SecurityCompassHQ Scoring Methodology

This page documents exactly how we evaluate and score home security systems. We publish our methodology because transparency is the foundation of credible editorial content — you should be able to verify our work.

Quick verdict: Every score on SecurityCompassHQ is produced by a weighted 5-dimension rubric. Brands cannot pay to influence their score. The rubric, data sources, and update schedule are all documented on this page.

Key takeaways

  • 5 dimensions: monitoring quality (30%), equipment value (20%), ease of setup (20%), contract terms (15%), smart home integration (15%)
  • Scores are set before any affiliate relationship is established with that brand
  • Pricing is verified directly from brand websites before each publish
  • Systems are re-scored when pricing, features, or contracts change materially
  • We cover only nationally available US consumer systems with established monitoring networks

Scoring dimensions and weights

DimensionWeightWhat we measure
Monitoring quality30%Response time, Five Diamond certification, redundancy, cellular failover, dispatch accuracy, 24/7 availability
Equipment value20%Hardware cost vs. coverage area, sensor quality, camera resolution, battery life, warranty, financing terms
Ease of setup20%Installation time (DIY or professional), app quality, configuration complexity, customer support
Contract terms15%Cancellation policy, penalty fees, minimum term, equipment financing separation, price lock
Smart home integration15%Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee, third-party automation

Each dimension is scored 1–10 using a sub-criterion rubric. The final score is the weighted average, rounded to one decimal point.

Inclusion criteria

We include a home security system in our scored reviews if it meets all of the following criteria:

  • National US availability: Available for purchase and monitoring in all 50 US states (or clearly documented state exclusions).
  • Established monitoring network: Operates or contracts a UL-listed monitoring center with documented Five Diamond certification or equivalent.
  • Consumer market presence: Serves a meaningful share of the US residential security market.
  • Transparent pricing: Equipment prices, monitoring plans, and contract terms are publicly available — no pricing that requires a sales call.
  • Verifiable specifications: Sensor frequencies, ranges, and certifications are verifiable through FCC filings, UL listings, or manufacturer documentation.

Data sources

Source typeWhat we use it for
Brand pricing pagesEquipment costs, monitoring plan pricing, contract terms — verified before each publish
FCC filingsSensor radio frequency, range specifications, regulatory compliance
UL certification databaseMonitoring center Five Diamond status, equipment certification
BBB complaint dataCustomer service quality signal, complaint resolution rate
Consumer regulatory filingsState licensing, false alarm data where public
Hands-on testing (where conducted)Direct evaluation of install process, app, and sensor behavior — clearly noted in each review

Note on hands-on testing: Where full hands-on testing has been conducted, it is explicitly noted in the review. Where desk research was the primary method, this is also noted. We do not claim hands-on experience we haven't had. Learn more about our testing process →

Update schedule

  • Rolling pricing updates: When a brand announces a price change, we update affected pages within 5 business days.
  • Quarterly score review: We re-evaluate the full rubric for each brand at least once per calendar quarter.
  • Event-triggered re-score: Significant product launches, monitoring changes, or contract restructuring trigger an immediate re-score.
  • Annual full audit: Each January, all scored reviews are audited and updated.

If you believe a score or fact is incorrect, please submit a correction →. We respond within 2 business days.

Frequently asked questions

How does SecurityCompassHQ score home security systems? +
We score each system on five weighted dimensions: monitoring quality (30%), equipment value (20%), ease of setup (20%), contract terms (15%), and smart home integration (15%). Each dimension is evaluated using a structured rubric with 10–15 sub-criteria. The final score is the weighted average, rounded to one decimal point.
Do brands pay to be reviewed or ranked higher? +
No. Brands do not pay for reviews, rankings, or to change their score. We earn affiliate commissions when readers purchase through our links, but these are established after scoring is finalized and cannot affect scores. We have never changed a score in exchange for compensation.
How often are scores updated? +
We review and update scores when a brand releases a significant product update, changes pricing or contract terms, or when three or more months have passed since the last review. Minor pricing updates are reflected on a rolling basis without a full re-score.
Which systems are included in your reviews? +
We include systems that are nationally available in the US, have an established monitoring network, and serve a meaningful share of the consumer market. We currently cover: SimpliSafe, Ring, ADT, Vivint, Eufy, Abode, Cove, Wyze, and Arlo.
What data sources do you use? +
Our methodology draws on: manufacturer specifications and pricing pages, FCC filings for radio frequency data, UL certification status, BBB complaint data, and hands-on evaluation where conducted. All pricing is verified directly from brand websites before publication.

See our scores in action: Browse all brand reviews scored by this methodology, or compare brands head-to-head. Key reviews: SimpliSafe · Vivint · ADT · Ring

Related reading: How we test · Editorial standards · Corrections policy · All brand reviews

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