Thanks to smart security systems, it's easier and more affordable than ever to monitor your home from pretty much anywhere. At PCMag, we've been reviewing smart home security solutions for nearly 20 years. We test these products in our own homes, evaluating the installation and user experience, response times, component and monitoring options, contractual requirements, and value for the price. Our mission is to provide you with accurate, unbiased information to help you choose the best smart home security system for your needs and budget. All of the products below are worth considering, but SimpliSafe ranks number one for DIY security and reader trust, Abode is our top pick for smart home compatibility, and Vivint is the best option if you need professional monitoring. Read on for all of the best smart home security systems we've tested, followed by the factors you should consider before deciding how to secure and monitor your home.
Overview
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Best for DIY InstallationSimpliSafe Home Security System
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Best Smart Home CompatibilityAbode Iota All-In-One Security Kit
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Best for Professional Home MonitoringVivint HomeProtect Pro
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Best for All-in-One Security and Mesh Wi-FiRing Alarm Pro
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Best for Multipurpose SensorsArlo Home Security System
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Best for Local Storage and Existing Eufy SetupsEufy ExpertSecure System E10
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Best for Budget ShoppersIkea Home Safety
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Best for Ring-Heavy HouseholdsRing Alarm Security Kit
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Best for Maximum Monitoring and Hardware FlexibilityADT Blu
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Best for DIY InstallationSimpliSafe Home Security System
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Ease of use, affordability, and flexible configuration and monitoring options make the SimpliSafe Home Security System our top choice for DIY security. SimpliSafe offers preconfigured packages for homes of all sizes, and its components can be purchased separately to create your own package or expand an existing one. Additionally, it provides professional installation and monitoring at a reasonable cost if needed. Besides earning our Editors' Choice award, SimpliSafe is the top-rated home security system in our Readers' Choice survey, with high scores for overall satisfaction, monitoring trustworthiness, setup, ease of use, individual sensors, and smoke and CO₂ detection.
Who It’s For
DIY fans: If you’re looking to save a bundle on home security components, installation, and monitoring, put the SimpliSafe Home Security System at the top of your list. It’s incredibly easy to install and configure.
The contract-phobic: With the SimpliSafe Home Security System, you can switch between self-monitoring and a 24/7 professional option without worrying about a contract.
Specs & Configurations
Cellular Backup Environmental Sensors Monthly Fees Optional; Start at $23 per month Power Outage Backup Upfront Costs Start at $250.96 Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant Compatibility Google Assistant Learn More SimpliSafe Home Security System Review -
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Best Smart Home CompatibilityAbode Iota All-In-One Security Kit
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Aptly named, the Abode iota All-In-One Security Kit uses a base station with a built-in camera and motion sensor. It features Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Zigbee radios, allowing you to integrate a wide range of third-party devices, including door locks, sirens, and lights, in addition to Abode’s first-party lineup of entry, water, and glass-break sensors. It offers on-demand professional monitoring and supports Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, making it one of the most versatile home security systems available.
Who It’s For
Smart home security newbies: The Abode iota All-In-One Security Kit provides an excellent starting point for anyone looking to add a DIY smart security system to their home or apartment. It’s easy to install, extremely expandable thanks to extensive support for third-party devices, and compatible with nearly every home automation platform on the market.
People who want an all-in-one solution: Many security services focus on cameras and entry sensors, but the Abode supports water and carbon monoxide sensors, and smoke alarms, too.
Apple fans: Many home security systems are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, but support for HomeKit is less common. If you use Apple's home automation platform, the Abode iota All-In-One Security Kit will fit right in.
Specs & Configurations
Cellular Backup Environmental Sensors IFTTT Support Monthly Fees Start at $8 Power Outage Backup Upfront Costs Start at $379.99 Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant Compatibility Google Assistant Z-Wave/ZigBee Learn More Abode Iota All-In-One Security Kit Review -
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Credit: PCMag/Vivint
Best for Professional Home MonitoringVivint HomeProtect Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Vivint Smart Home security system is a comprehensive option that provides 24/7 monitoring and full control over door locks, cameras, thermostats, and lights. You can even monitor your car while it is on the road. This pricey system delivered speedy emergency response times during testing and is easy to control via a colorful 7-inch touch-screen video panel, a mobile companion app, or Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.
Who It’s For
Hands-off homeowners: The Vivint Smart Home security system is ideal for homeowners who need a professionally monitored system and don’t want to handle installation. A trained professional installs every component, including the handy touch-screen video control panel, and the company provides excellent telephone and in-home technical support.
Those who need professional monitoring: Vivint offers 24/7 remote monitoring, providing peace of mind, especially for individuals who are often away from home.
Specs & Configurations
Cellular Backup Environmental Sensors Monthly Fees $44.99 Power Outage Backup Professional Installation Required Upfront Costs Start at $749.99 Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant Compatibility Google Assistant Z-Wave/ZigBee Learn More Vivint HomeProtect Pro Review -
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Credit: Zooey Liao/PCMag/Amazon
Best for All-in-One Security and Mesh Wi-FiRing Alarm Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Ring Alarm Pro is a hybrid DIY home security system that doubles as a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router. It earns high marks for its easy setup, reasonably priced monitoring options, and ability to bring Wi-Fi 6 connectivity to every corner of your home. It features an auxiliary battery that enables continuous operation for up to 24 hours and a cellular radio for internet connectivity in the event of a power outage.
Who It's For
Two-in-one network and security upgraders: If you’re in the market for a smart home security system and want to upgrade your home network to Wi-Fi 6 at the same time, the Ring Alarm Pro accomplishes both tasks. It features a built-in Eero 6 router that can be paired with satellite nodes to provide Wi-Fi 6 coverage for homes of all sizes. You can customize this versatile system with a variety of sensors, and it's compatible with all of Ring’s video doorbells, cameras, and lighting devices.
Ring ecosystem households: This system only makes sense if you already have Ring devices or are willing to invest in them for any future cameras, doorbells, or other smart home products you may want to add to your setup.
Specs & Configurations
Cellular Backup Environmental Sensors Monthly Fees Start at $20 Power Outage Backup Upfront Costs Start at $299.99 Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Z-Wave/ZigBee Learn More Ring Alarm Pro Review -
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Best for Multipurpose SensorsArlo Home Security System
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Arlo Home Security System works seamlessly with the company’s full lineup of smart home devices, as well as many third-party products via IFTTT. It gives you the option to keep an eye on your property yourself or pay for a 24/7 monitoring plan that unlocks many emergency response options and a suite of family safety features via the separate Arlo Safe app. We really like the system’s multifunction sensors that can detect motion, water leaks, ambient lighting, and more, though we wish the hub included battery backup and cellular capabilities (those features require an add-on).
Who It’s For
Existing Arlo users: If you already own or are planning to buy Arlo smart home devices, this is the security system to get.
Homeowners who need a variety of sensors: Arlo's multifunction sensors are advantageous if your home is prone to environmental issues, such as water leaks or freezing temperatures. The sensors also react to the sound of a smoke or CO alarm.
Specs & Configurations
Cellular Backup Environmental Sensors IFTTT Support Monthly Fees Start at $7.99 Power Outage Backup Upfront Costs Start at $199.99 Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant Compatibility Google Assistant Learn More Arlo Home Security System Review -
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Best for Local Storage and Existing Eufy SetupsEufy ExpertSecure System E10
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Eufy ExpertSecure System E10 pairs the company’s cameras with a base station and an assortment of sensors to help you monitor your home. It’s compatible with most of Eufy’s indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks, and it offers up to 16TB of local storage, AI-powered search and object detection, dual-band Wi-Fi, cellular backup, and battery backup. It's easy to set up, and all components worked well in testing, providing instant motion alerts and reliable geofencing.
Who It's For
Existing Eufy users: If you already use Eufy cameras, smart locks, smoke detectors, or sirens, you can easily connect them with the ExpertSecure E10 system and control everything from the same app.
Subscription avoiders: The S1 base station included with the Eufy ExpertSecure System E10 supports up to 16TB of local storage, so you don't need to pay cloud fees to access recorded footage. For now, the ExpertSecure E10 is strictly a self-monitored system, which means you’ll have to alert authorities in the event of a break-in, fire, or other emergency. That said, Eufy will offer professional monitoring options in the near future
Specs & Configurations
Cellular Backup Environmental Sensors Power Outage Backup Upfront Costs Start at $999.99 Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant Compatibility Google Assistant Learn More Eufy ExpertSecure System E10 Review -
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Best for Budget ShoppersIkea Home Safety
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Ikea Home Safety delivers reliable, responsive home monitoring at a fraction of the cost of traditional security systems. Powered by Matter, its ecosystem—including motion detectors, entry sensors, and water-leak monitors—plays nicely with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. During testing, pairing was painless, automations fired without delay, and push notifications came through instantly.
Who It's For
Budget shoppers: Ikea's sensors cost much less than comparable components from major security brands, and you give up surprisingly little for the savings. Its hub and sensors are easy to set up and worked reliably in our tests.
Self-monitoring DIYers: Without professional monitoring tiers or recurring subscription fees, system oversight is entirely up to you. It’s ideal for anyone looking to run a nimble, contract-free setup straight from Ikea’s app or their preferred smart home dashboard.
Specs & Configurations
Environmental Sensors Monthly Fees None Power Outage Backup Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant Compatibility Google Assistant Z-Wave/ZigBee -
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Best for Ring-Heavy HouseholdsRing Alarm Security Kit
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Ring Alarm Security Kit is an affordable, expandable five-piece DIY home security system that offers professional monitoring at a reasonable price. It works with the entire Ring lineup of video doorbells, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and lights, as well as with many third-party Z-Wave and Zigbee smart devices, including door locks and smoke alarms. The system performed wonderfully in our tests and is easy to install. Add-on components are comparable in cost to those for SimpliSafe or Abode systems.
Who It’s For
Current Ring users: The Ring Alarm Security Kit is a smart choice if you already own one or more Ring devices, such as doorbells, cameras, or lights. You can choose to self-monitor via the Ring mobile app or subscribe to a Ring Home plan that unlocks 24/7 professional monitoring and unlimited cloud video storage for your Ring cameras.
Specs & Configurations
Cellular Backup Environmental Sensors Monthly Fees Start at $10 Power Outage Backup Upfront Costs Start at $199 Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Z-Wave/ZigBee Learn More Ring Alarm Security Kit Review -
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Best for Maximum Monitoring and Hardware FlexibilityADT Blu
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
ADT Blu bridges the gap between traditional home security and flexible DIY protection. It allows you to choose between no-fee self-monitoring or contract-free professional plans, installs in minutes, and supports integrations with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Whether you start with a turnkey kit or build an à la carte setup, hardware expansion is easy. During testing, the sensors reacted instantly, mobile alerts arrived without lag, and arming/disarming routines worked flawlessly.
Who It’s For
Modular DIYers: If you want a security system that gives you room to grow, ADT Blu is a top pick. It supports self-installation and monitoring, and offers a wide range of packages and supported components. If you want to start with the basics and add components and professional monitoring over time, it gives you that flexibility.
Alexa and Google users: The ADT Blu base works with Alexa and Google Assistant and supports third-party integrations via IFTTT applets.
Specs & Configurations
Cellular Backup Environmental Sensors IFTTT Support Monthly Fees Start at $14.99 Power Outage Backup Professional Installation Required Upfront Costs Start at $199 Voice Assistant Compatibility Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant Compatibility Google Assistant Z-Wave/ZigBee -
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Best For | Best for DIY Installation | Best Smart Home Compatibility | Best for Professional Home Monitoring | Best for All-in-One Security and Mesh Wi-Fi | Best for Multipurpose Sensors | Best for Local Storage and Existing Eufy Setups | Best for Budget Shoppers | Best for Ring-Heavy Households | Best for Maximum Monitoring and Hardware Flexibility | Best for DIY Installation | Best Smart Home Compatibility | Best for Professional Home Monitoring |
Upfront Costs | Start at $250.96 | Start at $379.99 | Start at $749.99 | Start at $299.99 | Start at $199.99 | Start at $999.99 | Start at $199 | Start at $199 | Start at $250.96 | Start at $379.99 | Start at $749.99 | |
Monthly Fees | Optional; Start at $23 per month | Start at $8 | $44.99 | Start at $20 | Start at $7.99 | None | Start at $10 | Start at $14.99 | Optional; Start at $23 per month | Start at $8 | $44.99 | |
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Voice Assistant Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
Buying Guide: The Best Smart Home Security Systems for 2026
How Does a Smart Home Security System Work?
A smart home security system connects to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to monitor and control your security devices via an app. There are many different systems available across a wide range of prices. Depending on your needs, you can go with a system that you monitor yourself or pay a subscription fee to have professionals surveil your home 24/7 and contact your local fire or police departments when an alarm triggers. You can even take advantage of on-demand monitoring services when you're away on vacation. Of course, the more coverage you have, the more you should expect to pay.
Entry-level systems cost the least and usually include some door and window sensors, a motion detector, and a hub that communicates with these devices via one or more wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or a proprietary mesh network. You can add extra door, motion, and window sensors to provide coverage for your entire house and build a comprehensive system that includes door locks, garage door openers, indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras, lights, sirens, smoke and CO detectors, water sensors, and more.
Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Wi-Fi: Which Protocols Matter?
A word about wireless protocols before we go further: In a perfect world, all home security components would use the same wireless standard to communicate with the main hub, but factors such as power requirements, signal range, price, and size make it virtually impossible to settle on just one. For example, smaller components such as door and window sensors typically use Z-Wave or Zigbee technology because they don't require a lot of power and can run on smaller batteries. They also operate in a mesh topology and can help extend the range of networked devices. However, neither protocol provides the bandwidth Wi-Fi offers, which security cameras rely on for smooth video streaming. Moreover, a hub connects and controls Z-Wave and Zigbee devices, whereas you can control Wi-Fi devices on your home network from an app. Finally, Z-Wave and Zigbee devices use AES-128 encryption and operate in a closed system with a dedicated hub, making them more secure than Wi-Fi devices.
Any smart security system worth its salt offers components that work together seamlessly and adhere to custom rules. For example, you can create rules to have the lights turn on when a sensor detects motion, have your doors unlock when a smoke alarm goes off, or set a camera to begin recording when a sensor triggers. Some systems store recordings locally on an SD card or a solid-state drive, whereas others offer cloud storage. Local video storage is a good choice for do-it-yourselfers on a budget, but you have to be careful not to overwrite video you might need later. Cloud storage makes it easy to house and access videos, but it can cost hundreds of dollars per year, depending on your subscription. Some systems offer both cloud and local storage, and others provide a dedicated storage drive with DVR capabilities and time-lapse recording, making it easy to find a video of an event that occurred at a specific time.
All of the systems we've tested feature an app that lets you use your smartphone as your command center to arm and disarm the system, create rules, add or remove components, and receive push notifications when alarms are triggered. Most apps also allow you to view live and recorded video, lock and unlock doors, change thermostat settings, and silence alarms. Some apps even use your phone's location services to automatically arm and disarm the system based on your physical location. The more expensive systems usually come with a wall-mounted panel that serves as a communications hub, featuring a touch-screen display that lets you do everything the app does. The display lets you communicate with a professional monitoring service when an alarm goes off and view video from any installed security camera.
Should You Choose a DIY or Professionally Installed System?
Do-it-yourself security setups are ideal for budget shoppers because they can save you a bundle on installation charges and subscription fees. Most DIY systems are easy to install and are available as kits that you can configure to suit your needs. As your needs change, you can order additional sensors and other components at your convenience and pair them with the system within minutes.
A basic, entry-level DIY system might support only one or two wireless protocols and usually offers a limited selection of add-on components. In contrast, more expensive DIY systems support multiple wireless protocols and are compatible with dozens of add-on components. Some DIY systems are self-monitored: You still receive alerts when devices trigger, but it's up to you to contact the local authorities if there's a break-in or a fire. That said, DIY vendors are increasingly offering professional monitoring services. If you're leaning toward the DIY route, check out our story on building a home security system.
Although many systems use wireless components that you install with double-sided tape, some high-end systems require professional installation. These soup-to-nuts systems typically cost considerably more than DIY systems, and most offer 24/7 professional monitoring, but you may have to enter into a multi-year contract and pay a hefty termination fee if you break it. They usually use touch-screen hubs that contain RF, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave radios, allowing them to communicate with and control a multitude of components, including door and window sensors, door locks, glass break detectors, indoor and outdoor cameras, light switches, motion and water detectors, smoke and CO alarms, thermostats, video doorbells, and a host of other home automation devices.
With a professional monitoring system, an agent will first try to reach you via the two-way control panel before calling your listed phone number if a smoke or intrusion alarm triggers. If you fail to respond, the agent calls 911 to dispatch an emergency responder to your home. The nice thing about professionally installed systems is you don't have to lift a finger; after you place your order, a technician comes to your home, sets everything up for you, and shows you how the system works. It's important to note that in some areas, you may need to obtain a permit to install a security system in your home.
Nearly all of the latest DIY and high-end home security systems offer support for voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and, in some cases, Siri. Those voice assistants let you unlock doors, change thermostat settings, open the garage, and arm or disarm your system with a simple command to a connected device, such as a smart speaker. If you want to stick with Alexa for your smart home security system, make sure to check out our setup guide. Many systems also support IFTTT applets, allowing you to configure a floodlight to turn on when your garage door opens (or similar).
How Much Does Monitoring Cost?
Note that with most DIY systems, you purchase the hardware outright and can avoid any monthly fees if you decide to self-monitor. If you want professionals to monitor your home around the clock, expect to pay roughly $20 to $35 per month for a basic DIY monitoring plan with no contract. Monitoring for professionally installed systems tends to cost more and usually comes with a contract. We detail these prices in each of our reviews.
Can a Security System Lower Your Home Insurance?
Depending on your provider, you might be eligible for a discount on your home insurance if you have a home security system or other protective devices, such as monitored smoke detectors or a sprinkler system. Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm are just a few insurance providers that acknowledge such discounts.
"While the home security insurance discount you might receive for installing a security system won’t cover the cost of the system itself, the peace of mind and sense of protection for you and your family may be worth it in addition to any future savings you may also incur," according to Progressive.
Discounts vary by company, so be sure to contact your home insurance agent to learn how you can lower your rates and to see if you qualify.
Can Hackers Break Into Your Security System?
Like any product that connects to the internet and uses wireless technology, smart home security systems (particularly those that lack encryption) are vulnerable to hacking. Hackers can sit outside your home and use a laptop and software to intercept wireless signals from your system, thereby suppressing alarms and disabling sensors. Other devices allow hackers to generate radio noise that can jam communications between the sensors and the hub.
Additionally, malicious actors can hack devices that connect via Wi-Fi, such as security cameras and smart door locks, to gain access to your home network. A skilled hacker can then use your Wi-Fi devices and other network resources to carry out Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against larger networks. Perhaps even more disturbing is the idea of some stranger monitoring video from your indoor and outdoor security cameras.
You can take several steps to make sure your home security system is safe from cyber intruders. For starters, you can replace the system's default password with a unique one that contains a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If possible, change your password from time to time. Additionally, make sure your home network is secure. Check the security settings on your wireless router and consider models that add an extra layer of software protection.
Some security system vendors use frequency hopping technology to prevent signal jamming, whereas others use embedded encryption. Neither feature is standard; check with the manufacturer if you require an extra layer of security.
In addition, keep an eye on your camera access logs. If you notice camera activity at odd hours or at times when you know nobody is at home, it may indicate a system compromise. Finally, make sure your system software and all of your connected devices are up to date. Firmware updates often address security issues and can help protect your system from infiltration.