
For a professional security
system from providers such as Brinks Home Security, ADT and Vivint, check out our comparison of the best home security systems. Best OverallScout AlarmScout Alarm is easy to install and, while not as
user friendly as abode, has an excellent mobile app. It also works with smart home devices from Amazon and Nest. View SiteBest ValueIris by Lowe'sIris by Lowe's sells its Security Pack and hub separately, but still costs less than other systems we tested. It's also a great starting point for your smart home. View SiteBest User Experienceabodeabode is the most user friendly system we tested thanks to helpful notifications and an option packed mobile app, but it still offers the choice to pay for on demand monitoring while vacationing.
Learn more about professional installation services here. The home security market offers many plug and
play equipment packages that center around an audible alarm to deter intruders who trigger a door or window sensor. They do not offer professional monitoring, so there’s no monthly service contract involved. Monitored home security systems cost between $20 and $60 per month. Although criminology research suggests most intruders flee at the first sound of an alarm, complete home security offers more than just crime prevention. Protection from natural disasters, home appliance malfunctions, and medical emergencies should also be considered.

When they do run low, the system lets you know well in advance. Choose a controller
with back up battery so the system will stay active in the event of a power outage or if the Internet is down. If you will be installing smoke alarms you’ll need the extra power of a 24 hour battery back up, not the 4 hour back up offered by many manufacturers. THE COST FOR SECURITY There are two
costs to keep in mind when shopping for a home security system. The first is for the equipment and the installation, if you’re having it done by a professional. It can run from a few hundred dollars for a basic installation or less that half of that if you install it yourself to north of $1000 for a full feature system with specialized sensors and wireless smoke and CO detectors.