Best Smart Home Security Systems

Get the best of both home automation and security with our top five best smart home security systems.

Editor's Choice
Vivint
Vivint Smart Home
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starting from
$29.99
/mo
Most Popular
ADT Shield
ADT Command
3 out of 5 stars
3
Starting from
$28.99
Best for Smart Homes
Abode
Abode
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starting from
$6.99
Best RFID Option
Scout
Scout
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Starting from
$9.99
/mo
Mindy Woodall
Aug 22, 2023
Icon Time To Read6 min read

We may earn money when you click our links.

Home automation no longer requires you to “clap on, clap off.” With just the push of a button, you can now control more than your lights—you can turn on your dishwasher, lock your front door, and scare the pants off the FedEx employee by yelling “Thanks!” from your doorbell camera.

We think it’s a smart idea to pair home automation with home security. When we reviewed home automation systems, many of them were also top contenders for the best home monitoring and security systems.

To rank our top four best smart home security systems, we compared monitoring prices, features, and whether the system was compatible with other well-known automation devices like Google Assistant or smart thermostats

Best smart home security systems, prices and features
Provider
Monitoring price
Smart home integrations
Security cameras
Learn more
Vivint Smart Home$29.99-$44.99

Z-Wave, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Indoor, outdoor, doorbell

ADT$45.99–$59.99

Z-Wave, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Indoor, outdoor, doorbell

Abode

$6.99 - $21.99

IFTTT, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit

Indoor, outdoor, doorbell

Scout$9.99-$19.99

IFTTT, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Indoor, doorbell

Data as of 12/08/2022. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

Vivint: Editor's choice

Our top choice, Vivint, offers the best in home automation and security technology. Plus it has a no-contract option.
Pros
  • Quick incident response time
  • No-contract option available
  • Proprietary technology and equipment
Cons
  • High up-front costs

Vivint's mobile app lets you add some mood lighting, turn up the heat, or lock your front door—all from your smartphone. It also allows you to get really granular with how you set up your security system. If you run to pick up your child from school every day at 2:30 p.m., your system can remember to set your alarm for you.

Also impressive is Vivint’s equipment, which is all designed in-house and comes with loads of extra features.

For example, Vivint's control panel has a two-way talk feature that lets a Vivint rep try to contact you through your control panel—and you can answer back. No more scrambling to find your phone and answer their call to cancel a false alarm.

And you can also pull up live video feeds from your security cameras on the panel or in the Vivint mobile app to monitor your home in real time. Plus Vivint’s Indoor Camera has an outbound call feature, so your kids always have a way to get ahold of you.

Vivint packages and pricing
Package
Monitoring price
Contract length
Details
Vivint Home Security
$29.99
/mo

None OR 42–60 mos.

Vivint Home Security
$39.99
/mo

None OR 42–60 mos.

Vivint Home Security
$44.99
/mo

None OR 42–60 mos.

Data effective 8/22/23. Offers subject to change.

“So what’s the downside?,” you ask. Vivint is on the pricier end of the spectrum in terms of equipment costs. Equipment packages start at $599, and you’ll have to pay all of that up front (and probably more, if you need more equipment) to qualify for a no-contract option.

Vivint also doesn't have a DIY installation option, so you’ll need to factor in the $99 installation fee into your total cost. But we still think the price is worth it to get your hands on some of the best home automation technology in the industry, like two-way talk, live video feeds, and custom security settings.

ADT: Most popular

A close runner-up, ADT provides a well-rounded home automation service, but steep costs keep first place just out of reach.
Pros
  • Multiple professional monitoring centers
  • Widely recognized security brand
Cons
  • High monthly costs
  • 3-year contract requred

ADT plans (formerly known as ADT Pulse) offer professional installation (no DIY) and allow you to dim the lights for date night, turn up the thermostat on a chilly morning, or open the front door for your partner when they forget their keys.

Its service is also compatible with Z-Wave devices, so you’ll be able to add in some third-party smart devices, like lights, locks, and thermostats.

That said, ADT's equipment looks pretty standard and it has mediocre cameras. The ADT system definitely lacks the innovative qualities and overall panache of Vivint gear.

ADT Command prices and plans
Monitoring plan
Price
Mobile app access
Smart home integrations
Details
Basic
$28.99
Icon No  DarkNo
Icon No  DarkNo
Secure
$45.99
Icon No  DarkNo
Icon No  DarkNo
Smart
$49.99
Icon No  DarkNo
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Video
$56.99
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Icon No  DarkNo
Complete
$59.99
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Icon Yes  DarkYes

Data effective 8/22/2023. Offers subject to change.

But where ADT Command really falls short is its high monthly cost—its cheapest home automation option is still a few dollars more per month than Vivint’s most expensive one. Plus, there’s no way around that ball and chain of a three-year contract. (Or is there?)

You can get ADT monitoring and not have to sign a contract. Samsung SmartThings and ADT have partnered up to offer no-contract monitoring that starts at at much lower monthly price. With this package, you can automate a wide range of devices that are Z-Wave and Zigbee compatible while knowing your home is secured.1

There is one caveat, though: for a security event to trigger the ADT monitoring service—and have them contact the police or fire department on your behalf—the event alert has to come from an ADT device.

Abode: Best for smart homes

Scrappy DIY system, Abode, offers a low-cost, smart home automation and security option. It's a renter’s dream.
Pros
  • Option for free self-monitoring
  • No contracts
  • On-demand monitoring available
  • DIY installation
Cons
  • Starter package doesn't come with a keypad

Are you all about getting hands-on and tinkering with technology? Then Abode’s do-it-yourself smart security system might just be your jam. For renters, the easy-as-pie installation is a match made in heaven since you won’t need to grab the putty knife and fill in holes when you move out. Instead, the control panel and sensors attach with adhesive backing.

An extra bonus: If you have to pick up and go because your lease is up, you changed jobs, or you’re moving in with your best friend’s sister’s cousin, you won’t have to worry about paying contract cancellation fees. All of Abode’s packages are contract-free.

Abode pricing and monitoring plans
Package
Monitoring price
Contract length
Learn more
Standard$6.99/mo.*

None

Pro$22.99/mo.*

None

* Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

Data effective 8/22/23. Offers subject to change.

Abode is also Z-Wave, Zigbee, and If This, Then That (IFTTT) compatible, so you can mix and match a wide range of smart light bulbs, locks, thermostats, appliances, and more, including digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.2 Additionally, the starter kit has a low up-front cost (compared to other companies) and comes with most everything you need.

We say “most everything” because the kit lacks a couple of items that you might consider essential. A wireless keypad will cost you extra, as will any security cameras. If your focus is mainly on home automation, these may not be a deal breaker and can be added on if you consider them a must-have.

What makes Abode tops for anyone looking for a budget home automation service is its self-monitoring service that rings in at a whopping F-R-E-E. While you’ll have to rely on your own eagle eyes to self-monitor, this is the perfect option if you’re really only shopping for a home automation service.

If you think 24/7 monitoring might come in handy, you can always upgrade to the still-affordable Standard or Pro plans.

Scout: Best RFID option

Another top choice for renters and DIY-ers, Scout offers a low-cost, minimalist approach complete with full home automation control.
Pros
  • DIY, non-invasive installation
  • Low up-front and monthly cost
  • No contracts
  • À la carte equipment selection
Cons
  • Monthly subscription required for full functionality

All it takes is a few minutes to set up the Scout smart home security system. And renters rest easy—there’s no need to get out your home improvement toolbelt. Just like Abode, Scout uses adhesive backing to stick to your walls.

Scout doesn't really have a free monitoring option. If you want access to the mobile app, or you want to upgrade to full-on professional monitoring, then you'll need to sign on for a month-to-month subscription plan.

Scout cost breakdown
Package
Monitoring price
Contract length
Learn More
$9.99
/mo

None

$19.99
/mo

None

Data effective 8/22/2023. Offers subject to change.

There’s no contract required, and Scout’s monthly fees won’t make your jaw drop. It’s well worth it to pay for the plan to get IFTTT, Z-Wave, and Zigbee integrations.

Recap: Which smart home security system is best?

  • Vivint: Best professionally installed—Vivint lets you customize your smart home alarm system on a whole new level with feature-packed proprietary equipment.
  • ADT: Most popular—ADT (formerly ADT Pulse) is a widely recognized home security brand that offers redundant call centers for an extra layer of protection, but steep costs keep it in second place.
  • Abode: Best for smart homes—Abode comes with DIY installation and no contracts, but if you want a control panel, you’ll need to fork over a little more dough.
  • Scout: Best RFID option—Scout is another top DIY pick with no contract, but you’ll need to pay month to month to get the full set of home security and automation features.
Our pick

How to keep your home automation system from being hacked

Hacks, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, breaches . . . keeping up is enough to give a security pro a headache. But the good news is, you don’t need to be a pro to take steps to add a layer of defense to your home automation system. Here are a few tips to help keep your home automation system secure.

Create strong passwords

It bears repeating: don’t just stick with the default password. This goes for anything connected to your network, like your router, cloud account, or smartphone. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong password—and avoid using anything that makes the list of most commonly used passwords.

It’s also a good idea to add two-factor authentication to your account if you can. This adds yet another layer of protection to keep would-be hackers away.

Stay up to date

New vulnerabilities are discovered every day, and responsible companies constantly publish software and firmware updates to keep you ahead of the security game. Set a reminder to check for software updates to your home automation and security system at least once a week, and don’t forget about your router and computer too.

Keep tabs on who's keeping tabs

If you have security cameras as part of your smart alarm system, it’s likely you can check the history to see who’s accessed the feed. Take a peek at the logs regularly and make sure you recognize the IP addresses listed there. If you discover one you don’t recognize, immediately change your password and let your security service provider know.

Not sure how to find your own IP address—or maybe you’re not sure what an IP address even is? Don’t worry, Google has an easy IP addresses guide to help you figure all these things out.

Similarly, it’s a good idea to keep track of who has a passcode for your alarm. That way, if someone you no longer want to have access has the code, you know to change it.

A quick intro to home automation languages

IFTTT, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Insteon. Home automation languages don’t come with a Rosetta Stone course, but it’s not difficult to learn how each one works.

If you’re new to home automation, these are the languages that allow each smart device to “talk” to the hub and to each other, so every bit of your home’s Internet of Things (IoT) is connected.

But creating IFTTT recipes and learning how to make your devices “talk” to each other in the right way takes some research and experimentation. Check out our home automation languages guide to jump in and see what it’s all about.

Looking for a system more focused on home security? Take a look at our top five picks for the best wireless security systems.

Sources

Mindy Woodall
Written by
Mindy Woodall
Mindy has been writing about technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

Related Articles

A couple's feet wearing cozy socks in front of a TV screen streaming a movie
Can You Stream with Satellite Internet?
We’ve got answers in our guide to streaming with satellite internet. Find out right here...
An African American woman plays games on a computer
Can You Game on Satellite Internet?
Can you game on satellite internet? Yes! Learn how to optimize your satellite internet for...
A sister helps her brother with homework on the computer
Does Viasat Satellite Internet Have Data Limits?
Does your Viasat plan have a data cap? Here's how to add more data, how...
woman using laptop to video chat in front of a window
The Best Internet Service Providers: Find the Ideal Wi-Fi
Looking for the best home internet options? Read on to compare download speed, price, and...