Most "best home security" lists assume you own the house. We've written one of those — it's below — but if you're renting, skip to the renter shortlist. For homeowners: SimpliSafe wins on no-contract DIY, ADT wins on insurance paperwork, Ring wins on Amazon integration.
What the SERP isn't telling you
Systems that rely solely on WiFi go offline the moment an intruder cuts your internet. Ring Alarm Pro has cellular backup built in. SimpliSafe includes it on all paid plans. Wyze Home Monitoring has no cellular backup at all. This is never demonstrated in store demos because it requires actually cutting internet connectivity.
Understand cellular backup →Ranked by overall score. All prices include equipment + monitoring tiers.
ADT and Vivint require drilling and 36-month contracts — neither works in a rental. Our renter shortlist is Abode, Ring Alarm, and Wyze — all no-drill, no-contract, and portable when you move.
See Renter Picks →Realistic Y1 cost for a 3-bedroom house with 8 sensors + 2 cameras + 1 doorbell + 12 months of pro monitoring:
Ring
$489
Abode
$329–$617
SimpliSafe
$659
ADT (3yr)
$1,800
If you pick ADT and cancel before the 36-month contract ends, add $450–$900 early-termination fee.