[Last updated: June 27, 2016]
Making sure your home is safe while you are both away and inside has never been easier. Making the choice of a good home security system is the hardest part. We’ve put together the best 10. Our number one goes to FrontPoint due to their impressive tech and security options.
Best Overall: FrontPoint
Overview: There are many reasons that FrontPoint makes the top of this year’s list. Options galore and security failsafes make this a great choice for busy families.
Summary: Home security now is more than just an alarm and FrontPoint is a clear example of that fact. This system from General Electric offers whole house automation of many key features including locks, lighting, and even your thermostat. All controllable from just about any connected device (smartphone, laptop, etc.) You’ll also be able to set up redundancies that keep your home secure even if you forget to set the alarm. It uses a geographic feature that alerts you whenever you leave a predetermined radius to your house (e.g. 1 mile). Tons of gear options will be great for just about any home with advanced equipment available as well. Pricing for cellular service isn’t bad, but there are cheaper monthly fees out there and the monitoring service itself isn’t in house, which may be a deal breaker for some. However, if you want current tech with loads of options we definitely recommend FrontPoint.
Read our full FrontPoint review here.
Best Value Option: SimpliSafe
Overview: Home security simplified. This service is a great option for individuals who want to protect their homes without a large cost and all of the bells and whistles.
Summary: You won’t find another security provider with more affordable kits. The best value for DIYer’s looking to set up their own system. Not only are the kits inexpensive, they are incredibly easy to set up (the site boasts it can be done in around 15 minutes). All packages are contract free which allows you the flexibility to cancel anytime you want without the fear of fees. The plans available are also incredibly versatile and customizable allowing you to choose the level of protection that is right for your home. If you want to be able to add home automation to your security system, SimpliSafe isn’t for you as those features aren’t available. Adding video cameras to your system will cost you extra and should be considered. If you want simple, reasonably priced, and reliable security, there’s no substitute.
Read our full SimpliSafe review here.
Number 3: Vivint
Overview: High-quality and superior home automation that comes with a higher price tag. A must have for a decked out dream home to keep you safe and comfortable.
Summary: If affordability is something you’re looking for in a home security system, Vivint isn’t going to be the best choice. With the best features of any other provider, they also come with a luxury cost. Simply put, their equipment works and the home automation is second to none. Their standard comes with a doorbell camera, smart locks, and garage door controls to go along with a free install. You’ll receive a touch-screen remote, a wireless system that is easy to set up, relocate, and change settings. If you are looking to set up a new home with the best and don’t mind a higher price tag, Vivint may be for you. Their basic package starts out higher than many of the premium offers from other security providers and their sales process is a bit high-pressure. If you want home automation, but don’t have the budget; there are a few less expensive options with some great features.
Read our full Vivint review here.
Number 4: Protect America
Overview: Protect America understands that customer service is important, especially in the security industry. Their service is one of the best we’ve seen along with being the most upfront across the board.
Summary: Home security companies are mostly big and impersonal. While you rely on them to keep your family and belongings safe, service can be lackluster. If being able to talk out issues with your provider is important, you may want to try Protect America. Feedback and concerns are taken seriously and responded to in a quick manner. In addition to their service, all fees and pricing are clear-cut and easy to understand. You actually receive up to $1400 in free equipment (depending on your plan). A relatively low price point compared to the field of options and all equipment comes with a lifetime guarantee. If mobile control is important, their app may leave you wanting and the company doesn’t offer a trial offer at this time. If you want to know issues will be addressed, Protect America is worth some study.
Read our full Protect America review here.
Number 5: LiveWatch
Overview: Very intuitive programs that keep you from unnecessary visits from the authorities. Excellent flexibility with no cancellation fees with the one year contract.
Summary: LiveWatch is a relatively small company in relation to the giants in the security industry. On the positive, it means genuinely helpful service and decent pricing. It has it’s drawbacks too, the company has switched names and isn’t known for being the most open which has led to some confusion. Just because they aren’t a large business doesn’t mean they don’t offer great features. A unique offer from LiveWatch called “ASAPer” alerts your entire emergency contact list during an alarm. If someone responds, you’ll save yourself the fee for involving local police. There are tons of other options available for purchase, and there is a one year contract. However, there is no cancellation fee which takes away the fear of signing up. If supporting a smaller company (without sacrificing features) is important to you, LiveWatch may be the best choice.
Read our full LiveWatch review here.
Number 6: Link Interactive
Overview: With low starter fees, and a few great packages to choose from Link Interactive is a great for quick choices. However, there is a long commitment and a hefty cancellation fee after the 30 day trial period.
Summary: Very few security providers have a trial period at all, but Link Interactive offers you 30 days to figure out if they are the right choice for your family. The long trial comes along with other great options for anyone looking to get going fast on a budget. There are no set up, activation, or installation fees involved so all of your equipment will be up and running with no investment other than the monthly fee. It is crucial to let Link Interactive know if you are not interested in continuing your service before the 30 day trial is up. Otherwise, there is a 36 month contract along with a harsh cancellation policy. The commitment may make them a turnoff, but if you need to choose a system and package quickly, there may not be a better option.
Read our full Link Interactive review here.
Number 7: Protection 1
Overview: Flexible connection options and multiple features with a reasonable price tag make Protection 1 a solid option. Packages to cover just about any home, but installation must be done by a pro.
Summary: Most security providers offer one of three options for connecting your service (cellular, landline, or high-speed internet). Connectivity alone can make or break the decision for individuals in search of a new system. Protection 1 is one of the few companies that supports all three methods of connectivity, leaving the choice up to you. All of the features are just as flexible, making this a great option if you’re hoping to construct a package that fits your needs perfectly. The largest drawback is the requirement to have a certified installer hook up all of the equipment in your home. Doing so often adds inconvenience and higher costs to your initial budget. If you can look past that and want to create the perfect home monitoring for your needs, Protection 1 may fit the bill.
Read our full Protection 1 review here.
Number 8: Monitronics
Overview: Great educational materials and a lifetime warranty on equipment to help your mind rest at ease. Monitronics is an affordable basic security service, but extra features will cost you more.
Summary: Monitronics is one of the few security providers that offers educational resources on their website that actively teach readers how to better secure their homes and get the most out of security systems. You’ll find that there are a few great features included in the basic pack, but you’ll have to pay extra for any of their six “optional” features. The company also gives a lifetime warranty with all equipment that must be installed by a professional. Finding an installer shouldn’t be a problem with an extensive list of authorized locations nationwide. If you are looking for a lot of features included with your plan, Monitronics may not be the best option. Most of their features come with increased fees. The authorized dealers also have a little say in the pricing, so the price in your area may vary.
Read our full Monitronics review here.
Number 9: Alarm Grid
Overview: Truly versatile options that can be put together to create a great security system for any home. Alarm Grid offers DIY system setup, but warranty service is outsourced to Honeywell.
Summary: One of the newer companies on our top 10, Alarm Grid allows customers to both create and install their own security system. The “modular” style of choosing your options makes this provider great for anyone wanting to construct a highly personalized system and then install it the way they want. The company boasts the ability to have home security for around $10/mo. However, your devices and warranty will be handled by Honeywell. This third party connection may lead to confusion and frustrating communication if you experience any problems with your service or hardware. One of the biggest positives is the ability to have a monitoring plan that works for you without a contract or high-priced monthly bill.
Read our full Alarm Grid review here.
Number 10: ADT
Overview: While ADT is the best known and most used security provider in the world, they don’t seem to have the customer satisfaction of most other options on the market. That being said, their service is long-standing and reliable.
Summary: ADT finishes out our list of the top 10 simply due to their size and longevity in the market. Chances are this company is going to keep on offering home security services for a long time to come and that is a very important point to many. On the negative side, there aren’t a ton of options that come standard and the price isn’t as competitive as others in the industry. If you want high-tech home automation or a reasonably priced option, you’ll want to look at the others on our list. While they are scrambling to provide more automation and high-tech thrills, they aren’t quite there yet. If reliability and a trusted name is your main concern; ADT could be the one for your home security.
Read our full ADT review here.
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