| Provider | Benefits | Base Monthly Price | Phone Number |
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$36.99 | (844) 311-3896 |
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$35.99 | (855) 853-9244 |
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$39.99 | (858) 434-1404 |
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$29.95 for First 12 Months $39.95 for Months 13-24 |
(844) 680-3110 |
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$39.99 | (844) 729-5222 |
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$29.99 | (855) 262-3043 |
Home security is a big deal. As now more than ever, people are focused on keeping their families and property safe from harm. The best way to achieve this and have peace of mind is to have a reliable home security system in place. There are so many options available that it may be hard to sort through them and actually make the final choice that fits best to your needs and preferences.
Wirefly has done substantial research on the top home security systems that are currently available. We've had discussions with industry experts as well as those currently in the field. We've also gathered the opinions of customers who use these systems, thus allowing us to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information available. Compare home security systems below to decide which home security and alarm company is best for your needs.
Wirefly provides detailed reviews on each of the top home security companies. In addition, we have provided some valuable information on what you should look for when searching for a home security system. Our accurate information will give you the best knowledge you need to make the safest choice for your home and family.
We have added customer feedback to our own detailed research to bring you these top home security options. In reading and using our reviews we suggest readers do the following:
ADT has been in business as a leading home security provider for over 100 years. They are well established and widely recognized, plus they are serious about providing home security that you can trust. ADT offers many different features that come with a home security system. These include a theft protection guarantee, money back guarantee, and a relocation discount. Additionally, ADT offers a Homeowner Insurance Discount certificate that customers can present to their insurance companies.
ADT also uses authorized resellers on the consumers' side of things to sell and install their products. Specials vary depending on the individual resellers, including installation discounts. One thing that remains constant is the consistent and reliable home security regardless of where you live.
Related: ADT Security Review
Even with all the benefits that ADT offers, there are a few things they don't offer, which could be considered a deterrent, depending on the customer's needs. These include the lack of a self-installation option, and no particular option for relocation. There is, however, a mover's guarantee which allows customers to get a new system at no charge.
Vivint is a residential security firm that concentrates on home automation methods. The company stands out due to its in-depth home automation approaches. Vivint has monthly charges that aren't as low as those of many of its competitors. The upside, however, is that customers receive additional perks that may be priceless. Vivint offers both basic and premium plans. It's a security company that has a reputation for innovative and fresh technology. Customers appreciate how efficient Vivint's equipment and tools are. They appreciate the fact that Vivint gives them more distinctive product choices as well.
Related: Vivint Smart Home Review
Customers have many good things to say about the in-depth home automation systems that Vivint offers them. They like the ease and convenience of wireless systems. They like all of the notification benefits, too. People who have Vivint systems get touchscreen panel messages, emails and text messages any time central monitoring station disconnections take place. These can all come in handy. Many people can't stop talking about how simple Vivint's home security systems are. Navigating these systems tends to be a quick and hassle-free process. There are also quite a few practical advantages that are part of Vivint security system use. It's not hard for people who have Vivint systems to move to other homes. People don't have to drill annoying holes in their walls to install the systems properly, either.
The positives of Vivint residential security systems are abundant and diverse. People who purchase these systems get access to convenient doorbell cameras that can help them feel more at ease. They get access to cellular monitoring, two-way voice benefits, equipment warranties that last for life and numerous exciting choices in home automation as well. Examples of these choices are Z-wave thermostats, lighting and remote controls on top of door locks. If you're searching for an energy efficient approach to home security, Vivint may be able to accommodate all of your wishes.
People who sign up for Vivint home automation systems can choose between a handful of monthly packages. These are "Vivint Smarter," "Smart Protect" and finally, "Smart Control." Vivint Smarter has the lowest monthly fee. Smart Protect and Smart Control both have higher monthly charges. Although the monthly fee for Vivint Smarter is lower, it actually has the highest activation fee. The activation fees for both Smart Protect and Smart Control are considerably less expensive. There are many helpful features that are part of all three of these security packages. People who select any of these packages can receive touchscreen panels, round-the-clock monitoring, motion sensors, smoke detectors, window sensors, door sensors, yard signs and key fobs. The primary package differences lie in Smart Home devices. People who opt for the Vivint Smarter and Smart Protect plans don't receive these devices. People who opt for the Smart Control plan, on the other hand, get a maximum of two of them. Vivint Smarter and Smart Protect users also don't get the Space Monkey. Smart Control users get single Space Monkeys. "Space Monkey" is a term that describes a cloud storage unit. This unit is capable of accommodating roughly 300,000 images. This translates to a maximum of approximately one storage terabyte (TB). If you have the Space Monkey feature, it will instantly save all of your videos and images. It will give you the opportunity to easily get to them via all Mac, Windows, iOS and Android devices as well.
Vivint, Inc. is a home security firm that's privately held. The Blackstone Group purchased it in the fall of 2012. Vivint doesn't concentrate exclusively on residential security matters. The company provides energy conservation services to households as well. The team at Vivint strives to assist households that wish to enjoy smart and safe daily lifestyles. The name "Vivint" may seem unfamiliar to many people. The firm itself, however, is far from brand new. APX Alarm Security Solutions was Vivint's initial name. APX Alarm Security Solutions opted to call itself Vivint in the winter of 2011. They chose to do this right after increasing the number of residential security services and products they offered. APX Alarm Security Solutions first came into existence in 1997. After a year passed, the firm joined forces with investment banking company Goldman Sachs. Private investments gave the company the opportunity to get stronger. Vivint now oversees more than 850,000 residential alarm systems. The company is headquartered in Provo, Utah.
Vivint revealed its plan to team up with Amazon Echo at the CES 2016 event. CES is a consumer technology and consumer electronics trade show that's held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. This merging will give people who own Vivint systems the ability to employ system voice control. People who have these systems can inform Alexa whenever they're planning on going to sleep at night. Once they communicate with the voice service character, their lights will shut off immediately. Their doors will lock immediately. Their thermostats will go through any necessary adjustments as well. People who have Vivint systems can even recruit Alexa's help when they're feeling cold. The system can make any heating system tweaks for them.
Customers admire Vivint's home security packages for many diverse reasons. People who invest in these systems receive reliable professional installation assistance. That means that they don't have to handle time-consuming and complex installation requirements on their own. If you sign up for a Vivint home security package, the company will send an experienced and trained professional installation expert straight to your residence. Professional installation is only where the benefits of Vivint home security systems begin, however. Vivint residential security system users can reap the benefits of doorbell cameras, cloud storage units and so much more. They also can reap the benefits of full cellular and wireless systems. People who want to have modern, dependable, comprehensive and cutting-edge residential security systems may be excellent candidates for Vivint use.
XFINITY by Comcast is one of the biggest national names in home entertainment, with millions of subscribers to its television, internet and phone packages. XFINITY Home Security adds another service to the suite of options provided by Comcast; the security service can be added to existing packages for Comcast subscribers, or can be handled separately for those with other home entertainment providers.
An increasing number of subscribers are choosing XFINITY for their home security services, especially in combination with other Comcast services. In fact, you can obtain the moat favorable discounts and promotions for XFINITY Home Security in combination with Comcast Triple Play or other entertainment services.
While costs are always subject to change, XFINITY Home Security subscriptions have a base monthly price of $39.95. This amount can often be reduced via discounts and promotions for at least the first 12 months of your contract, especially for subscribers to other Comcast services, like television or internet. Many people join XFINITY Home Security for an initial monthly fee of $29.95, rising to $39.95 after the original promotional period.
Home Secure 300
The basic XFINITY Home Security package, Home Secure 300, comes with a two-year contract. During this time, XFINITY provides security monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with multiple monitoring centers. The system also includes a cell phone app for home control of the system. XFINITY's average response time to alarms with this service is estimated to be 45 seconds, meaning that a monitoring center will contact the subscriber/homeowner within an average of 45 seconds if the alarm is set off.
A $99 installation fee is standard when selecting this service, inclusive of installation costs and a brief in-home tutorial. Security system equipment includes one control panel with touchscreen, three sensors for doors or windows, a motion sensor and a wireless keypad. The control panel remains in communication with the offsite monitoring center through a secured network; it is wired into your home but also uses a battery backup in case of power difficulties. The XFINITY cell phone app syncs with the system and will send instant text and email alerts directly to your phone.
Home Secure 350
The next escalated service level provided by XFINITY comes with additional equipment, including two exterior/interior cameras, two lighting system controllers and either an additional thermostat or camera, in addition to the standard equipment offered above. You can also store video clips with this system and receive instant video alerts in case of an event.
There is a higher installation fee of $399, and a monthly fee of $49.95, associated with this package; discounts and promotional offers may, however, be available for new customers.
Smart Home Technology: Home Control 150
XFINITY doesn't only provide home security services; it also offers a smart home service, Home Control 150, which can be included with a security package or purchased separately. With a subscription fee of $19.95 monthly, Home Control 150 allows remote "smart home" control over the lights, locks and temperature in your home through the XFINITY app. Professional installation is available for $99; however, a self-installation option with no additional fee is also available.
Via the mobile app, you can access XFINITY technology like EcoSaver to automatically adjust temperature settings to reduce energy usage as well as integrate third-party smart home devices with the XFINITY system. Among the devices supported include the Nest Learning Thermostat, Chamberlain MyQ garage-door system, Lutron Caseta lighting controller and August SmartLock, as well as products like smart jewelry, night lights, sprinklers, doorbells and a growing number of products.
You don't need to rely on third party products, however. A number of smart-home equipment starter packs are available for the service, including:
XFINITY also markets additional equipment to be added to your Home Security or Home Control service, integrated with your existing plans. As all of these items are part of the XFINITY line, they will integrate seamlessly with your services. These items include:
There are Android and iOS apps associated with the security and smart-home systems for XFINITY, allowing remote control of your home technology and security system. The apps are available for download on the Play Store and the App Store. You can also monitor your security equipment through a television app that enables live streaming of video footage and allows you to check camera feeds and manage smart-home systems like the lighting and thermostat.
Another TV, Internet, and phone provider that has also entered the home security industry is AT&T. This company has branded its system as Digital Life and has emphasized heavily on home automation.
The standard package for AT&T's Digital Life system is labeled Smart Security which is offered at a monthly fee for $39.99. When a client purchases this system, he or she will gain access to a full time 24/7 smartphone access, home security monitoring, 24-hour battery backup, and professional installation.
Smart Security & Automation is the next AT&T's package, and they offer it at a price of $54.99 per month. This package offers all features of a Smart package, and you can view recorded or live videos, or choose to unlock or lock your doors remotely.
The last AT&T Digital Life package is known as Premium Security & Automation. This plan is inclusive of all features in the Smart package. It is also inclusive of additional features such as managing temperature, detect moisture, and to control small appliances at home for only $64.99 per month.
All Digital Life packages can be accessed through the Digital Life's registered application. However, what you choose to use the app is dependent on the equipment you have. This application manages all home features and security alerts and is vital for the performance of the system. But, this application has been found not to deliver the best results. For the last one year, this application had a rating of between 1 and 2 stars on iTunes, and currently, it has a rating of 2.5 stars on iTunes and 3.8 stars on the Google Play Store.
A customer can qualify to get some equipment after paying a small amount of money. However, if they decide they want more equipment in future, they can add others.
Smart Security
Price: $49.99
The Smart Security & Automation Package
Price: $149.99
The Premium Security & Automation Package
Price: $199.99
The main difference between a touchscreen and a keypad touchscreen is that the controller can either be touchscreen or non-touchscreen.
Digital Life refers to this equipment as their smart lock. AT&T uses a Yale smart lock that has a keypad style for home mechanization.
Although most of the packages offered by Digital Life home security are also inclusive of home services, customers have the freedom of adding service a-la-carte. However, all additional equipment have an extra monthly costs and a one-time cost of purchasing the equipment.
The video camera is the first optional add-on package, and it costs an additional $9.99 monthly fee plus a one-time $99.99 fee for equipment purchased. With this package, clients can view live or recorded videos on their smart devices
The door package is the second add-on package. If you purchase this package, you will be able to lock or unlock your doors remotely. You can use the Digital Life application to program keyless entry codes. With this package one can also set up alerts on the phone to get alerts when someone opens the doors, know what time they were opened, who opened them, and when they were closed. For this package, clients will only pay an extra monthly fee of $4.99, and a one-time garage door controller purchase fee of $49.99, a touchscreen door lock for $149, and a door lock pushbutton for $99.
AT&T's Digital Life also has an energy bundle that goes for $4.99 per month. This package can assist a client to adjust his or her home's temperature using their smart phones. One can also choose to manage small appliances or lights to reduce energy consumption. A client can purchase one indoor smart plug, one light switch control, and one thermostat at a cost of $199.99.
The next offer by Digital Life is water detection. Other companies refer to this package as flood control. To add this package, you will pay a monthly fee of $4.99, and a one-time equipment purchase fee of $49. This package is inclusive of three water and temperature sensors. Other than water detection, there is an additional package called water control. The water control feature fixes problems detected by the water detection package. The price for this service is $9 per month and an additional equipment fee of $249.99 that is only paid ones. This package includes three water and temperature sensors. The water controller enables one to close water sources remotely in case a leak is detected.
AT&T has an equipment protection package that is referred to as Complete Protection. This package offers a lifetime warranty on all equipment only if the monthly service fee is paid. There is no extra fee for this package unless a technician install or fixes some parts. In such a case, AT&T will charge you an extra $49.99 per each visit.
One thing that makes Frontpoint Security stand out is the remarkable customer service that they provide their customers. Their customer service is the strongest of any company and this standard has been maintained since they entered the home security market. The numerous positive reviews are a strong indication that this company is dedicated to providing exemplary customer service and their customers appreciate it.
In addition to top-notch customer service, you will find that Frontpoint Security also offers a self-installation option for home security. This option includes a free relocation kit for anyone that is moving to a new residence. Also included is cellular alarm monitoring by Rapid Response and home automation and interactive monitoring provided from a partnership with Alarm.com.
Related: Frontpoint Security Review
Several factors were key in our determination of Frontpoint's high value and placement on our top list. We are presenting these factors to you so you can learn more about Frontpoint Security and understand what you'll get when you purchase a Frontpoint home security system.
This home security company is a great choice for budget-conscious customers, offering some of the lowest prices in the industry. Protect America uses equipment that is equivalent or sometimes the same as Frontpoint, another one of our top choices. They have an extremely reputable monitoring station, Criticom, that they use for their customers. Like Frontpoint, Protect America offers a DIY installation kit for their customers. There is also a free relocation kit as well.
Every home security company offers some kind of special features to their customers. Some companies have very slim offerings for their new customers, but others have a great value for customers even if they choose not to get all the "extras." Some beneficial features the Protect America offers to customers include:
Protect America does have cellular monitoring available. Although they don't actively market it or include it in their $19.99/month monitoring package, we highly recommend it to all customers for the sake of additional peace of mind and security. One thing that slightly holds Protect America back is their customer service. It is not bad, by any means, but it is not as exceptional as Frontpoint. Customer service is important, especially in the home security industry, and when most other points are on fairly equal grounds, customer service will tip the scales. Protect America is still an excellent company with great value at reasonable pricing. It is good for those who want to get started with a solid home security system even if they don't have a lot of money to work with.
In addition to being one of our top choices, Protect America is also a leader when it comes to the best promotional deal as well. They have a charge of only $19.99 a month for standard monitoring plus they provide you with the equipment for the initial installation at no charge. Other companies may offer a similar standard monthly fee but usually they charge an installation fee.
One caution to the standard $19.99 monitoring package is that having a landline phone is a requirement, and not every customer has a landline anymore. Be sure to inquire about this and see if there are any possible alternatives if you do not have a landline. You can call the company's number or visit the website to take advantage of the promotional deal.
On the surface, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between major home security companies. They typically offer roughly the same basic home security packages, with minor pricing differences depending on the plan or on any one-time specials. They generally require contract agreements, usually between 36 and 60 months. They all have upgrades to home automation equipment and services. They typically offer 24-hour live alarm monitoring, with redundant monitoring centers.
MONI Smart Security has all of that, but closer examination shows some important differences.
MONI has a nationwide network of independent dealers – companies who understand the needs of their local areas and local customers. Because they are independent, their main concern isn’t what’s best for MONI; it’s what’s best for the customer. Since every home or business is unique, a dealer’s philosophy is to develop customized solutions using top-rated equipment and services, whether it’s burglary, fire, smoke, leak or carbon monoxide detection.
Quotes are free, with no obligation. There are three customizable 4G cellular packages starting at an introductory rate of $29.99 a month: Core (home security), Connected (home security with mobile app control) and Comprehensive (smart-home security with home automation and services). Live and streaming video is a favorite feature, whether it’s indoor, outdoor or video doorbell footage. Remotely controlled locks, lights, thermostats and even a garage-door opener complete MONI’s home automation offerings. Systems can also be controlled by popular devices like Amazon Echo or Dot, Google Home, and Apple TV or Watch.
While all major companies offer live, around-the-clock monitoring and alarm response, MONI has made fast response a centerpiece of their protection. Their alarm center staff gets more than 96 hours of classroom preparation, along with eight additional weeks of hands-on mentoring.
But MONI’s biggest differentiator in alarm response is ASAPer, which is available only to MONI customers. When an alarm occurs, ASAPer provides a chat-room environment for homeowners to communicate with members of their call lists, and to stay in constant contact with MONI. They get real-time updates via chat, text or email, and can quickly declare a false alarm if necessary. ASAPer alarm resolution works from smartphone, tablet or computer.
Many companies offer do-it-yourself equipment with self-installation. But MONI authorized dealers provide free professional installation, backed by MONI’s around-the-clock customer care. MONI has also developed a unique “Customer Bill of Rights” that outlines what customers can expect, including up-front pricing with no hidden fees; quick telephone response; low on-hold times; free move service; crash-and-smash protection (a burglar can’t disable the signal by destroying the control panel); extended equipment warranties, easy cancellation processes and an emphasis on customer feedback.
We have provided detailed comparison for our readers. One of our top choices, Frontpoint, is often in our top list, but the others will have different winners for the various price points that we cover. The home security systems have been separated by price because this helps those who are operating within a budget make a choice that fits what they are willing to spend. Please keep in mind that home security is not a matter that you want to cut corners on. Security is the last thing that one should make major compromises on. The old saying that "you get what you pay for" is definitely true in this case. This doesn't necessarily mean that you should go for the most expensive, but don't make price the sole factor in your choice.
You may notice that as the price increases, so will features and security levels. This means video cameras, home automation, etc. You will also find a correlation with varying degrees of customer service and system price. The more expensive the security system, the more likely you are to get better customer service. Our comparison table includes the features that each system offers as well as available warranties and relocation ability, along with other important factors.
The home security industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that has many companies that are all competing for your business. Their competitive tactics include offering promotional deals, special features, and other valuable things you that you can easily compare to see which company is the best choice for you. The list below is the companies that have been included for your research and consideration.
But the above list is not all. We have another list below featuring companies that provide home security systems, but were not reviewed due to lack of sufficient information to provide you. We only want to feature companies about which we can provide detailed information that will help you understand enough about them so you know what you are getting when you purchase from them. The two lists in this section feature national companies. We did not include local companies in our reviews.
Wirefly is committed to our goal of providing our readers with trustworthy reviews.
We've done a lot of research on the home security industry. We have a significant amount of information about many different subjects that you may find of interest. This page is constantly being updated with the most current information. Below you will find more information about home security.
Many companies in the industry really push their wireless capabilities. A dedicated cellular connection is the most ideal, comprehensive form of protection. This connection prevents breaches in security from hacks, breaking the system, or cutting the wires. If any of these things were to occur, the system sensor will the send the alert and appropriate protocol will be followed dependent on whether the monitoring station receives a disarm notice or not.
Home security system companies are known to offer a lot of different types of warranties. Some are manufacturer's warranties and others are just equipment related. Some companies offer no warranty at all while others offer lifetime warranties on their equipment.
Self-installation is an option offered to customers by many home security companies. The main benefit the company gets out of it is the saving in company money in cost and overhead, but the customer can benefit as well. One little-known idea that the DIY-er may not be aware of is that the customer can customize the self-installation system more than a professional job will do. This higher level of customization means that your home will be even more secure. Other benefits include the ability to install on your own schedule, which is a major plus in today's world.
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners who have home security systems is the worry about if they have to move. Most companies address this one way or another by offering moving offers or relocation packages. Some companies will give you new equipment at the location you move to as long as you sign a relocation contract. Other companies may simply provide you with a relocation kit that may include your current equipment. Make sure that you're covered when it comes to relocation and contracts.
Some of the companies we covered offer DIY options to their customers. Home security systems are rather easy to install, presenting no major problems if you simply follow the given instructions. Another plus is that the companies that offer DIY options will help you by walking you through the process over the phone, if you need such assistance. If a problem arises, they are right there to help you troubleshoot and fix it. If you feel that DIY installation is not for you, one of our picks, ADT, offers professional installation so you don't have to worry about putting personal effort toward installation of your home security system.
If you are considering local home security companies, it's not as easy to gather the same level of information as nationally known home security companies. We want our readers to be as informed as possible about ALL of their options, so we have taken the time and opportunity to do thorough research and provide you with detailed reviews on home security companies in many different states and cities. We are continually making additions to this list so check back periodically to see the changes. Check to see if we have covered your state or city in our current listings. It is important to remember that you should get the best security system for your needs, preferences, and budget, but don't cut corners and compromise effective security.
