14 Models Considered
72 Hours of Research
7 Experts InterviewedBuying the best home security system is always a tough task. There are so many different types of system with their own merit and demerit and there are so many manufacturers that you just don’t know what to get for your home. That’s why we are here to help you.
We have evaluated and tested 14 top home security systems, undergone 72 hours of research and interviewed 7 experts to help us sort out the top home security system.
Our evaluation process was based on some important parameter like usage, battery backup, connectivity, monitoring services, support, warranty and installation. We listed only those systems that were top performers.
If you like to know our testing process you can navigate to a section describing our test process. You can also read our detailed Buyer’s Guide to help make your decision.
Top Picks
Best Home Security Systems
| Product Name | Contracts | Sensors | Integration | Monthly | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scout Alarm | No | 4 | Alexa,Google | $19.99 | Check Price |
| Wink Lookout Security | No | 4 | Alexa,Google | NA | Check Price |
| Ring Alarm Professional | No | 4 | Alexa,Google | $10 | Check Price |
| Abode Essentials | No | 2 | Alexa,Google | $30 | Check Price |
| SimpliSafe Wireless | No | 4 | Alexa,Google | $14 | Check Price |
1. SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System – Best Home Security Starter Kit
- Named "the best home security system" by the Wirecutter and Editors' Choice for Home Security by CNET and PC Magazine,...
- 24/7 professional monitoring & police dispatch for $14.99/month with no contract.
- Parallel WiFi and cellular connections run to 24/7 alarm monitoring and police dispatch, meaning your home is protected...
We know how complicated the process of installing a security system is. The SimpliSafe kit makes the process easier. Probably, it is the most easy to set up home security system we have evaluated. There is voice as well as text form of prompts to help you through the installation.
Apparently, the system has testing mode that allows you to check if all the devices are connected. After you are sure of connections, you can arm the device with simple “away” button. By the way, to disarm the system, there is separate “home” button like most of the home security devices.
Once the system was installed, our team checked how it responds to intrusion. However, we cannot trip a alarm knowingly. We had to rely on the information offered by the manufacturer.
Biggest positive about the system is that it is invisible. Hence, chances are intruder won’t even notice. On intrusion, alarm is triggered and base station is notified and which further notifies monitoring device like your phone. However, our team did felt that if the Wi-Fi or the GSM connectivity is weak, signal might have higher response time.
With basic configuration, you can only monitor, and manage the account. For more services like 911 police response you require SimpliSafe subscription that starts for $15 per month.
- Very easy to Install using voice or text guided installation procedure.
- Design blends with the interior and makes it invisible.
- Connects with smart devices like Alexa.
- Low cost home monitoring services.
- No contracts.
- Subscription is required.
- Phone integration is limited.
Bottom Line
If your are looking for a home monitoring services with low cost subscription, SimpliSafe certainly beats most of its competitors.
2. Abode Essentials Starter- Most Expandable Home Security System
- Professional grade home security, self installable in minutes
- The abode system is a self-monitored and self-controlled home security and smart home platform you control right from...
- No monthly fees: monitor your own system for free or sign up for professional monitoring with no long term contract
The Abode has a wide range of hardware which includes sensors, power outlets, cameras, alarms and many more. Well, buying the complete range will definitely break your bank. So Abode has introduced a starter kit that makes you familiar to the Abode ecosystem of home security.
The starter kit includes a gateway, 2-door or window contact sensor, a remote key fob, and a motion camera.
Though the gateway looks like old router without antenna, system’s best quality lies under the hood. It supports WiFi, Abode RF, Z-Wave, and Zigbee which allows the gateway to connect wide range of sensors, controllers and power outlet. It can connect up to 155 devices and in addition, it support Google Assistant and Alexa.
Upon intrusion, the notification is almost instantaneous. We tested its motion sensors with different array of light conditions. They are equally sensitive to any light conditions. The camera captures good quality pictures which can be easily be used as proof in case of intrusion.
It is among the best home security system that offers professional monitoring services. They have variety of plans that start from $30 per month. You can also get a optional cellular connection worth $10 per month for better connectivity.
- Great connectivity with even third party devices.
- Supports almost 200 devices.
- Supports voice control via Alexa or Google Home.
- Long range connectivity.
- Gateway design gives a cheap look.
- Cameras offer low resolution pictures for distant objects.
Bottom Line
If have a house that is bigger in terms of carpet area or you plan to expand it in future, this system will allow you to expand the home security just buy adding new devices.
3. Ring Alarm Professional Monitoring- Best Budget Friendly Home Security System
- Ring Alarm puts whole-home security at your fingertips. Get alerts on your smart phone when doors or windows open or...
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring is just $10/month. No contracts or cancellation fees.
- Manage Ring Alarm and other Ring products-including Ring Doorbell-with the Ring app.
Buying the best home security system could be expensive, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have it. A system like Ring Alarm professional monitoring system gives you all the basic services of an security system but a reasonable prices.
Overall it is an attractive package, it includes a base station, a motion sensor, a contact sensor and a range extender. Even the tools required for mounting are included in the package. Our team was able to set the Ring Alarm home security system with in half an hour. We felt, that base station has very good looking design. It can either be fixed on the wall or can be put on the table.
Using the Ring Alarm app you can see how many times a door has been opened or you can monitor the camera feeds. Interface of the app is really neat. All the information is color coded. For our team, it was really easy to tell which sensor was working or was tripped without reading the manual. That’s how easy it is to read the app.
You are required to pay $10 per month for professional monitoring services which also includes access to camera feeds.
- Budget Friendly.
- Works great with Alexa.
- Quality design of the hardware.
- App is very easy to use.
- Professional monitoring cost is not included in the package.
- Integration with other smart devices is limited.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the most budget friendly home security system, Ring Alarm is the best system in the market.
4. Wink Lookout Security Starter- Best Home Security System Under 200
- DIY HOME MONITORING KIT: Wink Lookout is the first step to make your home smart and secure. Easy-to-install wireless...
- EXPAND YOUR SMART HOME: Easily manage and expand your smart home ecosystem with the included Wink Hub 2. Compatible with...
- ULTIMATE COMPATIBILITY: Wink Hub 2 enables you to connect and control 400+ smart home devices, including those made by...
Wink Lookout Security Starter kit is one of the most affordable kit among the best home security system. However, it doesn’t have the professional monitoring system that you get with say a SimpliSafe or Abode. Another way to look at it is you don’t have to pay additional cost for any monitoring services.
As far as the built quality is concerned, it is ok. It could be better. But sensors are on par with the best home security system kits.
The package itself is basic which includes a base system, a alarm or siren, a motion sensor, and two contact sensor. It uses an app to monitor the devices. However, the devices cannot be controlled by the app. Setting up the system is really easy. It hardly takes more than 30 minutes. Our team followed the instruction, and system was ready to be used withn in 20 minutes.
Next we tested the device for integration using smart devices like Alexa, Google Home, Ecobee, Ring, Nest etc. It works with every smart device.
- It supports more smart devices than most of the security systems.
- Very easy to install.
- No additional costs.
- You can add devices of third party with ease.
- Might not handle security as well as other dedicated security systems.
Bottom Line
If you are looking a system that does not come with monthly charges and also doesn’t cost you much up front, then just go for this product. But we believe it is not as good as dedicated home security systems.
5.Scout Alarm Home Security System- Most Easy to Use Home Security System
- Month-to-month monitoring, no long-term contracts
- Seamless do-it-yourself installation
- Customizable to fit your home and your lifestyle
We cannot for sure say it is the most budget friendly or the best home security system, but based on our experience with system, we found that it was easy to set up system among all. And we know not everyone is tech savvy, if you are spending your hard earned money on something, it should be easy to use. Hence, we thought this product should be on our list.
Biggest drawback we found with it is, it cannot be activated until you sign up for a monthly monitoring service. However, the service is really good. And it gives several modes of operation. When our team was going through the app control, we loved the fact that we were able to set the door or window sensors active when home was occupied without triggering the alarm.
- Very easy to set up.
- Integrates with most of the smart devices.
- App allows you to control the devices in much better way.
- Can be easily expanded.
- Needs monthly subscription to use it.
Bottom Line
Overall, the device has good performance and easy set up. But if you are not a tech savvy individual and need something that you can control with ease, then it is perfect home security system for you.
Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider While Buying The Best Home Security System?
Before you start searching for the best home security system, there are several aspects of it that you must have grasp on. You’ll have to know what are your needs. What kind of security do you want for your home? How much money you are willing to spend monthly as well as up front?
And in order to understand these needs, you have to know the factors that differentiate one home security system from the other.
1.Installation
There are different types of security system just based on the type of installation. There are two type of installation:
In professional installation, you pay for the technician to visit your house. They not only advice you on the security ecosystem for you house but also install the system for you. After installation, they walk you through the features and use of the system. Of course using a professional installation not only saves time but also saves you from the trouble of learning how to use a complicated network of security devices. It does have its own perk but takes a bite out of your bank account.
As the name suggest, it is Do-It-Yourself security system. Most of the DIY security system have designs that are easy to understand and use. But there are few professional security systems that offer DIY installation as an option, they are sometimes really complicated. However, best of the DIY home security systems use very few tools and very little understanding. Though it says do it yourself, if you are not so comfortable with electronics and technology, it is better to hire professional who is comfortable.
DIY are suitable for renters as they are easy to uninstall and shift it to a new home. And professional installation is right for those who are owners and do not plan to move any time soon. SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System is one of the best DIY security systems.
2. Connection
Connection refers to how the home security system is connected to your monitoring devices. They are two types of connections:
Wired connection uses landlines to connect the system and the monitoring operator. However, it is not safe because intruders can cut the landline and prevent it from alerting you.
All the best home security system use wireless connection. These wireless connection include the use of WiFi, or GSM. It is the best and safest way of connection because it cannot be disconnected unless until the hub is switched off.
3. Monitoring service
When you buy a security system you have two types of monitoring services to choose from.
As the name suggest, you decide what happens once the alarm trips. You can either enter the code to silence the alarm or call the cops in case of intrusion. Because there is no one monitoring in behalf of you, these systems are cheaper. This option also helps you avoid the false alarms. In addition, you have an option of hiring monitoring services for temporary period. For instance, you are going for vacation, you hire the professional monitoring services to watch over your home.
If you want feel secure and safe even while you are awake and alert inside your home, you can hire professional monitoring services. With someone keeping an eye on your house, you don’t have to do anything when alarm goes off. Yes, you will receive a call from the monitoring service. You can choose to answer it if it is a false alarm. But if you don’t answer it, they will call on your back up contact. If the back up contact is unanswered, they inform 911 on your behalf.
If you are more concerned about the security of you and your family, always choose professional monitoring services. However, they will charge you a monthly fee. Ring Alarm Professional Monitoring has some of the lowest subscription plans. However, if you are confident enough to manage any kind of intrusion on your own, feel free to self monitor the security system.
4. Smart Device Integration
All the best home security system are easy to integrate with popular smart devices like Alexa or Google Home. The advantage of integrating security system to smart devices is that it allows you synchronize other smart devices with security system. For instance, you want certain lights to stay on when there is breaking or if you want to open the smart lock remotely.
These all can be done by simple voice command.Security system that use smart devices, are more energy efficient. You can save batteries of individual sensors.When you are buying the best home security system, check if security system is compatible with your smart device. In addition, make sure it follows the same wireless protocols like Z-Wave, Zigbee or Wi-Fi.
5. Devices
Usually a security system as main base station or hub which connects to several devices. These devices include contact sensors, motions sensors, video doorbell, environmental sensor, medical monitors, Geotracking, back up battery, monitoring operator etc.
You don’t have to get all the devices. If your requirement is basic and need a security system just for surveillance, go with starter kit. Starter kits include, couple of contact sensors, a motion sensor or a video camera. However, if you want to make your home intrusion proof and also want to monitor your kids or loved one; be it their health condition or movement, then you must get a full-blown security system. You can also get a basic station and then get the devices individual based on your need.
If you want a system that can support maximum number of devices than you can go for Abode Essentials Starter.
6. Service Contract
With a purchase of system, many home security brands make you sign a service contract of few year or may charge you a monthly subscription fee. And others may just provide you with equipment only.So, be aware of it while buying a home security system. Read the terms and condition thoroughly or ask seller specifically about the contract. If there is a contract, also check what are the cancellation terms before you sign up for it.
FAQs
1.Do I need a home security system?
Home security is not only for keeping criminals away but it can be used to monitor your pets, kids or to feel secure if you suffer from PTSD. In addition, home security also helps you alert you in case natural disasters like flood or fire.
2. Where do I place the cameras?
If your house has many entrances, it is best to place the cameras at entrances. Also keeping cameras in drawing room of backyard will also be a good idea. In case you want to keep an eye on someone who is suffering from medical condition, place one in their room.For security, always place a camera where valuable items are stored like a locker or closet or place where you keep your jewelry and cash.In addition, make sure you fix the cameras high enough so that they cannot cover it or damage it.
How Do We Conduct The Tests?
In order to create a list of five best home security system, we had to test and evaluate almost 14 models of home security systems. Big challenge for us was to test the system without actually triggering the alarms for the system. However, the first hand user reviews helped us to understand its working.
Even though there were limitation in testing the models to full extent, we managed to test them on some key parameters like expansion, battery, smart home integration, light and climatic conditions etc. We continuously tested this systems for over 72 hours and scored them.
In addition to testing, our team personally installed and managed the device to get hands-on experience. We also reached out to 12 experts on home security systems. They helped us to understand the smallest details of the product. We also reached out to the brand managers to know how their products where manufactured and how they worked.
Here are the scores of five best home security system based on our tests and evaluations:
| Product Name | Installation | Battery | Connectivity | Overall | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scout Alarm | 98.2 | 95.3 | 94.8 | 96.10 | Check Price |
| Wink Lookout | 97.4 | 95.8 | 95.6 | 96.27 | Check Price |
| Ring Alarm | 96.8 | 96.4 | 95.8 | 96.33 | Check Price |
| Abode Essentials | 96.8 | 97.2 | 97.1 | 97.03 | Check Price |
| SimpliSafe Wireless | 97.3 | 96.8 | 98.2 | 97.43 | Check Price |
Final Thought
The home security system are becoming integral part of an average house in US. As the homes getting smarter, this devices are also getting for compatible and easy to use. Even the prices have come down to great extent because of the new technologies being introduced.
While you are looking for the best home security system for your sweet home, first understand your need. You have to know the size of your house, entry points, smart devices you use, internet connection and budget. You don’t have to get every device that can be accommodated in the security system. Use the one that is necessary and add if the need arises in future.
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