If all these questions have got your head spinning, you’re in luck. We’ve done all the research and narrowed down the choices for you. So, if you are looking for the best home security systems for homeowners specifically, look no further. Here are the top picks and what they have to offer.
The Top 5 Home Security Systems for Homeowners
1. ADT
Pros
- Outstanding reputation for top-quality service
- State-of-the-art technology & fully smart home integrated
- Live video feeds with indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras
Cons
- Pricey termination penalty charge for early cancellation
- Not cheap
There’s just no arguing with a home security system that has been around for more than a century and a half! That’s right, ADT has been protecting American homes since 1874. Fortunately, it has updated its technology considerably over the years, and in 2024, ADT has one of the most state-of-the-art home security systems on the market. Combining sophisticated technologically-advanced hardware with ADT’s tried and true monitoring services, this all-in-one home security system rivals anything the competition has to offer. With the ability to connect to all of your smart home devices, cool live video doorbell cameras feeds, remote control, and so much more, ADT really does it all. You can control your home security system with any of your smart devices like Alexa, Apple WatchOS, or Android Wear OS.
Video cameras come complete with 720p high definition video quality imaging, weatherproof design, and night vision for crystal clear picture no matter what time of day.
2. Vivint
Pros
- Super fast response times
- Superior doorbell camera
- Remote control for door locks, cameras, sensors, and more
Cons
- No customizable alarm tones
- No DIY option
Vivint really embraces the all-access approach to home security. It wants to ensure that you are in control of your home security system at all times, all aspects, and from anywhere. So, the system is designed to put you in full control at all times. With your smartphone, you can get a live video feed from the doorbell camera, lock and unlock smart locks, and control your garage door. How cool is that?
Vivint also offers a wide range of state-of-the-art video cameras, element thermostats, smart locks, and unwavering, 24/7 professional monitoring services. And with professional installation, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Vivint takes care of all the nitty-gritty details, so you can focus on enjoying the things that matter to you most.
3. SimpliSafe
Pros
- Smaller, stronger, more powerful tech
- Extremely affordable, no contracts
- A la carte ordering
Cons
- Only one security camera option
- DIY-only option
You know those commercials that advertise the cool new sports car that’s smaller, faster, and sleeker than the rest? That basically describes SimpliSafe’s home security equipment in a nutshell. It’s smaller, faster, and stronger than anything that came before it, and that’s why so many homeowners love this brand. And that’s not just a lot of hot air. SimpliSafe’s latest version is half the size of an average system, offers double coverage range, is 50 percent louder, and 5 times faster. SimpliSafe has really earned its bragging rights.
SimpliSafe has included some neat features in its newest security system, like the SmashSafe, so even if an intruder smashes the control panel, help will still be alerted. These systems also have double security networks providing you with tireless protection from both cellular and WiFi networks, 6 monitoring systems, and power outage protection.
4. Frontpoint
Pros
- Professional monitoring included with every plan
- Full home automation
- Easy-to-use mobile app
Cons
- Building your own system can get pricey
- Doesn’t support all IFTTT
Frontpoint is a big believer in KISS, but in this case, it stands for Keep it Simple SMART because all Frontpoint home security systems are totally smart device connected. Control everything in your home with a few taps. Speaking of taps, Frontpoint has an excellent mobile app that lets you just tap once to arm or disarm the system, get notifications whenever an alarm is triggered, and lets you set up neat location-based triggers like arming the alarm when you pull out of the driveway.
Frontpoint systems come complete with your choice of window, door, motion, and glass break sensors. There are even environmental sensors to keep your home safer. And in case all that wasn’t enough for you, Frontpoint is also competitively priced. You can get an affordable system with the premium features most people are used to paying top dollar for.
5. Protect America
Pros
- One of the top budget-friendly options out there
- Life safety devices and sensors included
- Complete home automation system
Cons
- Requires long-term contracts
- Equipment is leased not purchased, so doesn’t belong to you
Protect America offers home security equipment on lease (instead of buying). This option keeps the prices down, a plus for most homeowners. Protect America also has a price match guarantee, ensuring that you really do get the best deal around. This security system offers a DIY installation (once again saving you money on pricey installation costs) and wireless equipment that is easy to hook up in minutes.
In terms of security features, Protect America really covers the spectrum. Hardware includes glass break sensors, entryway sensors, touchscreen control panels, remote controls, and wireless HD cameras with 2-way audio and night vision. And with 24/7 professional monitoring, you know your home is safe and sound at all hours of the day or night.
What Homeowners Should Look for in a Home Security System
Today, you can get an excellent home security system that goes above and beyond. You'll even find that most systems today connect to your other IoT devices for full smart home integration that can monitor and control your lights, thermostat, door locks, and more. Beyond this, though, many homeowners start to get confused.
If you are a first-time homeowner, you might not be sure what goes into a good home security system. After all, the features, specs, and services available are going to vary from anything you've ever dealt with before, even if you had a home security system protecting your home as a tenant.
Here are a few of the most important questions to ask and features to look for when comparing home security systems:
Installation
Are you a hands-on kind of person or do you prefer having someone else do the dirty work for you? Depending on which is your style, you’ll want to choose a home security system that is either DIY or professional installation.
Protection points
Which points of entry does the system cover? Is their window protection? Front door? Backdoor? What other types of protection are included: flooding, fire, carbon monoxide, etc.? Find out exactly how much coverage your home security system provides.
Monitoring type
You’ll also want to know what type of monitoring you’ll receive with this home security system. Some systems come with full monitoring packages, which means you’ll have 24/7 home surveillance from professionals. Other home security systems are more standard, with just alarms that go off when triggered, but you have to monitor your home on your own. Which level of monitoring you get is up to your preference, but you should know your options and what your system includes.
Protect Your Home With the Best Home Security System for You
Protecting your home is your top priority, and the type of system you choose will go a long way in making sure you achieve that goal. Look for a trusted name brand that has the features that are important to you, offers smart home connectivity, full home monitoring, full home coverage, and works within your budget. You can then rest easy, with the knowledge that your home and your loved ones are safe and sound, whether you're at home or away.
