The Best Home Security Systems of 2018

What are the differences between landline, broadband, and cellular monitoring?

There are three ways that home security companies monitor alarm systems—via landline, broadband, and cellular monitoring. The biggest difference between these methods is that some are more prone to tampering than others. More technologically advanced monitoring methods can also cost a little more.

Landline monitoring uses a home phone line to connect your security systems to the monitoring center. Broadband monitoring uses a broadband internet connection to communicate between the monitoring center and your alarm control panel. Cellular monitoring uses a cellular uplink to communicate with your home security system.

Cellular monitoring is the most advanced and provides the greatest security. Because it doesn’t rely on a landline or internet connection, there are no wires to cut, which makes your system less vulnerable to tampering. But if you live in a remote area with limited cellular connection, you may not be able to take advantage of cellular monitoring.

Find out more about security system monitoring:

Can I get a home security system without a phone line?

Can I afford a home security system?

A home security system is an investment, but it’s one that can be worth it. The average loss to burglary victims was $2,361 in 2016.¹ In our research, most residential security systems cost less than that for the whole term of the contract, which is typically 36 months.

Among the systems on our list, the cost of initial equipment, installation, and monthly monitoring ranged from around $575 to about $2,300 for three years of protection. Monthly monitoring fees came in between $9.99 and $39.99 forent, installation, and monthly monitoring ranged from around $575 to about $2,300 for three years of protection. Monthly monitoring fees came in between $9.99 and $39.99 for basic packages. The average price for entry-level monitoring was $27.99 among our top ten security systems.

Keep in mind that the more features and extras you add to your system, the bigger the price tag—some top-tier packages come in around $60 per month. Taking the time to figure out exactly what you want from a home security system to make sure you don’t end up paying for extra bells and whistles that you don’t need.

Find more information about how to afford home security:

How much does a security system cost?

What’s the initial cost for a home security system?

Are home security systems and alarm monitoring worth it?

How much is alarm monitoring each month?

What is the difference between professional monitoring and self-monitoring?

The biggest difference between professional monitoring and self-monitoring is that a professionally monitored system has trained professionals keeping an eye on your home 24/7. That means that while you’re asleep, when you’re at work, or if you’re away on vacation, someone is always watching and ready to respond if an emergency comes up.

With a self-monitored system, you and other authorized household members are the ones checking in to make sure everything’s okay at home. The biggest benefit to self-monitoring is that you can save money by avoiding monthly monitoring fees. However, it can leave your home more vulnerable because you won’t have experts watching your home around the clock

Learn more about monitored and unmonitored security systems:

What is the difference between monitored and unmonitored security systems?

Why should I choose a company with professional monitoring services?

Can I have my existing security equipment monitored?

What are the differences between wired and wireless home security systems?

A wired home security system is one that is hardwired into your home’s electrical system. Wired alarm systems have been around the longest and usually use a landline to connect to the monitoring center. Wired systems are considered the most reliable because they don’t depend on internet or cellular connections.

Wireless security systems use wireless technology (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) for monitoring and to connect the components of the system. Wireless home security is becoming more popular because it offers more flexibility, and there are no wires that could be cut by a burglar. Because you don’t have to connect to the electrical system, a wireless system is easier to install and may be able to move with you if you get a new house.

Learn more about the differences between wired and wireless home security:

What are the pros and cons of wired and wireless security systems?

Does a home security system give me a discount on homeowners insurance?

One benefit of installing a home alarm system is that it may qualify you for a discount on your homeowners insurance policy. Because security systems reduce your risk of being burglarized, insurance companies are less likely to have to pay out a claim for stolen property.

Depending on your insurance company, you may qualify for as much as 15% off your premium.²

Insurance companies usually request a certificate as evidence that you have installed a security system. All of our best security systems of 2018 provide certificates to help you take advantage of discounts offered by your homeowners insurance company.

Get more details about saving on homeowners insurance:

Can purchasing a home security system decrease my homeowners insurance?

Can I install a home security system if I rent?

It used to be difficult for renters to take advantage of the protection provided by residential home security—whether you rented a house or an apartment. Thanks to advances in wireless home security and all-in-one security systems like Piper and Canary, renting is no longer an obstacle to home security.

Many of our best security systems of 2018 have special packages available to meet renters’ security needs. This is good news, especially when you consider that rental properties are at higher risk for burglary than occupant-owned residences.³

Learn more about home security for renters:

I rent an apartment. Should I still consider a home security system?