Best Cellular Home Security Systems of 2021 (Pricing & Features)
There are so many things to bear in mind when picking the best cellular monitoring that doing so may get confusing for many users. This is why we have reviewed each vendor with these categories. Read on to see what they have to offer!
Provider | Total Score | Price | DIY instal | Smart home compatible | Flexible plans | 24/7 support | Chat support | Self-monitoring | App | Smart lock | Doorbell camera | Live streaming | Contract |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ADT | 9.6 | $48.99 | No | Medium | No | Yes | Yes | No | Prem. Plans Only | Yes | Yes | Prem. Plans Only | Yes |
Vivint | 9.5 | $29.99 | No | Superb | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional |
Frontpoint | 9.4 | $44.99 | Yes | Medium | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
SimpliSafe | 9.4 | $14.99 | No | Minimal | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Third-party | Yes | Yes | No |
Protect America | 9.3 | $41.99 | No | Medium | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Third-party | Third-party | Yes | Yes |
Cellular Alarm Systems vs. Phone Line Alarm Systems
These are the two main options in the market right now. But which one is the most suitable? It will depend on what each user needs, as both of them have their strengths and weaknesses. Read on to find out which one is better for each type of client.
Cellular Alarm System: The Most Advanced Option
These are the new kids in the block. This means that they are not as popular as they could be. Yet, they are making their way through people’s homes because of how useful they are. They are convenient because they require no wires and are hard to hack. Also, they end up being cheap in the long run.
Pros:
- Not possible to cut wires
- Hard to hack
- Do not break the walls
- Easy to install
- Can be moved to another home easily
Cons:
- A bit pricier upfront
- Not as popular yet
Phone Line Alarm System: The Most Popular Choice
These are the most typical systems that the majority of brands offer. They depend entirely on the phone connection. This is a drawback, in part, because it makes it easier to hack them. They are also a bit more difficult to install because these devices require drilling the walls and connecting them. On the positive side, some of these have a more stable connection.
Pros:
- The connection may be more stable
- More popular
- Easier to find
- Cheaper upfront
- More compatibility
Cons:
- Easier to hack
- Needs to pay for the phone line
Features of Cellular Based Home Security Systems

Each home security system has something different to offer. Depending on how new or luxurious they are, the features will vary. But here are some of the basics. When looking for an option to take care of the house, users should make sure that the chosen one has at least most of these.
Motion Detectors
These little devices detect and track movements. They can be placed anywhere in the house, but it is recommended to put them in corners so that they cover an ampler space.
Once they sense something, they can trigger an alert or turn on the camera to start recording that specific spot.
Mobile Alerts
The great majority of home security systems include an app that is in constant communication with the other devices. In this way, when they notice something strange, like a movement, the user receives a notification on their phone instantly. This means that the client can know what is going on at home at all times. Often, they can also access a live feed at any moment.
Arm/Disarm Security
This function refers to turning on and off the cellular home security service. This is to say that when it is armed, it starts working and monitoring if an intruder is trying to break in. And when it is disarmed, it stops checking for possible burglars. It usually gets in the latter stage when the owner of the house arrives.
Wireless
Most of the best cellular monitoring systems have this feature. Having this means that the equipment is not connected with wires. Instead, it connects through a network.
The perks of this include not having to drill the wall to install everything, and making it impossible for burglars to disarm the alarm by cutting wires.
Entryway Sensors
These tools should be placed on all the possible entries. They are made up of two parts. The first one is stuck to the frame and the other one to the door or window. They are connected through a magnet. In this way, when the parts are separated, the home security systems send an alert to the user and the monitoring center.
Glass Break Sensors
These detectors go on all the doors and windows that are made out of glass. So, if someone breaks them to try to get in, the system triggers an alarm that will notify the user, the center, and sometimes even the authorities.
Control Panel
Such panels are usually placed on a wall near the main entrance. They can be digital or manual, and they are used to arm and disarm the system or to control some of its main functions. Nowadays, most brands have an app with the same functions.
Home Automation
This is a way to make managing cellular home security easier and simplifying one’s own life. This function can be usually controlled only with one’s voice. It works by understanding how the user liked things and adapting to that. For example, it can detect at what time one leaves from work and comes back to arm and disarm the alarm accordingly.
Remote Access
Most new home security systems will have the option to control everything from a distance. This is generally done through a mobile app. In this way, the user can disarm the alarm when he is approaching the house, or access a live feed of what the cameras are seeing, even when on vacation.
How to Choose the Right Cellular Security System
When choosing the best cellular monitoring in the market, there are lots of things to bear in mind. In case this is getting overwhelming for some, here is a checklist with the steps one has to follow to make sure that the vendor is worth one’s money.
1. Reviews
It is vital to check out what previous users experienced when they used these cellular security systems. In this way, one can avoid those brands that sell devices that break after a few months. Or those that have subpar customer care. This can be done in sites like TrustPilot, for example.
2. Functionality
The second step is seeing what each one of the cellular security systems has to offer. Most of them include almost the same devices in their catalog, like sensors and cameras. But they usually differ in how compatible they are with smart devices. And also in how useful their apps are. Make sure to check this when considering getting anew system.
3. Brand Reputation
Over the years, each company builds its reputation. Generally, those that do not offer a good service do not last much. So, when one brand is rather old, and they have a good rep, this is a good sign that they work well and deliver what they promise.
4. Self-Monitoring or Professional Monitoring
These two options are equally valid. It will all depend on what one is looking for. Those who want to cut down costs and do not mind some extra work will probably choose self-monitoring home security systems.
On the other hand, the users who want no responsibilities and do not mind paying for this service will most likely go for pro cellular monitoring.
5. Affordable Plans
In this last step, one should check out which cellular security systems offer all the previously mentioned features. And then, see which of their plans are the ones that best suit what one needs. The most affordable ones will be the ones with DIY installation, self-monitoring, and no contracts. But also check out what the upfront cost of the equipment is.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Are the Differences Between Landline, Broadband, and Cellular Monitoring?
Clients can link their home security system in three ways:
- Landline System. The control center uses a wired-phone line. This connects to the home security system. It is more stable and common than a wireless connection. But it is easy to cut. It can leave the house with no protection
- Internet System. This system uses a broadband internet connection. It is four times faster than a landline system. Thieves can cut the connection. Companies can offer a 24-hour battery for power emergencies.
- Cellular monitoring. The home security system uses a cellular uplink. It sends signals to the watching center. This system does not use wires that thieves can cut. It is more secure than other options. Clients can track their homes through cell phones and laptops.
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Do I Need a Phone Line to Have a Cellular Alarm System?
No, clients do not need a phone line to have a cellular home security system. This is not as easy to hack as a landline or broadband connection. Thieves cannot cut the line. It is reliable, and it offers protection 24/7 from remote devices. Some examples are laptops and cell phones. A cellular alarm system does not interfere with the internet connection or a wired-phone line. It does not depend on them either
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Why Is a Cellular Alarm System the Most Reliable?
A cellular home security system is the most reliable. This happens because there are no lines that a thief can cut. Cellular alarm systems do not depend on a phone line or broadband connection. Power cuts do not affect them. This type of tech allows clients to control their alarm systems from far away places.
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What Are Service Providers Offered for Cellular Alarm Systems?
A cellular home security system is a cheap option, though not free. More service vendors offer them these days. Using mobile signals is a good choice to change the Internet and landline systems. Many clients use it as an aid tool when the power goes out. There are five well-known suppliers. They are: Frontpoint Security, Protect America, ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint. Providers need to check the cellular signal in the area. It is safe when there is a strong signal.
Cellular Systems Nowadays
These home security systems are new, even for 2021. They are a great option for those who are looking for reliable and cheap monitoring, almost free. Their wireless connection makes them a great option for those who do not want to have a landline at home. Though their popularity still has to grow, these devices are making their way in the market and will hopefully keep on growing.