Best smart home security systems of 2024

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Ring Alarm Pro Keypad

(Image credit: Android Central)

1. At a glance
2. Best overall
3. Best premium pick
4. Best value
5. Best indoor camera

The best smart home alarm systems will be easy to install and integrate into your smart home, but most importantly, they'll also provide your family with the security they need. Whether your home uses Amazon, Google, or Apple as its smart home ecosystem, the five best security systems on the market can be found below.  

We think that the Ring Alarm Home Security system is the best you can buy due to its great features and easy setup, but there are plenty of other great options that will fit your needs. Keep reading to find the setup that's right for you. 

Patrick Farmer - E-Commerce Editor at Android Central
Patrick Farmer

After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

At a glance

Best overall

Ring Alarm

(Image credit: Ring)
Best overall

Specifications

Products included: Alarm base station, Keypad, Contact sensor, Motion detector, Alarm range extender
Subscription required: Yes
Hardwiring required: No
Expandable: Yes
Services available: 24-hour battery backup, optional Alarm Cellular Backup, Alarm Professional Monitoring

Reasons to buy

+
Price
+
Alexa integration
+
Easy setup

Reasons to avoid

-
No garage door tilt sensors or hinge sensors
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Door sensors can be finicky

This five-piece Ring Alarm security system comes with a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender. You can control it all from one central location — your phone. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, that's even better. You'll be able to do it solely through your voice and check your system through any Alexa device.

The tight integration with Alexa is because Amazon owns the brand, but the Ring app for your phone also works well for those who aren't all-in on the Amazon ecosystem. Ring also comes with both free and paid cloud storage options as well as a payment plan for the entire system through Amazon. Note that while this is a five-piece starter kit, there are other pre-set options and custom kits available to best suit the needs of your home.

Best premium pick

Arlo Home Security - 5 piece

(Image credit: Arlo)

2. Arlo Home Security - 5 piece

Best premium pick

Specifications

Products included: Keypad base station with alarm and five all-in-one sensors
Subscription required: Yes
Hardwiring required: No
Expandable: Yes
Services available: 24-hour battery backup, optional cellular backup, 24/7 Professional Monitoring

Reasons to buy

+
Completely wireless
+
One month trial of the Arlo Professional Monitoring plan included
+
Optional battery and cellular backup
+
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
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Monthly plan is pricey

Arlo is known for making some of the best wireless security cameras you can buy, and pairing that pedigree with home security sensors is a natural progression. This kit includes the keypad, which also has a built-in alarm, three detection sensors, and supports SecureLink to extend its connectivity range to other sensors, making it a fantastic starting piece. 

Connecting the base to the five included multi-functional sensors gives you plenty of monitoring capabilities. The sensors can detect eight metrics: motion, open/closed, water leaks, smoke alarms, and more. Besides these consumer-friendly features, Arlo provides plenty for the prosumer, too. Features like tight integration with all the major smart home brands and voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant make it our pick for the best overall when it comes to a security system you can install yourself.

However, nothing is without its drawbacks; with Arlo, the biggest is the price. In addition to the hardware price, you'll likely want to pony up the cash for the Arlo Professional Monitoring plan, which includes 24/7 professional monitoring and potentially a discount on your home insurance, depending on your provider. You will find systems that sell for less but don't offer the ease of use and features that come with this one.

Best value

Simplisafe Security lifestyle

(Image credit: Simplisafe)

3. SimpliSafe

Best value

Specifications

Products included: Base station, Keypad, Contact sensor, Motion detector, Key fob, Glass break sensor
Subscription required: Yes
Hardwiring required: No
Expandable: Yes
Services available: 24-hour battery backup, Optional cellular backup, 24/7 Professional Monitoring

Reasons to buy

+
Expandable to 100 components
+
Easy setup
+
LOUD sirens

Reasons to avoid

-
Phone notifications require a monthly fee
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No garage tilt sensor compatibility

SimpliSafe has been named the best home security product by many online publications, and users like the assortment of sensors and easy setup that SimpliSafe offers.

This eight-piece kit comes with four window/door sensors, a panic button, programmable keypad, central hub, and a motion sensor, so it's ready for the simple and wireless installation in your home. You're also able to add up to 100 components, including HD cameras, additional keypads, or panic buttons without any reprogramming.

One major drawback is that you'll need to sign up for the company's "Interactive Service" for things like smartphone notifications, but the system will work without any paid monitoring solution.

Best indoor camera

Ecobee camera lifestyle

(Image credit: Ecobee)

4. ecobee Home Security Solution

Best indoor camera

Specifications

Products included: SmartCamera, Multi-function contact sensor, Multi-function SmartSensor
Subscription required: Yes
Hardwiring required: No
Expandable: Yes
Services available: Professional Monitoring, Automated system arming, 30-day backups

Reasons to buy

+
Totally wireless
+
Smoke alarm detection
+
Works with ecobee Smart Thermostat
+
Alexa built-in

Reasons to avoid

-
Subscription-based
-
No local storage
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Indoor-only

If you want a comprehensive package that'll work right alongside your existing smart home ecosystem, consider ecobee's Home Security Solution. Although ecobee is primarily known for their indoor cams and smart thermostat, this product bundle includes everything you need to keep your home safe, including a single camera with voice control, two interior Smart Sensors, and four window and door Smart Sensors.

The camera records video in crystal-clear 1080p HD and night vision, plus it can detect when a person is in the frame and keep an eye on them with its 180-degree field of vision. It'll even recognize the sound of a smoke alarm and alert you if you're not home. 

The included Smart Sensors can be easily installed on windows and doors and offer up to 16 feet of motion detection. If you use ecobee's smart thermostat, you can also use these sensors to monitor the temperature of every room. You can also pair the new ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera for front door monitoring.

Bottom line

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These are the very best smart home security systems we've found this year. All of them have a variety of features, such as motion detection, smart alerts, and the like, but our personal favorite? Well, that has to be the Ring Alarm Home Security System.

Set up is simple, and the integration with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, as well as Amazon's Echo and Fire devices, is top-notch. It also works well through the Android and iOS apps, and new features are being added regularly, including new data privacy features.

Whichever setup you chose from this list though, you're going to be coming away with a simple, easy to use, and scalable solution. Now stay safe out there!

Patrick Farmer
eCommerce Editor

After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

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