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DIY monitoring at about $20 to $81 a month versus pro-installed systems on 36-month contracts, compared on equipment costs, early termination charges and trial windows.
By BestGuide Editorial Team, Editorial Team. See their work.Published June 10, 2026Updated October 16, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
Brinks Home is our top pick for professionally installed, monitored security with a fully published fee schedule, while SimpliSafe and Cove are the best no-contract DIY options. ADT, Vivint and SafeStreets (an ADT authorized provider) suit people who want a technician to install everything. To choose, compare the monthly monitoring price, contract length and early termination terms, who does the installation, and the trial or money-back window.
Our top picks
Best for professional installation and monitoring at a moderate monthly priceBrinksBestGuide Score: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Monitoring priceFrom $29.99 a monthContract36 months
Best for ADT-brand professional monitoring with in-home installationADTThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.1 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Contract36 months
Best for an installed smart home system with optional month-to-month monitoringVivintThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.1 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Monitoring priceFrom $24.99 per month
Best for ADT monitoring with local installation and package dealsSafeStreetsThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.0 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Monitoring priceSecure $49.99Contract36 months
This guide is for homeowners and renters choosing a monitored security system, whether you plan to set it up yourself or want a technician to do it. The six picks range from no-contract DIY brands that price monitoring by the day to installed systems that come with a 36-month commitment.
The advertised monthly fee is only part of the cost. Equipment and installation charges, add-on fees, contract length and early termination penalties decide what you pay over the life of the system and how easily you can leave if you move or change your mind.
Below are each company's prices and terms, a cost table, an explainer on DIY versus professional installation and monitoring, picks by situation, and the FTC's warnings about door-to-door sales along with your right to cancel.
DIY monitoring price
About $20 to $81 a month, based on Cove and SimpliSafe daily rates as listed October 20264
Pro-installed contract length
Usually 36 months (Brinks, and ADT through SafeStreets)2
Best for professional installation and monitoring at a moderate monthly price: Brinks
4.2/5
Monitoring price
From $29.99 a month
Contract
36 months
Installation: Free professional installation only with $500 or more in equipment, a 36-month plan from $49.99 a month and the paid Brinks Home Plus service plan; not on online orders
Why we picked it. Brinks Home pairs professional installation with 24/7 US-based monitoring from $29.99 a month plus a $6.40 Cost Recovery Fee, though that rate needs a $500 equipment purchase and free installation needs a $49.99 plan plus the paid Brinks Home Plus plan. Its fee page lists every add-on charge, so you can work out the true monthly cost before you sign. It is run by BH Security, formerly Monitronics, which licenses the Brink's name and has filed Chapter 11 twice.
More details, pros and cons
Early cancellation: Remaining monthly fees in the contract are due if you cancel early
Other fees: $5.99 a month for paper statements; technician visits from $99 for non-Plus members
Company: BH Security, LLC (formerly Monitronics), which licenses the Brink's name; Chapter 11 in 2019 and 2023
Pros
Moderate starting price for a pro-installed system
Fee schedule lists every add-on charge
Fee schedule published openly
Cons
Three-year commitment
$6.40 monthly Cost Recovery Fee on top of the advertised rate
Service visits cost extra unless you pay for a Plus plan
The $29.99 rate needs a $500 equipment purchase, and free installation needs a $49.99 plan plus paid Brinks Home Plus
Canceling early means paying all remaining months
Run by BH Security (formerly Monitronics), which has been through Chapter 11 twice; not The Brink's Company
Best Reliable Monitoring
Skip it if: You move often or will not commit to three years.
More about Brinks
Brinks Home Security leverages a historic brand name to deliver a highly dependable, professionally monitored security experience. Operating through a network of UL-certified monitoring centers, Brinks ensures rapid, redundant response times to any triggered alarms. The company excels in smart home capabilities by utilizing the Alarm.com platform, allowing users to integrate their security panel with popular automation devices like voice assistants, smart locks, and thermostats. Brinks also features the innovative ASAPer system, which enables instant visual verification and group text alerts to help homeowners quickly resolve false alarms. Customers must commit to a standard multi-year contract and professional installation, placing Brinks firmly in the traditional security category. It is an ideal fit for users seeking robust, hands-free protection and extensive home automation from a widely recognized security provider.
Best for ADT-brand professional monitoring with in-home installation: ADTThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.1/5
Contract
36 months
Installation
Professional or DIY installation
Why we picked it. ADT sells both technician-installed and DIY systems, directly and through authorized providers such as SafeStreets. The trade-off is a long contract with a steep charge if you cancel early.
More details, pros and cons
Early termination
Up to 75% of remaining monthly charges
Pros
Professional installation and monitoring
DIY option if you prefer it
Local installation through authorized providers such as SafeStreets
Cons
36-month contracts are standard
Canceling early can cost 75% of the remaining charges
Money-back guarantee has narrow conditions
Best Nationwide Coverage
Skip it if: You want month-to-month monitoring with no cancellation penalty.
More about ADT
ADT stands as a titan in the home security landscape, boasting an impressive history that spans over a century. The company is renowned for its expansive nationwide service and comprehensive professional monitoring, which is supported by six interconnected, company-owned monitoring centers across the United States. This infrastructure ensures uninterrupted protection, even in the event of local power failures or natural disasters. ADT operates on a full-service model, beginning with a professional consultation to design a tailored system, followed by mandatory professional installation to ensure flawless operation. While customers benefit from premium equipment and a theft protection guarantee, the service requires a multi-year contract and an early termination fee. This makes ADT an exceptional choice for long-term homeowners who prioritize a trusted, hands-off security experience.
Best for an installed smart home system with optional month-to-month monitoring: VivintThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.1/5
Monitoring price
From $24.99 per month
Contract
Month-to-month if you pay for equipment upfront
Installation
Professional installation
Why we picked it. Vivint installs cameras, locks and smart home devices and runs them all from one app. If you buy the equipment outright, you can skip the contract; financing is available but stretches your commitment.
More details, pros and cons
Equipment cost: $199.99 to $349.99 for HomeProtect; from $749.99 for HomeProtect Pro
Pros
Professional installation, with the $199 fee currently waived
Month-to-month monitoring when equipment is paid upfront
0% APR financing for qualified buyers
Cons
Higher equipment cost than DIY brands
Financing ties you to an equipment loan for up to 60 months
Guarantee covers repair or replacement, not a no-questions return
Best Smart Home
Skip it if: You want the lowest upfront cost.
More about Vivint
Vivint is a premier provider of high-end, fully integrated smart home security systems. Unlike companies that piece together third-party devices, Vivint develops much of its own proprietary hardware, ensuring a seamless and sophisticated user experience. The system is controlled through a highly rated, unified mobile app that effortlessly manages security cameras, smart locks, thermostats, and sensors. A standout innovation is the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro, which utilizes proactive deterrence technology to actively warn off lurkers using light and sound. All Vivint systems require professional installation to guarantee that the intricate smart home network functions perfectly from day one. While the equipment costs are premium and typically involve a multi-year financing agreement, the cohesive ecosystem and advanced technology make Vivint the ultimate choice for consumers who want a top-of-the-line, proactive smart home security network.
Best for ADT monitoring with local installation and package deals: SafeStreetsThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.0/5
Monitoring price
Secure $49.99
Contract
36 months
Installation
Professional
Why we picked it. SafeStreets is an ADT authorized provider that sells and installs ADT-monitored systems, often with equipment promotions. You get ADT monitoring, but you also sign ADT's contract terms.
More details, pros and cons
Company type
ADT authorized provider, not ADT itself
Pros
ADT monitoring with local installers
Same-day installation in some areas
Equipment promotions
Cons
36-month contract with ADT's early termination terms
Activation and connection fees
Quote-based prices that vary by area
Best Fast Installation
Skip it if: You want to compare every price online without a sales call.
More about SafeStreets
As the sole authorized provider for ADT, SafeStreets bridges the gap between localized customer service and national security infrastructure. SafeStreets specializes in the personalized design, sale, and professional installation of ADT equipment. Once the system is active, all professional monitoring and long-term customer support are managed directly by ADT's formidable network of monitoring centers. A major advantage of choosing SafeStreets is its emphasis on rapid deployment, frequently offering same-day or next-day professional installation by certified local technicians. The purchasing process involves a comprehensive in-home or virtual consultation to quote equipment tailored specifically to the customer's property. While this approach limits upfront pricing transparency and mandates a multi-year monitoring contract, SafeStreets remains an attractive avenue for individuals seeking fast, professional access to the esteemed ADT ecosystem.
These companies didn't make our top 4, but may still fit your situation.
Simplisafe3.8
SimpliSafe has the widest range of DIY monitoring tiers, from basic police dispatch to live agents who can speak to intruders through its cameras. Higher tiers add an anti-theft guarantee.
We compared monitoring prices, contract length and early termination terms, installation type, trial or money-back policies, equipment warranties and fees, using each company's own website and published terms as listed October 11, 2026, plus FTC consumer guidance. We converted daily prices to approximate monthly figures. ADT's own site blocked our automated checks, so ADT contract terms come from its authorized provider's published agreement. We did not test equipment. Read our full methodology.
How much home security costs
You pay for two things: equipment and monitoring. DIY brands sell equipment upfront and charge for monitoring by the day or month, with no contract. Pro-installed brands often discount equipment and installation in exchange for a 36-month monitoring contract.
Company
Monitoring, as listed October 2026
Contract
Cove
About $20 to $40 a month
None
SimpliSafe
About $23 to $81 a month
None
Vivint
$24.99 to $44.99 a month
None if equipment is paid upfront
Brinks Home
From $29.99 a month plus a $6.40 fee
36 months
SafeStreets (ADT)
$49.99 to $66.99 a month
36 months
Add up the full contract cost, not only the monthly fee. A $36 a month plan over 36 months comes to $1,296 before equipment.
DIY vs professional installation
DIY systems (Cove, SimpliSafe) ship to you and you set them up yourself. They are easy to take with you when you move and have no contract. Professional systems (Brinks, ADT, SafeStreets, Vivint) include a technician visit, wiring where needed and setup of cameras and smart devices, but usually require a longer commitment or equipment financing.
Renters and people who move often usually do better with DIY. Owners of larger homes, people who want hardwired equipment, and anyone who wants everything configured for them often prefer professional installation.
Professional monitoring vs self-monitoring
With professional monitoring, agents watch for alarms 24/7 and request police, fire or medical dispatch. With self-monitoring, alerts go only to your phone and you call for help yourself. SimpliSafe and Cove list video verification or AI alerts on higher tiers, which can speed up police response. Some home insurers discount premiums for monitored systems, so ask yours.
Best picks by situation
Renters: Cove or SimpliSafe, with no contract and no drilling.
Lowest monthly cost: Cove Basic at $0.67 a day.
Professional installation: Brinks Home, Vivint, or ADT through SafeStreets.
Smart home focus: Vivint.
Vacation or second home: a monitored plan with video verification, such as SimpliSafe Pro or Cove Premium.
Red flags and your rights
The FTC warns about door-to-door sellers who pressure you to act now, claim there were recent burglaries nearby, or pretend to be from your current security company to “upgrade” your system. Before you sign, ask who installs and monitors the system, how long the contract runs, what the early termination penalty is, and what the monthly cost and warranty are.
If you sign a contract at home, the FTC Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel, even if the system is already installed. Check with your state attorney general for extra protections, and verify installer licenses where your state requires them.
Terms to know
Professional monitoring
A 24/7 monitoring center that responds to alarms and requests emergency dispatch.
Self-monitoring
A setup where alerts go only to your phone and you contact help yourself.
Video verification
Agents review camera footage during an alarm so police can treat it as a verified crime.
Early termination fee
A charge for ending a monitoring contract before its term is up.
Authorized dealer
An independent company licensed to sell and install another brand's monitored systems.
Cooling-Off Rule
An FTC rule giving you three business days to cancel certain sales made at your home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best home security system?
For professional installation at a moderate price, Brinks Home, though its $29.99 rate needs a $500 equipment purchase and a 36-month contract. For no-contract DIY, Cove has the lowest listed prices and SimpliSafe has the most plan options. Vivint is the strongest choice for an installed smart home setup.
How much does home security monitoring cost per month?
As listed October 2026, Cove costs about $20 to $40 a month, SimpliSafe about $23 to $81, Vivint from $24.99, and Brinks from $29.99 (with a $500 equipment purchase) plus a $6.40 fee. Pro-installed plans usually come with a 36-month contract.
Can I get home security without a contract?
Yes. Cove and SimpliSafe have no contracts, and Vivint offers month-to-month monitoring if you buy the equipment upfront.
What happens if I cancel an ADT contract early?
ADT's contract terms say it may charge 75% of the remaining monthly service charges. Read the termination clause before you sign.
Is SafeStreets the same as ADT?
No. SafeStreets is an ADT authorized provider that sells and installs ADT-monitored systems, but your monitoring contract is with ADT.
Is professional monitoring worth it?
It is if you want someone to request police or fire help when you cannot answer your phone. Self-monitoring costs less but depends on you seeing every alert.
Can I cancel a home security contract I signed at home?
Yes. Under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule, you have three business days to cancel a sale made at your home, even if the equipment is already installed.
Do home security systems lower insurance costs?
Some insurers discount premiums for monitored alarm systems. Ask your insurer what proof it needs.
Which home security system is best for renters?
A wireless DIY system with no contract, such as Cove or SimpliSafe, because you can take it with you and avoid drilling.
Sources (11)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
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