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Best Home Security Systems of 2021
After hundreds of hours of tests and research, we picked Vivint as the top home security system of 2021.
Best Overall
Wemo Smart Plug
4.75
Starts at $29.99/mo
Advanced smart home tech
One app for everything
Reader Favourite
Amzon Smart Plug
4.75
Starts at $29.99/mo
Advanced smart home tech
One app for everything
Whole Prtoperty Pick
Vivint
4.75
Starts at $29.99/mo
Advanced smart home tech
One app for everything
Pro Monitoring Pick
Kasa Smart Plug KP200
4.75
Starts at $29.99/mo
Advanced smart home tech
One app for everything
Customer Focused Pick
Vivint
4.75
Starts at $29.99/mo
Advanced smart home tech
One app for everything
Info current as of 09/03/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
September 03, 2021
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Last Updated: 3 days ago
Check out Labor Day’s best home security deals!
- Frontpoint is offering 40% off add-on products and a free doorbell camera ($190 value)—packages start at $99.
- Cove is offering 55% off equipment plus a free indoor security camera ($59 value).
- Abode is offering 15% off eligible accessories when you order a starter kit. Use the promo code LABORDAY at checkout.
- Ring Alarm starter kits are 20% off on Amazon.
Deals current as of 09/03/2021 and are subject to change.
Here are the best home security systems of 2021
- Vivint : Best overall security system
- SimpliSafe : Reader favorite DIY security system
- Frontpoint : Best whole-property security
- ADT : Best full-service pro monitoring security system
- Cove : Most customer-focused security system
- Blue by ADT : Best no-contract DIY system
- Abode : Most smart-home-compatible security system
- Ring Alarm : Budget security system pick
- Link Interactive : Most safety sensor options
- Brinks : Simplest security system options
Info current as of 09/03/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
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Best Home Security System Reviews
1. Vivint: Best full-service smart security system
Vivint is doubling down when it comes to smart home security—emphasizing bothfeatures and state-of-the-art security tech.
Pros
Advanced security tech and equipment
One home security app for everything
Smart Deter lurker detection
Many contract options
Customizable smart security packages
Free in-home security consultation
Cons
Higher overall cost
Steep termination fees
No DIY option
Why Vivint is our top pick
Vivint is known for its home automation technology, but it’s Vivint’s new innovative home security features that really have us excited. Plus, Vivint recently told us that you can put $0 down with consumer financing. That makes this high-end security system more accessible to more people.
Marrying smart AI tech and high-end security equipment launches Vivint beyond average home surveillance systems to tackle today’s most pressing security concerns. Vivint aims to thwart would-be porch pirates and other home marauders before they get toyour front door—and that’s taking smart home security to the next level.
See everything that’s got us revved up about Vivint in our full Vivint review.
Who Vivint is best for
If you’re a homeowner on the hunt for a high quality security system that doesn’t require you to lift a finger, Vivintis the best surveillance system of the bunch.
Vivint delivers luxury home security with all the full-service support you expect—professional installation, in-home home security consultations, and 24/7 professional monitoring.But like any luxury item, it comes with a luxury price tag.
While Vivint’s monthly monitoring fees remain in line with other top security companies, higher equipment prices launch it to the top of the list when it comes to overall price. For those looking for pro install and the coolest technology,Vivint’s bigger price tag shouldn’t be a deterrent.
Plus, Vivint offers multiple ways to get a system up and protecting your home. You can buy home security products outright and avoid a contract or finance your equipment over 42 to 60 months.
Vivint’s new smarter security cameras
Vivint’s new outdoor security cam and updated video doorbell are designed to deter package thieves and other bad actors bent on things likebreaking into your car or swiping a bike left on the front lawn.
Both the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro and Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro start recording when they pick up motion, but it’s the audible whistle (or tone) that sets them apart. It’s called Smart Deter lurker detection—and we love the namejust as much as the function of this industry-leading feature.
We’ve seen these cameras in action, and it’s a hoot to see prowlers jump out of their skin and scurry away when they hear that whistle.
Learn more about these AI-infused outdoor cameras in our Vivint cameras guide.
Pick this Vivint plan: Smart Home Video
We think security cameras and video monitoring offer the best home security protection for your whole property.
The Smart Home Video monitoring plan delivers that plus smart home control and integration.
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Vivint mobile app
- 100% cellular connection
- $49 installation fee
Bottom line for Vivint
Vivint costs more but is stepping up its smart home security tech and features. High-end equipment paired with advanced smart home perks makes Vivint the best wireless security system available—complete with pro installation and 24/7 monitoring.
Curious about Vivint? Read our full Vivint review.
Learn more about Vivint
2. SimpliSafe: Reader favorite DIY security system
Our readers have spoken—and they love SimpliSafe’s affordable, straightforward cellular security system.
Pros
60-day money-back guarantee
No contracts
Affordable monthly monitoring
Great options for renters
Customizable plans and equipment
Cons
Higher up-front costs
Limited outdoor camera options
Basic smart home compatibility
What makes SimpliSafe a fan favorite
SimpliSafe does home security on its own terms. That means ditching some of the things that turn customers off about security companies: brash salespeople and long contracts.
With SimpliSafe, you get to choose the equipment and monitoring level you want. It offers no-pressure online shopping and provides professional monitoring service on demand (that means no contracts).
Straightforward pricing makes it easy to know what you’ll spend out of pocket, but it can be challenging to shell out a few hundred dollars up front. The good news is that once you buy your SimpliSafe digital security system, you don’t have to spend another dime if you don’t want to.
Get the rundown on SimpliSafe’s home security offerings in our full SimpliSafe review.
Who SimpliSafe is best for
We like SimpliSafe for smaller homes and apartments. The simple packages are perfect if you have less square footage, and wireless installation makes SimpliSafe a no-brainer whether you own or rent.
SimpliSafe equipment is modern, sleek, and easy to set up. Plus, it’s a cinch to reconfigure your system or move it into a new house or apartment.
SimpliSafe is also budget-friendly. If you’re ready to try out home security, but aren’t sure you want to take the full plunge, SimpliSafe is a great way to test the waters. And its 60-day money-back guarantee takes some of the sting out of the initial investment.
Find out why we picked SimpliSafe as the best apartment security system in our full roundup of renter-friendly home security systems.
Pick this SimpliSafe plan: Interactive
The Interactive plan gives you mobile app control of your SimpliSafe security system, including email and text alerts. You can also access live video coverage of your home if you add the SimpliCam to your equipment package.
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- No contracts
- Live video feed available
- Penalty-free cancellation
Learn all about the SimpliCam in our guide to SimpliSafe cameras.
Bottom line for SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe’s name says it all. Its electronic security systems are simple and straightforward—and so is its pricing. SimpliSafe has some of the cheapest monthly monitoring fees available, and you can start or stop it whenever you want to.
Curious about SimpliSafe? Read our full SimpliSafe review.
Learn more about SimpliSafe
- SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm Home Security
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT
- How to Install a SimpliSafe Home Security System
- SimpliSafe Equipment Compatibility
- SimpliSafe Customer Service
- YouTube: SimpliSafe Secrets You Need to Know
Need something specific? Check out our other guides.
- SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm Home Security
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT
- How to Install a SimpliSafe Home Security System
- SimpliSafe Equipment Compatibility
- SimpliSafe Customer Service
- YouTube: SimpliSafe Secrets You Need to Know
3. Frontpoint: Best whole – propertysecurity
Vivint is doubling down when it comes to smart home security—emphasizing bothfeatures and state-of-the-art security tech.
Pros
Advanced security tech and equipment
One home security app for everything
Smart Deter lurker detection
Many contract options
Customizable smart security packages
Free in-home security consultation
Cons
Higher overall cost
Steep termination fees
No DIY option
Why Vivint is our top pick
Vivint is known for its home automation technology, but it’s Vivint’s new innovative home security features that really have us excited. Plus, Vivint recently told us that you can put $0 down with consumer financing. That makes this high-end security system more accessible to more people.
Marrying smart AI tech and high-end security equipment launches Vivint beyond average home surveillance systems to tackle today’s most pressing security concerns. Vivint aims to thwart would-be porch pirates and other home marauders before they get toyour front door—and that’s taking smart home security to the next level.
See everything that’s got us revved up about Vivint in our full Vivint review.
Who Vivint is best for
If you’re a homeowner on the hunt for a high quality security system that doesn’t require you to lift a finger, Vivintis the best surveillance system of the bunch.
Vivint delivers luxury home security with all the full-service support you expect—professional installation, in-home home security consultations, and 24/7 professional monitoring.But like any luxury item, it comes with a luxury price tag.
While Vivint’s monthly monitoring fees remain in line with other top security companies, higher equipment prices launch it to the top of the list when it comes to overall price. For those looking for pro install and the coolest technology,Vivint’s bigger price tag shouldn’t be a deterrent.
Plus, Vivint offers multiple ways to get a system up and protecting your home. You can buy home security products outright and avoid a contract or finance your equipment over 42 to 60 months.
Vivint’s new smarter security cameras
Vivint’s new outdoor security cam and updated video doorbell are designed to deter package thieves and other bad actors bent on things likebreaking into your car or swiping a bike left on the front lawn.
Both the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro and Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro start recording when they pick up motion, but it’s the audible whistle (or tone) that sets them apart. It’s called Smart Deter lurker detection—and we love the namejust as much as the function of this industry-leading feature.
We’ve seen these cameras in action, and it’s a hoot to see prowlers jump out of their skin and scurry away when they hear that whistle.
Learn more about these AI-infused outdoor cameras in our Vivint cameras guide.
Pick this Vivint plan: Smart Home Video
We think security cameras and video monitoring offer the best home security protection for your whole property.
The Smart Home Video monitoring plan delivers that plus smart home control and integration.
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Vivint mobile app
- 100% cellular connection
- $49 installation fee
Bottom line for Vivint
Vivint costs more but is stepping up its smart home security tech and features. High-end equipment paired with advanced smart home perks makes Vivint the best wireless security system available—complete with pro installation and 24/7 monitoring.
Curious about Vivint? Read our full Vivint review.