CNET: Best home security systems of 2024

CNET’s expert team has spent more than 100 hours testing and researching the best home security systems.

Their current top pick is SimpliSafe, which has some of the best first-time security systems, with a range of options and tons of potential upgrades, including a beta service for AI-assisted monitoring agents.

For the complete list of recommended home security options visit CNET.com.

CNET Take: We’ve tested the SimpliSafe system several times and most recently gave it a review score of 8.5 out of 10, one of our highest ratings for a home security system. If you’re looking for home security — without all the extra Wi-Fi and smart home integrations of the Ring Alarm kit — SimpliSafe’s easy-to-install, easy-to-use DIY system is a great option. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including equipment like security cameras and a very good mix of battery-powered motion detection sensors, all of which performed reliably well in our tests.

Starter kits begin at $280, or you can build a custom alarm system with the exact mix of devices you need. The security company’s monitoring plans start at $10 a month, but you’ll almost certainly want to spring for the $30-a-month professional monitoring service plan, which adds in things like 24/7 live guard protection, whole home monitoring, instant app alerts and faster response times.

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