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35. Alarm system without monthly fees << 36. Best system 2020 >> 37. FAQ 2

36. Best system 2020

35. Alarm system without monthly fees << >> 37. FAQ 2

Best home security systems of 2020

If you thought you'd find here a list with a top 10 of different alarm systems with only their positive properties, you'll unfortunately be disappointed. What we are going to do, however, is to name the differences between the most recommended alarm systems in these lists which you find online, and the alarm system that the manufacturer AJAX.Systems has recently developed.

Yes, shopping for a home security system can be a headache. Good thing we've done a lot of the legwork for you.

After a decade or so of app-enabled upheaval, the home security category is booming. Along with professional monitoring systems that have been around for decades, there's a newly established bumper crop of less expensive DIY systems that you can install yourself, along with cameras and video doorbells that are also worth considering. Big names like Amazon and Google want a piece of the action, too.

On the internet it is teeming with websites with lists of "best alarm system of the year" according to... and then the name of the website / magazine. We have the impression that there is a lot of marketing money hidden behind it, to get a certain brand of alarm system to score higher than that which justifies the quality of the system.

We also found out that almost all of these security systems use the same earning model, namely monthly subscription fees to get the most out of all the features. For example, a system that appears to be cheap suddenly becomes much more expensive than necessary. We find this deception, and if you also get a worse quality system than is available in the market, that is even more difficult. Therefore, read the tips below to find out what to look out for when buying the most suitable alarm system for you in the year 2020.

We are going to take a closer look at the best known systems to see if they are really worth a purchase. We'll tell you about the positive and negative features, and we'll tell you what the differences are with the alarm system that we actually think is the best alarm system. The system that makes us happy is not found in the regular shops / DIY stores / large supermarkets, but only at certified dealers. (Although there are more and more sellers who have also discovered this system, and would like to take advantage of it).

Click here to scroll directly to the best alarm system

The most frequently mentioned systems in the list of best alarm systems in 2020

SimpliSafe Home Security (not recommended)

Listings we came across online: SimpliSafe's easy-to-install, easy-to-use system is well-positioned as one of the best values in home security. It offers a comprehensive set of features, security cameras, and a very good mix of battery-powered sensors, all of which performed reliably well in our tests. Starter kits begin at about € 230, or you can build your own custom system with the exact mix of devices you're interested in.

Professional monitoring starts at € 15 per month, but you'll almost certainly want to spring for the € 25-per-month plan, which adds in things like mobile app controls and voice support via Alexa and the Google Assistant. That also means that you should go with another pick like Abode or Ring if you don't want professional monitoring but still want to control your system from a smartphone app.

Why would you pay 15 or even 25 euros per month for something as common as operating your alarm system with an App?

If you would use the AJAX alarm system, full control of the alarm system via the application on your smartphone is always completely free.

Abode (not recommended)

Listings we came across online: SimpliSafe alternative, Abode's well-thought-out system supports both Zigbee and Z-Wave, it works with Alexa, IFTTT and Nest, and it recently spruced up its integration with the Google Assistant, too. The real point of appeal, though, is that Abode offers lots of flexibility with regard to professional monitoring, including the option of only paying for temporary monitoring during the times when you're actually out of town. No long-term contract required.

The good: The € 300 Abode starter kit has all of the basics you need for a beginner DIY security system. Add optional accessories and contract-free professional monitoring as needed. It works with Alexa, IFTTT and Nest.

The bad: Abode's starter kit is on the pricey side, but the value is there, you get a lot of useful hardware for your money. You have to log in to Abode's web app to create automations and access other advanced features.
Storing video footage costs 30 euros per month.
Zigbee and Z-Wave protocol cannot be compared to the wireless protocol used by the ajax system.

Why would you pay 30 euros a month for the storage of footage? With the AJAX MotionCAM, multiple photos of unwanted visitors are taken, completely free of charge. And there are also already 4 brands of surveillance cameras in the AJAX Application that display live images. Also completely free.

Nest Secure (not recommended)

Listings we came across online: This DIY installation option from Google-owned Nest works great, but the upfront cost of € 399 is much higher than the competition. It's a decent system, but really only worth it if you're looking to lock yourself into a Google smart home ecosystem.

The good: The € 499 Nest Secure alarm system starter kit is incredibly easy to arm and disarm and its Detect sensors do a lot more than monitor whether a door is open or closed.

The bad: It's expensive and locks you into Google's smart home platform.
The distance between the control unit and the wireless detectors is very limited. Soon a detector becomes out of range.

The bottom line: Nest Secure works well, but its value is only so-so, especially if you aren’t sold on incorporating Nest thermostats, locks and other Google devices to your smart home.

Why would you choose a system with poor detector range? With the AJAX products your range is almost 2.000 meter.

Ring Alarm (not recommended)

Listings we came across online: A subsidiary of Amazon, Ring's Alarm security kit is quick to install and easy to use. Aside from a new "Works with Ring" program to bring compatible smart locks and other third-party gadgets into the fold, there's nothing all that innovative about it, though Alexa users will appreciate that they can arm and disarm the system using voice commands and that they can use Ring's sensors to trigger Alexa routines. With a buy-in cost of $199 and professional monitoring available for just $10 per month, Ring Alarm stands out as a value pick.

The good: The € 199 Ring Alarm Security Kit is quick to install, its app is easy to use and the system itself is simple to manage. The price is excellent and you can add extra accessories a la carte as needed.

The bad: Ring's home security system doesn't currently work with Alexa, despite being an Amazon brand -- or any other major smart home platforms.
The quality of the detectors is low.

The bottom line: Ring didn't do anything particularly innovative with its Alarm Security Kit, but this inexpensive DIY system stands out because of its simplicity.

The quality of the Ring system is low, but fortunately they only charge 10 euros per month for monitoring. But why should you pay at all if you can do it for free?

Vivint Smart Home (not recommended)

Listings we came across online: With Vivint, there’s a lot of great things to say about this company, and definitely enough to make it stand out as our number two pick for the best home alarm system, particularly for its technology and home automation options. The company’s customer service has seen vast improvements in recent years, and it has helped the company come a long way. Here’s a quick summary:

Sleek Contemporary Equipment
100% Wireless Systems
Available ASAP (Same-Day Installation)
Lifetime Warranty
Cellular and/or Landline Connections
Remote Access (Mobile App)
Indoor/Outdoor Video Cameras
Doorbell Camera with Two-Way Voice
Environmental Disaster Protection
Home Automation

Requires Pro Installation
Above-Average Monthly Cost
Long-Term Contract
Trial May be Short

Smart Security Service: Basic home protection (burglary/environmental) at $29.99/month for monitoring plus equipment financing or the purchase of equipment upfront

Smart Home Service: Home protection (burglary/environmental) and home automation at $39.99/month for monitoring plus equipment financing or the purchase of equipment upfront

It is pricey to buy and will continue to cost a lot of money every month to monitor the system.

ADT Home Security Systems (not recommended)

Listings we came across online: This brand is mainly active in America, but given the costs and the quality obtained is not immediately recommended.

Protect Your Home’s packages start at just $27.99/month, so customers can get protected for less than $1/day. Installation starts at $99 and upgraded packages require additional install fees. This offer is available for new customers only and termination fees apply.

Actually, we're getting a little done naming all kinds of alarm systems with monthly costs. After that we still haven't come across any systems that generate an alarm before the burglar is in your house...

Brinks Home Security (not recommended)

Listings we came across online: Three of the most reputable names in security have merged to provide a personalized, reliable and affordable home security solution. By combining Livewatch’s DIY home security systems with Moni’s professional monitoring, Brinks Home Security is striving to compete with other major names in the industry by providing unparalleled brand recognition and competitive value. The company’s system is both affordable and loaded with features, which is why Brinks Home Security makes our list. Two monitoring options are available from the company.

Brinks Home Security offers two options. The Home Complete model is $29 per month and the equipment is $399. An upgrade to the Home Complete with Video provides access to more advanced solutions including Cloud Video Storage and Live Video Streaming. This monitoring service charges $39 per month and equipment costs $499.

This is a do-it-yourself system, which means most homeowners will be able to install the Brinks Home Security system on their own, though there are multiple steps to doing so. First, a few key benefits – it comes with a 30-day risk-free offer and a 2-year warranty.

The basic plan provides users with three wireless door sensors and one wireless motion sensor. It also includes the Brinks Home Touch display and a yard sign.

Key features of these packages include the smart home hub, which can connect to most home automation devices. This includes Amazon’s Alexa. It allows users to link all of their necessary smart home features in one place. There is also a Hacker Protection feature which encrypts sensor signals. This helps protect your home from those trying to gain access. The system also uses an LTE cellular signal to send alarms over. This helps to ensure fast response times.

The system uses wireless door sensors that are very discrete. They have a 200-foot communication range. One of the nice features is the Hands Free Alarm. The system detects a homeowner’s approved access through their phone and immediately unlocks the door for them.

The Video upgrade component also features an HD video doorbell and an indoor camera with night vision. This amplifies security throughout the home. It can help to provide access to video footage in real time so a homeowner can tap into an app and see what is happening around the home especially when an alarm is triggered. The entire system is easy to use and designed to be highly effective.

Monthly charges, and a wireless range of 60 meters. That's not what we're looking for.

What does this system do in the list of best alarm systems?

Frontpoint Home Security (not recommended)

Listings we came across online: With prices for monitoring from € 35 to € 50 for most, the company is just a little more expensive than some. But, with superior quality and value, customers are happy to pay that little bit more for the added peace of mind. That’s one of the biggest advantages of dealing with the company and everything it offers, and it’s clearly worth the price.

This system also has monthly costs. Is that really worth the price every month? No.

Features of the Best Home Security Systems

Now that you've read why we value the above systems less than others, it's time to think about what you should really be looking for in a security system. Some things will certainly matter more than others, and when you know what you want from the system, you'll be better able to select the right security system that's right for your needs.

One of the most important issues when taking a look at a security systems is what kinds of features are offered. The features provided can be all important, but not all of them are utilized at the same rate and frequency. In short, customers want certain features more than others. The easier something is to use, and the more application it has to daily life, the more likely it will be that homeowners will want it in their security system.

Those kinds of features have greater weight in ranking systems, mostly because they show that they are the things that consumers care about. Whether something offers a DIY or professional installation, the quality of equipment offered, and the value of customer service all ranked highly in our list, since homeowners are focused on these things. Additionally, what could be controlled through a smart phone app and whether there were false alarms and fast response times were deemed important as well.

When shopping for a home security system, these are the most popular features and services most people look for when deciding which system best suits their needs. Any given home security system will have one or more of the following features:

Professional or DIY Installation - 24/7 Monitoring - Wired or Wireless System - Security Cameras - Motion Detection Sensors- Home - Automation - Keypad or Touchscreen Panel - Mobile Apps and Remote Controls - Home Security Company Reputation.

But what no single system above can offer: Reliable motion detection outside the home, to detect a burglar at the earliest stage.

Now take a look at the most modern alarm system in the world
(not just our opinion)

The AJAX Alarm system has features you won't find in any other alarm system.

No monthly subscription fees
No installation costs, easy to install yourself in 15~30 minutes
No maintenance contract: The system checks itself. Not once a year, but every 6 seconds
Wireless detectors with a range of up to 2,000 meters
Early motion detection in your garden prevents an actual burglary in your home
Pet friendly: Does not react to birds, cats or dogs
Free helpdesk with on request: Free programming
Full control with smartphone
Receive worldwide notifications on your smartphone when detecting or jamming
2-Way communication with all detectors
Detectors up to 7 years working on supplied battery
Free product software updates
More reliable than a wired system thanks to constant connection to the Cloud

The AJAX alarm system has not only wireless motion detection in the home, but also wireless detection outside your home or business. This minimizes the chance of forcing locks or windows because this person has already been noticed before he arrives at your building. In addition, all connections between your smartphone and all detectors are constantly monitored. Signal loss without being reported on your smartphone is absolutely impossible!

Because everything, from the complete installation to the notification of burglaries, is controlled via your smartphone, there is no need for a monitoring centre with monthly costs.

Add to that the very highest quality products, and you will understand that this can rightly be called the best alarm system of 2020.