HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
The backbone of a home security system is the base station. This unit communicates with all the security sensors and smart-home components in your house. Many connect to a home router, but if your base station comes with Wi-Fi or cellular support, placement is more flexible. Contact sensors are the first thing you should buy alongside the base station; these attach to doors and windows and alert you when they open. Other home security components include motion sensors, keypads, key fobs, cameras, glass-break sensors, and panic buttons.
HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
Wirecutter takes security and privacy issues seriously and, as much as possible, investigates how the companies whose products we recommend deal with customer data. As part of our vetting process for home security systems, we looked at the security and data-privacy practices behind our picks.
All of these devices come with a privacy policy that, as you have probably experienced, can be difficult for the layperson to parse. We read each of the privacy policies for the systems we chose to test, specifically looking for sections that stray from what we consider to be standard in the category. We also reached out to the companies that produce our top picks and had them answer an extensive questionnaire to confirm information that we thought should be of primary concern for any potential buyer (see Privacy and security: How our picks compare to read their answers in full).
If you opt to use security cameras, only consider models made by companies that provide robust security and privacy protections. Our top and runner-up picks include two-factor authentication, which does a good job of ensuring that access to your camera and video recordings is restricted. The Abode Smart Security Kit is the only one of our picks that currently makes it an option (the Ring and SimpliSafe systems require it).
Although entry and exit trigger times are customizable (up to 4 minutes 15 seconds), we found that the response time was always consistent: In every one of our tests, the Cops Monitoring service called exactly 44 seconds after the alarm sounded. The service was always polite, and for security it requires a safe word to restore the peace. In November 2022, the company introduced Fast Protect alarm texts, which will send a text message when the alarm triggers, providing the option to cancel any false alarms with a text reply before you actually have to talk to someone. Fast Protect also includes Critical Alarm Notifications, an opt-in service that will bypass Do Not Disturb or muted smartphones in case of an emergency. We have not tested these new features yet.
The system performed well in our tests, both in self-monitoring mode and when connected to the monitoring service. Users can customize entry and exit delays up to four minutes. The system sends an instant push confirmation when in Away mode or when the alarm is triggered. When we tested the professional monitoring, we got service calls between 70 and 120 seconds after the alarm was triggered. The service rep was always polite and asked for a four-digit PIN to keep police from being dispatched. We were able to arm and disarm the Abode system using Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. For Alexa and Google Assistant, you need to speak a PIN, whereas HomeKit requires you to unlock your iPhone.
The heart of the Arlo Security System is a Wi-Fi hub with an integrated, backlit keypad, a siren, a motion detector, and the ability to alert you when smoke and CO alarms are triggered. The $199 kit comes with the hub and two external all-in-one sensors, which connect back to the hub via wireless Arlo SecureLink technology, and can be placed throughout the house. (A starter kit with the hub and five sensors is $299.) The system can be self-monitored without a monthly fee, or with a live monitoring plan that costs $25 per month as of February 2023.
Like the Abode Smart Security Kit, Scout is a no-contract system with Z-Wave and Zigbee support and a (bulky) base station that needs to be tethered to a router. However, we think the Abode is a better deal, since it offers support for more third-party products and services (including Apple HomeKit), app access and push notifications without a subscription, and lower-cost monitoring plans.
The Frontpoint Security system, along with its Interactive Monitoring plan, was our favorite home security system from 2013 to early 2016. Since then, the company has dropped the need for a contract, but the monthly fee is more expensive than that of any of our top picks.
The cost of a home security system varies depending on the number of devices and accessories included. A good starter system can be had for around $200 and should include a base station, a keypad, at least one door/contact sensor, and a motion sensor. Look for a system that allows you to start small and add on other devices and features as your needs change; contact sensors go for as little as $15, cameras can cost anywhere from $30 to $250, and so on.
Vivint is our pick for the best home security system on the market today. We like that Vivint's equipment works as both an alarm system and a deterrent. Not only does Vivint alert you\u2014and the authorities\u2014if there's an emergency like a break-in or fire, but it also helps deter bad actors before they breach your home or swipe a package.\u00a0" } }, "@type": "Question", "name": "Is a home security system worth it?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "It would take around six years of paying for a home security system to match the cost of being burgled just one time. The average loss from a burglary is over $2,600. With the average annual cost of a home security system coming in around $400 after equipment, it\u2019s a preventative measure that\u2019s worth it. Plus, most burglars say they\u2019d skip a house that has a security system." ] }] "@context": " ", "@type": "Organization", "name": "SafeWise", "url": " ", "logo": " -Logo_dotcom-slogan.png", "sameAs": [ " ", " ", " +Safewise", " " ] "@context": " ", "@type": "Table", "about": "Compare the Best Home Security Systems" (function(w,d,s,l,i)w[l]=w[l])(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-TPSHL8C'); skip to main content Home Security Security Buyers Guides
Home security can be confusing. To help you find the best home security system, we tried them all. We chose Vivint as the best security system because of its high-end equipment, advanced smart home features, and its ability to thwart theft. Don't count out these other picks, though. Each one has its own benefits.
Standout feature: SimpliSafe features RapidSOS (only one other system has this security monitoring feature) to speed up help in an emergency. It skips sending information to a monitoring center and sends it directly to 911 dispatchers so first responders get to you (wherever you are) faster.
What SimpliSafe monitoring do we recommend? Go with the Interactive plan. It gives you mobile app control of your SimpliSafe security system and includes email and text alerts. You can also access live video if you add a home security camera.
We're thrilled that SimpliSafe now has an outdoor camera. Protect your home inside and out when you add the affordable wireless camera with high-quality video to your SimpliSafe system.
On top of voice control, you can add smart lighting, smart locks, smart speakers, and smart smoke and CO detectors to your Abode security system. Plus, pro monitoring starts at a around $20 per month.
We teamed up with Frontpoint to offer readers an exclusive monitoring deal! The Interactive Monitoring plan gives you mobile control and professional monitoring of your system for $34.99 a month.
Even the best home security systems seem to slack when it comes to security cameras. Brands often offer a basic selection with basic features. Not Ring. It has everything from Ring doorbell cameras to Ring floodlight cameras with excellent video quality and advanced features:
Each Ring Alarm Pro system comes with a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router. The router stabilizes Wi-Fi with speeds up to 900 Mbps and covers up to 1,500 square feet. Plus, your Ring system has 24/7 backup internet to keep it connected.
Wyze Home Monitoring has just about every smart home gadget you can think of in its accessory line-up. Some of its offerings include security cameras, smartwatches, video doorbells, scales, a gun safe, and even a remote control car camera.
Apple fans will love that they can use the Brinks app on their Apple Watch. You can check your system status, arm your system, check to make sure your garage door is closed, and more right on your wrist.
That depends on your budget and comfort with risk. Based on our comparisons of home security monthly fees, the median cost of professional monitoring is lower than ever at less than $30 a month. Some plans, like Wyze Home Monitoring, cost $10 or less each month.
A $40 or $50 per month monitoring fee can seem steep, but that adds up to $600 or less per year. Keep in mind that the more features and security devices you add to your system, the bigger the price tag.
Every month, more than 1 million visitors look to us for home security information and recommendations. Our honest reviews and expert insights come from hundreds of hours of hands-on tests, interviews with real customers, and meetings with technical pros, owners, and CEOs of large and small home security companies.
Contracts are sometimes required for professional home monitoring or to qualify for free equipment, so service from home security providers like ADT, Vivint and Xfinity may include one. That said, it's usually possible to avoid contracts if you pay upfront -- and other home security companies like Ring, SimpliSafe and Wyze offer DIY home security solutions that never require one. 041b061a72