Best Smart Home Security Systems of 2025
Set up custom schedules, operate smart devices, and get 24/7 professional monitoring with our top choice for smart security systems, ADT.
&
Last Updated on Oct 15, 2025
- Easily set up schedules and routines
- Control smart home devices with just your voice
- Partnership with Google means specially designed smart devices
- Full integration with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- Open and close garage doors through your security app
- Smart indoor and outdoor cameras
- Control your entire house through a single app
- Connect your lights to your security system for increased security
- Automates your security for greater convenience
Did you know that some of your smart devices can integrate with a home security system? You can even set up automations to lock doors and windows at certain times or turn on lights when motion is detected. The only catch is that not all of the best home security systems offer this feature.
That’s why we’ve gathered the best smart home security systems. These are setups we tested for months to see how they incorporate voice control, scheduling, automations, and more. Based on our most recent tests, ADT is the best option with its Google Nest partnership and user-friendly ADT+ app. ADT wasn’t the only system to impress us. Here’s our full rundown to help you choose the right one for your needs.
>> Check Out: Best Security Systems for Vacation Homes
Best Smart Home Security Systems
- ADT - Best Smart Home Security App
- Vivint - Best Smart Home Security With 24/7 Monitoring
- SimpliSafe - Best Google Home-Compatible Smart Home Security
- abode - Best DIY Smart Home Security
- Ring Alarm - Best Alexa-Compatible Smart Home Security
- Cove - Easiest to Use Smart Home Security
Comparison Chart of Best Smart Home Security Systems
| System |
ADT
|
Vivint
|
SimpliSafe
|
abode
|
Ring Alarm
|
Cove
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Compatible voice assistants | Alexa, Google Home | Alexa, Google Home | Alexa, Google Home | Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit | Alexa, Google Home | Alexa, Google Home |
| Compatible third-party IoT devices | Kwikset, LiftMaster, Google Nest products, all Z-wave devices | Philips Hue, Nest thermostats | August Smart locks | Google Nest products, Philips Hue lightbulbs, ecobee, LIFX, Yale, Kwikset,, First Alert, IFTTT, Z-wave devices | Dome, Ecolink, First Alert, GE, Leviton | Nest thermostats, August smart locks |
| Installation type | Professional or DIY | Professional | Professional or DIY | Professional or DIY | Professional or DIY | DIY |
| Equipment prices | Starting at $269 | Starting at $599 | Starting at $250 | Starting at $65 | Starting at $150 | Starting at $90 |
| Monthly monitoring price | $24.99-$9.99 | $24.99 and up | $0-$79 | $0 - $25.99 | $0-$30 | $20-$30 |
| Read Review | ADT Review | Vivint Review | SimpliSafe Review | abode Review | Ring Alarm Review | Cove Review |
What Is a Smart Home Security System?
Before we jump into our list, let’s establish what a smart home security system is.
- Smart platform integration: Whether it’s a proprietary platform like CUE from Abode, or a third-party platform like Google Home, a smart security system uses a platform to communicate and coordinate actions.
- Smart devices: A smart home security system goes beyond cameras, sensors, and locks to incorporate smart bulbs and other devices, possibly as part of an automated security routine.
- Control options: Smart home security systems can be controlled via app. Some systems have limited functionality in the app, and total functionality via a control panel.
- Functionality: A smart home security system includes functionality that can make your life more convenient.
Smart home security systems offer some fun features, but their primary role is to keep us safe. In addition to the above criteria, we also consider:
- Equipment: Does it offer the security devices you need and is it reliable?
- Monitoring: Do you need to self-monitor, or can you sign up for professional monitoring? Is there flexibility to switch plans as your needs change?
- Price: Are you getting bang for your buck or are you overspending for smart home features?
After considering all those factors, we picked ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, abode, Ring Alarm, and Cove as our top recommendations. Keep reading to learn why.
A Detailed List of the Best Smart Home Security Systems
-
1. ADT - Best Smart Home Security App
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $269 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $24.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or 36 months and up Installation Options Professional and DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Smart Capabilities
ADT works with one of the leaders of the smart home industry, Google Nest, to provide top-of-the-line smart security equipment. We’re talking about Nest Cams that can detect and recognize people, Nest thermostats that automate temperature control, and Nest smart displays that orchestrate everything with just your voice.
The ADT+ app brings everything together. It rivals the best in the industry for user experience, including the Vivint app. We found it easy to set up automations, view camera feeds, and control our system from anywhere. That’s why we don’t mind that ADT replaced their touchscreen panel with a simpler base station and keypad setup.
FYI: The keypad reminds us of the discontinued Nest Secure device, so we primarily used the ADT+ app to manage our system. After spending a lot of time with it, we can say it’s more user-friendly than some of the older ADT apps we’ve tested.
Our ADT smart security system, which includes a smart lock for front door automation. >> More Options: Best Security Systems for Google
Monitoring Options
To unlock ADT’s smart features, you’ll need the Smart monitoring plan at $29.99 monthly. Just know this plan doesn’t include camera support. For full camera functionality and a Nest Aware subscription, upgrade to the Complete plan at $39.99 per month. We also recommend professional installation as ADT ranks among the best professionally installed systems.
Did You Know? ADT Self Setup makes self-monitoring available. While this product line makes self-monitoring your system fairly easy, you won’t have much in the way of smart home automations without a Secure or Complete plan.
Pricing
ADT’s packages start at $269 for build-your-own options. This positions them between budget DIY systems and premium full-service providers. For context, SimpliSafe packages begin around $250, while Vivint’s basic setups range from $599 to $799.
Keep in mind that basic ADT packages only include sensors — not smart equipment. For smart home features, consider the Video Essentials package, which includes one Google Nest Cam or Doorbell (normally $179.99). Just note that any package with cameras requires at least one month of Complete monitoring.
>> Related: ADT’s Best Deals Throughout The Year
What We Like
- Professional installation available on all systems
- Partnership with Google Nest
- Responsive, easy-to-use app
- Twelve monitoring centers across the U.S.
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively high-priced monitoring
- 36-month contract required on some systems
- Inconsistent customer service
- Basic package doesn’t include smart home features
We turned on our ADT Smart Bulb using the ADT+ app We loved the SMART monitoring service that reduces ADT false alarms. Text alerts grabbed our attention better than standard push notifications. Then, we could quickly verify or cancel alarms right from the message.
We also found that ADT integrates flawlessly with Google smart home products. Don’t worry, it still plays nice with Amazon Alexa and over 5,000 other smart devices through Z-Wave support. The ADT+ app made controlling and automating these devices simple. That’s how we connected our system to an Android TV for reviewing camera footage while cooking dinner.
Yes, full-service security means full-service pricing. ADT isn’t cheap for equipment or monitoring. Even their self-installed systems require significant upfront investment. They also still require a long contract for professionally installed systems. That said, if top-tier security and convenience matter most to you, ADT delivers on both fronts.
-
2. Vivint - Best Smart Home Security With 24/7 Monitoring
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $599 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs Starting from $30 per month Contract lengths Starting at 42 months Installation options Professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home Smart Capabilities
If this list was only about automation capabilities, Vivint would be our No. 1 pick, hands down. Our Vivint review goes into detail on all of the ways we automated our system to save time and keep our home secure. We were also impressed by how well Vivint works with third-party equipment, including devices from Amazon, Google Home, Kwikset, and Philips.
Vivint comes with built-in intelligence. When testing the Vivint video doorbell, we appreciated its targeted alerts powered by people, animals, and package detection AI. This kind of smart technology runs through the entire system. The outdoor camera can even deter threats automatically with its built-in siren/chimes and spotlight. It’s all easy to control from the Vivint Smart Hub touchscreen, too.
>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT
We installed our Vivint Base Hub near our entryway so we could easily arm and disarm our system. Monitoring Options
Vivint only offers professional monitoring. If you’re the type of person who has a smart home for convenience, that’s perfect. It’s one more thing you don’t have to think about.
We don’t think Vivint’s monitoring is on par with ADT, but it’s close. For example, Vivint doesn’t have anything similar to ADT’s alarm messenger. We did get text-based alerts, which let you cancel or confirm alarms. Vivint’s messages came through within 30 seconds, whereas ADT was around 20 seconds.
>> Check Out: Best Self-monitored Security Systems
Pricing
Cost remains Vivint’s biggest barrier to the top spot. Vivint’s pricing ranks among the highest in the industry, and you’ll need to call a sales rep just for a quote. Equipment packages start at $599. Add smart home gear like the $399 outdoor camera, and you’ll easily exceed $1,200. We believe the quality justifies the cost, but it’s a significant investment.
Professional monitoring starts at least $24.99 monthly, although in our experience, it tends to cost at least $39.99 if you have smart home equipment. That’s comparable to ADT’s premium plan and Frontpoint’s Ultimate monitoring, but still pricier than DIY options like SimpliSafe.
Pro Tip: Vivint offers financing of up to 60 months. We used their financing successfully to turn our $1,400 upfront equipment fee into affordable monthly payments. Just remember, it locks you into monitoring for the entire duration of your financing.
What We Like
- Top-tier equipment
- Professional monitoring with every plan
- Best smart home features on the market
- Professional installation regularly included for free with sales
What We Don’t Like
- Required fee if you decide to move
- Proprietary equipment doesn’t work with other systems
- Packages are expensive
- No upfront pricing
Vivint impressed us with its responsiveness and intuitive design. Every time we received a notification, we could instantly access live footage from any Vivint camera on our phones. We also set our Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro to activate its LED light and siren when anyone lingered for over 60 seconds. When cooking smoke triggered our detector, Vivint personnel even walked us through resetting it after calling us to confirm our safety.
We mounted our Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro to the side of our house overlooking our front lawn and entryway Vivint integrates flawlessly with both Google Home and Alexa. It also supports Z-Wave connectivity. Between the three, Vivint let us integrate every smart device in our home. This allowed us to control it all through the Vivint app and set up advanced automation. For instance, when our Vivint doorbell detects a person at our door, our porch light would turn on.
The monitoring may not match ADT’s, but Vivint’s real weakness is its sales process. You’ll call for pricing, face a questionnaire, and endure high-pressure sales tactics before ever seeing costs. Still, we were satisfied with our system and felt the value matched the price. Just prepare for those upsells before finalizing your system.
FYI: We found it easy to integrate third-party devices via the Vivint app, but you can also use the Smart Hub as well.
>> Dig Deeper: Vivint FAQ
-
3. SimpliSafe - Best Google Home-Compatible Smart Home Security
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $250.96 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starts at $21.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Smart Capabilities
SimpliSafe lacks when it comes to native smart home capabilities. Accessing any of their smart features and integrations require a subscription. Even with that subscription, the capabilities in SimpliSafe’s app are limited to basic functionality like voice commands.
That said, SimpliSafe works great as a security system connected to either Alexa or Google Assistant. We found it to have better integration with Alexa, but there are such few systems that work with Google Assistant that we named SimpliSafe as the best Google home-compatible system.
With this approach, you’ll control your SimpliSafe system and other devices using Alexa or Google Assistant. Unlike with ADT, your other devices won’t directly integrate with SimpliSafe. Your entire system will be under the umbrella of your chosen virtual assistant.
Pro Tip: We had more fun using Alexa’s voice commands over Google’s. For security reasons, you can’t use the assistants to arm or disarm your system, but you can ask Alexa what’s shakin’ or to batten down the hatches.
>> Find Out More: SimpliSafe vs. Vivint
Thanks to SimpliSafe’s low prices, we could outfit our home with every device we wanted without breaking our budget Monitoring Options
While you can self-monitor for free, SimpliSafe locks smart home features behind a paywall. For Google Home and Alexa integrations as well as scheduled arming, you’ll need at least the $9.99 per month video recording plan. To pair it with monitoring, you’ll need the Core plan or above.
The Core plan also features Intruder Intervention with the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera. With it, monitoring agents can track burglars and speak to them through two-way audio during break-ins. The Pro and Pro Plus plans add similar capabilities to the outdoor camera.
Pricing
SimpliSafe offers packages from the four-piece Foundation to the 14-piece Haven. While we list standard prices, we monitor SimpliSafe deals throughout the year. We’ve found that they offer significant savings — sometimes up to 60 percent of the retail price.
Professional monitoring prices vary from $21.99 for basic sensor monitoring all the way up to $79.99 for Pro Plus monitoring. It includes AI threat detection paired with an active response from SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents. They’ll deter the threat using the outdoor camera’s built-in spotlight, siren, and two-way audio.
What We Like
- Easy voice control with both Alexa and Google Home
- DIY setup is simple and fast
- No long-term contract required
- Choice of professional or self-monitoring
What We Don’t Like
- Smart home functions require a subscription
- Limited camera selection
- Prices are constantly fluctuating
- System struggles in colder climates
Our favorite thing about SimpliSafe is the flexibility it offers. You can choose an equipment bundle or build one from scratch. It’s easy to switch between monitoring plans and add new equipment as your needs change. As you’ll see in our SimpliSafe FAQs, you can use SimpliSafe without a monitoring plan, unlike Vivint.
While you need to pay a minimum of $31.99 per month to access smart features, this price is on par with the similar plan from ADT and cheaper than Vivint’s. After we signed up, we regularly used our plan to remotely arm our system on mornings when we rushed out the door and forgot to do it.
We mounted our SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera right next to our front door so we could see anyone coming or going. We wish SimpliSafe offered a wider range of camera options. When we tested the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera, we loved Active Guard Outdoor Protection, but would like to see more AI features to reduce false alarms. The company only offers one outdoor camera. If that doesn’t suit you, check out our list of SimpliSafe alternatives.
-
4. abode - Best DIY Smart Home Security
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $65 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monitoring Costs Starting at $6.25 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or Yearly Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
Smart Capabilities
abode offers three levels of smart home capability across different plans. For full smart home integration, choose either the Smart Security or Iota package. Both control everything through a hub with the option to connect to Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit through the mobile app. As one of the few systems supporting HomeKit, abode ranks among our best systems for Apple users. It’s also IFTTT-compatible for advanced automations.
We unboxed our abode iota hub in our living room where we then set it up. Monitoring Options
Unlike SimpliSafe, abode provides basic automations through its smart hubs without a subscription. This means you can set up an automated security system without having to pay monthly fees. But as you might expect, abode hides a lot more functionality behind its subscriptions.
The Standard monitoring plan ($74.99 per year) includes person recognition, rich notifications, and an event timeline. The Pro plan ($199 for the first year) tacks on cellular backup and a professional monitoring service. The price for professional monitoring goes up to $240 after the first year, which is a competitive $20 per month.
>> Head-to-head: abode vs. SimpliSafe
Pricing
We think that abode’s prices offer excellent value, especially with a monitoring plan commitment. For instance, with a year of monitoring, the Iota All-in-One Security Kit is discounted down to $200 or you can opt for the 14-piece Security Hub bundle for $250. Both packages scale easily with additional cameras and sensors.
The cameras deliver real bargains with the abode Cam 2 costing just $34.99. That’s even cheaper than the Ring Indoor Cam’s price. As for monitoring, abode undercuts SimpliSafe. A full year of Pro costs $199 total, averaging $16.58 monthly. Even after the first-year discount, it remains cheaper than most competitors.
What We Like
- Smart home control through Alexa, Google Home, Apple Homekit or abode’s proprietary CUE platform
- Z-wave compatibility means system works with tons of smart home devices
- Affordable professional monitoring plans
- Low-priced equipment packages
What We Don’t Like
- Additional fee for professional installation
- Requires upfront equipment purchase
- Limited support unless you purchase a subscription
- No outdoor camera options
While Vivint leads in smart home capabilities, abode actually offers broader compatibility. Unlike Vivint, abode works with Apple HomeKit. It also features its own CUE smart platform. We recommend using it to take advantage of abode’s full automation capabilities.
We got excited discovering abode’s IFTTT support. This enabled creative routines connecting our security system to other smart devices. For weekend trips, we programmed our TV to turn on whenever motion sensors triggered, making it appear we were home.
Pro Tip: When we went away for the weekend, we set the TV to turn on every time a motion detector was triggered. That way, anyone who happened to be lurking on our property would think we were home.
>> Find Alternatives: Best Home Security Systems for Alexa
abode’s pricing beats Vivint’s significantly. Its prices are comparable to SimpliSafe’s, sometimes even cheaper. Buy an equipment package and pay nothing more if you self-monitor. But why self-monitor when professional monitoring costs as little as $16.58 monthly?
Here’s what the abode app looked like on our Android phone. That said, abode isn’t as polished as Vivint, and you won’t get comparable service. The abode app feels clunky sometimes, and response times can’t match ADT or Vivint. For those seeking great apps, check our list of the best security systems with apps. Still, for budget-conscious buyers that want extensive smart functionality, abode could be perfect.
-
5. Ring Alarm - Best Alexa-Compatible Smart Home Security
View on Amazon Links to Amazon.com
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $249.99 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $10 with the purchase of a Ring Home plan Contract Lengths 1-12 months Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
Smart Capabilities
Ring truly excels with cameras. We tested everything from basic indoor cameras to the outdoor Spotlight Cam with our Ring Alarm system. We even tested multiple Ring doorbell cameras. While they lack facial recognition similar to what ADT’s Nest Cams offer, most Ring cameras include person detection with a Ring Home subscription, which is good enough for most homes.
We connected our smart home devices to Ring by pairing them all to Alexa Monitoring Options
All Ring Home plans let you self-monitor your system and give you up to 180 days of video event history, among other features. Prices start from $4.99 per month for one Ring doorbell or camera. If you want professional monitoring, you’ll need the $10 add-on for the Standard ($9.99 per month) or Premium plan ($19.99 per month).
>> Read More: Ring Alarm Cost and Pricing
Pricing
With indoor cameras costing $49.99 and self-monitoring plans starting at $9.99 per month, Ring makes their systems affordable. After discounts, packages for a Ring Alarm system start at $199.99 and it’s easy to add new devices down the line. While we prefer SimpliSafe equipment, Ring’s a great budget option with tons of flexibility.
>> Compare: Ring vs. SimpliSafe
What We Like
- Low-priced professional monitoring plans
- Lots of camera options
- Choice of professional or self-monitoring
- No contract required
What We Don’t Like
- Best cameras can be expensive
- Bundles won’t work for most homes
- No equipment financing
- History of security breaches
As an Amazon company, Ring delivers excellent smart home compatibility. Ring products integrate seamlessly with Alexa and work decently with Google Home (plus you get nice Ring Prime Day deals as a bonus). Voice commands easily armed and disarmed our system, and we could pull up camera feeds on our Echo Show while cooking.
Ring’s equipment isn’t sophisticated, but covers all the basics. Every camera delivers at least 1080p HD resolution with two-way audio. At that resolution, we immediately recognized the stranger at our door asking for “Ray” and told him clearly we weren’t answering. The latest Ring cameras up that resolution to premium 4K clarity.
We could identify people at night when streaming our Ring Doorbell with night vision on our Echo Show. There’s also person detection, which cut down the amount of false alerts we received. Otherwise, there aren’t a lot of extras: no facial recognition and no privacy zones, except on the Stick Up Cam (see our Stick Up cam review).
In the end, Ring is a home security system for those who like to be in control. You won’t find a lot of full-service options–no one is going to walk you through purchase options or offer to install your equipment for you (though Ring does recommend some installers if you need them). On the other hand, you get more choices than you do with the full-service companies, and you get a lot of smart home compatibility.
-
6. Cove - Easiest to Use Smart Home Security
View Packages Links to Cove
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Systems start at $86.25 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $19.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options Professional or DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
Smart Capabilities
Cove covers security essentials: entry sensors, motion detectors, environmental monitors, panic buttons, key remotes, and cameras. Everything runs through the Touch alarm panel, which we connected to Alexa and Google Home. Note that voice assistant integration requires Cove’s top monitoring plan. The downside? Cove offers just one version of each component, though the lifetime guarantee ensures reliability.
Thanks to its low prices, we bought 14 components while sticking to our budget when we tested Cove Monitoring Options
Cove has two professional monitoring plans available, but only one that includes camera support and voice control. Cove Plus is $29.99 per month, which is cheaper than ADT and SimpliSafe while including some other useful features like cellular backup, a lifetime warranty while you’re subscribed, and a monthly $5 equipment reward in case you want to add new devices in the future.
FYI: Cove also has a self-monitoring plan for $9.99 per month, which also includes camera streaming. You need to pay for one month of professional monitoring before activating self monitoring and you’ll need to call Cove to switch over to it.
Pricing
Cove’s pricing is low, and it’s even lower during a sale. Even better, there seems to be one running all the time. We regularly see Cove slash prices by as much as 70-percent and throw in free products like indoor cameras to sweeten the deal. We recommend keeping an eye out for one of those sales to get the best deal possible.
What We Like
- Low-cost professional monitoring
- Affordable equipment
- Works well with both Alexa and Google Home
- Includes cellular backup
What We Don’t Like
- No self-monitoring options
- Doesn’t offer any of its own home automation equipment
- Boxy equipment
- Cameras lack advanced AI features
Using the Cove Mobile app, we armed our system each night before bed Cove blends full-service and budget features. They require professional monitoring, which we don’t mind since we always recommend it. Plus, Cove makes monitoring affordable with prices starting at $19.99. That matches Ring’s monitoring price and competes with the most affordable systems available.
For smart home features, you’ll pay $29.99 monthly for the upgraded plan. That’s still cheaper than SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring, though Ring and abode offer smart compatibility without monitoring for less. We still consider Cove affordable in this regard.
Equipment costs follow a similar pattern. We assembled a motion detector, entry sensor, and indoor camera for under $90 — remarkable value. Cove even threw in the camera free. However, the required Touch Alarm Panel and Hub adds $75. That’s still less than SImpliSafe or abode. Plus, adding equipment afterward costs significantly less making it easy to expand your system at any time.
Features to Look for in a Smart Home Security System
If you’re looking to do your own research on the best smart home security system, there are some essential features that you might want to consider.
As a starting point, you want a system that’s going to do its job: keep you safe. That means taking into account:
- Equipment options: Sensors, monitors, and cameras — and can you count on the equipment to last over the long haul?
- Monitoring plans: Can you get professional monitoring if you want it, and what features does the monitoring include? Are there other monitoring options, like self-monitoring or self-monitoring with video storage?
Once you’ve established a baseline of solid systems to choose from, you should then consider what smart features those systems include.
- Smart platform integration: Does the system work with Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or IFTTT? What can you do when you’re connected to those platforms, and how much voice control do you have?
- Smart product integration: Will the system work with a wide variety of other smart home devices, like thermostats, door locks, garage door openers, and smart light bulbs?
- Proprietary smart products: Does the company offer its own line of smart products?
- AI features: Do cameras come with artificial intelligence features, such as person detection, facial recognition, and privacy zones?
- App functionality: How much control do you have over the system through your mobile device?
It’s not easy choosing a home security system with so many systems available. If you keep your family’s particular home security needs in mind, we feel confident you can find a system that’s right for you.
What is IFTTT?
IFTTT deserves special mention for transforming regular homes into smart homes. Standing for “If This, Then That,” it connects various smart devices through automated routines. When one device activates, others respond automatically.
For instance, IFTTT can connect your smart garage door to your thermostat. Open the garage, and your home starts warming up. By the time you reach the living room, it’s perfectly comfortable—if this, then that. Simple but powerful.
Routines can involve multiple devices, including security components. Run everything through Google Home or Alexa for voice-triggered automation. Just ensure your system integrates with IFTTT first.
Want more suggestions for systems that use IFTTT? We happen to have a whole page full of the best home security systems for IFTTT.
Z-wave Technology
Z-wave is another crucial technology for smart homes. Z-wave is a radio frequency that allows different types of smart devices to communicate with one another even if they’re made by different companies. Your toaster can talk to your coffee maker, for instance, and both of them can tell your security system that you’re up and it should turn off the motion detectors.
Z-wave works particularly well with IFTTT. Z-wave connects the devices, and IFTTT allows you to create routines. It’s not necessary to have the IFTTT platform in order to use Z-wave. Security systems that work with Z-wave, like Vivint and abode, let you connect devices through their own smart hubs and create automations natively. These automations run on recipes similar to what IFTTT uses – you set a trigger, you set an action in response to that trigger, and you set conditions and exceptions.
In other words, there are multiple ways to set up a smart home and multiple ways to integrate your security system into your smart home. It’s important that you consider your existing system and whether the security you’re looking to purchase will work with it.
The Bottom Line
Smart homes are fantastic. A refrigerator that monitors milk levels and reorders before you run out sounds fantastic. As our homes get smarter, life gets easier. But the smartest homes are protected ones. What happens when someone breaks in and steals all your smart devices?
Fortunately, great home security doesn’t mean sacrificing smart home advantages. We found six systems that can enhance smart home capabilities. You can also use any of them as the foundation of your smart home journey. After months of hands-on testing, we confidently recommend ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, abode, Ring, or Cove as your smart home security system.
FAQ
We collected a few of the most common questions we’re asked and included our answers below.
-
Which company has the best home security system?
ADT has the best home security system out there. It features top-of-the-line equipment and the best monitoring in the business, with nine monitoring centers stationed throughout the U.S. However, no system is right for every customer. We also recommend SimpliSafe, Vivint, Alder, and Cove.
-
How does smart home technology improve your security system?
Smart home technology enhances security beyond just convenience. For example, a smart porch light integrated with your video doorbell automatically illuminates when motion is detected. This deters potential burglars and ensures clear footage of the event.
-
What is the home security system with the best value?
The best home security system with the best value is SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe offers a choice of packages to fit every budget, and if you’re willing to self-monitor your system, you can avoid paying any monthly fee whatsoever.
-
Is Ring or SimpliSafe better?
SimpliSafe is better than Ring Alarm. SimpliSafe offers professional installation; it works with Nest thermostats and August smart locks. SimpliSafe also has better iOS and Android apps and a three-year warranty, as opposed to one year with Ring. Plus, SimpliSafe’s money-back guarantee is 60 days; Ring’s is only 30 days.
-
Is abode a good system for smart homeowners?
Yes. abode works well with smart homes. abode equipment is compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. It makes use of Z-wave technology, so virtually any smart device can talk to any other device. Plus, abode offers its own smart platform — CUE — so it allows you to create a smart home even if you don’t already use Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit.
