Understanding Home Security Systems: A Primer
A home security system is designed to deter intruders and detect threats in your home. Most systems include sensors, a control panel, a siren or noisemaker, and 24/7 monitoring capabilities. Home security systems have evolved from only securing entry points to integrating with other smart devices to allow for home automation and remote accessibility via smartphone apps.
When choosing a home security system, key factors to consider include:
- Installation – DIY vs professionally installed
- Equipment – Type of sensors, control panels, and integration capabilities
- Monitoring – Self-monitored, professionally monitored, or both
- Features – Entry alerts, environmental monitoring, home automation, etc
- Cost – Equipment, installation, and monthly fees
Ideally, you want a system that is easy to install, offers robust equipment options, has flexible monitoring capabilities, includes advanced features like home automation, and fits your budget. Keep reading for our top picks that deliver on all fronts.
Top-Rated Home Security Systems of 2024: Expert Picks
After extensive testing and research, these home security systems consistently rise to the top thanks to their quality equipment, advanced features, flexible monitoring options, and reasonable pricing.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is our top pick for DIY installation. The components easily connect to the base station to provide whole-home protection. We like that monitoring is optional and affordable at $15 per month. It also integrates with Nest and Amazon Alexa. The wide range of equipment plus flexibility makes SimpliSafe a great choice for most households.
Installation – DIY
Monitoring – Self or professional
Equipment – Wide range
Highlights – Affordable, flexible, integrates with smart home devices
Vivint
Vivint is our top choice for professionally installed systems. We like that it offers a free consultation to customize the right system for your home. Equipment quality is top-notch and it has advanced smart home capabilities to control locks, lights, and thermostats. Vivint monitoring starts at $30 per month but equipment can be pricey. Overall, Vivint leaves little to chance with tailored protection.
Installation – Professional
Monitoring – Professional
Equipment – High-end, customizable
Highlights – Robust equipment, smart home automation
ADT
ADT is the most well-known home security brand for a reason. Their professional installation and support are second-to-none. Monitoring plans are reasonably priced and systems integrate with Alexa and Google Assistant. Equipment options abound from entry sensors to environmental detectors to smart home hubs. While a professional install and long-term contract are required, ADT systems are ideal for hands-off security and automation.
Installation – Professional
Monitoring – Professional
Equipment – Robust options
Highlights – DIY options available, trusted brand with smart integration
Abode
Abode systems take customization to the next level with comprehensive equipment options and flexible monitoring capabilities. We like Abode for the ability to self-monitor sensors and devices while also having the option to upgrade to professional monitoring. Starting at $7 per month, no long-term commitments are required. Abode also works with Alexa, Google Home, Nest, and more, making it our top pick for smart homes.
Installation – DIY
Monitoring – Self or professional
Equipment – Extensive options
Highlights – Works with most smart devices, flexible hybrid monitoring
DIY vs. Professional Home Security Systems: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to installing a home security system, you have two options – do it yourself or have professional installation. There are merits to both, so consider what will work best for your home.
DIY Security Systems
DIY security systems ship pre-configured with clear installation instructions so you can set up the system on your own time. This option works well if you are comfortable with basic wiring and troubleshooting. Pros of DIY installation include:
More Affordable – Avoid installation charges ($75-$150 on average)
Flexible Placement – Place components wherever you want
Easy to Move – Bring the system to your next home
Leading DIY providers include SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode, and Cove. Most provide optional monitoring subscriptions. Upfront equipment fees start around $200.
Professionally Installed Security Systems
Professionally installed systems require a technician to assess your home, position equipment accordingly, and complete initial configuration. Going pro is smart if you want a hands-off experience from purchase to installation to maintenance. The benefits of professional installation include:
Convenience – No equipment installation or troubleshooting required
Expert Assessment – Technicians finetune system to your home’s layout
Enhanced Protection – Hardwired sensors provide greater security
Top professionally installed providers are Vivint, ADT, Frontpoint, and Protect America. Professional monitoring is typically required starting around $30-$45 per month. Multi-year contracts are also common.
Key Takeaways
Ultimately, deciding between DIY vs professionally installed systems comes down to your comfort level in installing a system and managing self-monitoring versus a willingness to pay more for equipment and monitoring to have end-to-end professional security services. Fortunately, both options provide complete home protection. See how the top DIY and pro installed systems stack up in the sections above.
Smart Home Integration: Enhancing Your Home Security
The latest trend in home security is integrating systems with popular smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant. Smart home compatible security systems allow you to arm, disarm, check status, and receive alerts simply by using voice commands.
Having a natively compatible security system enhances functionality. For instance, you can create automations to have smart lights turn on when motion is detected or receive a smartphone alert when the smart thermostat senses freezing temperatures.
Here are some ways smart home integration augments home security:
Voice Control – Arm or disarm your system via Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Automations – Program lights, locks, cameras based on sensor activity
Notifications – Receive home alerts even when security system is disarmed
Remote Access – Control your system from anywhere via smartphone
Vivint, ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, and Abode all integrate directly with leading smart home platforms. For easy voice control and enhanced automation, a natively compatible home security system is the way to go.
The Benefits of Wireless Home Security Cameras
While things like entry sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors account for the bulk of most modern home security systems, adding internet-connected wireless security cameras takes protection to the next level. When shopping for home security system equipment, be sure to consider both indoor and outdoor cameras.
Benefits of wireless security cameras include:
Enhanced Protection – Eyes on both interior and exterior deters more break-ins
Video Evidence – Provides visual confirmation and evidence of any activity
Live Views – Check feeds remotely from anywhere in the world
Expanded System – Integrates with sensors for whole-property protection
Reputable wireless camera providers include Ring, Arlo, Eufy, and Nest. Prices range from $100 to $400 for most indoor/outdoor wireless cameras. Many integrate with Alexa and Google for voice control and automation capabilities.
For comprehensive monitoring, wireless home security cameras paired with a robust system of sensors and detectors can protect both inside and outside your home as well as capture video evidence of any criminal activity.
Affordable Home Security Solutions for Every Budget
Gone are the days of spending thousands upfront for a top-tier home security system. Advances in technology now allow for comprehensive monitoring and protection at consumer-friendly prices. DIY systems especially help keep costs down thanks to online direct ordering and lack of professional installation fees. Here are some of our top budget picks:
Cove – Starts at $18 per month including equipment
Frontpoint – Starts at $35 per month including equipment
SimpliSafe – Starts at $15 per month for monitoring fees
Wyze – $96 per year for professional monitoring
Affordability has brought choice and flexibility to the home security marketplace. Do some homework and identify the ideal system based on the size of your home, desired equipment, smart capabilities, and available budget – there is guaranteed to be a perfect system at the right price point to meet your needs.
Customizing Your Home Security System for Maximum Protection
Off-the-shelf home security packages provide a strong baseline level of protection but truly customizing components across key areas both inside and outside your home takes maximum protection to the next level. As you evaluate home security systems, look for equipment that meets these customization guidelines:
Complete Coverage – Sensors for every door, window, room on first 2 floors
Video Surveillance – Outdoor/doorbell cameras plus indoor cameras
Environmental Protection – Water, freeze, smoke/CO detectors
Automation Triggers – Programmable lighting, thermostat, routines
Between SimpliSafe, Ring, Vivint, ADT and more – the ability to hand pick equipment for full coverage has never been better. Most providers allow you to start small with an entry-level kit and build over time. Focus first on protecting entry points and high-value areas with room/motion sensors followed by adding supplementary video and environmental detectors. Also consider smart components like lights, thermostats and locks that can integrate with your system.
Advanced Features to Look for in Home Security Systems
Basic security systems monitor entries and alert you to intrusions. Advanced systems incorporate cutting-edge features for enhanced protection and connectivity. As you compare home security options, seek out systems with these tech-forward advantages:
Smart Detection – AI cameras differentiate people from other motion
Video Analytics – Person and facial detection technology
Backup Power – Multi-day battery and cellular redundancy
Convenient Control – Fingerprint and facial recognition apps
Encrypted Data – Local storage options for end-to-end data privacy
Vivint stands out for its sophisticated wireless components like cameras with AI detection to discern threats. Video doorbells can also classify familiar versus unknown faces. Look for extended battery life measured in days versus hours for backup power plus no-contract options and stringent data policies for optimal security and control.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Choosing a Home Security System
While home security shoppers are inundated with options, noticeably absent are insights regarding what NOT to do when selecting a system. Steer clear of these common mistakes people make when choosing home protection:
Ignoring Install Requirements – Ensure your home’s layout doesn’t restrict equipment
Limited Sensor Placement – All exterior doors and windows must have detectors
Assuming Costs – Unexpected fees like activation, equipment, monitoring add up
Prioritizing Brand Over Features – Lesser-known brands often innovate faster
No Customization Capability – One-size fits-all systems have coverage gaps
Be extremely diligent when researching systems that comply with your home’s parameters, clearly outline system pricing both upfront and recurring, allow for expansive sensor equipment selection, incorporate advanced features like home automation, backup power and video analytics, and enable customization. Doing your homework leads to the optimal home security system.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Keeping Your Home Security System at Its Best
Installing home security equipment represents only the first step in protecting your property over the long haul. Ongoing subscription fees pay for aspects like professional monitoring while system maintenance ensures everything works properly when needed most.
Don’t just set-it-and-forget-it! Abide by these guidelines for optimizing the system that safeguards your home:
Professional Monitoring – Central station protection 24/7/365 even when traveling
Sensor Function Tests – Monthly check to confirm detectors working properly
Video Storage – Optimize cloud plans so footage not overwritten frequently
Firmware Updates – Enable auto-updates for enhancements and fixes
Battery Replacement – Proactively swap out any sensor batteries showing reduced charge
It is just as important to routinely check and optimize a home security system as it is finding the right equipment to protect your home. Reinforce peace of mind through redundant layers of physical equipment, professional monitoring, and ongoing maintenance for failsafe protection.
