Whether you own your home or you’re currently still renting before you make that dream home purchase, it’s always a good thing to keep your doors locked and home safe. But what if you could do yourself one better? There are home security system companies out there that do an amazing job at keeping your loved ones and belongings safe with the use of either front door cameras or video doorbells.
You always want to protect what matters to you most, which first and foremost are the ones who are closest to you. Another high on many lists of what to protect are your belongings such as your vehicle and house. Most vehicles today come standard with alarms, unfortunately not all homes do. We want to take this opportunity to evaluate some of the top smart home security systems so you can make the best decision to keep your home safe at all times.
1. Vivint
Headquartered in Utah, Vivint is a relatively new company in the home security space compared to traditional home security companies such as ADT and Brinks. Nevertheless, Vivint has quickly established its brand as extremely reliable and among the very best in home security. Recently, Reviews.org picked Vivint SmartHome as the best overall home security system in 2019. Vivint offers a vast array of top-notch equipment and is undeniably a leader in innovative features. Vivint SmartHome’s most predominant standout feature is the Vivint SkyControl panel. Similar to other security providers, Vivint’s control panel is the foundation of its entire system. However, additional features such as two-way talk, unique user codes, and live camera feeds each help to elevate Vivint’s SkyControl panel above its competitors. Vivint’s pricing structure can be expensive. If you’re interested in basic wireless security systems without too many extensive features, then Vivint perhaps isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for a system with robust smart-tech capability, then Vivint is the best pick!
Features:
- Price: Quote request needed*
- Installation Price: $99
- Monthly monitoring fee $49.99
- Installation: Professional installation
- Standout Feature: Vivint SkyControl Panel
- Mobile App: Yes
2. Frontpoint
Frontpoint is a company at the very head of the DIY home security system trend whose amazing security products are backed by an even better customer service experience. For a purely DIY installation system, Frontpoint puts a noticeable emphasis on its customer service experience. According to Frontpoint, 94% of their customers recommend their services. The standout feature among the lineup for Frontpoint is their Crash & Smash protection. Crash & Smash protection is an incredible capability that ensures that even if an intruder succeeds in destroying your security system, your alarm will still notify the authorities. Frontpoint’s home security systems are extremely cost effective and well equipped. Even if you are not the best DIY person, Frontpoint is sure to leave you a satisfied customer.
Features:
- Price: $130 – $1,032
- Professional 24/7 monitoring for $34.99 – $49.99/mo
- Installation Price: –
- Installation: DIY Installation only
- Standout Feature: Crash & Smash protection
- Mobile App: Yes
3. SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is another mainstay in the DIY home security systems niche, offering affordable products which are all easy to install. SimpliSafe originally distanced itself from average security providers by allowing customers to completely order online and install the equipment themselves. Not only is SimpliSafe on the cheaper spectrum of home security systems, they also offer a standard of quality that is respectable across all of its products. One of SimpliSafe’s standout features is a capability offered only in its upper-level, interactive monitoring package which is its Secret Alerts feature. Secret Alerts are discreet notifications activated by sensors you can install in chosen locations around your home that will notify you by email or text. SimpliSafe’s transparent pricing and ease of use definitely make the company worth a try for your home security system.
Features:
- Price: $229 – $489
- Monitoring price $14.99 – $24.99/mo
- Installation Price: –
- Installation: DIY Installation Only
- Standout Feature: Secret Alarms
- Mobile App: Yes
4. Ring
The Ring company is well-known for their extremely popular video doorbells. The Ring video doorbell is at a quality far above their competition and featured in Consumer Reports. However, at the moment their new Ring Alarm Security Kits leave much to be desired as it currently offers few features. This coupled with the lack of integration between Ring wireless security doorbell cameras puts Ring at a disadvantage amongst its competitors. Their alarm security kits are at an extremely affordable price and should be considered if you are looking to not spend too much on your first home security system.
Features:
- Price: Ring Alarm Security Kit $199.00
- Professional 24/7 monitoring for $10/mo
- Installation Price: –
- Installation: DIY Installation only
- Standout Feature: Video Doorbell
- Mobile App: Yes
5. Nest
Nest’s Secure alarm system may very well be the most aesthetically pleasing security system among those listed here. All of Nest’s products are exceptionally designed with a modern look, especially its alarm system. In conjunction with its sleek design, the Nest Secure alarm system has features that rival the best of its competitors with its ease of use, and also showcased in multiple Consumer Reports. The Nest Tag is an outstanding feature that allows for you to arm and disarm your security system in the most seamless way possible and without a passcode. Another standout feature the company offers is the Nest Aware feature in its Nest Cams that have 24/7 continuous recording and advanced footage review ability of up to 30 days. The Nest video doorbell has a modern design and well-equipped capabilities, while it’s flexible mobile app integration positions it well against competitors.
Features:
- Price: $299 – $1,400
- Monitoring Price: $0 – $29/mo
- Installation Price: –
- Installation: DIY Installation only
- Standout Feature: Nest Aware Video History
- Mobile App: Yes
Conclusion
To some they’re seen as a luxury, to others they’re seen as a necessity, but the bottom line is if you want the best protection for your home and your family, there are many professional security services that can satisfy that need. Just like many other home upgrades, adding a great home security system can protect your investment and even help bump up the value for when you’re ready to sell your house. If you’re looking to buy a house, you recently moved in or you feel now’s the time to up your home security, knowing about what home security systems have to offer today is a great way to start to get some peace of mind and serious home protection. Depending on the level of protection that’s right for you, the features that you value most, and the price point you’re hoping for, one of these highlighted security systems might be right for you. Take a deeper dive into your favorites and learn how you can best protect your house, your family, and your belongings.
