How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- ADT and Vivint suit readers who want professional installation and full smart home integration, while SimpliSafe and Ring suit readers who want DIY setup.
- Frontpoint, Cove and Abode offer middle paths with DIY setup plus optional professional monitoring, often without long contracts.
- Brinks Home suits readers who want a traditional monitored system with smart home features, but contract terms need a close read.
- Monitoring prices, contract lengths and equipment costs vary widely, so compare the total three-year cost, not just the monthly monitoring fee.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 ADT | Professional installation | See website | No |
 Vivint | Smart home integration | See website | No |
 SimpliSafe | DIY setup | See website | No |
 Ring Alarm | Budget DIY system | See website | No |
 Frontpoint | DIY with monitoring | See website | No |
 Cove | Simple DIY system | See website | No |
 Brinks Home | Traditional monitoring | See website | No |
 Abode | Flexible smart home | See website | No |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best home security companies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
ADT suits a homeowner who wants a professionally installed system backed by a large monitoring network. A technician installs sensors, cameras and panels, tests the system and shows the household how to use it. Monitoring centers operate around the clock, and the system integrates with common smart home platforms. For a larger home or a reader who does not want DIY work, ADT removes the setup burden.
Contracts are the main drawback. Terms often run for several years, and early exit fees can be large, so read the agreement before signing. Pricing is also quote-based rather than a single published price, which makes direct comparison harder. If you want professional handling and you accept a contract, ADT is the established leader.
What we like- Largest professional monitoring network in the US
- Professional installation and setup
- Wide smart home compatibility
Watch out for- Contracts are often long
- Pricing is quote-based, so comparison takes effort
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Vivint fits a homeowner who wants security and smart home control in one system. Cameras, door locks, garage control, thermostats and lighting work through a single app, with professional installation to set it all up. The app is polished, and automation rules can lock doors, adjust temperature and arm the system on a schedule. For a reader building a smart home around security, Vivint offers the most integrated experience.
Cost is higher than DIY systems, with equipment and monitoring both adding up, and contracts are common. A renter or a reader on a tight budget may prefer SimpliSafe or Ring. For a homeowner who wants a full smart home with professional setup, Vivint is a top choice.
What we like- Deep smart home integration with cameras, locks and thermostats
- Professional installation
- Polished app
Watch out for- Higher equipment and monitoring costs
- Contracts are common
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
SimpliSafe is the best DIY security system for most readers. Sensors arrive pre-configured, stick or screw into place, and the base station guides setup in under an hour for a typical home. There is no long contract requirement, and monitoring is optional, with self-monitoring possible for basic alerts. That flexibility suits renters, who can take the system when they move, and budget buyers who want to start small.
Smart home depth trails Vivint, and full camera history needs a paid monitoring plan. A reader who wants deep automation should check compatibility before buying. For simple, reliable DIY security without a contract, SimpliSafe is the safest pick.
What we like- Easy DIY installation with no tools in many cases
- No long contract required
- Optional professional monitoring
Watch out for- Smart home integrations are thinner than Vivint
- Camera features need a paid plan for full history
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Ring Alarm suits a reader who already uses Ring doorbells or cameras, or who wants the lowest-cost DIY system. The alarm kit is affordable, setup is simple, and the same app controls cameras, doorbells and the alarm. Optional monitoring costs less than most rivals, and self-monitoring with phone alerts is possible without a plan. For a small home or apartment, Ring offers strong value.
Privacy is the main concern. Ring has faced public criticism over police partnerships and data practices, and a privacy-conscious reader should read the current policies before buying. Advanced video history also needs a subscription. For budget DIY security inside the Ring ecosystem, Ring Alarm is hard to beat on price.
What we like- Low equipment cost
- Works with Ring cameras and doorbells
- Optional monitoring at a low monthly price
Watch out for- Privacy concerns have drawn public criticism
- Advanced features need a subscription
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Frontpoint combines DIY installation with professional monitoring, which suits a reader who wants to set up the system alone but still wants a monitoring center watching it. Sensors connect over cellular as well as Wi-Fi, so a cut internet line does not disable alerts. Support reputation is strong, and the app covers arming, cameras and smart home devices. For a homeowner who wants monitoring without an installer visit, Frontpoint is a balanced choice.
Equipment costs run higher than SimpliSafe, and monitoring plan prices depend on which features you need, such as video history or smart home control. A buyer should compare the total package, not just the base monitoring price. For DIY plus professional monitoring, Frontpoint earns its place.
What we like- DIY setup with professional monitoring
- Cellular connection avoids Wi-Fi dependence
- Good customer support reputation
Watch out for- Equipment costs are higher than SimpliSafe
- Monitoring plans vary by feature
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Cove suits a reader who wants a simple, affordable monitored system without complexity. A touchscreen panel guides setup, sensors are easy to place, and monitoring plans start at a low monthly price compared with traditional firms. The system covers doors, windows, motion and cameras for a typical home, and the app handles arming and alerts. For a first security system, Cove keeps decisions simple.
The camera and smart home range is smaller than Ring or Vivint, and Cove is a younger brand than ADT, so long-term track record is shorter. A reader who wants deep smart home automation should look elsewhere. For simple, low-cost monitored security, Cove is a good value pick.
What we like- Simple setup with a touchscreen panel
- Low monthly monitoring option
- No long contract on some plans
Watch out for- Smaller camera and smart home range than larger rivals
- Brand is less established than ADT
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Brinks Home suits a reader who wants traditional monitored security with modern smart home features. The company traces its roots to a long history in security, and current systems combine professional monitoring with cameras, locks and automation. Equipment packages cover larger homes, and monitoring centers operate around the clock. For a homeowner who trusts an established security brand, Brinks Home offers a familiar path.
Contract terms deserve a close read, since length and exit fees vary by package, and pricing is often quote-based rather than a single published figure. A buyer should get the full contract in writing before signing. For traditional monitoring with smart features, Brinks Home remains a credible choice.
What we like- Professional monitoring with smart home features
- Equipment packages for larger homes
- Long industry history
Watch out for- Contract terms need a close read
- Pricing is quote-based for many packages
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Abode suits a reader who wants flexibility above all. Monitoring can be self-managed, scheduled or on-demand for short periods, which helps a reader who only wants professional monitoring during a holiday or a trip. The system works with many smart home platforms, including popular voice assistants and home automation hubs, and DIY setup keeps costs down. For a smart home enthusiast, Abode plays well with other devices.
The support and installer network is smaller than ADT or Vivint, and some advanced features need a paid plan. A reader who wants a technician to install everything may prefer ADT. For flexible, smart-home-friendly security, Abode is a distinctive and useful option.
What we like- Flexible monitoring, including on-demand options
- Works with many smart home platforms
- DIY setup
Watch out for- Smaller installer and support network than ADT
- Some features need a paid plan
How we chose
We compared vendor pricing pages, contract terms, installation models and public reviews for home security companies serving US readers. We looked for monitoring quality, equipment cost, contract length, DIY versus professional installation, smart home compatibility and privacy practices. We did not claim hands-on testing, and we used "See website" for prices where vendors quote by package or region, since a single figure would mislead.
How to pick the right home security company
Start with your home type and tenure. Renters should pick a DIY system such as SimpliSafe, Ring or Cove that moves easily and needs no drilling. Homeowners who want full coverage and smart home integration should compare ADT and Vivint on total cost, including equipment, installation and monitoring over the contract term. Always ask for the contract length, exit fee and what happens to equipment if you cancel.
Next, test the app and alerts before you rely on the system. Arm and disarm from your phone, trigger a sensor, and check how fast alerts arrive. Finally, consider privacy. Read the camera and data policies, set strong passwords, turn on two-factor authentication, and decide whether indoor cameras belong in your home at all. A system you trust and actually arm every night beats a larger system you leave disarmed. Ask neighbors or a local installer which systems work well in your area, since cellular coverage and local response times can differ by region.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need professional monitoring?
Not always. Self-monitoring with phone alerts works for a reader who is usually reachable and comfortable calling emergency services. Professional monitoring helps when you travel, sleep heavily or want a center to dispatch help if you cannot respond.
How much does home security monitoring cost?
It varies widely by company and plan, from low-cost DIY monitoring to higher professional plans with video history and smart home features. Compare the total cost over the contract term, including equipment and installation, rather than the monthly fee alone.
Can I install a home security system myself?
Yes, with DIY systems such as SimpliSafe, Ring, Frontpoint, Cove and Abode. Most sensors stick or screw into place and pair with a base station in under an hour for a typical home, with guided setup in the app.
Will a security system work during a power or internet outage?
Many systems use cellular backup and battery power, so alerts can continue during an internet outage. Check battery life, cellular backup and panel behavior for the exact system you buy, since features differ by model and plan.
Are security cameras a privacy risk?
They can be, if accounts are weakly protected or policies allow broad data sharing. Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, keep firmware updated, and avoid indoor cameras in private rooms unless you have a clear reason for them.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.adt.com
- https://www.vivint.com
- https://www.simplisafe.com
- https://ring.com
- https://www.frontpoint.com
- https://www.cove.com
- https://www.brinkshome.com
- https://goabode.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.