Vivint is our #1 rated system (9.4/10); SimpliSafe is the top DIY pick (9.2/10). We review 9 systems across equipment, monitoring, value, setup, and support — scored on a fixed rubric with no sponsored rankings.
We review home security systems the same way, every time: equipment quality, monitoring network, value for money, ease of setup, and customer support — scored 1–10 with no affiliate influence on rankings.
Quick picks — our top recommendations
Best overall
Vivint 9.4/10
Smart home enthusiasts, pro install
Best DIY pick
SimpliSafe 9.2/10
Most homes, renters, first-time buyers
Best for Amazon homes
Ring Alarm 8.8/10
Amazon / Alexa ecosystem
Best pro install
ADT 8.4/10
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How we evaluate
No brand pays to appear higher or lower in our lists. We evaluate each system using our published scoring rubric. See our full scoring methodology →
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Best overall smart home security
Vivint offers professionally installed smart home security with industry-leading cameras and automation.
Read full review →Best DIY security for most homes
SimpliSafe is a wireless DIY home security system with professional monitoring. No contracts, easy setup, cellular backup.
Read full review →Best for Amazon / Ring ecosystem
Ring Alarm integrates with Ring cameras and Amazon Alexa. No long-term contracts.
Read full review →Best outdoor cameras / camera-only setup
Arlo makes the best outdoor security cameras in the industry — 4K HDR, wire-free, 180-day battery life.
Read full review →Best for professional installation
ADT is a professionally installed security system with 150+ years in the industry and the largest US monitoring network. Three plan tiers (Secure/Smart/Complete) each available as Self-Setup (no contract) or Pro Install (36-month contract).
Read full review →Best for local storage / no subscription
Eufy Security cameras store footage locally on HomeBase — no subscription required for recordings.
Read full review →Best for smart home enthusiasts / open ecosystem
Abode is the most open smart home security system — compatible with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home.
Read full review →Best value monitoring (price vs quality)
Cove Security offers CSAA Five Diamond certified monitoring at a fraction of ADT's monthly cost. No contracts.
Read full review →Most affordable / best budget cameras
Wyze offers the lowest-cost security cameras with optional AI detection and professional monitoring.
Read full review →Equipment
Hardware quality, sensor reliability, camera specs
Monitoring
Network size, certification, response protocols
Value
Equipment cost, monthly fees, total 3-year cost
Setup
DIY complexity, time to arm, app experience
Support
Channel access, wait times, help quality
Editorial Content
Company & Trust
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