A great home security system can help you rest easier at night and give you peace of mind while you're away. But choosing a system can be challenging. That's why our experts are here to help. At CNET, we tested various systems from Ring, SimpliSafe, Arlo and more to help you make the right decision.
Our Picks
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The difference between security systems and security cameras is that home security cameras are standalone devices that excel at video, motion detection and two-way audio, sometimes connecting to hubs for expansion. Security systems, on the other hand, primarily use door/window sensors, motion detectors and glass-break sensors that you arm or disarm, with indoor and outdoor cameras being optional rather than essential. Whether you're looking for a smart security system you can install yourself or you're willing to splurge on a professionally monitored setup, we've found choices to fit a variety of needs and budgets.
What is the best overall home security system?
We've tested systems for more than 180 hours and nothing beats SimpliSafe's starter kit as the top choice for the average homeowner. It's incredibly DIY friendly while also offering robust monitoring plans for those who want them.
Our other options include kits for every kind of house. If you want a modular security kit you can easily build out over a couple of years, Vivint is your best choice. We also have an excellent self-install option with Ring Alarm -- which doesn't require a contract and has a relatively affordable subscription plan -- plus more picks for gifts, excellent existing smart home support and many other needs.
Best home security systems of 2025
Pros
- Easy to install and operate
- Very customizable
- Great for apartments
- Multiple packages
- Very competitive prices
Cons
- Limited smart home integrations
We've tested the SimpliSafe system several times and most recently gave it a review score of 8.5 out of 10, one of our highest ratings for a home security system. If you're looking for home security -- without all the extra Wi-Fi and smart home integrations of the Ring Alarm kit -- SimpliSafe's easy-to-install, easy-to-use DIY system is a great option. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including equipment like security cameras and a very good mix of battery-powered motion detection sensors, all of which performed reliably well in our tests.
Starter kits begin at $250 without sales (though right now several kits are on sale), or you can build a custom alarm system with the exact mix of devices you need. The security company's monitoring plans start at $10 a month, but you'll almost certainly want to spring for the $30-a-month professional monitoring service plan, which adds in things like 24/7 live guard protection, whole home monitoring, instant app alerts and faster response times.
In all, it's one of the best choices for homeowners looking for their first smart home security kit as it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the frequent deals (currently 50% off for some first-time buyers) make it even better.
Pros
- Seamless integration
- Numerous third-party device integrations
- No contract required
Cons
- High upfront charges
- Difficult to decipher pricing without having to give your email address
Vivint gives you a super-polished experience with third-party device integrations and it doesn't require a contract. The starter package includes only a touchscreen and a couple of sensors, but Vivint works well with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa and supports a wide array of additional Vivint and third-party devices (see our full review for more).
That's great news if you'd like to add a compatible smart garage door, video doorbell or security camera system, but on your terms and timing. You can also adjust your budget based on what you'd like to buy now and purchase later. Vivint is the only brand with this approach, but it has one of the best offerings to begin with a starter kit and build from there.
With monthly monitoring ranging from $30 to $45 a month, it's more affordable than a subscription-like ADT and includes valuable extras like video storage. Unfortunately, these are some of the highest subscription costs on our list. It's becoming less and less common for security brands to charge so much for professional monitoring, but for these systems, if you want the pros to keep an eye on your home, you'll have to pay for it.
Pros
- Regularly discounted and highly affordable packages
- Apple Siri support, Excellent third-party integrations
Cons
- The susbcription isn't exactly deal-friendly
- Starter kits are a little limited
Thanks to Abode’s frequent deals, you can find home starter kits for as low as $100, one of the cheapest options on the market. We suggest going up a step and picking the $280 smart security kit, which adds a motion sensor to the package and expands smart home compatibility to Apple Home/Siri as well as Alexa and Google Assistant. We know it’s not easy to find a home security system that works with the Apple Home app, especially at a low price, so Apple fans may be especially pleased.
The tidy package is easy to manage once you’ve found a place for Abode’s block hub, and DIYers will appreciate the no-tools installation design (which also makes this a great pick for renters). Even with its big discounts, Abode’s system still has important features like battery backups. Abode also has deeply impressive third-party compatibility, supporting integrations with Nest, Yale, Philips Hue, Amazon Echos, Ecobee and more. If you already have smart devices, there’s a good chance they’ll be supported; check out the full list here.
If you’re looking for professional monitoring, Abode does offer it with both plans, the Pro plan also includes cellular backup. Plans start at $70 per year, but saves you significant money compared to the most expensive plan.
Pros
- Complete DIY package
- Easy to add other Alexa or Ring devices
- Intuitive app
- Wi-Fi range extender to help solve issues
Cons
- Not as useful outside the Amazon ecosystem
Ring offers some excellent home security packages for users who want to take everything into their own hands, from picking out add-ons to choosing just the right spot on the wall. This eight-piece starter kit provides four important sensors, a base station plus a keypad, a motion detector and a range extender for those worried about Wi-Fi. We also like the Pro version of this package, but the second-gen kit is a bit newer and doesn’t force you to use the built-in router (we prefer picking out our own routers).
Amazon’s Ring devices include excellent Alexa support, and DIYers will like the largely intuitive management app (if you’ve set up any smart devices before, these app controls will come easily to you). In addition to direct controls and sensor notifications, users can also switch between home and away modes on the fly. If you decide to expand, almost any Ring product will be compatible including their security cameras and video doorbells, so it’s easy to level up.
Two final important notes about choosing Ring: First, in 2024, Ring officially changed its policy on allowing police to directly request user video footage. Now they listen to such requests only in case of a life-or-death emergency, similar to Google and other brands but a noted improvement from their previous stance.
Second, while Ring is very DIY-friendly, professional monitoring does require the brand's top-tier subscription for $20 per month. That’s lower than some of our other picks but still pricier than a cloud storage plan would be.
Best professional home security system
ADT Plus
Pros
- Excellent Nest compatibility
- New ADT+ app filled with features
- New and improved sensor designs
Cons
- Clunky, expensive monitoring contracts remain
- ADT+ will be a lot for those with no smart home experience
ADT has again reinvented its security system offerings in 2024 with ADT Plus, bringing a new app, revamped devices and an even larger focus on the closely intertwined Google Nest. The result is better than ADT has been in years, although the required contracts and extra-pricey monitoring remain. This is an option for those who like Google Nest or already have Google Nest devices (which will be compatible with the ADT system), and while there are self-install options ADT's long-term experience makes it one of the best brands for professional quotes and installation.
The devices are better than ever and Nest integration allows for lots of new tricks like Trusted Neighbor entry time frames that can use facial recognition to automatically unlock doors. But the ADT Plus app offers more than ever, so users new to home security will have a lot to learn.
Pros
- 8-in-1 sensors
- Very affordable
- Integration with Arlo cams and tags
- Easy operation
- No contract
- Voice assistant support
Cons
- Grows much more expensive if you want to add video or monitoring
- Very little third party or voice assistant support
Arlo's system, which performed very well in our tests, offers something different from most standard security kits: It uses an interesting type of all-in-one sensor that you can set to perform different tasks depending on where you want to put it. It can sense motion or when a door is opened, monitor temperature, check for leaks and more. With up to five in a package, you can recruit the system to perform a variety of home duties at price lower than nearly any competitor.
Arlo's plan is necessary if you want something like professional monitoring or 24/7 emergency response, but you can still get a certain level of functionality for free. It also works very well with devices like the Arlo Doorbell and Arlo's new fob for quickly disarming the system. This is an excellent kit for DIYers who already know what they want out of a home security system but also want the freedom to make changes in the future.
Home security systems compared
| Best home security systems: | SimpliSafe (8-piece set) | Vivint Smart Home | Abode Home Security System | Ring Alarm Pro System (2nd-gen) | ADT+ | Arlo Home Security System 5-Piece |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System price | $150 | $500 | $120 | $200 | Starting from $270 to $300 | $220 |
| Monthly monitoring price | $10-$30 | $30-$45 | $25 | $20 | $55+ | $30 |
| Starter equipment | Base station, keypad, motion sensor, four entry sensors, one panic button | Hub, two door window sensors, a motion detector, a flood sensor | Smart security hub, mini door/window sense, motion sensor, key fob | Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, door-window sensors, motion detectors, a keypad, a siren and optional professional monitoring subscriptions | Keypad Hub, sensors, Nest cams/doorbells/hubs, will vary based on quote | Keypad, 5 8-in-1 sensors |
| Contract required? | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Setup | DIY installation | Professional installation | DIY installation | DIY installation | Professional installation with some self-install options | DIY installation |
| Extra features | Customizable system, built-in Wi-Fi and cellular, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Customizable system, integration with many third-party devices, integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Z-Wave devices | Customizable system, cellular backup, integration devices from Sonos, Nest and more, integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri | Cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi, network security monitoring, local processing, storage for all of your Ring devices and integration with Alexa's Guard Plus service | Integration with Google Nest devices and Google familiar face recognition | Compatible with Arlo cams, doorbells and tags, |
| Review score | 8.5 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 9 | Upcoming | 8.3 |
Factors to consider when choosing a home security system
SimpliSafe home security systems can be easily tailored to your needs. Just add or subtract hardware and equipment as you please.
When choosing a home security system for your home, you may be tempted to start by deciding between a DIY setup or one that is professionally installed and monitored. When you consider the equipment, installation, monitoring options and other features you want, you'll probably reach a DIY-versus-pro system decision along the way. Here are some more parameters to consider when shopping around for home security systems:
Equipment and installation
Do you just need to keep watch over your entryways? A good video doorbell for your front door and an outdoor camera covering the back may be all you need; easy to install and monitor yourself. If you want to keep closer tabs on your home inside and out with 24/7 monitoring and quick access to emergency response services, you'll want a more robust system. DIY and professional brands offer home security bundles with most, if not all, of the equipment you'd need to get started and the ability to add single devices as needed.
Most home security devices are compatible with Alexa and Google Home smart hubs, but if you prefer Apple HomeKit or another smart home ecosystem, you may have to do a bit more shopping and comparing to find a system compatible with your existing smart home devices. Don't fret over compatibility too much as Matter is making it easier to connect previously non-compatible devices (although it hasn't quite come for security cameras yet).
Keep in mind all that equipment will need to be installed. While there isn't much to installing a security camera or even a wired video doorbell, whole-home systems can be a bit more demanding to install and set up. Some are DIY-friendly and use adhesive to position devices without leaving permanent marks, but not all systems do this. If you'd rather leave that to an expert and have them walk you through how to use the system, a professional home security service may be the way to go.
Monitoring, alerts and emergency features
Arlo's app is simple and intuitive to use.
Virtually all home security systems allow for self-monitoring, likely via an app on your phone. They'll also send you push notifications when there's an event, such as when a package is delivered to your doorstep.
Consider whether you want to be in charge of all the monitoring or if you'd like some support. A professional system will come with 24/7 monitoring, but you may be able to add professional monitoring to your DIY system for a fee, depending on the brand you choose.
More advanced features, such as facial recognition, glass break sensors and communication with emergency services may not be available from all manufacturers and devices. Consider the level of monitoring you want, and who you want to do it, along with the emergency response options, when choosing a home security system.
Costs, upfront and ongoing
We listed "cost" last here for a reason. A complete home security system will likely cost you at least a couple of hundred bucks, so be prepared for that. There's the potential to spend lots more on equipment, or a lot less. Also, keep in mind that the size of the system greatly affects the cost. Starter systems like many we listed here typically cost between $150 and $300, and allow you to add other compatible devices over time. Larger systems with 10 devices or more will cost at least several hundred dollars and can go up to $1,000 or more, depending on the tech that's included.
Ongoing costs can carry a bit more weight when choosing the best security system. Expect ongoing monthly fees from a professional service and possibly a contract to lock you into those fees for a year or two (although we favored picks without a required contract). Signing a contract may not be ideal, but it may also come with free equipment or installation and lower upfront costs.
If you're comfortable with self-monitoring, DIY systems may not come with any ongoing costs. Monthly subscriptions (without a contract) for cloud storage, enhanced features and possibly even professional monitoring are typically an option with DIY systems, often for lower monthly fees than professional services.
Privacy and security
Always look for a brand that's going to keep your data safe and has a good track record of security, encryption and protection against data breaches. That's not always easy -- many security companies have had issues in the past with breaches, privacy violations or even employees spying through home security cameras.
We look at a company's current practices, track record and how they've been improving in the past few years when making recommendations. SimpliSafe is consistently one of the standout performers when it comes to security, which is one reason they earned a top spot on our list. While Ring has had missteps in the past, it's improved in recent years and has even retracted its policy on providing police with video footage, so we feel comfortable recommending Ring at this time.
How we test home security systems
Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to the best home security systems, we pay special attention to the user experience, the promised features, reliability and overall value, along with a few other elements. We do the testing in a real home environment over at least a full week. This includes testing sensors at common access points, seeing how systems arm and disarm, and finding out how voice controls and smart device integration work with the app. Along the way, we keep a careful eye on durability and design quality so we avoid recommending any shoddy products.
To read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
The Ring Alarm Pro offers a slew of excellent features -- and we tested every one of them.
What's new in home security systems?
Three trends in particular interest us when it comes to the latest home security developments:
Continuing Matter support: As Matter and Thread continue to spread through the smart home, more and more security systems are adopting the new standards, which improve security and allow for more flexible control of systems. It’s a slow process, partly because these brands have their own platforms for system management and partly because Matter has taken a long time to release protocols for key parts of home security like video cameras. But it’s coming, and Matter support is now something people should be looking for in home security systems.
More face recognition: From SimpliSafe to Google Nest and ADT’s Trusted Neighbor, more security systems are adopting face recognition as a way to manage access. That means that users can add a profile of faces and let video doorbells or home cameras recognize faces and respond accordingly -- through customized alerts, or by unlocking a smart lock for certain people. Privacy concerns remain about using face profiles, especially outside your family members, but this technology is here to stay and expanding.
New integrations and new systems: Long-term brands have begun reviving their product lines with sleeker, faster products. ADT, for example, has released ADT Plus with a new platform and product line, sporting more integrations with Google Nest devices than ever before. SimpliSafe has launched a new guard program that takes more advantage of human and face recognition when using professional monitoring. Brands that aren’t launching new versions of their systems are in danger of falling behind the times.
Other home security systems we've tested
Besides the systems above, we've tested many of the top competitors, including Abode Iota, Frontpoint, Kangaroo, Cove and ADT. DIY systems Frontpoint, Cove and Kangaroo all had features to recommend them. Frontpoint's system is reliable, and its hardware is reasonably priced, but its $45 monthly monitoring fee is too expensive. Kangaroo, by contrast, is incredibly wallet-friendly, but its doorbell camera is terrible. Cove Home Security, despite reasonable hardware prices, fell to an overly restrictive subscription model that doesn't allow for self-monitoring or app access without significant monthly fees.
ADT, one of the biggest brands we've tested, was broadly disappointing. It's too expensive, requires a contract and the app is clunky. We've also tested AT&T Digital Life, although we've removed the system from consideration since the company stopped installing it for new customers.
As for Wyze, we appreciate its excellent budget home security offerings, but we're holding off on recommending it at this time. Wyze has been struggling with frequent security vulnerabilities in recent years, a problem it doesn't seem to have under control. If we see signs that Wyze is making strides in privacy and security, we'll consider its newest systems for our list.
