Achieving peace of mind in your home shouldn’t be expensive or difficult. Traditional home security systems often require lengthy contracts and expensive professional installation. Still, most smart security systems are DIY-friendly and easy to install, allowing you to pay for monitoring only when you want it.
We’ve tested the latest home security systems. Check out the top options for professionals, DIY enthusiasts, smart home enthusiasts, and many others.
What’s the Best Home Security System?
Comcast Xfinity Home is the best option for professional security systems. If you need a security suite that you can easily build over a few years, Vivint is the best choice.
Also, a great DIY option is Ring Alarm, which is contract-free with a relatively affordable subscription plan.
If you’re interested in expanding your security system in the future or looking for alternatives, consider indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks.
Best Security System for Home
Comcast Xfinity Home is an excellent, affordable service, scoring 8 out of 10 in our review. It’s cheaper than similar installations from direct competitors like Vivint and ADT, works with a wide range of third-party smart home gadgets, and doesn’t require a contract.
The Xfinity Home basic system includes a hub with a touchscreen, three entryway sensors for doors and windows, and a motion sensor for key areas inside the house. You can add an Xfinity camera, thermostat, or smoke detector as additional system features. The Xfinity system is compatible with August, Yale, Lifx, Ecobee, Philips Hue, and other smart home brands, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Experience seamless integration with other smart home devices.
Subscription plans are divided into self-monitoring and professional monitoring tiers.
Self-monitoring
This tier gives you Wi-Fi, third-party developer support, and app control.
If you manage to bypass Comcast’s pressure to bundle with their other services and the limited capabilities of the home automation service, this home security system is a good fit for you.
With 24/7 video recording based on Xfinity Gateway, you can enjoy peace of mind on the go. Check your home from anywhere with live and recorded video.
Professional Monitoring
Xfinity Home’s Professional Protection and Pro Protection Plus, which rank first in consumer satisfaction among professionally monitored home security systems by JD Power, offer professional home security and monitoring that works around the clock and meets the needs of each customer.
There are no contracts with defined terms here. Switch between self-protection and professional monitoring at any time.
Integration of smart home devices with the Xfinity app requires a compatible xFi gateway and Self Protection, Pro Protection, or Pro Protection Plus.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/
Best DIY Security Systems
Ring Alarm 8-piece (2nd generation)
Ring offers several excellent home security packages for users who want to take matters into their own hands, from choosing add-ons to selecting the right spot on the wall.
This 8-piece starter kit includes four essential sensors, a base station, a keypad, a motion detector, and a range extender for those concerned about Wi-Fi. The built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router allows you to replace your standard home Wi-Fi router, depending on your service, or even create a wireless mesh network. This will enhance the range and speed of Wi-Fi—a great help for security cameras and other smart home devices.
Ring devices from Amazon include excellent Alexa support, and DIY enthusiasts will appreciate the intuitive control app (if you’ve set up any smart devices before, these app controls will be easy for you to grasp). In addition to direct control and touch notifications, users can also switch between “home” and “away” modes on the go. If you decide to expand your protection, almost any Ring product will be compatible, including their security cameras and video doorbells.
Two important notes about choosing Ring: first, in 2024, Ring officially changed its policy regarding allowing police direct requests for user video footage. Now, similar to Google and other brands, they only comply with such requests in cases of life-threatening emergencies or risk of death, but this is a significant improvement over their previous stance.
Secondly, professional monitoring requires a subscription to the brand’s top-tier plan. It’s more expensive than a cloud storage plan.
Smart Security System
The best home security system for smart home integration
The Abode Wireless Smart Security Kit includes a motion sensor and expands smart home compatibility with Apple Home/Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. We know it’s not easy to find a home security system that works with the Apple Home app, especially at a low price, so Apple enthusiasts may be particularly pleased.
The Abode system features important functions such as battery backup. Abode also has incredibly impressive compatibility with third-party developers, supporting integration with Nest, Yale, Philips Hue, Amazon Echos, Ecobee, and more.
If you need professional monitoring, Abode offers it with their Pro plan, including cellular backup.
Other Good Home Security Systems
If you need a compact multitasking system, the Arlo home security system combines multiple functions into the smallest number of devices. The hub has a built-in keypad, alarm systems, motion detectors, and the ability to monitor smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The sensor combines eight sensors into one, tracking entry, tilt, temperature, light, motion, water leaks, and smoke/carbon monoxide alarms.The latest Guardian Alarm home security system will protect your home and family. Even when you’re away, the installation monitors your home, protecting against break-ins, fires, and water leaks. Guardian Alarm’s fully encrypted smart home security systems track entry points or detect motion using innovative tools that ensure the safety and convenience of your home. You can control your alarm company from the alarm panel or mobile device to arm/disarm or view your cameras.
Source: https://guardianalarm.com/
The MyGuardianAlarm mobile app allows you to control the security of your home right from your mobile device. Take advantage of customizable features, such as receiving real-time alerts about unexpected alarm activity or when your cameras detect motion.
