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7 Best Home Security Systems [2023]

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Your home is your castle — the place where you live, work, dine, play, and relax. Since many of our homes lack the fortress-level protection of actual castles, home security systems can step in to act as the moat and battlements you need to keep your home and loved ones safe. 

Like buying homeowners insurance to protect your home from unexpected disasters, a home security system can help prevent porch pirates or burglaries through state-of-the-art technology that keeps a watchful eye over the people and belongings you hold dear.


With so many home security systems on the market, it can be hard to sift through them all to find the perfect one for your home. To help you make this important decision, we’ve determined the top seven home security systems to protect you and your loved ones.

Our Top Picks

Comparing the Top Home Security Companies 

SimpliSafe

4.5 stars

DIY, professional

60-day money-back guarantee

$29.99/mo

Frontpoint

4 stars

DIY

30-day trial

$39.99/mo

Ring Alarm

4 stars

DIY, professional

30-day money-back guarantee

$20/mo

Cove

3.5 stars

DIY, professional

60-day money-back guarantee

$17.99/mo

Scout Alarm

3.5 stars

DIY

60-day free return

$19.99/mo

Abode

3.5 stars

DIY, professional

30-day trial

$21.99/mo

Xfinity Home

3.5 stars

Professional

30-day trial

$30/mo

How We Ranked the Best Home Security Companies

To determine the top seven home security systems, we started with a list of 15 companies. We gathered data for each of those 15 companies and used it to give them a score based on a 100-point scoring system comprised of the following categories:

  • Reputation (25 points): To evaluate each company’s public perception and level of trustworthiness, we pulled Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings for each company. Those with higher scores from both sites ranked higher in this category. 

  • Pricing (20 points): To compare system cost, we looked at the base system each company offered and assigned scores based on their affordability. 

  • Trial period/money-back guarantee (10 points): We awarded companies points for offering a trial period or money-back guarantee. The longer the trial period or guarantee, the more points were awarded. 

  • Warranty length (15 points): Companies that offered warranties for their products were awarded points, with longer warranties resulting in more points. 

  • Contract period (10 points): Companies that did not require a contract received the most points for this category. Companies that required longer contracts scored lower in this category. 

  • Integration capabilities (5 points): Points were awarded to companies whose systems integrate with smart home systems and devices like Google Nest, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa.

  • Installation (10 points): Companies that offer both DIY and professional installation options scored 10 points in this category, while companies offering only one option received 5 points. 

  • Self-monitoring options (5 points): Points were awarded to the companies that offered a self-monitoring option. 

1. SimpliSafe

Pros

  • Simple DIY installation
  • No contract
  • Free self-monitoring option

Cons

  • Limited smart home integrations
  • Simplicam technology lacks facial recognition which may trigger false alarms

Why we chose SimpliSafe: Established in 2006, SimpliSafe is an ideal system for those that appreciate the option to self-monitor their home security. Self-monitoring is free, while pro monitoring is an add-on starting at $9.99-$27.99 per month. 

SimpliSafe offers a wide selection of system packages, ranging from its Foundation plan that’s ideal for small homes or apartments for $97.98 to the Beacon, its top-tier package with two outdoor cameras, two motion sensors, and four entry sensors for $279.99. 

While many companies allow you to rent the security equipment for a monthly fee, SimpliSafe requires customers to buy the equipment outright. The SimpliCam technology doesn’t include AI features like facial recognition, which can spur false alerts. However, the company’s software does include heat sensors that can differentiate animals from humans to identify potential threats. 

When it comes to installation, SimpliSafe boasts an easy “no drill” installation that professional reviewers attest to — with many reviews reporting an installation time of under an hour. This easy installation makes Simplisafe a great choice for renters that would prefer not to hardwire their system in a home that may not be long-term. 

2. Frontpoint

Pros

  • Multiple security system plans
  • Easy setup
  • Products come with three-year warranty

Cons

  • No self-monitoring option
  • No professional installation option
  • High monthly cost for professional monitoring

Why we chose Frontpoint: The company received high marks across the board for their high level of trust from both the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, affordable base system, and no contract required for any package. 

Like SimpliSafe, Frontpoint offers a variety of system packages for customers to choose from. The Starter Pack is ideal for smaller homes or apartments priced at $129, and the top-tier plan, The Family Lookout, includes multiple door and window sensors, a doorbell camera, and a home defense kit for $349. 

While the base systems are affordable, Frontpoint charges a monthly fee of $49.99 for its Ultimate professional monitoring package. However, customers do get a lot out of the Ultimate package, including cellular backup to ensure a reliable connection with the monitoring center, mobile app controls, and the benefit of no long-term contracts.

For those that would prefer not to pay for monthly professional monitoring, Frontpoint is not the security company for you. Frontpoint does not offer a self-monitoring option. Instead, look into SimpliSafe or Ring Alarm if that feature is important to you. 

3. Ring Alarm

Pros

  • Affordable systems
  • Free self-monitoring option
  • Easy DIY installation

Cons

  • Limited home system integrations
  • Not compatible with Google Nest smart home devices

Why we chose Ring Alarm: Best known for its video doorbells, Ring also offers a variety of home security devices including multiple indoor and outdoor cameras, window and door sensors, and motion detectors. We found Ring to be a great choice for those that want to avoid monthly professional monitoring costs and a fairly inexpensive base security system. 

Ring offers a number of home bundles ranging from five pieces ($199.99) to 13 pieces ($524.89), depending on your home size and needs. You can also tack on additional motion sensors or additional video doorbells for an added layer of security. 

Customers can to self-monitor their Ring security cameras for free or pay a monthly fee for extra features. Ring’s Basic self-monitoring plan includes video storage for one doorbell or camera for $3.99 per month or $39 per year, while the Plus plan includes video recording for all of your Ring home devices for $10 per month or $100 per year. If you’d rather spring for professional monitoring, Ring offers the Pro subscription for $20 per month or $200 per year that includes 24/7 backup internet.

Prior professional reviews were quick to point out that Ring lacked window break sensors, but the company has since added that device to their home security product lineup. 

4. Cove

Pros

  • Easy system setup
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Video walkthrough installation guide

Cons

  • No self-monitoring option
  • Limited smart home integrations
  • Requires monthly fee for remote control through mobile app

Why we chose Cove: Established in early 2018, Cove is a newcomer in the home security industry. The company markets its system as a simple-to-install DIY system that's backed by a lifetime warranty.
For being such a new company, Cove has received high marks by both the Better Business Bureau (A-) and Trustpilot (4.6/5). Customer reviews cite patient customer service reps and quick response time from Cove when an alarm was triggered.

Unlike many home security companies, Cove does not offer system packages. Instead, they offer an a la carte approach that lets you pick the products for your home needs. Customers can opt to pay for equipment upfront or over time. 

Here’s a quick look at individual system cost:

  • Touch screen panel: $249

  • Door and window sensors: $15 each

  • Motion detector: $30

  • Glass break detector: $35

  • Indoor camera: $99

  • Outdoor camera: $199

Cove does not offer a self-monitoring option. The company offers a basic plan ($14.99 per month) that includes 24/7 monitoring, two-way communication, InstaText, cellular service backup, and a one-year equipment warranty. The pro plan comes at $24.99 and includes everything in the basic plan, plus the use of a mobile app that lets you arm and disarm the system. 

5. Scout Alarm

Pros

  • Three-year product warranty
  • Variety of smart home integrations
  • Cellular backup include in self-monitoring plan

Cons

  • No outdoor cameras
  • Customers must pay for self-monitoring
  • Limited online reputation information

Why we chose Scout Alarm: Scout is a great choice for those looking for a self-monitoring system that allows them to choose from preselected Scout packs (starting at $229) or build their own system. 

Scout devices include all of the products you’d expect except for outdoor cameras. However, the company does offer doorbell cameras, which gives you a view (albeit a limited one) of the outside of your home. 

Scout’s systems are compatible with a number of systems including Amazon Alexa, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and IFTTT. Scout is also compatible with smart devices like Kwikset locks (lessening the potential need for a locksmith), Nest cameras, and smart bulb brands like Philips Hue and LIFX. 

One thing that Scout does a little differently from competitors is their self-monitoring approach. Customers are not able to self-monitor for free. Instead, they’ll need to pay for the Always On self-monitoring plan for $9.99 per month. While this may not be ideal for all customers, the self-monitoring plan comes with cellular backup, which is often included in the professional monitoring plans with other home security companies. 

It’s worth noting that as Scout is a relative newcomer to the home security industry, so they do not have a robust online reputation. They receive an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau but there are no customer reviews on the site, and the company has only one company review listed on Trustpilot. 

6. Abode

Pros

  • Free self-monitoring option
  • No long-term contract
  • Works with many smart home devices

Cons

  • Pricey equipment
  • Hidden cancellation fee

Why we chose Abode: Abode is a smart home aficionado’s ideal home security system. The company’s native home automation platform, CUE, allows you to set up and manage all of your home automations with over 160 third-party integration options. 

Whether you want to set up your smart light bulbs to automatically turn on when the sun is setting, arm a geofence around your home, or assign a specific doorbell chime for your favorite guests, CUE lets you customize your home security in a number of unique ways.

Abode’s system packages are relatively affordable. Customers can choose from two types of base systems: the Iota and the Gen 2 Gateway. The Gen 2 Gateway is fairly rudimentary — lacking a camera, WiFi capability, and motion detection. The Iota, on the other hand, comes with all of those features, effectively doubling as an extra camera and motion detector in your home security lineup. 

Many professional reviewers report an easy installation process, with one reviewer stating it took less than 10 minutes to get everything up and running. If you’re wary of setting up your own security system, Abode does offer professional installation for $99. 

7. Xfinity Home

Pros

  • Self-monitoring option
  • Bundling discounts with TV, internet, and phone

Cons

  • Contract required unless you purchase equipment up front
  • Professional installation only
  • Lack of pricing transparency on website

Why we chose Xfinity Home: Xfinity Home is a unique home security company because its parent company Comcast offers Internet, TV and streaming, and phone services. While you do not have to get Xfinity TV or internet service to purchase an Xfinity home security system, you can receive discounts on your home security packages if you bundle these services together. 

Xfinity offers three basic system packages starting with the Base Home System priced at $360. This package includes one touchscreen controller, three door/window sensors, one pet-friendly motion detector, battery and cellular backup, and a yard sign. 

If your home requires more sensors or if you’d like indoor/outdoor cameras, look into the company’s Complete Home System ($480) or the Ultimate Home System ($600). It’s worth noting that a three-year contract is required unless you pay for the equipment up front. 

Xfinity does not offer the option to install your system yourself. You’ll have to pay for professional installation, which starts at $60 and can go up to $99. When it comes to monitoring, Xfinity does offer self-monitoring for $10 per month and two professional monitoring packages priced at $30 per month or $40 per month.

Home Security FAQ

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked home security questions.

Methodology

To rank the above companies, we started with a list of 15 home security systems that ranked highly on third-party websites. From there, we gathered data for each company from their respective websites, third-party websites, and customer service reviews. 

We used that data to create a 100-point scoring rubric that examined the following categories:

  • Reputation (25 points): To evaluate each company’s public perception and level of trustworthiness, we pulled Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings for each company. Those with higher scores from both site ranked higher in this category. 

  • Pricing (20 points): To compare system cost, we looked at the base system each company offered and assigned scores based on their affordability. 

  • Trial period/money-back guarantee (10 points): We awarded companies points for offering a trial period or money-back guarantee. The longer the trial period or guarantee, the more points were awarded. 

  • Warranty length (15 points): Companies that offered warranties for their products were awarded points, with longer warranties resulting in more points. 

  • Contract period (10 points): Companies that did not require a contract received the most points for this category. Companies that required longer contracts scored lower in this category. 

  • Integration capabilities (5 points): Points were awarded to companies whose systems integrate with smart home systems and devices like Google Nest, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa.

  • Installation (10 points): Companies that offer both DIY and professional installation options scored 10 points in this category, while companies offering only one option received 5 points. 

  • Self-monitoring options (5 points): Points were awarded to the companies that offered a self-monitoring option. 

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