Black Friday 2019: Home Security Deals

Reviews Staff
Reviews Staff
8

Your First Holiday Purchase Could Protect All the Others

TVs and speakers, smart watches and laptops — electronics are high on Black Friday lists, but a modern home security system or camera can protect every other purchase. With U.S. e‑commerce topping about $1T annually and parcel volume in the tens of billions, deliveries sit on porches longer — prime targets for porch pirates. Current national surveys show roughly one‑third to almost half of Americans report experiencing package theft at least once, with concern peaking during the holidays (Security.org; SafeWise).

Across recent studies, self‑reported losses typically fall in the tens to low hundreds of dollars per incident (often around $50–$150), and repeat theft is common (Security.org; C+R Research). Broader theft also rose recently, providing context for delivery concerns (BJS NCVS). A camera or complete security kit helps deter and document theft, and delivery‑focused features like smart notifications and video history make it easier to resolve claims.

For 2025, DIY home security systems and home security cameras commonly see 30–60% off around Black Friday/Cyber Week. But the biggest variable cost is service, not hardware. Compare three‑year total cost of ownership (TCO): example ranges include Ring Protect Pro for whole‑home monitoring at $20/mo or $200/yr (Ring), SimpliSafe Standard ~$19.99/mo and Fast Protect ~$29.99/mo (SimpliSafe), Nest Aware household plans ~$8–$15/mo (Google), Arlo Secure and Secure Pro options (including 24/7 pro monitoring for the Arlo Security System) around the mid‑$20s/mo (Arlo), and Wyze Cam Plus/Unlimited among the lowest‑cost video options (Wyze). DIY models are popular and no‑contract, while professionally installed solutions prioritize full‑service support (J.D. Power; Parks Associates).

Best Black Friday Deals on Home Security Systems

abode

Expect 30–55% off DIY starter kits and bundles, often with extra sensors or a free camera. Abode stands out for smart‑home flexibility, including Apple Home support, and month‑to‑month professional monitoring typically in the mid‑$20s/mo (PCMag). Verify total 3‑year costs (hardware + monitoring) and look for features like on‑device AI, local storage options, and Matter/Thread sensor compatibility (CSA/Matter).

  • Early Black Friday discounts commonly 30–55% on kits; watch for bundles with extra sensors or a free camera
  • Pro monitoring typically mid‑$20s/mo; cancel anytime (month‑to‑month)
  • Check for local storage and smart notifications to minimize subscription needs
  • Security hygiene: unique credentials and 2FA; look for U.S. Cyber Trust Mark participation

ADT

ADT remains the largest pro‑installed option with nationwide service and deep Google Nest integration. Holiday offers often bundle a video doorbell or outdoor camera, with promos running across Cyber Week. Expect multi‑year agreements and higher monthly rates than DIY; prioritize TCO and contract clarity (Tom’s Guide).

  • Bundles may include a Nest doorbell or camera; verify any equipment credits
  • Professional install, typical multi‑year contract; higher monthly fees than DIY
  • Ask about cellular backup, video verification, and alarm verification workflows (e.g., TMA AVS‑01)

*Read terms closely: pro install often requires credit approval and a multi‑year agreement. Compare 3‑year TCO versus DIY alternatives before signing.

Cove

DIY equipment frequently hits 40–60% off in early Black Friday, with select bundles adding a free indoor cam. Month‑to‑month monitoring aligns with the growing consumer preference for no‑contract security and transparent fees (J.D. Power).

  • Early Black Friday Sale windows vary by retailer
  • Up to ~50% off equipment common during Cyber Week
  • Look for short trial periods of pro monitoring; confirm monthly pricing and cancellation terms

Google Nest

Current‑gen Nest cameras and doorbells typically see ~20–30% off around Black Friday, with larger cuts on prior‑gen models. Remember Nest Aware is a household subscription (~$8–$15/mo) that unlocks extended video history and advanced features — include 36 months of service in your TCO ( 25% off the asking price; Nest Aware).

  • Black Friday deals often start before Thanksgiving and run through Cyber Week
  • Expect ~20–30% off current‑gen Nest cams/doorbells; consider total cost with Nest Aware

Frontpoint

Frontpoint’s DIY model often discounts equipment 20–35% and waives long‑term contracts, aligning with a broader shift toward self‑install, no‑contract security. Confirm cellular backup, app reliability, and any video plan requirements (PCMag).

  • Pre‑Black Friday offers typically run into Cyber Week
  • 20–35% off equipment bundles
  • No long‑term contract; free shipping common

Protect America

Protect America is no longer an active option. For a similar full‑service path, compare ADT or Vivint (pro install, higher monthly costs). For no‑contract DIY, consider Ring Alarm ($20/mo Protect Pro) or SimpliSafe (~$19.99–$29.99/mo) and evaluate 3‑year TCO before you commit (Ring Protect; SimpliSafe Plans; Tom’s Guide).

  • Provider update: Protect America has exited; shortlist current leaders instead
  • DIY example TCO (36 months service only): Ring Protect Pro ~$720; SimpliSafe ~$720–$1,080; Nest Aware ~$288–$540; Arlo Secure Pro ~mid‑$20s/mo

Ring

Ring typically leads with aggressive pricing: 30–50% off many cameras and doorbells, plus strong bundles (Echo/Eero tie‑ins). Ring Alarm kits also drop, but include the cost of Ring Protect Basic/Plus or Protect Pro ($20/mo or $200/yr) in your TCO if you want video history and/or professional monitoring (Ring Protect plans).

  • Big‑box and Amazon promos often show $60–$200 off select bundles
  • Check dual‑band Wi‑Fi and battery life updates; verify local buffering options and cellular backup on Ring Alarm Pro

SimpliSafe

Expect 40–60% off build‑your‑own and pre‑configured kits during Black Friday/Cyber Week. Monitoring is month‑to‑month: Standard ~$19.99/mo; Fast Protect ~$29.99/mo with advanced dispatch and video verification. No long‑term contract, easy for renters and movers (SimpliSafe monitoring).

  • Early Access often runs through Cyber Monday
  • 50% off any new system is common; warehouse clubs sometimes add extra $ off starter kits
  • Confirm cellular backup, battery/siren, and camera plan needs in your TCO

Vivint 

Vivint is a premium, pro‑installed option with advanced automation. Holiday promos sometimes waive installation/activation. Monitoring commonly starts around ~$39.99+/mo depending on services and cameras — higher than DIY but white‑glove setup appeals to homeowners (Tom’s Guide).

  • Watch for free professional installation and activation‑fee waivers
  • Ask about video verification, cellular backup, and support for alarm verification standards (e.g., AVS‑01)

Best Black Friday Deals on Security Cameras

Security cameras

  • Arlo Pro 2 (indoor/outdoor) — legacy model; use it only if deeply discounted. For current value, look for Arlo Pro 5S/Ultra series deals, typically 30–45% off singles and better on multi‑cam kits; factor Arlo Secure plan costs (for AI detection/video)
  • Blink XT2 3-Camera Kit — prior‑gen; current Blink cams and mini bundles often hit 40–60% off with low‑cost cloud plans. Compare local storage options if you prefer subscription‑optional setups
  • Canary Pro (indoor) — verify plan features and consider on‑device AI, privacy zones, and end‑to‑end encryption options
  • Google Nest Cam Indoor — premium image quality; expect ~20–30% off. Add household Nest Aware (~$8–$15/mo) to unlock extended video history
  • Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor — discontinued; seek current Nest Cam (battery or floodlight) at ~20–30% off and confirm Wi‑Fi 6/dual‑band support and local buffering

Video doorbells

  • Google Nest Hello — prior‑gen; current Nest doorbells trend ~20–30% off. Include Nest Aware (~$8–$15/mo) in your 3‑year TCO
  • Ring Video Doorbell 2 — legacy; current Ring doorbells often 30–50% off. Plan for Ring Protect if you want video history and smart alerts
  • Ring Video Doorbell Pro — commonly 30–40% off; bundles with Echo devices are frequent. Verify dual‑band Wi‑Fi, HDR, and radar/motion zones on newer models

When does online Black Friday pricing start?

  • Amazon — Early Black Friday events now start in October/early November with rotating doorbusters through Cyber Week (Adobe DEI)
  • Apple — Holiday shopping events typically span the Cyber Five; look for multi‑day online promos and gift‑card bundles
  • Best Buy — Early‑access pricing and price matching across the Cyber Week window; mobile/app offers play a growing role (Salesforce Shopping Index)
  • Costco — Thanksgiving‑week online deals with extended returns; many offers continue into Cyber Week
  • Google Store — Early Black Friday pricing before Thanksgiving; discounts on Nest gear generally run through Cyber Week
  • The Home Depot — Thanksgiving‑week promotions online with extended return windows
  • Lowe’s — Black Friday lead‑ups and Cyber Week promotions online
  • Sam’s Club — Thanksgiving‑week online deals and bundled offers
  • Target — Thanksgiving‑week online rollouts; strong BOPIS/curbside options near shipping cutoffs (Adobe DEI)
  • Walmart — Staged deal events ahead of Black Friday and online drops mid‑week, with price matching through Cyber Week (NRF)

Cyber Monday is More Like Cyber Week

Cyber Week is now a season: retailers seed promotions early and stretch them across the five‑day Thanksgiving–Cyber Monday period and beyond. Last season, a record 200 million consumers shopped over the Cyber Five, and online spend set records with electronics among the steepest‑discounted categories (Adobe Analytics). Expect rotating category doorbusters, price matching, and extended return windows.

Mobile drives a growing share of orders, buy now pay later usage spikes, and store pickup (BOPIS/curbside) helps late‑season buyers beat carrier cutoffs (Adobe DEI; Salesforce; Deloitte). Use this longer window to compare real discounts and 3‑year TCO: subscriptions for AI detections and video history can add $40–$300/yr; favor cameras with local storage and on‑device AI to reduce ongoing costs (Arlo Secure; Nest Aware; Ring Protect; Wyze Cam Plus).

Feature checklist for 2025: on‑device AI person/parcel/vehicle detection, smart notifications, dual‑band Wi‑Fi (or Wi‑Fi 6/6E), battery life, and local vs. cloud storage. Look for standards and security signals: Matter/Thread support for sensors/locks; U.S. Cyber Trust Mark and Secure‑by‑Design commitments; transparent update policies. For monitored systems, ask about alarm verification and NG911 readiness, which can reduce false dispatches and improve response (TMA AVS‑01; NG911). Also review vendor incident history and privacy controls (e.g., Wyze Feb 2024 disclosure).

Use online tools — like Google Shopping or the Amazon mobile app — to compare prices and make the holidays bright.
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