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9 min readSafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review.
Out of the top home security systems, Vivint is the best at transforming your house into a smart home using proprietary, high-quality equipment. And its free security consultation and professional installation get your home automation up and running quickly with no fuss.
But Vivint’s high-end tech and seamless smart home integration doesn’t come cheap. So we’ve tested some other great smart home security options for you—including DIY and budget alternatives.
Unlock Affordable Security: Is Abode's new budget-friendly kit your perfect diy home guardian? Dive into our review to find out!
Security system | Best for | Monitoring price
 | Starter equipment | Smart home compatibility
| Learn more | Read review |
| Best overall | $29.99/mo. | $599.00 | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View Packages | Read Review | |
| Best monitoring | $49.99/mo. | $599.00 | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | Read Review | |
| Most compatible | $21.99/mo. | $279.00 | Amazon, Apple, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee | View Packages | Read Review | |
| Best DIY pick | $17.99/mo. | Quote required | Amazon, Google | View Packages | Read Review | |
| Budget pick | $20.00/mo. | $199.99 | Amazon, Z-Wave | View Packages | Read Review |
Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
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You get the best of both worlds with a Vivint smart home system—reliable home security and cutting-edge smart home tech.
We like that Vivint develops and manufactures most of its equipment in-house. That means your smart security system is designed based on feedback from people (just like you) who live with the system every day.
Advanced smart home tech
Integrated security and smart home features
Professional guidance and installation 
Expensive price tag The Vivint smart home security system includes many features:
Vivint’s smart alarm system is a great choice if you’re starting home automation from scratch and want the peace of mind of professional installation and a comprehensive, fully integrated system.
And if you already have some smart home devices, you might be able to integrate them with your Vivint security system. Vivint works with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant† for voice commands, and it syncs up with the Google Nest smart thermostat. You can also use Z-Wave to connect a wide range of smart devices to your home security system.
Get all the details in our full Vivint review, and learn more about equipment and compatibility in our Vivint equipment guide.
No home security company is better known than ADT—if you’re looking for smart home security with a name that could stop burglars in their tracks, this is it.
ADT’s security packages come with mobile app control options and connected, wireless equipment for your entire home. And it has six redundant monitoring centers to keep you safe. But you'll pay a bit more for ADT's experience and smart home features.
6 monitoring centers
Z-Wave compatibility
Geofencing capabilities
Professional installation
Pricey monthly monitoring
Required long-term contract The ADT security system includes many smart home features:
For smart home security you can trust, ADT delivers 147 years of experience and redundant monitoring centers. That means your home will never be unprotected, even if one monitoring center experiences a power outage or an extreme weather event.
Whether you're just looking for safety or smart home perks, ADT has you covered. You can arm and disarm your system remotely, configure lighting and climate schedules, and take advantage of geofencing services for system arming, climate needs, and Google Nest camera control.
Its integration with Google Nest lets you choose from ADT and Nest smart home devices—either way, ADT will install it for you and allow you to control it through the Google Home app.
Check out our full ADT review and our ADT equipment guide to find out if it's right for you.
Abode packs a lot of smart security features into a small package. Whether you pick the Abode Smart Security kit or the Abode Iota All-In-One Security Kit, you get reliable smart security—Abode integrates with a ton of devices.
Plus, you have the option to add professional monitoring without any contracts or monitor yourself.
Extensive smart home compatibility
Optional professional monitoring
Low-profile equipment that's great for apartments
Lack of camera options
Limited security package options The Abode security system includes a range of smart home features:
If you’re an Apple fan, then Abode is the best smart security pick for you. It’s the only security system on the market that is compatible with Apple HomeKit devices. It also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. In other words, if you have a smart device, Abode will work with it.
Abode’s minimalist take on smart security is refreshingly simple and perfectly suited for renters or people living with roommates. The optional professional monitoring is a nice perk, but Abode’s self-monitoring through the app is sufficient. This is especially true if you’re more interested in checking in on pets or kids than keeping tabs on potential intruders breaking down the front door.
Abode’s smart security equipment is scaled down in size, making it an ideal fit for apartments and other small spaces. The Abode Iota is a smart security camera with extra safety features like two-way communication, a siren, and an indicator light that lets you know when it’s recording. The Iota also works as a smart home hub to help you connect and manage all of your smart gadgets.
Get all the ins and outs of Abode’s smart security options in our full Abode review, and find out what works with the security system in our Abode compatibility guide.
Cove combines the ease of DIY installation with affordability.
You’re not going to get the same kind of smart home integration that Vivint offers, but Cove's excellent customer service and hassle-free cancellation make it an attractive option.
Cove isn't the most technologically advanced home security system, but it provides reliable basics that get the job done and partners with other companies to provide competitive camera options.
Easy DIY installation
60-day money-back guarantee
Preprogrammed equipment
Preprogrammed equipment
Limited smart home device options The Cove home security system includes several smart home functions:
If you prefer to do things yourself rather than hiring outside help, Cove’s smart home security options are a great fit. You get the benefits of security and home automation on your terms. The system, including its smart home components, are simple to install (you can use our Cove installation guide) without compromising quality and security.
See all of Cove’s smart home security devices and offerings in our complete Cove review.
Ring is known for having the best video doorbells. On top of that, the company’s smart security system is one of the best deals we’ve found. You can pick up a Ring Alarm starter kit for around $200, and optional monthly monitoring is just $20 a month.
Cheap monthly monitoring
Simple package options
Many security cameras to add on
No cameras included in kits
No Google compatibility Ring Alarm security systems include some nifty smart home features:
Ring Alarm systems deliver standard home security options at a price that’s hard to beat. If you buy Ring’s five-piece starter kit and add professional monitoring every month for a year, your grand total would come in under $500. That’s less than Vivint’s starter kit.
Ring Alarm works with a lot of smart third-party devices from companies like Kwikset, GE, and Leviton. But the best part about Ring is all of its smart camera options. It has a variety of Ring doorbell cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, floodlights, and even options to make your cameras solar.
Learn about all of Ring Alarm’s features, Ring Alarm Pro, equipment, and compatibility in our complete Ring review.
SimpliSafe is one of our favorite DIY home security companies, but it’s not a leader when it comes to smart security. With SimpliSafe, you get basic smart home integration that works with a few third-party brands, like the Nest Learning Thermostat and the August Smart Lock.
Learn more in our complete SimpliSafe review.
Wyze is one of the most affordable security systems around. You can get a system for around $90. That price is hard to beat. We almost picked it for our smart home security system budget pick, but it only connects with Google Assistant and Alexa. Ring’s Z-Wave capabilities make it much more flexible when it comes to home automation.
Learn more in our complete Wyze Home Monitoring review.
Brinks connects to Alexa, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave. Plus, it has more sensor options than any other top home security brand. It didn’t make our list because it requires a contract. We typically don’t recommend going with companies that require a contract unless you are getting a lot out of it. ADT edged out Brinks to make it on our smart home monitoring system list. Read our full ADT vs. Brinks head-to-head comparison.
Learn more in our complete Brinks Home Security review.
Because most top security systems already use smart home technology, starting with a smart security system is a great way to begin your journey to a fully integrated home. Once your home is secure, add on more devices and appliances to make your life easier, like a smart coffee pot or smart dishwasher. Here are a few of our favorite pieces of smart home security equipment.
For maximum home security, install both exterior and interior video surveillance. Smart security cameras can automatically start recording when they detect motion, and they can be programmed to send push notifications to your phone so you can watch the live feed.
When someone approaches a smart doorbell, the doorbell's motion sensors will trigger the built-in camera to start recording. When a visitor presses the doorbell, it will alert you through your phone, and you'll be able to see who's at your front door and speak with them using a two-way communication feature.
Many smart locks have keypads that let you unlock your door with a four-digit code and lock it with a press of a button. But you don't have to use the keypad—your smartphone can act as a remote control so you can lock and unlock the door remotely as well. You can also arm your security system when you press the lock button and disarm the security system when you unlock it.
You can set rules for when your smart lightbulbs, smart light switches, and smart plugs turn on or off. Setting smart lightbulbs to turn on and off at different times of the day can fool people into thinking you’re home when you’re not. You can program your lights to automatically turn off when you set your system to “away,” or you can have them turn on automatically when your security system is disarmed. You can also set them to flash if your alarm goes off.
For the best smart home security system around, Vivint is your premium option. Its proprietary equipment puts smart home skills at the heart of its systems so your home is secure and smart. You'll be able to control everything, set up routines, and review camera footage from Vivint's app.
Smart home security uses your Wi-Fi network to connect entry sensors and sirens to devices like smart door locks, smart thermostats, and smart lightbulbs. Once connected, these devices can talk to each other and integrate with your security system to make your life more convenient and more secure.
One of the most important features you should look for in a smart security system is a mobile app (check out our guide on home security mobile apps) that lets you keep tabs on your home from anywhere.
If you have indoor and outdoor security cameras or a smart video doorbell, you should be able to access live or recorded video from the app. This can help you tell a real emergency from a false alarm.
Learn more in our room-by-room guide to home automation.
Start with a smart home hub, but keep in mind that some devices—like the Nest Thermostat—can act as a hub for other devices. If you have any specific smart devices you’re interested in, find out which systems they’re compatible with before you buy your hub. Learn more in our smart home hub guide.
IFTTT stands for “If This Then That” and is a free platform that lets you integrate multiple home systems through your smart devices using if/then statements. For example, you can tell your devices, “If the security system is set to ‘away’ and it’s 8 p.m., then turn on a light.” Or, “If Matt enters his code to turn off the security system, then alert me with a text message.” Learn more in our IFTTT guide.
Lighting is one of the best ways to deter criminal activity. No burglar wants to get caught in the spotlight. Outdoor motion sensor lights are a great first-line deterrent to scare off intruders.
You can set lights to turn on when motion is detected, or you can set lights to turn on and off at different times when you’re not home to fool burglars into thinking the house is occupied. And a nice bonus: integrating lights into your system can make your home more energy efficient.
Image: SafeWise.
For our best smart home security systems review, we spent hundreds of hours researching smart home alarm systems. This includes hands-on testing in real homes, scouring hundreds of customer reviews, and weighing the opinions of other reviewers.
Our staff has almost 100 years of experience in safety and security, so you know we’ll give you recommendations you can trust. You can learn more about how we review products and services on our methodology page.
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