In our guide to the best home security systems in New York City, the This Old House Reviews Team shares the information you need to know to make a decision. We developed this review after analyzing home security companies on factors such as their trustworthiness, special features, and cost. Continue reading to see which systems came out on top in our analysis.
The Top 6 Home Security Systems in New York City
ADT: Best Overall Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation Alder: Best for Medical Alerts Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration Abode: Best for Customization
Compare Home Security Companies
ADT Home Security
ADT serves six million customers in over 200 locations throughout the U.S. and has over 140 years of home security experience. ADT combines professional monitoring and security equipment into an integrated package, and the company offers a six-month money back guarantee* if there are unresolvable issues with the company’s equipment. The following equipment is sold separately by ADT: Touchscreen keypad, panic button, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, flood sensor, glass break sensor, video doorbell camera, indoor and outdoor cameras There is also an $99 installation fee. Homeowners purchasing additional equipment from the company, such as a video doorbell camera or smoke detector, will have to pay for these items separately. For more information on ADT’s equipment, services, and prices, call 855-388-0208 or fill out this form for a free quote. Learn more: ADT Home Security Review
Vivint Smart Home
Vivint’s five equipment packages all include the Vivint control panel, two smart entry sensors, voice control, and a motion sensor. Homeowners who want to use an outdoor, doorbell, or indoor camera will need to purchase the company’s Video Security or Smart Complete package. Vivint gives its customers a couple of different ways to pay for its security services. The first option is to finance the company’s security equipment and bundle it with one of its monitoring plans. Under this option, a homeowner signs a five-year contract with a monthly payment. The second option is to pay for the equipment upfront and then pay for professional monitoring separately. Additional equipment can also be purchased from Vivint at the prices indicated below:
Door/window sensors: $50 each Glass break window sensors: $100 each Motion sensors: $100 each Smart smoke detector: $100 Flood/temperature sensor: $50 Carbon monoxide detector: $100 Key fob remote: $50 Panic button: $50 Ping indoor security camera: $199.99 Outdoor security camera: $299.99 Doorbell camera: $249.99 Kwikset smart lock: $179.99
Vivint offers homeowners three different monitoring options. The company’s Smart Security Plan includes basic features but does not include video monitoring capabilities or smart home integrations. The Smart Home Plan is an intermediate plan that includes smart home integrations but does not include video monitoring capabilities. Homeowners who purchase the Smart Home Video Plan receive video monitoring and smart home integration capabilities. Here is what Vivint charges for its monitoring plans when purchased separately:
Smart Home Video: $44.99 per month Smart Home: $39.99 per month Smart Security: $29.99 per month
For more information on Vivint’s plans and their prices, call the company at 855-740-4217 or complete this form. Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
Alder Home Security
Alder is known for its average response time of about 3.4 seconds, which is one of the quickest response times in the industry. The company is also recognized for its simple control panel and setup process. Because of its fast response time and simplicity, Alder is a great option for homeowners who are older, homeowners who may have medical issues, or homeowners who simply want an easy, reliable security system. Unlike some other home security companies, Alder does not sell premade packages—it creates a customized package for each homeowner based on its conversations with the customer. To learn more about Alder and discuss its customized package options with the company, call 844-431-0264 or fill out this quick form. Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
SimpliSafe Home Security
As its name suggests, SimpliSafe is one of the easiest security systems in the industry to install and use. SimpliSafe offers month-to-month contracts and a lengthy 60-day trial period for homeowners interested in its service. The company also received notable recognition as the best DIY security system by CNET in August 2020. Each of SimpliSafe’s five equipment packages comes with the company’s base station, keypad, an entry sensor, and a motion sensor. Homeowners who plan on self-monitoring should definitely consider The Hearth package or a more advanced package, as both of these packages contain a siren. Additional equipment can be purchased from SimpliSafe, such as: Extra motion sensors and entry sensors, glass break sensors, smart locks, SimpliCam indoor security camera Homeowners who purchase SimpliSafe can either purchase the equipment by itself or bundle it with a professional monitoring plan for a 20% discount. The table below shows the cost of both of these options. Here is the cost of SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans when purchased separately:
Standard Plan: $14.99 per month Interactive Plan: $24.99 per month
SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans can be viewed in the table below. Homeowners who plan on using security cameras or integrating their system with smart home devices should purchase the Interactive monitoring plan because of its unlimited camera recording and on-demand video recording capabilities. Also, homeowners who would like to receive phone alerts from the system will need to purchase the company’s Interactive monitoring plan. You can learn more about SimpliSafe by visiting the company’s website. Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint is a DIY home security company offering highly customized smartphone notifications and 24/7 professional monitoring with no long-term contracts. Frontpoint notably includes carbon monoxide monitoring, smoke and fire detection, and flood monitoring without extra installation fees. The company also offers crash and smash protection—if your control panel is destroyed, the lack of an alarm signal or disarm signal after an event such as a motion sensor activating or a door opening will trigger a notification to the company’s monitoring center. Frontpoint offers four premade equipment packages and a Build-Your-Own package for homeowners. Homeowners desiring an indoor camera should consider the company’s most comprehensive “Safe Home Preferred” package, and homeowners who want a glass break sensor or smoke and heat sensor should consider the “Safe Home Everyday” or “Safe Home Select” package. Frontpoint sells all of its packages for under $400. Its most comprehensive packages are more affordable than high-end packages offered by some of its competitors. Frontpoint offers two monthly monitoring plans, both under $50 per month. The Ultimate Plan offers many more benefits, such as live video streaming, smart lock control, and motion triggered alerts.
Interactive Plan: $44.99 per month Ultimate Plan: $49.99 per month
Get a free quote from Frontpoint by completing this form or calling 833-823-5612. Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Home Security
Abode is a DIY security system that is remarkably capable of connecting up to 160 security devices. Its security kits are compatible with Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave devices. Abode requires no long-term contract and is a great option for homeowners considering self-monitoring because it gives homeowners many capabilities without having to purchase a professional monitoring plan. Abode offers two security packages. Homeowners who would like a built-in motion detector and built-in streaming camera with their smart home hub should consider the Iota Security Kit, while the Gateway Security Kit might be a better fit for those seeking a more basic package. Abode offers a Standard Plan primarily designed for self-monitoring and a Pro Plan designed for homeowners who want 24/7 professional monitoring. Unlike many other home security providers, Abode provides notification alerts through its home automation technology even for homeowners who choose to self-monitor with the Standard Plan. On-demand professional monitoring is also an available option.
Abode Pricing
Abode’s prices for both its equipment packages and professional monitoring plans are reasonably low. Here is the cost of professional monitoring with Abode:
Standard Plan: $6.20 per month Pro Plan: $20 per month On-Demand Professional Monitoring: $8 for three days and $15 for seven days
Contact Abode for more information by visiting the company’s website. Learn more: Abode Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
Our analysis of home security systems in New York City found that ADT, Abode, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, Vivint, and Alder are the top providers in the industry. Each of these providers scored highly in important factors such as trustworthiness, special features, and pricing. We recommend getting multiple quotes using the panel below to compare these providers’ respective offers and to learn more about the companies.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in New York City
What is the best home security system available?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences. A homeowner who wants the most technologically advanced equipment may find Vivint to be the best fit for their needs, while a homeowner who prioritizes simple installation and use will enjoy SimpliSafe.
Can I monitor my own home security system?
Yes, monitoring your own home security system is an option. However, some home security providers will not allow you to receive alert notifications or remotely control your system if you do not pay for a professional monitoring plan. We recommend Abode for homeowners who plan to self-monitor because Abode offers push notification alerts, smart home integrations, in-app panic alarms, and more. Also, the company allows you to pay for self-monitoring as needed.
Is Vivint worth the money?
Vivint is more expensive than providers such as SimpliSafe and Abode, but it is also more technologically advanced. If you are technologically savvy and would use the company’s smart home integration capabilities regularly, Vivint may be a great fit for you. Compare Other Home Security Companies:
SimpliSafe vs. ADT SimpliSafe vs. Vivint Abode vs. SimpliSafe Frontpoint vs. Vivint Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for home security providers is on a 100-point scale based on 10 factors:
Number of systems (5) Special features (10) Installation options (5) Connectivity and smart home automation (15) Pricing (15) Contract period (5) Warranty (15) Trial period (15) Usability (5) Trustworthiness (10)
Our Reviews Team reviewed 32 companies and spent 744 hours researching and testing out products to help us compare home security systems on key factors such as package options, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Read more on our methodology here. *Money Back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
