Best Home Security Systems of 2025

Whether or not you want monitoring will affect most of your other choices when picking a home security system, so it’s good to decide what you want early on.

Professionally monitored home security systems connect to response centers that dispatch emergency responders when an alarm is triggered. Depending on your subscription terms, operators can contact the police, fire department or medical services to ensure the appropriate response.

With an unmonitored system (sometimes called a “self-monitored” system), there's no monitoring center watching for an alert from your security system. Your alarm can still make noise when triggered and send alerts to your phone when the sensors detect something, but it’s up to you to contact first responders. The upside to self-monitoring is that it can help you avoid monthly fees.

Here are some tips on who each type of system is best for:

• Unmonitored alarm systems are better for people on a budget, and they might work well enough if someone in your household can consistently monitor the system and respond to alerts in an emergency. They’re not as useful if you panic in high-stress situations or don’t consistently check your phone, though.
• Monitored alarm systems provide an extra layer of security when you’re away from home or asleep, so they’re a better option for people who feel safer with a professional watching for alerts 24/7. You’ll likely need to pay a monthly fee for this service, though, and your contract may require a multiyear commitment.

There are two main ways home alarm systems communicate with the outside world:

• Nationwide cellular networks: Cellular security systems may require professional installation, but they need little upkeep. With a battery backup, the system can even work during power outages. However, the cellular signal might not be strong enough to be effective, depending on where you live.
• Home Wi-Fi networks: These systems are easier to install and easier to take with you if you move. However, they might not work during power failures. In larger homes, the signal also might not cover all rooms.

Many top home security cameras are wireless and run on a cellular network connection, making them ideal for remote locations without Wi-Fi access. Hard-wired cameras are another option — though they require cables for power and video transmission, they provide reliable high-definition video that’s less susceptible to interference.

If you have a large house, make sure your Wi-Fi is strong enough to reach devices in every room. If it’s not, consider getting a wired system (or installing some boosters to strengthen your Wi-Fi signal).

Residential security cameras typically use 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption, which is versatile and easy to work with but can still be hacked. The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services recommends choosing an alarm company that provides “firmware, an encrypted network, or a strong firewall to prevent hackers from obtaining access to your video feed.” Otherwise, you risk cyber intrusions.

Home security systems have two common installation options: professional or do-it-yourself (DIY). If you purchase a wireless home security system, you usually have the option to set it up yourself. Most hard-wired systems require professional installation.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of installation. A DIY home security system is a great choice for renters because it’s portable. Plus, you can often get one with a short-term contract or no obligation. The best DIY home alarms are also generally less expensive than those that require a professional technician to install, but many homeowners feel safer with a wired system.

Some also consider hard-wired security systems more reliable since their peripheral devices don’t require batteries to operate. However, they can still be disabled during a power outage or by a thief with scissors.

For more, compare costs and monitoring options for DIY vs. professional systems.

Some home security companies only sell equipment piece by piece, while others offer bundled packages. Most companies offer a little bit of both, but the right combination of equipment for you depends on your personal security goals.

Someone in a 12th-floor studio apartment will likely have very different equipment needs than someone in a large home out in the country. Think about your home and what it will take to protect it from intruders as you shop.

Most packages come with at least a base station, entryway sensors and motion detectors, plus some yard signs and stickers. Of course, the more devices and features you want — like surveillance cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, motion sensors, glass-break sensors and other equipment — the more the system usually costs.

For example, high-tech extras like touch screens and vanishing sensors cost extra — sometimes up to $300 or more. A package with video monitoring will likely cost more because you’ll need the features to stream and store footage.

If you’re not sure exactly what you need, look for a system that’s expandable so you can add to it in the future.

Reading alarm system reviews is the best way to find out what to expect from a company before you sign up for service. Home security customers are usually vocal about unfair fees and durability issues in reviews.

By reading home security service reviews, you can also learn more about a company’s monitoring operators, installation technicians and customer service representatives.

It’s important to make sure you understand all the terms before you sign anything. Even some of the top-rated home security companies get negative customer feedback regarding their cancellation policies, so look for companies that offer a free trial period or money-back guarantee.

For more on finding the best home security system for your situation, here are important questions to ask when you talk to a representative.