The best apartment security system is each easy to put in and portable, allowing for hassle-free setup and removal (especially when you’re a renter).
Apartment security systems provide peace of mind without taking over worthwhile space. When looking for one, search for features tailored to apartment living, resembling peephole and doorbell cameras, indoor cameras and smoke or CO detectors. Seamless integration with smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or Google Smart Home can be helpful because it further enhances convenience and control, ensuring your apartment stays secure and connected.
Read our list of the best home security systems not only for the reviews but in addition as a guide to enable you find the one that most closely fits your apartment, home or business.
Our Top Picks for Best Apartment Security System of 2024
- Ring: Best for Inexpensive Subscription
- SimpliSafe: Best for Flexibility
- Abode: Best for Smart Home Compatibility
- ADT: Best for Google Ecosystem
- Arlo: Best for Renters
Best Apartment Security System Reviews
- Peephole Cam
- Stick-up cameras can installed on the partitions
- Battery, plug-in or power over ethernet
- Not compatible with Apple HomeKit
- Video storage only available with subscription
Highlights
- Base cost: Starts at $129.99
- Contract required: No
- Installation: DIY and skilled
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple iOS, Z-Wave
Why we selected it: Ring made our list because its Basic monitoring plan starts at $4.99 a month and includes video history, alerts and residential or away modes.
Ring offers three home security plans. The Basic plan, available for $4.99 monthly (or $49.99 per yr), includes video history for as much as 180 days, person and package alerts, automated camera home and away modes, and the power to arm and disarm the Ring Alarm digitally. The Plus plan (at $10 monthly or $100 per yr) includes all Basic features and adds advanced video features, enhanced notifications, and an prolonged warranty. For comprehensive monitoring Ring has the Pro plan. At $20 monthly ($200 per yr), Pro offers 24/7 skilled alarm monitoring, alarm cellular backup, and 24/7 backup web, ensuring your devices remain online if there’s an online outage.
Ring has several cameras that fit the needs of apartment dwellers. The standouts are the Peephole Cam and Indoor Cam. The Peephole Cam ($129.99) is ideal for apartments, because it records HD video and comes with person detection technology and two-way audio. This permits you to see who’s at your door and record who involves your door whenever you’re not home. The Indoor Cam has similar features because the peephole and could be easily installed on partitions, saving worthwhile apartment space while providing versatile monitoring options.
- Installation guide within the SimpliSafe app for simple arrange
- 60-day money-back guarantee with free return shipping
- Not compatible with Apple HomeKit
Highlights
- Base cost: $139.97 (The Essentials package)
- Contract required: No
- Installation: DIY or skilled
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Why we selected it: We chosen SimpliSafe for its no-contract policy, which allows customers to cancel their plan at any time without having to pay cancellation fees.
SimpliSafe gives customers flexibility and alternative. It offers three no-contract monitoring plans, which, paired with its build-your-own system, lets buyers customize a system tailored to their apartment. The Standard Monitoring plan, at $0.66 per day (roughly $19.80 monthly) provides comprehensive monitoring and features a three-year total warranty. With this plan, SimpliSafe’s security experts can dispatch police, fire department or ambulance services 24/7. If you happen to’d somewhat monitor your personal system, there’s a plan available for $0.33 per day, which provides unlimited camera recordings with 30-day cloud storage and full self-monitoring via the SimpliSafe app.
SimpliSafe also offers a versatile build-your-own package, allowing you to customize your apartment security system. This package requires a base station and keypad to work. Along with accessories, batteries and free shipping, the package features a free wireless indoor camera with a built-in motion sensor. Customers can add essential components resembling an entry sensor for the front door and a smoke & carbon monoxide detector. This customizable option not only makes it easy to get a basic system up and running, but in addition permits you to add more of SimpliSafe’s components when you move to a much bigger place.
- No contract required
- One yr warranty
- User must forward alarm notifications to monitoring center
- Not compatible with Apple HomeKit
Highlights
- Base cost: $69.99/yr (Standard plan), $149/yr (Pro plan)
- Contract required: No
- Installation: DIY and skilled
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave and Zigbee
Why we selected it: Abode made our list for its compatibility with several smart home ecosystems, making it a wonderful option to contemplate for purchasers no matter what system they use.
Abode offers two contract-free home security plans: Standard and Pro. Each include home automation, person detection, in addition to live and recorded video. Moreover, the plans offer AI smart detection and an event timeline of the activities detected within the last 10 days. The Standard plan is on the market for $69.99 for the yr or $6.99 a month (amounting to $83.88). For purchasers in search of 24/7 monitoring, they’ll need to pay for the Pro plan. For $149 per yr or $24.99 monthly (totaling $299.88/yr), the Pro plan adds 24/7 monitoring, cellular backup and discounts on homeowner’s insurance.
Along with its monitoring plans, Abode offers a doorbell and indoor security cameras to suit the needs of renters or apartment owners. The Wireless Video Doorbell, priced at $99.99, is battery-powered and incorporates a 160° field of view, HD video and full color images. For indoor monitoring, the Abode Cam 2 is a flexible option. It could actually be placed on a table or mounted on a wall using the adhesive strip provided, making it perfect for small apartments with limited shelf space. Each devices integrate seamlessly with Abode’s Protect plans, offering robust and intelligent security solutions for your own home.
- Equipment financing; as much as 36 months for self install and 60 months for skilled installation
- Pro install requires 36-month contract
Highlights
- Base cost: $209.97 Starter package + $34.99/mo monitoring
- Contract required: Yes. (3-year contract, except California’s 2-year contract)
- Installation: DIY and Skilled
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Kwikset and Z-Wave
Why we selected it: Along with being some of the reputable brands in the house security industry, we selected ADT for its seamless integration with the Google Nest ecosystem.
ADT offers two monitoring plans. The Essential plan, at $24.99 a month, includes 24/7 intrusion, fire, water, and temperature monitoring. Moreover, with the ADT+ app customers can manage their system because it provides distant access and control, and voice control integration. For enhanced features, ADT’s Essential & Video (for $34.99/mo) has 24/7 live camera views, video clip storage for as much as 30 days, and video verification to substantiate whether alarms are real or false.
ADT uses Google Nest cameras, providing home security that integrates seamlessly with Google’s smart home ecosystem. The Google Nest Doorbell, priced at $179.99, is a weather-resistant HD camera with a 145° diagonal field of view and night vision, ensuring clear recordings of your front door whatever the time of day. Similarly, the Google Nest Cam, available for $99.99, incorporates a 1080p resolution, 6x digital zoom, and high-quality two-way audio. These cameras, nonetheless, require the ADT Smart Home Hub, ADT+ app, and Google Home app for monitoring and control. Nevertheless, when you have already got a Google smart home setup or other ADT home security products, this camera is an amazing addition to your system.
- Compatible with Alexa, HomeKit and Google Assistant
- Has all-in-one sensors with 8 detection functions
- Basic plans don’t include 24/7 monitoring
Highlights
- Base cost: $199.99
- Contract required: No
- Installation: Skilled
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant
Why we selected it: Arlo offers several monitoring plans, but its Secure plan is especially suited to apartment living.
Arlo’s Secure plan provides options for either a single camera at $7.99 monthly or unlimited cameras at $12.99 monthly, all supporting as much as 4K resolution. Those that seek 24/7 monitoring must go for the costlier Secure & Secure Pro plan at $24.99 monthly. This contract-free plan adds video verification, emergency alerts via the Arlo Secure App, and Family Safety Monitoring, which permits you to locate, call or send help to members of the family. Do note that this plan requires customers to have an Arlo security system.
Essentially the most basic Home Security System ($199.99) features a keypad sensor hub and two all-in-one sensors with 8 detection functions. Arlo has several other device options that work well in apartment settings. The wired and wireless video doorbell cameras, available in 2K ($129.99) or HD ($79.99), provide a 180° field of view, night vision, motion detection, and an integrated siren. These features ensure you’ll be able to see clearly, detect movement even in low light and reply to potential threats with an audible alarm. Arlo’s indoor cameras, also available in 2K ($59.99) and HD ($39.99), allow customers to observe a big space and zoom in to get detailed views of any activity.
Best Apartment Security System FAQs
How do I install a house security system?
To put in a house security system there are just a few essential steps it’s essential cover. First, plan where you ought to place sensors, cameras and alarms. Unbox all of the cameras and sensors to find out what tools you’ll need for installation. Next, follow the device instructions to mount the sensors and cameras, ensuring they’re placed securely and positioned appropriately. Finally, connect the system to your Wi-Fi, download the associated app, and follow the setup instructions to sync all devices and customize your settings. This can ensure your security system is installed properly, helping you monitor the system effectively.
What are crucial features to search for in an apartment security system?
When looking for an apartment security system, search for key features resembling 24/7 monitoring for intrusion, fire, and environmental hazards like carbon monoxide leaks. One other feature to contemplate is distant access via mobile app, as this permits you to control and monitor the system from anywhere. Next, consider devices resembling HD cameras, door sensors and motion detectors, that are crucial for clear surveillance and timely alerts. Moreover, search for setups and components compatible together with your smart home devices for convenience and automations. Lastly, search for a system that’s easy to put in and uninstall, in case you progress to a different apartment or a much bigger home.
How much does a DIY home security system cost?
The price of a house security system will vary depending on the devices and features you wish. Starter kits, consisting of 1 or two door and window sensors, start around $200. If you happen to’re constructing a comprehensive system the worth may very well be $1,000 or more considering it could include a doorbell camera, smart locks, different sensors, indoor cameras or outdoor cameras with floodlights. Remember that this cost is for a system you intend on installing yourself. If you happen to want skilled installation or ongoing monitoring, the worth will likely increase. (Some corporations offer free installation.)