With thousands of home security companies to choose from, how do you choose which one is right for you? Most people make this decision based on who is standing at their front door trying to sell them a system. But the security of your home and family is not something you should leave to chance.
This top ten list has been created to help you make an informed decision about protecting your home and family. The rankings, ratings, and opinions expressed on TheTopTens.com are influenced by site visitors and TheTopTens®, and are subject to change. To keep this valuable service free, we may generate advertising revenue from some companies featured in this list.
Frontpoint Security
Frontpoint was founded in 2007 to take advantage of new opportunities created by the growth of wireless technology and the introduction of wireless data networks. Traditional home security systems relied on vulnerable land lines that required professional technicians to install. Frontpoint saw the need …
As far as I’ve been able to find (and I’ve searched high and low) no other security and life-safety company offers a bigger bang for the buck that Frontpoint’s Interactive monitoring package does.
What I like most is the technology, pricing/value, portabilility, convenience, full-service, low/no pressure sales, knowledgeable employees, short hold times, transparent pricing, and short contract periods (optional).
Most of all, I appreciate the stellar customer service. Investigate yourself, and you’ll see. Their own website is a great resource to start with… fantastic website. Then do some Google searches.
I’ve been with them about 3 years, and couldn’t be a happier customer. Thank you, Frontpoint! Your hard work and dedication to your customers shows!
The features are amazing, the people are great and there is never any issue if I need to get something replaced. I had a sensor that would not register my front door being closed, frontpoint sent me out a completely different sensor with no problem and even said “no, we wouldn’t do that to you” when I asked if there was going to be a charge for the new equipment. My old sensor ended up cooperating but just the fact that they were so willing to help and seemed to genuinely care about making sure I had the best equipment sold me on being a customer for life. The smoke and heat sensor sending an alarm even if the alarm is not actually set is another great feature. Unfortunately, I discovered this multiple times while cooking, but at least I know I’m safe
This system is easy to install on your own because it is totally wireless. I installed my system 18 months and love the ability to see what is going on when I am away. The options that are available with this system cover all the issues that can occur… frozen pipes, water damage, fire as well as break ins. The video monitoring is an added level of security that allows you to view your property from any where via PDA (smart phone) or computer. The customer support is top rate, I had questions with some of the available features and found the customer support team to be very patient and made sure all my questions were answered and stayed on the phone with me until I fully understood my options. Front Point Security is the best!
I have had this system in my home for a month now and it was been wonderful. Not only were they super friendly and helpful with my questions before I signed on, they have continued to be helpful & friendly afterward too. I have a top notch GE GSM cellular alarm system for no more cost than most land line systems. I also can take my system with me when I move, an option not available with other companies without much added cost. I can add to my system, up to 40 sensors, meaning I can customize it to my home very easily. I have ordered a few extra sensors since my initial purchase, that came fast & easy to install. The system comes ready to install, you follow the simple directions in the box and give Front Point a call after everything is in place and you are up and running in less than 30 minutes. I would recommend this company (and have) to anyone!
Vivint
The story of Vivint starts in 1999 with two friends who decided the best way to sell home security systems was the hard way: door to door. They felt that every home had special concerns that truly needed to be understood to get the homeowners the right product for their needs. Their approach worked, …
I can’t believe they talked me into getting this thing, but it’s turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was very skeptical, but after seeing all of the reports and research, I decided to give them a try (two days ago). Last night we had an electrical fire. Before I even knew what was going on, the fire department was there with thermal imaging units pinpointing the fire in the wall, and it absolutely saved our entire home, and possibly our lives.
What really impressed me was how fast it happened. My old ADT system may have gone off, but the firemen were here at my home before ADT would have even been able to call me.
This system should be ranked #1 over Front point! Why it is not is a mystery to me. Vivint has everything Front Point has and has more. Can’t get locks, can’t get thermostats, and the two way cell monitored panel is ancient compared to the state of the art panel Vivint uses. Vivint has the fastest response time in the industry. In fact the only thing Front point has that Vivint currently does not have is an outside camera. That’s because the outside camera front point has is wired. Vivint is committed to a totally wireless system.. Price wise, 400 bucks got me 2 wireless camera a, 2 key fobs, 2 wirelessly controlled door locks, 2 thermostats, 2 extra mobile alarm panels, 12 of the new energy saving light bulbs with the light control system, a siren for the upstairs (we have three floors), and smoke and fire detector.. All this under their home automation package. 68 bucks a month.. If you add cameras to Front Point $54. BEST DEAL IN THE INDUSTRY. Work your sales man though, I promise …
Unlike front point home automation that still uses a landline to monitor, Vivint uses a full cell system (not cell back up) plus they aren’t the highest awarded for their monitoring for no reason. Best part is… I didn’t pay a dime for my equipment! I just pay the monitoring! I expected to pay double a month but instead it’s only like 69 bucks a month for the system I fully control from my phone. Oh and the thermostat saves me like twenty a month. (I don’t really use the coupons they gave me) and I also save ten percent on my home owner’s insurance.
Known for their deep commitment to customer satisfaction, APX Alarm is fast becoming one of the top home security companies in the country. If customers experience any problems with their system, APX gets technicians out to fix them as quickly as their trucks can drive. Their service has also received top ratings by JD Power and Associates for excellent customer service and satisfaction.
APX technology is top-notch, with alarms that have live audio systems connected directly with monitoring centers, built-in smoke detectors, and medical service buttons in case of emergency.
ADT
ADT is a provider of security and automation solutions for homes and businesses in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida and employs approximately 20,000 people at 300 locations. .
We’ve had ADT for many years and have had zero problems. I had to learn my lesson the hard way with one of the local companies. I was broken into on Christmas day and they were closed! No dispatch! They cleaned me out! I was so furious but there was nothing that I could do (they did let me out of my contract… ) I learned that day that you get what you pay for. That’s why I chose to go with the industry leader b/c they have the long time reputation as being the best (who else has 130 years experience? ) I couldn’t be more pleased.
On a side note, I did have a salesman come by my house from one of the other companies trying to upsale me on why I should go with their new home automation/ security system. I really don’t understand all of the hype with these new faceted gadgets. I bought a programmable thermostat from Lowe’s for $50. Does almost exactly the same thing. I also have enough common sense to set my alarm system before I leave the house. I don’t understand the big deal …
With ten times the clients of any other brand in home security, ADT is the clear market leader when it comes to home security. What does that mean for you? It means that at a second’s glance, those looking to gain unlawful entry into your home or business know that an ADT secured property is not one to mess with.
An ADT sticker alone in the window of a home is enough to deter would-be criminals from attempting entry. And that’s where the true value of home security lies, it’s not about alarms going off that’s important, it’s preventing action that would cause them to go off that really counts.
We originally went with a bargain rate alarm system but after a debacle involving a false alarm at 1:00 in the morning that ended up with the police and my panicked mother (she is the secondary contact) showing up at the house even though the alarm in the house never sounded, we decided to go with a more established name.
We’ve had ADT for over a year now and have had zero problems. Our local agent has been great each time we have dealt with him and all of the installers we worked with when getting the alarm system installed in our first house, and having it removed and reinstalled in our new home have been great.
Also, we got a package that includes a CO detector and a fire alarm which really makes you feel better knowing that if something happens to the house while we are out, the fire department will be on their way so they can save our possessions and our loving pets.
Been hooked up for about 20 years now. No complaints. No repairs! Good service! The only time we needed ADT, IT OPERATED PERFECTLY. A fire started in our kitchen and the alarm went off right away. The only surprise was, I was trying to use my phone to call 911 and ADT was I using my line… It beat me to it, and I did not realize until later, that was why I could not call out! The only problem now, is the monthly charge has gone from $21.99 to almost $38.00 per month. Time to lower this price for seniors, ADT, WE HAVE PAID OUR DUES, ! How about $25.00/ month, for the rest of our lives?
For a good wireless system that uses cellular towers this is the best bet. I told the other alarm companies what cellular service works in my area and a few wanted me to get a 6’inside additional antenna, that may solve the problem. Protect America says their product will work with more cellular services than their competitors.
Great system I love the do it yourself. That way I don’t have a stranger in my house! Extremely affordable and I love that even though it is a 3 year contract, if I move it can come with me! I also love that I have interactive features on my phone! It’s a great system and it makes me feel safe a secure in my home!
I have two systems at two different houses and have very good results – love the mobile app which means I actually use my system a lot more than I thought I would! Have had a few occasions to call customer service and have had good support there as well.
Used these guys for years. Much cheaper than other security systems we priced. We had to install it ourselves, but it was really simple. Just stick one end of the sensor on the door or window, and the other on the frame.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is an award-winning home security system—founded in 2006 by then Harvard Business School students, Chad and Eleanor Laurans. The idea came about after several friends in the Cambridge area had experienced break-ins, but couldn’t find a home security product that was designed to help renters.
Checked a lot of different security companies on the internet, due to the great reviews and great price decided to go with SimpliSafe. It’s a great system, it was easy to install. Also I decide to add 2 more components after my initial order, they were very easy to add to the system. When I took my Monitoring Certificate to the police department the clerk saw I was using SimpliSafe she asked me about it because she also had seen it on the internet. I highly recommended it to her.
Moving into a HUD-assisted development in a decent neighborhood across from City Hall, but Know this unit has only true all-around wireless with built-in cell phone paired with T-Mobile at an absurdly low system price, text messaging and central system monitoring for $15/month! No land line, no cell fee, and geekoid accessories designed by smart engineers who know what real people need, want and will buy.
Two homes protected for seven years. Fantastic company. Every sensor works exactly as it should. Monitoring service responds within seconds of alarm. No contract, simple installation, no high pressure sales, low monitoring fee. Everything I could ask for.
The mover and shaker. Exposing the Big guys. If you don’t believe that, look at all the ruffled feathers and the amount of feedback from them about how bad Simplisafe is. Some to the point of mis- representing the truth. They are worried and have reasons to be.
LifeShield Home Security
Easy to use system, fantastic customer support. Monitoring center is fast and efficient. Lifetime warranty available on all wireless components including the batteries that power them! I have two systems at two locations with 17 sensors and they are flawless. Couldn’t be happier with LifeShield!
It’s a fantastic system! I love being able to access it from my phone and check on whether my kids are at home.
The text alerts are my favorite part. I get messages letting me know who is coming and going, is a sensor needs to be fixed, and even if I forget to set the alarm! I highly recommend LifeShield!
Never have to worry with LifeShield on the watch! Love the alerts and being able to customize settings for each individual sensor as opposed to by zone. LifeShield gives me all the control and I can sleep easy knowing that no matter where I am, my home and valuables are secure.
I like the fact that it uses internet connection and cellular, phone line, and battery as a backup in case of power outage and when internet goes down. Also their fire safety sensor works with existing smoke detectors to send signal to monitoring station.
Better home security than I knew even existed! As a new customer, LiveWatch gave me incredible deals my equipment (glass break, door open, motion detect, advanced connected thermostat and most importantly smoke detectors). And yet their monthly fees were less than the “came with the house” obsolete home security system – which pre-dated cell phones. I dumped that firm because one of their service persons messed up our landline service and they wouldn’t schedule another service person until weeks into the future. Which brings me to the very best feature of LiveWatch – their personnel are the kindest, most patient technology experts I’ve ever dealt with! That includes computer “experts”, HVAC “service” persons, and – everyone’s favorite – auto “repair” folks. If I ever decided to start my own company – I’d first steal their entire HR department. They really know how to hire the best. I do wish LiveWatch all the luck, even though they won’t need it. My only regret is not being able to …
A value in price and the service you get for it. I couldn’t be happier with the system. They talked me through the setup, and it went smoothly. And when my wife accidentally opened the back door and set off the alarm, it was comforting to know I was being monitored carefully. Everyone has been courteous. I came from ADT to LiveWatch. This system is more advanced than what I had and easier to expand.
Tech support was very helpful in changing out components from my original order to the ones that better fit my environment. Good instructions for DIY installation and testing. During the original install/activate telephone appointment, the tech never seemed to be in a hurry in spite of my many questions. System has been running for a couple of months & would recommend it to others.
OUTSTANDING Customer Support! These people go out of their way to accommodate to your schedule and make sure you are up and running with ease. The app is awesome, it gives you full control for as long as you have internet access. Couldn’t ask for a better company with very competitive pricing. Will Continue to recommend. You guys are AWESOME!
Alarm.com
Alarm.com blows the competition out of the water I can unlock my doors control light and my thermostat and my alarm all from my smartphone my motion detector has a camera in it so when it goes off I can see why and tell the monitoring company when they call (reduces false alarms) and it does it all thru the cell network so I don’t have to have a home phone or slow down my internet. I give it an a++ rating.
Very easy to use from the control pad, website or smart phone. The monitoring service is very responsive. Love the system!
Best technology and end user features.
We are very pleased with the services. No glitches always dependable services. Would highly recommend Alarm.com.
Protection One
I have been costumer since 1998 and still here, in fact when my daughter moved out, she also got Protection one for their security/burglar alarm. I have no complain so far, reasonable price and intend to stay with protection one till I have this house, I almost burglarized in 1998. With protection one I have peace of mind.
By far the best… And I love the sales reps the got me set up! I received the very best service, and wish I could get more systems installed in my neighborhood!
I have protection one it is a great alarm customer service is great
As their website says, they are definitely the better choice..