Best Home Security of 2026
Find the best home security systems to protect your family. Compare DIY and professional monitoring, smart cameras, and alarm systems.
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. See our affiliate disclosure
At a Glance
Quick Answer
SimpliSafe is the best home security for most users in 2026. It scored 9.3/10 in our testing and starts at $9.99/mo. No long-term contracts required. Ring Alarm is better if you need excellent video doorbell and cameras.
Home security has changed dramatically in the last few years. You no longer need a multi-year contract with an expensive monitoring company. DIY systems have gotten genuinely good, and self-monitoring through smartphone apps is a legitimate option.
But with so many choices, how do you know what's actually worth your money? I've installed and lived with most of these systems. I know what the installation is really like, how the apps perform day-to-day, and what happens when something goes wrong.
These rankings reflect real-world experience, not just spec sheet comparisons.
Our Top Pick
Editor's Choice
SimpliSafe
Editor's ChoiceNo-contract DIY security with professional monitoring
Pros
- No long-term contracts required
- Easy 30-minute DIY installation
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Cellular backup included
Cons
- Outdoor cameras are limited
- App could be more intuitive
- Price increased for monitoring plans
Starting from
$9.99/mo
All Home Security Ranked
Filter and sort to find your perfect match
- No long-term contracts required
- Easy 30-minute DIY installation
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Outdoor cameras are limited
- App could be more intuitive
- Price increased for monitoring plans
Starting from
$9.99/mo
- Excellent video doorbell and cameras
- Deep Alexa and Amazon integration
- Affordable equipment and monitoring
- Privacy concerns with police partnerships
- Subscription required for video storage
- Limited third-party integrations
Starting from
$4.99/mo
- Very affordable monitoring
- No long-term contracts
- Easy DIY installation
- Limited camera options
- No outdoor cameras available
- Fewer smart home integrations
Starting from
$19.99/mo
- No long-term contract required
- 30-day risk-free trial with free returns
- Z-Wave smart home compatibility
- Higher monitoring costs than some competitors
- Promotional pricing requires 36-month commitment
- 80% early termination fee if contracted
Starting from
$4.99/mo
- Most trusted brand in security
- 6 professional monitoring centers
- Professional installation included
- Requires 3-year contract
- Higher monthly costs than DIY
- Early termination fees apply
Starting from
$24.99/mo
- Excellent smart home integration
- Works with HomeKit, Google, Alexa
- Flexible monitoring options
- Equipment can be expensive
- Steeper learning curve
- Professional monitoring costs more
Free tier • Paid from
$6.99/mo
- No monthly fees for self-monitoring
- Up to 16TB local storage on HomeBase
- Advanced AI facial recognition (99.9% accuracy)
- Parent company (Anker) has F BBB rating
- Cameras can go offline occasionally
- Slight recording delay on motion detection
Free tier • Paid from
$2.99/mo
- High-quality proprietary equipment
- Advanced AI camera detection
- Professional installation
- Most expensive option
- Long-term contract required (60 months)
- Equipment must be financed or purchased upfront
Starting from
$34.99/mo
- Free professional installation
- 24/7 monitoring with cellular backup
- Compatible with 100+ smart home brands
- Requires 36-month contract
- Higher monthly monitoring costs ($39.99-$49.99)
- Equipment costs can be high ($430-$800)
Starting from
$39.99/mo
- Extremely affordable equipment
- Lowest professional monitoring price ($9.99/month)
- No contracts required
- No cellular backup connection
- Professional installation not offered
- Customer service can be slow
Free tier • Paid from
$2.99/mo
Best For Your Needs
Find the perfect home security for your specific use case
Best DIY Home Security Systems
Self-install security systems with no contracts
View recommendationsBest Professionally Monitored Security
24/7 professional monitoring and fast response
View recommendationsBest Wireless Home Security Systems
Easy setup with no wiring required
View recommendationsBest Home Security for Apartments
Renter-friendly security with no drilling required
View recommendationsBest Home Security for Renters
Portable systems that move with you
View recommendationsBest Home Security for Homeowners
Comprehensive protection for your property
View recommendationsBest Smart Home Security Systems
Integration with Alexa, Google Home, and more
View recommendationsBest Home Security Cameras
Smart cameras with video recording and alerts
View recommendationsBest Video Doorbells
See and speak to visitors from anywhere
View recommendationsBest Outdoor Security Cameras
Weatherproof cameras for exterior monitoring
View recommendationsBest Home Security with Motion Sensors
Detect movement and get instant alerts
View recommendationsBest Home Security without Monthly Fees
One-time purchase with no subscription
View recommendationsBest Home Security with Night Vision
Clear footage in complete darkness
View recommendationsBest Home Security with Local Storage
Keep footage private without cloud fees
View recommendationsBest Cheap Home Security Systems
Affordable protection without monthly fees
View recommendationsBest Premium Home Security Systems
Top-tier protection with all the bells and whistles
View recommendationsCompare Home Security
Select 2-3 products to compare side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best home security in 2025?
SimpliSafe is our top pick for best home security in 2025. It scored 9.3/10 in our testing, offering no-contract diy security with professional monitoring.
What is the cheapest home security?
Ring Alarm is the most affordable option at $4.99/mo. It scores 8.7/10 in our testing.
Which home security has the highest rating?
SimpliSafe has the highest rating at 9.3/10. No long-term contracts required.
How many home securitys did you test?
We tested 10 home securitys for this comparison. Our testing methodology includes real-world usage, feature analysis, and price-to-value assessment.
Are these home security reviews honest?
Yes, we independently test all home securitys using our own accounts. Some links are affiliate links, but this doesn't affect our ratings. See our disclosure policy for details.
How We Test
Our team tests every product thoroughly before making recommendations. We evaluate performance, features, ease of use, customer support, and value for money. Each product goes through real-world testing scenarios to ensure our ratings reflect actual user experience.