Best Wireless Security Systems of 2023
Wireless home security systems are a great choice for so many different reasons. Wireless systems simply mean your security equipment like sensors, cameras and motion detectors are entirely mobile, and rely on wireless signals as opposed to hardwired options.
When your system is wireless, that means you can easily take it out of your current home and move it if the need arises. And it allows you to control your entire system from your mobile phone instead of a keypad in your house. (Read more on wired vs wireless systems if you're still unsure if wireless is right for you.)
Check out our top picks for the best wireless home security systems.
Our Top Picks
Factors to consider when choosing wireless security systems
These are the factors we considered when naming our top choices of 2019. Before you commit to a system, make sure you think through these points:
- DIY or professional installation: Are you comfortable with installing your own system, or do you need a professional to do the setup for you? While some DIY security companies can also provide installation, you won’t get a professional to visit your house beforehand for a full walk-through to analyze your home security needs.
- Professional monitoring: In case of a break-in or emergency, a professional monitoring system will contact authorities for you. Without a professional monitoring service, you may receive an alert that something’s awry, but you’ll have to take matters into your own hands.
- Home automation: A wireless security system with smart home integration allows you to arm and disarm your system from your smartphone app, along with controlling things like your lights, locks and thermostats. You can even find a system that works with Alexa or Google Assistant which allows you to turn your system on and off with your voice.
- Mobile control: Having control over your home security system from your mobile phone is almost a must-have these days. You can view what’s going on from your security camera and control smart home integration at your fingertips.
- Costs: Depending on which security system you choose, there are going to be either up front equipment costs or monthly monitoring fees. In some cases, you may have both upfront and ongoing costs.
- Contract options: DIY security companies tend to give you more flexibility when it comes to avoiding a contract. Other companies require minimum of a one year contract, all the way up to three years.
- Brand reputation: While newer companies are providing more flexibility than ever, it’s still important to find a security company with a good reputation for customer service, reliable hardware, and solid monitoring services.
The Best Wireless Security Systems
ADT
Our pick for the best track record.
ADT is the largest and most well-known company in the country. Although setup and monitoring costs more money, you get what you pay for. A professional visits your home to analyze your security needs. Then all the equipment will be installed and monitored without any installation headache on your end.
ADT offers good customer service along with a growing list of smart home integration options. If you’re looking for a solid and reliable wireless security system without any question marks, this is a great choice with 140 years of service under its belt.
- SecurityNerd Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
- Pricing: Monitoring starts at $35 a month ($99 installation fee)
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Frontpoint
Our pick for best customer service.
Frontpoint is a DIY wireless security company that ranks high in quality and customization. But it shines most in customer service, with customers and our SecurityNerd giving it high marks across the board. If you’re looking for a wireless security company you can count on and receive stellar customer service from, Frontpoint is a great choice.
Its sleek hardware and smart home integration options make it a popular choice for the budget-conscious, you also have the option to customize your own system based on your home’s needs. And the icing on top of the superb customer service cake: Frontpoint lets you return your entire system for free if you’re not happy after 30 days.
- SecurityNerd Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pricing: Monitoring starts at $34.99 a month
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Vivint
Our choice for best smart home integration
If smart home integration is important in your wireless security system, Vivint is the way to go. Vivint is a smart home company at its core, and offers home security options that allow you to control just about anything in your home (accept maybe your screaming toddler.)
In addition to its incredible smart home integration, you’ll also get the choice to customize your system. You’re not forced into any one-size-fits-all package, and the mobile app gets high marks for usability and ease.
- SecurityNerd Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pricing: Starts at $39.99 a month ($100 installation fee)
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Ring
Our pick for best flexibility.
Home security companies can get a bad rap for tying customers into lengthy contracts and offering rigid packages even if you don’t need all the equipment. Ring is a departure from that stereotype, offering customers flexibility in hardware and monitoring services without any commitment.
Ring’s equipment is ala carte, which means you buy as little or as much as you want. And you also get to choose if you’d like to self-monitor or pay them to do it for just $100 a year. This is the perfect option if you hate contracts, or if you’re a renter who doesn’t want to be locked in to purchasing an entire system for years to come.
- SecurityNerd Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pricing: Since equipment is ala carte and paid for up front, pricing depends on what you choose. A 5-piece starter kit begins at $199.
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- Ring Alarm puts whole-home security at your fingertips. Get alerts on your smart phone when doors or windows open or motion is detected.
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- Manage Ring Alarm and other Ring products—including Ring Doorbell—with the Ring app.
- Customize Ring Alarm for your needs. Add components at any time for whole home protection.
- Easily setup Ring Alarm in minutes—without tools or professional installation.
Link Interactive
Our pick for the best value.
Let’s face it: Cost is a big selling point when it comes to choosing the perfect wireless security system for your home. If you're okay with contracts, Link Interactive can deliver you a great wireless security system minus the hefty price tag. A three-year contract will give you $250 off equipment costs, and a full warranty while under contract.
But the cheaper monthly costs doesn’t mean your hardware, smart home options or customer service suffers. In fact, the company scores high in all of those categories. Link uses Alarm.com’s mobile app, which also gets good marks in online reviews. Overall, you’ll get stellar equipment and service at quite the value with Link.
- SecurityNerd Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
- Pricing: Monitoring begins at $30.99 a month. Equipment pricing depends on your contract length, and gets significantly cheaper with a 3-year contract.
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SimpliSafe
Our pick for best setup.
A lot of homeowners go the DIY home security route to save money on steep installation fees. But that usually means setting up equipment that can be confusing to the average Joe. Not with SimpliSafe. You don’t need any tools, and simply plugging in the base station will get you started with voice commands. SimpliSafe estimates users can be set up in as little as 20 minutes.
You also get the bells and whistles of smart home options at a price that won’t break the bank. Even the largest prepackaged bundle comes in under $500. SecurityNerd also loves the 60-day satisfaction guarantee, which means you’re not risking anything by giving it a try.
- SecurityNerd Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
- Pricing: Packages range from ~$160-$489 up front, with $14.99 a month for standard monitoring
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Is wireless home security a solid bet for you?
With the convenience of wireless systems, there are still downsides. Storms or bad weather can have an effect on the reliability of the system. Your cell phone may drop a call during a bad storm, and that means the same is true for your wireless security system. Wireless systems are also prone to more false alarms than their hardwired counterparts.
But wireless security systems are generally a great bet for almost all customers. The equipment is simple to install, and follows you if you move or simply want to change the configuration. There are no hefty setup costs when compared to installing a traditional hardwired system.
Wireless security options also allow for controlling your home remotely, which is a huge plus with smart home integration. And finally, it leaves your home less susceptible to thieves disabling the system by cutting power.
Wireless systems are a simple and affordable way to ensure your home is safe. These choices are some of the best wireless systems on the market, and will offer something for every renter or homeowner looking to protect themselves.
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About the Author
Erin Maloney
Erin is a freelance video producer and writer based out of Florida. She works with major retail companies and digital startups as a brand storyteller. When Erin's not writing, you can catch her scuba diving and spending time with her dog (not at the same time).