Reviews Report
- SimpliSafe and Ring remain top DIY systems with broad device ecosystems and easy setup.
- ADT offers the best professional monitoring options, with pro installation that now integrates Google Nest and a DIY path via ADT Self Setup backed by ADT monitoring.
- SimpliSafe remains our most recommended DIY pick for its flexibility, reliable performance, and contract-optional monitoring.
Austin residents want a home security system they can trust to keep their families safe. And while it might feel overwhelming choosing from the many companies on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to the best home security systems in Austin, Texas. In Austin, you’ll need an alarm permit for police response, and features like person/vehicle detection and video verification can help reduce false alarms. When choosing our favorite systems, we considered factors such as price, equipment cost, contracts, customer satisfaction, installation, and smart-home compatibility.
The 5 Best Home Security Systems in Austin
- SimpliSafe: Best for overall DIY flexibility
- Ring: Best for Ease of Use
- Abode: Best for Apple Home compatibility
- Arlo: Best for High-Quality Cameras
- Blue by ADT (now ADT Self Setup): Best for Professional Monitoring
Compare the Best Austin Home Security Systems
| SimpliSafe | Ring | Abode | Arlo | ADT Self Setup | |
| Reviews.com Score | — | — | — | — | — |
| Prices start at | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Contract length | None | None | None | None | None |
| Cameras | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell | Indoor/Outdoor (smaller lineup) | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell (Google Nest) |
| Sensors | Door/window, motion, glass break, smoke/CO, temperature, flood, panic button | Door/window, motion, glass break, smoke/CO, flood, freeze, panic button, mailbox, garage door | Door/window, motion, smoke, temperature, flood, panic button | Motion; spotlight/floodlight deterrents; limited intrusion sensors | Door/window, motion, flood |
| Smart home capabilities | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit | Google Assistant (Nest), Amazon Alexa |
| Control panel | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app | Mobile app |
Information accurate as of 2025
Best for Flexibility
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Customizable system
- Variety of smart devices
Cons
- The basic plan doesn’t include mobile alerts
- Limited smart device integration with other brands
Equipment Available
- Indoor, outdoor and doorbell cameras
- Window and door sensors
- Mobile phone control panel
- Environmental sensors
- Smart locks, lighting and thermostat
Plans & Pricing
- Standard: $0.50/day; includes 24/7 professional monitoring, emergency dispatch, built-in cellular communication, and 24/7 fire monitoring and fire department dispatch.
- Interactive: $0.83/day; includes everything in the standard plan and unlimited camera recording, 30-day video recording storage, visual alarm verification with police dispatch and more.
Best for Ease of Use
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Simple DIY installation
- Easy to use
- Affordable professional monitoring
Cons
- Video storage only available with paid subscription
- Base security kits don’t include cameras
Equipment Available
- Indoor, outdoor and doorbell cameras
- Window and door sensors
- Mobile phone control panel
- Environmental sensors
- Smart locks and lighting
Plans & Pricing
- Free: includes motion-activated notifications, real-time video with live view, two-way talk and lifetime theft protection.
- Basic: $3/month; includes everything in the free plan and video history, video saving and sharing, snapshot culture, people-only mode and rich notifications.
- Plus: $10/month; includes everything in the basic plan and 24/7 professional monitoring, extended warranties on all devices and 10% off Ring.com products.
Best for Self-Monitoring
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low-cost and robust self-monitoring
- Smart device integration with other brands
- Easy to install yourself
Cons
- Self-monitoring plan doesn’t include cellular backup
- No indoor or doorbell cameras
Equipment Available
- Outdoor camera
- Window and door sensors
- Mobile phone and keypad control panel
- Environmental sensors
Plans & Pricing
- Standard: $0.20 per day; includes push notifications, video storage, timeline, home automation and more.
- Pro: $0.66 per day; includes everything in standard plan and cellular connectivity, professional monitoring, free shipping, exclusive deals and homeowners insurance discounts.
Best for High-Quality Cameras
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- High-quality security cameras
- Affordable self-monitoring
- Easy DIY installation
Cons
- No sensors or smart devices
- Expensive cameras
Equipment Available
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Doorbell cameras
- Baby monitors
Plans & Pricing
- Premier: $2.99/month for one camera or $9.99 for up to five cameras; 2K quality, 30-day video history, advanced object detection, package detection, cloud activity zones and intelligent alerts.
- Elite: $4.99/month for one camera or $14.99 for up to five cameras; everything in the premier plan and 4K quality.
Best for Professional Monitoring
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Professional monitoring provided by home security leader ADT
- Build-your-own system
Cons
- No smart home devices
- Limited sensors to choose from
- No cellular backup with self-monitoring
Equipment Available
- Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras
- Window, door, and flood sensors
- Mobile phone control panel
- Wifi extender for Blue by ADT cameras
Plans & Pricing
- DIY: free; includes mobile alerts.
- 19.99 per month; includes mobile alerts, 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, alerts authorities in an alarm event and one free month of service.
Home Security in Austin: What You Need to Know
Austin, Texas, crime statistics
If you live in Austin or are preparing to move there, it’s important to be aware of the city’s crime rate. Here are some recent statistics based on official Austin Police Department and Texas DPS reporting:
- After a record 88 homicides in 2021, Austin saw declines in 2022 and again in 2023. Check the APD Crime Dashboard for current year-to-date totals and rates; for neighborhood snapshots, resources like AreaVibes can provide additional context.
- Category trends mirror national patterns: violent crime has eased while property crime — especially motor vehicle theft — has been elevated since 2022. Use AreaVibes alongside APD and Texas DPS reports to understand local patterns.
- Risk varies widely by neighborhood; review official APD data and third-party AreaVibes snapshots before choosing equipment, and consider cameras with person/vehicle detection and professional video verification to reduce false alarms.
Research your neighborhood
In addition to paying attention to Austin’s crime rate overall, it’s even more important that you pay attention to your particular neighborhood. This research can help you choose where to live and decide what type of security system you may need.
Austin is home to nearly a million residents across many neighborhoods. Here are a few examples; always consult current data when comparing areas:
- North Austin is one of the city’s largest areas with a mix of residential and commercial corridors; review recent crime and traffic patterns before selecting sensors and cameras.
- Franklin Park is a dense South Austin neighborhood; check current neighborhood snapshots and police data when deciding on monitoring and lighting.
- Pleasant Valley is popular with renters and students; review property-crime patterns and consider video verification features.
Register your home security system in Austin
Austin requires permits for monitored burglar and panic/robbery alarms to receive police response. Permits renew annually; under Texas law, residential fees are capped at $50 and commercial at $250 — see the City for current amounts.
The purpose of the alarm registration is to reduce the number of false alarms, which direct police resources away from more important matters. Like many cities, Austin charges a fee for any false alarms where police are called, following a tiered schedule.
Permitted locations receive a limited number of no-fee responses per permit year; after that, false-alarm fees escalate based on incident count and whether the signal is a burglary alarm or a robbery/panic alarm. Review the City’s current schedule before activation.
Operating without a valid permit can result in higher false-alarm fees and enforcement under City Code. Ensure your monitoring provider has your permit number on file.
To register your home security system in Austin, either register online or mail in an alarm permit application.
How To Choose Your Austin Home Security System
- Interior/exterior cameras: One of the most important features of any home security system is the cameras. Most companies offer indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras. Arlo offers some of the highest quality cameras on the market, while Abode’s lineup is smaller than rivals. In Austin, prioritize person/vehicle detection and video verification to reduce false alarms and support faster, verified response.
- Control panel: The control panel is the hub of your home security system. Many systems are app-centric with optional keypads or touchscreens. Look for cellular backup and battery backup for resilience during outages, and consider providers that support verified alarm workflows to help minimize false dispatches.
- Compatibility: Choose a system that fits your smart-home platform. ADT’s newest packages integrate tightly with Google Nest; Ring aligns with Alexa; Abode is a strong choice for Apple Home users and broader third-party device compatibility. Confirm support for the assistants and devices you use most.
- Storage: Decide how you want video stored: local (on-device or hub), cloud, or hybrid. Many free tiers offer only live view; event history and advanced analytics typically require a paid plan. Options like Ring Alarm Pro add local features; hybrid storage can keep costs down while preserving access to important clips.
- Window/door sensors: Entry and motion sensors are foundational for intrusion detection, and some systems add glass-break and environmental sensors. Arlo remains primarily camera-focused and has fewer intrusion sensor options than full DIY security ecosystems, which may matter if you want that extra layer of protection.
Local vs. national companies
One of the first decisions homeowners have to make is whether to use a national or local company for their security system. While most people opt for a national provider, Austin, like other large cities, has some great local options available as well. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between a local or national company.
| Pros of local security company | A physical office to visit Your money stays in the community The company understands your city |
| Cons of local security company | Fewer financial resources Potentially slower adoption of new technology |
| Pros of national security company | More up-to-date technology Round-the-clock customer support Greater financial resources |
| Cons of national security company | No physical location or in-person support Your money leaves the community The provider doesn’t know your neighborhood |
Austin Home Security Systems FAQ
Methodology
We evaluated home security companies based on equipment cost, monthly costs, contract options, installation and customer satisfaction to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best home security reviews. We also considered smart-home compatibility and features that support verified response (e.g., person/vehicle detection and video verification). To compare home security companies with other providers across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com score based on the following:
- Monthly Price: The lower the cost of a home security company’s monthly contract, the higher the score. Inversely, the higher the cost of the monthly contract, the lower the score in this metric.
- Equipment Cost: Affordability is important with home security, so we awarded higher scores to home security companies with lower prices on equipment.
- Contracts: Reviews.com reviewed the flexibility in contracts of the home security companies. The more flexibility, like having no contracts to bind customers for long periods, the higher the score.
- Customer Satisfaction: With J.D. Power’s Home Security Satisfaction Study, we assigned a score to each company based on the rating it received.
- Installation: Just like with contracts, we award higher scores to companies that have flexible installation options, like DIY or professional options.
