This can be a problem considering many security providers have 3- or 5-year contracts and professional installation, which makes it more difficult to move the equipment from place to place. If you’re into home automation, you might also want your home security system to support Z-Wave or Zigbee integrations so you can add in things like light controls. We ranked SimpliSafe best overall for renters precisely because, like the name says, it’s simple. It’s super affordable, it’s easy to install, and it does its job. We like that SimpliSafe has transparent pricing and offers a full range of equipment so you can choose which components you want and leave the ones you don’t. If you want a more diverse range of smart home devices, then we recommend going with Abode or even Frontpoint. But if your primary concern is to protect your house from potential intruders and environmental disasters, like fires and floods, then SimpliSafe probably has what you need. SimpliSafe security equipment:
Door/window sensor Motion detector Water sensor Temperature sensor Smoke alarm 105 dB siren Panic button Glass break sensor Keypad Carbon monoxide detector Key fob/keychain remote Smart lock SimpliCam indoor camera Video Doorbell Pro
We’d say Abode definitely delivers on the tech front. It keeps its system fairly simple, but you still get smart devices. Abode’s motion detectors also take photos, and its indoor cameras don’t scream “security camera,” so you can set them on a bookshelf and still keep things classy. SimpliSafe offers a wider array of equipment than Abode—and for less money—but Abode is a few steps ahead in the tech game. Our only real complaints about Abode are that its equipment starter pack doesn’t come with a keypad, and its monthly price for professional monitoring is high for this kind of system. Abode security equipment:
Door/window sensor (mini, recessed, and strip versions) Glass break detector (acoustic and vibration versions) Motion detector (built-in camera option) Multi sensor (detects temperature, motion, humidity, and light) Smoke alarm listener Leak sensor System status indicator Panic button Keypad Key fob Indoor siren Outdoor siren Outdoor Smart Cam Abode Cam Video Doorbell
We love the no-contract option, but we included Frontpoint on our renter’s list because the company has excellent customer service, which makes it easier to relocate your service if you move. The only thing we don’t like is that there is only one monitoring plan available: Ultimate Monitoring, which will cost you $49.99 a month. In order to access Frontpoint’s $39.99, 3-year plan or its $59.99 month-to-month plan is over the phone. Some of the other security systems offer more features and less expensive monitoring options. Frontpoint security equipment:
Door/window sensor Motion sensor Glass break sensor Garage door tilt sensor Smoke and heat sensor Carbon monoxide detector Flood sensor Keypad Touchscreen control panel Doorbell camera Indoor camera Outdoor camera Premium indoor camera Smart door lock Smart thermostat Wireless light control Smart light bulb Key fob Panic button/medical pendant
One of our favorite Scout standouts is the RFID tag. An RFID tag is a little key fob that allows you to arm and disarm your system using radio-frequency identification. Scout’s system works a little differently from what we usually see, and sometimes, the traditional systems are more user-friendly. That said, Scout offers one of the cheapest professional monitoring on our list, even compared to SimpliSafe. The system also comes with both Zigbee and Z-Wave compatibility, so if you want to go full smart home (or smart apartment complex), you don’t have to be restricted to one or the other connection type. Scout security equipment:
Door panel Keypad Motion sensor Entry sensor Water sensor Glass break sensor Panic button Remote control Siren and Zigbee repeater Key fob First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detector Scout indoor camera Scout video doorbell Yale smart lock RFID sticker
What we love most about Cove for renters is that there aren’t any sneaky fees or extra costs for moving or switching your service. And since you don’t have to sign any contracts, you can cancel it if you ever need to. Cove security equipment:
Control panel Door/window sensor Motion detector Key fob Smoke and carbon monoxide detector Glass break detector Medical button Flood sensor Indoor camera Outdoor camera Doorbell Cam
To decide which home security systems are best for an apartment complex or renters, we also looked for systems that don’t charge high prices for their professional monitoring services or security equipment. We prioritized security systems that don’t require a contract and don’t charge any hidden fees. That said, ADT Self Setup—ADT’s newly released DIY system—could work. Door, window, entry and motion sensors are also a great way to contribute to the overall security of your apartment, which you can purchase through most security companies. You can learn more tips in our guide to making your home safer. If you opt for professional monitoring, you’ll pay an additional fee between $10-$50 per month depending on how much equipment you have and the scope of the services offered. Luckily, an apartment is a smaller space that needs less equipment, and fewer features which can potentially keep your costs lower.
