Best Home Security Systems of 2026

What We Love

Vivint excels in smart home integration. It offers seamless automation with features like smart locks, thermostats, and cameras, all controllable via mobile apps. The brand has built a reputation for offering high-tech and personalized security solutions.

Good fit if: You want high-end hardware and automation with professional setup and don’t mind higher ongoing costs.

Not ideal if: You want a no-contract or lower-monitoring-fee solution, or prefer DIY installation.

Cost Information

• Equipment & professional setup typically runs about $599 to $1,200+ depending on package and number of devices.
• Monitoring plans with 24/7 professional response generally cost $39 to $49 per month.
• Contract terms may vary, and promotional pricing may apply.

Despite pricy equipment, financing options up to 60 months are available for those choosing a long-term contract, making the system financially accessible.

Best System

The Vivint Smart Home system is its flagship offering, offering full automation, doorbell cameras, and integration with popular smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home.

What We Love

SimpliSafe delivers flexible DIY security that scales easily and allows you to choose self-monitoring or professional monitoring without a contract. Monitoring features like “Active Guard” deliver AI-assisted intrusion response on higher-tier plans.

Good fit if: You want flexible DIY installation, transparent pricing, and no forced contracts.

Not ideal if: You need professional installation or high-end automation features out of the box.

Cost Information

• Equipment often starts around $250 to $500+ for starter systems but can expand with cameras and sensors.
• Professional monitoring plans typically start around $31.99/month and rise for advanced features.

SimpliSafe presents an affordable, yet comprehensive home security solution, making robust protection financially accessible to various homeowners.

Best Package

The 12-piece “Knox” package is popular, offering motion sensors, entry sensors, and a base station for large homes.

What We Love

ADT is one of the most well-known brands in home security. With more than 150 years in the business, they offer robust DIY and professionally installed systems, plus some of the most reliable monitoring services in the industry.

Good fit if: You want trusted professional monitoring and a full suite of smart home integrations.

Not ideal if: You dislike long contracts or want purely DIY security.

Cost Information

ADT security systems range from affordable DIY starter kits to professionally installed options. Equipment costs typically start around $199, while professional monitoring generally starts at $24.99 per month and can go up to $49.99 to $64.99 per month with video and smart home features.

Best Package

We recommend ADT Plus (ADT+) for homeowners who want professional monitoring and smart home control in one integrated system. It works seamlessly with Google Nest devices and the ADT+ app, allowing you to manage security, view live video, and receive real-time alerts from anywhere.

What We Love

Cove offers a straightforward DIY home security solution, enabling users to install and personally monitor their system via text through InstaText and LiveAssist, providing direct, immediate alerts and communication with emergency services. With a 60-day risk-free trial and no requirement for a contract, Cove provides a simple, commitment-free security option for those desiring basic protection without the complexity of larger systems.

Good fit if: You want a low-cost, contract-free security system that still includes professional monitoring.

Not ideal if: You want advanced smart home automation or extensive high-end equipment.

Cost Information

• DIY system components and hub typically total around $350 to $600.
• Professional monitoring runs $19.99 to $29.99 per month, with cellular backup included and no contract requirement.

Without requiring a contract and offering a risk-free trial, Cove presents a financially accessible and low-risk security option for those seeking straightforward, uncomplicated home protection.

Best Feature

The Cove Touch Alarm Panel is a highlight, offering intuitive touchscreen controls for easy use.

What We Love

Guardian Protection‘s long-standing reputation in the home security industry is bolstered by its commitment to providing tailored security solutions. With over seven decades of experience, the company offers a variety of packages that combine intrusion detection, fire safety, and home automation features. Their professional installation ensures that systems are customized to each home’s specific needs, and their 24/7 monitoring service provides peace of mind to homeowners.

Good fit if: You want a fully customizable, pro-installed system with strong monitoring and home automation.

Not ideal if: You want a low-cost DIY system or no monthly fees.

Cost Information

• Upfront equipment and installation often run around $1,000 to $2,500+ depending on technology and components.
• Professional monitoring typically costs $34.95 to $59.99 per month with cellular backup.

Financing options are available to help manage these expenses. It’s important to note that a three- to five-year monitoring agreement is typically required, and the service area is limited to certain regions.

Best Package

One of Guardian Protection’s standout offerings is “The Works” package, which provides whole-home connectivity by integrating smart devices such as video doorbells, smart door locks, and garage door openers. This comprehensive package not only enhances security but also adds convenience through seamless home automation, making it a top choice for tech-savvy homeowners seeking an all-inclusive security solution.

What We Love

Frontpoint’s DIY install system provides reliable hardware with a 30-day guarantee. Its professional monitoring via cellular and app control adds a layer of protection, and equipment often goes on sale, lowering upfront costs.

Good fit if: You want a mid-range DIY system backed by strong support and monitoring.

Not ideal if: You want the lowest monitoring cost or a true no-contract option.

Cost Information

• Equipment packages typically range from $69 to $600+ depending on bundle size.
• Monitoring plans usually start around $44.99 per month with cellular backup.

The brand facilitates user investment by offering financing options to mitigate upfront equipment costs, making it a financially accessible and reliable home security solution.

Best Package

The Safe Home Preferred Package includes 13 pieces of equipment, ideal for comprehensive home protection.

What We Love

Ring provides modular DIY kits that let you build up from doorbell cameras to a full home system. Basic self-monitoring is very low-cost, and optional professional monitoring starts under typical provider plans.

Good fit if: You want incremental, app-centric security with Alexa integration and low entry cost.

Not ideal if: You need deep professional monitoring or enterprise-grade systems.

Cost Information

• Equipment often ranges from $99 to $700+ depending on kit.
• Professional monitoring starts around $3 to $20 per month for optional plans.

Ring’s low entry price makes it a budget-friendly option for those seeking to gradually build a comprehensive security system without a hefty initial investment.

Best Model

The Ring Alarm Pro is their flagship model, offering a comprehensive DIY security system with 24/7 monitoring and Alexa compatibility.

What We Love

Brinks Home offers robust monitoring and compatibility with Alarm.com’s ecosystem, enabling remote access and integration with smart devices. It strikes a balance between DIY setup and professional response.

Good fit if: You want flexible DIY install with strong professional monitoring and smart home features.

Not ideal if: You want the cheapest monitoring fees or true contract-free monitoring.

Cost Information

• Equipment packages often cost between $399 and $799+ depending on components.
• Monthly professional monitoring typically ranges from $40 to $55+ with cellular backup.

Brinks offers a reliable security solution, albeit with requisite contracts, ensuring users benefit from its extensive security expertise and reputation.

Best Package

The Smart Security Complete is their flagship package, offering smart door locks, cameras, and advanced security monitoring.

What We Love

Xfinity Home can be a convenient choice if you already use Xfinity services; installation and monitoring are coordinated with your internet/cable account, making it easy to manage.

Good fit if: You want bundling with existing services and straightforward setup.

Not ideal if: You don’t use Xfinity or want flexible contract terms.

Cost Information

• Equipment packages often run about $299 to $499+.
• Professional monitoring typically runs $30 to $40 per month.

Xfinity provides a seamlessly integrated and robust security solution, though it does require a standard two-year contract and professional installation of all sensors.

Best System

The Complete Home System is their top offering, which integrates smart devices, cameras, and full home automation.

What We Love

Deep Sentinel’s standout is its live guard model, which uses AI to verify threats and dispatch human monitors to intervene — a higher level of active response than typical alarm alerts.

Good fit if: You want top-tier live monitoring and rapid response specialist coverage.

Not ideal if: You want the most affordable ongoing cost or a basic DIY setup.

Cost Information

• Equipment often starts around $499+ for starter kits.
• Monitoring with active guard/live monitoring typically costs around $60 per month.

Deep Sentinel offers a technologically advanced, human-monitored security solution, allowing users to customize kits and manage installation independently, providing a blend of high-tech and traditional security.

Best System

The AI Guard Surveillance System is their flagship offering, designed to proactively detect and prevent threats with live video monitoring.