There’s a wide range of home security systems available in Indianapolis. To help you find the one that fits you and your home, the This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated the best home security systems on key metrics like equipment and cost. Keep reading to learn about our top picks.
Top 6 Home Security Systems in Indianapolis
ADT: Best Overall Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration Abode: Best for Customization Alder: Best for Medical Alerts
Compare Home Security Systems
ADT Home Security
ADT is the This Old House Reviews Team’s top recommendation. It has millions of customers across the country because of its nearly 150 years of experience in the space, six-month, money-back guarantee, and large network of professional monitoring centers. You purchase this optional add-on equipment at a one-time charge:
Indoor and outdoor cameras Video doorbell camera Touchscreen keypad Glass break sensor Smoke detector Flood sensor Carbon monoxide detector Panic button
Learn more: ADT Home Security Review
Vivint Home Security
Vivint provides smartphone and smart home integration. The system includes high-tech equipment like camera analytics to notify customers when people and packages arrive and can be seamlessly synced with third-party devices like the Kwikset smart lock, Nest thermostat, and Philips Hue smart light. Vivint offers five home security packages. If you’re interested in video surveillance but don’t want to commit to the most costly package, you should consider the Video Security Bundle.
“Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package: The starter package features all of the primary equipment, including a touchscreen panel that can be controlled through the mobile app, a motion sensor, two entry sensors, and The Smart Hub. You also get $100 toward purchasing more sensors. “Home Security System Bundle” Package: This package features all of the equipment in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit along with a smart smoke detector you can integrate with your security system to unlock smart locks if the smoke alarm system gets triggered. “Smart Home Control Bundle” Package: This combo package includes all of the equipment from the two prior packages plus a smart thermostat, smart garage door opener, and smart lock. A Vivint Smart Home Video Plan is needed to use this package. “Video Security Bundle” Package: This bundled package adds video surveillance to the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit’s equipment. It includes an outdoor camera, doorbell camera, and Wi-Fi-enabled storage for playback recording. A Smart Home Video Plan is required to use this package. “Smart Complete Bundle” Package: This smart package provides comprehensive protection, adding all of the automation from Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle to all of the equipment from the Video Security Bundle.
Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe offers five preset home protection packages plus one customizable package that allows customers to select the exact equipment they want. The Foundation Package is a good fit for customers who want a no-frills starter package that comes with all the must-haves.
“The Foundation” Package: This basic package features all of the primary equipment, including a base station, entry sensor, motion sensor, and keypad. “The Essentials” Package: Building on The Foundation Package, The Essentials Package includes extra entry sensors. “The Hearth” Package: This package adds extras like a siren and a key fob to The Essentials Package’s equipment. “The Knox” Package: The Knox includes all of the security devices featured in The Hearth Package and doubles the amount of entry sensors and motion sensors for a total of six and two respectively. “The Haven” Package: This package provides extensive protection, featuring all of the essential equipment along with a temperature sensor, water sensor, and panic button.
You can design your own SimpliSafe security package by following these three steps: The Standard Monitoring Plan costs $14.99 per month, while the Interactive Monitoring Plan costs $24.99 per month. Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint is a DIY home security system that doesn’t lock its customers into a contract. The company also offers convenient and customizable smartphone notifications, making it a great option for customers who are frequently away from home. Frontpoint offers four different home security packages. Each of the packages includes a hub, a keypad, at least one motion sensor, and at least two door/window sensors. Customers with larger homes should consider the Safe Home Preferred Package, which has five door/window sensors to cover more entry points.
“Safe Home Starter” Package: This basic package includes must-have devices like a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, and two door/window sensors. “Safe Home Everyday” Package: This kit includes all of the starter package’s devices plus an extra motion sensor and door/window sensor. “Safe Home Select” Package: This package provides additional devices like a smoke and heat sensor and glass break sensor. “Safe Home Preferred” Package: The preferred package offers the most extensive protection, featuring all of the equipment from the other packages plus an indoor
Customers have two payment options. They can either purchase their Frontpoint security equipment upfront or finance it through the payment service Affirm with a three-, six-, or 12-month payment plan. Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Home Security
Abode is a versatile home security system that allows you to connect up to 160 different devices for extensive protection. The provider allows flexibility in terms of plans with no long-term contract requirements and a choice of DIY or professional monitoring. Abode offers a range of four home security packages. The major distinction between the packages is that two utilize the Gen 2 Gateway, while the other two use the more advanced Iota All-in-One Gateway.
“Smart Security Middle” Package: This starter package features Abode’s Gen 2 Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, one sticker, two door/window sensors, and one motion sensor. “Iota Kit Middle” Package: This package adds onto the foundation of The Smart Security Middle Package with the Iota All-In-One Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, and three door/window sensors. “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package: This elite package is based around the Gen 2 Gateway and includes one keypad, one key fob, one sticker, two motion sensors, and four door/window sensors. “Iota Kit Elite” Package: This comprehensive security package includes the All-In-One Gateway, a keypad, a key fob, four mini door/window sensors, and a motion sensor.
Learn more: Abode Home Security Review
Alder Home Security
Most home protection providers offer a variety of preset packages. Alder, on the other hand, allows you to customize your own package by choosing the exact devices you want—that way, you don’t end up paying for equipment you won’t use.
Alder Packages & Equipment
You can select the exact pieces of equipment you want to design your unique Alder home security package from the list below.
Touchscreen Panel: The panel is the foundation of the Alder home security system. It uses a cellular connection to remain functional even if the internet cuts out. Indoor Security Camera: This camera uses a wide-angle lens and night vision and allows two-way talk for real-time interactions. The camera will also notify you when someone in the house requires special attention. Outdoor Security Camera: The outdoor camera has standout features like night vision and a wide-angle lens to monitor a large area regardless of the time of day. Other features include two-way audio, mobile notifications, and motion detection. Motion Sensor: These sensors use infrared technology to pick up on motion inside the house. If a motion sensor is tripped, the system will notify the control panel, alerting both the customer and the monitoring center. Door/Window Sensor: When the system is armed, the sensors send notifications if a door or window is opened. When the system isn’t armed, the base station makes a chiming sound if a window or door is opened. Smart Smoke Detector: These smart detectors alert you before smoke signals start and double as carbon monoxide detectors. Medical Alert Pendant: Designed with seniors who live alone and customers with medical issues in mind, the alert pendant notifies emergency services when someone presses the button. Flood and Freeze Detectors: These detectors notify you as soon as they detect excess water in the home. Common setup areas include near sinks, appliances that use water, and major piping in basements. Doorbell Camera: This device gives you access to a livestream of your door and alerts you when someone arrives.
Alder Pricing
Alder’s pricing information isn’t publicly available on its website because the packages are customizable. However, customers can call Alder to ask about cost. Regardless of the package you create, you will have a three-year contract, with monthly monitoring prices starting at $39.99. Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
After evaluating a wide variety of home security systems, the This Old House Reviews Team has determined that the best providers in Indianapolis are ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode. Each of our top recommendations provides comprehensive protection with all of the must-have equipment along with individual benefits like no contract requirements or DIY installation. We always advise you to reach out to several home security system providers to get a range of quotes. That will help you find the security system that best fits your budget and needs. You can use the tool below to contact the first few.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Indianapolis
What is the best home security provider?
Our recommendation for the best home security system is ADT with more than 140 years of industry experience, the largest network of professional monitoring centers, and a six-month, money-back guarantee.
Is SimpliSafe as good as ADT?
We believe ADT is the best overall, but SimpliSafe still has some unique qualities like a long battery life and a choice between professional and DIY installation.
How much is ADT monthly?
This will depend on the package you select and whether you pay for professional monitoring on a weekly or monthly basis.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for home security providers is on a 100-point scale based on 10 factors:
Number of systems (5) Special features (10) Installation options (5) Connectivity and smart home automation (15) Pricing (15) Contract period (5) Warranty (15) Trial period (15) Usability (5) Trustworthiness (10)
Our Reviews Team reviewed 32 companies and spent 744 hours researching and testing out products to help us compare home security systems on key factors such as package options, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Read more on our methodology here. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
