Best Apple Home Security Systems in 2024
With a highly-rated app and compatibility with all devices, including Apple TV, we recommend ADT for Apple home security systems.
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Last Updated on Sep 18, 2024
- Highly rated Pulse app available for iPhone
- Works with a variety of Apple devices, including Apple TV and Apple Watch
- Apple HomeKit compatible through Homebridge
- View video feeds from your iPad
- Use Apple TV voice commands to check alerts
- Vivint iOS app lets you control your entire system from anywhere in the world
- Use your Apple Watch to arm and disarm your system
- Make system changes with Siri voice commands
- iPhone app provides real-time alerts
If you’re a Mac person, it’s probably safe to say you value simplicity and elegance when it comes to your electronics. I definitely get that — I’m the same way.
Unfortunately, Apple has yet to venture into the home security market. Until that time, there are plenty of providers out there that mirror Apple’s ethos; that is to say, they’re easy to use, they’re well designed, and they’ve got a few tricks up their sleeve that will make you say, “Wow! That’s so cool!”
I’ve been testing and reviewing the best home security systems and equipment for years now, and I’ve used that knowledge and experience to develop this list of the best security providers for Apple users. Before we get into the specifics, let’s first take a look at the criteria I used to make these determinations.
- iOS app: This should go without saying, but all of the providers on my list are going to have well-designed apps you can use to control your system
- High-quality equipment: All of these providers offer cutting-edge security products that are going to help keep your property and family safe with the latest technologies.
- Professional monitoring: A home security system isn’t any good if no one’s keeping an eye on it. While some providers offer self-monitoring, all of the companies on this list keep things professional.
- Installation options: Mac users like things that just work, so I’ve taken the guesswork out of things. Most of the providers on this list offer professional installation.
- Price: I know Apple products and affordability don’t always go hand in hand, but I selected providers that aren’t going to gouge you for their services.
Before we get to the details of each specific provider, let’s first get a little context by looking at them side by side.
Comparison of the Best Apple Home Security Systems
| System |
ADT
|
Vivint
|
Frontpoint
|
abode
|
Brinks Home Security
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Installation | DIY or professional | Professional only | DIY only | DIY or professional | Professional only |
| Best subscription price | $45.99 per month | $19.99 per month | $49.99 per month | $6.99 per month | $39.99 Per month |
| Professional monitoring cost | Included | $40 per month | $49.99 per month | $22.99 per month | $39.99 Per month |
| Equipment package prices | Starting at $599 | Starting at $600 | Starting at $541.91 | Starting at $139.99 | Starting at $360 |
| Read Review | ADT Review | Vivint Review | Frontpoint Review | abode Review | Brinks Home Security Review |
The Best Home Security Systems for Apple Users
- ADT - Best Professional Monitoring
- Vivint - Best Smart Home Integrations
- Frontpoint - Best DIY Option
- abode - Best for Apple HomeKit Users
- Brinks Home Security - Best Reputation
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1. ADT - Best Professional Monitoring
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 ADT Overview
If you’ve been even tangentially interested in getting a home security system, you’ve likely heard the name ADT. It’s one of the most popular providers, with 6 million active customers across the country.1
>> Compare Options: Brinks vs. ADT
And that’s not by dumb luck. ADT delivers some of the most advanced security features using white-glove service. From its professional installation to its exceptional customer service, the experience of using this service is pretty outstanding. And I should know: I lived with and tested one of these systems in my home for over a month.
ADT’s Yard Sign Let’s talk specifically about controlling this system using Apple products.
ADT for Apple
ADT offers two apps: Pulse and Control. The one you’ll use depends on the system you have. Since I was testing an older system, I was using the Pulse app. It was intuitively designed and really easy to use. From the app, I was able to:
- Arm and disarm the system
- Display video monitoring
- Control temperature
- Control lighting
- Set up custom notifications
- Lock and unlock doors
Even though ADT does offer a touch screen control panel I found myself almost never using it, preferring to use my phone instead. I do like having the option of the panel, but my iPhone was a lot more convenient for me.
ADT Control App main screen ADT Monitoring
As a more traditional home security system, ADT requires professional monitoring. Exactly how much that will cost depends on the size of your system. To give you an idea, monitoring starts at $46 per month. That’s certainly not the most affordable option on the list — that would be abode at $23 per month — but keep in mind ADT’s monitoring is some of the best in the industry.
ADT has nine control centers across the country, all with their own redundancies built in, to ensure its services never go down. It also deploys some of the latest and greatest technologies to help reduce false alarms and connect with authorities as quickly as possible to get a response to your home quickly in case of an emergency.
Arming the ADT System ADT Costs
Unfortunately, you’re going to end up paying quite a bit for an ADT system, but, as an Apple user, you know that high-quality equipment doesn’t come cheap. I have a lot more information in my breakdown of ADT’s prices, but the short version is this: It offers three security packages that you can customize to your needs. Here’s how they look side by side:
Feature Secure Home Smart Home Video and Smart Home Digital control panel 1 1 1 Contact sensors 3 3 3 Motion detector 1 1 1 Smart door lock No 1 1 Smart plug No 1 1 Remote arm/disarm No Yes Yes Indoor camera No No 1 Video doorbell No No 1 Remote livestreaming No No Yes Customizable alerts No No Yes Monitoring Starts at $45.99 per month Starts at $49.99 per month Starts at $57.99 per month Equipment cost Starts at $599 Starts at $919 Starts at $1,049 Also keep in mind that because it offers financing options, you’re not going to have to drop a huge chunk of change upfront like you would with some of the other DIY home security systems out there, and ADT also offers several deals and sales throughout the year that you could take advantage of.
ADT Home Security Motion Detector “Wow” Factor
The best part about using an ADT system has to be how seamless everything is. The system is professionally installed and tested, so you know exactly how everything works before the technician walks out the door. From the first day, it just works without ever your ever having to lift a finger. No getting out the power drill. No cursing because your base station won’t connect to your WiFi.
Learn More: Professional vs. DIY Home Security Systems
The Drawbacks
The major drawback of ADT is the long-term contract. Even if you pay for the equipment upfront, you’re still going to have to sign up for at least a 36-month contract to enjoy the benefits of this system. For some people, that’s not a huge deal, but if you’re looking for the best security system for your apartment, it might be a dealbreaker.
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2. 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 Vivint Overview
Vivint’s smart home automation is some of the most technologically advanced on the market today. If you’ve ever dreamed of controlling your entire home — from your security cameras to your lighting — all from Siri voice commands, this might be the right system for you.
>> Learn More: Best Smart Security Systems
It was a frigid Brooklyn winter when I was testing my Vivint system, so I set up commands that allowed me to control my thermostat by talking into my iPhone. Let me tell you, saying, “Siri, set the thermostat to 74,” in the morning made the walk to my kitchen to grab coffee a lot more tolerable.
Vivint With Apple
Similar to ADT, although Vivint does offer a slick touch screen panel, I found myself controlling the system from my iPhone 90 percent of the time. From the app I could:
- Arm and disarm the system
- Watch live feeds from my cameras
- Receive notifications
- Answer my doorbell
- Control my lighting
- Control my thermostat
- Unlock and lock my deadbolts
Vivint Thermostat in the app I don’t have a garage — again, Brooklyn — but if I did, I could even control its door from the app. That’s pretty handy, in my opinion.
Vivint Monitoring
Again, Similar to ADT, Vivint’s security systems require professional monitoring, and the cost of that monitoring is going to depend on the size and scope of your system. It starts at $40 per month and goes up there, depending on the package you’ve selected.
>> Compare Options: Brinks vs. ADT
Vivint’s monitoring is worth the cost — at least in my opinion. When I was testing this system, the response times were extremely fast, and I felt really secure knowing that I wasn’t on the hook for keeping an eye on things 24/7.
Vivint Costs
If you’re interested in Vivint’s pricing, the best thing to do is call for a free quote. There are no security packages — everything is bespoke.
That said, here are the general costs of each piece of equipment when I tested the system. Keep in mind that the required professional installation is going to cost you $99.
Component Retail price Smart drive (storage) $250 Car guard $200 Smoke detector $100 Carbon monoxide detector $100 Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide monitor $100 Smart lock $180 Garage door controller $100 Smart thermostat $170 Lamp module $50 Doorbell Camera Pro $250 Outdoor Camera Pro $400 Ping Indoor Camera $200 Indoor Camera Pro $200 Spotlight Pro $250 Water sensor $50 Flood, freeze, and heat sensor $50 Smart sensor $50 Panic pendant $50 Key fob $50 Tilt sensor $50 Not exactly cheap. I reviewed the Outdoor Camera Pro. While it’s impressive, it costs almost as much as some of the best DIY security systems I’ve tested. Just something to keep in mind if you’re trying to protect your property on a budget.
Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2) “Wow” Factor
One of the coolest things about Vivint is just how futuristic it feels. Living and working with this system was like being on an episode of “Star Trek.” I really liked how everything could be controlled with voice commands through Siri, and I loved that I didn’t have to spend a whole lot of time setting everything up myself. That professional installation really streamlined everything.
Vivint app doorbell ring notification The Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of Vivint is the price. Similar to ADT, it does offer financing, but $2,000 over two years is still $2,000. Put simply, there are a lot more affordable options out there — like SimpliSafe, abode, and Ring — if you’re looking for a security system. But again, you get what you pay for with this smart home security system.
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3. Frontpoint - Best Customer Support
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 Frontpoint Overview
Both ADT and Vivint take a pretty traditional approach to home security, while Frontpoint, from day 1, aimed to be a disruptor in this space.
The Frontpoint security system >> Learn More: Frontpoint FAQ
Founded in 2007, this company always looked to leverage the latest security technologies and keep costs low by focusing on a DIY approach. It’s also made a commitment to providing some of the best customer service in the industry today, which I’ll talk more about below.
Frontpoint for Apple
Frontpoint also offers an extremely easy-to-use app for its customers to control their systems with. Again, this is what I primarily used during my testing period. I was able to:
- Arm and disarm the system
- Receive push and text notifications for events
- Check email notifications
- View live and recorded videos
- Control locks
- Control lights
- Control thermostats
Frontpoint App Main Page Everything I needed was really easy to find, and the settings were simple to adjust. Honestly, I’m not sure why any security provider offers touch screen panels anymore when controlling the system from the app is so easy.
Frontpoint Monitoring
Like ADT and Vivint, Frontpoint also requires its systems to be professionally monitored, and that monitoring costs $49.99 per month. I understand that can be a tough pill to swallow, but here’s what you get for that fee:
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Cellular backup
- Automated system check
- Unique user codes
- Crash-and-smash protection
- Geolocation services
- Mobile alerts and notifications via email and text
- Remote access and control
- Sensor history
- Live video streaming
- Video and image history
- Motion-triggered alerts
- Light control
- Smart lock control
That crash-and-smash protection is a pretty interesting function. If an intruder breaks into your home and damages your alarm control before the signal can be sent, there’s a good chance authorities won’t respond to the call. With crash-and-smash, though, that signal is still going to be sent regardless, which definitely adds to peace of mind.
Expert TakeFrom Gene Petrino, Retired SWAT Commander and Law Enforcement“I once responded to an attempted burglary in a residential neighborhood. The suspect approached the front door with his head down to conceal his face and used spray paint to spray the camera lens. Once he believed the camera to be disabled, he looked up to his left. He froze when he saw another camera facing him, knowing it captured his face. He ran off after deciding it was not worth the risk.”Frontpoint Costs
I have more on this in my guide to Frontpoint’s costs, but it offers three primary security packages as well as a list of equipment that you can use to either build out one of those bundles or create your own system entirely. Here’s a breakdown of the first:
Name Equipment Regular price Sale price Ultimate Home Security System - Hub
- Keypad
- Touch screen
- Door sensors (5)
- Glass-break sensor
- Smart door lock
- Flood sensor
- Indoor camera
- Doorbell camera
- Yard sign and stickers
$1,351.83 $419 Premier Home Security System - Hub
- Keypad
- Touch screen
- Door sensors (3)
- Doorbell camera
- Yard sign and stickers
$771.90 $169 Starter Home Security System - Hub
- Keypad
- Door sensor (1)
- Yard sign and stickers
$541.91 $79.99 Also, you can pretty much ignore that “regular price” column. Frontpoint is pretty much always running a deal that will keep your costs low, which makes it one of the most affordable security providers out there.
Frontpoint Base Station, Door/Window Sensor, and Motion Sensor Now let’s look at Frontpoint’s individual pieces of equipment.
Component Price Carbon monoxide sensor $65.49 Door or window sensor $19.24 Doorbell camera $109.99 Extra keypad $30.24 Flood sensor $24.74 Garage door tilt sensor $24.74 Glass-break sensor $41.24 Indoor camera $65.99 Keychain remote $17.59 Motion sensor $38.74 Outdoor camera $126.49 Outdoor smart plug $27.49 Premium indoor camera $109.99 Smart door lock $109.99 Touch screen $82.49 Notice how that outdoor camera is essentially a quarter of the price of Vivint’s? If you’re looking to keep costs low, DIY is usually the way to go.
>> Compare: ADT Self Setup vs. Frontpoint
“Wow” Factor
One thing that really impressed me was how easy the Frontpoint system was to set up. I know the abbreviation “DIY” might as well be a four-letter word to some folks, but getting the full system up and running in my apartment took me about 30 minutes in total.
Keep in mind that a lot of these pieces of equipment adhere to the walls using command strips, so be careful when you’re taking them down, or you’re going to need some touch-up paint like me. But note that there was no drilling or wiring required. It’s a true DIY system, just like you get with Ring or SimpliSafe.
The Drawbacks
I’d say the biggest drawback to picking up a Frontpoint system is that the $50-per-month professional monitoring is required. If you’re on a budget, that might be a bridge too far. If that’s the case, check out my guide to the best self-monitored home security systems. You’ll be responsible for tracking everything, but you’ll save a bundle.
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4. abode - Best for Apple HomeKit Users
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $140 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $24.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or yearly Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit 
abode Overview
Similar to Vivint, abode is another provider that prioritizes high-tech solutions and smart home automation. However, it takes more of a DIY approach, and abode is much cheaper than Vivint. As such, abode lowers the bar for entry.
The Abode Iota security system Another great thing about abode is that it works great with a whole host of third-party smart home products, and it’s one of the few security systems that works with Apple HomeKit right out of the box — no Homebridge required.
abode for Apple
When I was testing the abode system, I was able to connect and control everything from my Apple Home app, which meant I could connect to the system with my iPad and my Apple watch pretty much seamlessly. From there I could:
- Arm or disarm my system
- Access live streams
- Check my status
- Use voice commands with Siri
- Receive alerts
- Add or remove devices
It was really simple since I didn’t have to download and learn a whole new app, but if you prefer to go that route, its iOS app is also pretty powerful.
abode App abode Monitoring
abode offers three tiers of monitoring — one being totally self-monitored and hence free. This is why it places so well on my list of the best no-monthly-fee home security systems. I have a lot more information in my guide to abode’s pricing structure, but here’s a quick breakdown of what you get with each tier:
Feature Basic Standard Pro Smart home integrations Yes Yes Yes Push notifications Yes Yes Yes Email notifications No Yes Yes Customizable notifications No Yes Yes Unlimited users No Yes Yes Days of cloud storage 0 7 30 Timeline access No Yes Yes Home automation options No Yes Yes Cellular backup No No Yes 24/7 professional monitoring No No Yes Access to deals and discounts No No Yes Monthly price $0 $6 $20 Even its top tier of service is about half of what the others on our list cost. Note that if you want professional monitoring, that’s the tier you’re going to have to select.
abode Costs
Similar to Frontpoint, abode offers a few security packages as well as an a la carte menu that you can use to bolster one of the existing systems or build your own. Here’s a quick breakdown of their bundles:
Security package Number of pieces Price Current sale price Smart Security Hub (build your own) 1 $249.99 $189.99 abode Security Kit 3 $139.99 $109.99 Smart Security Kit 4 $209.99 $209.99 Iota All-in-One Security Kit 3 $379.99 $259.99 Smart Security Hub 9 $680.00 $339.99 Iota Hub 8 $800 $379.99 Similar to Frontpoint, you don’t really need to pay attention to those regular prices. abode is always running a sale — I’ve never seen it charge full price for anything.
That said, here’s the list of its individual components and their prices:
Component Cost abode Cam 2 $34.99 Door or window sensor $20.00 Acoustic glass-break sensor $51.99 Vibration glass-break sensor $37.99 Key fob $25.99 Keypad 2.0 $94.99 Mini door or window sensor $27.99 Motion sensor $43.99 Multipurpose sensor $45.99 Panic button $28.99 Recessed door or window sensor $32.99 Siren (indoor) $55.99 Siren (outdoor) $89.99 Slim strip sensor $32.99 Smart home power switch $44.99 Smoke alarm monitor $39.99 Water-leak sensor $54.99 Pretty reasonable, right? So, if you’re looking for a smart security system and you’re not really excited about Vivint’s prices, this is definitely an option. You’re just going to need to install it yourself.
Entryway sensors from Abode >> Read About: Best Google Home Security System
Don’t worry — I’ve tested plenty of abode equipment. Everything is really easy to set up and network together. Just remember to set up the hub first! Everything follows from there.
“Wow” Factor
For me, abode’s biggest selling point is how easy it is to integrate other pieces of equipment into its network. I have a Google thermostat, for instance, and it automatically showed up as a piece of equipment I could add and control. If you already have some smart home equipment in your house and don’t want to start from scratch, abode might be a good option.
The Drawbacks
The main drawback of abode is the buying experience. Simply put, its website is really difficult to use, which in turn can make it difficult to see all of your options. I recommend using the “build my system” option at the top to make sure you’re not going to run into any issues or gaps in your system.
I’d also like to see more indoor and outdoor security camera options from abode. As it stands, it’s pretty slim pickings.
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5. Brinks Home Security - Best Reputation
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $360 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs Starting at $39.99 per month Contract lengths 36 months Installation options DIY or professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home 
Brinks Overview
Similar to ADT, Brinks is a well-known name in the home security world. Now, I’m not always a go-with-the-crowd kind of person, but these massive security companies don’t get to be their size because they treat their customers poorly or provide subpar service. While it’s not great at any one thing, in our years of testing Brinks, the provider has never disappointed.
Brinks panel >> Compare Options: Brinks vs. ADT
Brinks has been around in some form or fashion since 1859, making it one of the oldest commercial brands in the world. And during that time, it’s straddled the line between traditional security and modern consumer needs. More on that in a minute.
Brinks for Apple
A lot of security apps can be a little lacking, but not so with Brinks. Its iOS app is extremely robust, allowing users to control almost every single function of their security system as well as any smart home automations they might have set up. This includes:
- Arming and disarming the system
- Entry management
- Viewing live feeds and recorded footage
- Answering doorbells
- Setting temperatures
- Opening and closing garage doors
- Geofencing
Brinks app main screen That last feature really stands out to me. Essentially, you can use this to set up actions to take place when you’re arriving at or leaving your property based on your phone’s proximity to the system. I set mine to turn the lights on and unlock my door as I approached; I felt like I was in “Blade Runner” during my test period.
Brinks Monitoring
Brinks offers three tiers of monitoring, and, taking a nod from the DIY disruptors in this space, it also offers users the ability to self-monitor to save a little money. I have more in my guide to Brinks’ costs, but here’s a quick breakdown:
Features Smart Security Essential Smart Security Complete Smart Security Ultimate 24/7 professional monitoring Yes Yes Yes Cellular backup Yes Yes Yes Tamper protection Yes Yes Yes Smartphone control Yes Yes Yes Home automation Yes Yes Yes Google Assistant and Alexa integration Yes Yes Yes LiveVoice Assist Yes Yes Yes Live video streaming No Yes Yes Cloud video storage No Yes Yes Free professional installation No No Yes Total cost of equipment $360 $519 $799 Monthly monitoring service fee $39.99 $44.99 $49.99 While those equipment costs might look a little steep, keep in mind that similar to ADT and Vivint, financing options are available.
Brinks Costs
Again, just like the first two options on our list, Brinks really wants you to call its sales team to help you build your system, but here’s a list of the prices for each individual piece of equipment so you can get an idea of how much you might need to spend.
Component Price Door sensor $40 Keychain remote $40 Garage door tilt sensor $48 IQ flood detector $56 Motion sensor $80 IQ smoke detector $80 FireFighter $80 IQ carbon monoxide detector $80 Glass-break detector $80 SkyBell slim line video doorbell $159 Indoor camera $160 Alarm.com Z-Wave thermostat $160 Kwikset 888 SmartCode deadbolt $200 Outdoor camera $240 Kwikset SmartCode lever lock $240 Smart video doorbell $240 Indoor camera with two-way voice $240 Some of this is a little pricey, like the $40 entryway sensor, and some of it is downright expensive, like the $240 video doorbell. There are a lot of manufacturers that have equipment that costs much less than that. If you’re interested, you can check out my guide to Ring’s video doorbells.
Brinks’ Alarm.com cameras and doorbell That said, with providers like Vivint, ADT, and Brinks, you’re paying for the convenience of having everything packed up and installed for you. How much you’re willing to pay for that is up to you.
“Wow” Factor
One of the most interesting things about Brinks is that it really positions itself as being the best of both worlds. It’s a traditional system with all the power of a massive company, but it will still let you self-monitor or install the system yourself to save some cash. I really appreciate this flexibility.
But as they say, when you try to target everyone, you reach no one. Brinks hasn’t been able to set itself apart in any way (jack of all trades but master of one!). So, it tends to end up somewhere in the middle of our ‘Best’ lists.
The Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of Brinks is the one area where it’s inflexible. If you go with Brinks, you are going to have to sign up for a long-term contract — at least 36 months. This can help if you’re trying to spread out the cost of the system, but some people don’t like making that long of a commitment, especially when they can go with a no-contract system like SimpliSafe, Ring, abode, Frontpoint, and most other brands out there. Food for thought!
What Is Apple HomeKit and How Does it Work?
Similar to Google Home, Apple HomeKit is a software configuration and communication protocol that lets users control a huge number of smart devices using Apple products. If you want to tell Siri to unlock your doors or arm your security system, HomeKit is the way to do it.
Unfortunately, HomeKit isn’t a popular system, and there aren’t a lot of security systems that natively support it — abode being a notable exception. If you’re using a system or equipment that doesn’t integrate with HomeKit, you can always use Homebridge. Homebridge allows systems from big players like Ring and Google Nest to work with your HomeKit system and function in your overall security system. I’ve used it to connect Nest cameras to an abode system, and while it can be a little convoluted, it definitely gets the job done.
Will My Home Security System Work With My iPhone?
Unless you’re using a system from the dark ages, the vast majority of home security systems on the market today have iPhone apps.
However, as you well know, not all apps are created equal. Some — like those on our list — are seamless, elegant, and intuitive. Others are clunky and frustrating, and will make you want to pitch your phone into the river. The more a provider prioritizes its user experience, the better.
Do I Need a Home Security System?
While it might sound unthinkable, a home is broken into every 15 seconds in the U.S. That means by the time you’re done reading this, someone else has become a victim.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
While you don’t absolutely need a home security system to keep yourself safe, it is definitely one of the best ways out there to prevent yourself from becoming victimized. In the security game, you just want to make a potential burglar think twice about entering your property — which can be as simple as setting up a security camera or a “Protected by ADT” yard sign.
Should I Professionally Monitor My Home Security System?
One of the ongoing debates in the industry is whether a security system needs to be professionally monitored or if self-monitoring is enough. Ultimately, this comes down to a matter of preference, but I’ll give you my two cents.
First, a self-monitored system can be just as effective as a professionally monitored one, but you need to stay vigilant. After a month or so of using your system, you might be tempted to ignore alerts or set your phone to silent. All it takes is one slip-up like that to become a victim.
On the other hand, professionally monitoring your system will take that responsibility off your shoulders. That said, it’s not cheap and certainly isn’t for every budget.
Related Reading: Best VPNs for iPads
Methodology
Transparency is really important for us, so we wanted to let you know exactly how we determined the home security providers that made the cut for this list.
Apple Compatibility
This is kind of a no-brainer, but all of the security providers on this list have spent a lot of time fine-tuning their equipment’s compatibility with Apple products. Most of the time, this shows up as a well-designed iOS app that you can use to control most major functions of your security system. But one of the providers on this list, abode, is compatible with the smart home automation platform Apple HomeKit.
Monitoring Options
As we’ve mentioned throughout, there are two ways to monitor a home security system: professionally or on your own. There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches, but for this list, we tended to stick with providers that have a rock-solid reputation for professional monitoring prowess.
Equipment Quality
If you’re an Apple user, it’s safe to say you value high-quality equipment. While the providers on our list might cost a little more, you’re definitely going to see where that money went. These providers offer top-of-the-line, high-tech equipment that is going to help keep you and your family safe for the long haul.
Price
Finally, we wanted to include providers that offer a high level of value. To us, this means that you’re not going to be required to spend money superfluously. Even if a certain piece of equipment or service costs a little more, you’re going to clearly see why that’s so. For this list, we chose systems whose equipment cost between $200 and $600, and monitoring that ranged from $20 per month up to about $50 per month.
FAQ About Apple-Friendly Home Security Systems
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What is Apple HomeKit?
Apple’s HomeKit isn’t a product or software; it’s the overarching framework Apple uses for its integrated products. HomeKit-compatible products include locks, cameras, thermostats, and a number of other devices that can be controlled right from an iPhone or voice command using Siri.
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Does Apple have a security system?
Apple doesn’t make its own security system, but there are a number of home security products that can be integrated into a security system using HomeKit. The only full security system that can be used through HomeKit is abode.
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What security systems work with Apple HomeKit?
While abode is the only security system on our list designed for integration with Apple HomeKit, almost all security systems offer remote control of their systems through iOS apps.
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Are home security systems expensive?
Most modern home security systems are modular, meaning you can scale them up or down depending on your needs — financial or otherwise. For the most part, you should expect to pay between $200 and $800 for equipment and $20 to $50 per month for monitoring.
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Are home security systems hard to install?
Most traditional home security providers require you to install their systems professionally, meaning you won’t have to do anything. DIY systems, on the other hand, require a little work. Most of the time, this work won’t require any special skills or tools, and most systems can be set up in less than an hour.
ADT. (2024). ADT is Committed to Your Home and Business Security.
adt.com/about-adt