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The Best Home Security Systems

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Reviews Report

  • SimpliSafe is Reviews.com’s top pick for best home security systems, earning a 4.4 out of 5.
  • The best home security systems combine high-quality devices with a variety of both self-monitoring and professional monitoring options.
  • Starting monitoring prices range from just $2.99 per month to $19.99 per month.

A home security system can help provide the peace of mind you need to know that your family and your belongings are safe. But with so many systems to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ve rounded up the seven best home security systems of 2021 to help make your decision a bit easier. We’ve looked at factors such as monthly price, equipment cost, contracts, home security system reviews from customers, and installation to find the best home security companies.

The 7 Best Home Security Systems of 2021

  • SimpliSafe: Best Home Security System for Customer Satisfaction
  • Abode: Best Home Security System for Self Monitoring
  • Ring: Best Home Security System for Ease of Use
  • Arlo: Best Home Security System for High-Quality Security Cameras
  • Blue by ADT: Best Home Security System for Professional Monitoring
  • Cove: Best Home Security System for Simple DIY Installation
  • Scout: Best Home Security System for Smart Home Integrations

Compare the Best Home Security Systems


Reviews.com ScoreJ.D. Power Customer Satisfaction*Starting Monitoring PriceWarrantyAvailable Cameras
SimpliSafe4.4899$0.33/day3 yearsIndoor
Outdoor
Doorbell
Abode4.25N/A$0.20/day1 yearIndoor
Outdoor
Doorbell
Ring4.2882$10/mo.1 yearIndoor
Outdoor
Doorbell
Arlo4N/A$2.99/mo.1 yearIndoor
Outdoor
Doorbell
Blue by ADT3.6880$19.99/mo.1 yearIndoor
Outdoor
Doorbell
Cove3.5N/A$14.99/mo.1 yearIndoor
Outdoor
Scout3.75N/A$10/mo.3 yearsIndoor
Doorbell

Information accurate as of June 2021

*J.D. Power’s  2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.

The Best Home Security Systems of 2021

SimpliSafe

Best for Customer Satisfaction

Why we chose it

According to a J.D. Power study, SimpliSafe has the highest customer satisfaction of any DIY home security system, making it a top choice for most home security needs.

  • 4.4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
  • 899* J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.
  • $0.33/day Starting Price
  • No Contract Requirement

Why we chose it

According to a J.D. Power study, SimpliSafe has the highest customer satisfaction of any DIY home security system, making it a top choice for most home security needs.

Pros

  • Highest-rated customer satisfaction
  • Build-your-own security system
  • Longer warranty than most competitors

Cons

  • Doesn’t integrate well with other smart devices
  • Most features require most expensive plan
  • Lower camera quality than competitors
Read More

Available Equipment

  • Door and window sensors
  • Motion sensors
  • Glass break sensors
  • Panic button
  • Smoke detector
  • Temperature sensor
  • Water sensor
  • Smart lock
  • keypad
  • Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras

Monitoring Prices

  • Camera recording only: $0.33/day
  • Pro monitoring: $0.50/day
  • Complete home monitoring: $0.83/day
abode

Best for Self-Monitoring

Why we chose it

Abode is known for its affordable home security system, with its self-monitoring plan having many features like camera recording, alerts, and more.
  • 4.25 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
  • N/A * J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.
  • $0.20/day Starting Price
  • No Contract Requirement

Why we chose it

Abode is known for its affordable home security system, with its self-monitoring plan having many features like camera recording, alerts, and more.

Pros

  • Comprehensive self-monitoring at a low cost
  • Many sensors to add to your system
  • Integration with smart home devices

Cons

  • No cellular backup with the cheapest monitoring plan
  • Camera and security system bundles sold separately
  • Bundles aren’t well-suited to large homes
Read More

Available Equipment

  • Door and window sensor
  • Glass break sensor
  • Motion sensor
  • Multi-sensor for body heat, light, temperature, and humidity
  • Motion camera
  • Water leak sensor
  • Smoke alarm monitor
  • Indoor siren
  • Outdoor siren
  • Panic button
  • Keypad
  • Indoor and outdoor camera

Monitoring Prices

  • Standard Plan: $0.20/day
  • Pro Plan: $0.66/day
Ring Security

Best for Ease of Use

Why we chose it

Whether you’re setting up your system or using your system each day, Ring is known for being simple to use.
  • 4.2 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
  • 882 * J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.
  • $10/mo. Starting Price
  • No Contract Requirement

Why we chose it

Whether you’re setting up your system or using your system each day, Ring is known for being simple to use.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Savings with annual purchase
  • “Works with Ring” list of compatible products

Cons

  • No professional monitoring with the basic plan
  • Security kits don’t include cameras
  • No glass-break sensor available
Read More

Available Equipment

  • Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camera
  • Door and window sensors
  • Motion detector
  • Keypad
  • Flook and freeze sensor
  • Smoke and CO detector
  • Panic button

Monitoring Prices

  • Self-Monitoring: Free
  • Basic: $3/mo. or $30/year
  • Plus: $10/mo. or $100/year
Arlo

Best For High-Quality Security Cameras

Why we chose it

Unlike its competitors, Arlo doesn’t offer many security sensors, but it has some of the best home security cameras on the market with high-definition camera resolution.
  • 4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
  • N/A * J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.
  • $2.99/mo. Starting Price
  • No Contract Requirement

Why we chose it

Unlike its competitors, Arlo doesn’t offer many security sensors, but it has some of the best home security cameras on the market with high-definition camera resolution.

Pros

  • High-quality security cameras
  • Monitoring starts at just $2.99 per month
  • Advanced object detection and activity zones on cameras

Cons

  • No sensors or smart home devices
  • Cameras are pricier than many competitors
  • No professional monitoring service
Read More

Available Equipment

  • Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras

Monitoring Prices

  • Self-Monitoring: Free
  • Premier (one camera): $2.99/mo
  • Premier (multiple cameras): $9.99/mo.
  • Elite (one camera): $4.99/mo.
  • Elite (multiple cameras): $14.99/mo.
Blue by ADT

Best for Professional Monitoring

Why we chose it

Blue by ADT combines the benefits of a professional monitoring company with the price of DIY home security.
  • 3.6 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
  • 880* J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.
  • $19.99/mo. AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
  • No Contract Requirement

Why we chose it

Blue by ADT combines the benefits of a professional monitoring company with the price of DIY home security.

Pros

  • Professional monitoring by ADT
  • Build your own security system
  • Several smart home integrations

Cons

  • Below-average customer satisfaction
  • Fewer devices than many competitors
  • Security systems don’t include cameras
Read More

Available Equipment

  • Door and window sensors>
  • Motion sensor
  • Floor and temperature sensor
  • Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras

Monitoring Prices

  • Self-Monitoring: Free
  • Professional Monitoring: $19.99/mo.
Cove

Best for Simple DIY Installation

Why we chose it

Cove is known for its simple DIY installation — the company claims customers can install their home security systems in just 27 minutes.
  • 3.6 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
  • 880* J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.
  • $19.99/mo. Starting Price
  • No Contract Requirement

Why we chose it

Cove is known for its simple DIY installation — the company claims customers can install their home security systems in just 27 minutes.

Pros

  • Professional monitoring by ADT
  • Build your own security system
  • Several smart home integrations

Cons

  • Below-average customer satisfaction
  • Fewer devices than many competitors
  • Security systems don’t include cameras
Read More

Available Equipment

  • Door and window sensors
  • Motion sensor
  • Floor and temperature sensor
  • Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras

Monitoring Prices

  • Self-Monitoring: Free
  • Professional Monitoring: $19.99/mo.
Scout

Best for Smart Home Integrations

Why we chose it

Scout offers more integration options than any of its competitors, making it a great choice if home automation is a top priority.
  • 3.75 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
  • N/A * J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.
  • $10/mo. AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
  • No AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.

Why we chose it

Scout offers more integration options than any of its competitors, making it a great choice if home automation is a top priority.

Pros

  • More integrations than competitors
  • Savings for annual payment
  • Longer warranty than most competitors

Cons

  • No outdoor security cameras
  • Cloud storage not included in the paid monitoring plan
  • No free self-monitoring option
Read More

Available Equipment

  • Door and window sensors
  • Motion sensor
  • Access sensor
  • Water sensor
  • Moke and CO detector
  • Glass break sensor
  • Smart lock
  • Hub and keypad
  • Indoor and doorbell cameras

Monitoring Prices

  • Always On: $9.99/mo.
  • Always On+: $19.99/mo.

*J.D. Power’s  2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.

How to Choose the Best Home Security System 

Burglary Facts and Statistics

Part of keeping your home safe is knowing the crime stats in your area so you can properly protect your home and family. Here are a few statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program:

  • There were 1,117,696 burglaries in the United States in 2019.
  • Burglaries make up roughly 16.1% of property crimes.
  • Burglaries have been steadily decreasing. The 2019 rate is down 9.5% from the previous year, 29.6% from four years earlier, and 48.5% from nine years earlier.

It’s also important to pay attention to local burglary statistics. Data shows that states such as New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Mississippi have the highest rates of burglary, while New Hampshire, New York, and Virginia have the lowest.

Researching the crime trends in your area can help you decide the best way to protect your home with a security system.

DIY vs. Professional Home Security Systems

When purchasing a home security system, you can choose between a DIY or professional monitoring plan. Both come with pros and cons, and it’s important to understand them before choosing the best home security system.

Pros of DIY MonitoringCheaper monthly cost
No contracts or commitments
Free DIY installation
Cons of DIY MonitoringNo one monitoring your home
Less responsive customer service
Difficult to install for some people
Pros of Professional MonitoringProfessional installation done for you
24/7 monitoring of your system
Responsive customer service
Cons of Professional MonitoringMost expensive monthly cost
Often a long-term contract
Installation may not be free

Home Security Systems FAQ

Methodology 

We evaluated home security system 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 2020 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.

About the Authors

Erin Gobler is an insurance writer for Reviews.com. Over the past three years, she has covered personal finance topics such as insurance, banking, mortgages, and more. Her work has been featured in sites such as The Simple Dollar, Bankrate, and Coverage.com. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Oskosh. Erin’s favorite Reviews.com article is the State Farm Renters Insurance Review.

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