Best Home Security Systems of December 2024
Updated October 28, 2024 at 4:02 am
Ready to rest easy in your safe space? With crime skyrocketing in so many areas around the nation, we want to assure you that you’re in good company. Our experts have taken the time to review the best home security systems on the market, breaking them up by customer focus and benefit.
Ready to learn more? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, providing you with the most up-to-date and accurate information about your upcoming home alarm system purchase. Let’s explore the best house security system options of April 2024.
Our Methodology Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of small business services and products that best suit your needs. To help you in the decision-making process, our expert contributors compare common preferences and potential pain points, such as affordability, accessibility and credibility.
Our Picks for the Best Home Security Systems
Best Simple Setup
Lorex
6 Best Home Security Systems of 2024
We understand that every homeowner or property manager is looking for something specific when they’re evaluating home alarm systems. That’s why we’ve taken the time to analyze each of the best home security systems out there, breaking them down to their core benefits.
Best for Month-to-Month Security Option
Cove
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Cove offers custom quotes and a “Build My System” program that allows you to only pay for what you’re getting. This means that there’s no hidden fees, no lost value, and no bounds to your home’s security landscape.
Pros and Cons
- 30-minute DIY setup process
- Ethernet and cellular backup options ensure functionality
- Maintenance-free system self-supports and diagnoses
- Hub-dependent
- Some may experience recurrent connection loss despite backups
- Weaker siren than competitors
Additional Information
- Seamlessly intuitive touch-based panel
- Customer user code options for easy access
- Multi-panel system support
- App integration and management options
Best for Professional Use
Vivint
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Vivent’s extensive integration suite and comparably low pricing scheme make it ideal for businesses who are looking to secure their location on a budget. The service also offers 24/7 customer support, allowing you to manage your security needs on your schedule.
Pros and Cons
- Professional installation options available
- $0 activation fees
- User-friendly app for both iPhones and Androids
- Lack of pricing transparency
- Costs could deter some users, as it’s higher than other competitors
- Users report aggressive sales processes with frequent upsells
Additional Information
- Streamlined integration with smart devices
- 1080p streaming with night vision option
- Live and recorded video options
- 24/7 customer support rises to support the specific needs of your business
Best Smart Home Superfans
Abode
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Abode is the most integration-friendly option on the market to date. It seamlessly connects to systems such as Google Assistant/Google Home, Sonos, Alexa, HomeKit, and more without the purchase of any plan it offers.
Pros and Cons
- Insurance-based discounts available
- No long-term contracts
- Panic button available with professional monitoring plan
- Pricing hidden behind connection wall
- Mixed customer service experiences
- Customers report buggy log-ins and device connection steps
Additional Information
- Professional monitoring available for just $0.66 per day
- Cellular backup features in case of WiFi outages
- Free integration suite across all common smart systems
- Comprehensive app management across UI and plans
Best Simple Setup
Lorex
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Lorex stands out as the best home security system for a simple setup, offering plug-and-play installation that homeowners can complete quickly without professional help. Its user-friendly interface ensures you can start monitoring your home with minimal effort, providing peace of mind through high-quality and reliable security technology.
Pros and Cons
- Owns #1 market share in 4k security cameras
- Single-year warranties
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No professional monitoring available at the time of this publication
- Cloud storage only available as an add-on
- No 24/7 support options, unlike competitors
Additional Information
- Extensive selection of monitoring devices and accessories
- Advanced security options; such as color night vision, active deterrence and more
- Frequent sales and discount opportunities
- Lorex Video Vault privacy tech allows local storage, AI support and high-quality security
Best Option With Range Extender
Ring
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Beyond its high-quality cameras and affordable Pro subscription plans, Ring is known for the quality and reliability of its extenders. The service also offers plenty of free native features with each extender, which can be used from the customer as soon as the device is received.
Pros and Cons
- Certified refurbished options offer additional cost savings
- Ring Protect offers cloud storage, 24/7 monitoring and an extended warranty
- Free 30-day trial of Ring Protect available*
- 24/7 monitoring restricted behind Ring Pro subscription
- Limited functionality across devices without Ring Pro subscription
- Users report mixed experiences with motion detection as a paid feature
Additional Information
- Range extender leads the industry in quality and “free” native offerings
- 24-hour backup battery for extender itself
- Ring-app remote arming and disarming
- Compatibility extends with both first- and second-generation devices
Best Comprehensive Support
ADT
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
ADT is the most comprehensive and client-forward option on this list. They offer competitive pricing, build-your-own and pre-packaged options and 24/7 availability and monitoring for complete peace of mind for your home security strategy.
Pros and Cons
- No long-term contract options available—cancel any time
- Optional 24/7 monitoring services available
- Same- and next-day service options
- More expensive than some competing services
- Users report poor customer experience during sales-account management handoff
- App is not user friendly
Additional Information
- Can choose from build-your-own system setup or pre-packaged options
- Frequent discounts and incentives available
- Professional installation and training options
- Theft protection guarantee covers up to $500 of your insurance deductible
Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Best Home Security Systems of 2024
| Product | Price | Cloud Storage | 24/7 Customer Service | DIY Setup Option | Professional Monitoring |
| Cove | Pricing available upon request | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Vivint | Pricing available upon request | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Abode | Pricing available upon request | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lorex | $49.00+ | Add-on only | ✔ | ||
| Ring | Package or item cost + optional Ring protect coverage from $4.99+ per month | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ADT | From $55.97+ per month | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Learn More About Home Security Systems
Having the right affordable home security system is critical for your peace of mind. Here’s a little expert background on what home alarm systems are, at their core, and how they function.
What Is a Home Security System?
A home security system is a series of products or systems that monitor the area in and around your home. This holistic view of your surroundings can help you proactively identify and mitigate risks or intruders, and you’ll enjoy complete peace of mind in the process.
How Do Home Security Systems Work?
There are two primary types of home security systems: Those that are managed independently and those that offer professional monitoring systems. If you’re looking to self-manage, you’ll likely pay less overall. Those that are backed by professional monitoring systems often cost a little more, as there is more work and cost involved.
Systems that are independently managed require the homeowner to routinely check and scan the footage for any areas of need or risk. Professionally managed systems are typically monitored by an offsite team that alerts the homeowner to anything requiring their attention.
Who Are Home Security Systems Best For?
Home security systems are best for any homeowner who wants extra visibility into the function and safety of their surroundings. Using footage acquired by these tools, they’ll be able to determine what’s normal, what’s a risk to be managed and what’s a blatant concern in their monitored space. These home alarm systems can be used across residences of all sizes—and many providers on this list offer enterprise solutions as well.
How To Choose a Home Security System
Whether you’re just beginning to evaluate home security systems or you’re deep in the decision process, our experts are here to help. Here are some helpful areas of consideration to factor into your decision-making steps.
Pricing
Pricing schemes for home security systems can be complex. Beyond taking the time to fully understand and budget for any extra fees, membership dues or product costs, our experts recommend a preliminary budgetary review. This will not only tell you exactly how much you can afford for this area of household management—it will also support you in making the best, most sustainable decision for your current scope of need.
If you’re looking for extra flexibility, you can also consider looking for no-obligation setups, month-to-month offerings and options that offer heavy discounts—such as ADT ad Ring. You can also be transparent with your sales representative, letting them know the scope and limitations of your current financial situation, if that consideration applies.
Presence or Absence of Professional Monitoring
Contrary to popular belief, not all systems and options offer professional monitoring. This service is often available as an add-on, or it may be included in more comprehensive (and expensive) packages. While this isn’t a mandatory inclusion for your home security system package, it should be considered in your decision-making process. If you opt for a system without this perk, know that you’ll have to take care of all monitoring and risk management autonomously—which can be more difficult for larger estates and homes.
24/7 Customer Service
Things go wrong. Systems break. You’ll likely need support at some point—and ideally, your choice of home security will be backed by a customer support team that’s available to you on a 24/7 basis. This feature is especially important for those who aren’t technically savvy, as it could cut down on any naturally occurring learning curves.
Other Home Security System Alternatives
Eufy
Eufy’s no monthly fee setup is an attractive draw to most users on the market—however, their high package costs can be an equally powerful deterrent. If you’re not afraid to spend a little extra to get high-quality coverage, however, this might be the service for you.
Their cameras are some of the most powerful on the market, coming equipped with 180 days of battery life, solar charging capabilities and 360* pan coverage. You’ll also be able to view your content in 2K or 4KHD, enhanced by AI tech and lighting optimization features.
Installation is simple and pricing is more transparent than many other competing options. They also offer special monitoring packages for baby-watching and businesses; as well as a build-it-yourself package that allows you to truly tailor your experience.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is known for its under $1 per day monitoring scheme and its system’s simple DIY install process. They also offer a competitive app management system, and a 60-day money-back guarantee with free return shipping if you decide that their service isn’t right for you. This perk package alone makes it attractive to consumers, especially those who are looking for a simple, safe solution that’s comprehensive and easy to construct.
They, like certain others on this list, offer very limited support for smart home integrations. This means that while you can manage the system on the app, you won’t be able to connect it to your smart home monitoring devices in most cases. They also average an up-front cost of $250+, which can be too steep for some users to consider.
Arlo
Arlo is a competitive option for those looking to save a dollar on their home security systems. With new-offer pricing and discounts up to $450 off, this is a worthwhile option to consider as you evaluate the best home security systems. Enjoy crystal-clear audio and 4K visuals around your property—as well as autonomous app control, 24/7 emergency support and airtight privacy policies you can trust.
While Arlo is a strong choice for some, our experts do want to note that it is notably restricted when it comes to in-home integrations (such as you might expect with Google Home or Alexa). The costs, while often discounted, can also add up over time—especially if you enhance your plan package with any of the available add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is SimpliSafe Per Month?
SimpliSafe has an average monthly cost that falls between $0 and $29.99. They are one of the most competitively-priced options on the market for the service you receive, offering both unmonitored and fully-monitored options for your consideration. Despite these perks, however, you’ll still have to deal with limited integration opportunities and a higher up-front cost that’s separate from the monthly fees. We recommend thoroughly examining your package proposal and speaking with a sales representative to determine if SimpliSafe is the right choice for you.
Is It Worth Using ADT?
ADT is the most comprehensive service option included in our expert review of the best home security systems; offering cloud storage, professional monitoring and customer support that’s available on a 24/7 basis.
For its coverage, it’s also fairly affordable—with the average price point starting from $59.99+ per month. However, some users don’t have positive customer service experiences. Additionally, some feel that the price point is too high for a starter offering—so if you’re looking for a discounted option, you might want to consider a different service.
How Can I Track My Small Business Expenses for Free?
Riing monitoring services via Ring Protect Pro begin at just $20 per month. This plan gets you 24/7 support and complete peace of mind when it comes to your home security coverage. You can also opt to pay a once-per-year annual price of $200 per location or home that you choose to monitor. This flat-fee structure makes Ring an ideal candidate for those looking to monitor multiple homes, or for those who wish to have visibility across multiple business locations.
Editorial Disclosure: We may receive a commission from affiliate partner links included on our site. However, this does not impact our staffs’ opinions or assessments.
