This home security system comparison chart is designed to help you choose the one with the equipment, features and price that is right for you. We’ve done the research to take the hassle out of comparing and selecting your next home security company.
Most home security companies offer a variety of system packaged to meet your budget and needs in good – better – best fashion. We’ve grouped them into:
- Value systems: $15-$30 per month
- Mid-level systems: $30-$45 per month
- Premium systems: $45-60 per month
Value Priced Home Security Systems
The best rates are found in this tier, but the systems are often quite basic. They typically include a control panel, one motion detector to be placed in a high-traffic area and two to four door/window sensors. Some have remote keychains as part of the package or as an add-on at additional one-time cost. A few offer mobile apps for controlling the system remotely with a smart device. Let’s compare home security companies in the value range.
| Company | LiveWatch | Protect America | SimpliSafe | AlarmForce | LifeShield | Link Interactive |
| Phone | (855) 587.3814 | (888) 255.7812 | (888) 957.4675 | (800) 267-2001 | (866) 311.1331 | (877) 778.8423 |
| Package Name | Cellular | Copper | Interactive | AlarmPlus | Security Basics | Basic |
| Activation | $19.95 | None | None | None | None | None |
| Monthly Monitoring | $19.95 | $19.99 | $24.99 | $25 | $29.99 | $29.99 |
| Equipment Cost | $99 | Free Use | $259.95 | Free Use | Free Use | $99.99 |
| Control Panel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detector | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | None | 1 |
| Door-Window Sensors | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Mobile App | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Keychain Remote | 1 | $24.95 ea | 1 | None | None | None |
| Connection | Cellular | Landline | Cellular | Landline | Broadband w/ phone backup | Landline |
Mid-Level Home Security Systems
These moderately priced home alarm systems typically include more equipment than value-priced security systems. Most also have what is known in the industry as “crash & smash” technology. This means that if a door or window is opened, a signal is sent to the monitoring service as usual. If an intruder then tries to disable the alarm in any way, the monitoring service will notify authorities. Systems without crash and smash protection can sometimes be quickly disabled by experienced thieves, and this fools the monitoring service into thinking the system has simply been disarmed by a member of the household using the proper code.
| Company | LiveWatch | Protect America | AlarmForce | LifeShield | Link Interactive | Frontpoint |
| Phone | (855) 587.3814 | (888) 255-7812 | (800) 267.2001 | (866) 311-1331 | (877) 778.8423 | (888) 268-6273 |
| Package Name | Mobile Pro | Bronze | AlarmPlus | Security Essentials | Premium | Protection |
| Activation | $19.95 | $35.99 | None | $99.00 | None | None |
| Monthly Monitoring | $29.95 | Free Use | $29.95 | $39.99 | $34.99 | $34.99 |
| Equipment Cost | $99 | Free Use | Free Use | $399.99 | $99.00 | |
| Control Panel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detector | 1 | 1 (Extras $125ea) | 1 | 1 (Extras $58ea) | 2 | 1 |
| Door-Window Sensors | 2 | 6 | 2 | 4 (Extras $28ea) | 5 | 1 (Extras $32.99ea) |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extras | 1 Crash/Smash | None | Extra Cost 2-way voice | None | Crash/smash | Crash/smash $29.99ea |
| Glass-break Sensor | None | $99.99ea | None | 1 | 1 | $74.99ea |
| Smoke Detector | None | $99.99ea plus $2 per month | Extra Cost | fire safety sensor $108ea | None | $64.99ea |
| Connection | Cellular | Landline | Landline | Broadband w/ phone backup | Cellular | Cellular |
Premium Home Security Systems
These top of the line home alarm systems use a secure cellular or broadband connection which means even if a burglar cuts the landline phone line, your security system will continue to protect your home. Home automation features are included to take these home security systems to the next level.
| Company | Vivint | Frontpoint | Protect America | ADT | LifeShield |
| Phone | (855) 300.1751 | (888) 268.6273 | (888) 255.7812 | (855) 305-9283 | (866)311.1331 |
| Package Name | Smart Protect | Ultimate | Silver | Pulse | Security Advantage |
| Activation | $198.00 | None | None | Extra (Varies) | $99.00 |
| Monthly Monitoring | $53.99 | $49.99 | $49.99 | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| Equipment Cost | Free Use | $199.00 | Free Use | Options | Free Use |
| Control Panel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detector | 1 | 1 (Extras $64.99) | 1 (Extras $125ea) | 1 | 1 (Extras $57.99ea) |
| Door-Window Sensors | 3 | 2 (Extras $32.99) | 6 | 6 | 6 (Extras $27.99ea) |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keychain Remote | 1 | 1 (Extras $29.99) | 1 $49.50ea | 1 | 1 |
| Light Control | None | 2 (Extras $32.99) | None | Extra (Varies) | None |
| Extras | None | Crash/Smash | None | Severe weather alerts | Security Touchpad |
| Thermostat | No | $74.99ea | $99.99ea | Extra (Varies) | None |
| Glass Break Sensor | No | $64.99ea | $99.99ea | Extra (Varies) | $105.99ea |
| Automated Door Lock | 1 | None | None | Extra (Varies) | $107.99ea |
| Wireless Indoor Camera | No | $129.99ea | None | Extra (Varies) | None |
| Wireless Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera | None | None | $179ea plus $10/month | No | None |
| Wireless Outdoor Camera | None | None | $400ea | No | None |
| Connection | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Broadband w/ phone backup |
When choosing a home security company, it makes sense to pick out a few you believe have what you want and interview them personally. They’ll come to your home, explain what they offer and provide a written estimate. When you have several in hand, you can compare them head to head with all the information available.