The 5 Best Home Security Systems of 2023

Final Verdict

Those looking for an easy DIY installation and reliable security will do well with the Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit, which comes with one base station, one keypad, four contact sensors, one motion detector, and one range extender. However, you do have to pay a monthly subscription fee for 24/7 monitoring and emergency features, so if the contract-free life is the one for you, you’d do better off with the Eufy Security 5-Piece Home Security System, which doesn’t require a monthly subscription or contract, but still provides free, reliable home monitoring.

How to Shop for a Home Security System Like a Pro

Components

“You can get several components in one single security system set,” says Bratcher. “These could include motion sensors, entry sensors, cameras, keypads, and even automation systems.” Depending on what you’re looking for and how big your home is, you’ll have to figure out how many security cameras and sensors you’ll need. For example, a large house will require a setup with a multitude of door and window sensors, while a smaller home would do well with just a couple. Many home security systems also offer the option of adding multiple other configurations based on the company’s product lineup.

Installation

Most home security systems (and every option on this list!) are wireless, which means you don’t really have to worry about calling in a professional and adding in wiring everywhere. Most kits include either magnetic components or adhesives for easy installation, but you can always opt for a top-of-the-line, professionally installed option if you so choose.

Subscriptions and Monitoring Costs

In addition to the hardware cost, keep in mind that it's likely you'll need to pay monthly or annual service fees for your wireless home security system to work best. Depending on the product you pick and the service you need, you could pay anywhere between $5 and $25 per month, and it’s also likely that you may need to sign a contract. It’s also important to note that some options do come without contracts or service fees, if that’s the route you choose to take, but they might not offer all the features a subscription would.

Monitoring Type

It’s important to note that not every home security system will offer professional monitoring—aka, real humans at a call center who receive instant notifications when your system alarm is triggered, and then either call the authorities directly or call you first to check whether the alarm was legitimate or not. Many security systems offer this with a subscription fee, but it’s important to know that not all do. If it’s worth it to you to have a real person checking for threats, you should consider investing the extra in professional monitoring versus just having the alerts being sent to you.

Questions You Might Ask

Can you install a home security system yourself?

Absolutely. Especially if they’re not wired, wireless home security systems will often have DIY installation options, so you won’t have to rely on a professional, according to Boleg. “Most kits will have magnetic sensors or adhesive options, which means there’s really not much you’ll have to do in terms of setup,” she adds. Of course, however, all security systems are different, so be sure to check the box before you purchase.

How much should I expect to spend on a home security system?

The average cost of a decent home security system is about $150 to $200—however, you also have to keep in mind that many of them have additional monthly costs as well that could add up. “When it comes to home security costs, it also depends on the components of your security system: Many times, the number of components will affect the price, as well as the quality of options like cameras,” says Bratcher. Overall, you could even find options that can go as high as a few thousand, but we’d say $200 is a good range for most.

How do home security systems work?

Home security systems work differently depending on whether your option includes a camera or not.

Without a camera:

If your home security system lacks a camera, you most likely instead have a series of battery-operated sensors that connect via a central hub. This hub connects to your home’s WiFi network or a cellular connection. The hub then allows you to control the whole system, which means that your smartphone or smart home devices can also control the system. Many of these systems feature additional home monitoring service subscriptions that automatically reach out and contact authorities when detecting a breach.

With a camera:

In the case of home security systems with cameras, most are motion-activated and will start working when they sense motion (but this is not always the case). In the case of a home security system with cameras, the cameras are wirelessly attached to the hub that will then use WiFi in order to transfer the footage to a cloud-based server over the internet. This allows you to view the footage on any internet-connected device. You may, however, lose this footage after a certain amount of time, unless you sign up for a cloud storage service.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Nikhita Mahtani, a freelance writer who has over six years of experience writing and editing lifestyle and commerce content. To write this article, she researched dozens of home security systems, considering factors like range of components, monthly fees, professional monitoring, and smart home capability. She also spoke to two experts: Kristen Boleg, founder of the blog Security Nerd, and EW Bratcher, founder of B&W Fire Security Systems.