Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported, which means we earn commissions from links on Digital. Commissions do not affect our editorial evaluations or opinions.
Security systems not only keep you and your team safe, but also provide peace of mind. If something happens, you’ll know right away and be able to see visual evidence of what happened. There are dozens of business security systems out there–keep reading to learn about our favorites.
Best Business Security Systems: Shortlist
We chose SimpliSafe as the best small business security system for being wireless, Alexa/Nest compatibility and a-la-carte add-ons.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Best Professional Setup
Best Outdoor Cameras
Best Smart Features
Best Hard-Wired Option
Digital.com dives deep into every topic it covers to offer trusted and reliable recommendations for the best business tools. See how we review business security systems.
The Top Business Security Systems of 2023
Best Overall
Features
- Completely wireless system
- Supports Alexa & Nest
- A la care add-ons
#1 Top Pick for 2023
SimpliSafe is a smart security system that you can customize. It’s competitively priced, easy enough for DIY installation, and offers optional 24/7 monitoring.
Starting Price
$124.98
Wireless
Yes
DIY/Self-Service
Yes
24/7 Monitoring
$0.99 per day
Read More
SimpliSafe is an extremely popular security company with products designed for homes or small businesses. It’s a smart security system that you can customize and has a competitive price.
SimpliSafe maintains a reputation for ease of use and intuitive wireless products. The system is easy to set up and uses peel-and-stick adhesive strips. The base station comes with a built-in wireless cell connection that communicates via the Verizon or T-Mobile networks. There’s also power outage protection.
SimpliSafe is compatible with smart devices like Alexa, Google Home, Apple Watch, August Smart Locks, and more. Its cheapest equipment bundle starts at $124.98 and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
You can add a-la-carte components that can be purchased as your business grows. Add-ons include motion detectors, doorbell video cameras, glass breakage sensors, surveillance cameras (indoor only), smoke and water leak detectors, freezing temperature detectors, and panic buttons.
When I was going through the process of setting up a SimpliSafe system, I loved that the DIY instructions were easy to follow and system testing was a breeze. For the issues I ran into (regarding some Wi-Fi challenges), the SimpliSafe support was very responsive and helpful in getting the Wi-Fi reset (even though it wasn’t their equipment).
- Who is SimpliSafe best for?
My testing showed that SimpliSafe is great for small-business owners. If you are just starting, signing up for a SimpliSafe starter plan won’t go wrong. It’s easy on your pocket and comes with all the right tools, such as 24/7 monitoring, wireless tech, and smart integrations. As your company grows, you can easily upgrade your services with individual add-ons as well. - Recent upgrades to SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is continuously providing users with firmware updates to its camera systems as well as supporting tech. They recently released a new wireless indoor camera, and a a two-in-one smoke and carbon monoxide detector. The new camera uses AI vision technology to improve the motion detection (helping to distinguish pets from intruders), and supports two-way audio. - SimpliSafe pricing
SimpliSafe’s pricing provides one of the best upfront rates: $135 for a one-time purchase. This rate can be financed through Affirm if needed. You can also add on services as you go, including 24/7 monitoring or even additional cameras. Compared with competitors such as ADT and Vivint, SimpliSafe is one of the more affordable with the included features it provides.
Reasons to choose SimpliSafe
- No wires
- Professional service not required
- Contract-less monitoring
- Supports Alexa and smart devices
- A la carte add-on devices
Reasons to avoid
- Only covers 1,000 sqft
- No free trial
- Longer wait times for tech support
- Buggy with certain cellular services
- Annoying offline alerting
Best Professional Setup
Features
- Two-way audio
- Home automation
- Carbon monoxide detection
Starting Price
$19.99 per month
Wireless
Yes
DIY/Self-Service
No
24/7 Monitoring
Starts at $1 per day
Read More
Vivint is a wireless small business security system with 24/7 monitoring. The monthly price includes professional installation as well as monitoring through its mobile app. Vivint also supports integration with all major smart devices including Google Home, Amazon Echo, and even its own smart hub device.
Vivint offers one of the best feature suites for a security system. Components include security cameras, doorbell cameras, outdoor cameras, smoke detectors, and water sensors. Store automation products include smart thermostats and smart locks. It also offers a carbon monoxide detector, which integrates with the overall system to ensure your employees remain safe from toxins.
This security system is integrated with products including Amazon Echo and Google Home to help transition into devices you may already have in place. Vivint supports native two-way audio on these devices to allow for remote monitoring and response if the need ever arises.
It also comes with a suite that offers incentives for specific bundles. The more you add on, the more you save. The Vivint system installer I worked with was knowledgeable and willing to help explain the system.
- Who is Vivint best for?
My testing showed that Vivint is great for established businesses that want to streamline their security system setup. If you are just starting, you may find some of the bundles a bit pricey and the professional service installation unnecessary. If desired, it comes with tools such as cameras, alarms, and sensors. As your company grows, you can easily upgrade your bundle plan. - Recent upgrades to Vivint
Vivint recently released a new indoor camera with a feature for person detection, as opposed to just standard motion detection. The camera also boasts a wider field of view both horizontally and vertically—helping to catch more and eliminate blind spots. It supports two-way talking, pinch-to-zoom, and other useful features. - Vivint pricing
Vivint prices start around $19.99 if you purchase your equipment outright. The cost of equipment depends on features and devices. Eligible customers can sign up for financing with rates as low as 0% for 60 months. The company often offers incentives for new consumers like a free device, gift cards, or $0 activation fees. Every Vivint package comes with free professional installation.
Reasons to choose Vivint
- Carbon monoxide monitoring
- Customizable packages
- Simple and controlled upgrades
- Third-party integration
- In-house monitoring
Reasons to avoid
- No DIY install option
- 3-day cancellation policy
- Relocation fee
- $40/month monitoring fee
- Proprietary equipment you can’t use elsewhere
The Bottom Line
Vivint comes with tools such as cameras, alarms, and sensors, as well as professional installation and mobile app monitoring.
Best Outdoor Cameras
Features
- Easy enough for DIY install
- Top-notch outdoor cameras
- Supports home/business automations
Starting Price
Equipment costs
Wireless
Yes
DIY/Self-Service
Yes
24/7 Monitoring
$49.99 per month
Read More
Frontpoint offers self-installed smart security systems with automated technology and 24/7 monitoring. Supports home automation via smart door locks, garage door openers, smart light bulbs, and temperature controls. Equipment includes cameras, keypads, motion sensors, glass breakage sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, flood sensors, and smoke and heat sensors.
Unlike SimpliSafe and Abode, Frontpoint offers the best outdoor cameras provided by a monitoring service. And it has the ability to integrate your current locks and devices with its home automation hub for further control. It also offers a range of automation accessories, including smart locks, light bulbs, light controls, and a panic alert pendant.
Similarly to SimpliSafe, Frontpoint is one of the only services that provide both DIY and managed installation to work with your skills and schedule. Frontpoint’s included mobile app allows you to monitor and manage your assets from anywhere you have cell service.
Frontpoint was very responsive when I was having issues during the installation process with the control panel. Frontpoint overnighted the panel to me the next day, free.
- Who is Frontpoint best for?
Testing showed that Frontpoint is especially good for beginners. If you are just starting out, you won’t go wrong signing up for a Frontpoint starter pack plan. It allows you to choose DIY or managed monitoring and comes with tools such as a motion sensor, keypad, window sensor, and home defense kit. You can also upgrade your plan whenever your company expands. - Recent upgrades to Frontpoint
Some of the latest Frontpoint improvements include updates to its Apple Watch app as well as a wireless lighting control guide. - Frontpoint pricing
Up front, you have to buy your equipment. From there, you’ll pay $49 per month for monitoring services and other regular updates.
Reasons to choose Frontpoint
- Great customer service
- 100% mobile monitoring
- Flexibility
- Self-install
- Enhanced security alerts
Reasons to avoid
- No lifetime warranty
- Expensive monthly monitoring fee
- Longer wait times for tech support
- Excessive device options may be overkill
The Bottom Line
Frontpoint offers the best outdoor cameras coupled with a 24/7monitoring service.
Best Smart Features
Features
- Smart home/business ready
- Detects occupancy automatically
- Ability to build your own package
Starting Price
$6.99 per month
Wireless
Yes
DIY/Self-Service
Yes
24/7 Monitoring
$22.99 per month
Read More
Abode offers a build-your-own security package, which makes it easy to choose the components you need to protect your business. Its components are similar to SimpliSafe and include glass breakage detectors, occupancy detectors, open window sensors, indoor and outdoor sirens, water sensors, and smoke alarms. Unlike other systems, which only alert you if something is wrong, this system tells you if someone is on the premises, no matter what they’re doing.
Abode is one of the most obvious choices for automation. In testing, I could easily create automations from my mobile device to perform actions like opening the garage door or even turning on lights when a door opens. Abode also integrates with all smart appliances like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Sonos, and its proprietary home kit solution.
One of the coolest features is its ability to detect occupancy within your home or office called Z-Wave. Z-Wave offers the ability to integrate with any smart systems you already own to create seamless connections across your entire home or office.
When I was going through the installation and configuration process, I was impressed by how simple and robust the home automation features were. I was able to create reactive automations for specific actions like if a security alarm was triggered or if the main power went down.
- Who is Abode best for?
My testing showed that Abode is great for beginners. I found that you can’t go wrong signing up for a standard plan. It comes with tools such as unlimited cameras, video storage, home automation, and more. Abode is the best fit for new, smaller companies that believe they will continue to grow. - Recent upgrades to Abode
Abode has a product release log that provides updates every two weeks on front-end and back-end enhancements. Some of the latest fixes include push messages corrections, bug and stability improvements, and an overhaul of the mobile dashboards for device management. - Abode pricing
Abode is more expensive than its competitors. Services start at $6.99 per month a Standard plan. However, this tier doesn’t come with 24/7 monitoring. You’ll need a Pro subscription if you want monitoring included, which starts at $22.99 per month.
Reasons to choose Abode
- Hugely popular
- Doesn’t require a contract
- Z-Wave integration
- DIY and on-demand monitoring
- Support is consistent
Reasons to avoid
- Starter kit is limited
- Can get pricey with more devices
- Long wait times for tech support
- Mobile backup only with pro plans
The Bottom Line
Users can easily create automations to perform actions like opening the garage door or turning on lights, and it integrates with many smart home systems.
Best Hard-Wired Option
Features
- Easy cellular setup
- Large zone support with one system
- Digital security protection available
Starting Price
$194.98
Wireless
Yes
DIY/Self-Service
No
24/7 Monitoring
Starts at $24.99 per month
Read More
ADT is known for its wired security solutions. Features include intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance, fire protection, and cybersecurity solutions. It also offers a risk assessment to determine your security and automation needs before installation.
ADT is one of the founders in home and office security systems. Unfortunately, they are a bit behind. The following are some of the features that they do have going for them.
In the face of upstart competitor SimpliSafe and other DIY security solutions, ADT has released wireless products called Pulse and ADT Command. With the mobile app, you can remotely control lighting and door locks in addition to receiving alerts. This also opens the door for full cellular setup in the future, reducing the need for professional services.
Since ADT has a large device presence and encourages customers to use its products, it can offer you coverage up to 128 zones, ideal for larger businesses. ADT offers other business solutions outside of traditional security monitoring. It provides fire control, remote access services, and even a suite of cybersecurity products that can be included in your plan.
When I tested the ADT package, the process was fast. The crew was in and out quickly, and the audio and video quality from a remote location worked great. I was unable to test contacting the police or fire department without an actual emergency, but I feel confident that ADT is one of the main players in this space for a reason.
- Who is ADT best for?
My testing showed that ADT is great for larger businesses that need a company to set up and manage their systems. I found that if you are just starting out, you’ll have a hard time affording ADT. It includes tools such as fire protection and cybersecurity products, as well as an all-in-one solution. - Recent upgrades to ADT
ADT is continuously working on updating and improving the services they offer. This starts with a constant effort to keep their wired services running smoothly and without fail. ADT has recently launched its own wireless service to try to capture more of that market. - ADT pricing
ADT is more expensive than competitors. Packages start at $194.98 per month. Rates only only rise from there, depending on additional services services or equipment you need. Monitoring starts at $24.99 per month with an equipment bundle. Purchases are backed by a six-month service guarantee.
Reasons to choose ADT
- Reputation
- Years of experience
- Tailored and streamlined installation
- Long trial period
- Managed services add-ons
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive
- 36-month minimum contracts
- Mobile app new and growing
- Six-month cancellation period
The Bottom Line
ADT is great for larger businesses that need an established, no-frills company to set up and manage their systems.
Compare Business Security Systems
Security System
Best Features
Starting Price
Best Overall
- Completely wireless system
- Supports Alexa & Nest
- A la care add-ons
$124.98 one-time purchase
Best Professional Setup
- Two-way audio
- Home automation
- Carbon monoxide detection
$19.99 per month
Best Outdoor Cameras
- Easy enough for DIY install
- Top-notch outdoor cameras
- Supports home/business automations
$49 per month
Best Smart Features
- Smart home/business ready
- Detects occupancy automatically
- Ability to build your own package
$6.99 per month
Best Hard-Wired Option
- Easy cellular setup
- Large zone support with one system
- Digital security protection available
$24.99 per month
What You Need to Know
Why do I need a security system?
Effective and reliable workplace security is very important to any business because it reduces insurance, compensation, liabilities, and other expenses that the company must pay to its stakeholders, ultimately leading to increased business revenue and a reduction in operational charges incurred.
Is it better to have a wired or wireless alarm system?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here’s the gist: Wired security systems have more reliable signals, whereas wireless systems provide a more streamlined installation and can be used in places where wired systems can’t.
Are there any disadvantages to having a security system?
When the alarm goes off by accident, you have to answer your phone and disable it so the police won’t be called. You could be charged for a false alarm if police are dispatched but find no signs of forced entry.
Can my security system become a security risk?
The short answer is yes. Wireless alarm systems are vulnerable to being hacked. But that doesn’t mean it’s a foregone conclusion. While any connected device or system is potentially vulnerable to hacking, there’s a lot you can do to keep bad actors out such as protecting and hiding your internet network and using encryption and two-factor authentication.
How We Review Business Security Systems
I rated security systems on specific plans and prices, what features are offered, the performance of a security system, what type of hardware, and whether the provider is engaging in ongoing improvements.
I signed up for a plan with each provider to test:
Learn more about our review methodology.