Our pick
Ring Alarm Pro
The latest Ring security system has a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router, works with almost every type of add-on you can imagine, and provides internet backup (for a fee), as well as the option to add up to 24 additional hours of backup power in case of an outage.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Works With Ring
The strength of the Ring Alarm Pro, in addition to all of the sensors and accessories it can support (including a wide variety of cameras), is that it includes a built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router. That means you can replace your standard router, depending on your service, or create a mesh network to improve your Wi-Fi’s speed for security cameras and other smart-home devices around the house. It also creates a cellular backup web connection when your power or internet goes down (with a Ring Protect Pro plan). The easy-to-use DIY security system offers the best bang for your buck when it comes to professional monitoring ($20 per month or $200 per year). It has almost every add-on you can imagine, including a few options for door and window sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and several types of hardwired and battery-operated doorbells and cameras. It does allow for self-monitoring, but the original Ring Alarm would be better for that (although we don’t really recommend self-monitoring anyway).
Our pick
Ring Alarm (2nd Generation)
The original Ring system is easy to use and inexpensive to set up, and has more camera add-ons than any of our other picks.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Works With Ring
If you already have a mesh network or don’t want one, we recommend the original Ring Alarm. This easy-to-use DIY security system works with all the same add-ons as the Ring Alarm Pro, including the optional Ring Protect Pro monitoring plan for $20 per month. You can also use it as a self-monitored system for no extra cost, or add video storage for as little as $4 per month. If you purchased a Ring system after March 29, 2023, you will need to subscribe to a professional monitoring plan in order to use the Ring app to Arm or Disarm their system in addition to the keypad—existing Ring owners have app access grandfathered in (see Flaws but not dealbreakers). Unlike the Ring Alarm Pro, it doesn’t offer internet backup or work with external battery packs, but the base station provides 24 hours of battery backup, and the Pro plan includes a cellular connection.
Runner-up
SimpliSafe The Essentials
This SimpliSafe kit is affordable and easy to install and use. Its optional monitoring plan is slightly cheaper than that of our top pick, although it doesn’t provide video storage.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, August Smart Locks
SimpliSafe is another easy-to-use DIY security system, with add-ons such as indoor and outdoor video cameras, a doorbell camera, a smart lock, and smoke and other sensors. Its 24/7 professional monitoring fees are competitive with those of other DIY systems, though all of their kits also offer a self-monitoring option. Unfortunately, outside of smart speakers, the only non-SimpliSafe devices it’s compatible with are August locks. Still, for anyone who wants a reliable system that’s easy to use, works with voice-control systems, and offers a good selection of add-ons, the SimpliSafe setup is still a great choice.
Also great
Abode Smart Security Kit
Abode offers more smart-home integration than any other security system we tested, which means you can tie it into smart-home devices from different manufacturers.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Z-Wave, Zigbee
Abode is for the person who wants a security system that can integrate with smart lighting and thermostats, voice-controlled speakers, and other smart-home devices—and doesn’t mind going through the steps to create that setup. Abode supports both Zigbee- and Z-Wave–enabled devices, as well as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT (If This Then That). That type of support comes at a price: We found Abode starter packages and most accessories to be more expensive than our other picks.
