Best Home Security Systems — every ranking, by use case and budget
We bought and installed every system here and paid for monitoring. Scores are locked before any affiliate link is added.
SimpliSafe
Excellent
9.1
Abode
Very Good
8.7
By use case indexed
By price page 1 indexedpage 2+ noindex
In-depth home security systems reviews
Ring Alarm
The best cameras and doorbell in the category, professional monitoring for $20 a month, and Alexa built through the whole house
Read Ring Alarm ReviewSimpliSafe
The fastest monitoring response in our test, no contract, equipment you own, and an install that took under an hour
Read SimpliSafe ReviewAbode
The system for people who want their alarm inside their own smart home: HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee and a real automation engine, monitored or not
Read Abode ReviewCove
The cheapest monitored system here, with an InstaText alert that reaches you before the phone call and a touchscreen panel that talks you through setup
Read Cove ReviewArlo Home Security System
One clever all-in-one sensor that detects motion, contact, water, smoke alarms and temperature — fewer devices on the wall, and cameras Arlo already does well
Read Arlo Home Security System ReviewVivint
The most capable hardware in the category — camera analytics that tell a person from a car, and a hub that runs locks, thermostats and garage doors
Read Vivint ReviewADT
A century-old monitoring network with professional installation, a six-month theft guarantee and the industry's widest police-response relationships
Read ADT ReviewGuides that send readers to these rankings
The Home Security Contract Clauses That Cost People Money
Equipment ownership, auto-renewal, early termination and price rises — the four clauses we found in the seven agreements we signed.