The Best Home Security Systems in 2025 — Tested by Experts

ADT offers DIY installation, but we still prefer a professional to handle it. Our ADT technician chose the best spots to place our equipment for maximum coverage. They even told us how our devices work and showed us how to manage them in the ADT+ app.

Our alarm triggered a few times during our testing of ADT. Each time, we got a text message asking to verify or cancel the alarm. If we were late to respond, ADT would follow up with a phone call and dispatch help. ADT even offers a messaging app where you can add emergency contacts. Everyone in the group chat receives the message and has a chance to respond before 911 is contacted.

We set up Activity Zones for our front yard to avoid alerts from sidewalks and street traffic.

As we became familiar with the system, we started exploring more advanced features. We used ADT+ to set up automations like turning on the lights when the smart lock unlocks and adjusting the thermostat before we got out of bed. We couldn’t add third-party devices like we could with Vivint and abode, but ADT sells several compatible smart products on its website that integrate with the system.

>> Check Out: A Beginner’s Guide to Home Automation

ADT Equipment

If you’re new to security systems, the best place to start is with an ADT equipment bundle. There are six packages to choose from:

• Security Starter ($349): An entry-level setup including the base, a motion sensor, and three entry sensors.
• Life Safety ($404): Comes with the base, two entry sensors, and a smoke and CO detector.
• Video Essentials ($529): Includes everything in Security Starter plus one camera.
• Outdoor Video ($649): Includes the base, two entry sensors, a Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery), and Nest Doorbell (battery).
• Front Door Protection ($719): Adds a smart lock and Nest Doorbell (battery) to the Security Starter pack.
• Total Safety ($1,574): This pack includes the base, a motion sensor, three entry sensors, a smoke and CO detector, smart lock, three water and temperature sensors, Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery), Nest Cam (indoor, wired), Nest Doorbell (battery), and Nest Cam with Floodlight.

Our tester comparing ADT’s entry sensors to Ring’s to see which one sits better on the door.

None of these packages are set in stone. You can always add extra equipment. It doesn’t even have to be during the initial purchase. We started with Video Essentials and decided after a few months to beef up our outdoor security. So, we bought a Nest Cam with Floodlight and set it up ourselves. You can also get extra entry sensors and smart locks to add to your system.

>> Keep Reading: Google Nest Cam 2025 Review

ADT Pricing

Professional installation starts at $100, cheaper than SimpliSafe; though we paid $150 because we bought a few extra devices. You also have the option to set everything up yourself for free. However, we recommend professional installation to get the most out of your equipment.

ADT’s professional monitoring plans are not as flexible as SimpliSafe’s. Packages start at $24.99 per month, but, if you’re using security cameras, you’ll need to pay for the top plan, which starts at $39.99 per month. However, you’re also getting all the premium features like facial recognition and cloud storage.

>> Compare: ADT vs. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe outsources its professional installation to OnTech, with prices starting at $124.99. We decided to set everything up ourselves, though, since we know it specializes in DIY security systems. We finished in under an hour, with most of the time dedicated to setting up the Video Doorbell Pro.

No one broke into our house during testing, but we did run simulations to test Intruder Intervention. About five seconds after “breaking in” through the front door, our Wireless Indoor Camera’s privacy cover snapped open and we heard a voice telling us to get out or they’d call the police. Like ADT, we also got a text alert within 10 to 15 seconds and a phone call from SimpliSafe within 30 seconds when we didn’t respond.

We paid close attention to how the Wireless Indoor Camera takes action to deliver Intruder Intervention during our tests.

Another feature we appreciate is video verification. When SimpliSafe verifies the alarm with camera footage, they can pass this confirmation to emergency services, potentially resulting in faster response times.1

Expert Examined

From Joshua Lee, Active-duty Police Sergeant

“I am a big supporter of the ethical uses of artificial intelligence in security and crime prevention, and facial recognition is a fantastic option for homeowners. I had a case where a home security camera was able to record one of our suspects with an unidentified young girl. We were able to use facial recognition on the girl and identified her as a missing person who had an alert for being sex trafficked. This finding was crucial, not only in recovering the missing girl but in proving our suspect was trafficking young women.”

SimpliSafe Equipment

SimpliSafe offers equipment bundles to get you started. They’re designed for different types of homes – from small apartments to large houses. Here’s a breakdown of each:

You can always add new equipment, but the selection isn’t as broad as that of ADT. SimpliSafe only offers one indoor camera, outdoor camera, and video doorbell. While there are enough essential devices to protect your home, we wish there was more variety.

>> Learn More: SimpliSafe 2025 Review

SimpliSafe Pricing

SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring plans are more flexible than ADT’s. It doesn’t matter what equipment you own – you can switch to any package, including the self-monitoring options. While a free self-monitoring plan is tempting, we recommend going with a professional monitoring so you don’t have to manage alerts.

Plans start from $21.99 per month. However, we suggest choosing the $31.99-per-month Core plan or $49.99-per-month Pro plan. Both include Intruder Intervention, cellular backup, cloud storage, and voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa. The latter includes Active Guard, which is similar to Intruder Intervention but for outdoor cameras.

Our Vivint testing experience started with a phone call to the company. We couldn’t buy a system on the website like with ADT and SimpliSafe, but the call gave us an opportunity to talk through our options and customize the system.

Next, we scheduled the installation. On the day of, the setup process took over two hours, which included the technician explaining how everything worked. Despite being so high-tech, Vivint equipment is intuitive and easy to use.

>> Learn More: Vivint Home Automation Compatibility and Integrations

Reviewing videos where people are detected on the Vivint Smart Hub.

With ADT and SimpliSafe, we mainly controlled the systems using their companion apps. They are two of the best apps for security systems, so their lack of a high-tech keypad was no problem. But, with Vivint, we used the Smart Hub, which is similar to an iPad but bulkier and mounted on a wall.

We used the Smart Hub to adjust the settings of our equipment, arm and disarm the system, and set up home automation routines. Vivint walks you through how to set up rules for every device. You can also customize notification settings, such as when to let you know that the garage door has been open for too long.

Vivint Equipment

Like ADT and SimpliSafe, Vivint has bundles you can start with and build upon. There are three to choose from:

• Starter Package: Comes with the Smart Hub, two entry sensors, and a motion sensor.
• Premium Package: Includes the Smart Hub, four entry sensors, a motion sensor, and a doorbell camera.
• Premium Plus Package: Comes with the Smart Hub, four entry sensors, a motion sensor, a doorbell camera, a smoke and CO detector, a water sensor, and an outdoor camera.

You can add extra equipment to these bundles, including a range of smart home products. We got a smart lock and garage door control, but you’ll also find smart lighting, a keypad, and a thermostat.

Vivint Pricing

Vivint does not advertise prices on its website. You need to call to discuss costs. Based on our conversations with Vivint, packages range from around $600 to $1,800. You can pay for everything up front or finance the equipment and spread the payments over a maximum of 60 months.

Holding Vivint’s entryway sensor

Professional monitoring is also required and starts from around $30 per month. Like ADT, you’ll need to pay for the most expensive plan for camera support, which is around $50 per month.

>> Learn More: Vivint Home Security System 2025 Prices

Cove offers professional installation, but you won’t need it. All the equipment comes pre-programmed and the devices either sit on a surface or mount to a wall. If you need help, professional installation starts at $129.

The only issue we ran into was with the security cameras, which are made by Eufy. The devices work great, but integrating them with the rest of the system took a little longer than we hoped. You must also use the Eufy app for the cameras and the Cove Connect app for the rest of the system. This isn’t ideal if your alarm is triggered and you want to check the live feed before confirming an alert.

The Eufy indoor camera looks tiny, but the lens can pan and tilt to cover large rooms.

If your alarm is triggered, you can expect fast results from Cove. We got a text message instantly when we accidentally set it off. Like ADT, we could confirm or cancel it. Cove followed up with a call in around 35 seconds when we took too long to respond.

Cove Equipment

Cove has a smaller equipment range than other brands on this list. You’ll still find entry sensors, motion detectors, and cameras, which are the essential devices for home security. However, if you don’t like the look of them or they’re missing features you want, there are no alternatives. You can’t integrate third-party devices either.

While we have some issues with the security cameras, we appreciate that they offer local storage. We used a 32 GB SD card on the outdoor camera to save video events. This gave us about two months of footage, which is better than paying extra for cloud storage. Additionally, the device is solar-powered, so we didn’t have to worry about the battery running out.

>> Check Out: Best Cloud Storage Home Security Cameras of 2025

Our tester installed Cove security cameras on their front porch.

Cove Pricing

Every time we buy a Cove system to review, we always get it on sale. We’ve seen Cove deals as high as 70 percent off. They even throw in security cameras to sweeten the deal. But, even without discounts, Cove prices are reasonable.

There are two professional monitoring plans, but like ADT and Vivint, you’ll need the more expensive option for video camera support. Here’s an overview of both packages:

Like with Vivint, you’ll need to call Alder to buy a security system. You won’t find any prices online. The good news is that once it ships, the equipment arrives pre-programmed and ready for DIY installation.

Our Alder Hub offered tips on where to install our entry sensors.

The Alder Hub works differently from the Vivint Smart Hub, but it’s still a solid touch-screen hub. We mainly used the mobile app, though. Some of the notifications were slightly delayed compared to the hub, but the app offers full functionality. We created motion zones for the cameras to focus on and set up notifications for when the front door closed or the garage door opened.

Alder Equipment

Alder’s home security range is light, but it comes with the essentials. We bought the touch-screen panel, entry sensor, motion detector, and a few cameras for our Alder review. The rest of the lineup is limited beyond these basics.

Here’s one of the entry sensors we bought for our Alder home security system.

The cameras come from Eufy, the same brand Cove uses. There are four options:

• Outdoor Camera: Identical to Cove’s outdoor camera, it features a solar panel to keep it running, internal storage, and 2K resolution.
• Indoor Camera: The indoor camera is wired and uses smart detection to distinguish between humans and pets. The device also features color night vision.
• NVR Camera: This outdoor camera system is powered over Ethernet ports. All footage is stored locally, but each camera requires its own cable.
• Doorbell Camera: This one is battery-powered, making installation easy. The battery lasts up to six months on a single charge and uses advanced AI technology to reduce false alarms.

Alder Pricing

Alder’s prices aren’t on their website. In our chats with Alder, we learned packages range from $40 to $60 per month, but the final figure depends on how many products you buy. You must also commit to a three-year contract.

You’ll also need to add professional monitoring costs on top. Basic protection starts from around $40 per month. But, if you want video support and home automation features, you’re looking closer to $60 per month.

Expert Examined

From Joshua Lee, Active-duty Police Sergeant

“I remember responding to a call where the monitoring agency watched a suspect break into a home. While the suspect was rummaging through the kitchen, the agency remoted in and told the suspect the police were on their way. The suspect dropped everything and ran outside, but unfortunately he disappeared before we could arrive. Because the monitoring agent was able to speak to the suspect, the suspect got scared and left everything he was going to steal.”

It didn’t take us long to install the Frontpoint security system we reviewed. The app walked us through every step and included clear diagrams. We did notice that we were getting a lot of motion alerts, but it was easy to adjust the settings in the app to reduce irrelevant alerts.

We also explored other app features. Some of our favorites include:

• Scenes: This is where we created our home automations. We set up alerts if a sensor detected an entryway open for longer than 30 minutes at any time of the day.
• Geofencing: If you leave the house forgetting to arm the system, the app sends an alert and lets you arm it remotely so you don’t have to turn back.
• Siri Shortcuts: You can include Frontpoint with Siri voice command shortcuts. When we run our morning routine via Siri, we incorporate Frontpoint Scenes.
• Z-Wave Integration: Frontpoint’s app showed us how to connect third-party devices and include them in automations.
• Silent Alarm: Instead of a siren blaring, you can activate a silent alarm so you don’t disturb anyone if you’re leaving early or sneaking in at night.
• LED Brightness: Trust us, you’ll want to reduce the glow coming from the hub. You can see how bright it is in the image below.

If green isn’t your color, you can change the LED to red, yellow, or blue.

Frontpoint Equipment

Frontpoint has two packages available, and they always seem to be on sale. We’ve seen discounts as high as 80 percent off. The Essential Home Security System includes the hub, a keypad, two entry sensors, and stickers and a yard sign. The Total Home Security System adds an extra entry sensor, a motion sensor, a smoke and heat sensor, and a security camera.

You don’t have to go with either package; you can build your own system. Just know there aren’t many devices to choose from. But, that’s the benefit of Frontpoint offering Z-Wave connectivity: You can add as many third-party security devices as you want.

Frontpoint’s outdoor camera looks tiny, but it can make a lot of noise if it wants to.

Frontpoint Pricing

Frontpoint prices are slightly more expensive than other brands, so we recommend making the most of one of their sales. Here’s how some of Frontpoint’s best-selling equipment compares with ADT and SimpliSafe:

There are three professional monitoring plans available, with the cheapest starting from $15 per month. This plan is only ideal if you’re just using Frontpoint security cameras.

At $45 per month, the Interactive Monitoring plan includes cellular backup, hazard protection, and home automation. However, it excludes video support. For everything Frontpoint has to offer, you’ll need the Ultimate Monitoring plan, which is $50 per month.

Brinks offers free professional installation, which is better than ADT and Vivint. The technician chose the best places for our security equipment and our smart home devices. They also showed us how to integrate Z-Wave devices and create automations in the Brinks app.

Taking a tour through the Brinks app to see what automations we can set up.

Once we got the hang of the automation steps, we started setting up rules. We set up a sequence for when we went to sleep and woke up. The rules included arming and disarming the system, switching lights in the bathroom and kitchen, and changing the temperature on the thermostat.

We also added Z-Wave and Zigbee devices, including our Sonos speakers. We could even add an automation rule for when an alarm was triggered. Since Brinks doesn’t offer sirens, we used our Sonos speaker to alert us when an alarm went off.

Brinks Equipment

Some of the equipment from Brinks’s lineup comes from Alarm.com, including the indoor and outdoor cameras and video doorbell. All three performed well during our Brinks testing. We like that the indoor camera includes local storage and the outdoor camera has intruder-deterrent features.

>> Check Out: Best Outdoor Security Cameras of 2025

The rest of the lineup is light. You’ll still find entry sensors, motion detectors, and hazard sensors, but they all look a little outdated compared to ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint. We were impressed with the Touchscreen Panel. It works with Wi-Fi and cellular connections, and it acts like a digital photo frame when it’s not in use.

Expert Tip: If you live in a two-story house, we recommend getting a second Touchscreen Panel. You can install one next to the front door and have the second one as a mobile option. We keep ours by the bedside table for quick access.

Our tester unboxes the Brinks Touchscreen Panel to put it to the test.

Brinks Pricing

You won’t find any Brinks pricing on the website. Like Vivint and Frontpoint, you’ll need to speak to someone for a personalized quote. When we spoke to Brinks, we learned that equipment packages range from $360 to $800. Brinks also offers free installation with all systems. However, you’ll need to sign up for a three-year contract when you become a customer.

Professional monitoring starts at $39.99, which is expensive compared to brands like SimpliSafe. Plus, for security camera support, you’ll need the top plan, which is $49.99 per month. That puts it on par with ADT and Vivint.

>> Keep Reading: How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?

Setting up our Ring Alarm system took less than an hour. This included installing security cameras, entry sensors, and motion detectors. To be fair, the Ring Stick Up Cams are wireless and can sit on shelves or mount to walls. But, the Ring Floodlight Cam (seen below) needs power.

We couldn’t have done it without the Ring – Always Home app. It’s one of the best companion apps we’ve tested. It makes integrating devices and testing the system effortless.

Installing the Ring Floodlight Cam in our front yard.

Since Ring is an Amazon brand, it works great with Alexa for voice control and home automation features. However, we didn’t have access to the same features when using Google Assistant. The app also let us integrate third-party devices to expand our system.

Ring Alarm Equipment

We recommend starting with a Ring home security bundle. They come with the base station, a keypad, entry sensors, motion detectors, and cameras. Prices range from $300 to $740, depending on how many devices are in the package.

If you’ve already got a Ring Doorbell or camera, there are alarm system bundles that only include the base station, a keypad, entry sensors, and motion detectors. These packages range from $200 to $640. Alternatively, you can build your system from scratch and choose the devices you need for your home. Keep in mind that Ring offers a wide variety of camera models, but it has a limited selection of other product types.

The Ring motion detector installed and ready for action

Ring Alarm Pricing

Ring’s equipment pricing is in the same ballpark as other budget-friendly brands like SimpliSafe. Ring also runs frequent sales and throws in free cameras to make it worth your while.

Ring subscriptions are also affordable, with prices starting at $4.99 per month for one doorbell or camera. For an alarm system, it’s $9.99 per month. This plan doesn’t include professional monitoring, but it’s available as a $10-per-month add-on. Here’s an overview of Ring’s plans.

Setting up our abode equipment was straightforward. It was just as easy to integrate third-party devices. We connected our Nest Thermostat, Yale smart lock, and Bose speaker. The app even let us include them in automations. For example, we activated the thermostat when we unlocked the smart lock.

The CUE engine made setup easy. It uses “If This, Then That” rules to create them. Say we forgot to close a window before bed. The system can send a notification if it’s open for longer than 30 minutes after 9 p.m. to remind us to shut it.

The abode app offers suggestions on how to automate your home.

We used the app to manage our system, including monitoring camera live streams. At times, we noticed delays of a few seconds. It was the only issue during our abode testing. Considering you can connect more than 100 devices and create hundreds of home automations, it’s not a deal breaker.

abode Equipment

abode’s website doesn’t offer a wide selection of products. There are three security systems to choose from. The abode Security Kit is ideal if you don’t want professional monitoring. The Smart Security Kit lets you add third-party equipment and stays online during internet and power outages. The Iota All-in-One Security Kit is the one we chose.

The Iota Hub has a built-in camera, motion detector, and siren. It also connects to third-party equipment and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. abode even has bundles that include its other security offerings.

• Security Hub 14-Piece Bundle ($599.99): Includes a security hub, key fob, keypad, glass break sensor, two motion detectors, and eight entry sensors.
• Smart Security Hub 9-Piece Bundle ($680): Includes a smart security hub, key fob, keypad, glass break sensor, motion detector, and four entry sensors.
• Smart Security Hub 12-Piece Bundle ($740): Includes a smart security hub, key fob, keypad, glass break sensor, two motion detectors, and six entry sensors.
• Iota Hub 6-Piece Bundle ($660): Includes an Iota Hub, key fob, keypad, glass break sensor, and two entry sensors.
• Iota Hub 8-Piece Bundle ($800): Includes an Iota Hub, key fob, keypad, glass break sensor, and four entry sensors.

We tested our Iota Hub in different locations to find the best angle for the built-in camera.

abode Pricing

abode’s equipment pricing is comparable with SimpliSafe and Frontpoint. The same goes for abode’s subscriptions. There are three plans to choose from:

We recommend choosing the Pro plan to gain professional monitoring and cellular backup. It’s cheaper than SimpliSafe’s Core plan and Frontpoint’s Ultimate package. You can even save up to $40 by paying for 12 months up front instead of month-to-month.

Deep Sentinel’s intruder prevention is on par with Vivint and SimpliSafe’s. As soon as motion is detected, video starts recording and AI assesses the situation. We didn’t get notifications for people walking their dogs or cars driving by. But, if the camera detects a threat, a Deep Sentinel guard accesses the live feed.

Our Deep Sentinel camera recognizes our face and won’t call the police on us.

The guard can speak to the trespasser using the two-way speaker or blast the siren to give them a fright. While they’re monitoring, the guard is contacting police and reporting a verified situation, which speeds up response times.

Deep Sentinel Equipment

Deep Sentinel offers wireless and Power-over-Ethernet cameras. We recommend PoE cameras if your Wi-Fi range is limited. These types of cameras still get internet access and don’t need to be connected to your internal wiring. But, you do need to run cables to them.

However, beyond its outdoor security cameras, Deep Sentinel’s offerings are limited. When we tested our Deep Sentinel system, we felt a little exposed indoors. We trusted the outdoor cameras to do their job. But, it felt odd not having any visible motion detectors or entry sensors inside, unlike other security systems.

>> Learn More: How Does a Motion Detector Work?

Deep Sentinel Pricing

Every Deep Sentinel package requires a Smart Hub and wireless camera. You can get a Wireless Camera Pack, which also includes a rechargeable battery, for $499. The hub supports up to six cameras, but you’ll need to call Deep Sentinel for a quote for extra devices. In our experience, prices start at $200 for a single outdoor camera.

The Deep Sentinel Smart Hub is the only security device we had inside our home.

Professional monitoring is $100 a month, the same price as Ring’s virtual guard service. The only difference is that you need to sign up for a 12-month contract with Deep Sentinel. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can try it for a month and see if it’s worth keeping.