These security systems work best with other Internet of Things devices and voice assistants, according to our experts.
Home automation and smart home systems started out as luxuries for those who had the extra budget to smarten up their homes. But today, we’d say that home automation is a must-have. Thermostat Of A Fridge
It’s still on a case-to-case basis – some might benefit more from a highly-advanced smart home security system, while others might just get baffled by the technology. Still, we recommend having at least some form of automation to enhance your home security.
That’s where this guide comes in. If you search the market for a smart security system, you’ll find lots of different options. We’ve actually tested many of these systems, so we can lead you to the best smart security systems. We’re not going to tell you which one is best for you – that’s for you to decide on – but we narrowed down your choices to these six smart security systems.
ADT has a knack for taking the latest in technology and using it to deliver the best-possible user-experience. The ADT Control system is a prime example.
ADT Control checks all the right boxes when it comes to smart home technology. It integrates with hundreds (possibly thousands) of smart home devices via Z-Wave, Zigbee, and other popular automation standards. It works with the two most popular voice assistants, Google Assistant and Alexa. It also has unique automation controls that you can access right on the included touchscreen control panel.
The state-of-the-art ADT Control app ties all those features together. There, you can create automated actions, control your smart home devices remotely, monitor statuses of your sensors and smart home devices, and manage your entire smart home security system. ADT is one of the best security systems with an app, and thanks to that very same app, ADT can make your home smarter and more secure.
Wireless ADT systems under the ADT Control brand use a touchscreen control panel. The slim, wall-mounted device uses Z-Wave to connect to sensors and smart home devices wirelessly, and then gives you complete control over everything connected to it.
Here’s a sample platter of ADT equipment compatible with the ADT Pulse and ADT Control systems.
At the center of our ADT security system was the ADT Control app, an all-in-one app where we controlled, managed, and monitored everything connected to our ADT system. Beyond letting us arm and disarm ADT remotely, it let us automate and control the smart home devices we had connected to the system. Chilly nights? No problem; we just turned up the thermostat before heading home and we arrived in a perfectly warm living room.
Are there any downsides? Well, if you’re looking to create a smart home security system using ADT equipment, you’ll have to shell out quite a bit of money. Of the three ADT packages available online, only two offer smart home capabilities, and they are the two most expensive in the lineup.
You’ll also have to pay a slightly higher monthly fee, especially if you’ll add security cameras, but we’re not talking about “out-of-reach” expensive here. At most, you’ll be paying about $15 per month more than the basic ADT package. That’s a good deal considering that that extra cost will go into smart home features and security camera monitoring.
In sum, the ADT Control systems are flexible. They can protect you from intruders, monitor your home for environmental hazards, control smart security equipment like smart locks and garage door controllers, and improve your quality of life by automating your home security.
FYI: ADT launched a DIY security system, called ADT Self Setup. This new system uses a different app that’s more focused on home automation and integrations with third-party products. Right from the start, it integrates well with Google Nest security cameras and smart thermostats.
Vivint is a longtime leader in smart home security. Everything about Vivint looks and feels smart. From the touchscreen control panel that controls every component to its AI-powered outdoor cameras, Vivint uses nothing but top-notch hardware.
Vivint is a sophisticated smart security system that requires professional installation, but once it’s set up, you can customize it to your heart’s content. You can pair smart home gadgets like smart thermostats and smart lights, create custom schedules and rules, and even automate certain functions of the system.
With Vivint, you are completely in the driver’s seat. You control the system through any of the available control options – the Vivint app, the touchscreen control panel, key fobs, or even Alexa or Google Assistant smart speakers and displays.
Of course, as a security system, Vivint is fully-equipped to monitor for intrusions and other home hazards like fire and gas leaks. You’ll get professional monitoring starting at $39.99 per month, which we think is a good price given how smart the system is. However, note that adding security cameras and home automation could increase your monthly fee to around $60.
A Vivint security home system lets you control equipment in three ways:
The Vivint Smart Hub comes with a built-in Z-Wave chip to give you endless add-on options. Basically, if you have existing Z-Wave smart home products, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to pair, control, and even automate them with Vivint.
You’ll also be able to integrate any of Vivint’s security cameras into your security system, allowing for a more seamless monitoring experience. Vivint offers three camera options, detailed below along with a couple of popular Vivint smart home products.
In sum, Vivint is a top-of-the-line option for smart home security. The hardware and software both have a premium feel to them, and everything is tied seamlessly into the touchscreen control panel and Vivint app. Plus, with professional installation, you can rest easy knowing that everything is set up the way it should be.
Any drawbacks? Well, premium features come with a premium price tag. Besides higher than average equipment prices, you’ll need an on-going subscription to Vivint monitoring to use the Vivint system, and monitoring contracts can be as long as five years. Also, when the contract ends and you don’t renew, it will be hard to find another company that monitors Vivint equipment. Vivint makes its own equipment, so everything is proprietary.
Advanced smart home features are not for everybody, so if you’re looking for a more straightforward option that still offers some level of home automation, then we recommend SimpliSafe.
SimpliSafe is a budget-friendly, entry-level smart home security system. Its security features are impressive, and its affordable pricing and flexible monitoring options are even more so. While it’s not as advanced as ADT or Vivint in terms of home automation, you still get access to voice controls thanks to SimpliSafe’s Google Assistant and Alexa integrations.
There’s just one downside: Smart home integrations are only possible if you sign up for a monitoring subscription, and not just any subscription, but SimpliSafe’s most expensive plan. It’s called the Fast Protect plan and it costs $29.99 per month.
That said, considering that other smart security systems including our top picks ADT and Vivint require a professional monitoring plan as well, that’s not such a bad thing for SimpliSafe. Moreover, the $29.99 monthly pricing is below the market average. Most providers charge upwards of $40 for similar features, so overall, SimpliSafe is still very competitive.
Here’s a short comparison between that SimpliSafe Interactive plan and the smart home security subscriptions we typically see.
Aside from working with Google Assistant, SimpliSafe also works with Nest thermostats, another smart product from Google. We paired our Nest Learning Thermostat with the system, and we were able to control it using the SimpliSafe app.
Full disclosure: SimpliSafe’s smart home features aren’t the most advanced. For example, you can’t pair smart lights or smart locks directly with the SimpliSafe base station. You can’t create automations through the SimpliSafe app either.
That being said, SimpliSafe is the most affordable option if you want a smart home system built around a voice assistant. And there’s an advantage to that. A home security contract typically lasts for three to five years, after which, there’s likely going to be a better option. Chances are, you’re going to want to upgrade to the latest and most advanced home security system, and if your smart home is built around your security system, you’d have to upgrade your smart home gadgets as well.
With SimpliSafe and either Alexa or Google Assistant, you can upgrade your home security system and smart home system independently, saving you big bucks in the long run. For example, if a new SimpliSafe system comes out in the future, you can upgrade to it while keeping your smart home gadgets.
SimpliSafe’s integration with voice assistants allow you to control your security system with your voice. With either Alexa or Google Assistant, you can arm and disarm your system or check the status of your sensors. You can also control SimpliSafe alongside other smart home products using routines, schedules, or automation rules. You’ll access those features through your voice assistant app, however, rather than the SimpliSafe app.
Much like SimpliSafe, abode is a DIY security system with optional and contract-free monitoring options. Unlike SimpliSafe, abode’s smart home features don’t require a monitoring plan. They just work out of the box.
Moreover, abode’s third-party integration is impressive, and that’s why it’s the best DIY smart home security system. In addition to working with Z-Wave products, Alexa, and Google Assistant, abode works with Zigbee smart home products too. And with more smart home options, abode lets you create a more personalized smart home security system for your home.
As an Abode security system owner, you’ll set up the equipment yourself without the need for special skills. The simplest option is an all-in-one plug-in system with optional add-ons. Thus if your home is small, you could accomplish setup within 30 minutes. However, you can add up to 160 sensors to a hub.
The free Abode mobile app lets you remotely control the system, plus it saves security footage short-term. You can add longer-term video storage ($8/month) or pro monitoring with video storage ($20/month) anytime.
Abode gives two choices for smart home hubs. Whichever you choose, it will work with Z-Wave and Zigbee.
The first option and the one we recommend is the iota security tower. This hub comes equipped with a 1080p HD security camera, a wide-angle motion sensor, a siren, and two-way audio. It offers all that while also functioning as a smart home security hub that connects and controls abode security systems.
The second option, which came out before the iota tower, is the Gateway. It functions as a hub, but it doesn’t offer all those extra features that the iota does. That said, it can monitor and control up to 151 abode and compatible devices from third parties.
Here are examples of smart home sensors compatible with the base stations:
That’s just a small sampling. The Abode security hub can also monitor video doorbells, outdoor security cameras, electronic window blinds, video screens, and other devices.
Ring is best known for its top-notch video doorbells, but it also sells smart security systems in the form of the Ring Alarm and Ring Alarm Pro. Both are Z-Wave systems with cutting-edge features and technology.
One of Ring Alarm’s biggest draw is its unique partnership with Alexa, perhaps the most popular smart home voice assistant rivaled only by Google Assistant. Amazon owns both Alexa and Ring, and as such, the Ring Alarm is positioned as the best smart home security system compatible with Alexa.
Monthly payment isn’t required to keep a Ring Alarm system running. For instance, for free you can get text alerts and remotely view live camera footage. However, payment of $3 and up per month lets you save footage from Ring doorbells and other security cameras.
For $20 per month you can save video and get professional 24/7 monitoring of alerts as well.
The Ring base station can monitor up to 100 devices. You can choose the elements individually or get a Ring Alarm starter set ($199 and up). Here are some popular add-ons:
All in all, Ring is a flexible smart home solution with a straightforward DIY setup and easy control with Alexa. Paid video storage is affordable at just $3 per month for one camera, and for $200 per year (or $20 per month) you can get pro monitoring for the Ring Alarm and cloud storage for all your Ring cameras.
We’ll be frank here: Cove isn’t on the same level as ADT and Vivint when it comes to smart home equipment. In fact, it’s the only security system on this list that doesn’t offer smart locks, smart lights, smart thermostats, and other home automation products. So what is it doing here?
Well, Cove has a pretty solid app that offers smart home security through Routines. We’ll get to that in a minute, but for now, it’s worth noting that Cove is a reliable home alarm system with all the security and safety equipment you’ll need to safeguard your home. Cove packages include entry sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, smoke and CO alarms, panic buttons, and cameras.
Cove’s smart home security system hinges on the Cove app, available for Android and iOS devices. Recently, the app added a new feature called Routines, which, if you’re familiar with Frontpoint’s scenes that we discussed in our Frontpoint review, allows users to create tasks that trigger automatically.
For now, Cove’s Routines can only incorporate triggers from sensors. For instance, the app can trigger a certain action when a door or window is opened, as indicated by your entry sensors. It can also use schedules as triggers; for example, you can set your system to arm automatically at 8 o’clock everyday. Soon, though, Cove will add smart home devices to its equipment, and that will open up the possibilities for Routines. By then, you’ll be able to have your lights turn on automatically when a door opens, or your door to lock automatically when you arm your system.
So why did we add Cove here now? Because investing in a Cove system right now will unlock big savings in the future. You see, the Cove Plus plan, which is what we recommend best to Cove buyers, includes a $5 monthly equipment credit. You can save up those credits and use them to purchase additional pieces of equipment in the future. Not to mention, if you start now, you’ll familiarize yourself with the Cove system, and it’ll be easier for you to add smart home devices.
For now, though, we’re content with what Cove offers in the smart home department. It has an Alexa and Google Assistant integration that works, allowing for hands-free voice control of the system. Plus, Routines make for a great new addition.
We also like that Cove now has security cameras fully integrated with the system. The indoor camera provides indoor video monitoring, while the battery-operated outdoor camera provides unrestricted outdoor surveillance. There are also two video doorbell options, one that is hardwired and another that is battery-powered. These cameras, which can stream and record directly through the Cove app, make it easier to achieve a smarter, more secure home.
Since smart home security is such a new and exciting topic, people have a lot of questions, which means that we have a lot of answering to do.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to home security. The best home security system depends on what you’re looking for. That being said, we’ve found the features of ADT, Cove, Vivint, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint to be among the best in the industry, so check out those brands if you’re looking for the best security systems.
No, Nest is not better than ADT; rather, ADT is better than Nest, albeit more expensive month-to-month. While Nest has had multiple security and surveillance issues, ADT has been in businesses for over 140 years without incident. ADT also offers professional installation, while Nest is all DIY. However, those that don’t want to commit to a long-term contract should choose a monthly plan from Nest, as all ADT plans require a three-year commitment.
The best home security system with the best value is SimpliSafe. You can avoid paying any monthly fee whatsoever with SimpliSafe, if you’re okay with having a local alarm system only. However, if you want professional monitoring, cellular backup, remote control, notifications and smart platform integrations, the price is only $27.99 a month with no long-term commitment.
We prefer SimpliSafe over Ring Alarm, although both systems are two of the best. Although Ring Alarm is cheaper with a wider selection of cameras and video doorbells, SimpliSafe offers a professional installation option for $79, plus integrations with Nest thermostats and August smart locks. Ring works with the less popular Dome, Ecolink, GE, Leviton and First Alert IoT devices. SimpliSafe also has better iOS and Android apps and a three-year warranty as opposed to one-year with Ring. Similarly, SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money back guarantee with shipping covered, while Ring has a 30-day return policy which does not reimburse for the cost of shipping.
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