Systems Cost
Pricing out a home security system can be difficult and confusing. Even when the prices are displayed on the provider’s website, you have to wonder, What is this really going to cost me?
To get started with a new home security system, you’ll pay an average upfront cost ranging between $250 and $1,500+. These costs include equipment, installation, and activation fees, and are one-time, upfront charges.
Purchasing your security equipment is just the beginning. We recommend going with a monitored security system because it truly is the best way to protect your home. The average monthly cost for home security monitoring services is $30/month ($360/year). Monitoring prices can be as low as $9.99/month ($120/year) for basic monitoring, and upwards of $100/month ($1,200 annually) for more premium services.
Here is a comparison of some of our top home security systems and what you can expect to pay for monthly monitoring, activation fees, equipment costs, and length of contract that you have to sign.
| LiveWatch | AT&T | Vivint | SimpliSafe | Scout | Protect America | Link Interactive | LifeShield | Frontpoint | ADT | Protection1 | Brinks / Monitronics | |
| Monthly Monitoring Fee | $29.95 - $39.95 | $39.99 - $64.99 | $29.99 - $39.99 | $14.99 - $24.99 | $19.99 | $19.99 - $54.99 | $30.99 - $44.99 | $29.99 - $49.99 | $34.99- $49.99 | $27.99- $59.99 | $21.49 - $54.99 | $29.00 - $39.00 |
| Equipment Cost | $99.00 | N/A | $599.00 -$1,789+ | $200.00 - $500.00 | $229.00 | N/A | $24.00 - $450.00 | Free | $130.95- $534.88 | N/A | N/A | $0 |
| Activation / Installation Fee | $19.95 | $149.99 | $99.00 | - | - | - | - | - | - | $99.00-$299.00 | $99.00 | $0 - $249.00 |
| Contract Length | 1-Year |
2-Year |
42/60 months | No contract | 3-Year | 36 months |
Month-to-month or 12/24/36 month |
36 months | 3-Year | 36 months | 2-3 Year | 36 months |
Our Top Home Security Systems
Finding, pricing, and eventually choosing the correct home security is a big commitment and you never want to be in doubt about your choice. The home security industry is closely scrutinized because it doesn't exactly have the best record when it comes to its transparency over the last 2 decades. With deals too good to be true alongside hard-selling tactics, many homeowners have been left with a bad taste in the mouth and vowed never to purchase a home monitoring system ever again.
On the other hand, risk mitigation and peace of mind far outweigh the costs or downside to not having a home security system. Luckily, there are companies on the market that have proven over and over that they not only take to heart the unique requirements of customers, but also continually work to improve their product range and affordability. To help you decide if home security is right for you, we’ve narrowed down your options to include our Top Home Security Systems for you to consider.
Having a security system can not only protect your valuables to offer peace of mind but also automate many of your home's functions to make your life a lot easier.
LiveWatch
LiveWatch makes a great choice for both homeowners and renters who want added protection without the need for hard-to-use systems that require complicated professional installation. They also offer additional fire, water, freeze, and carbon monoxide monitoring.
You can select the features you want without having to pay for features you don't need. They offer 24/7 comprehensive security and protection with very affordable plans to choose from, while cellular monitoring ensures that you have a reliable connection with monitoring stations at all times.
AT&T Digital
AT&T Digital Life is a security system developed by the famous phone company that combines the quality product they are well known with the type of technological progress of a company that pushes boundaries.
They offer a compelling alternative to the average home security system on the market with a move away from the modular approach.
Using a cellphone, landline, and a broadband connection, AT&T Digital Life offers some of the most advanced tech to ensure you get the best home security system on the market.
Vivint
Vivint has built a solid reputation for high-end wireless equipment that works, pro installations, and superior customer service.
They currently serve more than half a million customers by giving people exactly what they want - a fully integrated smart house experience.
Vivint offers a complete range of US manufactured sensors and smart devices as well as having their own monitoring centers in place.
SimpliSafe
Most home security providers will do their best to lock you into a long-term contract, but SimpliSafe gives you the choice of system to buy, easy DIY installation, and you also get to own your equipment.
This company guarantees that, if you don't like your system, you can return it and get your money back within the first 60 days of purchase.
If you want a security system without having to sign a long contract, SimpliSafe might just be what you've been looking for.SimpliSafe
Scout
If you're interested in securing your home with some basics, Scout may be perfect for you with door, window, and other motion sensors.
They also offer a no-tool installation and let you build your own custom plan. This can help you choose the options that best fit your home security system needs while avoiding unnecessary coverage.
This type of accessibility is highly desirable by many homeowners because it enables them the flexibility to connect to superior technology devices and ensure their home security is on the level that they imagined it to be.
Protect America
Protect America prides itself on its customisability. Customers can pick the solutions that work best for them, and you don't have to pay for the features you don't want or really need.
They also provide free equipment including a control panel, motion sensors, yard signs, window stickers, and door sensors.
You can access to your security system through your phone via broadband or even cellphone connection. This allows you to monitor your home in real-time.
Link Interactive
Link Interactive is known for its advanced technological security system.
They allow you to use your phone to automate your entire home security experience.
You can control the locks, lights, or temperature from your mobile device. Different plans give you access to different light bulbs, lamps, a garage door remote control, or even specialized thermostats.
LifeShield
LifeShield offers consumers a free system with monitoring for a monthly fee (plus the fee to activate).
LifeShield is great for people who are renting an apartment for the first time. You don’t have to own the place you are living in to get a reliable home security system.
Every security package offered by LifeShield comes with standard fire and smoke protection. Best of all, this comes at no additional cost to you.
Frontpoint
Frontpoint uses a simpler approach to monitoring options. They offer a 100% cellular connection, alleviating the dependency on a phone line, internet connection, or any other system within a home.
One of the main benefits Frontpoint has to offer is its portability for home renters while still offering a reliable monitoring service. Wireless and cellular connections not only make for more safety and comfort, but power cuts and faulty lines or missing landlines are a problem of the past.
ADT
If you are considering which home security system will work best for your lifestyle, ADT home security is certainly worth considering purely based on their reputation and long-standing presence in the home security industry.
This company is one of the biggest companies in the security market, and as a result, is able to give customers much more sophisticated technology than their competitors.
ADT will ensure you have the most up to date and professional experience while protecting your home.
Protection 1
Protection 1 might be the right security provider for you because they have a ton of different options to suit every situation.
This company has been around for more than 27 years and continues to evolve.
They offer top-notch equipment so you can be assured of your home and family’s safety.
They also bring amazing customer service and the option of professional or self-installation and 4 different monitoring plans to choose from.
Monitronics / Brinks
Monitronics rebranded the company to MONI a few years ago, and in 2018 acquired the right to Brinks.
With this company can get enough security equipment installed to frighten off any would-be burglar.
From your mobile app, you can control your lights, thermostat, locks, and more right from the palm of your hand.
Their policies are also very transparent and you get a 30-day trial, so you know you're in good hand.
Brinks Home Security
Brinks has two main packages which you have to choose from, and then you pick your choice of equipment from an à-la-carte lineup.
You can add more door or window sensors, cameras, and motion sensors. There are also various add-ons available, like garage door sensors, and more.
With their smart technology, you can keep track of what’s going on at home when you’re not there, with your linked-up cell phone or tablet.
Best Home Security for Apartments
Apartment living has plenty of advantages over living in a large house.
Fortunately, there are now many DIY security systems on the market that are perfect for renters. DIY systems can make some of the best security systems for apartments.
However, no apartment is completely safe from break-ins or home invasions.
Many apartment renters still want the protection of a home security system, which helps to ensure the safety of loved ones and possessions.
SimpliSafe vs Protect America
Home security systems can be a great way of protecting your loved ones and your possessions. When considering some of the top home security companies around, Simplisafe vs Protect America.
Choosing between these two companies for your security needs depends on what your priorities are.
Every homeowner’s first priority is “safety”, of course – and both companies will give you that vital peace of mind you really need from a home security provider.
ADT vs Protect America
Home security systems have come a long way in recent years, with smart technology on the rise.
When comparing ADT vs Protect America, you're dealing with 2 of the best known and most reputable home security companies around, so you know you're in good hands.
If you want a hassle-free, professionally-installed system that offers the full spectrum of modern gadgets to make your home more secure, then opting for one of these will ensure you will have peace of mind.
With packages that include 24/7 monitoring, cameras, monitors, and more, you're sure to find everything you'll ever need with these 2 companies.
Frontpoint vs Protect America
Most companies will offer you the basics like security equipment, basic monitoring, and dispatch of emergency services if needed.
The difference comes when you want a system that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Perhaps you want the most affordable monthly monitoring system out there, or a system that connects you even in a remote rural area.
That's why it often becomes a natural choice between Frontpoint vs Protect America for many people who want to ensure their home and belongings are covered when they need it most.
Vivint vs Protect America
You can easily control any aspect of your home remotely, as well as have detailed alerts sent to a 24-hour monitoring company.
When it comes to comparing Vivint vs Protect America, you'll be spoilt for choice.
If you have your sights set on a home security system with seriously high-tech smart home functionality, then these might be the providers you’re looking for.
Needless to say, this kind of futuristic functionality is a dream come true for most homeowners.
Important Considerations For Your Home Security System
It's important to remember that a burglar alarm on its own does not constitute a home security system. Yes, it can warn you of an intrusion, but a home security system does more than just alert you when your property has been breached.
Security systems should be built around your unique and specific needs, your home's design, and your budget. The total cover of your property means that you have asset protection as well as peace of mind, knowing that everything you value, including your family and possessions, are taken care of and protected.
Moreover, modern home security systems incorporate a wide and ever-expanding range of products that will serve to not only add an extra layer of security wherever you want it, but also make your life a lot easier. The main benefit of home automation is being able to manage several components of your home from literally any location via a connected media device.
Home Security Cost Breakdown
When it comes to home security systems, it's definitely not a one-size-fits-all. There are so many factors to consider, and ultimately it comes down to three main factors. The type of system you opt for, the company you choose, and your regional pricing trends. However, the are some basic considerations and estimates that can be made in order to get a better idea of what homeowners are spending nationally. On the lower end, you can expect to pay anywhere between $685 - $800 for a package with basic monitoring and a contract. However, it's also important to note that many home security companies do not require you to sign any contracts.
On average, homeowners tend to pay in the region of $700 - $2,000, with a system on the higher end coming at anywhere from $2950 - $4,000.
Equipment cost
Equipment generally makes up the bulk of your price. A basic starter kit consists of a control panel, 2-3 senors, and a siren. You can then add on additional devices as you please, including surveillance cameras - ($89 - $200), motion sensors - ($25 - $50), smoke detectors ($25 - $100), alongside several other devices unique to each company you choose as your provider. When it comes to home automation, your options are almost endless and you will be spoiled for choice while still being able to find top of the range technology to suit almost every need and budget.
Installations and activation fees
Installations will vary and will largely be affected by the company you choose to work with and your regional pricing trends. Activation fees can range anywhere between $0 - $99+. Most reputable companies will offer you the option of professional installations, and while some systems do require it, others may simply require you to place the device wherever needed and plug it in. To get a clearer idea of the installation fees, its always recommended requesting a free estimate so that you can firstly compare prices from different companies, but start to discuss your options with a reputable home security provider that will guarantee peace of mind.
How To Choose A Home Security System
Before anything else, spend some time thinking about your home’s layout. Where is it vulnerable in terms of security? By making a list of all gates, exterior doors and interior doors, you will begin to identify areas that need to covered, or areas that may require an extra layer of security
Also consider how much you want to spend on home security. If your budget is tight, you’ll be better off with a traditional keyless entry system, where you punch a code into a keypad, rather than splurging on state-of-the-art biometric home security that uses retinal or fingerprint scans to grant access.
For every type of home and every type of homeowner, there is an ideal security system that is both cost-effective and a great deterrent to theft, intrusion, and violence. So, why not find the best home security companies online today?