Best professional home security services 2026

The market is saturated with DIY home security systems nowadays, but professional home security services are still one of the safest ways to secure your home. Many of these services are big names you'll likely recognize, such as ADT and Brinks. However, some newer players provide unique customization, smart home integration and DIY control.

If you're considering adding cameras and sensors to your home and want professional monitoring or setup assistance, there are lots of factors to consider. No two companies are the same, and each has its own pros and cons. Costs can also vary significantly, depending on what your priorities are. We rounded up the very best professional home security services available to help you weigh your options.

Best professional home security services

1) ADT

ADT is one of the most well-known home security companies, and that's not just because it has blanketed the airwaves with advertising for years. ADT is a popular choice for those who want an all-encompassing security package with professional installation and monitoring. It can get expensive, but its equipment performs well and its monitoring services are reliable and excellent.

ADT equipment is top-notch, with clear camera feeds and sound. You get alerts through the connected ADT app, and professional monitoring plans ensure you're taken care of in the event of an emergency or break-in. The company offers smart home integrations and automations that allow its devices to work with things like Amazon Alexa and Google Nest devices. It also has senior-care devices available like medical alert bracelets and pendants.

"It's a pricier option compared to many of its competitors, taking into account its equipment and monitoring plans," U.S. News & World Report said in its ADT review . "[B]ut for those who want a more hands-off experience, ADT excels in this way."

ADT equipment packages start at $350 and can top more than $1,500, with different numbers and types of sensors, cameras and other monitoring equipment. You can distribute the cost of your equipment over time with monthly charges through your contract term. The company also charges a monthly fee for its professional monitoring, with prices starting at $29 up to $40 per month. 

Self-monitoring plans aren't available, though you can check the status of your devices at any time in the ADT app. ADT also requires a lengthy contract term of 36 months, and canceling before the term ends will result in cancellation fees.

2) Brinks Home

Brinks has been around for more than 160 years, giving it a long view of the security industry that's only rivaled by the slightly younger ADT. Both companies have a lot in common related to home security, with Brinks Home offering solid equipment packages at relatively comparable rates. Like ADT, you can also get professional installation and monitoring, so you don't have to worry about anything other than picking your plan.

In its review of Brinks Home, Forbes said Brinks "pairs technologically advanced security equipment with award-winning professional monitoring services to deliver exceptional home security." However, the review found that Brinks' pricing can be higher than its competitors. The company doesn't include pricing information on its website, so you must call to get a quote.

All three of Brinks' equipment packages include motion sensors, door sensors and a control panel. Initial equipment fees can range from over $400 to more than $1,000, depending on your needs. Professional monitor prices start at $40 per month and extend to $55 per month, depending on your plan.

Brinks only offers professional installation with its most expensive package. For the cheaper two packages, you install the equipment yourself with assistance over the phone. If you don't want to deal with DIY installation but can't swing the top-tier package, choose a different company.

Brinks offers life-safety products like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that can be integrated into your system, though you must call for pricing. The company also requires a 36-month contract with its monitoring services. Unfortunately, no self-monitoring options exist.

3) Vivint

Vivint is a fresher face in the home security game, but it's made a mark due to an extensive selection of security devices that integrate with your smart home gadgets. The company offers professional installation during setup and takes a mostly à la carte approach to the devices in your system. Unfortunately, it's easy to rack up a hefty bill depending on how much equipment you need.

If you want a large selection of different components for your security system, Vivint can't be beat. The company offers standard devices like a video doorbell, motion detectors, window sensors and flood sensors. However, you can also add a smart garage door opener, smart locks and a smart thermostat, among other gadgets.

Vivint's base equipment package is the "HomeProtect" starter pack, which comes with a doorbell camera, a door and window sensor, a motion sensor, a keypad, a smart lock and a thermostat. Everything else comes at an additional cost, which is where things can balloon.

"Vivint's security system is absolutely worth it, as long as you're willing to pay extra," CNET said in its Vivint review . "It's not the cheapest option on the market, but it works really well and has a ton of great features." The full setup in CNET's review cost $3,680, though Vivint told the publication the average customer spends around $2,400 on equipment.

Other packages include additional indoor and outdoor security cameras. You can finance all of them for 36 months. No contracts are required with Vivint, but its professional monitoring service starts at $25 per month, which is a little under ADT's cheapest monitoring plan.

The biggest draw of Vivint's system is that all of its equipment works together over a smart home protocol that communicates through the hub to the Vivint app. You can set up automation and alerts as you see fit and even integrate other smart home products into your routines.

4) SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe received a lot of attention in recent years, and it's easy to see why. The company strikes a nice balance between professional and DIY systems, selling kits that you can tackle with either installation method. They're often on sale, making it easy to get a good deal on a system during events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday.

As one of the most consistently high-rated security systems, SimpliSafe has an ecosystem of excellent equipment that works well with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Unfortunately, it's not directly compatible with Apple HomeKit, so you can't issue commands to your system with Siri. Still, the camera quality is excellent, and numerous components are available, including a keypad, cameras, and sensors for burglary and hazards.

"SimpliSafe is a reasonably priced security option that fits multiple preferences due to its wide selection of monitoring plans for DIY and professional service," U.S. News & World Report said in its SimpliSafe review . "The performances of SimpliSafe's cameras were average compared to the other companies we tested."

Several packages of equipment are available to choose from, with prices ranging starting at $250. However, packages are frequently on sale and you may be able to get them at up to 50% off. SimpliSafe also offers financing options to spread the cost out over 24 months.

SimpliSafe has monitoring packages ranging from $1.66 to $2.66 per day, with 10 hours of coverage on the low-end and 24/7 monitoring on the high end. There are also self-monitoring packages that include various levels of features starting at $0.33 per day. 

SimpliSafe lets you take setup into your own hands with assistance through its app, or you can pay a pro to set everything up for you. Professional installation starts at $125.

The right professional home security service for YOU

Picking the right professional security service for your home doesn't have to be a pain. First, determine whether professional installation is important. Consider whether you want to forego contracts and stick with self-monitoring, as well as your budget.

ADT is the best overall pick for a professional home security service due to its robust selection of components, lengthy experience in the security industry and rapid incident response times. Brinks Home is a close second for similar reasons, and you'll pay more for monthly monitoring in exchange for slightly cheaper equipment.

Vivint should be the choice for people who want to prioritize smart home integrations and desire maximum equipment customization. For those who want the option of choosing between professional monitoring and self-monitoring without a contract, SimpliSafe is a good choice. Its packages are frequently on sale, and you can choose between a DIY or professional installation.

Still trying to decide if a professional home security service is right for you? Check out our guide on DIY home security systems vs. professional security services for more. If you want to invest in a simpler setup to get started, read our guide to the best smart locks for your home .

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