Best Home Security Systems 

What are the best home security systems on the market? Here are the ten top-performing home security systems that are easy to use and offer the best home protection. 

A reliable home security system protects your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when you are out of the house. In addition to protecting against intruders, a home security system helps deter crime and create a safe neighborhood for your family and neighbors. 

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the most common types of property crime are larceny and burglary. Even though robbery decreased by 13.6% as of September 2024, having a home security system to protect your loved ones and personal property is fundamental. 

Unfortunately, a home burglary happens every 25 seconds in America and residential burglary accounts for most burglary offenses. Nearly 25% of burglars access a home through the front or back door, so it is crucial to have a home security system with top-of-the-line cameras and monitoring. 

Since alarm systems increase the risk of intruders being discovered by neighbors, 60% of burglars will ultimately avoid a home with an active security system. If you live in Raleigh and are searching for a trustworthy home security system known for its customer support and professional monitoring services, consider purchasing one of these top systems. 

Check out these seven best home security systems 

1. ADT 

ADT is one of the most trusted companies for home security due to its innovative technology and easy-to-setup smart home security systems. Founded in 1874, the company has over 150 years of experience in the home security business, making them reliable and trustworthy. 

Offering best-in-class equipment, ADT gives millions of customers access to its remote assistance program, which assists with device installation and technical support. With various devices to choose from, it is no wonder that ADT is the most trustworthy name in home security. 

Each security system device provides heavy-duty protection and 24/7 monitoring. Users can even connect their ADT system with their Alexa or Google Home devices, making them a smart home security leader. 

The ADT Base System requires a monthly subscription, but this control system allows homeowners to control their sensors and devices all in one place. ADT also provides a keypad with a panic alarm, a glass break sensor, a keychain remote control, a door and window sensor, and a motion sensor. 

ADT offers three home security packages: a secure home package, a smart home package, and a video and smart home package. Once purchased, all ADT packages include a digital control panel with a touchscreen, three door and window alarms, a motion detector, a 24/7 monitoring system, and professional installation. 

The price to secure your home will depend on the package chosen and the equipment. 

Package Type	Upfront Cost	Monthly Cost
Basic Package	$599 to $899 upfront	$45.99 monthly
Smart Home Package	$919 to $1,219 upfront	$49.99 monthly
Video and Smart Home Package	$1,049 to $1,449 upfront	$57.99 monthly

2. SimpliSafe 

SimpliSafe is another top home security system company that provides professional monitoring and protection from break-ins. Offering 24/7 whole home protection, SimpliSafe has been named the Best Home Security System for five years and is recognized for having America's Best Customer Service in 2024. 

Renowned for its versatility, SimpliSafe has no contracts or cancellation fees. Subscription offerings are available and paid for monthly. Not only is its security system easy to install for homeowners, but users also have the option to choose professional installation. 

Providing mobile app control and smart home integration with Alexa or Google Home, SimpliSafe monitoring offers cellular and battery backup, an integrated privacy shutter on all indoor cameras, and agents can use indoor and outdoor cameras to stop crime before it happens and in real-time. 

Each SimpliSafe Base Station can support up to 100 devices, meaning this home security system can be used for any home size and is scalable for homes that want to continue adding new devices. While SimpliSafe offers the ability to self-monitor, the professional monitoring plan is ideal in an emergency since the system can still send alerts even offline. 

Compared to ADT, SimpliSafe is a more affordable option, primarily since it is known for offering deals all year round, which helps users save money. The system's initial price will depend on the equipment purchased, but users should expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $730 for equipment packages. 

If you self-monitor, users will not have to pay for subscription plans other than the standard $9.99 a month for access to camera recordings. 

Subscription Plan	Monthly Price
Standard Monitoring Plan	$21.99 monthly
Core Plan (most popular)	$31.99 monthly
Pro Plan	$49.99 monthly
Pro Plus Plan	$79.99 monthly

3. Vivint Smart Home 

Vivint Smart Home Security and Alarm System is a home security system that every homeowner should consider due to its extensive automation capabilities and professional installation offerings. When buying, expert consultation is provided to ensure that critical areas of the home are protected. 

Vivint offers various equipment, including sensors, smart locks, doorbell cameras, smart security cameras, smoke alarms, and smart thermostats. Vivint Smart Security Cameras use AI to detect people and suspicious behavior, making them some of the best on the market. To stop crime before it starts, users can control their entire home security system through one app, which can be used even if they are miles away. 

Featuring a lifetime warranty on equipment and smart home integration, Vivint is one of the top security systems on the market, with 24/7 monitoring. However, due to its premium equipment and services, it is also one of the most expensive. Unfortunately, if you do not purchase equipment in total upfront, Vivint has long-term contracts that typically last up to five years, depending on the financing option. 

The outdoor camera costs $399.99, but it has excellent features, including smart home technology, customizable detection zones, a 4k sensor with 3x HD zoom, two-way talk, and a 1080p HDR camera with night vision. Providing multiple equipment packages and monitoring bundles, choose the package that best suits your budget and home needs. 

The Security Starter Bundle includes the Vivint Smart Home Control Panel, two door and window sensors, and one motion sensor. The Doorbell Security Bundle comprises the Vivint Smart Home Control Panel, four door and window sensors, one motion sensor, and a doorbell camera. The Safety and Security Bundle includes the Vivint Smart Home Control Panel, four door and window sensors, one motion sensor, one doorbell camera, one outdoor camera, one water sensor, and a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. 

Bundle	Upfront Cost	Monthly Cost (Four Months Financing)	Monitoring Service
Security Starter Bundle	$449.99	$113 monthly	$41.00 monthly
Doorbell Security Bundle	$674.98	$169 monthly	$46.00 monthly
Safety and Security Bundle	$1,024.99	$257 monthly	$51.00 monthly

4. Abode Wireless 

Abode Wireless Home Security System is designed to protect what matters most and to provide homeowners with the peace of mind that they are safe and secure at all hours of the day. 

Providing the best no-contract monitoring system, Abode is a direct competitor to SimpliSafe and is best known for its affordable security cameras, easy do-it-yourself installation, smart home capabilities, and flexible monitoring plan options. 

Whether looking for essential protection or a more comprehensive security plan, Abode has many system options for budget and home needs. Offering motion detection cameras, a wireless video doorbell, motion sensors, glass break sensors, smart door locks, environmental sensors, and other smart home devices, there are plenty of equipment offerings to choose from. 

Once equipment is purchased, the ability to self-monitor is free. Still, professional monitoring plans also range in price and feature 24/7 monitoring, priority customer service, and cellular backup. The cost of Abode Wireless is relatively affordable, which is a big selling point for its systems. The Abode Camera Two Security Camera is sold for as little as $59.99. 

There are two paid subscription plans for purchase: a Standard and a Pro Plan. The Standard Plan is perfect for homeowners who want to self-monitor their system and have access to live video and AI smart detection. The main selling points of the Pro Plan are 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup. 

Subscription Plan	Annual Price
Standard Plan	$69.99 annually
Pro Plan	$299.99 annually

5. Ring Alarm 

The Ring Alarm Home Security System is designed to protect homes from intruders, fires, and floods. Best known for its top-rated cameras and video surveillance doorbells, the Ring Alarm offers do-it-yourself and professional monitoring, installation, and smart platform integration. The Ring Cameras are ideal for monitoring the outdoors, while the Ring Alarm and Sensors are great for protecting the indoors and helping detect threats. 

Even though crime in Raleigh is low, it is always best to be prepared. Offering a wide selection of Ring Cameras, Doorbells, and Alarms, affordable monitoring and recording plans, easy installation, and a user-friendly smartphone app for accessing footage, Ring Alarm is a sought-after home security system. 

After purchasing equipment, 24/7 monitoring and subscription plans are an optional purchase, but they are a great way to ensure additional security and protection, especially if living in an urban area. 

The Basic Plan is ideal for self-monitoring and offers video playback. The Standard Plan is recommended and includes everything in the Basic Plan plus doorbell calls, live monitoring view, and alarm cellular backup. The Premium Plan is the most advanced package and includes everything in the Standard Plan plus smart video search, 24/7 recording, and SOS emergency response. 

Subscription Plan	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost
Basic Plan	$4.99 monthly	$49.99 annually
Standard Plan (recommended)	$9.99 monthly	$99.99 annually
Premium Plan	$19.99 monthly	$199.99 annually

6. Cove 

Cove Home Security is best known for its self-installed, do-it-yourself home security monitoring system. Cove offers wireless equipment with low upfront and monthly costs, customizable packages, and no contracts. 

Cove Home Security is easy to set up and use and offers 24/7 support, fast emergency dispatch, and an Ethernet connection with cellular backup. Featuring a wide range of reliable equipment to protect your home, Cove has a hub and alarm panel, indoor and outdoor cameras, environmental detectors, burglary and intrusion sensors, and remotes and panic buttons. 

The Cove Basic Plan provides one year of equipment warranty and 24/7 live monitoring. The Cove Plus Plan is the most popular and provides a lifetime equipment warranty, camera support, 24/7 live monitoring, a $5-a-month equipment reward, and Alexa and Google Home voice control. 

Subscription Plan	Daily Cost
Cove Basic Plan	$0.67 a day
Cove Plus Plan	$1.00 a day

7. Frontpoint 

Frontpoint Home Security is one of the best home security systems on the market for its 24/7 professional monitoring options, fantastic customer service and support, state-of-the-art technology, smart platform integration on Alexa and Google Home, and convenient one-touch control on its mobile app. 

Offering only professional monitoring options, the monitoring subscription service is packaged with the equipment system and has a three-year contract. Equipment starts at $99, and customers pay a $49.99 monthly monitoring fee regardless of what equipment is purchased. This is a great system for homeowners who want to utilize all of its features. 

FAQs 

What security systems do burglars hate? 

Alarm systems and sirens are the number one deterrent for burglars. The loud noises created by these systems increase the chance of being caught by neighbors and anyone passing by who can report the activity. Once the alarm system and sirens go off, there is also a high chance that the authorities have been alerted. 

What device gets hacked the most? 

Unfortunately, the most vulnerable devices that tend to get hacked are devices that can connect to the internet and have a camera. This includes smartphones, smart cameras, wireless laptops, baby monitors, and smart home devices. 

What houses do burglars avoid? 

Burglars generally look for isolated homes in the middle of the street that lack security and appear empty. Well-protected houses with noticeable security features that appear occupied are less likely to be targeted by burglars. 

Methodology 

Data and information were sourced from the FBI, ADT, and Safewise to determine the best home security systems every homeowner should consider. 

Top Home Security Systems - Final Thoughts 

No matter your budget or areas of concern, there are many home security systems on the market that will keep your home safe with affordable subscription plans and innovative technology. Regarding home security systems, SimpliSafe is the best system for the price, while Cove offers the most affordable monitoring overall. 

If safety is a concern when searching for homes available in Raleigh and the surrounding area, contact the Real Estate Experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you find your dream home in a safe neighborhood with access to good school districts and fun things to do for the whole family.