Reviews Report
- SimpliSafe remains a top overall DIY pick for Seattle thanks to easy self-install, reliable no‑contract monitoring, and strong value; plans are currently $19.99/mo (Standard) or $29.99/mo (Fast Protect), and it’s consistently recommended in independent 2024–2025 guides like Wirecutter and PCMag.
- For homeowners who want pro install and a tightly integrated smart system, ADT and Vivint lead the pack. ADT offers professional monitoring with Google Nest integration, while Vivint provides professional installation with contract‑based service; both typically cost more than DIY and may include multi‑year terms (U.S. News, PCMag).
- The best Seattle home security options now emphasize smart‑home interoperability (Alexa, Google, Apple Home) and increasingly support Matter/Thread to work across ecosystems; pick a system that integrates with your current devices and routines to avoid lock‑in.
Seattle residents want a home security system they can trust without overpaying. Today’s leaders balance no‑contract professional monitoring, solid hardware, and smart‑home integration. For this guide we compared monitoring price, equipment cost, contracts, customer satisfaction, and installation across current sources like Wirecutter, PCMag, and U.S. News, and verified plan details on provider sites.
The 5 Best Home Security Systems in Seattle
- SimpliSafe: Best overall DIY, no‑contract monitoring
- Ring: Best for Alexa/Eero integration and value monitoring
- Abode: Best for Apple Home/HomeKit and renters
- Arlo: Best for camera‑first setups
- ADT: Best for pro‑installed Google Nest integration
Compare the Best Seattle Home Security Systems
| SimpliSafe | Ring | Abode | Arlo | ADT | |
| At-a-glance (2025) | Top DIY pick | Best Alexa value | Best for HomeKit | Camera-first option | Pro-installed option |
| Prices start at | $19.99/mo monitoring | $20/mo monitoring | $6.99 self-monitor; $22.99 pro | Varies (Arlo Secure) | Quote + contract |
| Contract length | No long-term contract | No long-term contract | No long-term contract | No long-term contract | Typically 36 months (24 mo CA) |
| Cameras | IndoorOutdoorDoorbell | IndoorOutdoorDoorbell | IndoorOutdoor | IndoorOutdoorDoorbell | IndoorOutdoorDoorbell |
| Sensors | Door/window, motion, glass break, smoke/CO, temperature, flood, panic button | Door/window, motion, glass break, smoke/CO listener, flood, freeze, panic button | Door/window, motion, glass break, smoke, temperature, flood, panic button | Multi-sensor (open/close, motion, leak, temp) | Door/window, motion, smoke/CO, flood |
| Smart home features | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit | Google Assistant, Google Nest |
| Control panel | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app | Mobile app and touchscreen panel |
Information current as of November 2025; verify pricing and terms with each provider.
Best for Flexibility
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Affordable
- No lengthy contracts
- Customizable system
Cons
- Mobile alerts not available with basic plan
- Limited integration with other smart devices
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
- Interactive: $0.83/day
Best for Ease of Use
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Easy DIY installation with optional professional installation
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Integrates with other smart-home devices
Cons
- Video recording only available with paid subscription
- 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:.
- Basic: $3/month
- Plus: $10/month
Best for Self-Monitoring
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Affordable yet comprehensive self-monitoring
- Home automation platform to connect with other devices
- Easy DIY installation
Cons
- Cellular backup not available in self-monitoring plan
- Outdoor cameras only available
Equipment Available
- Outdoor camera
- Window and door sensors
- Mobile phone and keypad control panel
- Environmental sensors
Plans & Pricing
- Standard: $0.20 per day
- Pro: $0.66 per day
Best for High-Quality Cameras
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- High-quality security cameras
- Low-cost monitoring plans
- Easy to install yourself
Cons
- No options for sensors or smart home devices
- Cameras are expensive compared to competitors
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
- Elite: $4.99/month for one camera or $14.99 for up to five cameras
Best for Professional Monitoring
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Optional free DIY monitoring
- Professional monitoring provided by home security leader ADT
- Build-your-own system
Cons
- No smart home devices
- Limited sensor options
- 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, one free month of service
Home Security in Seattle: What You Need to Know
Seattle, Washington, crime statistics
With a population of nearly 750,000 people, Seattle is the most populous city in the state of Washington. It’s important that Seattle residents understand the crime trends in their city. According to recent data:
- Seattle recorded 69 homicides in 2023 — the highest in decades — and the context underscores why tracking current trends matters; use the Seattle Police Department’s live Crime Dashboard for the latest 12‑month view.
- Property crime remains the city’s largest category (larceny/theft, burglary, and motor‑vehicle theft). Statewide waves of Kia/Hyundai thefts elevated 2022–2023 vehicle‑theft counts; check the SPD dashboard for current neighborhood‑level trends and the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs for statewide context.
- Neighborhood risk varies widely. Third‑party mapping sites like NeighborhoodScout use different methodologies; for the most authoritative, up‑to‑date household risk indicators (burglary, package theft, theft from vehicles), rely on SPD’s official dashboard.
Research your neighborhood
There are a total of 78 different neighborhoods in the city of Seattle, each of which has its own unique characteristics to offer. In addition to learning about the positive features of your neighborhoods, it’s also important to understand it from a public safety level.
Wherever you live, especially if you’re moving to a new neighborhood, it’s important to know facts such as the number of police stations and where they’re located, the number of home break-ins, and more.
The more you know about your neighborhood, the more you know how to properly secure your home. Those living in areas with a higher crime rate might want to invest in more robust security with professional monitoring, while those in low-crime areas might feel comfortable with just the basics.
Register your home security system in Seattle
No matter where you live, it’s important to understand how your local police department handles home security systems and alarms. In Seattle, operating a burglar alarm requires a valid permit under Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 6.10, and permits must be maintained/updated when occupants or contacts change.
The City administers permits, renewals, and false‑alarm fees online through its official portal; the code authorizes escalating penalties for false alarms and allows enforcement actions (including suspending response for chronic offenders or non‑payment). Use the portal to review the current fee schedule and program rules.
As of 2004, Seattle has a False Alarm Program that reduces unnecessary dispatches and outlines responsibilities for permit holders and alarm companies. For details, see the SMC 6.10 ordinance, the City’s online portal for permits and payments, and SPD policy materials; ask your monitoring provider whether they support modern electronic dispatch programs that help reduce false alarms and speed response.
How to Choose Your Seattle Home Security System
- Interior/exterior cameras: Look for 2K/4K video, HDR, color night vision, and AI person/vehicle/package alerts. If you run many cameras, next‑gen Wi‑Fi 7 can improve reliability and lower latency during live views and uploads (see Consumer Reports’ camera guide and the Wi‑Fi Alliance).
- Control panel: The hub should support dual‑path connectivity (broadband + LTE/5G) and battery backup so alerts and monitoring continue during outages. If you pay for monitoring, ask about video verification and modern dispatch programs that reduce false alarms and speed 911 handling.
- Compatibility: Favor ecosystems that work with your household (Alexa, Google, Apple Home). Matter and Thread are improving cross‑brand interoperability and local control across sensors/locks/plugs; verify support if you want to avoid vendor lock‑in.
- Storage: Decide between cloud video history and local storage (microSD/NVR/NAS). Many brands gate advanced AI alerts and longer history behind subscriptions; if privacy is a priority, look for end‑to‑end encryption or robust local recording options (see Consumer Reports’ guidance above).
- Window/door sensors: Entry sensors, motion, glass‑break, and environmental detectors remain foundational. Some modern setups add radar‑assisted motion and multi‑sensor devices to improve detection accuracy; consider how many openings you need to cover and whether you want video‑verified alerts.
Local vs. national companies
| Pros of local security company | In-person customer service Your money stays in the community Understanding of your neighborhood needs |
| Cons of local security company | Fewer financial resources Less technology available |
| Pros of national security company | Greater financial resources More variety of tools and features Round the clock customer service |
| Cons of national security company | Your money leaves your community Less understanding of the neighborhood Less personalized service |
Seattle 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. 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 2024 U.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.