5 Best Security Systems for Apartments in 2022

Whether you are moving in permanently or renting, choosing a home security system for an apartment can give you the extra level of security and peace of mind. Apartments are of course different from detached homes and the type of security system will be different too.

There are many quality apartment security systems to consider on the market. Each of our suggested alarm systems have unique features and benefits. We have included home security companies with reputable history and offer guaranteed levels of self monitored home security options that sub standard security systems do not offer.

This post aims to make choosing the best security system for you a walk in the park as we factor in all the necessary considerations to ensure we arrive at a choice that meets your needs.

Needs are a significant takeaway as most buyers buy good security units that do not meet their needs. If you are in a temporary apartment, you need the best security systems for renters. If your stay is more permanent, you need a more rigid security unit. If you are working with a budget, you need an affordable security system. Each of the above-listed security units is a juggernaut in the home security industry. Still, they slightly edge themselves in different categories and are more suited for some more than others. The trick is figuring out which one was made for you.

Let's get to it!

5 Best Home Security Systems

1. Blue by ADT

Overview

Blue by ADT is one of the best home security systems on the market. The ease of installation makes it the top pick of the many security systems for renters. The number of security components available to you and how affordable a piece of equipment this is makes it perfect for apartment dwellers. Unlike other security systems, particularly apartment security systems, that might be a chore to install. This DIY home security ensures you are plugged in and set up in no time, thanks to its modern, timely design and technology.

One thing that jumps at you the moment you unbox this home security system is the premium feel. The design alone makes it a contender for the best security system. This is not some basic equipment that just does the job; Blue by ADT also looks the part and would not stand between yourself and your home decor.

Installation

One of the more advertised features of this home security unit is DIY installation. This means you install the system yourself and would not be getting any help in the form of professional installation. This might be a bit of a chore if you are not tech-savvy. However, you do not need rocket science to set the unit up because the components come pre-programmed and ready to work outside the box.

Monitoring

Blue by ADT gives you access to both self-monitoring and professional monitoring options. The self-monitor option is the more affordable monitoring plan. Still, it can become too much to handle if your days are usually packed or if your home is bigger than average. Professional monitoring takes the stress off your hands at $19.99 per month.

Components

You get the usual suspects with Blue by ADT. These include:

Video doorbell camera
Keypad
Motion sensors
Door and window sensors
Indoor camera
Outdoor camera

The doorbell cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras all have night vision. And you can take advantage of the Build Your Own System basic package to get a base station, one window and door sensor, one motion sensor for under $250.

Smart Home Automation

Blue by ADT system has smart home automation features that allow you to connect with the Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Z wave plus. Integrating with these smart home devices gives you more security options and usability.

Contracts

This security unit is contract-free, which means you would not need to enter any contracts, either short or long-term contracts. This is because you can monitor the unit yourself or pay monthly fees that do not require a contract. As such, you would not need to pay cancellation fees.

Mobile Application Functionality

You have access to the mobile app regardless of your package. The app comes in handy when installing the security unit or remotely checking your home when you are away.

2. Vivint

Overview

The Vivint alarm system is a home security leader, especially when smart home automation is concerned. Although pricier than most other options on the list, what you get is a premium build dedicated to keeping you home, yourself, and yourself safe. The equipment quality is top-notch, durable, and a great option if you are not looking to purchase a new system or move anytime soon.

The result is a user-friendly security unit that's a great choice for apartment living. It ensures the user's peace of mind for several reasons, chief of which is the ease with which it can be integrated with your smart devices like your smart lights, smart locks, to name a few.

Installation

You are in luck if you are not techy, as installing Vivint equipment only requires you to contact professionals who oversee the entire installation process. You must schedule this professional installation on a day when you have little to do if you have inflexible working hours. This is because the installation process takes anywhere between 3 and 5 hours to be completed satisfactorily.

Monitoring

Vivint equipment and its services do not come cheap, which is evident in the three monitoring plans it offers. The video monitoring offers start at $30 monthly, could be as much as $40 monthly if you opt for smart home integration. You'd need to set aside a minimum of $45 per month for video surveillance with an extra $5 monthly on every one camera added to your Vivint package.

You can not avoid the costs as there is no option to monitor your security yourself, but rest assured that you would get your money's worth with any of their professional monitoring packages.

Components

Vivint offers you several components to choose from. All of them are unique and proprietary. These components include the following:

Security cameras: indoor cameras, outdoor cameras and video doorbells
Vivint smart panel (control panel)
Vivint car guard
Security sensor
Flood sensor
Freeze sensor
Smoke detector
Smart lock
Vivint smart drive
Lamp module
Glass break sensor
Motion detector

Smart Home Automation

One problem you would never have with Vivint security and its range of security components is limited home automation. This range of security units excels in smart home automation. If this is one of the key factors for you to consider, then Vivint is perfect for you. These units integrate easily with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Z wave. It also allows you to set up smart home chains that trigger a series of events. An example would be your lights turning on automatically as soon as you unlock your garage door.

Contracts

Vivint is one of the few security companies that offer professional monitoring without a contract. The users are also allowed free cancellation. However, both offers are only available when users buy the entire system, which can set you back about $600. Being unable to buy the system outright means you would be loaned the security unit on a five-year contract which is longer than the industry average of 3 years.

Mobile Application Functionality

The mobile app is available with all subscription types, and it makes it easy to engage and disengage your security unit. It also allows you to check on your car using the Vivint car guard, check your camera feed and power your smart devices.

3. Ring

Overview

No review of home security systems either for renters or a regular apartment building s complete without the ring alarm system. This is because this unit is relatively affordable compared to other systems in the same range and because it is a DIY security system.

This renter-friendly unit packs some intelligent technology that helps you keep intruders out and keep yourself and your family safe. This apartment security system is the go-to for many renters because of the affordability and ease you can set up the system.

Installation

What makes the Ring alarm system stand out from all and even DIY systems is that it is easy to install. You do not require professional help. You can install each component one at a time. This is doable because they come preprogrammed and requires only a little technical know-how to install. This makes it the go-to when most people consider setting up security for their small apartment.

Monitoring

Like most other DIY home security systems, you have the option to monitor the security unit yourself, but you also have two professional monitoring options to choose from. Protect basic that costs just $3 per month or $30 annually supporting one camera. And the protect plus that supports as many cameras as you have for a monthly fee of $10 and $100 annually. Both monitoring options are the cheapest of any alarm system you would find on the market.

Components

The Ring system works by connecting all the different ring components to a control panel that relays information from the different sensors to you. You can arm or disarm your security using a wireless keypad. These components include:

Door sensors
Security camera
Motion detectors
Entry sensor
Smoke/CO listener
Flood/Freeze sensor
Range extender
Panic button
Transformer
Path light
Ecolink garage door tilt sensor

Smart Home Automation

The Ring alarm system allows you to connect to Amazon Alexa and Google home to use voice control and other features to get the most out of your home security. You also have the option of connecting your ring alarm system to several Z wave devices, even if they are not a part of the Ring franchise.

Contracts

No contracts required

Mobile Application Functionality

You have access to the Ring app with either self or professional monitoring. The app lets you set up and control your security unit. You receive push notifications anywhere you are in the world, from sensors in your home on your mobile phone, and you can quickly make decisions.

4. Scout

Overview

The first thing that jumps at you when installing scout is that they have a mascot, a lone wolf, not sure if this is for kids, but it's a nice bit of detail that you should appreciate. The Scout system scores some serious points for its affordability, almost as affordable as the ring system, which is saying a lot. But my favorite feature is the thought that went into designing the unit, giving you two color schemes to choose from: Midnight, black on white, and arctic, white on black. So you are not just securing your home but beautifying it in one fell swoop.

Installation

You would not need to pay anyone to install this unit as it is to be self-installed. This is one of the most straightforward systems to install on this list because the components have an adhesive backing, so you do not need to bring down walls, drill holes, or even use screwdrivers. You also get a 10% price slash when you make a 12-month payment upfront. Talk about getting value for your money.

Monitoring

One area I was not exactly convinced is in the area of monitoring because you need to pay for self-monitoring, which is not what you would get with most other DIY systems. You need to pay $9.99 monthly to self-monitor your unit and $19.99 monthly to have your unit monitored round the clock by a professional team.

Components

While Scout has many exciting equipment, they currently do not have an outdoor camera at the moment but make up for it with video doorbell tech with the following features:

1080p vision
180 degree field vision
Two way audio
Motion detection
People detection
Pre recorded messages

The following are other pieces of equipment you can have when you join the Scout family:

System hub
keypad
Door panel
Motion sensor
Access sensor
Glass break sensor
Water sensor
Indoor camera
Doorbell camera
Door lock
Remote control
Panic button
Yard sign
Key fob
Window sticker

Smart Home Automation

The Scout system has one of the best automation available. It allows you to connect with Amazon Alexa, Zigbee, Google Home Assistant, Z wave, and IFTTT. The unit also works directly with smart devices like Philips hue bulbs, Yale locks, Nest cameras, Kwikset locks, and LIFX bulbs.

Contracts

There is no contract, you only need to pay the monthly subscription charge.

Mobile Application Functionality

You have access to the Scout app on either plan. But the app is not free even with DIY monitoring, as you need to pay for the self-monitor plan.

5. SimpliSafe

Overview

If you are looking to upgrade from self to pro monitoring, you would be interested in knowing what Simplisafe offers. The Simplisafe system is advertised as a DIY unit, but when both paid plans have pro monitoring, you start to see how it is less DIY and more pro monitoring. All things considered, you are getting a pretty good deal from either package compared to the more pricey pro-monitoring options on this list.

Installation

In this aspect, the DIY nature of the Simplisafe unit comes to the fore. There is no need to drill or use any nuts or bolts as the equipment is peel and stick. One of the many reasons it is a popular pick for most renters. All you need to do is follow the instructions in the manual, and you are on your way to set up your security unit.

Monitoring

As far as monitoring is concerned, Simplisafe has two packages. The standard package is priced at $14.99 monthly, which is missing essential addons like smart home integration and access to the app. And the interactive package has all the addons but would set you back $24.99 per month. The interactive package is a no-brainer as you get more value from your security unit.

Components

The Simplisafe units are friendly priced compared to the pricier units on this list. The only downside is that you have to buy all the components upfront. Paying upfront should not scare you as the total amount still pales compared with the alarm security units of most other companies.

These are some of the equipment Simplisafe offers:

Key fob/keychain remote
Temperature sensor
Smart lock
Keypad
Motion sensor/ Motion detector
Video doorbell pro
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
Yard Sign
SimpiCam
Smoke detector
Carbon monoxide sensor

Smart Home Automation

One area I am convinced Simplisafe can do better is in home automation. It works with Google and Alexa but with limited functionality compared to what you'd get from other companies in the same price range. This becomes apparent when you find out that the unit can not connect with any brand of smart lights.

Contracts

There are no contracts necessary. All you need to do is buy the unit and necessary equipment upfront and pay the monthly charges for your chosen plan.

Mobile Application Functionality

Suppose you want access to the app functionality. In that case, you must subscribe to the pricier interactive plan that gives you access to the (limited) smart home automation options. The app lets you be notified of the happenings in your home on the fly.

Considerations for your own security system

Installation Options

The system must be easy to install if you are going DIY. And suppose you are not confident in your ability to successfully and adequately install the system. In that case, you should consider opting for professional installation. This takes the trouble off your hands and leaves it to the professionals to help you install your unit. Another thing you should favor is wireless installation. This means you would not need to break down walls to install the unit, only adhesive stickers, and you'd be on your way.

Monitoring options

The monitoring service you subscribe to determines how you are notified of the happenings in your home when you are in or if you are away on holiday looking to secure your home. The self-monitoring option means you are in charge of monitoring your security. You choose the best course of action from personal experience. The other option is 24 7 professional monitoring, where security experts would be in charge of overseeing your security and contacting the authorities when necessary.

Some companies allow their users video monitoring, but this usually attracts extra service charges and an interactive monitoring plan that will enable you to monitor your security unit remotely.

Price

When choosing a security unit, one of the more critical considerations is how much you would need to pay and how easy it would be to continue paying the service fee as the years roll by. It would help if you considered how much it is to get the unit, how many percent you would need to pay upfront, and the monthly price depending on the monitoring package you choose.

Self Monitored Security System FAQs

What does Self Monitored Home Security mean?

A self-monitored home security system is one where you (the homeowner or renter) are in charge of receiving notifications from the security unit and acting on the information. You are tasked with informing the necessary authorities at your sole discretion. This is the preferred option if you live in a relatively small house and have a flexible schedule.

When should I choose a professional installation?

There are many reasons for you to opt for professional installation, and they include but are not limited to the following:

If you are not tech savvy
If the house you are trying to secure is larger than average
If your security needs are complex
If you have inflexible schedules

Can Home Security Systems Be Hacked?

Yes, they can be hacked. Any system connected to be internet is susceptible to hacking. Still, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of being hacked. These include but are not limited to the following: