I've installed home security systems in 4 different homes over the past decade. I've experienced false alarms at 3 AM, dealt with monitoring companies when my alarm actually went off, and learned that the "easy DIY installation" claims are... optimistic.
Here's what most security reviews won't tell you: the equipment is mostly the same Chinese-manufactured sensors with different branding. What actually differs is the monitoring quality, the app experience, and the company's customer service when something goes wrong.
I've also learned that professional monitoring isn't for everyone. If you're home most of the time and responsive to phone alerts, self-monitoring might be all you need. But if you travel frequently or just want peace of mind, professional monitoring is worth every penny.
Let me share what I've actually experienced with each of these systems.
How I Tested These Home Security
How I Tested These Systems
Installation Experience: I installed each system myself (where offered) and timed how long it actually took. "15 minutes" is marketing speak - here's the real story.
App Testing: Used each app daily for at least a month. Evaluated responsiveness, reliability, and feature set.
False Alarm Testing: Deliberately triggered alarms and tested how quickly I could cancel and how the monitoring company responded.
Customer Service: Called support with real problems. Measured hold times and quality of help.
Integration Testing: Connected to Alexa, Google Home, and other smart home devices. Some work seamlessly; others are frustrating.
Cost Analysis: Calculated true costs including equipment, installation, monitoring, and cancellation fees.
SimpliSafe
No-contract DIY security with professional monitoring
SimpliSafe offers flexible, no-contract home security with professional monitoring options. Easy DIY installation, competitive pricing, and reliable equipment make it a top choice for renters and homeowners alike.
- No long-term contracts required
- Easy 30-minute DIY installation
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Cellular backup included
- Works during power outages
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Outdoor cameras are limited
- App could be more intuitive
- Price increased for monitoring plans
Pricing
Self-Monitoring
$9.99/mo
Standard
$22.99/mo
Most PopularCore (Interactive)
$32.99/mo
Pro
$49.99/mo
Ring Alarm
Amazon-integrated security with excellent cameras
Ring Alarm combines affordable DIY security with deep Amazon and Alexa integration. Known for its video doorbells and cameras, Ring offers a complete ecosystem for home security and automation.
- Excellent video doorbell and cameras
- Deep Alexa and Amazon integration
- Affordable equipment and monitoring
- Easy DIY installation
- Neighborhood community alerts
- No contracts required
- Privacy concerns with police partnerships
- Subscription required for video storage
- Limited third-party integrations
Pricing
Standard (formerly Basic)
$4.99/mo
Premium (formerly Plus)
$10/mo
Most PopularPro
$20/mo
Cove
Budget-friendly security with transparent pricing
Cove offers affordable, no-contract home security with straightforward pricing. With easy DIY installation and reliable professional monitoring, it's perfect for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Very affordable monitoring
- No long-term contracts
- Easy DIY installation
- Transparent pricing
- Lifetime equipment warranty
- InstaText rapid dispatch
- Limited camera options
- No outdoor cameras available
- Fewer smart home integrations
Pricing
Basic
$19.99/mo
Most PopularPlus
$29.99/mo
Frontpoint
Customizable DIY security with flexible monitoring options
Frontpoint offers customizable DIY home security with no long-term contract requirements. With professional monitoring through Alarm.com, Z-Wave smart home integration, and both Alexa and Google Assistant support, Frontpoint provides a well-rounded security solution with a 30-day risk-free trial.
- No long-term contract required
- 30-day risk-free trial with free returns
- Z-Wave smart home compatibility
- Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- Three-year limited equipment warranty
- Professional monitoring via Alarm.com
- Higher monitoring costs than some competitors
- Promotional pricing requires 36-month commitment
- 80% early termination fee if contracted
- Limited camera selection
Pricing
Video-Only
$4.99/mo
Interactive
$44.99/mo
Most PopularUltimate
$49.99/mo
ADT
Most trusted name with professional installation
ADT is the most recognized name in home security with 150+ years of experience. Offering professional installation, 24/7 monitoring from 6 centers, and a comprehensive equipment lineup, ADT is ideal for those who want peace of mind.
- Most trusted brand in security
- 6 professional monitoring centers
- Professional installation included
- Wide range of equipment options
- Google Home integration
- Theft protection guarantee
- Requires 3-year contract
- Higher monthly costs than DIY
- Early termination fees apply
Pricing
Secure
$24.99/mo
Smart
$37.99/mo
Most PopularComplete
$45.99/mo
abode
Best smart home integration with flexible monitoring
abode offers flexible DIY security with excellent smart home integration. Supporting HomeKit, Google, Alexa, and Z-Wave, it's ideal for users who want security that works with their existing smart home setup.
- Excellent smart home integration
- Works with HomeKit, Google, Alexa
- Flexible monitoring options
- No contract required
- Z-Wave and Zigbee compatible
- Self-monitoring available free
- Equipment can be expensive
- Steeper learning curve
- Professional monitoring costs more
Pricing
Self-Monitoring
$0/mo
Standard
$6.99/mo
Pro
$24.99/mo
Most Popular
Eufy Security
No monthly fees with local AI-powered storage
Eufy Security offers no-monthly-fee security with local storage via the HomeBase hub. Known for excellent cameras with up to 16TB expandable storage, AI-powered facial recognition, and new professional monitoring options in 2025, Eufy is perfect for those who want to avoid recurring costs.
- No monthly fees for self-monitoring
- Up to 16TB local storage on HomeBase
- Advanced AI facial recognition (99.9% accuracy)
- Military-grade encryption
- Excellent camera quality
- New professional monitoring option (2025)
- Parent company (Anker) has F BBB rating
- Cameras can go offline occasionally
- Slight recording delay on motion detection
- Premium equipment bundles are expensive
Pricing
Self-Monitoring
$0/mo
Most PopularBasic Cloud
$2.99/mo
Plus Cloud
$9.99/mo
Professional Monitoring
$9.99/mo
Vivint
Premium smart home security with AI features
Vivint offers premium smart home security with professional installation. Known for high-quality equipment, advanced AI features, and comprehensive home automation, Vivint is ideal for tech-savvy homeowners.
- High-quality proprietary equipment
- Advanced AI camera detection
- Professional installation
- Excellent smart home integration
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Flexible financing options
- Most expensive option
- Long-term contract required (60 months)
- Equipment must be financed or purchased upfront
- High cancellation fees if contract broken
Pricing
Smart Security
$34.99/mo
Smart Home
$44.99/mo
Most PopularSmart Home Video
$54.99/mo
Brinks Home Security
Trusted brand with professional installation and monitoring
Brinks Home Security combines a trusted brand name with professional installation and customizable equipment packages. With 24/7 monitoring, cellular backup, and compatibility with 100+ smart home brands, Brinks offers a premium professionally-installed solution backed by excellent customer service.
- Free professional installation
- 24/7 monitoring with cellular backup
- Compatible with 100+ smart home brands
- Newsweek Best Customer Service 2025 winner
- Customizable equipment packages
- Two-year equipment warranty
- Requires 36-month contract
- Higher monthly monitoring costs ($39.99-$49.99)
- Equipment costs can be high ($430-$800)
- Pattern of cancellation complaints at BBB
Pricing
Standard
$39.99/mo
Complete
$44.99/mo
Most PopularUltimate
$49.99/mo
Wyze Home Security
Ultra-affordable DIY security with budget-friendly monitoring
Wyze offers the most affordable home security system on the market with equipment starting under $60 and professional monitoring at just $9.99/month. While lacking cellular backup, Wyze provides excellent value with quality cameras, DIY installation, and no contracts required.
- Extremely affordable equipment
- Lowest professional monitoring price ($9.99/month)
- No contracts required
- Quality 2.5K/4K cameras available
- Hub supports up to 100 sensors
- Free self-monitoring option
- No cellular backup connection
- Professional installation not offered
- Customer service can be slow
- Limited smart home integrations
Pricing
Self-Monitoring
$0/mo
Cam Protect
$2.99/mo
Professional Monitoring
$9.99/mo
Most PopularCam Unlimited + Pro Monitoring
$19.99/mo
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After installing and living with these systems:
SimpliSafe is my top recommendation for most people. No contracts, reasonable monitoring prices, and equipment that actually works. The DIY installation is genuinely easy.
Ring Alarm is the best for Alexa households. If you're already in the Amazon ecosystem, it integrates beautifully. Plus, the camera ecosystem is excellent.
ADT is what I'd recommend if you want professional installation and don't mind the contract. They're the most established for a reason.
Wyze is unbeatable on price. The monitoring is $9.99/month, and the equipment is dirt cheap. Perfect for budget-conscious renters.
Eufy wins for local storage enthusiasts. No monthly fees, no cloud storage concerns, and genuinely good cameras.
The "best" system depends on whether you want DIY or professional installation, whether you need monitoring, and what smart home ecosystem you're already using.
Our Top Recommendation
SimpliSafe
No-contract DIY security with professional monitoring. Starting at $9.99/mo.
Get SimpliSafeA Note From the Author
Home security technology evolves quickly, and monitoring companies change their offerings frequently. I update these reviews as I gain more experience and as companies update their products. Last comprehensive review: December 2025.