Best Home Security Systems in 2026
Professional monitoring, DIY setups, and smart home platforms compared.
Home security systems have evolved from simple alarm systems to comprehensive smart home protection platforms. Options range from professional monitoring services to completely DIY setups, with widely varying costs and capabilities.
We evaluated the leading home security providers to help you find the right protection for your home and budget.
Types of Home Security Systems
Professionally Installed and Monitored
Traditional security companies that install equipment and monitor your home 24/7 from professional monitoring centers. You get professional installation, trained operators for immediate emergency dispatch, integrated systems with professional-grade equipment, and regular maintenance. Considerations include long-term contracts (often 3 years), higher monthly costs ($30-60+), installation fees, and limited flexibility to modify the system.
DIY with Professional Monitoring
Self-installed systems with optional professional monitoring subscriptions. Easy self-installation, lower equipment costs, flexible monitoring plans (monthly, no contract), smartphone control and notifications. You handle installation (usually straightforward), equipment quality varies, and some features require a subscription.
Complete DIY/Self-Monitored
Systems you install and monitor yourself. Lowest ongoing costs (no monthly fees), complete control, smartphone alerts for events, and no contracts. However, there's no professional response — you're responsible for calling authorities. May not satisfy insurance discount requirements.
Our Top Picks
Based on our evaluation, these are the top home security providers we recommend.
ADT
Industry leader with the widest equipment range, 12 monitoring centers, and decades of proven reliability.
SimpliSafe
AI-powered Active Guard monitoring with no long-term contracts and straightforward DIY installation.
Vivint
Best-in-class smart home integration with professional installation and advanced automation features.
What We Evaluated
Equipment Quality
Sensor reliability and accuracy, camera resolution and features, hub and control panel functionality, build quality and durability, and smart home integration.
Monitoring Services
Response time to alerts, monitoring center redundancy, communication methods (cellular, broadband, landline), and customer service quality.
Pricing and Contracts
Equipment costs (upfront vs. financed), monthly monitoring fees, contract length requirements, cancellation policies, and hidden fees.
Ease of Use
Installation difficulty, app functionality, daily usability, alert management, and system reliability.
Security Features
Entry sensors, motion detection, glass break detection, video capabilities, doorbell cameras, and video storage options.
Smart Home Integration
Environmental monitoring (smoke, CO, water leak, temperature), home automation features, voice assistant compatibility, and third-party device support.
What to Consider Before Choosing
Assess Your Security Needs
- What are you protecting against? Break-ins, package theft, fire/CO, flooding? Different concerns require different equipment.
- What's your home layout? Number of entry points, square footage, number of floors, and property size affect equipment needs.
- Do you rent or own? Renters may prefer wireless, no-drill systems they can take when moving.
- Who lives in your home? Consider keypads vs. key fobs vs. app unlock and ease of arming/disarming for all household members.
Understand Monitoring Options
Professional Monitoring: Trained operators respond to alerts 24/7, contacting you and dispatching emergency services as needed. Required for most insurance discounts.
Self-Monitoring: You receive alerts on your phone and decide how to respond. Effective if you're always available; less useful if you can't monitor consistently.
Hybrid: Many modern systems offer both options, with professional monitoring available as a subscription you can add or remove.
Consider Total Cost of Ownership
3-Year Cost Example
A "free equipment" deal with $50/month monitoring costs $1,800 over 3 years — potentially more than purchasing equipment outright with lower monthly fees. Always calculate total commitment before signing.
Upfront Equipment Costs: Range from under $200 for basic DIY kits to $1,000+ for comprehensive professional installations.
Monthly Monitoring: $10-60+/month depending on service level and provider.
Installation Fees: Professional installation can add $100-500+.
Check Insurance Discounts
Many homeowners insurance policies offer discounts of 5-20% for monitored security systems. Check with your insurer about what type of system qualifies, whether professional monitoring is required, and required certificates or documentation. The discount may offset a significant portion of monitoring costs.
Evaluate Smart Home Integration
Consider voice assistant compatibility (Alexa, Google, Siri), smart lock integration, smart light control, thermostat integration, and third-party device support.
Disclaimer
The information on ScoreCardHQ is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, legal, financial, or medical advice. We encourage all readers to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making significant decisions.