Fun & Facts   Tech
By Consumer Team | 30 June 2021

Top 5 Home Alarm Systems

home security systems

Home security is always an important subject. Many people get outside companies to come in and install various equipment that will work together to keep your home safer. The equipment will alert you when there is a breach in the perimeter of your home and many will sound an alarm. There are many companies in the home alarms systems business and they each will offer something a little different. As technology advances, many of the systems become more automated and technology driven. For instance, many companies now give you the ability to monitor your system from your phone. But which company offers the best services and technology that suit both your needs and your budget? Below we have briefly summarized some highlights of our favorite home alarm companies.

1 – Vivint

Vivint is one of the most reliable and best home security systems that is on the market. It comes with a lot of smart features that allow you to control a lot of things from your phone. If you get it set up, you can open your front door for your kids or lock the door after you go to work. It is compatible with Nest and Alexa.

Vivint can provide a doorbell camera, outdoor camera, ping camera, video recording, smart locks, thermostat and garage door control. In addition, the standard package includes a touchscreen panel. Equipment can often be provided for free. Packages and monitoring start at $39.99 per month with no activation fee.

2 – Simplisafe

Simplisafe has been rated by PCmag.com and CNET.com as one of the top home alarm systems. Even though the company offers professional installation, it is possible for the homeowner to install the system by themselves. It is more economical compared to other systems.

There are no contracts with Simplisafe and no hidden fees. Packages can include entry and motion sensors, glass break detection, and video security. Much like other systems, you can control a lot of features from your phone. They offer a 60-day money back guarantee, free shipping, and free returns. Packages start at $443.90 (for all the equipment) with a $14.99 monthly monitoring fee.

3 – ADT

ADT has been around for a long time and is reputable and reliable. The packages come with security keypads, motion detectors, door and window sensors, glass break sensors, and a key fob. ADT can work through your smartphone and they can also provide security cameras for additional protection. They offer professional installation and run specials where you can sometimes get some of the equipment at no charge. If you check with the company, they may be able to offer you equipment based on offers from other companies. The service requires a 36-month contract and costs about $1/day.

4 – Nest Secure

Nest Secure is a home alarm system that has equipment bundles that start at $498 for a basic package, which includes the Nest Guard, two sensors and two Nest Tags and an outdoor camera. This system is unique because the user arms and disarms the system using a Nest Tag, which is like a key fob. The system can be easily installed by the homeowner, and a professional monitoring contract can be added. The professional monitoring is offered by Brinks Home Security beginning at $19 per month for a 3-year agreement.

5 – Protect America

Protect America is a very convenient and affordable home alarm system. It has been around for more than 25 years. The company offers most basic equipment free of charge, including a control panel, 3 motion, and entry sensors, and DIY installation. You can add to the security package with things like motion detectors, video cameras, and smoke detectors. The larger the package, the more the monthly fee will be. The packages start at $19.99 per month for basic landline options. They do offer more automated plans that will allow the user to control the system from their phone, however, those plans start at $41.99 per month.

Do your research and choose the provider that offers what you want, at a price you are willing to pay. Sometimes you can get the companies to price match. So, if the company you really want to use is not offering the equipment at the price you want, see if they will match another company’s price. Find the best option to keep your family safe!