Which home security system is the best to protect your family?

I’ve been testing and writing about home security systems for years, and these are the best options on the market, whether you want an affordable DIY system or a more expensive, professionally monitored system.

In the Bay Area in 2019, there were 515 burglaries per every 100,000 inhabitants. Rates differed greatly based on the city, with San Francisco logging the highest number of thefts, 4,644 burglaries, while Yountville had the least, only five, according to FBI data. No matter where you live, however, it’s important to protect what’s yours.

The best home security systems offer a wide variety of equipment. These can include motion detectors, doorbell cameras, entry sensors, smart locks, and smoke detectors, among other security equipment designed to protect your home. They also offer a range of fees, remote monitoring options and service contracts, spanning from three years of service to no contract at all.

Today's home security systems are smart-compatible, which means that you can use your phone and an internet connection to check in on your home from anywhere in the world.

But with so many systems to choose from, which one is right for you? Here are the major factors I considered while reviewing home security systems:

And here are my top picks for the best home security systems for 2022:

If you’re looking for professionally installed and monitored home security, look no further than ADT. While it might be the oldest home security company in the country, with a whopping 145 years in business, ADT’s systems are smart and updated. I got alerts on my phone whenever any of my motion sensors went off. And after I integrated my system with both Alexa and Google Assistant, I was able to enable voice commands. 

All of ADT’s equipment worked as it should, particularly its Nest cameras. These second-generation cameras offer 4K, the best video quality on the market, while the industry standard still stands at 1080p HD. Plus, you can set up person detection so ADT will only notify you when your Nest Cam detects a person. No more unnecessary motion detection notifications! 

A drawback? Of the companies we evaluated, ADT didn’t offer as many smart home integrations as some of its competitors. Rather, it works with only some Internet of Things (IoT) devices from Kwikset and Liftmaster. So it’s best for someone who’s looking for a more traditional setup and doesn’t need to integrate home security into an existing smart home system. For straightforward home security with a smart twist, ADT is a great option. 

Professional monitoring starts at $28.99 a month, and professional installation is required and costs $99, while Vivint and Alder offer it for free.

While Alder isn’t one of the better-known names in home security, it offers DIY installation that’s actually intuitive (or free professional installation, if you prefer). To avoid having to make an appointment, I decided to go the DIY route and, thankfully, Alder was easy to install, without me having to run to customer service. 

All I had to do to get my system up and running was plug in the control panel, place the sensors on my doors and windows, and download Alder’s mobile app on my iPhone, a process similar to all of the systems on this list. I then connected the sensors to the panel, created a PIN for disarming, and adjusted the settings to my liking. 

My system included the following features: 

Keep in mind that all Alder systems come with 24/7 professional monitoring, but I could check in on my system through the Alder app whenever I wanted. I used the app to get alerts whenever my alarms went off, arm my home while I was away, and check in on my camera footage. When I was home, I enjoyed using Google Assistant to get the status of my alarms or a summary of their activity. The system works with Alexa, as well. 

The major disadvantage of Alder is its monthly costs, which range from $40 to $60, plus its steep early termination fees. Suffice it to say, if you go with Alder, you better be committed.

Alder offers three-year binding contracts, so if you’d like a monthly option instead, check out SimpliSafe.

Of course, some people don’t want to DIY. They’d rather have someone else install and monitor their security system for them. If that’s you, check out Vivint. While Vivint is one of the pricier options, especially when it comes to equipment, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system is installed and monitored by a professional. 

Professional monitoring starts at only $10 a month, one of the lowest costs we’ve seen. This is a big adjustment, as Vivint used to start at $60 a month. The company has also made professional installation free, whereas it used to cost upwards of $100 or more. 

All Vivint systems come with professional monitoring, which requires a monthly fee. That said, you can also choose to self-monitor your system through the Vivint app, as well as set up automation with Nest thermostats and Philips Hue smart lighting. While Vivint doesn’t have the greatest number of smart home integrations I’ve seen (that would go to Abode), it’s a good choice for someone with a basic smart home setup. 

One of the best things about Vivint is its equipment, which rivals the Nest Cams available with ADT. Take the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro, for instance. Like the Nest Cams, the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro has 4K video quality, two-way vision, and infrared LED sensors for clear night vision. 

But one cool feature not available in many other cameras is its red LED light ring. If someone is on your property for too long, the camera will detect them, shine the light, and even sound a warning tone. You’ll get an alert on your phone with a thumbnail image of the person. 

That’s one area where Vivint beats ADT. But keep in mind that the Vivint camera will cost you $399, which is $100 to $200 more than any of the Nest Cams. 

Today we all have a ton of devices, and with these devices come wires galore. So the last thing you want is more wires to trip over. If wireless is the name of the game for you, consider SimpliSafe. 

Most of SimpliSafe’s components are wireless and Wi-Fi-connected, so all you have to do to install them is peel and stick. Users can connect up to 99 wireless sensors to a base station, making SimpliSafe a great option for houses big and small. 

Professional monitoring and installation are both optional, making this a great choice whether you prefer DIY or hands off. While professional monitoring costs $27.99 a month, which is a bit higher than the $20 per month average, professional installation starts at $79, which is lower than the $99 average. Of course, you can save money by self-monitoring or installing your system yourself, both for free. 

If you’re still unsure which security system would best protect your Bay Area abode, keep reading for some alternatives.