Best Home Security Systems in New York City

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Researching security systems can be time consuming. Our Reviews team is here to help you save some of that time and has gathered the information you need to know in our guide to the best home security systems in New York City.

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As one of the most culturally diverse and financially influential cities in the world, New York City is an exciting place to live. Many renters and homeowners in the city spend hours researching home security systems and aren’t able to obtain the information they need to make an informed decision.

In our guide to the best home security systems in New York City, the This Old House Reviews team shares the information you need to know to make a decision. We developed this review after analyzing home security companies on factors such as their trustworthiness, special features, and cost. Continue reading to see which systems came out on top in our analysis.

The Top 6 Home Security Systems in New York City

ADT: Best Overall
Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration
SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation
Alder: Best for Medical Alerts
Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration
Abode: Best for Customization

Compare Home Security Companies

1. ADT-Monitored Home Security from Protect Your Home: Best Overall

ADT serves six million customers in over 200 locations throughout the U.S. and has over 140 years of home security experience. ADT-monitored home security from Protect Your Home combines professional monitoring and security equipment into an integrated package, and the company offers a six-month money back guarantee* if there are unresolvable issues with the company’s equipment.

ADT Equipment & Monthly Plans

ADT-monitored home security from Protect Your Home offers two basic security packages and two comprehensive security packages allowing homeowners to live-stream, record, and store HD video from their security cameras within ADT’s mobile application. Homeowners considering the two basic security packages will need to decide whether or not they would like to remotely control their system using the ADT mobile application—only the Remote Security Package allows this benefit.

The following equipment is sold separately by ADT:

Touchscreen keypad
Panic button
Smoke detector
Carbon monoxide detector
Flood sensor
Glass break sensor
Video doorbell camera
Indoor and outdoor cameras

ADT Package Pricing Comparison

ADT’s packages cost about $27.99 to $59.99 per month, as seen in the table below. There is also a $99 installation fee. Homeowners purchasing additional equipment from the company, such as a video doorbell camera or smoke detector, will have to pay for these items separately.

For more information on ADT’s equipment, services, and prices, call 888-285-6952 or fill out this form for a free quote.

2. Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration

Vivint is a home security company known for its technologically advanced equipment and wide variety of smart home integration capabilities. Vivint’s integrations include but are not limited to the Nest Thermostat, Kwikset smart locks, Google Home, and Amazon Echo. Vivint’s doorbell camera is relatively unique in that it can notify you of packages and people on your doorstep.

Vivint Package Comparison

Vivint’s five equipment packages all include the Vivint control panel, two smart entry sensors, voice control, and a motion sensor. Homeowners who want to use an outdoor, doorbell, or indoor camera will need to purchase the company’s Video Security or Smart Complete package.

Vivint Monthly Plans

Vivint offers homeowners three different monitoring options. The company’s Smart Security Plan includes basic features but does not include video monitoring capabilities or smart home integrations. The Smart Home Plan is an intermediate plan that includes smart home integrations but does not include video monitoring capabilities. Homeowners who purchase the Smart Home Video Plan receive video monitoring and smart home integration capabilities.

Vivint Pricing

Vivint gives its customers a couple of different ways to pay for its security services. The first option is to finance the company’s security equipment and bundle it with one of its monitoring plans. Under this option, a homeowner signs a five-year contract with a monthly payment. The second option is to pay for the equipment upfront and then pay for professional monitoring separately.

The table below shows what each option of payment costs when paid for upfront and when financed over the course of five years.

Here is what Vivint charges for its monitoring plans when purchased separately:

“Smart Home Video” Monitoring Plan; $44.99 per month
“Smart Home” Monitoring Plan: $39.99 per month
“Smart Security” Monitoring Plan: $29.99 per month

Additional equipment can also be purchased from Vivint at the prices indicated below:

Door/window sensors: $50 each
Glass break window sensors: $100 each
Motion sensors: $100 each
Smart smoke detector: $100
Flood/temperature sensor: $50
Carbon monoxide detector: $100
Key fob remote: $50
Panic button: $50
Ping indoor security camera: $199.99
Outdoor security camera: $299.99
Doorbell camera: $249.99
Kwikset smart lock: $179.99

For more information on Vivint’s plans and their prices, call the company at 855-740-4217 or complete this form.

3. Alder: Best for Medical Alerts

Alder home security is known for its average response time of about 3.4 seconds, which is one of the quickest response times in the industry. The company is also recognized for its simple control panel and setup process.

Because of its fast response time and simplicity, Alder is a great option for homeowners who are older, homeowners who may have medical issues, or homeowners who simply want an easy, reliable security system. Unlike some other home security companies, Alder does not sell premade packages—it creates a customized package for each homeowner based on its conversations with the customer.

Alder Equipment

The table below shows some of the equipment offerings that Alder provides. We especially like the medical alert button and flood and freeze detectors because they are relatively unique in the industry.

Alder Pricing

The cost of Alder’s plans depends on the equipment included in the customized package that a homeowner purchases. The table below shows the cost of a basic security package for a 2,000-square-foot home:

To learn more about Alder and discuss its customized package options with the company, call 844-431-0264 or fill out this quick form.

4. SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation

As its name suggests, SimpliSafe is one of the easiest security systems in the industry to install and use. SimpliSafe offers month-to-month contracts and a lengthy 60-day trial period for homeowners interested in its service. The company also received notable recognition as the best DIY security system by CNET in August 2020.

SimpliSafe Package Comparison

Each of SimpliSafe’s five equipment packages comes with the company’s base station, keypad, an entry sensor, and a motion sensor. Homeowners who plan on self-monitoring should definitely consider The Hearth package or a more advanced package, as both of these packages contain a siren.

Additional equipment can be purchased from SimpliSafe, such as:

Extra motion sensors and entry sensors
Glass break sensors
Smart locks
SimpliCam indoor security camera

SimpliSafe Monthly Plans

SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans can be viewed in the table below. Homeowners who plan on using security cameras or integrating their system with smart home devices should purchase the Interactive monitoring plan because of its unlimited camera recording and on-demand video recording capabilities. Also, homeowners who would like to receive phone alerts from the system will need to purchase the company’s Interactive monitoring plan.

SimpliSafe Pricing

Homeowners who purchase SimpliSafe can either purchase the equipment by itself or bundle it with a professional monitoring plan for a 20% discount. The table below shows the cost of both of these options.

Here is the cost of SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans when purchased separately:

Standard Plan: $14.99 per month
Interactive Plan: $24.99 per month

You can learn more about SimpliSafe by visiting the company’s website.

5. Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration

Frontpoint is a DIY home security company offering highly customized smartphone notifications and 24/7 professional monitoring with no long-term contracts. Frontpoint notably includes carbon monoxide monitoring, smoke and fire detection, and flood monitoring without extra installation fees. The company also offers crash and smash protection—if your control panel is destroyed, the lack of an alarm signal or disarm signal after an event such as a motion sensor activating or a door opening will trigger a notification to the company’s monitoring center.

Below are the details you need to know about Frontpoint.

Frontpoint Package Comparison

Frontpoint offers four premade equipment packages and a Build-Your-Own package for homeowners. Homeowners desiring an indoor camera should consider the company’s most comprehensive “Safe Home Preferred” package, and homeowners who want a glass break sensor or smoke and heat sensor should consider the “Safe Home Everyday” or “Safe Home Select” package.

Frontpoint Monthly Plans

Frontpoint offers two monthly monitoring plans. The Ultimate Plan offers many more benefits, such as live video streaming, smart lock control, and motion triggered alerts.

Frontpoint Pricing

Frontpoint sells all of its packages for under $400. Its most comprehensive packages are more affordable than high-end packages offered by some of its competitors.

Frontpoint sells both of its plans for under $50 per month. The Ultimate Plan only costs $5 per month more than the Interactive Plan, even though it includes many more benefits. For that reason, homeowners who can afford the Ultimate Plan may want to consider it.

Interactive Plan: $44.99 per month
Ultimate Plan: $49.99 per month

Get a free quote from Frontpoint by completing this form or calling 833-823-5612.

6. Abode: Best for Customization

Abode is a DIY security system that is remarkably capable of connecting up to 160 security devices. Its security kits are compatible with Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave devices. Abode requires no long-term contract and is a great option for homeowners considering self-monitoring because it gives homeowners many capabilities without having to purchase a professional monitoring plan.

Abode Package Comparison

Abode offers two security packages. Homeowners who would like a built-in motion detector and built-in streaming camera with their smart home hub should consider the Iota Security Kit, while the Gateway Security Kit might be a better fit for those seeking a more basic package.

Abode Monthly Plans

Abode offers a Standard Plan primarily designed for self-monitoring and a Pro Plan designed for homeowners who want 24/7 professional monitoring. Unlike many other home security providers, Abode provides notification alerts through its home automation technology even for homeowners who choose to self-monitor with the Standard Plan. On-demand professional monitoring is also an available option.

Abode Pricing

Abode’s prices for both its equipment packages and professional monitoring plans are reasonably low.

Here is the cost of professional monitoring with Abode:

Standard Plan: $6.20 per month
Pro Plan: $20 per month
On-Demand Professional Monitoring: $8 for three days and $15 for seven days

Contact Abode for more information by visiting the company’s website.

Our Conclusion

Our analysis of home security systems in New York City found that ADT, Abode, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, Vivint, and Alder are the top providers in the industry. Each of these providers scored highly in important factors such as trustworthiness, special features, and pricing. We recommend getting multiple quotes using the panel below to compare these providers’ respective offers and to learn more about the companies.

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for home security providers is on a 100-point scale based on 10 factors:

Number of systems (5)
Special features (10)
Installation options (5)
Connectivity and smart home automation (15)
Pricing (15)
Contract period (5)
Warranty (15)
Trial period (15)
Usability (5)
Trustworthiness (10)

Our Reviews Team reviewed 32 companies and spent 744 hours researching and testing out products to help us compare home security systems on key factors such as package options, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Read more on our methodology here.

*Money Back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.

What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in New York City

Types of equipment offered: If you are seeking security equipment that may not be commonly offered, such as a flood or freeze detector, make sure that the security system you are considering offers that item.
Smart home integration capabilities: If you use a particular type of smart home device, make sure that it is compatible with the security system you purchase.
Reputation of provider: Reading reviews about a security system can help you learn more about its features, benefits, and downsides. Try review sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, or Trustpilot.
Preferred method of installation: Some providers only offer professional installation or DIY installation, so make sure the security system you purchase gives you the opportunity to have the system installed the way you desire.
Cost of equipment and monitoring plan: Before purchasing a security system, make sure you understand all of the costs and fees you will owe and whether or not you can afford it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security in New York City

What is the best home security system available?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences. A homeowner who wants the most technologically advanced equipment may find Vivint to be the best fit for their needs, while a homeowner who prioritizes simple installation and use will enjoy SimpliSafe.

Can I monitor my own home security system?

Yes, monitoring your own home security system is an option. However, some home security providers will not allow you to receive alert notifications or remotely control your system if you do not pay for a professional monitoring plan. We recommend Abode for homeowners who plan to self-monitor because Abode offers push notification alerts, smart home integrations, in-app panic alarms, and more. Also, the company allows you to pay for self-monitoring as needed.

Is Vivint worth the money?

Vivint is more expensive than providers such as SimpliSafe and Abode, but it is also more technologically advanced. If you are technologically savvy and would use the company’s smart home integration capabilities regularly, Vivint may be a great fit for you.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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