The best home security systems

Maybe you're not interested in spending a lot of money on a home security system. if that's you, then you may want to look into the Ring Alarm system. It's only $149, and professional monitoring is available for an extra cost.

The kit includes a base station, a keypad to arm and disarm the system, a contact sensor that alerts you when doors and windows open, a motion detector, and a range extender. You can purchase additional flood and freeze sensors, as well as a panic button. Our reviewers found the setup process a bit complex, but it's certainly possible to do on your own.

You can arm and disarm the system either from the keypad or the Ring mobile app. When you're home, Ring will sound the alarm if the contact sensor senses that a door or window has opened. When you're away, the alarm will also sound if the system detects motion.

For an extra $10 a month, you can add professional monitoring. Then, in addition to sounding the alarm, the system will alert a call center if it detects suspicious activity. When you sign up for monitoring, you'll create a password, which you'll give to the security center when they call you to disarm the system. If the password isn't provided, they'll contact the police. Ring claims the average call response time is 30 seconds.

We aren't the only ones who like Ring Alarm. Wirecutter selected it as the best no-contract security system. — Monica Chin

Pros: Easy to use, affordable

Cons: Limited smart-home compatibility, professional monitoring costs extra

If you already have a smart home set up, the Abode Essentials Starter Kit will fit right in. It's easy to set up, and even easier to use from Abode's app and website. You can integrate it into smart home routines and create custom actions using Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT.

The kit comes with a hub (called a gateway) that connects to your router or modem, a door or window sensor, a motion detector, and a key fob to arm or disarm the system. You can purchase additional sensors to cover a wider area. Our reviewer was able to set up the system in just 15 minutes with no difficulty.

Using the app, you can set the system to three modes: "Standby" (disarmed), "Home," which arms the door and window sensors but disables the motion detector, and "Away," which arms everything. You can use Alexa and Google to arm and disarm the system with your voice as well.

If the system detects motion, it sounds a loud siren through the gateways speaker and pushes an alert to your phone from which you can call the police. There are some advanced automation features as well. You can set the system to arm and disarm based on your location (if you grant the app location permissions), as well as the time, and other conditions.

The system is also compatible with a number of popular smart home products, including many from brands such as Nest, Philips Hue, Lifx, and Ecobee. Compatible devices can connect to your gateway as a hub, and you can control them in the Abode app as well.

Many reviewers recommend the Abode Essentials Starter Kit. Tom's Guide named it the best overall DIY home security system. — Monica Chin

Pros: Easy to install and use, home automation features, smart home compatibility

Cons: Professional monitoring costs extra

ADT is a long-time player in the home security game. If you're looking for high-end security with professional monitoring, ADT Pulse offers everything you might need.

Note: This system requires professional installation, and it's not cheap. The price will vary depending on your home and needs, but the basic package is $52.99 per month, and installation starts at $99.

Note, however, that you'll need to call ADT for a price quote, and may be pushed towards pricier packages. PCMag's reviewer, who purchased a number of extra components and an advanced tier, ended up with an upfront cost of $3,276 and a monthly charge of $63.89. You also have to sign a 36-month contract, so renters should look elsewhere.

The base package includes a motion detector, wireless door and window sensors, and a backup power system. You get 24/7 professional security monitoring and customer service, as well as an on-site consultation.

Depending on the tier you select, you can get any number of additional features, including email and text alerts, remote home automation features, and real-time video monitoring. You can also use Alexa to arm and disarm your system through ADT's skill.

ADT can also install a number of smart home devices, including a range of security cameras, control panels, video doorbells, thermostats, and more from ADT as well as third-party companies like Nest and Ring.

PCMag named ADT Pulse the best smart home security system. It also topped the list over at Reviews.com. — Monica Chin

Pros: Respected brand, 24/7 professional monitoring and customer service, multiple pricing tiers, advanced automation options available, third-party smart-home integration

Cons: Very expensive, requires professional installation, requires 3-year contract

• Vivint Smart Home (starts at $599+$29.99 per month): Vivint is a subscription-based monitoring system that requires professional installation. It provides 24/7 security monitoring and a number of cameras, sensors, and other smart-home hardware. However, it's quite expensive, and doesn't provide as many third-party integration options as ADT.
• Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit($173.95): Honeywell's DIY system is easy to install and includes a 1080p camera with free cloud storage. It's also compatible with Alexa, IFTTT, and some third-party smart-home devices. But it doesn't offer professional monitoring, and its home-automation options are limited compared to other systems.
• Wink Lookout ($199): Wink Lookout is a good option for folks who already use Wink's smart-home system. It works with the Wink Hub, as well as a variety of other smart-home devices with both the Z-Wave and Zigbee standard. However, we don't recommend it over other DIY systems because it lacks a professional-monitoring option, and it doesn't have a backup battery.
• Nest Secure ($399.99): Nest Secure is well designed and easy to set up, and it works with other Nest products, including the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Cam IQ. However, it's much more expensive than DIY systems such as Abode and Simplisafe, which offer most of the same features.
• LifeShield Smart Home Security Kit ($229.99): ADT's LifeShield DIY system offers both self- and professional monitoring options, and works with Alexa and IFTTT. There are several kits you can get, including a keypad, a fob, any number of sensors and an indoor security camera. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer as many add-on components as systems like Simplisafe, and reviews found the camera's nighttime footage to be grainy.
• Ooma Security Starter Kit ($126.58): Ooma's affordable DIY starter kit includes smoke detectors, motion sensors, a camera, and a siren. But it's a very basic system that doesn't offer professional monitoring, third-party integrations, or many advanced automation features.