To determine the best home security companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 22 companies and 133 systems, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
App Reviews (17%)
App reviews, similar to overall customer ratings, can indicate the health of a home security company’s user experience for customers. Ratings from the App Store and Play Store were evaluated, and the higher the rating for a company, the more points that company received.
Customer Reviews and Reputation (25%)
Customer ratings are a strong indicator of a company’s performance, making it 25% of the total ranking. The team evaluated customer ratings from platforms like the BBB, Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.
Customer Support (7%)
Customer support options accounted for 7% of the total ranking, and include each company’s offering (or lack thereof) of live chat, phone service, community forum, knowledge base and a blog.
Pricing and Contracts (14%)
Pricing is an important factor when choosing among the best home security companies, which is why it accounts for 14% of the total ranking. The editorial team evaluated monthly self monitoring and pro monitoring fees at both the lowest and highest price points.
Setup (16%)
A home security company’s ease of setup and installation policies could be a major factor for homeowners. The editorial team evaluated the setup for each company as well as contract lengths, policies and limitations to account for 16% of the total ranking.
Product Features (8%)
A home security company’s offering of equipment and package options is paramount when deciding how to approach your home’s security needs, which is why it makes up 8% of the total ranking. The team analyzed each company’s offerings of equipment including full professionally installed systems, wireless security options, cellular network cameras, night vision cameras, Wi-Fi security cameras, plug-in wired cameras, outdoor cameras, fire detection and smoke alarms, panic buttons, water leak detection, sirens and more.
Smart Home Integration (8%)
Extra smart home features are a commodity in a time of homes adapting to smart home integration, which is why this category received 8% of the total ranking’s weight. The editorial team evaluated each home security company’s list of smart home integrations with platforms including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Apple Homekit and more.
Editorial Judgment (5%)
Additional points were awarded based on the judgment of our review team. Points were awarded for inclusions such as additional service availability and outstanding achievements or awards.
FAQs
Vivint: Professional alternative
Vivint offers far more equipment than ADT, including an extra panic button, a smart light, a smart thermostat, and a unique Car Guard. Vivint's cameras also have a unique "smart deter" feature that sends potential porch pirates running.
Who is the number one home security system in the United States? ›
Compare the best pro-install and DIY home security systems of 2024
| Brand | Installation | Best for |
|---|
| ADT | Professional | Most trusted security brand |
| Cove | DIY or Pro | Best customer rating |
| DIY | Best budget-friendly pick |
| SimpliSafe | DIY or Pro | Best DIY home security |
1 more rowVivint: Professional alternative
Vivint offers far more equipment than ADT, including an extra panic button, a smart light, a smart thermostat, and a unique Car Guard. Vivint's cameras also have a unique "smart deter" feature that sends potential porch pirates running.
What is the downside of SimpliSafe? ›
What We Don't Like. Integrating SimpliSafe with other smart home brands requires a subscription. Professional monitoring costs have gone up twice in a three-year period. Limited selection of security cameras.
Which is better ADT or Brinks? ›
Brinks and ADT both own their monitoring centers, but ADT has nine monitoring stations versus Brinks' one. If you're concerned about the reliability of professional monitoring, ADT is the clear choice to protect your home. If you opt for a basic package for ADT monitoring, be aware that monitoring uses a landline only.
Is it worth using ADT? ›
If you're looking for a dependable yet modern smart home security system and are willing to pay for it, ADT is a great option. Its partnership with Nest, in particular, makes ADT a lot more valuable; you can get top-of-the-market indoor and outdoor cameras that integrate seamlessly with your ADT system.
Who is the leader in home security systems? ›
We ranked ADT as our Best Overall home security company, but SimpliSafe is best for DIYers who want easy installation and flexibility. We found Eufy to have the most affordable home security packages. Customers can create a custom alarm system that's budget-conscious and effective.
Who is the number one smart home security company? ›
Comparison Chart of Best Smart Home Security Systems
| System | ADT | SimpliSafe |
|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 3rd |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Compatible voice assistants | Alexa, Google Home | Alexa, Google Home |
| Compatible third-party IoT devices | Kwikset, LiftMaster, Google Nest products, all Z-wave devices | August Smart locks |
4 more rowsMar 20, 2024
Best home security systems: Comcast Xfinity. Vivint Smart Home. SimpliSafe (8-piece set)
Who is ADT's biggest competitor? ›
Top 6 ADT Security Services competitors
- Shipeshape.
- Notion.
- STANLEY Security.
- Wyze.
- Allied Universal.
- Resideo.
In February 2016, the company was acquired by Apollo Global Management for $6.9 billion in a leveraged buyout.
What company took over ADT? ›
2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GTCR, a leading private equity firm, announced today that it has closed the acquisition of ADT's commercial security, fire and life safety security business (the "Company") from ADT Inc. ("ADT", NYSE: ADT). Moving forward as a standalone organization, ADT Commercial will rebrand as Everon.
Can burglars disarm SimpliSafe? ›
Using a keypad and a base station from a SimpliSafe system, and an off-the-shelf microcontroller — all of which cost roughly $250 — Zonenberg demonstrated how easy it is for a burglar to disable the alarm.
What happens if Wi-Fi goes down with SimpliSafe? ›
[/citatino] Thankfully, SimpliSafe has shored up its security protocols since then. The news isn't all bad. An internet outage doesn't prevent contact sensors from sending radio signals to the base station. If your system was already armed when the outage occurred, an open door should still set off the siren.
Does SimpliSafe work if Wi-Fi goes down? ›
With cellular backup, you don't have to worry if your Wi-Fi network goes down. Your base station will switch to a cellular connection and continue working.
What is cheaper than ADT security? ›
The cheapest home security systems available on the market are Abode, ADT Self Setup, Ring, and SimpliSafe. These companies sell base security systems that typically include at least a base station and entry sensors for anywhere between $139.99 and $249.96.
Which home security system has the best customer service? ›
List of the Best Customer Service Security Companies in 2024
- ADT - Best Traditional System.
- Frontpoint - Best DIY Option.
- Vivint - Best Installation Service.
- SimpliSafe - Best Equipment.
The more involved Ring Protect Pro Plan offers 24/7 emergency police, fire and medical response; keeps your Ring alarm online during a power outage; and more. There are no contracts required with Ring, and you can call or chat for tech support. The company, owned by Amazon, has had some privacy concerns.
Is ADT and Brinks the same company? ›
ADT and Brinks share some similarities, but they differ in installation, guarantees, and monitoring options. Guarantees and Services: ADT offers a 6-month, money-back guarantee with professionally installed systems, while Brinks provides a 30-day warranty.
