10 Best Home Security Systems 2024

The primary benefit of a home security system is to protect your family, home, and valuables when you’re away from home or asleep. As we’ve seen, there are numerous options for equipment, monitoring, and installation at various price points. But unless you have a self-monitored system, all home security packages will alert the proper authorities when a valid alarm is triggered. Therefore, the speed with which this occurs is a major point of concern.

Alerting First Responders

Our team interviewed Michael Henry, former Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, who explained the chain of events after being contacted by a home security monitoring service.

According to Henry, monitoring services typically contact the sheriff’s department directly. Patrol cars are then alerted to a potential home security breach. The average response time is 2 to 3 minutes.

“Believe it or not, most of the time it’s a false alarm,” says Henry. “But we always had to treat them as if they’re real, because you never know.”

False alarms are the main reason monitored systems attempt immediately to validate the alarm by contacting the customer by phone or other method. This can establish whether or not the customer, family member, or pet set off the alarm accidentally. If the customer doesn’t respond, or responds by indicating they are not in the house, the police are notified.

Types of Equipment

Home security companies offer a wide range of equipment options, from mounted control panel installations to fully automated systems controlled by smartphones or tablets. Some companies manufacture and sell their own proprietary equipment, while others rely on third-party products. Certain home security systems require professional installation. Newer, user-friendly systems have do-it-yourself setup options, which come in handy when moving to a new home.

Before purchasing an alarm system, it’s important to identify your family’s needs. Older or disabled homeowners may feel more comfortable with systems that offer medical alerts or panic buttons. Homeowners with small children or who spend a lot of time away from home might prefer multiple surveillance options throughout the property that provide live video feeds. Once you’ve determined the needs of your household, you’ll be in a good position to choose among the different types of equipment offered.

Sensors

Sensors are detectors built into the alarm system that transmit signals to the control panel. Common home security sensors include those designed for walls, doors, windows, and garages. Some window sensors now include glass break detection. Many security systems have crash-and-smash sensors, which sound an alarm when someone (such as an intruder) attempts to tamper with or destroy the control panel.

Various companies also have systems that include environmental safeguards. These include smoke and carbon monoxide sensors that immediately alert emergency personnel

Surveillance Cameras

Security cameras provide surveillance throughout the home and around the property. This includes indoor and outdoor cameras, doorbell built-in cameras, and wireless cameras, also known as ‘tilt and pan’ cameras, which can send live video and photo feeds to a connected device. Cameras can be mounted and configured in multiple ways to best fit the style of the home.

Video surveillance can be a useful feature for homeowners who have elderly or disabled family members, children, or other visitors like babysitters, housekeepers, or maintenance personnel. Surveillance equipment gives homeowners the ability to actively monitor their home and families themselves, especially while on the go.

Control Panels

All sensors and detectors communicate with a control panel. These are available in two forms: they can be a physical panel that’s installed within the home on a wall, or a virtual panel that’s accessible and controlled via smartphone or tablet.

While in-home mounted panels are most common, virtual control panels work remotely, providing homeowners with full control of the home security system while away. In situations where a relative, friend, or worker needs to enter the home, the homeowner can disarm the system from their wireless device.

Vulnerability to Hacking

All wireless home security systems are vulnerable to hacking to some degree. Hackers can target many components of home security systems, including video surveillance systems, control panels, and sensors—especially those of unsecured smart home systems. The likelihood of such a thing happening, however, is quite low.

According to former FBI security specialist R. L. Walters, home security hacking is not as big an issue as some publications would lead you to believe.

“The technology is out there but there’s not as many people as you would think that would know how to use it,'' says Walters.

Photo by Madison Russ/ Consumers Advocate.

The 2019 Avast Smart Home Security Report reported that “two out of five (40.8%) digital homes worldwide contain at least one device that is vulnerable to cyber-attacks.” A single vulnerable device can endanger someone’s entire home, and over 69% of these devices are at risk due to default or weak access credentials.

Although this is a worrisome number—and companies selling home automation products should do their part to improve security overall—do keep in mind that being vulnerable does not suddenly make you a target for a horde of hackers. For now, Walters states that “I think there is a very limited amount of people that have those skills.”

For those who are still worried about their security system being hacked into, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk. The first of them is to secure the system. Set up firewalls, check for firmware updates, use a strong password, regularly change old passwords, and get devices that support two-factor authentication. Make sure to keep a check on your camera logs and avoid accessing your security system from a public WiFi network. If the threat of being hacked is still a significant concern, consider that wired systems are much less vulnerable to hacking.

Tips for Shopping for a Security System

The first thing that someone who is buying a home security system should do is know their home. Different types of homes benefit from specific types of security systems and monitoring. Securing a house is different from securing an apartment; securing a home is different from securing a business.

Condominium associations may forbid residents from drilling holes in exterior walls. Residents of these dwellings may be much better off using a wireless security system. Wireless alarms are also ideal for renters, as they can take the system with them when they move. Homeowners, on the other hand, have a much greater degree of choice. They can opt for wired or wireless systems without much hassle.

Although wireless systems are now the industry standard, homeowners may get a better deal if they use the preexisting framework of a wired security system installed by previous owners. Likewise, businesses operating on premises where the necessary wiring has already been installed may prefer to go with a wired system.

Once the type of security system has been decided, it’s time to start shopping. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:

• Do the research. Make an effort to really understand what you’re purchasing. Look at the types of equipment home security companies offer and weigh the pros and cons of DIY installation. Understand what automation is and how it works. Figure out how much each system costs. Knowledge equals the power to make good decisions.
• Know the company’s products. Certain types of equipment are common across home security systems, such as cameras and sensors. Other products vary in functionality from one company to another. By becoming better acquainted with a company’s products and services before contacting them, you’ll be in a better position to reach a deal once the conversation starts.
• Only get the extras you need. If you’re going to buy something on top of a company’s basic home security packages, be absolutely sure you can afford it. Don’t opt for nonessential equipment or services that you’ll have to struggle to pay for just for the sake of having the most “comprehensive” protection. Remember, the goal is to protect your assets, not spend them.
• Have essential information at hand before you call. Don’t call any company without having critical information about their products and your home or business. Agents will often ask questions about the latter in order to properly quote the equipment, prepare for installation, and suggest add-on products. Make sure to have questions about the company’s products and services jotted down beforehand. This will make the conversation more productive and will help you avoid upselling tactics.
• Be ready to confront upselling. Many of us have struggled at some point or another with salespeople who just wouldn’t stop offering add-ons and “special offers” on top of what you actually want to buy. A common tactic for agents who are trying to upsell consumers is to introduce them to a higher-end product or to an upgrade of the product they were in the process of purchasing. Respond to this approach by clearly stating what it is you are looking for and what you are willing to pay. By doing so, you are showing that you’ve done your homework. Don’t succumb to pressure to buy what you don’t want or need.
• Get as many quotes as you can. One or two isn’t enough; try to request quotes for professional installation, equipment, and monitoring services from as many home security companies in your area as you can. Get quotes from a variety of companies old and new, large, and small.

DIY vs Professional Installation

Traditionally, home security companies provided professional installation and monitoring services as a packaged deal. As technology has progressed, however, do-it-yourself security systems have become more sophisticated and can be customized to fit specific needs.  

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Systems

DIY home security systems have no installation fees and cost much less than traditional systems, as you set the system up yourself. Since you have the freedom to install it whenever you want, there’s no need to schedule an appointment and wait for a technician. With DIY systems, you have control over the entire configuration and are able to place sensors, cameras, and other equipment in areas you believe best protect your home. DIY wireless alarm systems don’t require securing cords or mounting control panels. They’re also easily movable, which is a big advantage if you move to a new residence.

Most DIYs are automation systems, consisting of a virtual control panel with user-friendly configurations that control functions of the home, including the thermostat, door locks, lights, and garage door. Keep in mind, however, that DIY security systems do not always provide 24/7 monitoring services or alert police. In the event of an emergency, you’ll have to do that yourself.

Professionally Installed Home Security Systems

Professionally installed home security systems employ expert technicians to install and set up the system and walk you through its operation. They also feature 24/7 professional monitoring. Monitoring centers notify the homeowner immediately of an alarm and call emergency authorities for you. With professionally installed systems, there is no hassle or work on your end and you can rely on warranty and support in case of a system malfunction. This type of system does, however, require an installation fee as well as monthly monitoring or maintenance fees.

Deciding Which Option is Best for You

Both types of systems come with pros and cons; the choice lies in your comfort level. We recommend a DIY security system for people who are confident about their ability to set up and maintain the system themselves. We recommend professionally installed systems for definitely-non-handy folks, people with reduced mobility, and those who want the extra assurance that everything is set up properly.

Some companies, such as Protect America and Vivint, offer wireless hybrid systems that are installed by the homeowner but include 24/7 professional monitoring. With this option, customers can avoid the installation charge and apply the savings to the monthly subscription or monitoring fees.

Things to Consider when Purchasing a Home Security System

Home Security System Contracts

Not all home security systems require customers to sign a contract. But it’s crucial to carefully examine the contract offered by those that do. Consider that some companies lock you into their service for a year or more. Breaking the contract could cost you hundreds of dollars.

Renters and others who are not sure how long they will be staying in their current residence should avoid getting into long-term contracts. However, an exception can be made for home security systems that come with benefits like the ADT Mover’s Savings Package, which allow you to take your equipment to a new home.

Costly Fees—Especially False Alarm Fees

Fees can make the cost of a normally affordable home security system skyrocket and drive some systems completely out of your budget. Consumers should consider installation fees, service and maintenance fees, and monitoring fees before making a purchase.

Unlike other types of fees, false alarm fees are not established by companies. Instead, they vary by county or city. They are just as important—if not more so—than other types of fees. If you live in a state where burglaries are common, be aware that false alarms could cost you a great deal of money. In Los Angeles, for example, the first false alarm will result in a $216 fee. Each subsequent false alarm will raise that fee by $50.

Wired Systems Always Require Some Amount of Drilling

Although wireless systems are the norm for home security systems, several companies still offer wired systems. Wired systems will always require some amount of drilling. If you live in an apartment or condominium, make sure you are permitted by your lease or condo association rules to drill through walls and floors. Consider that type of material that will have to be drilled through (wood, brick, concrete, steel, etc.). Think about how long you expect to stay in your current residence, since wired systems are not portable.

Your City’s Crime Rate

Before settling on a home security system, look at the crime statistics for your city. Your needs may vary depending on how common burglaries and other types of crime are in your area.

In cities with low burglary rates, security systems with fewer components and without professional monitoring are more viable alternatives. Those living in cities with higher crime rates may want to get the best possible equipment and monitoring due to the higher chance of being burglarized.

Source: FBI's Crime in the United States 2017 Edition

Always keep in mind, however, that home security systems aren’t just a tool to keep burglars away from your house. They’re also a tool for notifying authorities in case of an emergency that isn’t related to a crime—a fire, for example. They’re a way of keeping tabs of what is going on in your home while you’re away, and a way of staying on top of your children’s and pets’ activity. They may also be helpful if you’re looking after an elderly person. 

Consider Your City or State Regulations

Every city has its own regulations for home security systems. Some cities will require that those purchasing a home security system apply and pay for a permit to have it installed. Refusing or simply forgetting to do so can make fines, such as those for false alarms, much harsher.

In many cities, those acquiring a home or business that has a security system installed must apply and pay to maintain it. In many cases, the cost of a permit and its renewal for a home will be different than that for a business. In Long Beach, CA, alarm system permits for businesses are renewed annually at $34.00, whereas alarm system permits for residences are renewed every three years at $39.00.

Understanding False Alarms

According to a report published by the Urban Institute, police departments nationwide respond to millions of false alarms from citizen and business security systems every year. This costs cities and towns millions of dollars in wasted police resources.

False alarms can also cause what’s commonly known as “false alarm fatigue,” which affects the quality of response. Police officers and firefighters may become desensitized by these calls and miss real emergencies.

In hopes of reducing the number of false alarms and associated costs, all states except Vermont, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and New Hampshire require residents to obtain a permit before installing any alarm system. In some cases, separate permits from the police and fire departments are required.

However, state law is changeable, so it’s always best to check with the Electronic Security Association to get the most current information about your state’s requirements.

The most common causes of false alarms are:

• User error. Customers forget their passwords or try to enter the property without disarming the alarm.
• Defective equipment. Sometimes even the most high-quality equipment can come with defective parts that can cause the alarm to go off.
• Low battery or inconsistent power source. Many wireless systems run on batteries which, if not changed frequently, can trigger a false alarm. Frequent power outages or change in voltage can also trigger false alarms by damaging the system and its sensors.
• Incorrect installation. If sensors and detectors aren’t correctly aligned or installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the system’s operation can become erratic.
• Pets, rodents and insects. Some sensors are more sensitive than others and large pets as well as rodents and insects can trigger them.
• Bad weather and unsecured doors or windows. Rattling doors and windows caused by heavy rain or strong winds can be mistaken by the system for someone trying to break in.

False alarms can be avoided in many ways. The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office recommends consumers choose a security system that adapts to their circumstances, since pet owners and those with children may need sturdier sensors. They also advise consumers to familiarize themselves with their systems and perform occasional maintenance, such as changing batteries and spraying sensors with insect repellent.

How to install a home security system

Installing a home security system can be a complicated task that requires knowledge of electrical wiring and other technical details. Unless you have purchased a wireless system or are confident in your ability to install the equipment yourself, it’s best to hire a qualified and experienced technician to ensure the system is properly set up. Technicians will work with you to figure out the best layout for your system. They will also explain how it works and offer tips on how to get the most out of it.

As far as DIY systems go, you should only purchase one if you’re reasonably handy. And even then, it’s extremely  important to read installation instructions carefully and follow all safety protocols. Ensure that you have the right tools and materials before beginning, and be sure to shut off the power before installing or replacing any components if the system is wired. If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, contact a professional security technician for assistance.