Best Wireless Home Security Systems of 2024

1. ADT - Best Professional Monitoring

SecurityScore:

9.8 /10

855-908-4461

View Packages Links to ADT

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Packages starting at $349
Monitoring Options	Professional and DIY
Monthly Monitoring Costs	Starting at $30 per month
Contract Lengths	Month-to-month 36 months and up
Installation Options	Professional and DIY
Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home

855-908-4461

View Packages Links to ADT

ADT Overview

ADT wasn’t always wireless, and unlike Frontpoint that completely cut the cord in the early 2010s, ADT used to offer both wired and wireless security systems. Even today, some of its components, such as the Nest Cam with Floodlight, need to be wired. However, ADT has come to the point that it can be installed DIY thanks to it being mostly wireless. See our ADT Self Setup review where we tested a DIY ADT system. Despite how easy it was to install, we’d still recommend professional installation.

ADT’s Benefits

There’s a lot of upsides to mention, but we’ll start with the equipment. The latest ADT security system includes high-quality gear from Google Nest. We mentioned earlier the wired Nest Cam with Floodlight, but if you’re looking for something wireless, our personal picks are the Nest Cam (battery) and the Google Nest Doorbell (battery). Both cameras need no wires to monitor both indoor and outdoor spaces. Best of all, ADT doesn’t upcharge for Nest Cams, meaning you can get them at the same price as buying them from Nest directly but with the added benefits of them integrating with your ADT system.

ADT’s monitoring is also a major selling point because of how reliable it is. It’s the only security system provider to have as many as 12 monitoring facilities in North America. The industry term for that is “redundancy,” because even if one of those facilities shuts down for whatever reason, the others can keep the monitoring service running. The next highest we’ve seen with in-house monitoring is Vivint with two monitoring facilities. They also have backup generators, servers, and communication like monitoring centers usually do.

ADT’s Drawbacks

Those benefits highlight the reliability of ADT both in terms of equipment and monitoring, but that doesn’t come cheap. We’re paying ADT $44.99 per month for the monitoring service. For the technician, we paid over $200 to get all our gear installed. And for the equipment alone, we spent about $500 for the sensors, hub, and accessories plus about $300 for the security camera and video doorbell.

Does that mean that ADT isn’t for the budget conscious? Not really. We could have chosen a system without smart home gear or security cameras to lower our monthly monitoring fee to $29.99. You can also skip the installation fee if you go the DIY route. And for the equipment, you can finance it for up to 36 months. It’s one of the more affordable security systems now thanks to a few price drops since the last time we tested ADT. They still kept the same reliability and quality of service, so ADT is well worth it.

>> Read More: ADT Frequently Asked Questions

ADT’s Costs

Let’s drill deeper into ADT’s pricing, particularly the equipment. Even though we prefer professional monitoring, you can DIY the monitoring if you DIY the installation too. You still need to buy the hardware though. The base price is $269 for the Base (hub) and one entry sensor. You can pay that over 36 months for about $7.50 per month.

Is that enough protection? If you live in a studio-type condo unit, probably. But most people would need more than just a motion sensor. We certainly did. You can build the base package up with additional equipment, or you can get a bigger package instead. These are the options:

If you’re not familiar with home security pricing — and who could blame you — let us tell you that those costs are a little steep. Nearly $750 for a video doorbell, a smart lock, a motion detector, some contact sensors, and a control panel is a bit much, but it’s not totally outrageous. We’ve spent a lot more on a Vivint system. You’re also paying for the convenience of having it all packaged for you and administered by one of the most trusted names in the industry.

>> Keep Reading: The Best Professionally Installed Security Systems

ADT’s Monitoring

As we mentioned earlier, we do recommend springing for a professional monitoring plan. It’s required anyway if you finance your equipment or have it professionally installed. We’re paying $44.99 because we have security cameras.

That’s not at all the most affordable monitoring price; SimpliSafe charges $31.99 for a similar subscription with cloud storage. But just comparing the video security features alone, we think ADT is more worth it. The $44.99 plan includes cloud storage for unlimited cameras and Nest Aware – Google Nest’s subscription service that enables facial recognition for all Nest Cams and Doorbells. In comparison, SimpliSafe’s plan supports only 10 security cameras per household.

On top of that, all ADT subscriptions use advanced monitoring and alarm response strategies such as SMART monitoring. With it, ADT’s alarm response to our simulated break-ins started with a text. We found it convenient because we didn’t need to pick up the phone everytime our security system was triggered. We could just confirm alerts or mark them as false alarms through text. If you don’t respond within 30 seconds, only then will ADT call to check on you.

>> Explore More: The Best Self-Monitored Security Systems

2. SimpliSafe - Best DIY Option

SecurityScore:

9.2 /10

800-544-5942

View Packages Links to SimpliSafe

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Packages starting at $249.96
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

800-544-5942

View Packages Links to SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe Overview

SimpliSafe started as a security system for renters and has always been known for being wireless. But it’s more than just that now. It has high-quality equipment, some of the most advanced video security features, and a wide selection of home security and safety devices. It’s as good a security system for apartments as it is for large homes. It even made our list of the best security systems for businesses thanks to its new Active Guard Outdoor Protection that enables professional monitoring of outdoor security cameras. Not even ADT offers that feature.

>> Learn More: A Review of the SimpliCam

SimpliSafe’s Benefits

SimpliSafe is also one of the best security systems that doesn’t require a monthly contract. That’s why it stands out next to more traditional systems like ADT and Vivint. Even though it offers advanced professional monitoring, it doesn’t require you to commit long-term. In fact, you don’t need to commit at all because you can also self-monitor SimpliSafe.

Let’s talk about those advanced monitoring features though, because as it stands, it’s SimpliSafe’s biggest advantage right now. We subscribed to the mid-tier Core plan which let SimpliSafe check our Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera footage to verify alerts from our sensors. They also used the two-way talk on the camera to scare away potential burglars during our test break-in. That’s a huge step up from traditional professional monitoring. Plus, it’s not at all expensive. The Core plan costs only $31.99 per month – just a few dollars more than ADT’s entry-level option.

SimpliSafe’s Drawbacks

While we love SimpliSafe’s equipment variety, we’re surprised it still offers an analog keypad versus a touch screen one. Even worse, you need it to make the system work, and it costs $60. We prefer using the SimpliSafe app, so the keypad felt like a waste of money.

Another drawback has to do with the installation. SimpliSafe is one of the easiest DIY systems to install and the main reason is the peel-and-stick mounting. However, they don’t hold up for long. Our motion detector fell off the wall and caused a false alarm two months into testing SimpliSafe. That issue can be easily fixed though. We recommend using the anchor points to hang your sensors to the wall whenever possible, especially if you’re going for longevity.

>> Learn More: Best Security System With Apps

SimpliSafe’s Costs

Speaking of SimpliSafe equipment, let’s look at how much they will cost you. SimpliSafe packages are a great way to get started, and these are the primary options.

When you compare SimpliSafe and ADT prices, it becomes clear that SimpliSafe is more affordable. But that makes sense. DIY systems are often cheaper. Compared to other DIY options though, SimpliSafe sits on the higher end of the spectrum. There are options such as Cove that let you get started on a comprehensive package for under $200.

On the bright side, SimpliSafe loves offering discounts. It seems like it’s running a sale everyday, with discounts ranging from 20 to 60-percent. SimpliSafe’s 2024 Black Friday sale, for example, offered a 70-percent discount and a free wireless indoor camera on all new systems. Don’t expect that good of a sale unless you’re willing to wait until next year’s Black Friday. You can still get a good deal though. On an almost monthly basis, we see SimpliSafe offering 40 percent off or more with a free camera.

SimpliSafe’s Monitoring

Once the equipment is set up, it’s time to decide how you want it monitored. There’s a free self-monitoring option, making SimpliSafe one of the best security systems with no monthly fees. Our recommended route, however, is professional monitoring. Check out the options below, and then we’ll give you some recommendations.

We recommend the Core plan because it significantly increases your home security. Beyond just professional monitoring and cellular backup, it offers Live Guard Protection. As mentioned earlier, it’s a way to verify alarms and drive away burglars using the wireless indoor camera’s video and audio.

There are actually two more monitoring plans from SimpliSafe. They are called Pro and Pro Plus and cost $49.99 and $79.99, respectively. They both include all Core features, but have Active Guard Outdoor Protection as a bonus. While Live Guard works on the wireless indoor camera, Active Guard works on the wireless outdoor camera. Pro enables the feature overnight, while Pro Plus activates it 24/7. They are significantly more expensive than the Core plan though, and unless you have a wide front yard or property, we still think the Core plan is the best option.

3. Vivint - Best Smart Home Integrations

SecurityScore:

9.4 /10

844-922-0575

View Packages Links to Vivint

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment costs	Starting at $449
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

844-922-0575

View Packages Links to Vivint

Vivint Overview

While it’s mostly wireless, Vivint requires professional installation. Watching the Vivint technician do his work, we’re confident we could have installed the system ourselves. But, just like with ADT, we liked that we didn’t have to lift a finger to set it up. In fact, their installation services were on par.

>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT

Viving also requires professional monitoring, and since the equipment is proprietary, nobody but Vivint can monitor it. The upside of that is that Vivint was able to truly customize its features. Vivint home automation shines, since the security system integrates well with third-party smart home gadgets (Google Nest, Philips Hue, Yale). We customized our automated routines and scenes based on the activity of our sensors. For instance, our entryway lights turned on when someone walked in through our front door.

Vivint’s Benefits

Home automation is Vivint’s strongest suit, but we liked how it uses that to boost home security. The Vivint apps allow for deep customizations for how you want the security system and connected devices to respond to different situations. You want lights that turn on at sundown? Done. You want your door to lock right after you leave? Done. You want voice control? Done. We were able to do all those with our $1,200 Vivint smart security system.

>> Read More: The Best Home Security Systems for Google Home

The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro we tested was our personal favorite. We’d buy a Vivint system just for it. That’s because it combines automation and AI video processing to proactively deter criminals. It uses computer vision to detect lurkers and trespassers, and then autonomously acts on them based on rules we set. For example, worrying about nighttime break-ins, we set ours to activate the warning LED and speaker on the camera when it sees a lurker in our front yard for more than 30 seconds. But to avoid scaring away delivery workers, we set that to activate only between 8 pm and 7 am.

Vivint’s Drawbacks

Similar to ADT, the primary drawback of Vivint is the eye-watering price. It’s possible to start for as low as $599, but the bills quickly pile up as soon as you start adding security cameras and home automation gadgets.

>> Learn More: Best Security Systems for Large Homes

The majority of the equipment is also proprietary, which means you won’t be able to use it with other systems. That’s where ADT has an advantage. Since it uses Google Nest security cameras, you can continue to use them even if you cancel your ADT monitoring. That $399 Vivint outdoor camera, however, will stop working as soon as you cancel Vivint.

You might not want to cancel though, especially since Vivint requires a contract. You’ll have to pay a hefty early termination fee if you cancel Vivint beyond the three-day grace period – which is very short compared to SimpliSafe’s 60-day and ADT’s six-month money-back guarantee, by the way.

Vivint’s Costs

There’s no standard pricing for Vivint, since you have to get in touch with the sales team to get a quote. In our experience though, the monthly monitoring fee starts at around $30 but can range up to $50 or more. We also found the equipment cost they quoted us a little on the higher end. Here are some examples:

At $200 to $400, just one Vivint outdoor camera costs the same as SimpliSafe’s whole midrange system. You can see how things can add up pretty quickly. Keep in mind, though, that the system is extremely powerful and extremely advanced, which comes at a premium.

>> Compare Options: Vivint vs. SimpliSafe

Vivint’s Monitoring

Vivint’s monitoring service gets you cellular backup and around-the-clock monitoring by Vivint’s two monitoring centers. It’s not as many as ADT has, but we found it almost as reliable. Even the pricing is on par, as the service typically costs $30 to $50 per month. The most expensive plans include home automation and video security.

We should also point out that Vivint offers continuous video recording via its latest generation of cameras. Those cameras can store up to 10 days of rolling videos locally with or without Wi-Fi, which can be crucial if you can’t trust your Wi-Fi’s reliability. With ADT, continuous recording requires an additional $7 per month, and the recordings go to the cloud. At least with Vivint, the cameras can record without Wi-Fi and without increasing your monthly fee.

>> Read More: Vivint Sales and Deals

4. Frontpoint - Easiest System to Set Up

SecurityScore:

8.9 /10

844-933-2405

View Packages Links to Frontpoint

How We Review

Product Specs

Equipment Costs	Starting at $386.93
Monitoring Options	Professional only
Monthly Monitoring Costs	Starting at $49.99
Contract Lengths	1-36 months
Installation Options	DIY
Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home

844-933-2405

View Packages Links to Frontpoint

Frontpoint Overview

Let’s head back over to the world of DIY home security with Frontpoint.

It’s not as big of a name as, say, SimpliSafe or Ring, but we’d argue that’s more a function of marketing than service. Frontpoint has been in the industry for over 20 years, and we find it every bit as powerful as its bigger-name competitors.

Compare Options: Frontpoint vs. Ring

Frontpoint does a good job of offering the best of both worlds when it comes to the ease of a DIY system and the power of professional monitoring. Just make sure you’re budgeting for a significant monthly monitoring fee because as we found out, it doesn’t come cheap. Most Frontpoint systems cost $49.99 per month to monitor. Recently they started allowing customers to call for a lower-cost plan with fewer features that starts at $14.99 per month.

Frontpoint’s Benefits

One of the most interesting things about Frontpoint is how scalable it is. You can start with a very basic system and work your way up incrementally. Each system requires a monthly monitoring fee, but can accommodate up to 80 sensors and over 200 smart home devices.

It’s easy to build out a package too. We started with the $69 Essential package and added one of every piece of equipment available. Our tab ran up to only about $600. You don’t have to do what we did though. Because Frontpoint is DIY, you can start with just the things you need. And then, anytime you want new equipment, you can order it online and install it yourself without added installation fees.

>> Learn More: Frontpoint Frequently Asked Questions

Similar to Vivint, Frontpoint is very accommodating to third-party smart home technology. It didn’t feel as futuristic to us, but we liked being able to tell Alexa to “secure the perimeter” to arm our security system.

Frontpoint’s Drawbacks

One minor downside of Frontpoint is that like SimpliSafe, they made us buy the analog keypad. On the bright side, we paid an extra $100 to buy a wireless touch screen keypad as well.

The biggest drawback of Frontpoint is that most systems require a $49.99-per-month monitoring fee, especially if you have security cameras. That’s a pretty tough pill to swallow when you consider SimpliSafe’s most advanced monitoring is only about half the cost, and it includes live video verification. We’d like to see a self-monitored option, but you can read more about that in our SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint comparison guide.

Nothing about Frontpoint wowed us either. It’s like a bran muffin, whereas ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint are like cupcakes each with a different “icing on the cake.” There’s ADT’s world-class monitoring, SimpliSafe’s live camera monitoring, and Vivint’s home automation. If we had to pick one thing that stood out with Frontpoint, it’s the web dashboard, where we were able to customize our system to our liking.

Frontpoint’s Costs

The upside of being plain and simple is that Frontpoint can offer its equipment at low prices – even lower than SimpliSafe. Take a look at the two Frontpoint packages available:

There’s a trend we’ve noticed in the home security industry, particularly with DIY providers. They like to make up exorbitant “regular” prices, and then offer deep discount “sales” that they attach artificial deadlines to, usually in the form of big banners at the top of their websites that say something like, “Ending at Midnight!”

Here’s a tip though: It never ends at midnight. We’ve been covering Frontpoint for years, and we’ve never seen its packages cost full price. Don’t feel like you have to act quickly to take advantage of savings. You’ll always get a “discount.”

Frontpoint isn’t the only offender either. SimpliSafe is guilty of it, and so is Abode. We’re sure there’s some pseudo-psychological marketing reason behind the tactic (it creates false scarcity), but it feels weird to us.

>> Learn More: Abode Home Security Review

Keep in mind, though, that there are legitimate ways to save on a home security system from the company. Check out our guide to Frontpoint’s deals for more information.

Similar to SimpliSafe, Frontpoint lets you add individual pieces of equipment to any system or even build your own. Here’s a sample list of what it offers and the prices.

Frontpoint’s Monitoring

Here’s a breakdown of everything that came with our Frontpoint monitoring package:

• 24/7 monitoring
• Cellular backup
• Crash-and-smash protection
• Geo-location services
• Sensor history
• Live video streaming
• Video and image history

That’s a pretty robust monitoring system — a lot more than SimpliSafe offers with its standard plan. Is it worth $50 per month? That’s for you to decide, but we wouldn’t consider it bare-bones by any means.