Best Cellular Security Systems in 2024
If you need a security system that works with Verizon and T-Mobile and when the internet is down, we recommend SimpliSafe.
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Last Updated on Sep 17, 2024
- Cellular works with both Verizon and T-Mobile networks
- Works even if the internet is down
- Access cameras through the cellular network
- Virtually unlimited home automation using cellular connections
- Cellular coverage available with every plan
- Professional installation makes the cellular system simple and easy to use
- Virtually unlimited home automation using cellular connections
- Provides full cellular backup for your security system
- Fast and reliable connection to emergency services
The protection we receive from security systems hinges heavily on their ability to send out distress signals quickly and reliably. The key is to have reliable communication. Wi-Fi is out of the question – we’ve experienced unreliable connections from even the top internet providers. Landline is also out because landline cables are easy to cut from outside the house. That’s why we believe cellular signaling is the best for wireless reliability.
We tested the home security market’s top brands offering cellular-ready security systems to see which of them perform the best. We didn’t just test them on their reliability, but also their equipment and monitoring options, pricing, and the overall experience they provide. SimpliSafe came out on top, but we believe ADT, Vivint, Frontpoint, and Cove are great cellular systems as well. Read on to learn why.
FYI: Live in a rural area with poor cellular connection? Check out our list of the best hardwired home security systems. And while you’re at it, check our recommended security systems for rural homes.
How We Come Up With Our Lists
We’re committed to transparency. It’s one reason why we promise never to outsource our reviews to ChatGPT or some other AI technology. And we want you to know, right up front, how we put our reviews together.
This list is all about the best cellular security systems, but before we considered any of these cellular home security systems options, we wanted to make sure they were good, solid systems. We insisted every system had basic features like:
Reliable Equipment: If it made this list, you can be certain a security system has functional, durable equipment that you can always count on to do its job.
Monitoring Options: Our favorite companies give us options in terms of how we monitor our systems. It’s also important to us, though, that we can get professional monitoring if we want it.
Reasonable Price: The total cost of a home security system can be complicated because it’s made up not only of the price of the system itself, but also any monitoring and installation fees. Ultimately, though, we’re only going to put a system on a list like this one if we’re convinced you’re getting good value for the money.
Once we established a list of great security systems, we looked specifically for what kinds of cellular features they offered.
Cellular Connection: Obviously, our first concern was whether or not a system offered cellular connection as an option.
Bonus Cellular Features: We also considered any special ways in which systems deployed their cellular technology. Some systems, for example, use cellular exclusively, while others offer it merely as a backup. In addition, some provide cellular with all plans. Others require you to subscribe to a certain level of monitoring to access the cellular connection.
In short, we didn’t take our jobs lightly when it came to creating this list. You’ll see that we give you absolutely everything you need to make an informed decision.
Best Cellular Security Systems
- SimpliSafe - Best No-Contract System
- ADT - Best Professionally Installed System
- Vivint - Best Smart Security System
- Frontpoint - Best DIY Installed System
- Cove - Most Affordable System
Comparison Chart
| System |
SimpliSafe
|
ADT
|
Vivint
|
Frontpoint
|
Cove
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Installation type | Professional or DIY | Professional | Professional | DIY | DIY |
| Monitoring options | Professional or DIY | Professional | Professional | Professional | Professional or DIY |
| Cellular backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Contract lengths | 1 month | 36 months | 42 - 60 months | 1 - 36 months | 1 month |
| Read Review | SimpliSafe Review | ADT Review | Vivint Review | Frontpoint Review | Cove Review |
Detailed List of the Best Cellular Security Systems
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1. SimpliSafe - Best No-Contract System
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $280 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $19.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Equipment
SimpliSafe makes it easy to custom build a security system for your home. It offers packages for every household size, from the four-piece Essentials kit to the 14-piece Haven package. You can also customize each package or build your own system from scratch.
The downside? SimpliSafe doesn’t offer a lot of equipment options. It has a very limited selection of security cameras and the smart home components are really scarce. But on the bright side, we got all the necessary components to keep our homes burglar-free, from entry sensors to panic buttons. We also liked how well-designed the equipment was. It wasn’t an eye-sore – it was discreet without sacrificing functionality.
SimpliSafe’s full device lineup >> Dig Deeper: Read our SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera review
Monitoring
SimpliSafe offers more monitoring options than any other security system on this list. It’s the only one that allows free, DIY monitoring and four premium professional monitoring plans. Unfortunately, cellular backup is available only if you have a premium plan. We went with the mid-tier Core (formerly Fast Protect) plan for $31.99 per month, but the $21.99 Standard plan can also get you professional monitoring with cellular backup.
The reason we went with Core is Live Guard Protection. During emergencies, SimpliSafe can access cameras of your choosing to verify alerts and speed up police response. Additionally, they can use the two-way talk on the Smart Alarm indoor camera to scare away potential intruders or check on you – no need to pick up your phone. To be clear, SimpliSafe cameras including the SimpliCam and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro have two-way audio you can use from your phone, but only the Smart Alarm can link to the monitoring center.
As for the two other plans, we think they’re too expensive for the average market, but they offer a feature we’ve only seen in a couple of brands. Pro ($49.99 per month) and Pro Plus ($79.99 per month) have Active Guard Outdoor Protection, which enables SimpliSafe to access live video and two-way voice on the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Pro. They’re worth considering if you want that kind of protection.
FYI: While SimpliSafe delivers professional monitoring with cellular backup, some features like Live Guard Protection require a working internet connection. Without it, SimpliSafe will still be able to respond to alerts coming from sensors, but won’t be able to verify those alerts with video or use two-way talk.
Price
SimpliSafe equipment is all DIY, so there’s no installation fee. Equipment is reasonably priced, with pre-packed systems that range from $200 to $600, and cameras starting as low as $100. That’s more than you might pay for Wyze cameras, some of which cost as little as $19, but it’s cheaper than ADT’s cameras, which can cost as much as $300. As for monitoring, SimpliSafe is comparable with the more affordable options on the market. Professional monitoring plans, which you’ll need if you want cellular backup, are available starting at $21.99 a month. That’s almost the same price Ring charges for its professional monitoring.
One downside of SimpliSafe’s pricing is that you’re going to have to pay off your equipment earlier than other options like ADT, which offer equipment financing up to 60 months. With SimpliSafe, financing is available only up to 24 months. So if you buy a security system worth $600 – which gives you a solid list of components, by the way – you’d need to pay a minimum of around $50 per month. With ADT financing, a similarly-priced system will cost you about $10 per month with a 60-month plan.
Pro Tip: SimpliSafe’s advantage as a DIY-installed system is that you can start off with a simple package you can afford to pay upfront and then add more components over time. You won’t need to schedule an installation appointment everytime you add a new device like you would with ADT and Vivint. There are no installation costs, either.
What We Like
- Professional monitoring is optional
- Simple DIY installation
- Affordable equipment
- Works with Amazon Alexa
What We Don’t Like
- Limited camera selection
- No continuous recording options
- Doesn’t support Z-Wave
- Subscription required to integrate with smart home brands
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Our Experience Testing SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe manages to find that sweet spot between a full-service home security system and a DIY system. You can certainly self-monitor if you choose to, and for no monthly fee, you get real-time alerts and live video footage. It’s actually one of the better self-monitored systems we’ve tested, capable of deterring burglars through a built-in siren. Additionally, as we point out in our complete SimpliSafe FAQ, installation is all DIY and exceptionally easy. We had our system up and running in less than half an hour.
We like the security of cellular backup, though. We went through a power outage during last winter’s blizzard, and we liked not having to spend that time worrying about break-ins. Freezing to death? Yes. Whether or not we could trust the water coming through our pipes? Absolutely. But not break-ins. If you want SimpliSafe’s cellular backup, you have to commit to a monitoring plan. The thing is, though, SimpliSafe offers 24/7 full-service professional monitoring for just two-thirds of what you’d pay with a company like ADT.
In simple terms — get it? — Simplisafe offers flexibility. When we needed to economize for a couple of months, we went with self-monitoring, but we always knew we could add the monitoring package when we wanted. And when we did, we still saved money over the premier services. In fact, you can save even more money if you can catch one of SimpliSafe’s sales. They seem to be running one all the time. Premier protection at a fraction of the price? We’re into that.
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2. ADT - Best Professionally Installed System
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $599 Monitoring Options Professional Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $25 per month Contract Lengths 36 months and up Installation Options Professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Equipment
ADT offers all the equipment you could ever need to keep your home safe, from door sensors to smart thermostats. Plus, you can even get some of Google Nest’s security cameras and smart home products from ADT. And we know, Google Nest is one of the best equipment providers in the smart security space.
We should mention that ADT now offers both DIY and professional installation, but if you go with the latter, you’ll need to sign a monitoring contract. We prefer to sit back and watch, so we went with professional installation. What we hadn’t considered was that when we needed to add a new camera for the backyard, we weren’t allowed to do it ourselves. We had to pay for another installation service. And take note, we got a Nest Cam (battery), which is a DIY outdoor camera.
Our advice? Take advantage of ADT’s free in-home consultation the first time you’re buying a system from them. That way, you get a better picture of what equipment you need for your home and get it all installed at once.
>> Compare: DIY vs Professional Installation
ADT Home Security Digital Panel >> Learn More: Best Home Security Systems for Smart Homes
Monitoring
ADT’s monitoring options aren’t as flexible as SimpliSafe. In fact, you have no other option but to pay a monthly fee. On the bright side, no matter which plan you choose – whether it’s the $29.99 Essential plan or $44.99 Essential + Video plan – you can count on 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup.
ADT puts a strong emphasis on the “24/7” part. It added redundancies on top of redundancies to ensure the service is always up. ADT has 12 monitoring facilities in different states, more than any company out there… by a lot! Most companies have only one or two monitoring centers. On top of that, each ADT monitoring facility has backup servers, power, and communications. We can see there that ADT values reliability.
Additionally, ADT has a new method of monitoring called SMART. It’s a text-based alerting system designed to speed up response and reduce false alarms. Basically, you and your emergency contacts receive a text alert about 15 to 30 seconds before receiving a call and before emergency personnel are dispatched. That way, you can confirm or cancel alarms without much hassle.
Price
ADT is a premium service, and you’ll pay a premium price. ADT equipment costs between $500 and $1,100, while monitoring starts at $29 a month. But take note that if you’re buying security cameras, you’re required to sign up for the $44.99 plan since it’s the only option that includes cloud video storage. You’ll also have to sign a 36-month contract, especially if you opted for professional installation. DIY-installed ADT systems can be self-monitored for free.
Keep in mind, though, that you’re getting one of the best home security systems on the market. ADT also offers some extras to help take the sting out of the price. You get a six-month money-back guarantee. That’s the longest on the market, as most systems offer only 30 days. Additionally, you have the option to finance your equipment. You can take up to five years to pay. It’s still not as cheap as our top-pick SimpliSafe, but ADT isn’t that much more expensive.
What We Like
- Same-day professional installation
- Works with Google Home
- Hub supports Z-wave devices
- Professional monitoring alerts police, firefighters, and paramedics
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t produce its own camera equipment
- Relatively expensive monitoring plans
- No DIY installation option
- Requires 36-month contracts
Google Nest Cam Our Experience Testing ADT
SimpliSafe offers flexibility, and all things being equal, we like that a lot. But there’s something to be said for the comfort and security of a true full-service premier home security system like ADT. For instance, we didn’t have to worry about installing equipment. Our friendly ADT technician took care of everything for us. They were specially trained in how our Nest equipment worked, and even offered suggestions on the best camera placement. We decided not to tell them we already knew about all that. Instead, we just sat back and watched TV throughout the whole process. That same level of customer service continued after the installation. Any time we had a question, we were able to get a customer service rep on the line to give us an answer.
And make no mistake — our ADT equipment was very high-tech. That’s one reason we put ADT at the top of our list of best systems for smart homes. We had voice control of the entire system, and we were able to connect smart devices for even more comfort and convenience. We connected our ADT thermostat, for instance, to our garage door opener. That way the temperature was just right every time we got home.
Keep in mind that all ADT plans include cellular backup, which meant we didn’t have to chew our fingernails off trying to decide between plans. They also all include professional monitoring. We know, we know: professional monitoring isn’t for everyone. We’ve had those months when it wasn’t practical. We always prefer to let someone else monitor our home when we can, though. That way we can go to the movies or get a cavity filled without having to worry about the safety of our home.
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3. Vivint - Best Smart Security System
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $449 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs $40 per month Contract lengths Starting at 42 months Installation options Professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home Equipment
Like ADT, Vivint offers a robust line of home security equipment. And what it doesn’t offer itself, it supplements through partnerships with other companies. You can purchase Phillips Hue Smart bulbs through Vivint, for example, and the system works with Kwikset smart locks.
Vivint’s own equipment is one of the highest-quality equipment we’ve seen in the industry. The outdoor camera features a 4K image sensor for superior image resolution. It’s also got a 140 degree field-of-view, three-times optical zoom, and 10-times digital zoom. And the touchscreen Smart Hub? Let’s just say it’s the Rolls Royce of security control panels. It’s one of the few we’ve tested that can display live security camera footage, almost like an Amazon Echo Show 8 (about the same size, too!).
Vivint Base Hub Here’s the problem: you can get so caught up in thinking about this amazing equipment that you forget to think about price. Especially since Vivint doesn’t publish any of its prices on its website. It doesn’t take much to wind up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Is the lack of transparency a deal breaker? Not really. But you do have to be careful that your eyes aren’t too big for your wallet.
>> Read More: Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro review
Monitoring
Vivint requires you to purchase a monitoring plan just like ADT. There’s no other way around it because without Vivint’s service, the equipment stops working. Unlike Vivint, though, you may be able to avoid signing a contract if you can fork over enough money upfront to buy out the equipment. You’d still need professional monitoring, but you can cancel anytime.
On the bright side, Vivint’s system is entirely cellular-based. You get cellular communication regardless of your monitoring plan and you don’t need Wi-Fi at all for alerts. For most people, that means greater reliability. Do keep in mind, though, that if you live in a rural area, cellular coverage might be spotty and less reliable.
>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT
Price
Vivint manages to best ADT when it comes to monitoring costs. All of Vivint’s plans are around $10 cheaper per month than ADT’s. It more than makes up for that fact when it comes to equipment pricing, though. A low-end system from Vivint can easily run upward of $800, and if you’ve got a large home, you could wind up paying much more. Like ADT, you can finance the equipment and pay for it along with your monthly monitoring fees, but unlike ADT, Vivint’s money-back guarantee is only 30 days.
What We Like
- User-friendly app
- Responsive professional monitoring service
- Works well with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- Every system comes with professional monitoring
What We Don’t Like
- No free trial
- Proprietary equipment won’t work with other systems or services
- Expensive monthly monitoring
- Fee required if you need to move
Vivint Outdoor Cam Pro Our Experience Testing Vivint
Vivint might have the best equipment out there, if you can afford it. You’re not going to do much better than locks that can keep track of who comes into your house. We were able to let the dog sitter in with our app, and we were in Spain at the time. Everything is smart, and everything is connected. The company installs it all professionally, and you can be sure you’re safe, whether you’re out on the town or in bed fast asleep.
>> Check Out: Best Security Systems for Pet Owners
As if all those features weren’t enough, Vivint uses a cellular system to connect everything. Not cellular as a backup; cellular as the primary means of communication. As long as you live somewhere with a strong cellular signal, you really can’t get any more reliable. Of course, if you do live in a more rural area, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best home security systems for rural areas.
Of course, Vivint expects you to pay handsomely for its technology and services. Even more, in the long run, than you’d pay with ADT. A Vivint system comes with other drawbacks as well. There’s a fee if you decide to move. There’s an even bigger fee if you should decide to cancel before your contract’s up. Still, if money is no object, there aren’t many home security systems better than Vivint.
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4. Frontpoint - Best DIY Installed System
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $99 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $49.99 Contract Lengths 1-36 months Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Equipment
Frontpoint’s equipment range isn’t quite as broad as Vivint’s — a fact you’ll discover if you check out our Vivint vs. Frontpoint page — but the company does offer a full range of security devices, from glass-break sensors to garage sensors and some useful home automation, like a smart door lock and wireless light control. We’re fans of Frontpoint’s line of cameras, which includes an outdoor model that’s rated IP66. If you’re not familiar with IP ratings, IP66 means that the camera is dust-tight and can resist water projected from a nozzle or heavy seas. You know, in case you’re headed out to sea with your security system.
Frontpoint System Monitoring
One of the nice things about Frontpoint is that, while it definitely provides you with full-service monitoring, you still have plenty of control over your system. Frontpoint staffs its monitoring centers with highly-trained personnel who are ready to respond to any emergency. Sensors perform hourly checks on home safety. Cameras are equipped with AI to distinguish between different types of events. Should monitors detect something, though, they issue you an alert. You have full access to camera footage so you can see exactly what’s going on and decide for yourself what to do next. You even have cloud storage so you can review events you may have missed. Of course, in an emergency, you can count on the company to contact emergency personnel immediately.
>> Check Out: Frontpoint FAQs
Price
Frontpoint’s pricing structure is set up to make it easy to get started with a system. The company keeps equipment prices low, and packages are scalable so you can add components as your home security needs expand. Frontpoint lists the full price of its Starter system at $541.91, but in practice, the company is virtually always running a sale of some sort. Right now, for example, you can get that Starter system for just $79. You won’t find a full-service system for a price like that anywhere. Remember, Vivint systems start at around $800. You’ll pay a little more for monitoring, though. Frontpoint is around $5 more per month than ADT, and some $20 more than SimpliSafe.
>> Go Head-to-Head: Frontpoint vs. ADT
What We Like
- Upfront pricing
- Weatherproof cameras
- Great customer service
- Support for Z-Wave technology
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t allow for DIY monitoring
- Expensive monitoring plans
- DIY installation takes more time than with other systems
- Adhesives sometimes ripped paint off our walls
Frontpoint Indoor Camera Our Experience Testing Frontpoint
Frontpoint is another full-service home security company. You may be noticing a pattern; that’s because full-service companies are simply more likely to offer cellular networks and backup than DIY companies. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and if you’re looking for protection that won’t quit when the power goes out, you’re probably going to need to pay for premium service. Frontpoint’s connection is 100 percent cellular, so you won’t have to worry about whether Wi-Fi backup will kick in. You’ll always have the most reliable signal between your home system, your mobile device, and Frontpoint’s monitoring center.
The thing is, we didn’t just get a cellular connection when we signed up with Frontpoint. We also got full integration with Alexa and Google Home ecosystems, including control of our system through both the Frontpoint app and voice commands. And in addition to cellular, Frontpoint provided Z-Wave technology as a way to connect all our equipment together. Z-Wave allows different brands of smart home devices to communicate with one another, so, for example, we had no problem getting our Nest thermostat to connect to our Frontpoint locks. Plus, with Z-Wave, every device is connected to every other device, so we knew our system wouldn’t go down if one component stopped working.
Like ADT and Vivint, Frontpoint doesn’t offer a DIY monitoring option. It’s professional 24/7 monitoring or nothing. And that monitoring doesn’t come cheap. The lowest-priced plan is around $50 per month. That’s five dollars more than ADT’s lowest plan, making Frontpoint the highest-priced monitoring plan on this list. That said, we haven’t come across any home security company with better customer service than Frontpoint. In other words, you don’t just get top-notch monitoring when you sign up. You get friendly, knowledgeable help whenever you need it — whether you’re dealing with an emergency situation or just need to get a smoke alarm to stop beeping at you.
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5. Cove - Most Affordable System
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Must customize package Monitoring Options Professional Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $17.99 per month Contract Lengths No contract required Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home 
Equipment
Cove offers a basic range of equipment, including touch-screen panels, door sensors, motion detectors, cameras, and environmental monitors. None of this equipment is quite as well-made as equipment from other companies on this list. For example, Cove’s indoor camera doesn’t include any sort of AI and can’t distinguish between different kinds of moving objects — pets and people, for instance. However, Cove is working to improve in this area. Recently, they began offering Eufy outdoor cameras, which do come with person detection as well as 2K resolution. Check out our Eufy camera review for more.
Cove’s touchscreen panel Monitoring
Cove maintains six different monitoring stations in the U.S. for fast emergency response times. In fact, we found that emergency personnel arrived an average of three to four minutes faster with Cove than with any other company on this list. When every second counts, that’s a pretty valuable statistic. This is another company, though, that doesn’t offer any form of self-monitoring, so you have to be comfortable with full service.
Price
Cove’s most important selling point is its price. While the company doesn’t offer quite the quality of equipment as other home security services do, you’ll save money — both on equipment and on monitoring. Cove’s best monitoring plan, for instance, costs $17.99 per month. That’s three dollars cheaper than SimpliSafe’s best price, making Cove the most affordable system on this list. In addition, Cove doesn’t require a contract. You can pay by the month and quit any time with no penalty.
>> Learn More: Best No-Contract Home Security Systems
What We Like
- Affordable monitoring plans
- No contract necessary
- Easy DIY installation
- Works with both Alexa and Google Home
What We Don’t Like
- No option for self-monitoring
- Company charges a fee to control your system with the app
- Limited equipment options
- Equipment can be large and unwieldy
Installing the Cove Entry Sensors Our Experience Testing Cove
If you’re looking for full-service 24/7 professional monitoring that includes cellular backup, but you want a price that’s a little more affordable than some of the big names like ADT, Cove may be right up your alley. You’re not going to get quite the same quality of equipment with Cove. We found, for example, that our Labrador retriever tended to trigger our indoor camera a little too often. In fact, we wound up trading it in for an outdoor Eufy camera. Everything worked as advertised, though, and we were impressed at how small the door and window sensors were — about half the size of ADT’s sensors.
The company’s professional monitoring certainly made us feel safe as well. During the winter, a pipe in our basement burst, and we were notified immediately, which meant we were able to minimize the flood damage. And while we weren’t able to set up a lot of fancy routines, Cove did integrate with both Alexa and Google Home, so we were able to turn our systems on and off using just a voice command.
Most important of all, though, we got a rock-solid home security system with monitoring we could count on, and we didn’t have to pay through the nose for it. In our book, $17.99 per month is absolutely worth it to ensure that someone always has eyes on our home. We know when we’re at the movies, that someone will take care of it. But even when we’re home enjoying a nice dinner or taking a hot bath, we don’t have to worry about security. It’s in professional hands.
The Added Security of Cellular Systems
The whole point of a security system is to keep you … well, you know, safe. We’ve talked already about some of the ways cellular systems do that.
- Unlike Wi-Fi systems, cellular systems rarely go down.
- Unlike landline systems, cellular system access points can’t be cut.
- Cellular is the most streamlined connection type.
It’s also true that cellular systems transmit information faster than landlines and Wi-Fi. Why does that matter? We’re not sure about you, but in an emergency, we want monitoring centers to know as fast as possible that we’re in trouble, and just what sort of trouble we’re dealing with.
And there’s one more way that cellular-based systems are safer than Wi-Fi-based ones: cellular networks are generally more secure from hackers than Wi-Fi systems. Don’t get us wrong — Wi-Fi systems are secure. You should have control over your home network, and as long as you protect it with passwords, you should be safe from any type of intrusion. Even better, you can equip your system with a top-tier VPN and ensure everything is encrypted and no one can track your movements online. Still, it’s always possible you could fall prey to a phishing scheme that compromises your network.
You don’t have these worries if you’re using a cellular-based security system. Cellular networks are secure by design. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets rigid standards for cellular encryption, which means no one should ever be able to hack into your security system.
The Important Questions to Ask When Choosing Cellular
We’ve spent a good deal of time extolling the benefits of cellular systems. That said, a home security system is a serious purchase and you don’t want to make any firm decisions until you’re sure you’re getting a product that will keep your family as safe as possible.
With that in mind, there are some important questions you might want to ask yourself as you’re searching for the right system.
Is cellular right for your situation?
We’ve already talked about the many advantages of cellular systems over landline and Wi-Fi systems. But there are some disadvantages to be aware of as well. Perhaps the most important of these is the fact that cellular networks still don’t extend everywhere in this country. There are plenty of rural areas where cell coverage is weak or nonexistent. If that’s the case where you live, cellular won’t be an option. In addition, you should be aware that cellular systems generally cost more than landline and Wi-Fi systems. That’s true in terms of equipment. It’s also true in terms of monthly monitoring. You likely already pay for some form of broadband. Paying for a special cellular line for data usually means an extra charge each month.
How do you define reliable?
Assuming you live where there are plenty of cell towers nearby, your next decision is whether you want a fully cellular system or one that uses cellular as a backup. The answer to this question will depend on how you define reliability. Cellular systems are generally more reliable than Wi-Fi, so a system that relies solely on cell coverage will almost always protect you better than a system that only uses Wi-Fi. However, in the unlikely event that your cellular coverage goes out, you won’t have a backup. As a result, we generally recommend you invest in systems that use Wi-Fi but offer cellular as a backup. This way you have two options, increasing the chances that at least one of them will be functional at all times.
Of course, once you’ve decided to look for a cellular system, and you’ve determined whether you need a cellular or cellular backup system, you’ll want to consider the other important factors in choosing a quality home security system, things like:
- Equipment: Does the system you’re interested in offer all the equipment you need, and can you count on that equipment to work in every situation? If you live in a harsh climate, for instance, can you be sure your outdoor camera will resist the elements?
- Monitoring: Does a given company offer the type of monitoring you’re looking for? If it offers professional monitoring, how many monitoring centers does it have? What’s the typical response time for getting emergency personnel to your home? And what do other customers have to say about its customer service? If you’re looking at self-monitoring, how much control do you have over your system? Will you receive real-time alerts, and can you check video footage?
- Installation: Is installation simple enough that you can handle it yourself, or are you going to need to opt for professional installation? And if you do go with professional installation, what costs will be added to your system?
- Price: And speaking of cost, prices do matter, even with something as essential as home security. Obviously, you want to start by considering your budget and what you can afford. In addition, though, you always want to think in terms of value. Just what are you getting for the money you’re paying?
- Apps: You know how frustrating it can be when an app doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to or when it’s confusing to use. Intuitive interfaces are even more essential when you’re dealing with home security. The last thing you want when you’ve received an alert about trouble at home is a confusing app.
- Customer Service: This may not be at the top of your list of worries, but again, when you’re dealing with home security, it’s crucial that your provider be responsive, knowledgeable, and professional.
Why We Recommend Professional Monitoring
We’ve talked about it a little already, but it certainly bears repeating: we always recommend full-service 24/7 professional monitoring. Why? It’s simple really: we just can’t monitor our homes ourselves all the time.
For one thing, we like to get a full eight hours of sleep in. Then there are those trips to the dentist and the doctor. There are evenings out to dinner and the movies. And the thousand other things we do with our days that tie us up so we don’t have time to do things like check an alert, review camera footage, or call the police. Not to mention vacations and business trips. And quite frankly, even when we’ve got nothing better to do, we prefer letting someone handle our security for us. We’d always rather just take a nap or work on a puzzle.
Plus, we’re totally not trained to respond to emergency situations. We like knowing that trained professionals are keeping an eye on things. They know exactly what to do if there’s a problem.
We get it: it’s not always easy to afford professional monitoring, and you’re always better off installing a DIY system over no system at all. If that’s the route you take, though, we might suggest going with a system that at least offers professional monitoring. That way, when you go out of town for the summer, you can always sign up for a month of service, just to protect things while you’re away.
Recap
Must your home security system have some form of cellular connectivity? No. In most situations, a Wi-Fi or hardwired system will work fine. But you never know. The fact is, nothing is more reliable than cellular, which means that if you’re looking for the safest possible security system, you really need one that offers cellular — at least as a backup.
Luckily, there are plenty of great systems out there that include some form of cellular, so you have choices. Which one’s right for you? Well, that will depend on what combination of other features you want in your home security system. We feel confident, though, that the system you’re looking for is somewhere on this list and that now you have enough information at your fingertips to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t go away just yet. We’ve taken the time to answer some of your most commonly asked questions about cellular home security systems, and you can never know too much.
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Why invest in a cellular home security system?
You should invest in a cellular home security system because it provides the most reliable type of connection. In order to keep you safe, your home security system needs to be able to communicate with the outside world. It either needs to connect to a professional monitoring center, or it needs to be able to send you alerts — or both. Systems can do that, of course, through both Wi-Fi and landlines. Wi-Fi is subject to power outages, though, and landlines can be cut. Cellular is the most reliable way of communicating. When your security system uses cellular (or at least offers cellular as a backup), you can be confident help will be available anytime you need it.
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What are the best cellular home security systems?
The best cellular security systems are ADT, Vivint, Cove, Frontpoint, and SimpliSafe. Overall, we liked ADT’s professional installation and monitoring the most, as it provides a high level of security that many DIY systems fail to provide. But really, the best cellular security system depends on what you’re after.
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How much do cellular home security systems cost?
Cellular security systems cost around $200, typically, depending on the brand, the size of the system, and the technology. In most cases, you can have your security system financed by the alarm company’s financing partner, which will divide the cost into 36 to 60 monthly installments. Aside from the equipment cost, there will be a monthly charge for professional monitoring. The cost also depends on the company offering the service, but among our top picks, Cove and SimpliSafe have the lowest monitoring prices, both starting at $17.99 per month. ADT, Vivint, and Frontpoint monitoring all fall within the $40 to $60 per month price range.
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Do you need a landline or internet connection to use cellular security systems?
You don’t need a landline or internet connection to use cellular security systems. They use built-in cellular chips to communicate alerts to monitoring centers. However, there are security systems that use two or more communication methods. In such cases, you can connect the security system to your landline or internet and it will use its cellular chip as backup.
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Can you use cellular home security systems without a monthly fee?
You can use cellular security systems without a monthly fee if the alarm company allows self-monitoring for free. With a self-monitored system, the user is responsible for resolving alerts, including calling the police if necessary. However, to make the most of the cellular connectivity, we recommend getting professional monitoring. Cellular systems communicate with monitoring centers through a cellular chip, which will continue to work even without a landline or internet connection.