The Best Garage Security Systems in 2024
We rank the best garage security systems on smart integrations, camera quality, tilt sensors, and door functionality.
- Includes smart garage door opener
- 24/7 professional monitoring covers garages
- Alerts let you know if you’ve left your garage door open
- Alexa and Google Home integrations mean you can open your garage using just your voice
- 105-decibel siren audible from both house and garage
- SimpliSafe app lets you see what’s happening in your garage
- Works with MyQ to operate both Chamberlain and LiftMaster garage doors
- Ring car alarm provides extra protection
- Lets you control your garage door remotely
Unless you live in a garage like Fonzie, you might overlook this area of your home when you’re considering a home security system. Criminals aren’t overlooking it, though.
People keep a lot of valuables in garages — power tools, cars, motorcycles, outdoor gear, workout equipment — lots of items thieves might want to get their hands on. It’s one of the reasons I talk about garage security in my guide to home security systems so often. Whether your garage is a part of your home or detached, you want to make sure it’s protected.
The good news is the best home security systems take garages into consideration and provide equipment that can keep this area safe. I’ve spent years reviewing these systems and have used that experience to develop this list of the best home security systems for garages.
Here’s what I took into consideration:
What to Look For in the Best Garage Security Systems
- Garage door integrations. Many security systems have smart home integrations that include popular brands of automatic garage door openers.
- High-quality security cameras. One of the best ways to protect a garage is by keeping an eye on it.
- Tilt sensors. Just like your front door needs an entryway sensor, your garage can benefit from a tilt sensor.
- Garage-specific functionality. Some of the providers on this list have interesting features that protect your garage specifically or the items you’d keep in it.
Comparison of the Best Garage Security Systems
System |
Vivint
|
SimpliSafe
|
Ring Alarm
|
Reolink
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
Ratings | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.7/10 |
Installation | Professional only | DIY or professional | DIY or professional | DIY |
Best subscription price | $19.99 per month | $9.99 per month | $3.99 per month | $3.49 per month |
Professional monitoring cost | $40 per month | $29.99 per month | $20 per month | Not Applicable |
Equipment package prices | Starting at $600 | Starting at $249.96 | Starting at $199.99 | Starting at $179.99 |
Read Review | Vivint Review | SimpliSafe Review | Ring Alarm Review | Reolink Review |
The Best Garage Home Security Systems
- Vivint - Best Professionally Installed System
- SimpliSafe - Best DIY Security System
- Ring Alarm - Best Equipment Options
- Reolink - Honorable Mention
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1. Vivint - Best Professionally Installed System
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $449 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs $40 per month Contract lengths Starting at 42 months Installation options Professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home Vivint Overview
Vivint is one of the most advanced security systems on the market today. From smart home automation to exceptional professional monitoring to professional installation, Vivint is all about white-glove service from start to finish.
And they don’t forget about your garage, either.
When I tested my Vivint system last spring, I had them install one of their theft-deterring Outdoor Camera Pros right above my garage door. For more info, check out my review dedicated to the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pros. I also used their automatic garage door controller, and I had a tilt sensor installed so I could be alerted any time the door went up or down. When it was all said and done, my garage felt like Fort Knox.
Why I Selected Vivint
Vivint takes the top spot on my list primarily for the equipment listed above. They’re one of the few providers out there that offer garage-specific functionality, which is a pretty big blind spot in the industry right now. I have a vintage motorcycle that’s worth quite a bit of money, so it’s nice to protect my garage with a system specifically designed with that functionality in mind. One of the few others with garage door products is SimpliSafe. So, I put the two head-to-head in a Vivint vs SimpliSafe showdown.
Since every Vivint system is bespoke and professionally installed, every piece of equipment communicates flawlessly, and the network runs seamlessly. It really felt like I was living in the future while I was testing this system out. If you love the idea of professional installation but want more options, check out my list of the best professionally installed home security systems.
Vivint’s Monitoring
Like many of the more traditional security systems out there (i.e., not DIY), Vivint requires professional monitoring. While that might make some of the more commitment-averse readers cringe, don’t worry. I’ve found it to be relatively affordable and well worth the cost.
>> Learn More: DIY vs. Professionally Installed Home Security Systems
Vivint’s professional monitoring packages start at $40 per month and go up from there depending on the size of your system. When you compare Vivint to ADT, a similar professionally installed system, you’ll see these monitoring costs are actually pretty affordable for a system of this caliber. With that said, ADT recently lowered their prices to just below Vivint’s monitoring costs. So, hopefully, that extra competition can cause Vivint to bring their prices down a bit too.
And the response times fall in the range of industry standards. When testing my Vivint system, I experienced response times of around 30 seconds on average.
Vivint’s Costs
Here’s the catch: Vivint’s costs aren’t cheap. They don’t offer any prebuilt packages, so here’s a list of their components and their prices to give you some context.
Component Price Smart drive (storage) $250 Car guard $200 Smoke detector $100 Carbon monoxide detector $100 Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide monitor $100 Smart lock $180 Garage door controller $100 Smart thermostat $170 Lamp module $50 Doorbell Camera Pro $250 Outdoor Camera Pro $400 Ping Indoor Camera $200 Indoor Camera Pro $200 Spotlight Pro $250 Water sensor $50 Flood, freeze, and heat sensor $50 Smart sensor $50 Panic pendant $50 Key fob $50 Tilt sensor $50 You can see why they don’t show up on my list of the best affordable home security systems. Their outdoor camera pro costs as much as some of the best DIY systems out there.
That said, you’re not going to get hit with a huge bill for equipment all at once. Vivint allows you to finance your system. This keeps Vivint within reach for most households, even if you’re not made of money.
Vivint’s Drawbacks
As mentioned above, the biggest drawback to Vivint is the cost. This system isn’t cheap. Another unsavory detail for some people is the contract you have to sign. The shortest term is 42 months, which understandably can make some people uneasy.
>> Learn More: Best Security Systems for Large Homes
There is a month-to-month option here, provided you pay for all of the equipment upfront. Keep this in mind: Equipment prices can easily go north of $2,000 if you’re trying to protect a large home with a garage.
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2. SimpliSafe - Best DIY Security System
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $280 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $19.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe Overview
And now for a home security system on the complete opposite end of the spectrum compared to Vivint, but still solid in its own right: SimpliSafe. This DIY security system can protect your home and garage on the cheap. While it’s not as advanced as Vivint, SimpliSafe does have its advantages.
This system was originally designed as one of the best security systems for apartments but has since expanded to effectively cover any type of dwelling. That expansion includes those with attached and detached garages. Their simple but powerful equipment provides all the generalized protection you’d need to keep whatever is stored in your garage safe. If a simple system with powerful equipment sounds like what you want, but SimpliSafe doesn’t speak to you, take a read through our list of the best SimpliSafe alternatives.
Why I Selected SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe shows up high on this list due to its new Fast Protect monitoring coupled with the high-tech Smart Alarm Indoor Camera. In fact, I liked the indoor camera so much that I wrote a dedicated review of the SimpliCam to discuss all of its features. This equipment and monitoring package allows a technician to access the live feed from your camera and relay important information to the authorities they dispatch.
>> Learn More: SimpliSafe FAQs
When I tested this feature for this list, I purposefully set off the alarm by opening my garage’s sensor-equipped side door and then rummaging around in my garage. I heard the security shutter of the camera snap open, and the SimpliSafe technician warned me that the alarm had been activated. The response time was impressive (about 25 seconds), and I was able to cancel the alarm by providing them with my safe word. Really impressive security here.
Still, remember this “response time” isn’t the time it takes for police to arrive at your home. That could take several minutes to hours, depending on where you live. Thankfully, SimpliSafe’s Fast Protect monitoring allows their agents to speak directly through your cameras to (hopefully) scare away thieves and intruders.
SimpliSafe’s Monitoring
The Fast Protect monitoring mentioned above is SimpliSafe’s flagship option, and, as such, their most expensive. They offer several other tiers of service, though. I have more on that in my guide to SimpliSafe’s costs, but here’s a quick breakdown:
Features Free plan Camera recording only, five cameras Standard plan Fast Protect plan Live streaming Yes Yes Yes Yes 24/7 professional monitoring No No Yes Yes Cellular connection No No Yes Yes Environmental monitoring No No Yes Yes Remote control Yes Yes Yes Yes Notifications Yes Yes Yes Yes Secret alarms No Yes No Yes Video-verified alarms No No No Yes Unlimited cloud storage None 5 cameras None 10 cameras Smart home integrations No Yes No Yes Monthly price Free $9.99 $19.99 $29.99 For comparison’s sake, the Fast Protect plan (some of the most advanced monitoring I’ve ever tested) is still about $10 per month cheaper than Vivint’s most affordable monitoring option. SimpliSafe also offers a free plan, which puts them in the number one spot on my list of the best security systems with no monthly fees.
SimpliSafe’s Costs
You can purchase a SimpliSafe system one of two ways. First, you can select a premade security package. Here’s what those look like:
Package Number of components Regular price The Haven 14 $519.86 The Knox 13 $479.87 The Beacon 10 $709.90 The Hearth 9 $399.91 The Lighthouse 7 $469.93 The Essentials 6 $279.95 The Foundation 4 $249.96 Or, you can build out your own system using individual components. Be careful, though. Picking out all of the components of your security system can feel like a daunting task. So, we recommend you reach out to their customer service for help building your custom system. Just watch out for those upsells and go in with a list of what you want protected. Here’s the rundown of the components that SimpliSafe offers:
Component Cost Entry sensor $14.99 Motion sensor $34.99 Glass-break sensor $39.99 Outdoor camera $189.99 Smart Alarm Indoor Camera $139.99 SimpliCam indoor camera $99.99 Video doorbell $169.99 Water sensor $19.99 Smoke and carbon monoxide detector $59.99 Smoke detector $34.99 Temperature sensor $29.99 Panic button $19.99 Key fob $24.99 It’s not an extensive list, but there’s more than enough here to keep the average home or garage safe.
If this is still looking a little pricey, don’t worry. SimpliSafe is always running deals. More on that in my guide to SimpliSafe’s sales, but at the time of this writing, they were offering 20 percent off on all new systems that include Fast Protect Monitoring. Plus, they were throwing in a Smart Alarm Camera for free.
SimpliSafe’s Drawbacks
SimpliSafe offers one of the best home security system apps, so I don’t understand why they require each system to use an analog, push-button keypad. They cost about $70 and make the system feel a little dated. When I tested the SimpliSafe system, this piece of equipment was almost never used. I greatly preferred to arm and disarm my system using my smartphone and the SimpliSafe app.
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3. Ring Alarm - Best Equipment Options
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $199 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $20 Contract Lengths 1-12 months Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Ring Overview
Ring’s video doorbells were originally their claim to fame, but in the decade they’ve been in business, they’ve increased their product lineup exponentially. They offer some of the most innovative security equipment on the market today, including a dashboard camera you can use to protect your car while you’re out and about. That’s critical garage protection right there.
>> Compare: Ring vs. Vivint
Regardless of your security needs, there’s likely a piece of Ring equipment to take care of it. You can read more about this in my review of the Ring Spotlight Pro, but for the longest time, I had one of these installed above my garage. It was helpful to shine a light on things when I pulled in at night, and I slept soundly knowing the illumination would likely be enough to make a burglar think twice about trying to steal my tools.
Why I Selected Ring
That long list of equipment is the primary reason I put Ring on this list. They have a lot of pieces that just make sense for protecting a garage. That includes the above-mentioned Spotlight Pro, but it also includes their:
- Floodlight Cam Plus
- Floodlight Cam Pro
- Stick Up Cam
- Outdoor Contact Sensor
- Solar Step Lights
- Wired Floodlight
- Wired Spotlights
Remember, lighting solves two problems, especially above a garage. It will help you see better when you’re trying to bring the groceries in after sunset and make burglars think twice about coming onto your property. If there are indications they can be caught, they’re likely to keep moving.
Ring also works with MyQ to integrate third-party equipment, like remote garage door opener, into your security systems. How many times have you driven off only to wonder half an hour later if you remembered to click the garage door shut? Now you won’t have to.
Ring Monitoring
Compared to SimpliSafe, Ring has similar monitoring options. I have more in my guide to Ring’s prices, but here’s a breakdown of their different subscription packages.
What you get Free Ring Protect Basic Ring Protect Plus Ring Protect Pro 24/7 professional monitoring No No No Yes Cellular backup No No No Yes What it covers All Ring devices at one address 1 video doorbell/ security camera All Ring devices at one address (except Ring Alarm/Alarm Pro) All Ring devices at one address Length of cloud storage (in days) 0 60 60 60 Snapshot capture No Yes Yes Yes Person alerts No Yes Yes Yes Rich notifications No Yes Yes Yes Shareable and downloadable cloud storage No Yes Yes Yes In-app SOS button No No No Yes 24/7 backup internet No No No Yes Eero Secure No No No Yes Monthly price $0 $3 $10 $20 Their free option makes Ring one of the best unmonitored systems on the market, but keep in mind that if you select self-monitoring, you’re going to have to be really vigilant. It only takes one ignored notification on your phone to miss the guy making off with your expensive Italian racing bicycle. Ask me how I know.
Ring’s Costs
It would be a little overwhelming to list out all of Ring’s products and their costs, so instead I’m going to provide you with a breakdown of their home security systems. Their additional cameras all cost between $60 and $250. Their best video doorbells run around the same prices, but the most expensive is about $350.
Package Pieces Regular price Protected Enhanced Security 8 pieces + Battery Doorbell Plus $429.98 Protected Deluxe Kit 14 pieces + Video Doorbell Pro 2 $579.98 Whole Home Basic Kit 5 pieces + Video Doorbell, Stick Up Cam $399.97 Whole Home Enhanced Kit 8 pieces + Battery Doorbell Plus, Spotlight Cam Plus $599.97 Whole Home Deluxe Kit 14 pieces + Video Doorbell Pro 2, Floodlight Cam Wired Pro $829.97 Ring also is almost always offering a sale, so be mindful of when you shop. If you’re not in a hurry to buy, you might want to wait until Prime Day to shop for Ring equipment. Since they’re owned by Amazon, Ring tends to offer deep discounts around that time.
Ring’s Drawbacks
The one thing I don’t like about Ring is their equipment is a little too boxy and bulky for my taste. That isn’t to say it’s not well designed — it is — but the form of that function just rubs me the wrong way. If you’re looking for sleeker cameras to protect your property, I’d recommend reading my review of the Arlo Ultra 4K Camera. Sleek is its middle name.
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4. Reolink - Honorable Mention
Reolink Overview
While Reolink doesn’t offer security systems, they do offer a really important piece of security equipment that might come in handy for homeowners with detached garages. Like me.
>> Learn More: Best Outdoor Security Cameras
Because of my detached garage, I’ve had trouble getting traditional Wi-Fi cameras to work out there. So much so that I’ve had to use Wi-Fi range extenders sometimes to keep the cameras connected. If you’re running into similar problems, Reolink might be an option for you.
They’re one of the few security cameras that don’t require Wi-Fi to work, instead relying on the cellular 4G network for connectivity. If your garage is way off from your main house, this is a great option for keeping an eye on things. It’s also an option if you have a shed or barn somewhere on your property that you’d rather not have someone break into.
>> Check Out: Best Cellular Security Systems
Why I Selected Reolink
I know they’re not a traditional security system, but trying to set up a network of security cameras on a large property with multiple structures can be a bit of a hassle. I’m actually pretty shocked more security camera providers don’t offer cellular options. With the ubiquity of Wi-Fi networks, they might assume it’s too small of a market to make manufacturing cellular security cameras worthwhile. I’m really glad Reolink doesn’t feel the same way.
>> Compare: Reolink vs. Lorex
And their cellular compatibility isn’t the only thing Reolink’s cameras have going for them. They all offer at least 1080-pixel resolution, crystal clear night vision, real-time alerts, and a host of other functions that make keeping an eye on your property simple. If you have detached structures your Wi-Fi doesn’t reach, this is a great option to keep them safe.
Reolink’s Monitoring
Unfortunately, Reolink doesn’t offer professional monitoring, but there are subscription options to consider if you’re going to be using multiple cameras. I have more on this in my guide to Reolink’s prices, but here’s a quick breakdown.
Basic Standard Premier Days of Video History 7 30 30 Number of Cameras Supported 1 5 10 Amount of Cloud Storage in GB 1 10 50 Monthly Price $0.00 $3.49 $6.99 Yearly Price $0.00 $34.99 $69 As you can see, Reolink keeps things pretty affordable, and that also goes for their equipment costs.
Reolink’s Costs
Reolink offers a massive lineup of cameras, but for our purposes, we’re just going to focus on the ones with cellular compatibility. Here’s the breakdown:
Name Cost Reolink Go PT Ultra $249.99 Reolink Go PT Plus $219.99 Reolink Go Ultra $209.99 Reolink Go Plus $179.99 Reolink Go Ranger PT $249.99 Reolink Duo 2 LTE $279.99 Reolink TrackMix LTE $319.99 Reolink TrackMix Wired LTE $199.99 Keep in mind that all of these cameras save for the last option are solar-powered, meaning you’re not going to be climbing up the ladder every few months to charge the battery. In my product testing, I’ve found that to be super handy when protecting a garage.
Reolink’s Drawbacks
The primary drawback of Reolink is they don’t offer a full-blown security system. That means nothing is going to be protecting your garage save for the security camera itself. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Security cameras are one of the best theft deterrents. And keep in mind that doesn’t mean you can’t couple a Reolink Camera with any of the systems mentioned above.
>> Learn More: The Best Security Systems for Rural Properties
Just remember the majority of them require Wi-Fi for the components to communicate with one another. If you’re using the Reolink Camera because your Wi-Fi doesn’t reach your garage, you’re right back to where you started.
Why Should I Consider My Garage When Purchasing a Security System?
“I have an automatic garage door that I always keep closed,” you might think. “Isn’t that enough security?”
Well, no. It’s really not.
Just like you wouldn’t rely on a deadbolt alone to keep your home safe, you shouldn’t rely on your automatic door to protect the contents of your garage (how much did you pay for those Callaway clubs again?). Did you know all it takes to open one of those is to purchase a replacement opener for the same make and model? Those cost about $15 on Amazon. Thieves have been known to purchase or steal a bunch of them and drive around clicking away until garage doors start to open.
How Can I Best Secure My Garage?
Think about the entry points. My garage, for instance, has two automatic doors for vehicles and a side door for a person. Those are the three primary entry points that need protection. I have a regular door sensor on the side door and two tilt sensors on the garage door. Those three sensors send alerts to my phone every time they’re opened, and if my alarm system is armed, they’ll set it off.
I also usually have a Ring Spotlight Cam hung in the eave unless I’m testing a different camera. This provides lighting that will scare away intruders and also help me get into my truck if I have to go somewhere at night. It has clear night vision, so I can keep an eye on things around-the-clock, and motion detection alerts come to my phone whenever something crosses its field of view. In all, this setup cost me about $200.
Which brings me to my last point …
Are Security Systems Expensive?
You might think a security system is an exorbitant expense only rich people can afford. That might have been true back in the 1980s, but modern security systems are accessible for just about every budget. DIY and self-monitored options are especially affordable.
>> Learn More: The Best No-Contract Security Systems
When everything is said and done, most security systems for average-sized homes will cost between $200 and $600 for equipment. Monitoring will run you anywhere from $40 to $60 per month. Then again, these are averages. If you want minimal coverage, you can go cheaper or, if you have specific security needs, things can get a little more expensive.
Are There Easy Ways to Secure a Garage?
If you’re still not convinced you need to include your garage in your overall security posture, that’s fine. I want to offer you a few pieces of advice on how to keep it secure.
- Keep the doors closed
- Secure any windows
- Install motion-activated lighting
- Trim landscaping
- Leave valuables in your home
You want to add a few layers of complication to confound any would-be burglars. Most of the time, all it takes is making them second-guess themselves to get them to move on.
Our Methodology
When searching for the best garage security systems, I considered several factors, such as how well the system worked outdoors, garage equipment functionality, and costs. While this list is not comprehensive, it gives us a general overview of what to consider when deciding which garage security systems are the best.
Equipment
- Wi-Fi versus no Wi-Fi: With wireless components, we are primarily interested in connectivity. That’s a special concern with garages since sometimes they can be far from a router.
- Camera features: I discuss camera features much more in-depth in my security camera guide, but for garage cameras in particular, we look for features like DIY installation, infrared night vision, and weather resistance.
- Durability: I choose outdoor components because most garages go from hot and humid to freezing cold over the course of a year. I looked carefully at IP ratings, which describe the conditions the cameras can withstand. You want cameras to have a rating of at least IP 65, which means they are dust-tight and can withstand water projected from a nozzle.
Monitoring
I wanted to give readers both professionally monitored and self-monitored options for protecting their garages. There are benefits and drawbacks to both, so I wanted to make sure you understood your options.
Smart Home Integrations
We look specifically for security systems that work with Alexa and security systems that work with Google Assistant. We prefer security systems that allow for hands-free voice commands so we can close the garage door remotely, even while driving.
Costs
Buying a home security system usually involves two major costs:
- Equipment costs: Depending on the home size or amount of security you want, effective home security can get pricey. Scalability is crucial, especially when it comes to garages. The pieces you want for garage security might be wholly different from what you want for the rest of the house.
- Monthly costs: While some systems don’t have any monthly fees, others require paid subscriptions for 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and/or storage. Professional monitoring can run anywhere from $10 to $60 per month.
Mobile App
When looking at available mobile apps with each garage security system, you want to be able to livestream security footage easily and control the system remotely. That control should cover the smart garage door when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are five things people are usually curious about when it comes to garage security systems.
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Can I put an alarm in my garage?
Yes, you can put an alarm on your garage and trigger the alarm with entry sensors, glass-breakage sensors, or motion sensors for general motion detection. That way, when you’re not home, you can alert your neighbors that someone is trying to break in or check your cameras for false alarms.
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Do thieves target garages?
Yes, garages are a primary target for thieves who usually want to slip in and out unnoticed. It’s a lot easier to break into a garage than it is to break into a home. Many people don’t consider this area when they build out their security systems.
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What are the most important parts of a garage security system?
There are several pieces of equipment you’ll need to secure your garage. These include tilt sensors, door sensors, glass break sensors, security cameras, and lighting.
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Can I control my garage door from my phone?
If you select a security system with smart home integrations, it’s possible to control your garage door from your phone or with a voice assistant like Alexa.
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Do security cameras keep thieves away from garages?
Yes, installing a security camera is one of the best things you can do to keep your garage safe. This is particularly true if that camera has integrated lighting.