Which home security system is the greatest all around?
The best approach to guarantee that your house is totally safe is to have a full security system with cameras, motion sensors, door and window sensors, and other accessories. After more than 150 hours of system testing, SimpliSafe’s basic kit is the best option. It offers excellent choices for AI-assisted monitoring agents and system expansion.
If you prefer a professionally installed system, Comcast Xfinity Home might be the ideal choice—provided it’s available in your area. For those seeking a modular security setup that can be expanded over time, Vivint is a top recommendation. Alternatively, Ring Alarm offers an excellent DIY option with no contract required and a budget-friendly subscription plan. We’ve also included other great options tailored to meet various needs.
Our curated list features a range of security systems, making it easy to find something for everyone, whether you’re holiday shopping or hunting for Black Friday deals. Whether you need a system that pairs seamlessly with your video doorbell or a comprehensive package with sensors for every window, our top picks have you covered. Plus, explore the essential features to look for and discover which brands didn’t make the cut.
Home Security Systems vs. Security Cameras
We also provide recommendations for home security cameras, which may leave you wondering how they differ from the security systems mentioned here. Home security cameras are standalone devices, often with the ability to connect to hubs for expanding to multiple cameras on the same platform. These cameras excel in video recording, motion detection, and two-way audio features and may also include optional monitoring plans.
In contrast, home security systems prioritize components like door and window sensors, motion detectors, glass-break sensors, and similar devices strategically placed throughout your home. They typically include keypads or other tools to arm and disarm the system when entering or leaving and may offer optional or required monitoring plans. While many home security systems allow for the integration of cameras, purchasing a system doesn’t always guarantee a camera will be included in the kit.
Best Home Security Camera System: SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe has consistently impressed us, earning an 8.5 out of 10 in our most recent review—one of the highest scores we’ve awarded for a home security system. If you want reliable home security without the extensive Wi-Fi and smart home integrations offered by options like the Ring Alarm kit, SimpliSafe’s user-friendly DIY system is an excellent choice. It includes a robust lineup of features, such as security cameras and battery-powered motion sensors, all of which performed reliably in our tests.
Starter kits are priced at $280 without discounts, though several are currently on sale. Alternatively, you can design a custom system tailored to your needs. Monitoring plans start at $10 per month, but the $30-per-month professional monitoring plan is highly recommended. This plan provides 24/7 live guard protection, full home monitoring, instant app alerts, and faster response times.
SimpliSafe is a fantastic option for homeowners venturing into smart home security, offering compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. With frequent promotions—some kits are currently 50% off for first-time buyers—it’s an even more attractive choice.
Best Home Security System Without a Subscription: Abode Wireless Smart Security Kit
Abode often runs deals on its starter kits, with prices as low as $100, making it one of the most affordable options available. For added value, we recommend the $220 Smart Security Kit, which includes a motion sensor and extends compatibility to Apple Home/Siri alongside Alexa and Google Assistant. Finding a security system that integrates with the Apple Home app at this price point is rare, making it an excellent choice for Apple users.
The system is compact and easy to manage, with a block hub that’s simple to set up. Its tool-free installation makes it ideal for DIY enthusiasts and renters. Despite its affordability, Abode includes essential features like battery backups and boasts impressive third-party compatibility. It integrates with a wide range of devices, including Nest, Yale, Philips Hue, Amazon Echo, and Ecobee. If you already have smart home gadgets, there’s a good chance Abode will support them—check out their full compatibility list for details.
For those interested in professional monitoring, Abode offers it with both of its plans, with the Pro plan adding cellular backup. Plans start at just $70 per year, providing significant savings compared to pricier options while still delivering robust monitoring capabilities.
Best DIY Home Security System: Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd-Gen)
Ring offers outstanding home security packages designed for users who prefer a hands-on approach, from selecting add-ons to customizing installation. The eight-piece starter kit includes four essential sensors, a base station, a keypad, a motion detector, and a range extender—perfect for those concerned about Wi-Fi coverage. While the Pro version is a solid choice, the second-gen kit stands out for its newer design and the flexibility to use your own router rather than the built-in option.
Amazon’s Ring devices provide excellent Alexa integration, and the intuitive management app makes setup and controls straightforward for DIYers. If you’ve used smart home devices before, navigating the app will feel second nature. The system also allows users to switch seamlessly between home and away modes while delivering instant notifications for sensor activity. For those looking to expand, the kit is compatible with nearly all Ring products, including security cameras and video doorbells, making it easy to upgrade.
A couple of important updates about Ring:
- As of 2024, Ring has revised its policy on police access to user video footage. Now, law enforcement can only request video in life-threatening emergencies, aligning with policies from brands like Google. This marks a significant improvement over their previous approach.
- While Ring is a great DIY-friendly option, professional monitoring requires a subscription to the premium plan, priced at $20 per month. While more affordable than some alternatives, it is higher than a basic cloud storage plan.
Best Professional Home Security System: Comcast Xfinity Home
Comcast Xfinity Home offers a user-friendly experience, earning it an 8 out of 10 in our review. It’s often more affordable than competitors like Vivint and ADT, supports a wide range of third-party smart home devices, and doesn’t require a contract.
The base system starts at $360 and includes a touchscreen hub, three sensors for doors or windows, and a motion sensor for key interior areas. Additional devices like Xfinity cameras, thermostats, or smoke detectors can be added, though we recommend leveraging its third-party compatibility instead. Xfinity works seamlessly with popular brands like August, Yale, Lifx, Ecobee, and Philips Hue, giving you plenty of customization options.
Subscription plans include self-monitoring and professional monitoring tiers. The $10-per-month self-monitoring plan is essential, as it provides Wi-Fi connectivity, third-party integration, and app control, making it a necessary part of the setup.
While Xfinity Home encourages bundling with other Comcast services and has limited home automation features, it’s still a strong choice for a reliable and flexible home security solution.
Top-rated Home Security Camera System
We’ve extensively tested the SimpliSafe system, most recently giving it an impressive score of 8.5 out of 10—one of the highest ratings we’ve awarded to a home security system. If you’re in the market for reliable home security without the added complexity of Wi-Fi and smart home integrations found in options like the Ring Alarm kit, SimpliSafe’s DIY setup is an excellent choice. It’s easy to install, user-friendly, and packed with features such as security cameras and dependable battery-powered motion sensors, all of which performed exceptionally well during our testing.
Starter kits start at $280 (regular price), though many are currently on sale, or you can customize your system with the specific devices you need. Monitoring plans begin at $10 per month, but the $30 monthly professional monitoring plan is highly recommended. This plan includes 24/7 live guard protection, comprehensive home monitoring, instant app alerts, and faster response times.
Overall, SimpliSafe is a top pick for homeowners exploring their first smart home security system. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and frequent discounts—like the current 50% off for new customers—make it an even more attractive option.
Top Customizable Home Security System
Vivint Smart Home
Vivint delivers a highly polished experience with seamless third-party device integrations and no contract requirements. The starter package includes a touchscreen control panel and a few sensors, but it’s compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. Plus, it supports a wide range of additional Vivint and third-party devices (check out our full review for more details).
This flexibility is ideal if you want to expand your system over time with devices like smart garage door openers, video doorbells, or security cameras. You can tailor your purchases to fit your budget, buying what you need now and adding more later. Vivint stands out as the only brand offering such a build-as-you-go approach while starting with a strong foundation.
Monthly monitoring plans range from $30 to $45, which is more budget-friendly than options like ADT and includes perks like video storage. However, these plans are among the priciest for professional monitoring compared to other brands. While high subscription fees are becoming less common in the industry, opting for professional monitoring with Vivint still requires a significant investment.
Best DIY Home Security System
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd Gen)
Ring offers excellent options for homeowners who prefer a hands-on approach to their security system. This eight-piece starter kit includes everything you need: four key sensors, a base station with a keypad, a motion detector, and a range extender for improved Wi-Fi coverage. While the Pro version of this kit is also a great choice, the second-generation kit stands out as a newer option that allows users to bypass the built-in router, letting you choose your own for better customization.
Ring devices seamlessly integrate with Alexa, and the system’s user-friendly app is intuitive, especially for those familiar with setting up smart home devices. The app allows users to manage controls, receive sensor notifications, and toggle between home and away modes effortlessly. Additionally, the Ring ecosystem is highly expandable—if you decide to upgrade, the system supports other Ring products like security cameras and video doorbells, making it easy to enhance your setup.
Two important updates to consider with Ring:
- In 2024, Ring updated its policy regarding police access to user footage. Now, video requests from law enforcement are only granted in life-or-death emergencies, aligning with practices from brands like Google and marking an improvement over Ring’s previous approach.
- While Ring is a great choice for DIY setups, professional monitoring requires the top-tier subscription plan, which costs $20 per month. Although this is less expensive than some other options, it’s still higher than the cost of a basic cloud storage plan.
Best Professional Home Security System
Comcast Xfinity Home
Comcast Xfinity Home is designed for convenience, earning it an 8 out of 10 in our review. It’s often more affordable than competitors like Vivint and ADT, offers compatibility with a wide range of third-party smart home devices, and doesn’t require a contract.
The base system is priced at $360 and includes a touchscreen hub, three access point sensors for doors and windows, and a motion sensor to monitor key areas. While you can expand the setup with additional Xfinity devices like cameras, thermostats, or smoke detectors, we recommend leveraging its excellent third-party compatibility. Xfinity Home integrates smoothly with brands like August, Yale, Lifx, Ecobee, and Philips Hue, offering plenty of options to customize your smart home.
Subscription plans include self-monitoring and professional monitoring tiers. The self-monitoring option, priced at $10 per month, is essential as it provides Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and third-party integration. We recommend budgeting for at least this tier to make full use of the system’s features.
Although you might need to navigate Comcast’s tendency to promote bundling with its other services and its somewhat limited home automation features, Xfinity Home remains a reliable and flexible professional security solution.
Best Affordable Home Security System
Arlo Home Security System 5-Piece
Arlo’s system, which performed impressively in our tests, stands out from standard security kits with its unique all-in-one sensors. These versatile sensors can be customized to perform various tasks depending on their placement. They can detect motion, monitor when a door is opened, track temperature changes, check for leaks, and more. With five sensors included in this package, you can assign them to a wide range of home monitoring tasks at a price that’s more affordable than most competitors.
While Arlo’s subscription plan is required for features like professional monitoring or 24/7 emergency response, the system still offers basic functionality at no cost. It also integrates seamlessly with other Arlo devices, such as the Arlo Doorbell, and includes a new fob for quickly disarming the system.
This kit is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts who have a clear vision of their home security needs but also value the flexibility to experiment and expand their setup in the future.