We score every major system across 7 categories, with the heaviest weight on real customer trust. No system buys its way to #1.
Price, equipment, monitoring, contracts, app, customer service, and trust.
Compare any 3 systems on the specs that matter to your situation.
We publish exactly how every score is calculated. No black boxes.
Customer trust is weighted highest — at 25% of every overall score.
The three highest-scoring systems right now.
Most "best home security" lists are pay-to-play. We accept that companies pay for badge placements like "Best for Renters" — but the underlying score is editorial, transparent, and never for sale. That's why we weight customer trust at 25% of every score.
Read our full methodology
No-contract DIY security with optional pro monitoring
SimpliSafe is the strongest no-contract option on the market. The hardware is solid, the app is good (not great), and the month-to-month monitoring is genuinely flexible.
Affordable no-contract DIY security with a lifetime warranty option
Cove is one of the best budget picks on the market. The no-contract monitoring is genuinely affordable, customer service is a real strength, and the Plus plan's lifetime warranty is rare at this price. The tradeoff is a thinner equipment lineup and no free self-monitoring tier.
ADT-grade monitoring without the install or the contract
ADT Self Setup is a compelling middle ground: you get ADT's monitoring pedigree and Google Nest camera integration without a contract or a technician visit. Pricing runs higher than pure-DIY rivals, but the brand trust and monitoring quality are real.