Best Home Security Systems

Security systems used to be expensive and time-consuming to install, but today’s smart alarms are easy to set up and can save you money on homeowners insurance.

Depending on your needs, you can choose between landline, wireless and hybrid options. In remote regions without cellular coverage, a wired landline system may be more reliable.

ADT

ADT is one of the biggest and most trusted security brands in the industry. They offer a variety of professional monitoring services and scalable packages for every homeowner’s needs.

ADT’s most basic package includes a touchscreen hub with three door/window sensors, motion detectors and a cell backup. It also includes a key fob that can be used to arm and disarm the system, as well as glass-break sensors that will alert you if a window or door is cracked.

This package is great for homeowners who want a reliable and professional home security system but aren’t ready to commit to a contract. You can add other equipment a la carte to create a custom system that works best for your home.

The company also offers a mobile app that allows you to remotely control your system. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your voice to arm and disarm the system or even control smart devices such as lights and locks.

Another great feature of ADT is that they offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t like the service. This guarantees that you will receive a refund on your installation and monitoring fees if they aren’t able to resolve any issues within the first six months of service.

ADT also has 6 monitoring stations across the country, so you can rest assured that if something goes wrong, they will be there to help you. They also offer a theft protection guarantee, so you can get up to $500 towards your insurance deductible if your home is burglarized while you have an armed ADT system.

In addition to being a reliable and experienced brand, ADT has some of the best reviews in the industry. Their consumer affairs and Trustpilot ratings are both 4.1 out of 5 and they are known for their fast responses to customer issues.

ADT’s latest smart home product is called ADT Command, and it integrates with many different smart-home devices that let you manage your entire house in a single app. It comes with a smart lock and smart plug, as well as Z-Wave wireless technology for integrating with other smart home devices, such as lighting and thermostats. It can even connect to your home’s alarm and garage controller, making it a solid choice for those who want an all-in-one home automation solution.

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe offers affordable, do-it-yourself home security systems. They’re easy to install and are backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, which should give you plenty of time to figure out whether or not they’re the right fit for your needs.

They’re also easy to use and offer great value compared to competitors like ADT, Frontpoint and Vivint. They’re especially popular with renters and people looking for a simple way to protect their homes without having to sign up for a long-term contract.

The SimpliSafe line of wireless hardware comes in a variety of packages, including the Foundation package that includes three entry sensors, one motion sensor, and 24-7 monitoring for $275. You can add on extras like keypads, doorbells, and extra-loud sirens to make the system more powerful.

There are three subscription plans that depend on the level of monitoring you want to have for your system. The Self-Monitoring plan lets you control the system through your smartphone, and you’ll get notifications by email or text. The Interactive plan also unlocks home automation features that allow you to control the smart devices that connect with your system through the app.

With a cellular connection built into the base station, SimpliSafe doesn’t use your cellular minutes or data plan for its monitoring services. That’s a big bonus when the power goes out and you need to monitor your system from an alternative location.

In addition, they’ve partnered with RapidSOS to improve emergency response times, which is another plus. That’s not to mention the system’s ability to connect with other home security brands, allowing you to have more layers of protection than ever before.

The company’s pricing is competitive with the industry average, and you can often find discounted packages online. For instance, the Essentials package, which comes with a base station and siren, one keypad, and three entry sensors for $275, is a good deal.

If you’re concerned about someone cutting a wire to deactivate your SimpliSafe system, the company says that its wireless transmissions are encrypted. It’s also a member of the Better Business Bureau, which means that you can trust its policies and procedures.

Frontpoint

Frontpoint is a smart-home security provider that combines traditional home automation with state-of-the-art professional monitoring. It has a wide range of equipment packages, competitive pricing, and a good customer service reputation.

Its customers typically stick with the company for an average of eight years after their initial 36-month contract ends. And the equipment it sells is often more durable than competitors.

The company also makes it easy for homeowners to install its systems. The Frontpoint app provides step-by-step instructions for the smart hub and keypad, and many of the hardware components have a simple peel-and-stick backing that can be placed directly on the wall without any drilling or wiring.

There are several types of sensors that Frontpoint sells, including entry sensors that can be placed on any door or window to alert you if someone attempts to enter. Motion detectors trigger an alert if they detect unauthorized movement, and glass break sensors are tuned to the sound of shattering glass.

Frontpoint offers a 3-year limited warranty on most of its hardware. This means that if any part of the system breaks, you can expect to get it replaced by the company.

In addition, the system features Crash and Smash Protection that sends a signal to the alarm monitoring center when an intruder tries to tamper with your control panel. The monitoring center will then notify you and dispatch law enforcement to your home.

Lastly, the company’s devices use 100% cellular technology and have three backups to their central monitoring station so that they can remain operational in the event of a power outage or cut connection to cell towers. This technology allows the company to respond up to 120 times faster than its competitors, ensuring that you’re never left vulnerable.

The company has a 30-day money-back guarantee and free installation, so you can try it out without risk. It also has a variety of add-on devices that can be purchased to customize your system.

The standard monitoring plan includes crash and smash protection, automated system checks, remote access, mobile alerts, and unique user codes. You can even use the app to set up lights that trigger when a sensor alarm is triggered. This plan costs $50 a month.

Alder

Alder is a Utah-based company that offers security and home automation services. They offer a few different options for homeowners, and they’re available in most states. They’re also known for their commission-based door-to-door sales teams.

If you’re looking for a DIY system with a personal touch, Alder may be the right fit for you. But their contracts can be a little long and their pricing isn’t transparent, so you’ll have to call or submit an online quote request for cost information.

They have a wide range of equipment, from basic sensors to a couple of decent indoor and outdoor cameras. They also have a sleek touchscreen control panel, which doubles as your smart hub.

The equipment is solid, and it’s easy to set up (no drilling, no breaking a sweat). Plus, the control panel can work with Alexa and Google Assistant.

It also has a hostage code feature, which lets you discreetly notify emergency services in the event of a potential hostage situation. It’s one of the most important features in any alarm system, but it’s especially useful when you have small children or elderly relatives living at home.

You can add smoke detectors that also work as carbon monoxide detectors to your Alder system, too. They come with a battery that lasts up to two years, so you’ll have a backup in case of fire or other emergencies.

They also have a Silent Exit feature, which allows you to arm your system announcement-free. That’s a great feature for when you want to be able to leave the house quickly, like when you go out of town or wake up early in the morning.

But, they don’t have the most comprehensive smart home offerings out there, and their integration with Alexa isn’t as good as some competitors. That said, their mobile app is pretty easy to use, and it’s compatible with a lot of third-party smart home devices.

You can get an Alder home security system for $35 per month, if you’re not interested in the video and home automation options that come with their more premium monitoring packages. Their response times are also fast — 3.4 seconds on average, which is much faster than most other security companies.

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