The Best (and Worst) of Home Security Systems of 2024

[@pyromanaic21]

We had a creepy vivint guy knock on our door. I won't support a company who thinks it's ok for a rep to be overly pushy and making my wife feel very unsafe because he is trying to make a sale.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

MANY people cave to these PUSHY sales techniques, then end up having buyer's remorse and are STUCK in a CONTRACT!

[@captainbuck5969]

I think Glock is a great system.

[@PumpndumpTrump]

Maybe when you’re at home

[@johnhsconiers3308]

The best... I have the system thought my house

[@francostacy7675]

@@PumpndumpTrumpGlock is portable, as long as liberals don’t take away our freedoms

[@panama2468]

🙄

[@harris718]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Covesmart]

Thank you for the shout-out! You can now connect your cameras to your Cove app! Our Cove system also integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant! 🌊

[@andeeng21]

Can you update your eufy cam

[@collinleduc8662]

And it also sucks, with bad customer service! The panels are all garbage

[@dsbennett]

Vivent rep at a home show took my deposit and then sent me a contract completely different from what we agreed on. He tried to scam me two more times with a bloated contracts, so I requested a refund. I also searched the internet and found way too many people complaining about receiving used equipment that didn't work, couldn't get it replaced, couldn't cancel the contract, etc. WORST company!

[@johnszatkowski6898]

Vivant is a KNOWN scam company when it comes to "contracts" and "shady" tactics. It's "tech" ONLY install process is a JOKE and screws you out of even MORE more MONEY in the long run.

[@berlawberlaw1025]

I agree

[@JC-rc3pr]

Vivint has the most consumer complaints

[@johnszatkowski6898]

From what I have read Vivant is a nightmare and ALL the additional "charges" that goes with it. Vivant is like ADT that REQUIRES "professional" installation, which boils down to a JOKE at best and you have to let "someone" go through your entire home and "see" all your stuff! FU@K THAT!

[@johnszatkowski6898]

They sure do!

[@Erebogenic]

Cove is horrible for myself. Always going off for incorrect settings on coves end. i.e. a water sensor stating break in due to glass breaking. They also neglected to call on a trip of the alarm from a guest. this cause a cascade effect where the fire station was called for a fire/gas leak and the cops for a break in. I called them and ensured it was cancelled yet the authorities were not notified. I had to notify them in person. The touchscreen is awful, the mobile app lags for days and the first round of cameras just refused to connect to their app yet with the manufactures own app, it connects fine. Their tech team likes to blame the user, yet I work in operations and would gladly triage with them instead of them saying "move the station"... I've checked the signals they are fine. Their customer service team follows their runbook book to a T. After 2+ years i cancelled and couldn't be happier. This last issue with the no contact (i checked my call logs from the provider) of a "break in & gas leak & fire" is a joke.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

I cannot speak of Cove. Coming from ADT I switched to the Ring Pro Hub with it's backup WiFi over cellular and is working GREAT for me. I could NEVER recommend ADT as they are OVERPRICED and offers SHIT for that price where Ring only costs $200 a YEAR (paid upfront) for FULL 24/7 monitoring and unlimited cameras with cloud backup and multiple sensor options. Also has FULL Alexa integration and can run Routines based on location to arm/disarm the Alarm system when you come/go

[@Skym88]

Cove has has my monitoring address wrong for 2 years! I’ve updated it the day I moved to my new home. They even had the wrong dispatch numbers in their system! As soon as I find another company I plan to ditch them.

[@StaciHagood-q1g]

Great review- thank you! Cancelling CPI after 6 years and going with SimpliSafe- been looking at them for a while and I just prefer DIY over large companies that make it difficult to upgrade, get support, etc. CPI even offered to upgrade all of my equipment and lower the monthly cost by $20, but like I told them- when I called to upgrade the doorbell camera after multiple issues, they wanted to charge me like $500- I don't like the different stories and options they give depending on who comes out or who you talk to. I don't have time for guessing games and wondering if I'm getting the best deal. So- giving something new a try!

[@firegirljen]

I’m gonna listen to this entire video, but Vivint is by far the worst

[@johnszatkowski6898]

Vivant uses TOP-NOTCH hardware but they literally RAPE you on prices and the "tech" only install methods. NOT worth it! Just LOOK at the yearly costs per year!

[@cristina9012]

Why is vivint the worst?

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@@cristina9012 : Vivant charges a HUGE monthly operation fee and really offers nothing more other systems have at a MUCH lower operating cost per year AND with no contracts or binding. PLUS you CANNOT add ANYTHING to your system without a "tech" person coming out to yr home at an EXTRA cost and walking through yr entire home which is WAY too unnecessary with other options that provide the SAME level of protection. People are OBLIVIOUS to options and are too lazy to do research.

[@berlawberlaw1025]

I agree with you 1000%

[@firegirljen]

@@cristina9012 shady practices, won’t let you cancel, bad monitoring, problems with equipment, 5 year contracts…

[@sidedark8973]

I switched to ring cameras for a year now, and it has huge alot of problems. A- i cant use cable, i have to use wifi (sometimes it get disconnected, i called support and they advised me to use chime pro, shitty advice because after a month the camera freaked out and refused to connect to anything so i had to take it off and try to set it up in the living room for about 2 hours) B- it only record EVENTS which was a huge downgrade from the camera i was using C-there is no local storage, i thought i would be fine with that but after a while i start to get annoyed with the “always on cloud” BS.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

You are simply WRONG as Ring will do POE power with the proper adapters for the power delivery. I had MANY issues with my battery doorbell cam because of my brick house and had a LOW signal getting to the doorbell cam. The Chime Pro located within 6feet INSIDE the home to the doorbell resolved ALL my choppy/missed events and has been SOLID since 2019. I also installed a solar panel to my battery doorbell cam and now NEVER have to worry about battery unless it gets below 32 degrees F for an extended period of time (WEEKS!). Most people are just not experienced enough to deal with the most simple of issues and if they did 5min of research would NOT be having SO many problems! If you got a Ring Pro Hub you can DO local video storage to a SD card but I bet you didn't know that either. NO CLOUD needed! To be honest with you - you do NOT want local storage and the reason being is your Hub can be SMASHED with a baseball bat and the SD card damaged or taken out and you now have NO proof of a "break-in". Once uploaded to the cloud your entire home could burn down but you will STILL have video PROOF before the event happened! Bet you NEVER considered that either!

[@77fallencircus]

I have had Ring for 7 years and have never had any of these problems in 3 different home.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@@77fallencircus ;AGREED - Same here almost SIX years now with Ring and NO issues. I think it's got a lot to do with user error old/cheap WiFi routers. I also use a Chime Pro extender for my Ring doorbell 3+ and it SOLVED all my choppy video/missed events! A $99 WiFi router or less that is 10+yrs old is NOT going to cut it in the modern world! But you do NOT need to spend over $150 to get a router that preforms well. I have over 35 devices on my WiFi router with NO issues or buffering video on only a 300Mbit internet speed connection. I have the Ring Pro hub which also lets you keep other non-Ring devices connected via. cellular through its built-in router in a internet outage which happens time-to time for me in my area... Works GREAT!

[@Justmegd]

I will never use Vivint. There salesman was a gaslighting asshole.

[@motomonster525]

Ill never buy from vivint. I called them and they would not stop bothering me. Even after unsubscribing them and telling them over the phone it took me telling them im going to report them for harassement.

[@kansashoneybadger7899]

Better Not Need Service from ADT. Stuck with the ADT system which was hard-wired into our home when we purchased it. Getting local service of their system is a monumental effort. Despite the fact that we have been paying bill from our home address for five years the local office was NOT, repeat, NOT, willing to send out a technician to our address (which they have in their accounting system) and confirm that we do in fact have an ADT system, and that the ADT system is sending a "needs service" message. Absolutely infuriating. We have needed service about three times since we moved int. Each time, lots and lots and lots of effort and conversations with bots. I don't even care about the substantive value of the ADT system compared to others. I would love out of this system.

[@israelgonzalez6250]

I'm considering an alarm system for my own home. Which one you recommend? I bought the Reolink Camera System 16 ch 8pc. Now needs thr alarm system

[@ClaudeFrancois-f2t]

do you like the reolink, which one did you get?

[@johnszatkowski6898]

If you are on a "budget" as most of us are today based on my research and actual usage I would recommend some research on Ring or SimplySafe and what "features" options each offers. BOTH are DIY setups and setting them up is VERY simple at around 30min. BOTH offer cellular backup and battery backup if your internet and power is interrupted but again "features" vary and that's what YOU need to decide what's best for YOU based on monthly prices. NO contracts either. As far as cameras go I have read much that Reolink cameras are pretty good. I myself use a mix of brands like Wyze, Switchbot, and Ring that I've had for quite awhile now and have NO complaints as they do what they are supposed to do and no connectivity issues or dropping off my networks. I use Mesh WiFi 6 setups and have a strong signals throughout my working area. I also have a few POE cameras as well for an EXTRA layer of protection/coverage.

[@israelgonzalez6250]

@@johnszatkowski6898 Thanks for the response.

[@showtime302]

I can arrest to the vivint sales tactics they are wolves amongst sheep but I did like their security system especially the outdoor camera 4k resolution and it picks up conversations very well😂

[@lexisnep525]

The police will use any and all of these products against you in a court of law as well. Just beware that such surveillance can actually be used against you, the home owner!

[@johnszatkowski6898]

Most of the alarm systems mentioned here off the option to "disable" cameras when you are home. I can tell you with Ring when I'm home ALL my internal cameras are disabled unless there is an "alarm trigger" situation. I also have MANY Echo show devices that have the cameras DISABLED or covered on the device to prevent recording when I or anyone else is home. You do however make some VALID points because if you read the "terms and conditions" with these devices they can indeed snoop on you!

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@Jack-fr9bk : Ring has taken security first now after complaints and lawsuits filed!

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@Jack-fr9bk ; Just because I chose Ring doesn't mean you should. Some prefer the simplicity and basics of SimpiSafe and that fine too. Do your own research and choose the "system" that is best for you but just be aware of the added pricing for each system and what they really provide in the end of all things. In the end police/fire are only going to be able to respond so promptly given an "alert" depending on where you live so do you want to pay up to double or more to do the same thing that other systems offer for less???? Yearly costs add up to a BIG chunk-O-change over 5 years! Something to consider....

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@Jack-fr9bk : Another thing to consider is check with your Home owners Insurance policy provider as they may offer discounts on rates depending on which system you choose. For ME it is quite a bit! Which is ANOTHER yearly added cost the adds up over time!

[@negativeonhand]

ADT is trash. I have it and hate it. Absolutely garabge system.

[@kansashoneybadger7899]

We agree. Stuck with the ADT system which was hard-wired into our home when we purchased it. Getting local service of their system is a monumental effort. Despite the fact that we have been paying bill from our home address for five years the local office was NOT, repeat, NOT, willing to send out a technician to our address (which they have in their accounting system) and confirm that we do in fact have an ADT system, and that the ADT system is sending a "needs service" message. Absolutely infuriating. We have needed service about three times since we moved int. Each time, lots and lots and lots of effort and conversations with bots. I don't even care about the substantive value of the ADT system compared to others. I would love out of this system.

[@tritosac]

You forgot to mention how systems like simplisafe don't tell you that Android 9 or higher is needed to use the mobile app. I ordered a simplisafe system but then discovered my phone was not compatible since it only has Android 7 and I cannot update my phone to Android 9. Luckily I will be getting a refund. These details should be disclosed very clearly for would be buyers of the system to see in case they have an older phone with an older version of Android.

[@asksafewise]

Thanks! That's really good information to have!

[@andyklapper8484]

I am a recently retired software engineer. I have an existing wired security system (doors, fire/smoke, water, floors) and an existing Lorax video system. I don't want to replace my existing hardware (though I'm willing to pay for a central adapter for the wired security devices), but I want a more friendly remote access option to the wired security and to integrate the security and video together. As a software geek I'm willing to go open source and open hardware. Any suggestions?

[@johnszatkowski6898]

I do not know if this is your solution but Ring Alarm offers a retro-fit kit so you can actually use your old wired components from whatever system you have/had. I did not do much research on this retro-fit kit but may be worth looking into for your situation. I came from a ancient wireless ADT system that was WORTHLESS and still wanted to charge me $60 a month for service with NO cameras! I quickly dropped that POS system and moved on for WAY less a month with TONS more features/options back in 2018. ADT has now partnered with Google witch equals disaster as Google's hubs/display products work less and less these days.

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

Thanks for your recommendations, this helps a lot.🙏👍👍

[@rogerr1296]

Why do they make this so dam difficult?? (rhetorical question btw because I know why $$). All I'm looking for is a quality DIY home security system that I don' t have to buy some kind of monitoring package for to save video to the cloud or even to a local hub and is a good quality. When I look online, none of them will tell you if you can save to the cloud without a monitoring subscription. Any recommendations or is it even possible?

[@karahansen1184]

We use Blink cameras from Amazon for exactly this purpose. No monitoring, and we can save to the cloud (which we do) or save locally to a USB. We have indoor & outdoor cameras and the doorbell camera. The extended live view feature was a lifesaver while we were house training our dog. No complaints!

[@francostacy7675]

Well, I guess I am just dumber than the average consumer. She downplays ring because it takes a subscription, tell me which security system does not take a subscription? The problem with reading comments is that every comment is trashing a system . I rarely see a comment that gives me the pros and cons…. It’s whatever system they have is actually garbage. Once in a while, I will read that someone likes what they have but most of the time it’s negative. I wish there was an expert I could talk to. I just want a system that I can buy several cameras place them around my home outside, none inside, except in my garage. and then only I can monitor the video real time, I monitor it inside my house or when I’m on vacation or away I remotely monitor AND I can go back and look at old videos… I don’t want a security person or police monitoring my videos, or notifying me or being called automatically…. I want to be my police force and my monitor….. I don’t want big brother in my life. If I need the cops, I will call them. I will probably go with ringing because my friend who lives out in the country has several cameras outside his place. He has no complaints and was able to show me older videos and told me that they look look at their videos when they are on vacation. no ring camera has failed and they pay for the second level plan which I think is $10 a month or so…

[@JustTyrel]

I can definitely help you break it down! I work for Vivint

[@kevtop351]

Is everything OK? Everything is great says the intruder!

[@lanasarchiapone2040]

They ask for a safe word. I assume if you are home and being threatened by an intruder you say a wrong one.

[@KlipschHead281]

SimpliSafe cameras lose the feed, no matter how good the signal is, they record late into an event, they don't record the entire event and the base station goes full on stupid at times. Replacing it with Cove.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

I read MUCH about this issue as well and have had NO issues with Ring cameras. Cove (based on reviews) is OK but has too many draw-backs for my wants/needs and has NO Alexa integration and can get "pricey" per month depending your actual setup. Ring has UNLIMITED cameras and Cloud storage with full 24/7 monitoring for only $20 a month or $200 year if paid up front. Ring has been VERY reliable for me since 2018 with only ONE false alarm and their call-back response times have been 15-20 seconds after an "alarm" event which is on-par with the MUCH more expensive systems like ADT or Vivant. I TEST my system every few months and will purposely trigger an event and measure "response" times from the monitoring center and have been very pleased overall. This is just "my" point of view and "my" opinion. As with ANYTHING opinions will vary greatly.

[@bartsimpson1597]

I have never lost camera feed, however the system has only been installed for the past 6 months. Software updates in the past may have fixed this.

[@sir-cute]

​@@johnszatkowski6898does ring has glass break detection ? Or is it only cameras

[@johnszatkowski6898]

​@@sir-cute: Ring does as well as water/freeze sensors and CO2 detectors.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@@sir-cute : Ring has Glass break, smoke/CO2, flood/freeze, smart locks, thermostats, lighting options, as well as plugs and switches. Their cameras are starting to get better too as I just upgraded to the Battery Doorbell Pro and its a vast improvement over my Ring 3+ doorbell cam I had that was over 3yrs old. Overall been really pleased with the Ring alarm and been using it for over 4yrs now with only ONE false alarm. Their motion sensors are pet friendly when mounted at 7' heights so, cats and dogs don't trigger the system (I believe up to 85Lbs). Of course, there are MANY options out there to look at and will really come down to your individual needs/wants and monthly prices per your setup. Some systems can get quite costly, especially with multiple cameras. I would suggest you spend about an hour researching these systems online for their features, cost, and plan pricing. Most of them now are NO contract systems. My only suggestion is to AVOID ADT at all costs - they absolutely SUCK and have contracts and now use Google products which are also iffy to say the least.

[@ac1888]

I use Ring, and am happy with it so far.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

Yes, Ring is a MUCH more simple install but still works rock-solid have have been using it since 2019! AND I get a break on my homeowners insurance policy too!

[@sir-cute]

Does ring has window glass break in alarms ?

[@qhemet]

@@sir-cute yes

[@merionburns6309]

Are you sure about Vivant?????? they stink in everything. I wouldn't refer my worst enemy to them

[@KeepOnRollinFilms]

I'm watching this because using SimpliSafe for 3 years has been terrible in every way. Constant errors, frequent false alarms, bad tech support, high cost, crappy hardware, terrible software, worthless motion detection on their cameras. It's awful.

[@MysticRiver123]

I purchased mine this last December. I have had the most problems with the base station having errors or something. It will beep and beep. I don't pay for monitoring. It seems just ok, but I don't have the motion sensor. I really wished you could automate it, but you can't unless you pay. Probably wouldn't buy again.

[@bartsimpson1597]

I have had the system for 6 months with no issues or errors. Excellent system for the money.

[@jonayneginmedina]

Abode could be the worst name for a product ever created 😅

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

Let's not do business with Greedy companies. That is how we can teach them.

[@mydude8117]

Fluent aka vivint aka garbage , faulty gear, terrible customer service . The illusive resolution team hahah good luck cancelling after your contract concludes these operators are shady.

[@tazchoudhury677]

No wyze security system on list??

[@asksafewise]

Wyze had some issues last year around privacy concerns and we've since stopped recommending them. They're an awesome budget option, but we didn't like the way the brand handled this situation, so we're taking a Wyze break until that's been fixed or addressed.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

;LOL! Wyze is a COMPLETE joke of a "security" system! It has NO backup cellular and if your cable line is cut or your internet fails the system is rendered completely USELESS! I know several people that went with Wyze because they were SO cheap but only to discover their houses were raped because their internet cable line was cut! ANY true alarm system should have a backup cellular connection! Once your cable line is cut you will NOT get ANY notifications from the Mickey-Mouse Wyze system and then come home to a surprise that you were broken into! YOU get what you pay for! Which is NOT worth ANY price!

[@johnszatkowski6898]

Wyze is Mickey Mouse at best! Why? NO backup cellular! Your cable line can be EASILY cut and guess what? Wyze is rendered completely USELESS. I friend of main had HAD one of these worthless systems to come home after work and find is house raped and destroyed and Wyze never alerted him because they CUT his cable line! He threw that entire system of garbage in the garbage where it belongs and now has a system with backup cellular!

[@taxicamel]

Lots of product names with some pricing ....and absolutely no factual information......just opinion. .

[@alyssac240]

I love my Cove system!

[@bojo8141]

We have simplysafe and customer service is very bad. Most of the time I can't understand the people because there accent is very thick.

[@bartsimpson1597]

I contacted their customer service and they were great. No issues with support.

[@solomonuk9847]

No vivint adt ring is the best

[@Macrivi]

which one is the best?

[@gingerbread1231]

I regret investing in Ring.

[@MP-sz7hb]

I'm on the fence with Abode because of the 3.3 Google Play Store rating.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

Abode can get REALLY pricey and their "compatible" devices are expensive! And have read constant "glitches" and connectivity issues and their "monthly" rates can get pretty high as well depending on your setup. Abode is feature RICH with smarthome workings but there are other systems out there that can do this at a CHEAPER monthly charge.

[@missj7765]

It is awful, it’s glitchy and things don’t work and you have to replace often. I canceled today because customer service gaslight me so now I’m watching videos for alternatives.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@@missj7765 I CANNOT speak on experience as I only know what I have read/watched about Abode but, I have read exactly what you are saying. Now, you may disagree I am using Ring Alarm and have had for almost 5years now and no MAJOR complaints so, take it for what it is. Do your OWN research and chose the "system" that checks the boxes for you. I NEVER "tell" anyone what system to chose - I ask what they want and what they want to PAY per month and what they want. Ring for "my" needs works for me, BUT may not work for you. There are PLENTY of "systems" out there that offer features some like. All I will say is NEVER consider ADT as a former user and STILL a bad taste from them, I can NEVER recommend them!

[@kevtop351]

Smoke and Co Sensors you can get at the big box stores and you won't have to be paying a Monthly contract.

[@ckm-mkc]

Yeah, but they won't call the fire dept when your house is on fire and your dog is home alone.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@@ckm-mkc ; BINGO CO2 poisoning/death happens WAY more than most people think in homes and you want that monitored! There is a reason they call CO2 the "silent killer"! Not just dogs at home alone - cats, and a multitude of other pets out there like ferrets, birds for example.

[@patriciamissie8763]

Adt security system is not the best. You get ripped off before you even get started. There system is not creditable. Unless you let them take the money out of your account. You have to have them monitor your system and if you don't want them to monitor your system, you have to pay for it up front. You can't use the system.

[@Tupelo777]

I thought perhaps I'd get an expert opinion.

[@alexb013]

Thanks to the commenters. Not vivint then.

[@aran08504]

Simplisafe couldn't even ship the damn equipment out without screwing up.

[@bartsimpson1597]

My orders for 2 homes was perfect. No issued and easy to install

[@KevTheHunter1]

Sounds like a you thing. My system came perfect for my moms house and I plan on doing it for my new home

[@savannaholdridge8502]

Miller Gary Hernandez Melissa Hernandez Frank

[@TheBennik]

All these guys try to overcharge you.

[@katiebea9258]

Does ANYONE know, actually REALLY know, if there is a system that CANNOT be hacked and used to spy on us? Cell phones, PC monitors, etc always snooping, so how much easier wirh homesec systems??

[@3rdOption-l9t]

Uhhh, privacy? _Privacy_ ? _PRIVACY_ ❕❓❕ No discussion about the _insecurity_ of "cloud" connectivity? Or AI features? How that ruins your privacy? Wholly inadequate reviews. Bug? Or _feature_ ?

[@bartsimpson1597]

None of them are private. You connect to the internet especially their servers and you are toast.

[@Tencentsboys]

simplisafe is terrible. indoor cameras click very loud when they start recording. super pointless

[@KevTheHunter1]

It’s a security feature/shutter so that you know it’s in use/someone is on the camera.

[@JoeWard101]

What a joke. If you’re going to review security systems, maybe try reviewing ACTUAL security systems. Literally every system you’ve reviewed can be defeated with a $3.00 device from Amazon, have VERY easily hacked wifi. “I’ve used all of these personally”. Yea, you really seem to be quite an expert. How many systems have you installed? Programmed? Repaired?

[@asksafewise]

Hi JoeWard101! I've tested, installed, and lived with five of these systems personally. Testing the pro install options like ADT and Vivint is a bit harder.

[@johnszatkowski6898]

NOT true! Yes, WiFi cameras can be disabled by this $3 device you speak of but NOT the actual Alarm features like motion, door sensors smoke/CO2. ANY Alarm system that uses a key-fob to arm/disarm can be compromised and is a huge NO-NO! These are the "systems" to avoid!

[@JoeWard101]

I’ve done this for a living for 30 years. Your reviews are literally putting people in harms way with false information. And the alarm features can CERTAINLY be beat.

[@richardreyes6119]

@@WarriorMichelle57asking for a friend😂

[@johnszatkowski6898]

@@WarriorMichelle57 : It depends on the ACTUAL user and their want's/needs they are looking for! I can tell you what I use but user needs vary greatly with upfront "investment" costs and overall yearly costs and overall satisfaction. Every system offered has it's "flaws" and drawbacks no matter what. You NEED to do your own research and what will work for YOU. Personally I'm OPPOSED to ANY system that requires "professional" installation and a "tech" person to go through your home to install ANY device! It's NOT necessary anymore and AVOID contracts at all costs.