The Best Home Security Systems of 2019
To help you confidently protect what matters most, we have researched, reviewed, and ranked the best home security systems available in 2019.
How SafeWise Picked the Best Home Security Systems
SafeWise knows home security. Over the past five years, more than one million people have come to us for home security information and recommendations. And we’ve helped thousands of those people pick the best home security system for their homes. We test, research, and compare home security companies based on the factors that matter most when looking at security systems.
Here Are 2019's Best Home Security Systems
#1 Vivint: Best Overall
There’s a reason Vivint put “smart home” in the middle of its name—this relative newcomer to the security game has gone all-in when it comes to combining home security and home automation. With hands-free voice control features, you can do everything from closing the garage door to turning up the heat without lifting a finger.
High-end technology and equipment
Customizable security packages
Short-term contract available
Highly-rated mobile app
Free in-home security consultation
Cons
Higher overall cost
Negative customer reviews
Price
$49.99/mo.
$99 installation fee
Bottom Line
Even though Vivint has only been on the scene since 1999, a strong commitment to providing intelligent home solutions has made it a major player. If you’re looking for more than home security, Vivint offers the most comprehensive home automation and energy management upgrades.
#2 ADT: Best Monitoring Experience
When it comes to home security monitoring, no one can beat ADT for experience. This home security company has been providing home protection for more than 140 years and serves more than eight million people worldwide.
Pros
Fast response times
Outstanding customer guarantees
140+ years of experience
Free whole-home risk assessment
Six redundant monitoring centers
Cons
Long contracts with no trial period
Expensive early termination fees
Price
$52.99/mo.
$99 installation fee
Bottom Line
ADT is the most experienced security monitoring company in the country. Even though prices are on the higher end, years of experience combined with the most monitoring centers in the land assure ADT customers get fast response times and helpful service when they need it most.
#3 Frontpoint: Best Customer Service
In addition to having the best DIY installation option, Frontpoint blows away the competition when it comes to taking care of customers. Frontpoint has an “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau and is one of the few security companies we’ve found that puts its money where its mouth is—you can try out the system risk-free for thirty days. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll get a full refund.
Pros
No-cost DIY installation
Outstanding customer service
Smoke, CO monitoring in basic plans
Works with Alexa, Google Home
Cons
No professional installation option
Higher monitoring fees
Price
$44.99/mo
Bottom Line
Frontpoint puts the customer first. From transparent pricing to knowledgeable customer service help, this security company does everything it can to make sure you get the residential security features you need without any hassle or extra costs.
#4 Protect America: Best for Your Budget
Protect America is the most affordable residential security company to make our top five. It has the lowest monthly monitoring fees, starting at just $19.99 per month—but that price is only for standard, landline monitoring. You can also lock in your rate, which means that your monitoring fees will never increase as long as you don’t interrupt or cancel your plan.
Pros
Lifetime warranty
Many packages to choose from
Three monitoring options
Customer-first policies
Cons
Cheapest packages require a landline
Package and upgrade options can be confusing
Price
$37.99/mo.
Bottom Line
If you have a limited budget but want to give your home and family the extra protection of a home security system, Protect America is a good place to start. Just know that if you want extra features like smart locks, you’ll end up paying more.
#5 SimpliSafe: Best for Avoiding High-Pressure Sales
SimpliSafe has set out to change the home security industry. It doesn’t employ any salespeople and lets you choose the equipment and monitoring level you want. SimpliSafe equipment is modern, sleek, and easy to set up. Best of all, you don’t have to sign a contract.
Pros
Lifetime equipment warranty
60-day money-back guarantee
Customizable plans and equipment
Great options for renters
Cons
Limited home automation options
Higher up-front costs
Price
$14.99/mo.
$374 equipment package
Bottom Line
SimpliSafe has some of the cheapest monthly monitoring fees available, plus high-end equipment that comes with a lifetime warranty. Best of all, this security company doesn’t use high-pressure sales, so you won’t end up paying for more security than you need.
