Home Security Systems

Real protection. Real options.

SimpliSafe

$250-400 + $20-30/mo monitoring

DIY install. No contract. Senior favorite.

Best DIY.

Ring Alarm

$200-400 + $10-20/mo

Ring doorbell + cameras + alarm in one. Cheapest pro monitoring.

Best with cameras.

ADT

$600-1,500 + $40-60/mo

150-year brand. Pro install. Long contract.

Best traditional.

Vivint

$700-2,000 + $50-100/mo

High-end smart home + security combo.

Best premium.

Wyze Home Monitoring

$100 + $5/mo

Cheapest with pro monitoring. Wyze ecosystem.

Best budget.

Local police + neighbor + dog

FREE

Visible signs of life beat fancy systems for many.

Best free.

Best parts for seniors

Medical alert button built into many systems — ADT, SimpliSafe.
Fall detection — additional sensor.
Smoke + CO monitoring — pro monitor calls fire if alarm sounds.
Door + window sensors — alert if open while armed.
Yard signs + window stickers — burglar deterrent alone reduces break-ins 60%.
Smart lights — fool away-attempt burglars.

Skip these gimmicks

"Free" systems with 5-year contracts.
Door-to-door sales — they pressure-sell + lock you in.
"Smart locks" that fail when battery dies.
Camera systems with $30/mo subscription if it's the only way to view recordings.
Anyone who says "the police won't respond fast enough without us".

Most-protective without spending

Lock doors. (60% of burglaries are unlocked doors.)
Motion lights at all entrances.
Trim shrubs by windows.
Mail/newspaper hold when traveling.
Light timer — looks lived-in.
Don't share trip dates on Facebook.
Fake "Beware of Dog" signs.
Know your neighbors.

Insurance discount

Most homeowners insurance gives 5-20% discount for monitored security system. Document it. Often saves $200-500/year — partial payment for the system.