Best home security companies of 2024

If you’re ready to sign up with a home-security company in 2024, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. You can go the DIY route, installing doorbell cameras and the like, or you can get a service professionally installed. But there are so many options when it comes to home security companies that you may have no idea where to start. 

Don’t panic. You can prioritize; some factors are more important than others. Start with your home security requirements: if you’re looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly way to monitor your front door, you can save a lot by investing in the top-selling Ring video doorbell, for example.

For everything else, we here at CBS Essentials spoke with experts to come up with a list of the best home security companies that will match your security needs — and are well worth your time and money.

“The best security system for your living situation may depend on a few factors, including cost, features, comprehensiveness and installation process,” security professional and co-founder of Security Guards Only Tim Reinemo told CBS Essentials.

Read on for the best home security companies in 2024 according to experts and customer reviews. There are both DIY-hybrid and professionally installed options to shop ahead.

Best home security companies in 2024

Here’s a quick look at the best home security companies in 2024. 

• Industry leader: ADT
• Most affordable: Ring
• Professional installation: Vivint
• Best professional monitoring: SimpliSafe
• No contract needed: Scout

Try these home security companies including ADT, Ring and more.

Industry leader: ADT

If you want both full service and DIY options, ADT may be the pick for you. You can install an ADT system on your own, or have someone come out to do it for you (which costs around $150). Note that many options do require a contract, unlike the services offered by Ring, Scout and SimpliSafe.

“ADT is a leader in North America for professional home security systems,” Reinemo says. “They do both self and professional monitoring. They have an app and even offer a money-back guarantee. Having been an industry leader for so long, ADT will be a safe bet if you are willing to pay more than some other, less comprehensive systems costs.”

ADT prices start at $599 (or $9.98 monthly for 60 months) for equipment and installation, and the monitoring starts at $45.99 per month. They have a live chat option if you run into any trouble.

If you want a security system that’s tailored very specifically to your home, ADT is a top choice.

“This service offers bespoke security solutions, including advanced video surveillance, smart home automation and 24/7 professional monitoring,” Toney Greer, CEO and founder of The Royal Society, a security and concierge management company, told CBS Essentials.

Pros

• The company is a longtime industry leader.
• ADT offers lots of options when it comes to a DIY or professional approach.
• There’s a money-back guarantee.

Cons

• Many options require a contract if you’re worried about committing.
• The system, while comprehensive, might be costlier than your budget will allow.

Most affordable: Ring

If you’re looking for a more affordable, semi-DIY approach, try Ring. Purchase your own home security equipment, like the options below, and install your security cameras and other gadgets exactly where you want them, unlike with ADT and Vivint.

Then you can subscribe to Ring Protect (starting at $3.99 a month) to opt in to professional monitoring. You can subscribe to a Ring Protect plan separately to receive mobile notifications when your system is triggered; change your alarm modes; and monitor your Ring devices through the Ring app. 

The more involved Ring Protect Pro Plan offers 24/7 emergency police, fire and medical response; keeps your Ring alarm online during a power outage; and more. There are no contracts required with Ring, and you can call or chat for tech support. The company, owned by Amazon, has had some privacy concerns.

Pros 

• Ring can be a more affordable option.
• There are no contracts with Ring.

Cons

• You may not want to deal with self-installation.
• “One of the downsides to Ring — owned by Amazon — as a company is the privacy concerns they have had in the past with hackers who have gained access to homeowners’ systems and employees who had too much access,” Reinemo says. “Nonetheless, updates to Ring’s privacy policies amidst the different scandals have allowed many homeowners to continue to trust the product.”

Budget-friendly video surveillance : Ring video doorbell

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