The Best Smart Home Security Systems 2025
Monitor your home online and stay connected

*Google Nest Doorbell (battery) + Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) on us: Requires 36-month monitoring contract with ADT Complete starting at $49.99/mo. for professionally installed systems, (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $1,199.76), and enrollment in ADT EasyPay, OR month-to-month monitoring contract with ADT Complete for DIY systems starting at $39.99 (one month minimum). Professionally installed system orders not available online. Offer includes one (1) Google Nest Doorbell (battery) and one (1) Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) on us with minimum purchase price of $599 ($1,198.98 - $599.98 discount) for professionally installed systems OR $269 ($628.98 - $359.98 discount) for DIY systems after promotion is applied depending on geographic location. Offer only available for ADT Smart Security System purchases. Other systems not eligible. Maximum discount $559.98 for professionally installed systems OR $359.98 for self-setup systems. Google Nest Doorbell (battery) and Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) $179.99 MSRP each. Offer available for new ADT customers only. Limit one per customer, not combinable with other offers. Upon early termination of 36-month monitoring contract, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. Cancel by calling (888) 392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. Free shipping applies to standard shipping (approx. 5-7 business days) and not available in HI or AK. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi, a Google Account and Google Home app linked to your ADT+ app. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Smart Security System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS. Offer expires 5/7/2025

Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC.

Yale® is a registered trademark of Master Lock Company LLC and it’s affiliates.

What You Need to Know About Smart Home Security

Remember turning the car around to make sure you didn’t leave the oven on? Those days are receding further and further into the rear-view mirror with the advancement of smart homes. Nowadays we can lock the doors, change the temperature, and yes, even turn the stove off, all through apps on our phones. Home security is no different; security cameras and other home security monitoring devices are being offered that integrate seamlessly into Amazon Echo, If This Then That, and other smart hubs that allow us access to our homes even from far away.

How Does Home Automation Contribute to Home Security?

More and more people are rigging their own home security systems through the use of WiFi technology. Thanks to WiFi and cloud storage, a slew of DIY smart controls has given us control over our homes even from afar. Smart door locks, motion detectors, alarm systems, and security cameras can be controlled through our phones. This constant access to our homes gives us power over human error such as forgetfulness or delays that would commonly leave our homes vulnerable. But with home automation, homeowners can constantly observe, monitor, and even control activities within their homes even while they’re away.

DIY Home Security Systems vs. Professional Home Security Systems

Professional home security systems offer some benefits that you won’t get from a DIY smart system. For one, you won’t have to monitor it yourself. Instead, professionals will be on hand to react to every alarm and trigger and notify you or law enforcement. Installation and maintenance are easier as well, as a worker will set everything up for you in a comprehensive package that works seamlessly together. For those reasons, professional systems can be more expensive, as they require a contract as well as equipment and service fees, and might also require a permit from the local government. DIY systems, on the other hand, are less expensive and allow you to customize your system based on what you need. Though professional services are more easily managed, if you’re tech-savvy and comfortable responding to alerts yourself, DIY security systems can save you money and allow you to sync them up with other smart home controls that might not be available through a professional security system.

Can Home Security Systems Be Hacked?

Yes. While the old-school method simply meant cutting camera wires, wireless security systems have their own vulnerabilities that users need to account for. Any device that’s connected to a network can be hacked, so it’s important to protect your passwords and other network information. While professional security systems are essentially self-monitored security systems and more secure, DIY and smart home systems leave it up to the user to ensure that everything is safe.