A home security system can reduce the chance of burglary by up to 300% and may lower your homeowners insurance by 5-20%. This guide compares the best systems for every budget and need.
Top Picks 2025
- Best Overall: Ring Alarm Pro ($250 + $20/mo)
- Best Professional: ADT ($400+ + $30-60/mo)
- Best DIY: SimpliSafe ($250-500 + $18-28/mo)
- Best No Monthly Fee: Eufy Security ($200-500, no fees)
- Best Smart Home: Vivint ($600+ + $30-45/mo)
Top Home Security Systems Compared
| System | Equipment | Monthly Fee | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Alarm | $200-500 | $10-20 | DIY, Amazon users | |
| SimpliSafe | $250-500 | $18-28 | Easy DIY setup | |
| ADT | $400-1,200 | $30-60 | Professional install | |
| Vivint | $600-1,500 | $30-45 | Smart home integration | |
| Eufy Security | $200-500 | $0 | No monthly fees | |
| Abode | $200-400 | $0-20 | Flexible monitoring |
Detailed System Reviews
BEST OVERALL
Ring Alarm
Why we love it: Affordable, easy DIY setup, excellent app, and seamless integration with Ring cameras and Amazon Alexa.
- Base station: $200 (includes keypad, motion sensor, entry sensor)
- Ring Protect Basic: $10/month (self-monitoring, video storage)
- Ring Protect Plus: $20/month (professional monitoring, cellular backup)
- Contract: None required
- Installation: DIY (30-60 minutes)
BEST DIY
SimpliSafe
Why we love it: Truly wireless, no drilling required, and flexible monitoring options with no contracts.
- Starter kit: $250-300 (base, keypad, entry sensors, motion)
- Standard monitoring: $18/month (no camera access)
- Interactive monitoring: $28/month (cameras, app control)
- Contract: None required
- Battery backup: 24 hours
BEST PROFESSIONAL
ADT
Why we love it: Largest professional monitoring network, 24/7 support, and proven track record. Best for those who want professional installation and monitoring.
- Equipment: $400-1,200+ (varies by package)
- Monitoring: $30-60/month
- Contract: 36 months typically
- Installation: Professional (included)
- Monitoring centers: 6 nationwide
DIY vs. Professional Monitoring
| Factor | DIY/Self-Monitoring | Professional Monitoring |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0-20 | $20-60 |
| Police dispatch | You call | Company calls |
| 24/7 monitoring | Your responsibility | Included |
| Response time | Depends on you | 30 seconds average |
| Best for | Tech-savvy, budget-conscious | Families, busy people |
| Insurance discount | Maybe | Usually 5-20% |
Essential Security Components
Entry Sensors
- Detect when doors/windows open
- Most important component
- Cost: $15-30 each
Motion Sensors
- Detect movement inside home
- Cover large areas
- Cost: $20-40 each
Security Cameras
- Indoor and outdoor options
- Video doorbell recommended
- Cost: $50-250 each
Smart Locks
- Keyless entry
- Remote locking/unlocking
- Cost: $150-300
No Monthly Fee Options
Best Systems Without Subscriptions
- Eufy Security: Full system with local storage, no fees
- Arlo (basic): Free 7-day cloud storage
- Ring (basic): Self-monitoring free, no video storage
- Wyze: Affordable cameras, optional $2/mo cloud
- Blink: Free cloud with sync module
Trade-off: No professional monitoring means you're responsible for calling police.
How to Choose a Security System
- Assess your needs: Rental vs. owned? DIY vs. professional?
- Set a budget: Equipment + monthly monitoring costs
- Consider monitoring: Self-monitoring vs. professional 24/7
- Check smart home compatibility: Alexa, Google, HomeKit?
- Read reviews: Especially about customer service
- Check contract terms: Avoid long commitments if possible
Security System Costs Breakdown
Typical Annual Costs
| System Type | Equipment | Annual Monitoring | Total Year 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget DIY | $150-300 | $0-120 | $150-420 |
| Mid-range DIY | $300-500 | $120-250 | $420-750 |
| Professional | $0-500* | $360-720 | $360-1,200 |
*Some companies offer free equipment with contract
Common Security Mistakes
- Only protecting front door: 34% of burglars enter through back/side
- Not using the system: Arm it every time you leave
- Poor camera placement: Cover entry points, not just front door
- Ignoring garage: Popular entry point for burglars
- No battery backup: Power outages leave you vulnerable
- Sharing codes: Change codes when workers/guests leave
Insurance Discounts
- Monitored alarm: 5-20% off homeowners insurance
- Smoke/CO detectors: Additional 2-5% off
- Water leak sensors: May qualify for discounts
- Smart locks: Some insurers offer discounts
Tip: Contact your insurance company before buying to maximize savings.