Professional monitoring costs more than self-monitored security options, but we think it’s worth it. When someone else is always monitoring your system, you can set down your phone for the night and rest easy. Check out our top picks for the best professionally monitored systems out there. Plus, if you opt for an ADT Video plan then you get a ton of home automation options, and support for security cameras. ADT’s Video and Complete plans are more expensive than its Basic, Secure, and Smart packages, but Video comes with mobile app access and live remote video. Complete offers you the whole package, including smart home integration and the option to add smart lights, locks, and thermostats and control them all right from your smartphone with the ADT app. But if you want to opt for one of the monitoring plans with all the cool home automation features (plus support for security cameras), then it will definitely cost you. ADT is one of the most expensive security companies we’ve ever seen for home automation and mobile support. But if you want all the best stuff, it might be worth it to you. Want to learn more? Check out our ADT review. Brinks Home can also talk to you through your control panel, which is a good way to cut down on false alarm issues. Want to learn more? Check out our Brinks Home review. In the past couple years though, Vivint has come down to our level. It still has that same great equipment, but with more flexible monitoring and payment options that make it way more accessible. That’s not to say it doesn’t have contracts. If you can’t or don’t want to pay for all your equipment and sensors up front, then Vivint will have you sign on for a 42- or 60-month contract (which is long) so you can pay for your system over time. Like we said, you can finance that cost over time. But you still might find lower equipment prices elsewhere. Want to learn more? Check out our Vivint review. Plus, once you get your system, it’s easy to set up. Frontpoint ships you everything in a box, and all the devices attach with sticky strips that won’t even hurt your paint. No tools required. That said, Frontpoint’s equipment is pretty affordable and it constantly offers discounts, so a Frontpoint system could still save you some cash over time. Frontpoint also gives you a 30-day trial period, which is a way more generous timeframe than a lot of other companies. Want to learn more? Check out our Frontpoint review. Not too shabby, especially for the phone-phobic among us. But if you don’t have a few hundred or thousand) bucks to shell out, you can finance your equipment instead. And in that case, Link Interactive offers more contract length options than we usually see. You can choose from a 1-, 2-, or 3-year contract. Want to learn more? Check out our Link Interactive review. Plus, SimpliSafe has a bunch of different sensors available so you monitor everything from smoke to carbon monoxide to floods. SimpliSafe doesn’t have activation or installation fees, either, which we appreciate. Want to learn more? Check out our SimpliSafe review. Want to learn more? Check out our Cove review. Brinks Home: Best monitoring—We like that Brinks Home can respond to an alarm through text, email, phone, or live assistance through its panel. But, of course, you will have to sign a contract for monitoring. Vivint: Best professional installation—We love Vivint’s equipment and its no-contract monitoring option. Just know that its equipment does get pricey. Frontpoint: Best customer service—Frontpoint lets you skip professional installation fees with its DIY system. Just be prepared to sign a contract for professional monitoring. Link Interactive: Most flexible—Link Interactive has fast support response times and friendly service. As for monitoring pricing, it’s pretty mid-range. SimpliSafe: Best value—SimpliSafe’s equipment and monitoring are both super affordable, and it doesn’t make you sign any contracts. Just don’t expect a lot of home automation options. Cove: Best for basics—Cove’s equipment and pricing are just as cheap as SimpliSafe’s—and you get better equipment. But as with SimpliSafe, home automation integrations are lacking.
