The Best Home Security Systems in California

Wednesday, June 5th

2024 Home Security System Reviews

Cove

Cove proves that you don't need to rely on established home security companies to get top-notch protection. Despite being a newer provider, Cove offers clear and transparent pricing, reasonable equipment fees, and affordable monthly monitoring costs. Plus, you can enjoy a 60-day risk-free trial with no contract required. While their customer service may have some room for improvement, the vast majority of customers give Cove high marks. If you're looking for a home security system, Cove should definitely be on your shortlist - because it's at the top of ours.

Alarm Relay

Alarm Relay offers a basic home security system that can use their equipment or what you already have installed, with contracts for just a year at a time. Although these systems don't have the most cutting-edge equipment, many people in the US and Canada appreciate the affordability and reliability of Alarm Relay's service. If you're looking for a straightforward home security setup, Alarm Relay is a good option to consider.

Xfinity

If you are located in an area covered by Xfinity, you may want to consider their home security systems which are both reasonably priced for equipment and affordable for monthly services without requiring a contract. Even if you are not an Xfinity TV or internet subscriber, you may still benefit from their home security system. However, if Xfinity is not available in your area, you will have to explore other options for your home security needs.

Link Interactive

Link Interactive boasts over 70 years of experience in the home security industry and receives high praise from customers for their exceptional customer service. Their preprogrammed equipment makes installation easy and appealing to DIY enthusiasts who may not be as tech-savvy. However, it's important to note that you'll need to sign a minimum one-year contract and budget for higher upfront equipment costs.

Guardian Protection

Guardian Protection has gained a reputation as one of the top providers of home security systems due to the excellent quality of their 24/7 monitoring centers and outstanding customer service. However, the company's fees are not transparent and can only be obtained by speaking with a representative. Plus, their service area is limited and their home security systems may not be available in your location.

CPI Security

CPI Security has a strong reputation, both with the BBB and their own customers giving them high praise. Unfortunately, their home security systems are only available in a small part of the southeast US, and they're not the cheapest option around when it comes to equipment and monitoring costs. Plus, you won't have even a ballpark for what you pay or how long you'll be spending that much unless you reach out for a (presumably pitch-y) sales quote. That keeps CPI Security from being one of our more recommended home security system providers.

ADT

ADT is an experienced provider of home security systems with over 140 years of history and a large customer base exceeding 6 million subscribers. However, its lengthy contracts and high installation fees make it a little less attractive compared to other services that provide similar coverage with more customer-friendly terms. Plus, despite paying top dollar, you'll likely find that the customer service post-installation here leaves a lot to be desired.

Brinks Home

Brinks is one of the most recognizable names in security, protecting millions of homes and businesses across more than a century in operation. However, the company makes it almost impossible to learn anything about their equipment, monitoring, or contracts unless you provide contact information. That would be tolerable if Brinks Home had a phenomenal reputation, but customer feedback at the BBB and elsewhere certainly doesn't tell that story. We're disappointed that Brinks doesn't even make it into our top 5 home security systems.

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe used to be one of our top ranked home security systems, offering a 60-day trial, affordable do-it-yourself equipment packages, and lower-than average fees for monitoring. Sounds pretty compelling, right? Unfortunately, customer satisfaction with SimpliSafe has declined consistently over the last few years, with frequent complaints about equipment failures and poor customer service. You'll want to check out other options before investing in a SimpliSafe home security system.

Frontpoint

Frontpoint was our #1 pick among home security systems for many consecutive years. Customers used to rave about the company's no-contract equipment, fantastic customer service, and easily-expandable setup that could include lots of smart home technology. Over the last few years, unfortunately, Frontpoint seems to have done away with most of the features that made it stand out in the industry: not only will you get three-year contracts here, but you'll also have a really hard time getting out. Even long-term subscribers say it's sad how much this service has declined. We think you've got better options than settling for what Frontpoint has become.

Abode

Abode has some novel features, like the ability to choose self- or professionally-monitored home security and ample integrations with most smart home platforms. That's not enough to convince us that Abode's problems - including equipment failure and poor support - are no big deal. With so many reliable and affordable home security systems out there, Abode just doesn't make a strong case for itself as an option to consider.

Ring

When you take a look around your neighborhood, it's hard to miss the ubiquitous Ring video doorbells. If you're considering purchasing their home security system, you might want to think twice. While Ring's system does have some unique benefits, such as the ability to choose between self-monitoring and professional coverage, and the freedom to add as many components as you like, thousands of homeowners have rated Ring poorly. Additionally, privacy concerns surrounding the company may raise doubts about whether they can genuinely keep you safe. Fortunately, there are numerous providers of video doorbells and home security packages available, and we recommend opting for a more reliable service than Ring.

Vivint

Vivint, a popular brand in the home security industry with over two million customers in North America, has a friendly door-to-door sales approach that may seem appealing. But, customers are often locked into lengthy contracts with no guarantee of reliable service. And, despite something of an improvement in Vivint's BBB rating (from an "F" to a "C" ), there are still thousands and thousands of complaints about how these home security systems function down the line after being installed. As a result, Vivint has received one of our lowest rankings among home security systems.

Wyze

The Wyze home security system falls short of expectations. Every time we've shopped at Wyze over the last 12+ months, the central component necessary to operate the system wasn't available for purchase. Also, it's not enough to be affordable if what you deliver doesn't work consistently, and that's the picture painted by Wyze's numerous customer complaints. We recommend selecting another provider to fulfill your home security requirements because Wyze - even when it is in stock - is nothing but a let-down.