RI
Ring Alarm
Alarm Pro
Contract
No contract
$20
per month · $199 equipment
- Works with Ring cameras and doorbells
- Cellular backup included
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All consumer services
Home Security, Minus the Sales Visit
Professional and DIY systems compared on monitoring cost, equipment price and contract length. We read the cancellation terms out loud before anything is signed.
Showing 6 of 6 systems
CO
Cove
Cove Plus
Contract
No contract
$27.99
per month · $149 equipment
- 60-day money-back trial
- Touchscreen control panel
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SI
SimpliSafe
Fast Protect
Contract
No contract
$29.99
per month · $249 equipment
- Installs in under an hour
- Interactive app control
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VI
Vivint
Smart Home Secure
Contract
No contract when equipment is prepaid
$39.99
per month · $699 equipment
- Smart home automation built in
- Same-day installation in most areas
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BR
Brinks Home
Complete + Video
Contract
36-month contract
$39.99
per month · $199 equipment
- 30-second response guarantee
- Crash & smash protection
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AD
ADT
ADT Complete
Contract
36-month contract
$45.99
per month · $599 equipment
- Professional installation
- Six 24/7 monitoring centers
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What most people get wrong
DIY vs. professional install
DIY systems cost less upfront and move with you. Professional install costs more but places sensors correctly the first time — worth it in larger homes.
Monitoring vs. self-alerts
Self-monitoring is free but only helps if you see the alert. Professional monitoring dispatches help even when your phone is off — that monthly fee is the whole product.
Contract fine print
A 36-month contract often hides a discounted panel inside the monthly price. We compare the true three-year cost, not the teaser rate, before you commit.
Not sure how much coverage your home needs?
Talk it through: 1-855-ZORPATH