Best Alexa Home Security Systems Guide & Reviews of 2021

When Amazon created its voice assistant, people were in awe by how useful it could be when carrying out daily tasks. Over time, many vendors starting adapting their video systems so that they could be compatible with the tech. Those who want to get the best Alexa home security systems in 2021 should keep on reading.

Natalie Mitchell - Editorial Staff

Updated: May 25, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

Finding the best Alexa home security systems can be a headache for some. This is why we researched which were the best options in the market. Then, we measured them using five metrics. Each of them was given a score between 0 and 10 depending on the quality. After getting an average, we summarized them and gave the vendor a final mark between 0 and 10.

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

To decide on what score we should give to each metric, we read countless cam reviews and articles about these systems. We also checked what previous users had to say about them. With all the info we gathered, we tried out how each system performed and gave it a score.

1. Frontpoint: Super Advanced Integration

Total Score 9.8/10

FrontPoint Main
Frontpoint Touch Screen New
Frontpoint Apps New
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10
Best for Low Pricing

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Frontpoint is usually the go-to option for those who want the setup process to be simple and straightforward. But it is also a great system for those who want an Alexa compatible home security service. It includes a wide array of options and voice commands. While most other competitors only allow users to give basic commands, like turning on and off, this one lets people use the voice assistant to turn the cams or to focus on something in particular.

Yet, bear in mind that for this to function, it is necessary to pay for an advanced plan. The Alexa home security package is included in the Ultimate Plan, which costs $49.99. It also has 24/7 pro
Monitoring, smoke sensors, and more home automation features. But bear in mind that this is only available with contracts that last at least 12 months.

Pros:

  • DIY cam setup
  • No installation fee
  • Excellent pro monitoring
  • Voice assistant for security cams
  • Specific video commands
  • Good support
  • No contract option

Cons:

  • No 24/7 support
  • Voice assistant only for pro plans
  • No landline or broadband options

This vendor has reduced its costs lately. To achieve this, they have had to cut down some costs. And they give users the chance to decide if they want to do this too. This means that one can choose which things he wants in his package. As having a voice assistant is considered to be a premium feature, it is only available for those who are willing to pay more.

Another thing that some may not appreciate is how this vendor only offers cellular connection. Those who want their cams, sensors, a field of view, and alarm to connect with the monitoring center through the Internet or landline will probably want to look elsewhere. On a positive note, this provider offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. So, clients who are not sure if this is for them can try it out and return everything if they are not happy with the review.

All in all, those who want the most advanced among the security systems that work with Alexa will probably be happy with Frontpoint if they are willing to pay the price. Now, those who are happy with a more basic integration will probably find cheaper options out there.


2. ADT: Smart Footage for Peace of Mind

Total Score 9.6/10

ADT Main
ADT Package
ADT Mobile
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment9.5/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.5/10
  • Trust Score10/10
Best for Easy Integrations

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

ADT is a long time player in the field of home security. They provide systems that cater to every persons’ needs. From indoor sensors to outdoor cams, people will be able to keep their homes safe. No matter how big they are or how much money they make. The company has a reputation and does not charge a lot for their service.

Plus, it has some great functions for young people. For example, the app allows them to control the whole system from afar. It functions on different mobile products like tablets or phones. So, this means that the recordings will not go unmonitored because the owner is far away from home.

Pros:

  • It’s waterproof
  • Smart alerts
  • The remote control is efficient
  • Stored videos are a lot
  • Can be used in a tablet
  • Easy set up for rookies
  • Pro option available

Cons:

  • No 1080p.
  • No dust protection
  • No free trial available

In terms of videos, clients have two options. The first one is live recordings. So, the cams are set for 24 hours and paired with a mobile device. Then, the owner just needs to open the app to see what is going on inside or outside the house. It will come down to the type of camera they have installed. Yet, this can be a bit annoying. People will have to view all the time to see if a criminal appears or not.

The other method is by SD card. The video is stored there. And then buyers can access these recordings when they see fit. Yet, this may not be the best option for those who don’t have a lot of time. Since they will have to watch endless hours of videos to look for a small spot in time.


3. Vivint: Premium Equipment at a Price

Total Score 9.4/10

Vivint Main
24-7 Professional Monitoring Vivint
Smart Home App Vivint
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
Premium Homes

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

This provider offers premium services and some of the highest quality equipment in the market. But, of course, this also means that it is rather pricey. This is worth it for those who want one of the top security systems that work with Alexa, though. One feature that makes it stand out is the possibility of creating scenes. This means that people can choose a few settings and put them a label. For example, for the “morning scene”, the lights will dim, and the thermostat will change to a certain temperature.

Of course, this is part of their home automation functions rather than the security part itself. In terms of the safety equipment, the integration is also good, though not as advanced. Bear in mind that when giving Vivint-related commands to Amazon’s voice assistant, the user will have to say explicitly what app he wants to act. One example would be “Alexa, tell Vivint to turn on the lights”.

Pros:

  • Professional installation
  • Pro monitoring 24/7
  • Best environmental controls
  • Smart Scenes
  • Cellular and landline connections
  • Good app
  • v

Cons:

  • No DIY installation option
  • Higher than the average monthly cost
  • Long-term contract required

Vivint is one of the best security systems that work with Alexa for home automation. Yet, one should review if these features make up for the high fees. The installation is always carried out by a pro, so users have to pay for that. And the equipment is rather pricey too, especially in contrast with what others offer.

On the bright side, the service comes with some nice devices, like a doorbell camera that includes a two-way talk option. Also, it is possible to get some environmental sensors for fire and carbon monoxide, for example. And the best of all is their record response times. They claim if anything happens, they will have taken action before 10 seconds have gone by.

But if these functions sound interesting, all the equipment is high-quality and a great option for those who do not mind paying a bit more than with other systems.


4. SimpliSafe: Decades of Quality Work

Total Score 9.4/10

SimpliSafe Main
SimpliSafe Camera
SimpliSafe Build My System
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10
simplisafe-logo-sidebar
Best for Self Monitoring

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Simplisafe is a company that focuses on houses and apartments. So, it does not provide any services for businesses or stores. They want to make monitoring a simple task. For this to happen, all the setup is DIY. People will not need any special tools to start using cams.

Another great perk is that buyers will not be bound to any type of contract when hiring SimpliSafe. So, they can only pay for the months they want instead of having a fixed period. Clients usually praise this perk, and this shows in the online reviews.

Alexa, of course, is included within the pack. All the functions are fully integrated with the voice. So, a person might be about to enter their home and do not want to activate the keypad with their fingers. This person can speak and control the system. In terms of the keypad, it is the most important part of the system. It has direct contact with the police. In case of emergencies, they will get an alert straight away. Another thing it includes is a fire sensor. So, people can rest assured that their homes will not set on fire, and they will lose their things.

The keypad also has lights on its keys. This means that clients will be able to digit without issues when coming back home at night. They will not have to use their phones to light what they are doing, for example. Also, the entry and motion sensors blend in with the walls. This way, burglars will not be able to spot them with ease or deactivate them.


5. Ring: Seamless Integration

Total Score 9.2/10

Ring Main
No Contract Cove Monitoring
No Contract Ring Alarm Protection
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.5/10
ring-logo-sidebar
Best for Alexa Integration

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Amazon owns this company as it does with Alexa. So, it is only natural that the integration between the two is going to be practically seamless. For instance, when giving a voice command, users do not need to mention Ring. Instead, they can just say something like “Alexa, arm the system”. With other brands, the commands should also include the name of the company. It is not too much of a hassle, but it is more convenient to have the possibility of using shorter commands.

It is possible to do the same to disarm it, but this will require the one enters a PIN. In this way, they make sure that the house is not being broken into by someone else. Just make sure that only trusted people know this, as anyone who knows the number will be able to turn off the system. This type of voice commands can be used with all types of different devices. For example, with cams, sensors, sirens, and more.

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with the voice assistant
  • Shorter commands
  • Arm and disarm by voice
  • PIN security
  • Self and pro monitoring available
  • Varied equipment
  • Z-Wave compatible

Cons:

  • No pro installation option
  • Costly self-monitoring
  • Installation fee

Though it is not possible to get a technician to get the system ready, Ring cameras are super easy to install. And the good thing is that clients have the option to choose between pro or doing it oneself. Yet, bear in mind that whichever one is chosen, one has to pay in both cases. Paying for the DIY observation costs $2.99 monthly per camera.

While getting a professional to take care of this costs $10 per month. And they can call emergencies if necessary. And the best part is that there are no contracts. This means that one could cancel the service at any time without having to pay an extra fee. Yet, the final choice will depend on what one is looking for.


6. Amazon: Alexa’s Favorite System

Total Score 9.2/10

Amazon Main
Amazon Echo Dot Speaker
Amazon Wireless Cam
  • Features8.5/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.5/10
amazon-logo-sidebar
Best for Expert Testers

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Amazon took the plunge into the home security arena just recently. But as they tend to do, they are doing it very well. They have also bought Ring for this, and they are going to use the tech of that brand for sure. They will cater to different types of users, though. Amazon plans to offer personalized customer service and installations by technicians.

Also, they plan to teach users how to make the most out of the equipment they just bought in person. This is quite different from what Ring has to offer.

Pros:

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Wireless system
  • Pro setup included
  • No monthly fees
  • No contracts
  • Self Monitoring
  • Seamless integration with voice assistant

Cons:

  • No pro monitoring option
  • Professional installation only
  • No money-back guarantee

One of the best things about this vendor is that it offers a voice assistant compatible home security at all price points. All of its plans have this feature, even the most basic ones. The prices range between $320 and $840. And it is possible to get them with smart lighting, motion sensors, sirens, cameras, video doorbells, environmental detectors, and more.

On the negative side, Amazon does not give any guarantees. It does not have a money-back promise in case users do not like what they have bought. And there is no trial period either. To top this off, this company is quite new in this field, though it is usually well-known in other areas. So, this may make potential users doubt whether they should give this system a try or not.

Yet, all in all, it includes comprehensive packages with an integration that functions great at reasonable prices. So, in spite of its drawbacks, surely many will give them a chance.


Best Alexa Home Security Systems of 2021 (Pricing & Features)

With so many options, it is hard to know which are the best security systems that work with Alexa. To help with that, here we have broken down all the info into some main categories. Read on to see which is the more convenient system for every need with just a glance.

Provider Total Score Price DIY instal Trial Period Alexa compatibility Flexible plans 24/7 support Chat support Self-monitoring App Smart lock Doorbell camera Live-streaming Contract
Frontpoint 9.8 $44.99 Yes No Medium No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
ADT 9.6 $48.99 No No Medium No Yes Yes No Only for premium plans Yes Yes Only for premium plans Yes
Vivint 9.4 $29.99 No No Superb No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Optional
SimpliSafe 9.4 $14.99 No No Minimal Yes No No Yes Yes Third-party Yes Yes No
Ring 9.2 $10 Yes No Superb No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Amazon 9.2 No No No Superb Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

Alexa’s Useful and Fun Features

Though these are the best Alexa security systems, it is also possible to use them to have fun. Its functionalities are practically endless. Also, many functions will make one’s life easier. Read on to know which they are.

  • Car finder. Though this will some GPS Alexa devices to go in the vehicle, this feature will become a lifesaver for many.
  • Phone finder. If they are paired, the voice assistant can know where the device is at all times. In this way, one can ask her to make it sound or to locate it with the GPS function.
  • Random facts. Users can ask this voice assistant trivia questions, and she will look for the answers in Wikipedia. This is a great way to entertain the kids.
  • Brighten the day. This voice assistant comes with a Therapy feature that makes it try to make one feel better by giving positive reinforcement and light comments.
  • Workout with Alexa. She has info on how to take part in a healthy exercise routine. She even has many different options. So, one chooses the most appropriate one for that moment.
  • Get some food. The voice assistant can contact Domino’s pizza on one’s behalf and place an order. She can even track how the delivery process is going and give an estimate of when it is going to arrive.
  • Play music. This voice assistant lets users listen to music without having to pay a dime. This is done through many online services, like Pandora.
  • Be funny. Alexa knows a lot of jokes to entertain the whole family. Though all of them are targeted for children too, it is possible to set it for people over and under 13.
  • Find out what happened to Batman’s parents. This feature is called Wayne Investigation, and it allows people to act as detectives to investigate how they died. The script is quite witty and entertaining.

Benefits & Disadvantages

Those who want to get the best Alexa home security systems have probably wondered how useful this feature is going to be for their lives. The truth is that not everything is perfect. To find out which are the best and worst aspects of getting one of these systems, read on.

Benefits

  • Home Automation. This is one of the voice assistant’s most important features. It allows users to turn their normal house into a smart home. Thanks to this, they can control their lights, doors, thermostats, and more just by using their voice. And they can schedule certain actions too.
  • Hands-Free Voice Control. When paired with Echo, the voice assistant allows users to control any Alexa home security by just speaking. Thanks to its voice recognition tech, there is no need to enter any info or tweak any setting manually.
  • More Security. The Alexa app lets users control what goes on at home, straight from one’s phone. This includes watching the cameras, locking the doors, controlling the thermostat, and more.
  • Compatible with Most Vendors. Most modern systems are compatible with this voice assistant. This means that one can choose the provider with the best prices and the most advanced equipment without having to worry. Just pair them, and they will be ready to start working.
  • Works with Lots of Devices. Currently, vendors are making sure that all types of gadgets are compatible with Alexa. Some examples include lights, thermostats, cameras, and even garage doors. One just has to make sure that their tech will be compatible. Most of them say it right on the box.
  • Easy Setup Process. Most of the services that work with this voice assistant are wireless and so, super easy to install. What is more, the pairing process is very straightforward too. One only has to follow the instructions step by step, and in less than 5 minutes, everything should be ready to start working.

Disadvantages

  • Premium Feature. Though every day, more and more providers are including home security with Alexa in their catalog, many of them just do this for the most expensive packages. This means that one should be willing to pay more to have access to this tech. Luckily, a few providers include it at all price points.
  • Security Risks. In the same way that this voice assistant improves security in some respects, it compromises it in others. For example, some burglars with access to the latest tech could clone one’s voice and disarm the system. This is why having a secret PIN is so important.
  • Limited Functionality. Some providers go all in and prepare their systems so that it is possible to control up to the last detail with Alexa.

Features of Alexa Compatible Home Security Systems

Features of Alexa Compatible Home Security Systems

Getting home security with Alexa usually means having so many features and devices that one does not even know what to do. If that is the case, read on as this section will prove to be very enlightening.

Voice Recognition

This feature allows users to control every device that is connected with Alexa through voice. In this way, one can give them commands just by speaking. There is no need to type anything or touch any button. This can be used with the security systems that work with Alexa, but also with home automation services.

Entryway Sensors

These magnetic sensors are usually included in all the best Alexa security systems. They have to be placed on all the entries, like doors and windows for example.

Mobile Alerts

All the security systems that work with Alexa can send alerts to users’ phones. This makes it super easy to know instantly if something happens at home. And, in turn, one can monitor the house by oneself without needing much help. Of course, having the Amazon app will be key for this to work.

Remote Access

This feature is extremely useful and comes included in most of the Alexa compatible home security systems. It allows users to access the equipment from any place in the world and control it. In this way, one can see the live stream, lock doors, control the lights, and more.

Heat/AC

Tweak the temperature of the house without having to get up and press buttons. It is possible to give a voice command saying exactly which the desired temperature is. Or one could also just say “Alexa, lower the temperature”. And she will most probably choose a good temperature.

Door Locks

Those who pay for the most advanced plans for their Alexa home security will probably have this option. It allows to lock and unlock the door at will from afar. And it is even possible to do this just by speaking, without even having to get up.

Motion Detectors

These devices are included in pretty much every Alexa home security system, even in the most basic ones. They are placed in the inside.

Garage Door

Having this service will allow users to even open and close the garage doors just with one’s voice. For this, though, it is essential to buy compatible doors first. The more advanced vendors also have an app that makes it easy to tweak this function

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Alexa?

    Alexa is Amazon’s digital helper. It works with Amazon Echo and Echo Dot system. It uses speech recognition to do the tasks. Alexa can play some music and search the web. It can also control smart home tools and shop online. Its high-tech mic listens to people from faraway places. There are four different Alexa speakers. If users have two or more of them, only the closest will respond. In Canada, it works in English and French.

  • How does Alexa work?

    Alexa is a device that remains on. It wakes up when it listens to the word “Alexa”. This tool has a natural voice detection. It connects to the web with Wi-Fi. This tool gets the voice command and leads it to the cloud. The Amazon Echo translates the voice into orders.

    The voice service reads the message and sends the response. Amazon offers this service for free. It can tell the weather, shop online, and turn the lights off. This tool is made up of a speaker, a microphone, and a processor.

    The key is on the web connection and the Alexa Voice Service. This tool has a cylindrical form and Bluetooth.

  • Can Alexa monitor your home?

    Amazon Alexa can monitor the client’s home. Amazon presented Alexa Guard that adds home security to the device. Users need to tell the tool they are out of town. They can get alerts when it detects the sound of glass breaking. They get a message if the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm rings.

    The device can turn the lights on and off if the house is empty. In “Whisper Mode”, Alexa can turn the security system’s panic mode on.

  • What is the best security system that works with Alexa?

    Alexa helps clients to make their lives easier and safe. It protects their homes when they are not there. Fortunately, many security systems work with Alexa. Some of them are ADT, Frontpoint, Ring, and Vivint. They are all good options, as they have many skills. Thanks to them, clients can control their cameras with their voices.

    Remember that the more advanced the plan is, the more functions it offers. They provide constant live streaming. Clients can turn the camera on and move it with their voice too. And they can tell Alexa to record.

Make Things Easier with Alexa

The market is full of good options for Alexa home security services in 2021. They have advanced over the years to the point in which it is possible even to tell a camera where it should be focusing on just by using one’s voice. Now, is this for everyone? Most likely, yes.

Having this type of system in place not only saves time, but it also makes it easier to have a safe home. In this way, even those who are not very tech-savvy can get a system and control it without having to learn different settings and which button does what.


Editorial Staff

Natalie contributes her expertise by her professional writing and years working in editorial offices and with online publishers. Natalie is a true leader who has exceptional skills to be a team player. She excels at conducting research on robberies and thefts using open police data and is inspired by her husband’s work as a detective. With such interests, she continues to write excellent articles about security systems in general and Securing Home in particular.


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