Updated October 2026
We put the leading professionally installed systems side by side — monitoring, equipment, installation, three-year cost and contract terms — so you can pick in minutes, not weekends.
1Special Offer
Best overall
Get 5 months of free monitoring with code 5FREE
2Professional Installation
Most established
Get a $100 ADT Visa Reward Card*
*Requires system purchase (minimum $349 DIY or $599 professional install) and a professional monitoring plan from $24.99/mo with a 1-month minimum (DIY) or $34.99/mo for 36 months (professional install). Early cancellation fees apply. Not available for online orders. See ADT for full terms.
3Best Value
Best value
FREE video doorbell + installation
Compare
| 1Vivint9.8/10 | 2ADT9.4/10 | 3Brinks Home8.9/10 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment from | $599 | $269 | $199 |
| Monitoring from | $29.99/mo | $24.99/mo | $29.99/mo |
| Contract | 42–60 mo | 36 mo | 36 mo |
| Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional |
| Smart home | Best in class | Good (Nest add-ons) | Good |
| Best for | Smart-home households | Largest monitoring network | Value with pro install |
Provider-published starting prices for entry-tier configurations, last verified October 2026. Not quotes — pricing varies by address, equipment and promotions.
The equipment
Most packages start with a panel, entry sensors and motion detection, then add cameras and smart-home devices. Exact kits vary by provider.
The hub: arms the system and talks to the monitoring centre.
See and speak to whoever is at the door, from anywhere.
Covers the driveway, yard or back door, day and night.
Trip an alarm the moment an entry opens.
Watches a room or hallway without a camera.
Check on kids, pets or a package drop-off.
Lock up or let someone in from the app.
Monitored, so help is sent even when you are out.
Installation
1A specialist reviews the layout of your home and prices the exact system before anything is fitted.
2A technician mounts cameras and sensors, hides the wiring and connects everything to the panel — usually in a few hours.
3Every device is tested live with the monitoring centre, and you are shown the app before the installer leaves.
Our method
Every system is scored out of 10 on five weighted criteria. We look at published pricing and contract terms, equipment and app features, and how installation and monitoring are delivered.
Buyer’s guide
Choose a system with cellular backup, so cutting the internet or the power does not take it offline.
Equipment plus monitoring across the full term is the number that decides cost — not the monthly fee alone.
Ask what you would owe in month eighteen. It differs a lot between providers.
Camera recording is often an extra monthly line. Check before you compare quotes.
Our #1 pick
Professional installation, 24/7 monitoring and full smart-home control from one app.
Visit VivintFAQ
Each provider is scored out of 10 across monitoring and response, equipment and smart-home features, installation and support, three-year cost and contract flexibility, using the weights shown on this page. Our ranking is also influenced by the compensation we receive from the providers listed — see the advertising disclosure.
For most homeowners, yes. A pro install puts sensors where they actually catch an intruder, hides the wiring, and ends with a live test with the monitoring centre. All three providers here are professionally installed.
Professional monitoring from these providers starts around $24.99 to $29.99 a month, rising toward $50 with video recording and smart-home control. Equipment is extra, from about $199 to $599 upfront. See our full pricing breakdown.
Usually 36 months for professionally installed systems, and longer when equipment is financed. If you rent or may move, look at month-to-month options.