The Best Home Security Systems of 2025

ADT Overview

ADT used to require professional installation for all security systems, but the latest ADT Plus system now allows either DIY or professional installation, much like SimpliSafe. It still includes best-in-class equipment though. ADT security cameras are from Google Nest, which offer AI person and facial recognition. Our Nest Cam is pointed at where we hide our backup keys and it notifies us whenever it sees our dog walker, specifically saying it’s her so we don’t need to playback recordings. That’s how smart our ADT system is.

The Trusted Neighbor feature, launched just last year, took the integration further. By controlling our Yale smart lock, ADT knows to let our dog walker in and disarm our sensors, but only when she comes by between 3pm and 4:30pm. This feature relies on facial recognition to know who to let in, and ADT’s smart home control to perform the right actions.

While ADT isn’t a perfect system, those are just two of the many reasons that we believe ADT offers the best equipment and security features right now. Let’s double down and see more of them.

>> Related: Google Nest Cam (Battery) Review

Equipment

In addition to security cameras, Google Nest also provides video doorbells and smart home equipment for ADT.1 Our package included one each of the indoor and outdoor cameras, a smart video doorbell, and the Google Nest Hub Max — a smart display. You can read our independent Nest Hub Max review for more details, or you can check out our guide to the Google Nest Cam.

Of course, ADT primarily offers security and safety equipment, and it’s got that part well-covered. We bought motion sensors, door and window sensors, glass break sensors, and even smoke alarms.

Even better, ADT now lets you install those pieces of equipment yourself. It’s still the best professionally installed security system if you wish to go down that route, but see our ADT Self Setup review for details about ADT DIY installation.

>> Check Out: DIY vs. Professionally Installed Security Systems

Monitoring

Another aspect of ADT that some might view as a drawback is that all ADT systems require professional monitoring. If you’re looking to save by self-monitoring, ADT isn’t for you. Again, we’d recommend a DIY option like SimpliSafe or ADT Self Setup. But if you want the best protection possible, ADT is an excellent choice. It has the largest monitoring network in the country with 12 state of the art monitoring centers, each with backup generators and communications. In comparison, Vivint (#3 on this list) has only two facilities,2 and Frontpoint (#6 on this list) outsources the job to Rapid Response.3

With ADT monitoring, we got response times of between 30 to 45 seconds after an alarm is triggered. That’s pretty good. We would have preferred it a little bit faster (around 15 seconds), but that’s the industry average. At least we had peace of mind in knowing that ADT’s monitoring centers are always online thanks to their redundancy.

>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT Home Security Systems

Cost

ADT’s prices were reasonable. Our system with security sensors and a few smart home gadgets and security cameras cost us about $800. It sounds expensive, but we’re paying that over the course of 24 months (about $35 monthly), so it’s easier on the wallet. You can even choose to pay over 36 or 60 months.

Besides the equipment fee, set aside a budget for professional monitoring, which is required. We signed a three-year agreement at $49.99 per month for the top-tier monitoring plan. That’s on par with companies like Vivint and Frontpoint, which charge $50 per month for their top-tier plans. Alternatively you can save $10 per month for the same plan if you’re an ADT Self Setup customer. There are also options cheaper than ADT. For example, SimpliSafe’s Core plan costs only $32 per month, including cloud video storage for security cameras.

Finally, we paid a little over $100 for the professional installation service. This was required when we tested the system, but the new ADT Plus system we mentioned earlier lets you choose whether to DIY (free) or go with professional installation (with a fee). A new, remotely-guided DIY setup (also free) is now also available.

ADT isn’t the most affordable home security system. But if you’re looking for top-notch protection with quality equipment and reliable monitoring, our personal experience assures us that it’s a good choice.

>> Discount Guide: ADT Deals and Discounts for 2025

ADT User Experience

We enjoyed several user-friendly features during our month-long test of ADT, but our favorite was the ADT app. To be honest, we used the app more than the touchscreen control panel because it offers more control options. It lets us manage our smart home devices (the smart bulbs, smart lock, and smart thermostat we paired to ADT), arm and disarm the system conveniently from anywhere, and monitor our security cameras.

We also liked the SMART monitoring feature – basically a group chat for our family circle where we could collectively confirm or cancel an alarm. It’s a nice feature that can speed up and make alarm responses more efficient.

SimpliSafe Overview

SimpliSafe offers the versatility that ADT does not. Users can choose to install the system themselves or have a technician do it. And even if you choose the DIY route, SimpliSafe is easy to work with and scalable. It’s actually our favorite DIY security system right now.

SimpliSafe also gives you the option to self-monitor or get a professional monitoring plan, something we didn’t get from ADT. We like SimpliSafe’s Core professional monitoring in particular. It’s one of the few services that offer live monitoring for security cameras, in addition to video verification. There are also no long-term contracts. You can upscale or downscale your monitoring service according to your budget and needs. We’ve had a SimpliSafe system for three years now, and whenever we need to test it, we just reactivate our monitoring plan and pay for one month at a time. We’re all about the flexibility.

Equipment

Each SimpliSafe base station supports up to 100 devices, meaning that SimpliSafe is scalable. It also covers all the bases as long as we’re talking about security and safety. It has motion, door, and glass break sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, and even temperature monitors. However, it notably lacks a garage door sensor. It also lacks any smart home offerings besides a smart lock that’s always out of stock.

For video monitoring, we relied on three SimpliSafe cameras. First was the wireless indoor camera (Smart Alarm) that monitored our living room. Then outside, we positioned the outdoor camera in the backyard and the hardwired video doorbell to monitor the front door. SimpliSafe offers enough equipment to secure your home indoors and outdoors.

>> See It Here: SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro Review

Monitoring

You can self-monitor SimpliSafe, but there are good reasons that we recommend grabbing a monitoring plan, one of which is cellular backup. SimpliSafe relies on your Wi-Fi to send alerts, and if your internet provider is anything like ours, that connection is not always dependable. With a monitoring plan, the system will be able to send alerts offline via cellular signals. That’s called cellular backup, and SimpliSafe is one of the best cellular systems out there.

SimpliSafe’s more advanced monitoring options, Core, Pro, and Pro Plus, also include interesting features, particularly Active Guard Protection. In the event of an emergency, SimpliSafe agents will be able to access your indoor or outdoor camera feed and two-way talk to dissuade the intruder and verify the alarm. Within 20 seconds of tripping our door sensor, our Smart Alarm’s privacy cover snapped open and an agent started talking to us through the camera’s speakers. It was a little creepy even to us, so imagine if that happened to an actual burglar.

>> See More: The Best Self-Monitored Security Systems

Cost

SimpliSafe is somewhere in the middle in terms of equipment cost. It’s cheaper than traditional systems like ADT and Vivint, but it’s a little pricier than some DIY options like Cove.

Our 14-piece kit with cameras and a video doorbell cost us just over $500, which we paid upfront. Much like ADT, though, you can finance your equipment but only for up to 24 months. There’s also a $150 minimum order required to finance equipment.

Other than the equipment fee, there were no mandatory fees to use SimpliSafe. DIY installation cost us nil. Professional monitoring was also optional, but we highly recommend it. Here’s SimpliSafe’s pricing:

• Standard plan: Offers just professional monitoring with cellular backup for $21.99 per month
• Core plan (formerly Fast Protect): Includes Standard plan features, plus video storage for 10 cameras, Live Guard Protection for the Smart Alarm indoor camera, and video verification for $31.99 per month
• Pro plan: Includes everything in the Core plan plus Active Guard Outdoor Protection between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. (local time) for $49.99 per month.
• Pro Plus plan: The same features as Core and Pro, but offers Active Guard Outdoor Protection 24 hours a day for $79.99 per month

SimpliSafe User Experience

SimpliSafe is built on simplicity, so before buying one, make sure it’s the type of system you want. You’re not going to get a touchscreen control panel and a bunch of home automation features from it. Instead, you’ll rely on a semi-digital keypad and an app to control your security system.

But as far as the user experience goes, we loved our SimpliSafe system, especially its responsiveness. It arms and disarms quickly – almost instantaneously when using the keypad. It has a loud 105 dB siren. It also has backup power and cellular connectivity for when the power and internet goes out. That cellular connectivity requires a monitoring plan. Still, SimpliSafe is simple and reliable.

Vivint Overview

Vivint’s equipment – like the tablet-like, wall-mounted panel above – is smarter and more advanced than that of SimpliSafe. (See our Vivint vs. SimpliSafe comparison.) We can best describe Vivint as a smart home security system because of its extensive automation capabilities. And of course, a system like that requires expertise to set up. Fortunately, Vivint offers professional installation services that rival ADT.

We’ve had several Vivint systems installed over the years and it has been consistently good. The service consists of an expert consultation where the technician looks at the key areas of protection, followed by the installation. After that, the technician showed us a welcome video on his tablet and explained how the system works. That level of service added to Vivint’s premium feel.

>> Learn More: The Best Professionally Installed Security Systems

Equipment

Vivint has sensors, some smart home devices like smart thermostats and smart locks, and smoke alarms for fire protection. It’s all pretty standard.; that is, until you get to the security cameras. In our opinion, Vivint cameras are the smartest in the industry.

We say that because of the Smart Deter feature. When we tested the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro, we saw it use AI to detect people just like the Nest Cams do. On top of that, it uses rules and algorithms to detect suspicious behavior.

For example, when a neighbor stopped in front of our yard to admire our Halloween decorations (we presume), Vivint warned us that there could be a lurker on our property. He had been standing there for a couple of minutes, which the camera thought suspicious.

More than that, Vivint takes a proactive approach to deterring crime. We made a rule that anytime anyone stays on our property for more than two minutes, Vivint would sound an ear-piercing warning tone. Sure enough, it activated when it detected our neighbor and it drove him away. Don’t worry; we apologized afterwards and explained the situation.

>> Also See: Vivint Doorbell Camera Review

Monitoring

One of Vivint’s downsides is that if you don’t pay for the equipment upfront, you’ll have to sign a contract. That contract will be as long as your equipment financing term, which is usually four to five years. That’s longer than ADT’s standard three-year contract. Vivint also doesn’t give users much leeway to change their minds, as there’s only a three-day cancellation period. If you cancel beyond that, you’d have to pay a termination fee. SimpliSafe gives users 60 days to change their minds.

Was Vivint’s monitoring worth it, at least? Of course! It wouldn’t have made this list if it weren’t. In fact, it’s better than most systems because Vivint has two monitoring centers. There’s one in Utah and another in Minnesota. We know that’s not as many as ADT’s 12 facilities nationwide, but Vivint’s monitoring centers have proven themselves fast, responding to our simulated break-ins within 30 to 60 seconds.

>> Learn More: Vivint FAQ

Cost

We’re not going to sugarcoat it: Vivint is a bit pricey. The outdoor camera from earlier cost us $399.99. The indoor camera and video doorbell, both of which have the same AI features, each cost $249.99. That’s nearly double the standard outdoor, indoor, and doorbell camera prices in the industry. Those cameras are also better than most you’ll find in the market though. And that’s true for most of Vivint’s products. They are expensive, but they are top-of-the-line.

As for Vivint’s monitoring pricing, they’re not much more expensive than ADT. It starts at $29.99 for basic monitoring, but could go up to $49.99 if you add home automation features and security cameras. We’re paying the maximum because we have those in our Vivint system.

That said, watch out for the installation fee. It can cost up to $200 if you’re having security cameras installed. That’s $200 that you could better spend on additional equipment. But if you’re willing to wait, Vivint occasionally offers free installation deals. Check out our page on Vivint deals for more information on that.

Vivint User Experience

Vivint may seem like a complex system at first, what with all that talk about the system’s advanced automation and smart features from the cameras. But in reality, it’s user-friendly. It’s the type of system you can set and forget. And because it’s installed by an expert, there’s not much setting up to do.

We programmed our system to arm everyday at 11 p.m., making sure it’s armed before we sleep. We also have lights that turn on when our front door sensor is triggered. Its automation-rich app might make Vivint seem complicated to use, but in our opinion, those automations are exactly the reason that Vivint is user-friendly.

Alder Overview

Alder flies under the radar, but it’s a good option for those who want a professionally monitored system but are looking to save money with DIY installation. It’s because of that that we think it’s a good ADT alternative. Alder is more affordable than ADT, yet it offers one of the fastest monitoring response times in the industry. More on that later.

As for the overall quality of the security system, Alder is a notch lower than our top three picks. It doesn’t make its own equipment like SimpliSafe does; it doesn’t offer as many equipment options as Vivint; and while it gets cameras from a third party like ADT does, Alder’s cameras are from eufy. eufy is a solid brand (we tested the eufy 2K camera), but it’s not on the same level as the Nest Cams ADT uses.

Equipment

We were satisfied with the options we got from Alder. When we called to get a quote, the sales rep offered us security sensors; safety sensors; some accessories, like panic buttons and remote key fobs; and indoor and outdoor cameras made by eufy. We agreed to get one of each, and two days later, they all arrived in a well-packaged box, ready for DIY installation.

When we say DIY, we didn’t really do much except unbox the equipment and mount it to the walls. Alder already paired the equipment together, so all we had to do was connect the control panel to our Wi-Fi. Overall, it took us less than 35 minutes to set everything up, which is on par with SimpliSafe.

>> Related: Are Wireless Security Systems Reliable?

Monitoring

We were eager to test Alder’s professional monitoring service because in 2017, it reportedly had a response time almost 10 times faster (3.4 seconds) than the industry average (30 seconds).4 It wasn’t as fast as that in our actual testing, but it was indeed faster than most. In all three instances where we purposely triggered the alarm, we were on the phone with an agent in less than 20 seconds. That surpassed our results from ADT (30 to 45 seconds) and Vivint (30 to 60 seconds).

It’s worth noting, however, that Alder’s monitoring plans don’t include smart home features. In fact, it doesn’t look like the Nintendo Switch-looking control panel supports home automation at all, so if smart home security is what you’re looking for, look elsewhere.

>> See Here: The Best Smart Home Security Systems

Cost

You won’t find any pricing information on Alder online, so calling to get a quote is the only option. To our surprise, they charged us only $150 for the comprehensive system we got. According to the bill, they charged us only for the smoke alarm and the outdoor camera. The rest of the equipment – the motion sensor, door sensor, control panel, and key fob – was all free. Or was it?

The catch was that we had to sign a three-year monitoring agreement, and for the features it offered, we believe the cost of those “free” pieces was rolled into the $55 monthly fee. Most companies that charge that much per month include smart home features. Vivint, Frontpoint, and ADT are some examples. Alder doesn’t offer any such features. By our estimate, about $10 to $15 of that monthly fee goes to the equipment cost. That’s about $350 to $450 in three years. Still a fair price.

>> For Reference: How Much Is a Home Security System?

Alder User Experience

The tablet-like touch screen control panel was the center of our user-experience. It didn’t take long for us to learn how to use it, and once we got the hang of it, managing our Alder security system came naturally. We also liked that it has physical buttons, such as the call button that calls the emergency response center with one press. The voice prompts were also a nice touch and could be helpful for someone who has vision impairment.

And lastly, all the controls you’d ever need for your Alder system are packed into the touchscreen panel’s interface. You can arm and disarm the system, test your sensors individually, create zones, and more. It may not be as advanced as Vivint’s control panel (the gold standard in our opinion), but we found that Alder’s keypad is solid all around.

Cove Overview

A security system doesn’t have to be expensive to be good; we’ve seen that many times today, but none compares to Cove’s affordability. We’ll go more into the details of that later on. All we will say for now is that we got a comprehensive security system for less than $300. That’s hard to beat.

Cove is a DIY system that requires professional monitoring. In that regard, it’s similar to Alder and — as you’ll see after this — Frontpoint. We think Cove is a better option for renters than homeowners, though, due to its limited equipment. Nonetheless, it’s the best option available if you want a reliable security system without breaking the bank.

>> Other Options: Affordable Home Security Systems

Equipment

We noticed that Cove’s equipment is exactly the same as Alder’s, from the control panel to the eufy cameras. In fact, we didn’t bother buying cameras from Cove because we already tested the same cameras from Alder. That’s kind of a normal thing in the industry though. Many brands offer equipment from the same suppliers. Very few actually do their own research and development, like SimpliSafe and Vivint. So Cove seemingly “copying” Alder’s equipment wasn’t a dealbreaker to us.

What’s more important is that Cove can protect homes. It offers enough types of sensors to detect security and safety threats.

Monitoring

Unlike SimpliSafe or Ring, which we’ll discuss later on, Cove requires a professional monitoring subscription for the equipment to work. The good news is that you can cancel your subscription at any time without any penalties.

But we recommend keeping it. Cove’s monitoring plan comes with 24/7 live monitoring, cellular backup, and environmental protection monitoring. You’ll need the more expensive option if you’re installing security cameras. But as we mentioned earlier, we didn’t buy any cameras. So we went with Cove Basic, which gave us all the protection we needed.

>> Learn More: The Best Contract-Free Home Security Systems and Services

Cost

Cove’s biggest selling point is the low cost of its equipment and monitoring. Basic costs $19.99 per month, while Plus costs $29.99. Cove’s pricing is $2 cheaper than the SimpliSafe plans and offers similar features.

As for the equipment, while we had to pay for it upfront, we got a massive discount. Cove packages were at 60 percent off at the time of our purchase, so we got a security system that originally cost over $500 for only $260. We suggest timing your purchase to get a deal as good as ours. Cove runs monthly deals that range from 20 to 65 percent off.

Cove User Experience

Given they have the same equipment, Cove gave us the same level of usability as Alder. Alder’s app gave us slightly more customizability, but Cove stood out for its uniquely low monthly fees. Since we didn’t get any cameras from Cove, we paid only $19.99 per month for security and fire monitoring. No other top-tier security system we tested offers professional monitoring at that price point. The only other one is SimpliSafe’s $19.99 Standard plan. Because it’s so cheap to use, we believe Cove is a top option for folks who want a monitored security system for a fraction of its usual cost.

Frontpoint Overview

Frontpoint also forces you to sign up for a professional monitoring plan for the security equipment to work. The only difference between Frontpoint and Cove is that Frontpoint requires a three-year commitment. It’s not ideal, but if you were going to get professional monitoring anyway, then it might not be a dealbreaker.

What stood out the most during our testing was Frontpoint’s customer service. Even in the early 2010s, Frontpoint was already known for its customer-friendly policies. It took things up a notch lately by adding live chat support and extending phone support hours to as late as 11 p.m. (EST). Those are vital for a DIY system. You’re doing all the work yourself, so you deserve to have easy access to support whenever you need it.

Equipment

Frontpoint doesn’t make its own equipment, but instead gets it from reputable suppliers like Alarm.com, GE, and Honeywell. It also offers smart home equipment and security cameras from various brands, such as Yale, Kwikset, and SkyBell. The SkyBell Video Doorbell we reviewed is the same one Frontpoint offers.

The best Frontpoint component we tested by far was the hub itself. It was roughly the size of the PlayStation 1 we had growing up, but it was packed with features. It had a 24-hour battery backup, built-in cellular chip, and wireless modules for Zigbee and Z-Wave, both used for smart home connectivity. You can connect Zigbee and Z-Wave smart home devices to the hub even if they didn’t come from Frontpoint.

Monitoring

Most other security companies have multiple monitoring plans to choose from. But not Frontpoint. Every customer pays $49.99 per month regardless of how much equipment they own. It makes the purchase experience easier as you’re not sacrificing features and benefits to save a few bucks, but it’s an expensive option if you don’t need a lot of devices.

That option, which used to be called the Ultimate Plan, offers everything from monitoring and smartphone access to home automation and cloud video storage. It bode well for us because we had cameras, a smart thermostat, and a smart lock from Frontpoint installed. Our monitoring subscription gave us access to home automation and video security, in addition to professional monitoring. But just know, if you’re looking to get a more basic system – no automation and cameras – you might not get your money’s worth.

>> Compare: ADT vs. Frontpoint

Cost

So we know Frontpoint’s monitoring is $49.99, but what about the equipment costs? Well, Frontpoint’s pricing is quite competitive. We started with a basic system for $129. That included a hub, a keypad, and a couple of door sensors. We also added a few different sensors, which ranged from $35 to $75 each, depending on the type. Frontpoint’s cameras are all over $100 ($119 to $299). In total, our Frontpoint system cost us more than $600, which was less than what we spent with ADT and Vivint.

Frontpoint User Experience

There are two sides to our Frontpoint user experience. On one hand, it was easy to arm and disarm the system using either the app or the keypad. On the other hand, the keypad’s lack of a screen means it can’t do much else besides that. That’s why we had to rely heavily on the Frontpoint app, which was fortunately very intuitive. It was through the app that we accessed our cameras and controlled our smart home equipment. Additionally, it was the only home security app we tested with built-in geofencing. It arms the system when you leave a geofenced radius and disarms it when you get back inside. Not even our top smart home security pick, Vivint, offers that feature.

Brinks Overview

Brinks was a big name in home security back in the 1990s, and after a couple decades of silence, it has been making a resurgence lately. Now, it offers wireless security systems with a strong focus on smart home integrations.

We’re big fans of Alexa and Google Assistant. You can see as much if you read our Echo Show 8 review and Nest Hub review. With the security system we got from Brinks, we were able to control and monitor our home security using both smart displays. That, plus Brinks’ integration with third-party smart home brands like Kwikset (smart locks), myQ (garage door controller), and Alarm.com, makes it the best option for smart home enthusiasts.

Equipment

Brinks offers the whole shebang in terms of equipment — from sensors to smart home products. It actually provides more smart home automation options than any other system we tested, given that it has smart garage door controllers in its lineup.

At the center of our Brinks system was the touch screen control panel, which functioned as a hub and then some. For example, it doubled as a glass break sensor, alerting our phones when we accidentally dropped and broke a salad bowl. It also had a built-in camera designed to capture snapshots whenever someone enters the wrong disarm PIN. If someone’s secretly trying to guess your PIN, you’d know. It’s those little thoughtful features that made Brinks a sensible choice.

Monitoring

Thankfully, unlike Frontpoint, Brinks offers multiple levels of monitoring subscriptions. The cheapest option provides just smartphone access and professional monitoring. The mid-level option provides the same, plus smart home features (e.g., the ability to control Brinks using Alexa). The most expensive one, which is what we went for, adds access to cameras and video recording.

Brink’s monitoring was decently quick. It beat the 30-second industry average one time, but we clocked a 45- to 60-second response time from all the other tests. We’d say it’s about as fast as Vivint, but not as fast as ADT and certainly not Alder.

>> Compare: Brinks vs. ADT

Cost

Brinks’ pricing isn’t available on its website, and that lack of transparency might give some a pause, but in our experience, Brinks is an affordable option. We’d say its equipment costs about the same as Frontpoint’s, give or take $5 to $10. For example, Brinks quoted us $40 for a door sensor, which costs $35 from Frontpoint. The Brinks glass break sensor costs $80; it’s $75 from Frontpoint.

As for the monitoring rates, Brinks offers three levels. Based on the quote we got, the cheapest one is $39.99 per month, followed by $45.99, and $49.99 for the complete package.

Brinks User Experience

We wouldn’t call it the most user-friendly security system, but Brinks is up there with the best of them in terms of usability. It has an easy-to-use touchscreen control panel that reminds us of the ADT control panel in design and size. It’s a low-profile, seven-inch touchscreen tablet. Brinks also offers its own app now, which it didn’t when we previously tested it. It used to offer the Alarm.com app. Now with the Brinks Home app, users can customize their systems, create basic automations using compatible smart home products, and customize the arming modes (i.e. set which sensors are active in home and away modes).

abode Overview

abode is SimpliSafe’s closest competition on this list. It’s a DIY system with professional and self-monitoring monitoring options, but unlike our No. 2 pick, abode offers multiple systems focused heavily on home automation.

Besides the diversity of abode’s offerings, we liked that it has flexible monitoring plans. Basic self-monitoring is always free, but there’s also a premium self-monitoring option and an affordable professional monitoring plan. Best of all, all those subscriptions are contract-free. We’ve been able to switch between professional and self-monitoring as needed without any penalties or hidden fees.

>> Compare: SimpliSafe vs. abode

Equipment

For any abode system, choosing a hub is always the first step. This part confused us at first, but we went with the most practical (but also most expensive) one: the Iota All-in-One hub. We call it practical because for just a few bucks more than the other hubs, we got one with a built-in camera and motion sensor. That’s good use of money and space.

After that, we built a system of sensors and cameras. Take note that abode offers only one choice for security cameras and another one for video doorbells. The camera works inside and outside the house, but we still think abode should have a dedicated outdoor camera.

>> Other Options: The Best Outdoor Security Cameras

Monitoring

Once we set up the DIY abode system, we were given the option to self-monitor for free, upgrade to a paid self-monitored plan, or buy a professional monitoring subscription. We recommend trying out each option since abode is one of the few companies that will let you do that, due to its being contract-free.

We started with free self-monitoring, which didn’t suit us because of its lack of access to home automation (one of the main selling points of abode). Next, we upgraded to the paid self-monitoring plan, which worked great at first. It gave us video recording options for our cameras plus automation through the CUE feature. However, it remained internet-reliant, so when our Wi-Fi cut out, our home was left unprotected for hours. That’s when we upgraded to the professional monitoring plan, which gave us cellular backup, 24/7 live monitoring, and priority customer support.

>> Check It Out: The Best Security Systems Without Monthly Fees

Cost

abode’s price is another strong selling point for the brand. The system is designed for scalability, since the hubs can handle up to 160 individual devices (60 more than the SimpliSafe base station). The compatible devices range from simple sensors to smart devices like smart lights. You can also pair your existing smart home equipment if it’s compatible with Zigbee or Z-Wave.

To encourage users to build out their systems, abode kept its pricing low — as low as $39.99 for the weatherproof Abode Cam 2 security camera. That’s almost on par with the Wyze Cam v3 we reviewed, one of the most affordable security cameras there is.

For monitoring, the premium self-monitoring plan costs $6.99 per month, but once you’re sure about it, we suggest going with a one-year subscription for $69.99 to save $14. The professional monitoring plan, on the other hand, costs $22.99 monthly, or $219.99 for one year (save over $50).

abode User Experience

Abode’s lack of a touchscreen panel could pose a problem for homeowners who prefer a physical keypad over an app to control their systems. But we must say, abode’s app is a game-changer. We liked the CUE feature in particular – abode’s built-in automation engine. It rivaled Vivint’s custom home automation rules. In fact, you could say it’s slightly better because it supports more integrations. It can control Z-Wave and Zigbee devices that are compatible with the abode Iota hub, while the Vivint hub supports only Z-Wave. You’d need a Zigbee bridge to pair Zigbee devices to Vivint, and even then, only smart lights will work.

Ring Alarm Overview

Our last entry on this list is Ring Alarm, and the reason it’s here isn’t just the security system itself, but the Ring brand as a whole. Ring is best known for its video doorbells and security cameras. We tested a number of its cameras ourselves, including the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro. We can say that Ring’s security cameras are some of the best in the market.

Now, here’s where Ring Alarm comes in. In addition to working with the Ring cameras and video doorbells via the same app, the Ring Alarm covers areas the cameras don’t. More specifically, it focuses its protection indoors, while the cameras focus outdoors. They complement each other, which is why they are the best choice if you want extensive video security with a conventional home security system.

Equipment

Ring Alarm equipment is pretty standard. There are security sensors and smoke alarms, but no smart home devices at all. Ring makes up for that with a bunch of security cameras and video doorbells, though.

For security cameras, Ring offers an indoor camera, a semi-outdoor camera called the Stick Up Cam (weather-resistant but not weatherproof), a spotlight-equipped camera, and a floodlight-equipped camera. For the outdoor models, including Stick Up Cam, you can choose from different power options (battery, plug-in, solar, or wired). You can access our review of the complete Ring lineup for more details.

For video doorbells, Ring offers eight models, from simple and affordable, like the Ring Video Doorbell Wired, to smart but slightly more expensive, like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2. There’s a selection of wired and battery-powered options, all of which we covered in our Ring Video Doorbell review.

Monitoring

Monitoring was completely optional, but we highly suggest getting a Ring Protect Pro subscription, especially if you’re buying security cameras. Protect Pro includes 24/7 monitoring. Ring monitored our security system (but not the cameras like Deep Sentinel did), but on top of that, it also provided cloud video storage for our Ring cameras. It doesn’t matter how many cameras you have, they will all have cloud storage.

Cost

We went with the Premium plan and added professional monitoring. The total cost came to $29.99 per month, and there were no contracts to sign. That’s a good deal, considering we’d have to pay an extra $10 per month for a lot of the same features with ADT.

As for the equipment, however, prepare to spend at least a few hundred bucks. The smallest kit costs $200, which is good for small homes or apartments only. It includes only one motion sensor and one door sensor, plus the hub, keypad, and a wireless range extender.

If you want to save, we suggest getting bundles. The bundles typically include a Ring Alarm starter kit (five to 14 pieces), a security camera, and a video doorbell. The price range is from $300 to $700.

>> Learn More: Ring’s Pricing, Monitoring Plans, and Packages

Ring Alarm User Experience

The Ring App puts camera feeds front and center, making it easy to visually monitor your surroundings. Ring made sure not to push aside the Ring Alarm, though. You can choose an arming mode (Disarm, Home, Away) at the top part of the app’s interface. Better yet, you can make the Ring cameras arm the same time you arm your Ring Alarm. That ties them all together as one comprehensive system rather than just individual devices from the same brand.