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Best Monitored Home Security Systems

Protecting your home and family is a top priority. With a variety of home security systems available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide explores the best monitored home security systems, providing detailed reviews, comparisons, and essential information to help you make an informed decision. We’ll cover everything from equipment options and monitoring plans to pricing and installation, ensuring you find the perfect system to safeguard your property and provide peace of mind.

Why Choose a Monitored Home Security System?

While DIY security systems are gaining popularity, monitored systems offer a significant advantage: professional assistance when you need it most. A monitored system connects your home to a 24/7 monitoring center staffed by trained professionals. When an alarm is triggered – whether from a break-in, fire, or medical emergency – the monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and contacts the appropriate authorities, such as the police, fire department, or ambulance. This swift response can be crucial in preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits of choosing a monitored home security system:

24/7 Professional Monitoring: Continuous surveillance by trained professionals who are always ready to respond to emergencies.
Rapid Response: Immediate contact with emergency services, potentially saving valuable time in critical situations.
Deterrent to Burglars: The presence of a monitored security system can deter potential intruders.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your home is protected around the clock provides invaluable peace of mind, especially when you’re away.
Potential Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners with monitored security systems.
Smart Home Integration: Many systems offer seamless integration with smart home devices, allowing you to control your security system remotely and automate tasks.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Monitored Home Security System

Before diving into specific system reviews, it’s important to understand the key factors that will influence your decision. Consider the following aspects to ensure you select a system that meets your unique needs and budget:

1. Equipment Options

The types of equipment offered by a security system are crucial. Look for systems that offer a comprehensive range of devices, including:

Control Panel: The central hub of your system, used to arm and disarm the alarm, manage settings, and communicate with the monitoring center.
Door and Window Sensors: Detect when doors and windows are opened, triggering an alarm.
Motion Detectors: Detect movement within a designated area, useful for interior protection.
Key Fobs: Allow you to arm and disarm the system remotely, convenient for quick access.
Security Cameras: Provide visual surveillance of your property, both indoors and outdoors. Consider features like night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio.
Environmental Sensors: Detect smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leaks, providing early warnings of potential hazards.
Panic Buttons: Allow you to quickly summon help in emergency situations.
Yard Signs and Window Stickers: Visibly indicate that your home is protected by a security system, deterring potential intruders.

2. Monitoring Plans and Pricing

Monitoring plans vary significantly in terms of features and pricing. Consider the following factors:

Contract Length: Some companies require long-term contracts, while others offer month-to-month options. Choose a plan that aligns with your flexibility needs.
Monitoring Fees: Compare the monthly monitoring fees of different providers. Be sure to understand what’s included in each plan.
Equipment Costs: Determine the upfront cost of the equipment and whether you can finance it. Some companies offer free equipment with certain monitoring plans.
False Alarm Fees: Understand the company’s policy on false alarm fees and how to avoid them.
Cancellation Fees: Check the cancellation policy and any associated fees before signing a contract.
Features Included: Different monitoring plans offer different levels of service. Basic plans may only include burglary monitoring, while more advanced plans may include fire, carbon monoxide, and medical emergency monitoring, as well as smart home integration features.

3. Installation Options

Consider whether you prefer professional installation or a DIY setup.

Professional Installation: A technician will install and configure your system, ensuring everything is properly connected and functioning correctly. This is a good option if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects or if you have a complex home layout.
DIY Installation: You install the system yourself, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This is a more affordable option, but it requires some technical aptitude.

4. Smart Home Integration

If you’re interested in controlling your security system remotely and integrating it with other smart home devices, look for systems that offer compatibility with popular platforms like:

Amazon Alexa: Control your system with voice commands.
Google Assistant: Integrate your system with Google Home devices.
Apple HomeKit: Control your system with Siri and integrate it with other HomeKit-compatible devices.
Z-Wave: Connect your system to a wide range of smart home devices, such as lights, locks, and thermostats.

5. Customer Support

Choose a company with a reputation for excellent customer service. Read online reviews and check the company’s response time to inquiries.

24/7 Support: Ensure that customer support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Multiple Channels: Look for companies that offer support through phone, email, and online chat.
Knowledge Base: A comprehensive online knowledge base can provide answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips.

6. Mobile App Functionality

A user-friendly mobile app is essential for remotely managing your security system. Look for apps that allow you to:

Arm and Disarm the System: Control your security system from anywhere.
View Live Video Feeds: Monitor your property in real-time with security cameras.
Receive Notifications: Get alerts when doors and windows are opened, motion is detected, or an alarm is triggered.
Control Smart Home Devices: Manage connected devices, such as lights, locks, and thermostats.
Review Event History: Track past events and view video recordings.

Top Monitored Home Security Systems: A Detailed Review

Now, let’s delve into detailed reviews of some of the best monitored home security systems currently available. We’ll examine their key features, pros and cons, pricing, and overall value.

1. ADT Home Security

ADT is one of the most recognizable names in home security, with over a century of experience. They offer a wide range of equipment options and monitoring plans, making them a popular choice for homeowners.

Key Features:

Professional Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring by ADT’s highly trained professionals.
Equipment Options: Extensive range of sensors, cameras, and smart home devices.
Mobile App: User-friendly mobile app for remote control and monitoring.
Professional Installation: Required professional installation ensures proper setup and functionality.
Customizable Systems: ADT offers customizable packages to fit different home sizes and security needs.
24/7 Customer Support: Readily available support for any issues or questions.

Pros:

Trusted Brand: ADT has a long history of providing reliable security services.
Comprehensive Protection: Wide range of equipment and monitoring options for complete home protection.
Professional Installation: Ensures proper setup and functionality.

Cons:

Long-Term Contracts: ADT typically requires long-term contracts.
Higher Upfront Costs: Professional installation and equipment costs can be significant.
Customer Service Concerns: Some customers have reported issues with customer service.

Pricing:

ADT’s pricing varies depending on the equipment and monitoring plan you choose. Expect to pay upfront costs for equipment and installation, plus monthly monitoring fees. Contact ADT directly for a personalized quote.

Overall:

ADT is a solid choice for homeowners seeking a professionally monitored and installed security system from a trusted brand. However, be prepared for long-term contracts and higher upfront costs. Due to the brand recognition and industry longevity, you can expect ADT to deliver on its promises of security and support, though customer service experiences may vary.

2. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is a popular DIY home security system known for its affordability and ease of use. They offer a variety of equipment packages and monitoring options, allowing you to customize your system to fit your needs.

Key Features:

DIY Installation: Easy to install the system yourself, saving on installation costs.
No Contracts: Month-to-month monitoring plans with no long-term contracts.
Affordable Pricing: Competitive pricing on equipment and monitoring.
Equipment Options: Range of sensors, cameras, and environmental detectors.
Mobile App: Manage your system remotely with the SimpliSafe mobile app.
Optional Professional Monitoring: You can choose to self-monitor or opt for 24/7 professional monitoring.

Pros:

Affordable: Lower upfront and monthly costs compared to professionally installed systems.
Easy to Install: Simple DIY installation process.
No Contracts: Flexibility with month-to-month monitoring plans.

Cons:

DIY Installation: Requires some technical aptitude.
Less Comprehensive Features: Compared to some professionally installed systems, SimpliSafe’s feature set may be limited.
Potential for Self-Monitoring: While offering flexibility, self-monitoring may not provide the same level of protection as professional monitoring.

Pricing:

SimpliSafe offers several equipment packages at varying price points. Monitoring plans start at a reasonable monthly fee. Visit the SimpliSafe website for current pricing and promotions.

Overall:

SimpliSafe is an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners who prefer a DIY security system with no long-term contracts. The ease of installation and affordable pricing make it a popular option. If you’re comfortable with a self-install approach and don’t require the most advanced features, SimpliSafe provides excellent value.

3. Ring Alarm

Ring, owned by Amazon, is best known for its video doorbells. They also offer a comprehensive home security system called Ring Alarm, which integrates seamlessly with other Ring devices and Amazon Alexa.

Key Features:

DIY Installation: Easy to install the system yourself.
Affordable Pricing: Competitive pricing on equipment and monitoring.
Ring Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Ring video doorbells and cameras.
Amazon Alexa Integration: Control your system with voice commands.
Professional Monitoring: Optional 24/7 professional monitoring.
Mobile App: Manage your system remotely with the Ring mobile app.

Pros:

Affordable: Lower upfront and monthly costs compared to professionally installed systems.
Easy to Install: Simple DIY installation process.
Ring Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Ring devices.

Cons:

DIY Installation: Requires some technical aptitude.
Limited Equipment Options: Compared to some other systems, Ring Alarm’s equipment options may be limited.
Privacy Concerns: Concerns about data privacy related to Amazon’s ownership of Ring.

Pricing:

Ring Alarm offers several starter kits at varying price points. Professional monitoring is available for a low monthly fee. Visit the Ring website for current pricing and promotions.

Overall:

Ring Alarm is a great option for homeowners already invested in the Ring ecosystem or looking for a budget-friendly DIY security system that integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa. The system offers a good balance of affordability and functionality. However, consider your privacy concerns related to Amazon’s ownership before making a decision.

4. Vivint Smart Home

Vivint Smart Home offers a premium, professionally installed and monitored home security system with a focus on smart home automation. They provide a wide range of equipment options and advanced features, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking a fully integrated smart home experience.

Key Features:

Professional Installation: Required professional installation ensures proper setup and functionality.
Professional Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring by Vivint’s trained professionals.
Smart Home Integration: Seamless integration with a wide range of smart home devices.
Equipment Options: Extensive range of sensors, cameras, and smart home devices.
Mobile App: User-friendly mobile app for remote control and monitoring.
Advanced Features: Offers advanced features like smart locks, smart lighting, and energy management.

Pros:

Comprehensive Smart Home Integration: Vivint excels in seamlessly integrating security with smart home automation.
Professional Installation: Ensures proper setup and functionality.
Advanced Features: Offers a wide range of advanced features for a complete smart home experience.

Cons:

High Upfront Costs: Professional installation and equipment costs can be significant.
Long-Term Contracts: Vivint typically requires long-term contracts.
Higher Monthly Fees: Vivint’s monthly monitoring fees are generally higher than those of other systems.

Pricing:

Vivint’s pricing varies depending on the equipment and monitoring plan you choose. Expect to pay upfront costs for equipment and installation, plus higher monthly monitoring fees. Contact Vivint directly for a personalized quote.

Overall:

Vivint Smart Home is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a premium, professionally installed and monitored smart home security system with advanced features. However, be prepared for higher upfront costs, long-term contracts, and higher monthly fees. If you value seamless smart home integration and are willing to pay a premium for it, Vivint is a strong contender.

5. Frontpoint

Frontpoint is a popular DIY home security system known for its customer service and reliable equipment. They offer a variety of equipment packages and monitoring options, with a focus on providing a secure and user-friendly experience.

Key Features:

DIY Installation: Easy to install the system yourself.
Professional Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring by Frontpoint’s trained professionals.
Equipment Options: Range of sensors, cameras, and environmental detectors.
Mobile App: Manage your system remotely with the Frontpoint mobile app.
Customer Service: Known for its excellent customer service.
Crash & Smash Protection: Protection against intruders disabling the system by destroying the control panel.

Pros:

Excellent Customer Service: Frontpoint is known for its responsive and helpful customer support.
Reliable Equipment: High-quality equipment that is designed to be durable and reliable.
DIY Installation: Easy to install the system yourself.

Cons:

Higher Equipment Costs: Frontpoint’s equipment costs can be higher than those of some other DIY systems.
Limited Smart Home Integration: Compared to some other systems, Frontpoint’s smart home integration may be limited.
Contract Required: Frontpoint typically requires a monitoring contract.

Pricing:

Frontpoint offers several equipment packages at varying price points. Monitoring plans are available at different tiers. Visit the Frontpoint website for current pricing and promotions.

Overall:

Frontpoint is a good choice for homeowners who value excellent customer service and reliable equipment in a DIY home security system. While the equipment costs may be higher than some competitors, the peace of mind that comes with Frontpoint’s support and reliability can be worth the investment. Consider Frontpoint if you prioritize customer care alongside home security.

Comparing Monitored Home Security Systems: A Summary Table

To help you quickly compare the key features of the systems we’ve reviewed, here’s a summary table:

System	Installation	Monitoring	Contracts	Smart Home Integration	Key Features	Pros	Cons
ADT Home Security	Professional	24/7 Professional	Yes	Limited	Wide range of equipment, trusted brand	Trusted brand, comprehensive protection	Long-term contracts, higher upfront costs
SimpliSafe	DIY	Optional 24/7 Professional	No	Limited	Affordable, easy to install, no contracts	Affordable, easy to install, flexible	Requires some technical aptitude, less comprehensive features
Ring Alarm	DIY	Optional 24/7 Professional	No	Amazon Alexa	Affordable, Ring ecosystem integration	Affordable, easy to install, Ring ecosystem	Requires some technical aptitude, limited equipment options, privacy concerns
Vivint Smart Home	Professional	24/7 Professional	Yes	Extensive	Comprehensive smart home integration, advanced features	Seamless smart home integration, professional installation	High upfront costs, long-term contracts, higher monthly fees
Frontpoint	DIY	24/7 Professional	Yes	Limited	Excellent customer service, reliable equipment	Excellent customer service, reliable equipment, easy to install	Higher equipment costs, limited smart home integration

Tips for Choosing the Right Monitored Home Security System

Selecting the perfect monitored home security system requires careful consideration. Here are some additional tips to guide your decision-making process:

Assess Your Needs: Determine your specific security needs based on your location, property size, and lifestyle. Consider factors such as crime rates in your area, the number of entry points to your home, and whether you have any pets.
Read Reviews: Research different security systems and read reviews from other customers. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback.
Compare Quotes: Get quotes from multiple security providers and compare their equipment costs, monitoring fees, and contract terms.
Consider Your Budget: Determine your budget and choose a system that fits within your financial constraints. Remember to factor in upfront costs, monthly fees, and potential cancellation fees.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask security providers questions about their systems, monitoring plans, and customer service policies.
Read the Fine Print: Before signing a contract, carefully read the fine print to understand all the terms and conditions. Pay attention to cancellation policies, equipment warranties, and false alarm fees.
Think About Future Needs: Consider whether your security needs may change in the future. Choose a system that can be easily expanded or upgraded as needed.
Check for Licensing and Accreditation: Ensure that the security company you choose is properly licensed and accredited. This can help ensure that they meet industry standards and are reputable.
Consider Smart Home Compatibility: If you have or plan to have smart home devices, ensure that the security system you choose is compatible with your existing ecosystem. This will allow you to seamlessly integrate your security system with your other smart home devices.
Test the System: Once your system is installed, test it regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. Familiarize yourself with the system’s features and learn how to use the mobile app.

The Future of Home Security

The home security industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time. Here are some of the key trends shaping the future of home security:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is being used to enhance security systems in various ways, such as improving threat detection, reducing false alarms, and providing personalized security recommendations.
Facial Recognition: Facial recognition technology is being integrated into security cameras to identify authorized individuals and detect intruders.
Video Analytics: Video analytics is being used to analyze video footage from security cameras to detect suspicious activity and provide real-time alerts.
Cloud Storage: Cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular for storing video footage from security cameras, providing secure and accessible storage.
Cybersecurity: As more security systems become connected to the internet, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important to protect against hacking and data breaches.
Increased Automation: Home security is increasingly integrated with home automation, allowing for features like automated locking of doors, turning on lights upon entry, and adjusting thermostat settings.
Subscription Models: Security providers are increasingly shifting to subscription-based models, offering recurring services like monitoring, software updates, and equipment maintenance.

Conclusion

Choosing the best monitored home security system is a significant decision that can have a profound impact on the safety and security of your home and family. By carefully considering your needs, budget, and preferences, you can select a system that provides the protection and peace of mind you deserve. Remember to research different systems, compare quotes, and read reviews before making a final decision. Whether you opt for a professionally installed system from a trusted brand like ADT or a DIY system from SimpliSafe or Ring Alarm, the key is to choose a system that meets your unique requirements and provides you with the confidence that your home is protected.

The information provided in this guide is intended to be a starting point for your research. We encourage you to conduct further research and consult with security professionals to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the best monitored home security system is the one that best fits your needs and budget.