Best Home Security Systems for Seniors in December 2023

Pricing

ADT specializes in bundled home security systems that include equipment, installation, and monthly monitoring. The cost of monthly monitoring is spread across a 36-month contract, and you can do the same with installation and equipment costs. Or you can pay for equipment and installation upfront.

Right now, ADT offers three home security packages: Secure, Smart, and Video and Smart Home. The bare-bones Secure Package starts at $599 up front and $45.99 per month for monitoring. Adding some home automation equipment brings you to the Smart Package, which starts at $849 up front plus $49.99 per month for monitoring. The Video and Smart Home Package adds an HD camera and Google Nest video doorbell, with the same up-front cost starting at $849 and a higher $59.99 per month for monitoring.

Already have a security system at home? You can purchase ADT’s professional monitoring services for $27.99 per month. Not interested in professional monitoring? We think seniors, especially those who rent, should check out Blue by ADT. The basic DIY system starts at $179.99, with no monthly monitoring required.

The Bottom Line

ADT’s well-designed systems can handle your security needs, whether you’re aging in place in an apartment, condo, or home. Plus, you have the option of various upgrades, such as medical alert devices and services, that offer personal protection when you’re at home and on the go. Given how easy it is to use, how many options there are, and the mix of price points, we think ADT is a top choice for seniors. Check out our ADT review for a closer look at this industry mainstay.

Pricing

The biggest downside to Vivint is its high entry-level equipment and installation costs. Since Vivint customizes a system to meet your needs, exact pricing isn’t available ahead of your consultation. However, we did find that their least expensive package starts at $599, while their upper-tier packages top out at a little under $1,800. Installation costs around $99, depending on your equipment.

Monthly monitoring from Vivint starts at $29.99 per month. This option gives you alerts and full use of the mobile app. For $39.99 per month, you can enjoy additional automation features such as doorbell cameras, thermostat controls, and auto door locks with the Smart Home Service plan. For $44.99 per month, the Smart Home Video plan includes video recording and support. Your first camera is included at that base price, but each additional camera costs $4.99 per month. Other fees include early cancellation fees if you have a contract and moving fees.

Vivint offers FlexPay financing for qualified customers who want to pay for equipment in installments. Just know that if you finance the equipment, you must sign a contract. When you pay upfront, there isn’t one, which we think is ideal for seniors.

The Bottom Line

Vivint falls on the pricier side when you compare your home security options. However, that extra cost is worth it in our book. Vivint has high consumer ratings for overall quality and customer service. Plus, their professional installation guarantees everything’s working like it should, and you can ask questions to make sure you know how to use your system. If you need help later on, their customer service team is available 24/7. We think that’s an invaluable resource for older adults. Oversized touch screens and no-contract options also make Vivint an attractive choice for seniors who want to create or expand their smart home.

Pricing

SimpliSafe offers customizable packages and plenty of add-on options. They also sell five main preset packages designed to meet specific home security concerns. These range in price from $245 to $505, with discounts available for those who also purchase an interactive monitoring plan. None of SimpliSafe’s packages include cameras or smart locks, but you can add those on for a fixed price. Indoor cameras cost $99 each, outdoor cameras cost $179 each, video doorbell cameras cost $169 each, and smart locks cost $99 each.

SimpliSafe’s two monitoring packages stand out because they’re contract-free. You can cancel at any time. Self Monitoring starts at 33 cents per day, while Interactive Monitoring starts at 93 cents per day. Interactive monitoring includes advanced features like arming your system with Google Assistant or Alexa, water damage and temperature monitoring, and 30-day video recording storage.

The SimpliSafe website reports that 97 percent of customers set up the SimpliSafe system themselves (for free), but professional installation is available.3 It costs $99 with an additional fee for doorbell installation. Accessories, batteries, and shipping are free with your system purchase. SimpliSafe also offers a 60-day, money-back guarantee if you’re not 100 percent satisfied. They even cover the cost of return shipping.

The Bottom Line

SimpliSafe is an excellent option for seniors and their families who want an easy-to-use, contract-free wireless home security system. The Interactive Monitoring plan is a smart choice, thanks to its real-time phone alerts that keep families in the loop. Caregivers can receive alerts when their loved one returns home and about emergencies, freezing temperatures, water leaks, and more. Plus, you can’t beat SimpliSafe’s easy DIY installation.Not interested in setting up a system on your own? No problem. SimpliSafe also offers professional installation from a certified technician if you’d prefer.

Pricing

Frontpoint offers three packages that range from a starter option for $402.96 to the Family Lookout package for $790.91. Each package is customizable, or you can build your own system from scratch starting at $99. Choose from 22 different camera, home automation, environmental, and intrusion equipment options ranging from $3.99 to $199.99. The panic pendant, which doubles as a medical alert device, costs $39.99.

Frontpoint also requires professional monitoring for systems, which costs $1.64 per day or around $50 per month on a three-year contract. The plan includes light control, night vision, live video streaming, and smart lock control. If your budget is tight, Frontpoint offers equipment financing through Affirm. Rates range from zero to 30 percent APR, and a credit check is required. A down payment may be required as well.

The Bottom Line

Frontpoint makes home security simple and secure for seniors, especially those who receive help or services at home. You can assign unique alarm codes to family members, home health aides, dog walkers, or whoever else may need to access your home. Best of all, you can set time restrictions, guaranteeing that those individuals only enter the house when you’re expecting them. We love that added level of security!

Frontpoint’s panic pendant also means you wouldn’t need to purchase an entirely different medical alert system. Instead, it’s integrated right into your home security system’s monitoring plan. Talk about an easy way to cut back on costs!

Pricing

Brinks Smart Security equipment packages range in price from $360 to $799 with free shipping5. All three systems include essential equipment, like a control panel and window and door sensors. Upper-tier packages add in extras like a doorbell camera and additional sensors.

Monitoring for Brinks Smart Security equipment starts at $39.99 per month for the Essential Package, and goes up to $49.99 per month for the Ultimate Package. New customers must sign a 36-month contract. However, there is a 30-day trial period. If you’re not happy with the equipment, you can cancel the contract without incurring termination or restocking fees.

Another option through Brinks is to pay $29.99 a month to have Brinks monitor your Nest Secure system. You can purchase this equipment from many retailers, such as Lowe’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Kohls for $280 or more.

The Bottom Line

Brinks Home has a good reputation and a solid history of providing excellent customer service. Their 30-day free trial period gives older adults enough time to test the equipment and see if it’s the right fit. You also can’t beat their one-touch control hub that doubles as a central hub for smart home devices. It’s an excellent choice for seniors who want to turn their home into a smart home.

Pricing

Xfinity offers three different equipment packages, individual equipment add-ons, and three monitoring plans. Customers can purchase equipment upfront or finance it interest-free over a 24-month period. Monitoring plans don’t require a contract, which is certainly a perk you won’t find with all home security companies.

Equipment packages start at $360 upfront, or $15 per month for the Base Home System, and go up to $600 upfront, or $25 a month for the Ultimate Home System. All three packages include important equipment and features like access to the Xfinity Home app, a touch screen controller, door and window sensors, pet-friendly motion sensors, and more. Add-ons range from $20 to $120. Xfinity typically charges for installation and activation, but the company sometimes runs specials that waive these fees.

Professional monitoring starts at $30 per month for systems without cameras and $40 per month for systems with cameras. If you’re an Xfinity internet customer, you can choose to self-monitor your system instead for $10 per month.

The Bottom Line

XFINITY home security might be a good choice for older adults who want to simplify their bills. You can enjoy phone, cable, internet, and professional monitoring services all from one company with one monthly payment. Thanks to the straightforward, easy-to-use touch screen panel that functions similarly to a tablet device, operation is pretty simple, too. Plus, during installation, an Xfinity expert will show you exactly how to use your system.

Pricing

Abode offers several monitoring plans and starter kits that most will find budget-friendly. Predesigned starter kits start at $279 for the basic Security Kit and go up to $700 for the Iota Bundle, but it’s common to find discounts on their website. Additional devices, such as extra motion sensors or HD video cameras, cost extra when customizing a package. Although not required, you can add on professional installation for $99 at checkout thanks to the company’s partnership with HelloTech.

You have options when it comes to monitoring, too. Abode Security offers three plans for monitoring services without the need for a contract – something we like to see. Choose free self-monitoring with limited features, or upgrade to advanced self-monitoring or professional monitoring for a fee.

Abode also offers on-demand professional monitoring for times when you’re on vacation, away on a work trip, or in the hospital. Just pay for three or seven days of 24/7 monitoring with no monthly commitment.

The Bottom Line

Older adults tend to like Abode because of its affordable equipment and optional monitoring costs. We especially like the added peace of mind offered by on-demand monitoring. It’s an excellent option for seniors who spend the winter months in a different location or expect to spend time in the hospital. Plus, you can’t beat the simplicity of owning a DIY security system that you can use with other third-party home automation devices.

Pricing

The Ring Alarm Security Kit is highly affordable, with the five-piece starter package running $199. Their recommended 14-piece system for larger 3+ bedroom homes starts at $329.99. You can also choose from other packages ranging from $249 to $534. Extras like motion detectors, range extenders, flood and freeze sensors, smoke and CO listener, panic buttons, and outdoor sirens are available for an additional fee.

Ring also offers some of the most affordable monitoring plans in the industry. Self-monitoring the system using the web and mobile app is free. The company’s $3.99 per month (or $39 per year) Ring Protect Basic plan gives you access to push notifications, video saving and sharing, and other app features. For $20 per month (or $200 per year), the Ring Protect Pro plan gives you 24/7 professional monitoring, extended warranties, and a discount on select Ring products.

The Bottom Line

Ring is an ideal home security system for older adults for many reasons. There are the low equipment and monitoring costs, the free self-monitoring option, and its ease of use. Not to mention that even first-time users can quickly install and connect the system themselves on their own schedule. We also like that Ring sells a panic button that you can use to call for help. This is a great security feature to install in places like the bottom of the steps, the bedroom, or the bathroom.