Our 9 Best Home Security Systems In 2020

Protect your loved ones and your valuables from crime-related incidents. We gathered the best home security systems today to give you peace of mind knowing that you and your family are safe. 

Crime rates are growing. If you don’t have a home security system installed, it’s like inviting criminals in. Here’s an interesting fact, according to an FBI study, homes that are equipped with home security systems are 15 times safer from burglary incidents. 

For this reason, home security systems should be considered as a standard appliance in your home. However, most people don’t realize the importance these devices can do for them. But if you have experienced a close encounter with a crime, you’ll realize its importance. 

Home security systems have many benefits. In fact, the advantages go beyond crime deterrence. Some of the well-known upsides are: 

• Reduce insurance premiums 
• Provide another layer of protection from natural disasters 
• Monitor invited guests, kids, and elderly family members 
• Save money
• Lets you manage your pets 
• Can integrate with other home automation devices 
• Very helpful in a medical emergency 
• Peace of mind
• Deters criminals 

How we picked our best home security systems

Each of the items on our list were carefully researched, tested, and compared with each other based on these important factors: 

• Cost 
• Reaction time 
• Installation 
• Features 
• Usability / Ease of use 
• Customer service 

With all these considerations, here are our top ten best home security systems to keep you and your family safe. 

Brinks

The best entry-level home security system 

Pros: 

• Fast reaction time
• Available with nest security equipment 
• Mobile app
• Offers 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons: 

• Contracts required 
• High cancellation charges 

Brinks is the ideal home security system for newbies. It comes with straightforward pricing and a decent equipment package. It has three packages, which include the Google nest security equipment. 

You can install the Brinks system and test all you want for 30 days, and you can decide if you want it or not. Thanks to its generous 30-day money-back guarantee. However, you need to cancel before the trial period; otherwise, they’ll charge you the full amount. 

This home security system has three packages, which makes it easy to decide when you’re looking for a home security system. Its home security equipment includes the basics such as motion detectors, entry sensors, and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. 

Its most expensive package is the Home Complete with Video. This comes with video surveillance, a doorbell camera, and an indoor security camera. In addition, it offers the Nest Secure home security system outside of its contract. 

Also, it offers financing options for the Brinks home security packages and the Nest Secure. However, if you only choose the Brinks home security package, excluding the Nest, they require a 36-month contract. 

Overall, Brinks is a good choice if you want a basic home security system. 

Abode

The best DIY home security system 

Pros: 

• Contract-free
• Ideal for apartments 
• Easy to set up
• Smart home compatibility
• All-in-one device

Cons: 

• Limited functions if you have a bigger home 
• Up-front payment 

Abode is a great choice if you want to monitor your property personally. Thanks to its simplified home security functionalities, everything is squeezed into a one-multifunction device. It involves a security camera, a siren, a motion detector, a smart hub, and a two-way speaker. 

Another interesting thing about this home security system is its compatibility with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other smart home gadgets. You can choose to monitor your home with the Abode mobile app or the professional monitoring for a monthly payment of $20. 

Furthermore, it offers the Smart Security Kit with a single entry sensor and a motion detector. However, this might lessen the number of entry points you can guard. For this reason, Abode is only good for small space dormitory rooms or apartments. 

You can also add motion sensors for only $30 each. Every equipment includes basic self-monitoring that grants you access to camera footage and alerts with the Abode mobile app. 

But if you want 24/7 monitoring, you can opt for the professional security for a monthly payment. You can even purchase this with the equipment to avail of a discount. Since it doesn’t require a discount, you can end the service anytime you want without worrying about the penalties. 

In addition, you need to be aware that you are required to pay for monitoring for a whole year, and it’s upfront payment. And they don’t allow a prorated refund if you want to cancel. 

Link Interactive 

The best custom home security system 

Pros: 

• All plans Include Crash and Smash protection
• Good customer service 
• Allows 12-month contract 
• Extra sensors 
• Includes 48 windows and doors sensors with the basic package

Cons: 

• High termination rates 
• Too many options 

Link Interactive offers customization with its security equipment, even the length of the contract. In fact, it allows a short 12-month contract, which is better than the commonly offered of 36-months. The contract depends on how much you’re able to pay upfront. 

While it offers high-end monitoring costs and early termination fees, the good thing is, you only get locked in for 12 months. Likewise, this home security system offers up-to-date equipment and its highly-commended mobile app. 

Link Interactive gives up to 48 sensors with its basic package; this includes CO and fire alarms. It also offers extra sensors. You’ll also like the grill guard to protect your fingers from getting burned in the stove,  the backyard grill along with the gun lock that comes with a tilt sensor. This involves a three-digit lock to prevent accidental discharge. 

Unfortunately, Link Interactive only allows home automation features for its top-tier packages. Thanks to its Z-Wave equipped devices that make automating locks, lights, thermostats, etc. 

Ring Alarm Security System 

The best standard home security on a budget 

Pros: 

• Three equipment package for only $350
• Savings for a year of monitoring 
• Compatible with Ring video camera and doorbells 
• Offers cellular backup with the Ring Protect Plus Plan 

Cons: 

• No available camera for Ring Alarm security kit
• Restricted alert configuration 
• Upfront payment for equipment 

Ring Alarm is a new player in the home security space. Unfortunately, it doesn’t bring something new to the marketplace. While it delivers solid, basic home security such as motion detection for doors and windows and a sound alarm. 

Moreover, it serves as a standard burglar alarm if you don’t subscribe to its 24/7 monitoring plan. However, if you choose to subscribe to the Ring Protect Plus Plan, you’ll avail professional monitoring with direct help in case the alarm is triggered. 

When you combine the other Ring Products with the Ring Alarm, it becomes a powerful security system with live video streaming, smart lighting, and two-way communication. However, you have to expect that the service will get more expensive. 

Furthermore, you’ll appreciate Ring’s Neighbors app. It’s free even if you don’t own a Ring product. The best thing is it works like a true neighborhood watch that allows users and law enforcement to post crime updates and video clips if there are suspicious activities. 

However, you need to be aware and read all the paperwork from its privacy practices. That’s because it has faced several controversies with its privacy. That’s mainly because of Ring’s partnership with the police department using the footage to identify people involved in the recent protests. 

Blue by ADT 

The newcomer with ADT professional monitoring 

Pros: 

• Contract-free
• Affordable 
• Good pricing 
• Available mobile app 

Cons: 

• Problematic mobile app 
• Bulky
• Costly smart camera 

Blue by ADT is the newest release of the leading security brand, ADT. Blue is the DIY home security system born when ADT bought LifeShield in 2019. One of the best things about Blue is you can get it without an in-home visit and long-term contract. 

Furthermore, it comes with smart cameras, free mobile app, the optional monitoring, and good pricing. On the other hand, the common complaints are the problematic app and bulky equipment. 

While the cameras offer the features of a basic home security system like the night vision and two-way communication, unfortunately, the looks are not that impressive. Overall, Blue by ADT is your best option if you want the reassurance of a trusted security brand like ADT but don’t want to get bothered by the three-year contract. 

Google Nest Secure

The best techie home security system 

Pros: 

• Allows DIY setup 
• Responsive sensors for doors and windows 
• Sleek design 
• Easy-to-use app 
• Affordable monitoring even when combined with Brinks 

Cons: 

• Expensive up-front costs
• Starter package is limited 
• Contract required even with the lowest monitoring package 

Nest Secure is a brilliant home security option, but you could make it better when combined with Brinks’ professional monitoring. It also allows the addition of other Nest products such as thermostats and cameras for a smart and secure home. But it comes with a cost. 

Although Nest is a more expensive choice, it’s still a great DIY home security system. In fact, it’s mobile app is one of the most user-friendly and intuitive apps available. One of the most interesting things about it can perfectly integrate with other Nest devices like the Nest Protect Smoke Alarm and the Nest Learning Thermostat. 

If you have other Nest smart home devices, you can add Nest Secure to give you another layer of protection. It’s one of the best ways to make it more powerful to ensure your family’s safety. 

ADT

The popular home security system

Pros: 

• Quick response 
• Exceptional customer service 
• Wide experience 
• Free home risk assessment 
• DIY option 

Cons: 

• Long contracts
• Costly early termination prices
• Less outdoor camera options

ADT offers the most monitoring centers and widest experience in the security space. When it comes to home security monitoring, ADT is unbeatable. With more than 140 years of service and serving eight million people across the world, no one can beat ADT’s experience. 

With pricing, ADT is a costly home security system. However, it also offers options that ease the cost of equipment, which makes its 36-month contract a little more reasonable. For example, its mid-tier plan for 30 months costs about $1,700. But if you think about it, the average loss due to break-ins costs about $2,800. 

Moreover, when you choose ADT, you’re also paying for all its nine professional monitoring centers. This is more than any of its competitors are offering. That translates to 24/7 constant monitoring, even if the center is experiencing a power outage or natural disasters. 

That’s because your home protection is automatically transferred to the other center. In addition, ADT offers the full DIY option known as Blue by ADT. It’s included in this list. It also supports LifeShield home security systems, including professional monitoring and customer service. 

SimpliSafe

The best home security system for renters

Pros: 

• Generous 60-day money-back guarantee 
• Contract-free
• Affordable monthly payments 
• Best for renters 
• Configurable plans and equipment 

Cons: 

• Expensive up-front costs 
• Limited option for outdoor cameras 

SimpliSafe aims to change the home security space. For one, they are not employing any salespeople, lets you choose the equipment and the level of monitoring. Notably, they got to sleep, modern, and easy to set up equipment. To sweeten the deal, they don’t require a contract. 

In other words, SimpliSafe offers customers a no-pressure full online shopping experience. They also provide professional in-demand monitoring without contracts. While they provide admirable pricing, the upfront cost can be expensive for most of us. 

Here’s the good news. Once you purchase a SimpliSafe security system, they don’t require other expenses. However, it’s best to include the 24/7 professional monitoring to your deal. It’s only $15 a month, and you can cancel anytime without penalties. 

Furthermore, SimpliSafe is ideal for small homes and apartments. Thanks to its simple packages and wireless installation, renters would love this home security package. On the other hand, this might not work if you have a bigger home. 

Frontpoint 

The best on our list 

Pros: 

• Free DIY installation
• Remarkable customer service 
• Offers CO and Smoke monitoring for all plans
• Customizable equipment 
• Smart home integration 
• All plans have access to mobile apps 
• Contract-free monitoring 

Cons: 

• Doesn’t offer professional installation 
• Expensive monitoring payments 

Frontpoint is the best home security system, overall. Thanks to its full-service DIY installation and being known for excellent customer service. As a result, customers tend to stick with them for an average of seven years. 

To sweeten things, it completely eliminated contracts, which means you can avail of its high-end DIY security systems without having to stick around with the contract for three years. And here’s another interesting thing. It’s one of the popular home security that keeps its promises.  If you don’t like their service for 30 days, you’ll get a full refund.