With professional monitoring, two-way voice options, and remote door locking and unlocking, there are many special security system features available that are designed to give you peace of mind when you’re away from home. However, not all home security systems are of the same quality; they can differ in terms of plans and packages offered, ease of installation, contract periods, and more. The This Old House Reviews Team has rounded up the best home security systems in New Jersey, evaluating a wide range of factors and providing our top recommendations.
The 6 Best Home Security Systems in New Jersey
ADT Home Security: Best Overall Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration Alder: Best for Medical Alerts SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration Abode: Best for Customization
1. ADT Home Security
ADT offers one of the best home security systems and has more than 140 years of experience. It has serviced millions of customers and provides 24/7 professional monitoring. A six-month money-back guarantee is available from ADT, which operates the largest network of professional monitoring centers. ADT also sells this additional equipment: Smoke detector, Carbon monoxide detector, Panic button, Flood sensor, Glass break sensor, Video doorbell camera, Indoor and outdoor cameras, Touchscreen keypad. Learn more: ADT Home Security Review
2. Vivint Home Security
Vivint’s home security systems can be integrated with a wide variety of third-party smart home devices like the Nest thermostat, Philips Hue smart light, Kwikset smart lock, and more. The company is known for its technologically advanced equipment. One of its security cameras uses advanced camera analytics to notify customers of people and packages on their doorstep. Vivint offers five different equipment packages. The Smart Complete Package is Vivint’s most comprehensive package, including a range of smart home devices and outdoor cameras. The Video Security package is the second-most comprehensive package and features multiple cameras but excludes most smart home devices.
“Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package: The most basic plan is the Vivint Smart Hub, a touch screen panel that can be controlled via an app. This streamlined package includes the Vivint Smart Hub, two smart entry sensors, one water sensor, one motion sensor, and $100 toward additional sensors. “Home Security System Bundle” Package: This security upgrade features everything in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit, along with a smart smoke detector. This detector integrates with the system so that it can unlock any smart locks if the smoke alarm system is triggered. “Smart Home Control Bundle” Package: This contains everything mentioned so far, plus a smart door lock, a smart thermostat, and a smart garage door opener. To get full use out of this system, subscribe to the Vivint Smart Home Video Plan. “Video Security Bundle” Package: This package adds video surveillance to your home security system. Customers get everything in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit, plus a video doorbell, an indoor camera, and an outdoor security camera. This package also comes with Vivint Smart Drive, a Wi-Fi enabled storage device that saves all playback recordings. Like the Smart Home Control Bundle, you’ll need to subscribe to the Smart Home Video Plan. “Smart Complete Bundle” Package: This is the broadest smart home system package, including the automation from the Smart Home Control Bundle and the security devices of the Video Security Bundle.
The two types of costs associated with Vivint are the equipment cost and the monthly monitored cost. You can also get a free quote by visiting the company’s website. Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
3. Alder Home Security
With a simple and straightforward security panel, Alder is one of our top choices. The company has one of the quickest average response times on the market at 3.4 seconds. Unlike its competitors, Alder does not offer a series of premade packages. Instead, all plans are customized for the individual customer.
Alder Equipment
As noted, Alder does not sell preset packages. Here is a breakdown of the company’s equipment.
Touchscreen Panel: This is the device that controls the entire system. Because it’s a cellular connection, there are no concerns about losing connection if the internet goes out. Also, it comes with batteries so that customers can take it with them around their home or keep it on their bedside table at night. Indoor Security Camera: The indoor security camera offers night vision, a wide angle lens, and two-way talk. Baby crying detection is included, and it can send motion-activated notifications if people have a loved one who needs special attention. Outdoor Security Camera: The outdoor security cameras provide night vision and a wide-angle lens to view a large area with a single camera. The cameras have many features like motion detection, two-way audio, and mobile notifications. Motion Sensor: This device uses infrared technology to detect when someone is in the home. If a sensor is tripped, a signal is sent to the security system’s control panel, which connects to the monitoring center. This alerts customers and the monitoring center to a potential threat in the home. Door/Window Sensor: When the system is armed, these sensors will send alerts if doors or windows are opened. If the system is not armed, the base station will make a door chime sound when the sensor is activated from a door or window opening. Smart Smoke Detector: The smart smoke detectors alert customers before smoke signals start. They can also detect carbon monoxide in the home. Medical Alert Pendant: Ideal for seniors who live alone or anyone with a serious medical condition, when the medical alert button is pressed, emergency services will be notified and on their way to help. Flood and Freeze Detectors: These detectors alert customers if they detect any kind of water overflowing in the home. Most customers place their detectors near sinks, appliances that use water, and major piping in their basement. Doorbell Camera: Alder’s doorbell allows customers to view a live stream of what’s going on at their door, speak to visitors, and receive notifications when someone arrives (when a package gets delivered, for example).
Alder Pricing
Alder’s monthly monitoring prices begin at $39.99 per month, and an initial three-year contract is required. Equipment pricing information is not available on the website, but you can discuss your options with a customer service representative over the phone or by completing this quick online form. Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
4. SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe offers five home security packages with varying levels of comprehensiveness, along with a customizable plan that you can create yourself. Additional items can be added for a one-time charge. Every SimpliSafe system requires a base station that acts as a central control unit, but you can add customization with options like additional sensors and security cameras.
“The Foundation” Package: The most streamlined package includes all the basics. “The Essentials” Package: The next step up builds on The Foundation’s offerings and adds two extra entry sensors. “The Hearth” Package: This package includes everything under The Essentials, plus key features like a siren, keyfob, and more. “The Knox” Package: This advanced package includes the highest number of entry sensors (six), along with everything in The Hearth. “The Haven” Package: Offering the most extensive security protection, The Haven Package features all key elements, plus a panic button, water sensor, and temperature sensor.
You can build out your customized package by following these steps: The Standard Monitoring Plan costs $14.99 per month, and the Interactive Monitoring Plan costs $24.99 per month. To learn more about SimpliSafe’s packages and options, visit the company’s website. Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
5. Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint is a DIY home security company requiring no long-term contracts. The service provides highly customized smartphone notifications, along with crash and smash protection, meaning that if your control panel is destroyed, the monitoring center will still be notified when a door is opened or a motion sensor is activated. Frontpoint offers four home security plans, all of which include a hub and keypad, at least two door/window sensors, and at least one motion sensor. Homeowners who don’t plan to use an indoor camera or smoke and heat sensor can choose between the Safe Home Starter or Safe Home Everyday packages. The Safe Home Everyday Package offers more door/window sensors and motion sensors.
Safe Home Starter: This is the most streamlined package, with a hub and keypad, two door/window sensors, and a motion sensor. Safe Home Everyday: The next level up includes all of the above, with one extra door sensor and one additional motion sensor. Safe Home Select: This package includes a glass break sensor and smoke and heat sensor for added protection. Safe Home Preferred: The most comprehensive package is a culmination of all the other offerings, along with an indoor camera for extra peace of mind.
For each security system, customers can pay for equipment upfront—no contract necessary. However, they also have the option of financing the equipment through Affirm on a three-, six-, or 12-month payment plan. To get a free, customized quote, you can fill out a short online form. Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
6. Abode Home Security
Home security provider Abode offers systems that can connect up to 160 different security devices. Abode doesn’t require long-term contracts and provides a range of capabilities to customers who choose to self-monitor their homes. Abode offers four security packages with varying levels of comprehensiveness and included devices. If you want a basic package but would prefer a more sophisticated gateway that includes built-in motion detection, consider the Iota Kit Middle Package.
Smart Security Middle Package: This least expensive package comes with Abode’s Gen 2 Gateway, three door/window sensors, one keypad, one key fob, one motion sensor, and one sticker. Iota Kit Middle Package: The second-most basic package comes with the newer iota All-In-One Gateway, three door/window sensors, one keypad, and one key fob. Smart Security Kit Elite Package: This package comes with the Gen 2 Gateway, four mini door/window sensors, one keypad, one key fob, one sticker, and two motion sensors.
Iota Kit Elite Package: This comprehensive package comes with the All-In-One Gateway, four mini door/window sensors, one keypad, one key fob, and one motion sensor. To learn more about Abode’s offerings, visit the company’s website. Learn more: Abode Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team found that ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, Alder, Frontpoint, and Abode are the best home security systems in New Jersey. Each of these companies scored highly in our home security rankings based on key metrics such as packages and equipment, pricing, and connectivity options. The tool below provides contact information for each home security provider. We recommend reaching out for multiple quotes to help you determine the best security system for your needs.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in New Jersey
What is the best home security system available?
We believe ADT is the best home security system available. The security company provides peace of mind with more than 140 years of experience, a six-month money-back guarantee, and the largest national network of professional monitoring systems.
Which is better, SimpliSafe or Ring?
We believe SimpliSafe, one of our top recommendations, is superior to Ring. SimpliSafe’s security system is easy to install, affordable, and straightforward. Ring is a newer company and lacks the same proven track record. Read our Ring vs. SimpliSafe review for the full comparison.
Which is better, a wired or wireless security system?
It depends on your needs. People with pets or who live in apartments and plan to relocate with their security system will likely prefer wireless security systems because their pets won’t get tangled up and they can disconnect and reconnect their systems more easily. Compare Home Security Systems:
SimpliSafe vs. ADT SimpliSafe vs. Vivint Frontpoint vs. Vivint Abode vs. SimpliSafe
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.
