Best Home Security Systems 2016: A Close Look At The Top Contenders

If you’re looking for the best home security system, then you’ve come to the right place!  At HomeAlarmAdvisors.com, we’ve extensively researched and tested the top home alarm systems on a variety of key factors.  We wanted to see which companies had the best security equipment, alarm response times, reputation, and customer service.  On this page, we’ve compiled our top 10 security systems for 2016 and provided a brief review on each brand.

Having a home security system is crucial in today’s world.  Crime rates are at an all time high, and burglaries and home invasions are becoming more and more common it seems. That’s why consumers spend billions on home security each year and the number of alarm companies to choose from are overwhelming.  Protecting your family is a high priority and hopefully our alarm reviews and rankings will help you make an informed decision.

How Did We Rank The Top Home Alarm Companies?

Our rankings and reviews took the following factors into consideration.

1. Wireless Equipment – It’s 2016, and the days of drilling holes in your walls and running wires all over the house to connect your security equipment are over.  Each of the systems we reviewed include wireless motion detectors and sensors.
2. Company Reputation – Each of the companies we recommend below have great reputations within the industry and solid Better Business Bureau ratings. 
3. Cellular Connection – While some security companies still offer alarm monitoring through a landline connection, we highly recommend only using systems that offer cellular connection.  With a cellular signal, burglars can’t simply cut a few wires to disable your security system.
4. Nationwide Companies –  While there are hundreds of small mom-and-pop security companies across the U.S., we only reviewed companies that service customers nationwide.  Using a nationwide company makes it much easier to move your alarm system if you end up moving to a new location (avoid cancellation fees!)
5. Security Equipment – How good can a alarm company be if their security system offered is out-dated and lacks essential features?  All of the companies below have quality equipment with the options to upgrade to home automation features such as lighting controls, thermostat controls, remote door locks, and more.

Top 10 Home Security Systems of 2016

Without further ado, here are the top 10 home alarm systems and a brief review of each company.

If price is something that weighs heavily on your decision, you’re going to love the value that Protect America provides.  They have the lowest guaranteed prices in the industry, while also providing very similar equipment to what FrontPoint Security includes.  Unlike its competitors, Protect America offers a lifetime warranty on all of their equipment.

What really separates Protect America from the competition is that they’re equipment is completely free.  Not only is the security system free, but there’s no installation or activation fees either.  In addition, they offer the lowest entry-level price point among all the top home security providers in the United States (starting at just $19.99 per month).

What Do We Like Most About Protect America?

Flexible Equipment Packages –  This company understands that every house and family has different needs.  That’s why they make it super easy to add extra equipment to your package such as more door/window sensors or an extra control panel.  If having a sensor on every window/door in your house is important to you, no problem!

Price Lock Guarantee –  Protect America guarantees that your monthly bill will always remain the same.  No price-hikes to worry about or unexpected charges.

Lowest Prices and Best Value –  Protect America has the lowest prices on their entry-level package with monthly monitoring starting at just $19.99 per month.  Combine that with FREE equipment and ZERO activation or installation fees, it’s easy to see why this company ranks near the top of our list.

The ADT brand has been synonymous with home security for over 100 years, and is currently the largest home alarm company in North America.  Unlike Frontpoint Security and Protect America, ADT offers professional installation, with same-day installation offered in many areas. 

The ADT Pulse package offered by ADT is one of the most technologically advanced security systems in the industry with remote video monitoring, remote arm/disarm, remote controlled door locks, instant security alerts, thermostat & lighting automation, and more.

What Do We Like Most About ADT Security?

Same-Day Installation –  Since they have such a large network of professional dealers and installers, you can get same-day installation in most areas if you call before 2 PM.

2-Way Voice Technology – This feature allows you to talk directly to your home monitoring center through your control panel from up to 75ft away.

Home Automation With ADT Pulse – With the comprehensive ADT Pulse package, you can enjoy home automation features that are controlled through your smart phone or tablet.  These features including arming/disarming your alarm, controlling your thermostat and lighting, instant alerts through text or email, and voice control commands.

Honorable Mentions

The following companies didn’t make our top 5 list, but are still worthy of consideration.

6) LiveWatch

LiveWatch wants to make protecting your home as easy as possible, which is why they offer advanced home monitoring at a simple, affordable price. To do this they offer Plug&Protect, a smarter and simpler home security system that costs as much as 30-50% less than a traditional security system. Using wireless technology, LiveWatch is able to monitor your home inside and out, while also allowing you full control via a smartphone. LiveWatch also boasts one of the fastest customer alarm reporting times in the business, at just 30 seconds on average.

7) Link Interactive

Link Interactive is a modern security company that allows their customers to build their own security packages. With their DIY home security system, customers don’t have to worry about inviting an installer into their homes, and they can create a system that isn’t just affordable, but effective and easy to install. They offer 24/7 central station monitoring, with 2-way voice panel contact as well as a reliable cellular service that won’t fail when you need it most.

8) Simplisafe

Simplisafe home security launched in 2006, and it was clear from the start that the company offered something special. Instead of relying on monthly package deals that tied customers into payment plans, Simplisafe launched a series of ‘no annual plan’ packages with upfront costs. This means that customers have a clear idea of what their home security and home automation will cost upfront. There are additional monthly plans for 24/7 professional monitoring, but no lock-in annual contracts for maximum freedom. Choose the equipment you want, have it sent to your door, and get started. It’s that simple.

9) Guardian Protection

If you’ve ever wanted someone to watch over the safety of you and your family, few do it better than Guardian Protection. Trusted by more than a quarter of a million Americans, Guardian Protection has been protecting home and families for more then 50 years thanks to it’s professional, top of the line home security and automation system. There are a range of packages to suit a variety of needs, from 24/7 professional monitoring, to smartphone automation, video surveillance, and even medical alerts.

10) Xfinity Home Security

Xfinity Home Security is a Comcast affiliated home security system that offers an impressive service line-up, particularly if you’re already a Comcast customer. Savings and deals are available for customers who already use other Comcast services such as cable or internet. Xfinity isn’t just home security either, the company also offer a great range of home automation options for customers, along with professional installation, smartphone monitoring and an easy to use operational base. There is even a variety of additional equipment you can have installed, giving you all around protection and automation in your home. 

Things To Consider Before Choosing A Home Security System

When it comes to choosing which home alarm system to protect you and your family, there are a variety of factors that you should take into consideration. 

Cellular Connection or Landline?

The type of signal for communicating between your control panel and the monitoring station should be a big factor in your buying decision.  Although landline connections typically have a lower monthly monitoring cost, it also leaves your system vulnerable to potential intruders.  With a landline connection, a burglar can cut your wires to disarm your system, whereas they can’t with a cellular connection.

Professional Installation Vs. DIY Installation

The type of installation you prefer is going to be a big deciding factor on which alarm system you choose.  Some of the top-rated companies such as Frontpoint Security and Protect America only offer DIY installation, while other companies such as ADT only offer professional installation. 

The advantages of going the DIY installation route is that it eliminates the cost of professional installation and allows you to easily make a customized security system package to fit your household.  All of the DIY systems are completely wireless and come with easy-to-install instructions that guide you through the process. 

Equipment Warranties

It is essential to select a company with a great warranty on their home security equipment. Warranty types vary widely from security company to security company. Some offer no warranty at all while others offer lifetime warranties on their equipment.

Sure, a lifetime warranty sounds great, but you need to read the fine print. Many less than reputable companies line their lifetime warranties with a number of conditions that can void your warranty. This is why it is so important to read everything related to a home alarm system’s warranty before making your final decision.

Contracts and Relocation Terms

What happens if you change jobs or have to suddenly move for another reason? Are you still locked into a contract with your security provider? Or are you able to break your contract or relocate your home alarm to your new location?

Just like reading the fine print regarding your warranty, it is necessary to read the fine print in your contract regarding relocation. It is important to find a home security company that actually allows relocation. Furthermore, some companies charge for relocation services while others don’t.