Picking a home security system is daunting! It feels like there’s too much to learn to ever be certain you’re making the right decision. Well, we don’t want that for you, because when it comes down to it, it’s actually quite simple. In this article, we’re going to cut out the fluff and just share basic facts about the three best options. Nothing extraneous.
We’re confident, you can make a good choice for yourself with only the information we’ve distilled here. But if you need more, that’s fine! We’ll send you to the best additional resources.
Alright, let’s jump right into it…
When choosing your home security system, there are three clear winners — ADT and Vivint stand out as the two best options for professionally installed and monitored systems, with experts rating them 9.8 and 9.4 out of 10 respectively. And then for folks who may be short on cash or have low credit and who have plenty of time to set up and monitor their home security, a DIY system comprised of items on Amazon will be the best choice.
Here’s a brief but detailed look at each.
ADT Home Security
ADT is renowned for its robust security solutions and extensive experience in the industry. Key features include:
- Professional Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring with rapid response times. And with 12 centers around the country, all with their own team and servers, downtime is never an issue.
- Customization: ADT offers a variety of packages to suit different needs. And then in addition, customizations and add-ons can be built on to any plan to make it exactly what you need.
- Smart Home Integration: Their services are compatible with most smart home devices, making your security system a seamless part of an efficiently set up home.
- Mobile App: The ADT Control app allows remote management of your system. It is known for its simplicity and effectiveness, having maintained a 5-star rating with millions of downloads.
- Installation: ADT’s affordable professional installation ensures every component is set up correctly and your system is working flawlessly as a whole before the technician leaves.
In short, ADT is ideal for those seeking not only a reliable security provider but the premier. With nearly 150 years of history, a massive crowd of happy customers, extensive options for customization, and smart home integration, ADT is the clear winner in the “Best Home Security Provider” competition.
“Yeah,” you might be saying to yourself, “but how much does it cost?” We’ll get to that! It’s a very important question, which is why we’ve given pricing its own section further in this article.
Vivint Home Security
A close second to ADT, as judged by industry experts, is Vivint. Vivint is specifically a top choice for users who are somewhat tech-savvy and who may be looking for advanced home automation alongside security. Highlights include:
- Smart Home Capabilities: Thorough integration with smart devices such as thermostats, lighting, and locks.
- AI-Powered Security Cameras: Vivint offers cameras with advanced AI technology to actively deter burglars rather than simply catch them in the act.
- Professional Installation: Like ADT, Vivint offers installation with most of their packages, ensuring optimal setup.
- Mobile App: Vivint’s Smart Home app provides easy and comprehensive control over your security system.
- Contract Options: Flexible financing options allow you to afford a more extensive system up front.
Vivint is great for those who want a high-tech security system with extensive smart home features and are willing to invest in a premium service.
Again, we’ll look at pricing shortly.
DIY Home Security Systems
Finally, putting together your own home security system is the most cost-effective alternative to a professionally installed and monitored solutions. Key advantages include:
- Affordability: Since you will be making your purchases a la carte, they can be as inexpensive as $17 if you just by the first discount camera you find on amazon. This certainly has its advantages, but it also means you have to do all your own research and set up.
- Customization: Again, as you’re scrolling through security deals on amazon, you can tailor your system with the various components you need — cameras, sensors, and alarms.
- Control and Monitoring: Many of the tools you’ll purchase do integrate with various apps. That means you may need several, but all in all, it’s very doable and has no monthly costs.
- Scalability: Adding more devices as you need them is as simple as opening up Amazon again.
DIY systems are ideal for budget-conscious individuals who prefer hands-on control and flexibility in their home security setup. They are also ideal if you have bad credit since both ADT and Vivint keep up front costs low by offering financing, which most of their clients choose.
Cost Comparison
Alright, let’s look at prices…
ADT
- Upfront Costs: ADT’s equipment packages range from $499 to just under $1,600. While this may seem like a hefty price tag, it covers a lot of items. And it can be financed bringing it down to as little as $12 a month.
- Monthly Fees: Monitoring plans start at $25 a month, with higher-tier plans available.
- Installation: Professional installation generally costs $99.
It’s very simple and fast to get a quote specific to your situation. We highly recommend this so that you know what your low monthly rate will be.
Vivint
- Upfront Costs: Vivint allows you to purchase their devices individually, so costs depend on what you choose. If you opt for a package, these start at $800 and can be financed for as low as $20 a month.
- Monthly Fees: Monitoring plans range from $30 to $50.
- Installation: Free! (Though you do have to pay if you move and it needs to be reinstalled.)
Like ADT, Vivint makes it easy to find out your specific rate. Find out now, so you can compare with ADT.
DIY
- Upfront Costs: This varies widely, since it depends entirely on what and where you choose to purchase. But on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200.
- Monthly Fees: Usually $0. But you can also choose to incorporate professional monitoring as part of your build and that starts around $10 and ranges up to about $30.
- Installation: None. Since you’re doing it, it’s free except for your time.
Conclusion
In summary and not to mince words, ADT is the best choice for anyone who can afford premium security. But do keep in mind that even though it’s the best, it’s still surprisingly affordable. With a simple equipment package and their basic monitoring plan — more than enough for your typical home — your monthly cost will likely be less than $40.
Vivint is a wonderful second option. It’s more expensive, but you get higher tech, more advanced equipment for your money. This is definitely worth it for some users.
Finally, you can do it yourself by mixing and matching various devices from Amazon and installing them yourself. You may have guessed that this isn’t the route we took or that we’d suggest for most complete security, but it is a very workable plan and is a great option if your currently strapped for cash or if you can’t get financing.
What’s most important, after reading all this is that you pick one. Compared to not having any security measures in your home, any of these options is great. Don’t put your family or possessions at risk by postponing this purchase.
See Today’s Home Security Deals on Amazon