Our Experts Written by Tyler Lacoma, David Anders Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to consider Price Are you will to pay around $200 for a starter security system for an apartment? Would you prefer to save more money with fewer devices? How do you feel about paying a subscription fee that usually starts around $15 for these kinds of systems? Are you willing to pay much more for professional home monitoring? Installation Does the system have options like adhesive to install without significantly damaging walls? Is it easy to pack up and move with you? Sensors Does the security kit come with basic sensors for front door contact and additional sensors to monitor a window or entryway? App Is the app easy to use and intuitive for first-timers? Does it make setup easy? Can you quickly arm or disarm the system from the app? Smart device compatibility Does the system integrate with your preferred smart home platform, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit? Can it work with third-party smart home devices? Additional devices Is it easy to add more sensors to the security system? Does it support add-ons like cameras or smart locks if you ever want to expand? Table of Contents Our Picks Best overall home security system for renters Ring Alarm 5-piece kit (2nd gen) View details $200 at Amazon View details Best home security system for renters with other smart tech Abode Security Hub 5-piece kit View details $160 at Abode View details Best compact home security system for renters Arlo Dual Sensor Home Security System View details $110 at Amazon View details Best adhesive-based home security system for renters Simplisafe The Foundation Kit View details $125 at SimpliSafe View details Best video doorbell alternative for renters Ring Peephole Cam View details $130 at Amazon View details HOME SECURITY DEALS OF THE WEEK SimpliSafe The Beacon 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System: $365 (save $365) Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit With Wired Doorbell and Stick Up Cam: $350 (save $50) Arlo Home 6-Piece Security System: $200 (save $100) 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. Table of Contents What are the best apartment security systems?When renting, you can still get a home security system that offers top-of-the-line safety measures. You just have to make sure that you get something that keeps apartments and rental properties in mind in the design. Throughout our extensive years of testing home security systems, weve kept an eye on the best home security kits for renters: Our top choice is the Ring Alarm five-piece kit, which has an excellent mix of sensors, affordability and installation options that wont leave you with unsightly damage -- plus it's easy to move to a new home.Read more: 11 of the Best Smart Home Gifts for the Holidays 2024We have chosen a variety of renter-friendly security options, including a compact all-in-one sensor kit from Arlo and a Ring peephole camera that is especially useful for apartment buildings. Explore our complete selection below, discover more about home security for apartments and rentals and get answers to common questions. If youre on a renter-security binge, visit our guides to cheap home security systems and affordable home security cameras to tap into more of CNET's knowledge.Best apartment security systems of 2024 Photo Gallery 1/1