A home security system may not seem necessary, but it keeps your house safe. It includes security cameras as well as smart doorbells and motion sensors. Choosing the best home security system can be overwhelming with so many options available. Our experts have tested systems from Ring, SimpliSafe, Arlo and more to help you make the choice.The difference between security systems and security cameras is that home security cameras are standalone devices that excel at video, motion detection and two-way audio, sometimes connecting to hubs for expansion. Security systems, on the other hand, primarily use door/window sensors, motion detectors and glass-break sensors that you arm or disarm, with cameras being optional rather than essential. Our Picks Best home security camera system SimpliSafe View details $200 at SimpliSafe View details Best build-as-you-go home security system Vivint Smart Home View details See at Vivint View details Best home security system without a subscription Abode Wireless Smart Security Kit View details $120 at Abode View details Best DIY home security system Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd gen) View details $250 at Amazon View details Best professional home security system ADT Plus View details See at ADT View details Best affordable home security system Arlo Home Security System 5-Piece View details $300 at Amazon View details HOME SECURITY DEALS OF THE WEEK SimpliSafe The Beacon 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System: $292 (save $438) Ring Alarm 2nd Generation 5-Piece Kit: $150 (save $50) Ring Alarm 2nd Generation 8-Piece Kit: $205 (save $45) Eufy Security 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit: $95 (save $66) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. What is the best overall home security system?We've tested systems for more than 180 hours and nothing beats SimpliSafe's starter kit as the top choice for the average homeowner. It's incredibly DIY friendly while also offering robust monitoring plans for those who want them.Our other options include kits for every kind of house. If you want a modular security kit you can easily build out over a couple of years, Vivint is your best choice. We also have an excellent self-install option with Ring Alarm -- which doesn't require a contract and has a relatively affordable subscription plan -- plus more picks for gifts, excellent existing smart home support and many other needs.Best home security systems of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $200 at SimpliSafe $200 at Amazon Pros Easy to install and operate Very customizable Great for apartments Multiple packages Very competitive prices Cons Limited smart home integrations Installation DIY installationsContract required NoVoice assistant Google Home/Nest, Amazon AlexaAdditional fees Self monitoring starting at $10 per month, Guard monitoring starting at $30Service bundles Multiple starter kits with different speciaties Full Review Read full review 8.5 $200 at SimpliSafe $200 at Amazon We've tested the SimpliSafe system several times and most recently gave it a review score of 8.5 out of 10, one of our highest ratings for a home security system. If you're looking for home security -- without all the extra Wi-Fi and smart home integrations of the Ring Alarm kit -- SimpliSafe's easy-to-install, easy-to-use DIY system is a great option. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including equipment like security cameras and a very good mix of battery-powered motion detection sensors, all of which performed reliably well in our tests.Starter kits begin at $250 without sales (though right now several kits are on sale), or you can build a custom alarm system with the exact mix of devices you need. The security company's monitoring plans start at $10 a month, but you'll almost certainly want to spring for the $30-a-month professional monitoring service plan, which adds in things like 24/7 live guard protection, whole home monitoring, instant app alerts and faster response times.In all, it's one of the best choices for homeowners looking for their first smart home security kit as it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the frequent deals (currently 50% off for some first-time buyers) make it even better. CNET Score Breakdown 8.5 /10 SCORE CNET Review Score 8.5