When a bump in the night is more than just the sound of the house settling, home security monitoring companies save the day. And the best alarm monitoring companies don’t even cost an arm and a leg. In 2025, professional monitoring spans roughly $9.99–$60+ per month depending on features and contract type, with budget DIY options like Wyze (~$9.99/mo), SimpliSafe ($19.99–$29.99/mo for pro monitoring), and Ring ($20/mo for Ring Protect Pro) offering no long-term contracts, while traditional providers such as ADT (from about $45.99/mo with pro install and a contract) and Vivint (pro install; monitoring price shown as “from” on site) bundle more integrated service. We evaluated systems using current pricing, contract flexibility, false alarm reduction practices (e.g., ANSI/TMA AVS‑01), smart-home interoperability (e.g., Matter), central-station resiliency (UL 827), and independent satisfaction context from the latest J.D. Power U.S. Home Security Satisfaction Study and ACSI.
The 5 Best Home Security Monitoring Companies
- ADT – Best Brand Recognition
- Frontpoint – Best DIY Security System
- Vivint – Best For Active Crisis Response
- SimpliSafe – Best for False Alarm Reduction
- Brinks Home Security – Best Customer Service
| Provider | Reviews.com score | Requires a contract? | Length of contract | Upfront costs | Monitoring starting price | Installation Costs | Smart Home Compatibility | Camera | Warranty |
| ADT | 1.8 | Yes | 36 months | Custom; equipment often financed | $45.99 | Starting around $99 | Yes | Yes | Optional |
| Frontpoint | 2.6 | No | N/A | Custom bundles; check current promos | About $44–$49 | N/A | Yes | Yes | 3-year limited warranty |
| Vivint | 2.5 | No, unless you finance the equipment. | 42-60 months | Custom system; pro install required | From price listed on site | Professional; fees apply | Yes | Yes | Limited warranty (terms vary) |
| SimpliSafe | 4.2 | No | N/A | Starter kits often discounted | $19.99 | DIY (free) or optional pro install | Yes | Yes | 3-year limited warranty |
| Brinks | 3.4 | Yes | 36 months | Package-based pricing | See provider | Varies | Yes | Yes | 2-year limited warranty |
Information accurate as of: 11/08/2025
How Did We Choose the Best Home Security Systems for Renters?
Here at Reviews.com, it’s our mission to evaluate consumer services and recommend the best ones for our readers. We compared up-to-date monitoring prices and contract terms from provider sites (ADT; Vivint; SimpliSafe; plus budget DIY like Ring, abode, and Wyze), and weighed false-alarm reduction and dispatch practices against the ANSI/TMA AVS‑01 standard and central-station resiliency guidance in UL 827. We assessed smart-home interoperability progress (e.g., Matter updates through 2024), and considered independent satisfaction context from the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Home Security Satisfaction Study and ACSI. For crime context we referenced the FBI Crime Data Explorer. We prioritized companies with transparent pricing, flexible installation, and clear data/security practices aligned with the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark direction of travel.
ADT: Best For Name Recognition
1.8/5
ADT fits households that want professional installation, multi-tier packages, and broad device support. The ADT+ app integrates with Google Nest for smart controls and remote arming/disarming. For professionally installed packages, monitoring starts at about $45.99/month and typically involves a multi‑year agreement and installation fees; ADT also offers a DIY path (ADT Self Setup) with month‑to‑month monitoring. ADT packages | ADT Self Setup monitoring
Pros
- Trusted national name brand
- Large network of trusted agents
- Monitoring starts at under $40 per month
- Users can store video clips with the Complete plan
Cons
- Customer service reputation isn’t the best
- No DIY option
Pricing
ADT’s professionally installed tiers (Secure Home, Smart Home, Video & Smart Home) start around $45.99/month for monitoring and add smart‑home and video features at higher tiers; contracts are commonly 36 months and professional installation fees apply. ADT Self Setup provides DIY equipment and pro monitoring from about $24.99/month with no long‑term contract. ADT packages | ADT Self Setup monitoring
Plans
- Secure Home – Professional monitoring typically starts around $45.99/month; equipment and pro install fees apply
- Smart Home – Adds app automations and connected device control via ADT+; monthly price increases with features
- Video & Smart Home – Adds video devices and cloud features; final price depends on your equipment mix
Customer Service
For independent satisfaction context, see the latest J.D. Power U.S. Home Security Satisfaction Study and the ACSI. ADT’s BBB profile is here: BBB.
Installation Options
ADT’s core packages are professionally installed (installation fees apply). For self‑installation and month‑to‑month terms, ADT offers ADT Self Setup. When comparing providers, ask about central station resiliency and certifications such as UL 827, and whether they support alarm validation workflows aligned to TMA AVS‑01 to help reduce false dispatches.
Check out our full review: ADT Review
Frontpoint: Best for DIY Security Systems
2.6/5
Frontpoint emphasizes DIY setup, flexible bundles, and the ability to take equipment when you move. While monitoring rates and equipment promos change, Frontpoint’s value proposition aligns with modern DIY norms: app‑guided installation, month‑to‑month style flexibility, and smart‑home compatibility. For context on DIY vs. pro trade‑offs and satisfaction, see J.D. Power’s latest study and Consumer Reports’ buying guide.
Pros
- Plans include multiple cameras and signage
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans
Cons
- Doesn’t offer professional installation — everything is DIY
- Equipment costs are higher than average
Pricing
Frontpoint’s current bundles and monitoring promotions are periodically updated; verify the latest plan inclusions and any commitments during checkout or a sales call. For DIY benchmarks, compare against no‑contract providers like SimpliSafe ($19.99–$29.99/mo for pro monitoring), Ring ($20/mo for Ring Protect Pro), abode (~$21.99/mo for Pro), and Wyze (~$9.99/mo).
Price
- DIY starter and advanced kits – contents and pricing vary by promotion; confirm current offers and trial terms
- Monitoring – check current daily/monthly rates; compare features like cellular backup, app control, and video options
Customer Service
Frontpoint maintains an A+ BBB rating, though star ratings can fluctuate. For sector context and rankings, review the 2024 J.D. Power Home Security Satisfaction Study and the ACSI.
Installation Options
Frontpoint stands out for app‑guided DIY installation. From entry and motion sensors to smart cameras, setup is designed to be straightforward, and assistance is available in the Frontpoint app. To reduce nuisance alarms, configure zones and schedules and consider providers that align monitoring workflows with TMA AVS‑01.
Check out our full review: Frontpoint Review
Vivint: Best For Active Crisis Response
2.5/5
Vivint delivers a fully integrated, professionally installed system with centralized app control over sensors, locks, cameras, and automations. Monitoring pricing is shown as a “from” value on Vivint’s site and varies with devices/services selected; professional installation is standard. If you finance equipment, expect a longer agreement; paying equipment upfront generally enables month‑to‑month monitoring. Vivint pricing
Pros
- Well-trained call agents
- Protection extends to porches and yards
Cons
- Poor customer service ratings
- Not easy to compare prices without calling
Pricing
Vivint lists a “from” price for monitoring; your monthly rate and upfront costs depend on your custom device mix and services. Professional installation is required; equipment financing commonly entails a multi‑year term, while paying upfront typically allows a month‑to‑month option. Vivint pricing
Plans
- Smart Security Monitoring – Pro monitoring for core sensors; monthly price depends on your system
- Smart Home Monitoring – Adds home automation features; pricing varies by devices/services
- Smart Home Video Monitoring – Adds cameras and video features; final monthly price depends on custom build
Customer Service
Customer experience can vary by region and system mix. For third‑party satisfaction context and rankings, consult the 2024 J.D. Power Home Security Satisfaction Study and ACSI sector reports.
Installation Options
Vivint does not offer DIY installation for its core systems. You can monitor and control devices in the Vivint app, while Vivint’s team handles 24/7 monitoring and support. When evaluating monitoring quality, ask providers about central-station resiliency (UL 827) and adoption of alarm validation workflows like TMA AVS‑01 to help reduce false alarms and improve response priority.
Check out our full review: Vivint Review
SimpliSafe: Best for False Alarm Reduction
4.2/5
SimpliSafe offers straightforward, month‑to‑month monitoring and a choice between DIY or optional professional installation. Its higher‑tier monitoring adds features designed to speed verification and prioritize response, aligning with industry moves to reduce false dispatches through standardized workflows like TMA AVS‑01.
Pros
- Installation flexibility
- Long trial period lasting 60 days
- No contract required
Cons
- Some plans don’t have professional monitoring
- Better for homes with an existing smart tech set up
Pricing
SimpliSafe sells equipment upfront (often discounted) and offers three month‑to‑month monitoring options: Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings (~$9.99/month), Standard Monitoring (~$19.99/month), and Fast Protect Monitoring (~$29.99/month). SimpliSafe plans
Plans
- Self-Monitored – $9.99/month for self monitoring with camera recordings
- Standard – $19.99/month for 24/7 professional monitoring
- Fast Protect (Interactive) – $29.99/month with enhanced verification and features
Customer Service
For up-to-date third‑party satisfaction context and rankings across brands and install types, review the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Home Security Satisfaction Study and ACSI.
Installation Options
DIY is the default for SimpliSafe and is typically quick with peel‑and‑stick sensors; optional professional installation is available. Configure zones, activity schedules, and video verification to reduce nuisance alarms and support standardized validation scoring (TMA AVS‑01).
Check out our full review: SimpliSafe Review
Brinks Home Security: Best Customer Service
3.4/5
Brinks offers national-brand coverage with smart‑home compatibility and HD camera options. Its packages balance DIY and professional installation choices. Pricing and plan names can change; confirm current equipment, monitoring rates, and any contract terms before purchase. For sector satisfaction context, review J.D. Power’s latest study.
Pros
- Professional and DIY installation options
- 30-Day trial with money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited contract options
- Hefty equipment costs up front
Pricing
Brinks’ lower‑tier packages cover essentials (hub + a few sensors), while higher tiers add cameras and smart devices. Always verify the current monitoring rate, contract length (many professional systems use ~36‑month terms), installation options, and video storage limits before you buy. For DIY price benchmarks, compare to SimpliSafe, Ring, abode, and Wyze.
Plans
- Brinks Smart Security Essential – Entry bundle; verify current equipment and monitoring price
- Brinks Smart Security Complete – Adds more sensors/devices; confirm current pricing and features
- Brinks Smart Security Ultimate – Higher‑tier package with cameras/smart devices; check current deal terms
Customer Service
For a fresh, third‑party look at customer experience across providers and install types, see the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Home Security Satisfaction Study and ACSI.
Installation Options
Brinks supports DIY installation for select packages and can arrange professional installation. DIY generally avoids install fees; professional installation costs vary. If you choose professional monitoring, ask about central-station certifications like UL 827 and whether alarm validation methods aligned to TMA AVS‑01 are used to help streamline response.
Check out our full review: Brinks Home Security Review
How to Select the Best Home Security System
You want a home security monitoring system that is reliable, affordable, yet built for the long haul. In 2025, prioritize providers with clear pricing, standards‑aligned monitoring practices, and strong smart‑home interoperability. Consider these factors before you decide.
- Long-Term Investment: Favor equipment with clear update policies and support lifetimes. Watch for the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark on eligible IoT devices (cameras, locks) as labeling rolls out; it signals baseline security practices and transparency.
- Coverage: Look for 24/7 monitoring with dual‑path connectivity (broadband + cellular) and resilient central stations (see UL 827).
- Reliability and false alarms: Prefer systems that support video verification and standardized alarm validation (see TMA AVS‑01) to reduce nuisance dispatches and speed priority response.
- Smart-home integration: For sensors/locks, check Matter support and Thread/Wi‑Fi reliability. Note: as of recent Matter releases, rich camera features are still outside the spec—plan your ecosystem accordingly.
- Installation: If you prefer hands-off setup and training, choose professional installation. Independent guides like Consumer Reports outline DIY vs. pro trade‑offs.
- Transparency: Watch for contracts (often ~36 months with pro installs), cancellation terms, installation/activation fees, and per‑camera video storage limits.
- Also consider budget DIY brands: If you want low-cost pro monitoring without long contracts, compare Wyze (~$9.99/mo), abode (~$21.99/mo Pro), and Ring Protect Pro ($20/mo).
Pro-Installed vs. DIY Home Security Systems
A DIY installation saves upfront costs and is increasingly straightforward for wireless gear; professional installs can optimize placement and include labor warranties. On pricing, DIY professional monitoring can start as low as about $9.99–$29.99/month (Wyze; SimpliSafe; Ring Protect Pro; abode Pro ~$21.99/mo), while traditional, pro‑installed systems often start higher (e.g., ADT ~ $45.99/mo). If you choose professional monitoring, ask about central station certifications (e.g., UL 827) and standardized alarm validation (TMA AVS‑01).
