Best Home Alarm and Security Systems, ConsumerAffairs

Best Home Security System Companies.

Updated on 07/30/2018. Before shopping for a home security system, you have to decide what level of protection you need. Do you want to set up a few security cameras to capture activity while you’re away from home? Or do you need a professionally monitored home alarm system that will alert the authorities in the event of a break-in? 24/7 monitoring of your home can give you peace of mind in the event of a home invasion, fire or other emergency. Our guide helps you compare alarm system prices, home security plans and overall customer satisfaction across the best home security companies on the market today. Compare Top Home Security System Reviews. Choose from 3 package options with monthly pricing starting at $34.99 with a 3-year contract. DIY alarm system installation with no setup fees and a 30-day risk-free trial. Find out more. Choose from 2 plan options and get the cheapest alarm monitoring at $19.99 per month with a 36-month contract. DIY home alarm system installation with a price-match guarantee. Find out more. Customizable alarm system plans starting at $39.99 per month with a 42-month minimum contract. Each system comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Find out more. Choose from 3 different alarm system plans starting at $29.99 per month with a 3-year contract. Free activation for DIY home security systems or professional installation is available for purchase. Find out more. Monitoring plans start at $29.99 per month and have a minimum contract of 39 months. All systems are professionally installed. Find out more. Shop from 3 packages with a monthly fee of $39.95 for alarm monitoring with a 3-year contract. Professionally installed alarm systems with no activation fees. Find out more. Choose from 3 alarm system plans starting at $30.99 per month with a 36-month contract. No installation fees, and each system purchase includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Find out more. Customize your residential alarm with plans starting at $29.95 per month with a 5-year contract. Basic equipment is included with your monthly payment. Pay $99 for professional installation. Find out more. Choose from 5 different packages starting at $36.99 with a 3-year contract. Both landline and wireless home alarm systems are available, professionally installed with a 6-month money-back guarantee.

Find out more. Choose from 3 home security packages starting at $36.99 per month with a 3-year contract. Each package comes with cellular connection and a 6-month money-back guarantee. Find out more. Choose from several in-home alarm systems with no contract required. Packages start at $35 per month. Each security alarm comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customize your own security system starting at $27.99 per month with a 3-year contract. Each system comes with panel and 3 sensors with upgrades available for purchase. Customize your own security system package starting at $36.99 per month with a 3-year contract. Home security system installation with a $99 activation fee. Find out more. Choose from 2 home security plans, with the cheapest alarm monitoring starting at $19.99 per month for a 3-year agreement. Cellular backup included with monthly security monitoring cost. Find out more. Choose your home security plan starting at $29.99 per month with a 2-year contract. Bundle your security package with your internet, phone or cable service to save money. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. How to choose a home security system. How much does a home security system cost? A basic home security system costs about $32 per month. Consider the cost of home security system installation, activation fees and monthly alarm monitoring fees before choosing a home alarm company. Adding more security cameras and sensors will cost extra too. Consumers report paying between $500-$1500 to get their residential alarm systems fully up and running. Burglar alarm installation and activation costs: Installation is either done by a professional or can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project; some companies let you choose an installation method, while others offer only one option. Professionally installed alarm systems can cost $100-$500+; DIY is free, but it requires more of your time. Security system monitoring services: Subscription home security systems–home alarms monitored 24/7 by outside companies–carry a monthly fee, usually in the $20-$60 range. Home security equipment costs: You'll likely catch a price break on equipment in exchange for signing a contract to have your alarm system monitored. If you purchase a system outright, expect to pay $100+ for a basic system and $500+ for top-of-the-line equipment. Municipal fees for alarm permits: Some cities charge a yearly permit fee, often less than $50, to respond to emergency calls triggered by monitored home security systems. Even in the event of a false alarm, police will still respond which can drain police resources over time. The permit fee helps offset this cost. Permit fees are not collected by the alarm companies, so it is important for homeowners to remember to pay this fee on their own. Can I get a home security system with no contract? Yes, some alarm companies offer no-contract security systems when you buy the equipment outright or agree to pay a slightly higher monthly rate. Many home security companies offer discounted equipment in exchange for a signed contract, similar to how your cell phone company offers discounts on phones when customers sign up for a new plan. Some alarm system contracts are more flexible than others, so read through the contract terms (and online reviews) before signing on the dotted line.

Contract length: Most alarm system contracts are for 2-3 year terms. Many allow for cancellation within the first 2-4 weeks of the contract's term. Contact terms: Pay special attention to a contract's fine print. Look for information about equipment warranties, cancellation clauses, service call fees, etc. Contract portability: Many alarm system companies make it easy to transfer your equipment to a new home, so if there's a chance you'll move during your contract, check first to confirm relocation possibilities. Who installs home security systems? There are two basic installation options you can choose: professional installation and DIY. If you're thinking about purchasing a wireless home security system, you'll usually have the option to set it up yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Most hardwired systems, however, require professional installation. Professionally installed by the home alarm company: Many complex alarm systems, usually those that are hardwired into a home, require professional installation. This usually carries a hefty cost ($200-$500+), although some companies offer discount installation. DIY home alarm system: Do-it-yourself security systems are generally easy to install, often requiring just a few hours to read the manual and place your sensors. Third-party professional installation: If you purchase a DIY system but aren't a DIYer, you can hire a local handy person to do your installation at an hourly rate. How are home alarm systems monitored? When you opt for professional monitoring, home alarm companies offer monthly monitoring via three types of connection: internet (broadband/VOIP), phone line or cellular service. Internet: Monitoring via the internet is inexpensive, but be aware that if you have an internet outage (or a power outage that disables your modem), you will be cut off from monitoring. Phone line: You can use your home phone line (landline) to connect with your alarm monitoring company. Be aware that if a burglar cuts your phone line, your system will not work. If your phone line is fiber optic, you’ll need a battery backup system to power your alarm if the power goes out. Cellular: Monitoring via cell phone connection is a good option for those without a landline. This service will remain available even in the event of a power or Internet outage. What features can you add to an alarm system? Basic systems are just that: basic. You'll most likely want to expand your system to meet your home's specifications–number of windows and doors, outdoor lighting requirements, etc.–so look for a company with the add-on equipment and features that suit your needs. Home security equipment: Control panels, security cameras, door sensors, smoke detectors and motion sensors come standard with most basic home security packages. Some alarm companies offer custom add-ons like key fobs, panic buttons, doorbell cameras, touch-screen panels and hands-free voice control. Equipment offerings vary greatly by company, so choose wisely before signing a contract. Monthly monitoring plans: Monthly alarm monitoring plans can range from bargain-basement monitoring via an internet connection to all the bells and whistles, including smoke detection, medical monitoring and home automation. Service upgrades & downgrades: Lifestyle changes may require variations in your home security needs; check with your company about the ease of adding (or removing) services or switching monthly plans mid-contract. What remote access is available for alarm systems? Many home security companies offer remote access to the system via their website and mobile apps. You can use the app to control your security system access your security camera feeds and manage an array of home automation functions. Website access: Many companies let you sign in to your home security account online to have easy access to your system from wherever you're at. Smartphone apps: If the alarm company has a mobile app, you'll be able to monitor your home while you’re away. Standard data rates will apply. How much do you save on homeowners insurance with an alarm system? Many home insurance providers offer discounts (even up to 20 percent) for homes with monitored alarm systems. So if you pay $1,000 for your homeowners insurance and get a 10 percent discount, you’ll save $100 each year simply for having a monitored home security system.