024 Edition

The best security systems can help protect your home, office, or space from intrusions, theft, fire, and other emergencies or threats.

Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece Kit - built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router and 30-day free Ring Protect Pro subscription

Best Security System Overall
$300 at amazon

SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

Best Budget Security System
$168 at Amazon

Vivint Smart Home Security System

Best Professionally Installed Security System
See at Vivint

Abode 9-Piece Smart Security Hub

Best Smart Home Compatible Security System
See at Abode

What to Look for in a Security System

Security systems can include a control panel, sensors, cameras, alarms, keypads/remote controls, sirens, professional monitoring service, and smart home integrations. Make sure to find systems with enough accessories for your needs or ones that let you customize the package.

Look for easy setup options. You can either set it up yourself or hire a pro. Also, consider professional monitoring , where the company watches over your property 24/7 and can send first responders in an emergency (monthly or annual subscription required).

Power or internet outages can take a security system offline, leaving you vulnerable. So, prioritize systems that offer battery and cellular backups (this might need a professional monitoring subscription).

Security stickers, alarms, and sirens are known to deter criminals. Most security systems will come with signs or stickers to place in visible areas of your home and almost all will have a siren, but not all will have a panic button. Make sure to double-check what you’re getting in your potential security system!

Surveillance footage is constantly generated, whether you’re self-monitoring or using professional monitoring. So, be sure to check the manufacturer’s privacy and data protection policies.

Watch out for contracts. Some security systems are contract-free, but others may have short, mid, or long-term contracts. Some might even charge you a moving fee if you relocate. Always go over the contract terms carefully.

Finally, using a security system can sometimes reduce your homeowner’s insurance premiums by up to 20%. Check the fine print to see if this applies to your location or chosen security system.

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Best Security System Overall: Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece Security System

The Ring Alarm Pro-8 Piece Security System is our top pick and one of the best DIY security systems available. It features an eero Wi-Fi 6 router , the Alarm Pro Base Station, a keypad, four window/door contact sensors, a motion detector, and an alarm range extender. You can expand this by purchasing additional hardware and Wi-Fi coverage.

One of the things we love most about this system is how easy it is to install. The box comes with a DIY installation kit, saving you potentially hundreds of dollars that you can use to expand your security system hardware. Once everything is set up, your footage can be stored in the cloud for up to 180 days, giving you plenty of time to watch, download, or share. Plus, all videos are end-to-end encrypted for your peace of mind.

With the Ring Protect Pro plan, you’ll get professional monitoring from a dedicated Ring team 24/7. If there’s a break-in, fire, carbon monoxide leak, or other security threat, you’ll be immediately alerted and can request dispatch of first responders like the police, fire service, or an ambulance.

The optional Ring Protect Pro plan costs $20 a month or $200 a year and includes additional benefits like 3GB of free data monthly and Alarm Cellular Backup, which keeps your system online during internet outages. The alarm is loud enough to reach up to 104dB, deterring criminals and alerting your neighbors. It’s compatible with Alexa and is contract-free.

Best Security System Overall

Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece Kit - built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router and 30-day free Ring Protect Pro subscription

The Ring Alarm Pro is a hub for all your home security devices. It also doubles as an Eero router and storage device for Ring cameras.

$300 at amazon See at bestbuy See at crutchfield

Best Budget Security System: SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Security System

When setting up a security system, costs can add up quickly. If you’re looking for a reliable way to prevent break-ins and other emergencies without breaking the bank, check out the SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Security System . For about $150, you get a base station, keypad, four entry sensors, a motion sensor, and a panic button.

Like the Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece Security System, the SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Security System is super easy to install. There’s no need for drilling or wiring. Just plug in the base station, download the SimpliSafe app , place your sensors, and you’re all set. If you need extra help, you can hire a SimpliSafe installation specialist.

With the SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Security System, you get one free month of 24/7 professional monitoring with Fast Protect Technology, which ensures a quick police response in an emergency. If you decide to subscribe, SimpliSafe agents will monitor your property around the clock and instantly send first responders if needed. It costs about 66 cents daily, with no contracts or hidden fees.

The SimpliSafe Base Station has a long-lasting battery and offers cellular backup to keep you connected, even during power or internet outages. Its panic button triggers a 95dB alarm and quickly sends police to your location, or you can use Secret Alerts to notify the police discreetly. The SimpliSafe security system works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Best Budget Security System

SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

$168 $240 Save $72

At less than $150, with professional monitoring at 66c a day, the SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System is simply one of the best budget security systems.

See at Best Buy $168 at Amazon

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Best Professionally Installed Security System: Vivint Smart Home Security System

While DIY security systems have their perks, the Vivint Smart Home Security System is our top pick for the best professionally installed option. The starter kit includes the Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel, four door/window sensors, and a motion sensor. Vivint’s hardware is top-notch, some of the best quality on the market.

Although you can customize your Vivint Security System, you’ll need a specialist to set it up, which can cost up to $250. Add that to the starting price of $599.99, and it can get pricey. Fortunately, there are often free installation promos and a handy 36-month payment plan to ease the cost.

On the bright side, the Vivint technician will show you how to use the system. Plus, each package includes professional monitoring with Vivint specialists who monitor your property 24/7 and respond to alarms. They’ll also help out if you need assistance. If they can’t reach you during an emergency, Vivint will contact first responders on your behalf.

The Vivint Smart Home Security System is perfect for those who want a professionally managed home security setup that covers all the bases and supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home integrations. Just read through Vivint’s terms of service before signing up for the contract.

Best Professionally Installed Security System

Vivint Smart Home Security System

The Vivint Smart Home Security System is ideal for people who want a professionally done-and-managed-for-you solution with advanced security features.

See at Vivint

Best Smart Home Compatible Security System: Abode 9-Piece Smart Security Hub

If you already have a smart home set up and want a security system to go with it, check out the Abode 9-Piece Smart Security Hub . This package includes a Smart Security Hub, Keypad 2, keyfob, motion sensor, Acoustic Glass Break Sensor, and four mini door/window sensors. It’s super easy to set up using the Abode app .

The Abode 9-Piece Smart Security System works great with many smart home devices, such as Philips Hue Bulbs , Schlage locks , and Ecobee thermostats . You can connect up to 160 devices to create your own custom smart home setup.

If you want 24/7 professional monitoring, it’ll cost you just under $1 a day. For that price, you’ll get round-the-clock monitoring by Abode, alerts and event notifications, and first responders dispatch during emergencies. You’ll also have battery and cellular backups in case of a power or internet outage, so you’re always covered.

The Abode 9-Piece Smart Security System is perfect for smart home fans because it works with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, Apple HomeKit, Z-Wave, and Zigbee -compatible devices. Like the Ring Alarm Pro and SimpliSafe systems, the Abode system is contract-free.

Best Smart Home Compatible Security System

Abode 9-Piece Smart Security Hub

Got a smart home or smart home devices? Then get the Abode 9-Piece Smart Security Hub to complete and complement your smart home setup.

See at Abode

FAQ

Do home security systems deter crime?

Yes, home security systems can help to deter crime and criminals. However, nothing is foolproof. You can combine security stickers, alarms, cameras, and guard dogs to improve security.

Do all security systems integrate with my smart home?

While most security systems will integrate with your smart home, some can integrate more than others. For instance, the Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece Security System only integrates with Alexa, whereas the Abode 9-Piece Security System works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, and Z-Wave/Zigbee.

Do I need a permit to set up a home security system?

It depends. Some areas require a permit for security systems with an alarm. Additional permits may be needed if your system includes smoke detection, if you are rewiring your home, or performing construction during the installation process. Board approval may also be required if you’re part of an HOA. Some providers can help you apply for necessary permits as part of their professional monitoring package.

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