Best Wireless Home Security Systems Of 2024 (2024)

Any number of factors can play a role in determining which wireless home security system is best for you but there are several common ones. Though some factors make sense, the minutiae of those factors can differ between companies and products. Some factors, like brand loyalty might trump others, so it’s important to weigh them all before picking a wireless home security system.

Cost

Most home security systems cost between $200 to $300 but some, like Frontpoint’s Fortress system can cost more than $500. The price of the system will change depending on what’s included in the bundle, items you add that aren’t included in a bundle, plus things like the length of the warranty and how you have the equipment installed. Some of the common cost factors include:

Self-Monitoring vs. Professional Monitoring

Self-monitoring home security systems usually don’t require a subscription or cost money, but if you want professional monitoring, you likely need a subscription and will pay a monthly fee. Professional monitoring can include additional video features like event capturing and video storage for a number of days. Professional monitoring plans can also vary based on the level of service.

DIY Installation vs. Pro Installation

If you choose to install your home security system on your own, you can save some money. Home security companies typically charge around $100 for professional installation. Some companies will charge separately for professional installation and others will roll it into the total cost of your home security system.

Contract Length

Not all home security system companies require contracts but if they do, a contract can last between 12 to 60 months. The longer the contract length, the lower your monthly bill will be. Vivant, Link Interactive and ADT typically have contracts while Abode, Cove, Frontpoint, Ring and SimpliSafe don’t require contracts.

Equipment

Equipment costs vary between home security companies and vary based on the features. Higher resolution cameras usually cost more than those with lower resolutions. Some devices you might want for your home might come as add-ons, which will incur an additional cost.

Warranty Length

A longer warranty length will typically cost more than a shorter one. Warranties for home security systems can range from six months to limited lifetime, depending on the company. Most warranties are either one or three years.

Contracts

Contracts can be a good thing or bad thing, depending on your point of view. Contracts can provide peace of mind for some while others don’t like the inflexibility of a contract. Contracts can sometimes come with discounts, though you might have to pay for an entire year in advance or contracts can come with additional ancillary fees.

Equipment

If you’re a techie or care about things like video quality, equipment can play a deciding factor. The amount of equipment included in a home security bundle can factor in your decision, too. Some security systems include an indoor camera while others make that an add-on. Not all security systems come with a keypad and if that’s an important feature for you, it could impact your decision.

Installation

Most home security systems have DIY installation, especially wireless systems. But some systems require a landline, which might require professional installation if you don’t have a landline. Companies like Vivint and ADT require professional installation and if you don’t feel comfortable setting up wireless connection, you might consider a professional installation.

Compatibility

If you have smart home devices or use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit, you’ll want to find a home security system that has compatibility with one of those systems. Plus, you will want to check to make sure certain devices like smart locks will work with your home security system. Most smart home devices can operate through an app on your phone, but some use a tablet hub, too, so it’s good to check how you can operate those devices with a security system.

Features

Home security systems can have a host of features, most of which are considered add-ons. Things like glass breakage alerts, carbon monoxide monitoring, smoke detection, medical alert alarms, 24/7 alarm monitoring, flooding monitoring and video storage can vary across security systems. If you want one or more of those types of services or features, it could factor into your decision.

Ease of Use

Ease of use can make a big difference. While most apps are fairly intuitive, their compatibility with other devices makes a difference. After all, you shouldn’t need an app for each smart device in your home. Operating them all from one device makes things easier, especially if that hub device is simple to use.

Security

Choosing a home security system can come down to its security and its response to security issues. Security can include the encryption the system uses. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is considered the most secure encryption for wireless devices. You’ll want to check the response times of home security systems to monitoring centers and the systems entry delay time.

The delay entry time refers to the amount of time before the alarm alerts the monitoring center. Most systems default to 30 seconds, but the time can get adjusted. Home security system companies do not track the response time of emergency personnel.

Best Wireless Home Security Systems Of 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one security system in the United States? ›

Overview of the Best Security Systems
SystemADTRing Alarm
Ranking1st9th
Ratings9.8/10 Best equipment and monitoring7.7/10 Best security cameras and doorbells
Installation typeProfessionalDIY or professional
Monitoring typeProfessionalProfessional or self-monitoring
3 more rows

Who is the number one smart home security company? ›

If you're looking to save a bundle on home security components, installation, and monitoring, put the SimpliSafe Home Security System at the top of your list. It's incredibly easy to install and configure. You can also switch between self-monitoring and a 24/7 professional option without worrying about a contract.

What is the best security system for a residential home? ›

Our research: The best home security system for you in 2024
  1. Vivint: The best professional security system. ...
  2. ADT: The most trusted security brand. ...
  3. Cove: The best customer rating. ...
  4. Ring: Best budget-friendly home security system. ...
  5. SimpliSafe: The #1 rated DIY home security system. ...
  6. Frontpoint: Best quality DIY equipment.

What is the downside of SimpliSafe? ›

SimpliSafe offers no support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, IFTTT, or other home automation protocols like some other popular smart home security systems such as Abode's iota. That means little integration with third-party cameras, lights, door locks, or video doorbells.

What are the top five home security systems? ›

More
  • Best Security System: Ring Alarm »
  • Best for Smart Home Automation: Vivint »
  • Most Popular Security System: ADT »
  • Easiest System To Set Up: SimpliSafe »

Why is Vivint better than ADT? ›

ADT is better than Vivint slightly, although they are both top systems. However, Vivint gives users the option to self-monitor only, which ADT does not. Vivint also works with better IoT devices, like Nest thermostats and Philips Hue lightbulbs as opposed to Kwikset smart locks and Liftmaster devices like Vivint.

Who is the leader in home security systems? ›

Summary: Compare the Top Home Security Companies
CompanyForbes Advisor RatingBest For
Ring4.2Best for Self-Monitoring and Affordability
Abode4.2Best for Smart Home Enthusiasts
Brinks4.1Best for Traditional Security with Modern Features
Frontpoint4.0Best for Simplified Security Solutions
6 more rows
Apr 16, 2024

What is better than SimpliSafe? ›

Abode: Best for smart homes

If smart home automation is on the top of your list for security system must-haves, then this smart security system is the best SimpliSafe alternative. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit, Z-Wave, and Zigbee.

Which home security system is owned by Amazon? ›

Ring LLC is a manufacturer of home security and smart home devices owned by Amazon.

Is there a better system than ADT? ›

Home Automation/Smart Home Features

Vivint is the clear winner when it comes to automation and smart home integration. Their devices easily connect to Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant and, unlike ADT, don't require an upgrade to your monthly payments.

What is the average cost of wireless home security systems? ›

Wireless home security systems: Wireless systems cost $200 to $2,000, depending on the number of cameras. You can control these systems through your smart device. They may cost less upfront because they have a simple installation, but they often come with monthly fees.

What is the most secure alarm system? ›

Ring offers two of the best-performing and easy-to-use DIY home security systems we've tested: the Ring Alarm Pro and the original Ring Alarm. You can set up and control either system using the same simple smartphone app, and you can customize yours to suit your preferences with a wide range of add-on accessories.

Can burglars disarm SimpliSafe? ›

Using a keypad and a base station from a SimpliSafe system, and an off-the-shelf microcontroller — all of which cost roughly $250 — Zonenberg demonstrated how easy it is for a burglar to disable the alarm.

What happens if Wi-Fi goes down with SimpliSafe? ›

[/citatino] Thankfully, SimpliSafe has shored up its security protocols since then. The news isn't all bad. An internet outage doesn't prevent contact sensors from sending radio signals to the base station. If your system was already armed when the outage occurred, an open door should still set off the siren.

How much is the monthly fee for SimpliSafe? ›

How Much Does SimpliSafe Cost Per Month? Monthly monitoring service fees range from approximately $10 to $30 per month depending on the plan. With seven equipment packages and three monitoring service plans to choose from, it's easy to find a combo that's within your budget.

What is the largest security company in the United States? ›

Allied Universal is an American private security and staffing company, based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania and Irvine, California. Formed in 2016 by the merger of AlliedBarton and Universal Services of America, Allied Universal is the world's largest provider of private security guards.

What is the toughest security system in the world? ›

The Steranko Security System is the toughest security system in the world, so much so in fact that the Pentagon has called it “Overkill.”

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