6 Standout Home Security Systems of 2024: Costs, Features, Pros and Cons

A home security system is a collection of electronic hardware that is connected by software and managed by a central control panel or app.

The components, which can include door/window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, smoke detectors, glass-break sensors, panic buttons and more, work together to keep you and your home safe.

Best home security systems

Protecting your home or apartment from intruders and hazards doesn’t have to be complicated or break the bank. The best home security systems are customizable, affordable and have a variety of features that can make it easier to keep an eye on your loved ones and possessions.

How to choose a home security system

Professional vs. self monitoring

You can choose to have your home security system professionally monitored, or you can respond to alerts yourself. Some providers, such as Vivint, only let you use professional monitoring with their equipment, but others offer both options.

Professional monitoring comes with additional fees: typically around $20 to $50 per month. However, the benefits can be worth the price in an emergency.

• When an event triggers your alarm, your provider’s call center is instantly notified, and a representative calls you to check in. If you don’t respond, they contact emergency or police services.

• Some providers, such as SimpliSafe, offer the option to let a representative access your camera footage to investigate what triggered the alarm before calling authorities.

If you opt for self-monitoring, you’ll need to respond to the phone alerts your alarm system sends you and decide what steps to take.

Some providers, such as Ring, offer professional monitoring without a contract, so you can purchase temporary alarm monitoring during a vacation, for example.

Smart home integration

Smart home devices let you control your home’s temperature, lighting, music and more from your phone, computer or tablet.

• Many home security systems also integrate with existing WiFi-connected smart home networks, such as Google Home and Alexa, to give you the ability to activate and disarm your alarm system — and check your cameras — from your personal devices too.

• If you already use a specific smart home network, you may want to choose a security system that integrates with that network. Abode, for example, integrates with a wider variety of smart home systems, while Google Nest is best matched with other Google Home products.

How we picked top home security systems

Methodology