Best Security Cameras

With so many security cameras on the market, it’s easy to overpay — or overcommit. Some systems require long contracts. Others look affordable upfront but end up costing more over time. The right choice comes down to flexibility, total cost, and how easily the system fits your home. 

After hands-on tests and extensive research, SimpliSafe is our number one pick: DIY, no contracts, and flexible monitoring options that can range from camera monitoring all the way to live agents keeping watch over your home. But DIY isn't for everyone, we also recommend Vivint for top-notch pro installation, and Cove is your best bet if data privacy tops your list of concerns.

Unlike most professionally installed systems, SimpliSafe never locks you into a required monitoring contract. You can build your system over time — add outdoor cameras, a doorbell, indoor cameras, or smart sensors — and control it all in the same app. 

Our favorite feature: Live Guard Outdoor Monitoring. Live Guard means trained agents are monitoring your home and can interfere to disrupt a crime or call for help in real-time. And it’s the most affordable live monitoring service available — best of all, you can start or stop it at any time without penalties.

Why SimpliSafe wins for most homes:

✔ No contract required

✔ Monitoring starts lower than major pro-install competitors ($9.99/mo. for camera-only monitoring)

✔ Live Guard monitoring available (starting at $49.99/mo.)

✔ Works with Alexa & Google Assistant

✔ Highly rated mobile app (4.8 iOS rating, 314k+ reviews)

Whether you’re renting, moving soon, or just want more control over your monthly costs, SimpliSafe gives you a scalable system without forcing you into a long commitment.

If you think of your home security system as part of your connected ecosystem — not just a standalone camera — Vivint is built with smart home integration in mind.

Vivint tops the list for homeowners who want their security tech to feel polished, integrated, and reliable across devices. From the mobile app experience to system connectivity, Vivint focuses on delivering seamless, reliable smart security.

Why Vivint appeals to tech-first homes:

✔ App-first experience

✔ Reliable connectivity

✔ Deep smart ecosystem integration

✔ Tech-forward features

✔ Clear monitoring structure (plans start at $24.99/mo.)

If data privacy and control over your video footage matter most to you, Cove stands out for pairing professional monitoring with cameras that support local storage.

Unlike cloud-only systems that store footage offsite, Eufy cameras powered by Cove allow you to keep recordings saved locally on the device. For many homeowners, that means greater control over where their video lives — and fewer ongoing storage fees tied to cloud plans.

Why Cove works for privacy-focused homes

✔ Local storage control

✔ Fewer ongoing storage costs

✔ Flexible power options (solar, battery, wired)

✔ All plans include professional monitoring

Most homeowners don’t need the most expensive system — they need one that fits their home today and won’t box them in tomorrow.

If you want a fully managed, professionally installed smart-home experience, Vivint is built for that.

If privacy and local storage matter most, Cove is worth considering.

But if you want flexibility, no long-term contracts, and the ability to start small and upgrade when you’re ready, SimpliSafe is the smart place to begin.

Start with the setup that fits your budget now — and expand anytime.