8 of the best home security systems, according to people who use them
When you get existential about it, much of our daily lives revolve around the notion of "protection." When you toss a password on your computer's log-in screen, for instance, you're protecting your data against wannabe hackers. When you slip a cardboard sleeve on a paper coffee cup filled with your half-caf vanilla oat milk latte, you're protecting your hand from the sloshing liquid's scorching heat. And when you vaccinate your kids — you're definitely vaccinating your kids, right? — you're protecting them and people who are immunocompromised from potentially life-threatening diseases.
It's sort of weird, then, that so few of us have equipped our houses — the place where we spend most of our time and keep our most precious belongings — with some sort of protection: According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, a mere 17 percent of U.S. households have a fleshed-out home security system. What gives? Read more...
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BEST VALUE
SimpliSafeA well-rounded system at a great price with plenty of affordable add-on options — just be sure Fluffy doesn't get too close.
- Contract length: N/A
- Installation type: DIY or professional
- Monitoring type: Self or professional
- Equipment warranty: 3 years
- Pet-friendly: Yes (up to 50 pounds)
- Smart assistant compatibility: Amazon Alexa
- IFTTT support: No
- Mobile app: Yes
BEST FOR RENTERS
Frontpoint SecurityA flexible and portable home security solution for renters whose biggest drawback is mandatory three-year contracts.
- Contract length: 3 years
- Installation type: DIY
- Monitoring type: Professional
- Equipment warranty: Limited lifetime
- Pet-friendly: Yes (up to 40 pounds)
- Smart assistant compatibility: Google Home and Amazon Alexa
- IFTTT support: No
- Mobile app available: Yes
BEST FOR TECHIES
Vivint Home SecurityVivint home security ecosystems come with some of the finest equipment around and top-notch professional monitoring, but be wary of sky-high pricing and not-quite-expert door-to-door salespeople.
- Contract length: Call for details
- Installation type: Professional
- Monitoring type: Professional
- Equipment warranty: N/A with Premium Service, otherwise 120 days
- Pet-friendly: Yes (sensor sensitivity can be set to 33 or 55 pounds)
- Smart assistant compatibility: Google Home and Amazon Alexa
- IFTTT support: Yes
- Mobile app available: Yes
BEST FOR DESIGN SNOBS
Nest SecureA chic and simple home security solution with options to avoid monthly fees and contracts — although its upfront cost could be a dealbreaker.
- Contract length: N/A to 3 years, depending on your choice of monitoring plan
- Installation type: DIY or professional
- Monitoring type: Self or professional
- Equipment warranty: 2 years
- Pet-friendly: Yes (up to 40 pounds)
- Smart assistant compatibility: Google Home (Google Assistant is built-in)
- IFTTT support: No
- Mobile app available: Yes
BEST FOR DIYERS
LifeShieldThis best-in-class DIY system lets you take your home's security into your own hands, but just in case, there's an option for no-strings-attached professional monitoring.
- Contract length: N/A
- Installation type: DIY or professional* (*only in some areas)
- Monitoring type: DIY or professional
- Equipment warranty: 1 year
- Pet-friendly: Yes (up to 80 pounds)
- Smart assistant compatibility: Google Home and Amazon Alexa
- IFTTT support: Yes
- Mobile app available: Yes
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
ADT Home Security SystemsIf you've got extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, throw it in ADT's direction for a premium custom security system, reliable support, and peace of mind in the form of money-back and theft guarantees.
- Contract length: 3 years
- Monitoring type: Professional
- Installation type: Professional
- Equipment warranty: Contact an ADT representative for more information
- Pet-friendly: Yes (up to 80 pounds)
- Smart assistant compatibility: Google Home and Amazon Alexa
- IFTTT support: Yes
- Mobile app available: Yes, but only with certain plans
BEST FOR AMAZON ALEXA USERS
RingIf Amazon Alexa is already ruling the roost at your place, or if you're a fan of the Ring Doorbell, buying this system is a given.
- Contract length: N/A
- Installation type: DIY or professional
- Monitoring type: Self or professional
- Equipment warranty: 1 year
- Pet-friendly: Yes (sensor sensitivity can be set to 30 or 50 pounds)
- Smart assistant compatibility: Amazon Alexa
- IFTTT support: Yes
- Mobile app available: Yes
BEST FOR SECOND HOMES
abodeGo ahead and plan that weekend trip: This up-and-coming system is one of the few (if only) home security solutions to offer three- and seven-day professional monitoring plans with no contracts to sign.
- Contract length: N/A
- Installation type: DIY or professional (through HelloTech)
- Monitoring type: Self or professional
- Pet-friendly: Yes (up to 60 pounds)
- Equipment warranty: 1 year
- Smart assistant compatibility: Google Home (sort of) and Amazon Alexa
- IFTTT support: Yes
- Mobile app available: Yes