Best Cellular Security Systems

1. SimpliSafe - Best No-Contract System

Editors Rating:

9.2 /10

800-544-5942

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How We Review

SimpliSafe is a longtime leader in wire-free home security systems. They sell high-quality equipment at low prices, and no payment is needed to keep a SimpliSafe alarm system running. However, it’s only with paid monitoring that SimpliSafe uses cellular signals to send alerts; without a monthly payment, your SimpliSafe system will communicate over home Wi-Fi.

That being said, professional monitoring from SimpliSafe is one of the most affordable on the market. The Standard plan costs $17.99 per month, while the upgraded Interactive plan costs $27.99 monthly, both of which include cellular backup.

Take note that SimpliSafe uses cellular technology only as backup. By default, the system connects to the internet over Wi-Fi, but when the signal is not available, it switches over to cellular communication.

That is actually an advantage. Internet-connected systems offer more functionality – for example, they can stream video from security cameras, whereas most cellular systems can’t without connecting to Wi-Fi first. With SimpliSafe, you get the best of both worlds: speed and functionality from the internet connection, and reliability from cellular backup.

As for the equipment, everything is standard with SimpliSafe. You get a base station and a keypad, and you get to choose from a variety of sensors. It’s all DIY, but the setup process is as simple as can be. No tools are needed, unless you install SimpliSafe’s video doorbell, which calls for a Phillips screwdriver and perhaps a drill depending on your doorbell setup. All in all, you can get a SimpliSafe system up and running in about 30 minutes.

Cellular Coverage, Prices, and DIY Installation

Along with an award-winning monitoring center, what makes SimpliSafe one of the best cellular security system brands? An expansive cellular network, low prices, and easy DIY installation make SimpliSafe a great value for millions of households.

• Expansive Cellular Network – The cellular chips in SimpliSafe security systems can communicate over networks used by Verizon and T-Mobile. This helps make cellular home security available across virtually all the USA. Before buying a SimpliSafe set, you can call the company and verify that cellular security service can be activated at your address.
• Low Prices – SimpliSafe prices are relatively low. That’s true of the equipment and optional cellular monitoring. For equipment, customers get factory-direct deals and can also buy refurbished security systems with long warranties included. The cheapest SimpliSafe starter kit costs about $200, but with SimpliSafe deals, you can often snatch one for less than that.
• Simple DIY Installation – As you’d expect from the name, SimpliSafe is simple to install yourself. Each system arrives with a thumb drive that guides you through tool-free setup. Most equipment is freestanding or can attach to flat surfaces with removable adhesive strips. For instance, you don’t need to plug-in or hardwire SimpliSafe motion sensors; their batteries can last for up to seven years.

Even the monitoring contracts are simple with SimpliSafe. You won’t have to sign a long-term deal with the brand. You only pay as you go, so you can opt in and out of service whenever you want. You can even use SimpliSafe without monthly fees, but again, you’ll lose cellular connectivity if you choose to do so.

Let’s talk about SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans. The Standard plan costs $17.99 per month and includes the features you’ll need to self-monitor the system and professional monitoring. You’ll be able to receive smartphone alerts, control your home security using the app, and even livestream camera feeds to your phone. However, home automation, cloud storage, voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, and other premium features are reserved for users on the Interactive plan. This plan costs $27.99 per month.

Without a plan, SimpliSafe is a self-monitored security system. The monitoring center will not be involved in any alerts coming from the system, which means it will be up to you to contact the authorities in case of an emergency.

You will still receive mobile alerts though, although with the cellular chip rendered inactive, SimpliSafe will have to notify you through your internet connection. That’s fine as long as your internet is reliable, but when it’s down, the only defense you have left is the integrated Siren. Is that enough? That’s up to you to decide. Personally, we prefer having more than just a siren.

Any drawbacks? There are. SimpliSafe isn’t the top choice for video monitoring. It does offer an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, and a video doorbell, but if you’re looking for sophisticated video surveillance and monitoring, they aren’t the right cameras for you. You’re probably better off buying a dedicated security system from an established security camera brand like Lorex.

SimpliSafe also falls short when it comes to home automation. It relies on integrations with third-party smart home products, and right now, the list of compatible products is short.

SimpliSafe customers tend to be very satisfied. Customers get a 60-day money-back guarantee, and equipment is under warranty for up to three years.

2. ADT - Best Professionally Installed System

Editors Rating:

9.8 /10

855-908-4461

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How We Review

ADT reinvented home security with their telegraph-based security system network back in the 1800s, and they continue to do so today. Their most advanced line of security systems is ADT Control, which provides professionally monitored, professionally installed security systems. And of course, ADT Control comes with cellular technology.

But let’s talk about why it’s the best choice for a professionally installed system. There are two main reasons:

First, you’ll enjoy generous buyer protections from ADT’s installation service, specifically, a six-month money-back guarantee. With this, if something goes wrong with the system and ADT fails to solve it within the first six months, you’ll get your installation fee and all your monthly fees back.

Second, ADT’s professional installation service is white-glove. ADT sends trained technicians, and once the system is up and running, they’ll hang around to explain how the system works. So you’ll never be on your own.

Each ADT system is customized to the customers’ security needs. The technician can install a basic setup if you so please, or they can install a full-on smart home security system complete with smart home products like smart thermostats, smart locks, and other components. You can also integrate existing smart home products with ADT as long as they are Z-Wave compatible. The ADT mobile app ties everything together, so you can control your home with your fingertips.

With ADT’s professional setup comes advanced features. For starters, remote smartphone control is available through the ADT Control app. As long as your phone is online, you can control ADT from any part of the world. You also get voice control options through Google Assistant and Alexa. Some ADT packages even include Google Nest smart speakers or displays thanks to ADT’s close partnership with Google.

That said, ADT is not perfect. Unlike SimpliSafe that lets customers choose between professional and self-monitoring, ADT requires professional monitoring. Moreover, there’s a long-term contract that needs to be signed. This contract can be anywhere from two years to five years, depending on your equipment payment plan.

Speaking of equipment payment, you can get an ADT system without upfront equipment fees through financing. You can pay as low as $11 per month for a basic security system over the course of three years. This is on top of the monthly monitoring fee.

In any case, ADT is flexible. It caters to every customer’s unique security needs, and with its top-notch professional installation service, we’re giving it the award for the best professionally installed cellular security system.

3. Vivint - Best Smart Security System

Editors Rating:

9.4 /10

844-922-0575

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How We Review

Vivint is another option that provides best-in-class professionally installed cellular security systems, but what sets it apart is the unique way it approaches home security: By adding “smarts” to its security system.

Vivint is the best smart security system with cellular monitoring because it uses a variety of modern technology to secure homes, but its specialty is security cameras. It offers top-of-the-line security cameras that can record important events or record continuously for 24/7 playback.

The best smart camera from Vivint is by far the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro. It’s a sturdy outdoor camera that uses artificial intelligence to detect if there’s someone lurking within or close to your property. If it detects someone, it flashes red lights automatically and will issue an audible warning. The newest version also comes with a microSD card slot, so it can store videos even if your internet is down. It complements Vivint’s cellular monitoring well.

The Vivint home security hub is equipped with a cellular chip to transmit alerts, but it also comes with a Z-Wave chip to connect with a wide variety of smart home products and appliances. With Z-Wave, you can incorporate an endless selection of third-party devices to your system, and then control them using the Vivint Smart Hub. Examples are smart thermostats, dimmers, window shades, garage door controllers, and more.

Vivint security plans are relatively affordable considering their high-quality features. Prices are currently unadvertised at the Vivint site. However, in our experience, the cheapest plan costs just $29.99 per month. For $39.99/month you’ll get remote control over your home with Google Assistant and your smartphone.

Any downsides? Well, there are a couple. First is the cost of equipment, especially if you’re considering security cameras. The Outdoor Camera Pro costs $399, and its indoor and doorbell camera siblings aren’t exactly cheap either.

Besides the relatively pricey equipment prices, Vivint customers have only three days to reconsider their purchase — very short compared to the industry standard 30-day return policy. In addition, Vivint uses proprietary equipment. Once your contract is over and you don’t renew, no other alarm company that we know of can monitor your Vivint equipment, so it becomes essentially useless.

All in all, Vivint is the best choice for cellular home security with virtually unlimited home automation. You’ll need to pay each month for service though; unlike the SimpliSafe siren, a Vivint siren won’t sound unless connected to emergency dispatchers. Energy savings and a Vivint-related discount on homeowner’s insurance might help offset the monthly cost.

4. Frontpoint - Best DIY Installed System

Editors Rating:

8.9 /10

844-933-2405

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How We Review

Frontpoint combines the best of expert professional alarm monitoring with the pros of a DIY setup. Rapid Response delivers the professional monitoring service, while Frontpoint provides high-quality, 100-percent wireless security equipment.

Installing Frontpoint is easy in our experience. You can set up everything without tools, and if you ever hit a snag during the process, Frontpoint has an incredibly helpful customer desk that can assist you over the phone.

Another great thing about Frontpoint is that, because it’s a DIY system, you can easily take it with you if you ever need to move. Moving the system is free. You’ll just fill out a form, box up the system, and activate it in your new address. Frontpoint will even send out a free Mover’s Kit, which includes fresh adhesive tapes for the sensors.

Pricing for Frontpoint cellular security systems starts at $129 for equipment, plus $49.99 monthly for professional monitoring. Being the only professional monitoring option from Frontpoint, the $49.99 plan includes every feature in Frontpoint’s arsenal: Crash and Smash protection, video monitoring, smartphone remote control, and Google Home and Alexa integrations. The plan also lets you add automation devices such as smart locks and smart thermostats.

Frontpoint finds that customers save up to 20 percent on home energy bills when a smart thermostat is included, so this helps offset the home security expense.

Why choose Frontpoint over SimpliSafe? One advantage is outdoor video surveillance; Frontpoint has weatherproof security cameras. Another advantage is Frontpoint’s Z-Wave radio chip. With Z-Wave and the Frontpoint app, you can easily integrate gadgets from third parties. Adding a component takes about 10 minutes.

Why choose Frontpoint vs ADT? Frontpoint publishes all its prices, and you can choose a month-to-month service instead of signing a contract. Since you’ll purchase Frontpoint equipment outright, you won’t need a credit check either.

5. Cove - Most Affordable System

Editors Rating:

8.7 /10

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How We Review

Typically, cellular monitoring costs more than landline monitoring. However, with Cove, you don’t have to pay a premium price to enjoy the premium protection that cellular systems provide. When we dug deeper into Cove’s pricing, we were pleased to find their professional monitoring through cellular signals starts at only $17.99 per month. For that price, you’ll get a team of trained monitoring center agents monitoring your system 24/7 for any disturbances, including break-ins, fire, and even medical emergencies (if you spring for all the options, that is).

If you want to get most out of your system, though, you might want to consider upgrading your monitoring plan to Cove Plus. For $27.99 a month, Cove Plus adds in security camera integrations, smartphone control, Alexa and Google Home automations, and a seven-day cloud video storage. Considering that most security companies charge around $50 a month for those features, the extra $10 per month is well worth it.

Cove’s affordability extends to its equipment as well. Keep in mind that Cove’s equipment is entirely wireless, and that all pieces are monitored through the cellular-ready touchscreen panel. With cellular systems, we usually see sensors sold for $30 to $75 a piece, depending on what the sensor does. But with Cove, the most expensive sensor, which is the smoke and carbon monoxide sensor, retails for only $55. And if you purchase your equipment up-front, you’ll get a 50-percent discount. Entry sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors all retail for less than $20, including discounts. And one more thing: You’ll get a free indoor camera worth about $100 with any purchase of a security system, not bad at all.

With those prices, you can get a basic Cove system for less than $200 (discounted price). However, if you don’t want to shell out that amount up-front, Cove also offers a flexible payment plan. You will receive up to $450 worth of equipment (retail price) without initial payments in exchange for a 36-month professional monitoring contract and a $10 increase in your monthly payment. Over the course of three years, you will only have paid $360 for the equipment, so we think that’s a fair ask.