Security Systems that Make the Most Cents

You’re ready to install a home security system, but you’re probably overwhelmed by all of the choices out there. Here’s a guide to some top security system brands on the market, with the best value. This article will explain which systems boast the lowest prices, which ones offer the most features, and which ones are the easiest to install.

The best deal—FrontPoint: FrontPoint not only provides its customers with standard home security measures, but also fire security, life and health safety, home automation,  and environmental safety (such as carbon monoxide, high temperatures and flooding protection). FrontPoint also offers mobile apps, mobile phone tracking, and remote control access. Even better is that the various FrontPoint packages are affordable. The packages range from $34.99 a month to $49.99 a month, which means you’re getting a lot of value for a relatively low price.

With FrontPoint, you own your security system, which means you can move it to a new location or rearrange your security system components as you wish. When you sign up for service, you choose between different service agreements, and when you choose a 36-month agreement you instantly save $300 on your security system equipment, which more than pays for a standard security system. In a nutshell, you get an unparalleled deal on equipment, a low monthly rate, and ownership of the equipment.

The cheapest—Protect America: Most of the systems out there generally cost around $40.00–$50.00 per month. But the system that certainly won’t break the bank is Protect America. The monthly service fee starts at an extremely low $19.99 a month for a 36-month contract, and the standard equipment is included free of charge (but you don’t own the equipment, as with FrontPoint).

The Protect America deal that costs $19.99 per month is the Copper Security Package, and if you have more expansive needs, Protect America also has different system packages ranging from $35.99 a month to $42.99 a month. One of the great things about Protect America is that it offers three kinds of monitoring options, so you can decide what works best for your home. Plus, you also have the choice between professional installation, or saving some money by installing yourself.

The fanciest—Vivint: Vivint provides a lot of great features for your home. You get a wireless security system, and each package includes a touchscreen panel. Plus, depending on your package choice, Vivint offers many technologically exciting features, such as remote access to your lights, thermostat, small appliances, and door locks from your smartphone. Vivint even offers energy-efficient packages that include energy efficient light bulbs and light dimmers. If you really want to go green with your system, you can even add solar panels to your home.

Since Vivint offers some higher-end amenities that many other companies don’t offer, you pay a slightly higher price. Vivint’s packages range from $49.99 a month to $68.99 a month and require a 42-month minimum contract.

The simplest—SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe actually boasts the lowest monthly fee—$14.99 to $24.99— but it’s not listed as the overall cheapest because you have to pay for your equipment up front, and there aren’t any fancy feature add-ons. If you’re looking for a simple system with a base station, a wireless keypad, a keychain remote, then SimpliSafe has you covered.  

The best thing about SimpliSafe is that it’s contract-free. You don’t talk to a salesperson or sift through fine print. You pay for the equipment (and own it), install it yourself for free, and then pay a low monthly fee. You can cancel whenever you’d like with no termination fees or further questions, and you even get a free 60-day trial. That means that if you decide you don’t like your system, you get a full refund if you return it within the first 60 days of service.

There are a lot of options for home security systems, and each home and family has its own specific needs and concerns. While this article offers a broad overview of some of the best deals in home security, you can explore other options or read security system reviews at www.safewise.com. If you have experiences with any of these companies, or if you have another nomination for the best deal in home security, please share in the comments!