We score every system across 7 categories — price, equipment, monitoring, contract terms, app quality, customer service, and a heavily-weighted trust score based on real customer feedback and our editorial testing.
Showing 10 systems
No-contract DIY security with optional pro monitoring
SimpliSafe is the strongest no-contract option on the market. The hardware is solid, the app is good (not great), and the month-to-month monitoring is genuinely flexible.
Affordable no-contract DIY security with a lifetime warranty option
Cove is one of the best budget picks on the market. The no-contract monitoring is genuinely affordable, customer service is a real strength, and the Plus plan's lifetime warranty is rare at this price. The tradeoff is a thinner equipment lineup and no free self-monitoring tier.
ADT-grade monitoring without the install or the contract
ADT Self Setup is a compelling middle ground: you get ADT's monitoring pedigree and Google Nest camera integration without a contract or a technician visit. Pricing runs higher than pure-DIY rivals, but the brand trust and monitoring quality are real.
Affordable security from Amazon's smart home leader
Ring Alarm is the value pick. If you already use Alexa or Ring cameras, the integration is unmatched at this price.
DIY home security on the trusted Alarm.com platform
Frontpoint is a strong all-rounder: easy DIY setup, the reliable Alarm.com platform, and consistently good customer service. It costs more per month than budget rivals, but the monitoring quality and support reputation justify it for many buyers.
150+ years of professional home security
ADT is the right pick if you want full-service professional installation and decades of monitoring experience. The contract terms are the tradeoff.
Flexible DIY security for smart home enthusiasts
Abode is the power user's pick. The smart home integration (HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee) is the best in the business.
Ultra-budget DIY security with the lowest monitoring fee around
Wyze is the cheapest way to get a monitored home security system, full stop. The starter kit and monitoring fee are dramatically lower than anyone else. The tradeoffs: third-party (Noonlight) monitoring, a thinner equipment catalog, and a less polished support experience.
Premium smart home security with pro installation
Vivint is the premium option. If you want a fully-installed, fully-integrated smart home and don't want to touch a screwdriver, this is it.
Established pro-installed security with deep smart home control
Brinks Home is a strong pick if you want a professionally installed, smart-home-rich system from an established brand and don't mind a long-term contract. The 36-month commitment is the major tradeoff versus the no-contract DIY crowd.