Best Home Security System Apps Guide & Reviews of 2021

Many home security systems with apps tend to include capabilities for intelligent appliances and lighting modules. This is one of those providers. The program is called Vivint Sky, and it offers complete, hands-on control of all the systems. It’s free for Android and iPhone and has great customer reviews, too. Users on the Google Play Store gave in 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The interface is intuitive and smooth, allowing for quick check-ins and updates. This is an excellent choice for any Vivint client who wants more remote access to their devices and services.

Customers who sign on to the monitoring plan can enjoy one terabyte of file storage, which is more than enough space. Plus, the system backs up all of the data and stores it in the cloud for safekeeping. Expert set-up is required but at no additional cost. There is also no activation fee, which makes this an affordable package for more families.

Vivint offers cellular and landline connections, plus third-party integrations, including Amazon Alexa and Echo. The recordings are in high-definition for a clearer picture every time.

Some home security systems with apps come from familiar brands, such as ADT. This company has been in the surveillance and safety business for decades, so it’s a trusted name for many consumers. Fortunately, it has grown with the times and now offers remote access, phone controls, and other perks for modern clients.

ADT is a good choice for customers of all ages, as well as people who rent rather than own their property. It has all of the services one would expect, such as intrusion protection, emergency response, and custom automations.

ADT’s service is fast and reliable because it relies primarily on cell tower connections. Moreover, its compatibility with automated devices and solutions helps customers save energy and reduce utility bills while making their lives easy. On the whole, this is a no-hassle plan, as long as customers can afford it.

Video streaming and monitoring are only available on with the Pulse package for $52.99 per month. Other perks for clients include life safety products like panic buttons and pendants, perfect for families with elderly loved ones.

Frontpoint takes care of its clients, and that dedication has earned it an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This company has home security mobile apps for Android and iPhone devices, as well as smartwatches and tablets. Individuals can manage their automated systems and services with the push of a button. They’ll enjoy the convenience of wireless connectivity, although if they require a landline, this brand won’t do.

Frontpoint has indoor & outdoor cameras as well as three monitoring plans to choose from with contracts ranging from one to three years.

Frontpoint’s home security mobile app works with Z-Wave, Amazon Echo, and other third-party services. Plus, the safety equipment comes from General Electric, a brand that is known for reliability. Most people will be fine with the DIY installation, and most kits take less than an hour to set up. Also, customer support is available via phone and online chat at all hours of the day and in English and Spanish.

Protect America has a home security mobile app that makes it easy to access all of the benefits and integrations the system is capable of. For instance, clients can manage their automated devices and other surveillance equipment from their phone, whether they’re close by or not. With intelligent integrations, they can turn down the thermostat, unlock the doors, and much more, all without leaving the couch.

This phone access lets them see what’s going on through the lens of their WiFi-connected cameras. That said, the systems work with cellular monitoring so they can provide 24/7 viewing and updates.

Protect America customers don’t have to pay any upfront costs, but they must sign up for a three-year agreement, so it’s not that easy. On the other hand, they can have up to six accounts so that everyone stays in the loop. Plus, the products work with Z-Wave, Alexa, and many others. The sensors have a 25-foot detection range and won’t sound the trigger at pets, reducing false alarms.

Other equipment benefits include night vision, two-way audio, and recordings at 30-frames-per-second. Overall, it’s one of the best home security system apps currently on the market. However, the cameras have a limited field of view at just 60 degrees.

Not all home security mobile apps are created equally. Canary utilizes artificial intelligence to provide a smooth and interactive experience for customers. They can view live and recorded footage as well as activity alerts and clips straight from their phones. They can also remotely arm and disarm the system and customize their privacy and alert settings for more assurance.

Canary offers three main cam products: the Canary Flex, View, and All-in-One, ranging from $99 to $199. Take the Flex, which supports image capture and has 1080p HD quality. There are additional accessories such as sirens and excessive heat and humidity sensors.

The thing about these Canary products is the event-triggered recording, so they don’t provide a continuous stream of footage. That said, 24/7 Live Watch is available, as well as the emergency first response. Clients can get the “basic experience” for $0 extra and enjoy those perks along with one day of recording history.

The plan works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Wink, but that’s the extent of the automation benefits. There is a no-contract option, but buyers get more overall savings with a one or two-year agreement.

Most people know Xfinity from its TV and Internet service. Fast-forward to 2021, and this brand offers a home security mobile app and all kinds of surveillance tools and equipment to keep families safe. Plus, they can manage all of their systems via the Comcast remote control. This is a great way to package their cable, Internet, and surveillance services together. There are even integrations with LIFX lighting, Kwikset locks, Nest thermostats, and many others.

Xfinity does require two-year contracts, but there are some nice automation perks as well as 24/7 monitoring and recording. Other benefits include medical response, intrusion protection, and 3G cell alerts.

It’s important to note that Xfinity falls short in terms of ease of use. The warranty period is just one month, and clients have 30 days to look at their stored media files before they’re lost to cyberspace forever. It would be better if individuals could store in the cloud instead.

On the other hand, the 3G cell alerts, multiple integrations, and bundle packages make this a worthy competitor in terms of household protection.

SimpliSafe’s home security mobile app allows users to view their entire recording history, live-stream footage, and manage their systems from anywhere. They will receive instant alerts whenever a sensor is triggered, or the camera picks up on any activity. It can also keep individuals aware of environmental threats like water leaks and frozen pipes, ideal for avoiding costly disasters in the future.

Where this brand is lacking is in the automation department. There aren’t auto-integrations like there are on other phone programs. Still, it has great client ratings and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

SimpliSafe is, well, simpler than other home security mobile apps. Where it falls short is the automated integrations, but for people who don’t want or need that, this is still a viable option. They can watch their camera and video footage anytime, anywhere.

They have the option to customize their alerts and control their monitoring solutions. They can use the temperature and water sensors to keep their property safe from floods and fires. Overall, it’s a dependable system that offers decent rates

Now it’s time for a Google-owned company to shine. Enter Nest, a DIY household surveillance brand that gives clients remote access to all of their gadgets. Throughout the past few years, this business has solidified itself as an intuitive, customer-friendly option, especially for those who don’t want lengthy contracts and sky-high fees.

One of the big selling points of the Nest ecosystem is that the products communicate and learn from each other. It’s a great way to build a customized, intelligent system of automated gadgets. Think learning thermostats, locks, and special lighting modules to create a comfy, classy atmosphere.

Trying to wrap one’s head around all of the products and packages can be a bit confusing. While a contract isn’t required, buyers save $10 a month if they hop onto a three-year agreement. Both plans are essentially the same, though, so some people may prefer having a month-by-month subscription.

As for file recordings, clients get complimentary storage for up to 30 days so they can playback footage when they need it. Nest has equipment for inside and outside, and customers can manage all of those gadgets from their couches.

The Ring brand is owned by Amazon, and as such, is compatible with Alexa and Echo. There are plenty of other integrations as well, so clients can build their unique intelligent ecosystem. The collaborative Neighborhood program works on clients’ phones and has a simple dashboard that lets them see just about everything happening in and around their properties.

They can also check out a 60-day history of event-triggered recordings as well as reviews and snapshots. The program supports file-sharing, too. It’s connected via WiFi and comes with the advantage of 24/7 monitoring and emergency response alerts.

Even in 2021, Ring continues to be popular. Its self-installation is straightforward, and clients can choose between battery-powered and hardwired models. There are lots of cam options to choose from, as well as additional accessories. This could be good or bad, depending on how one looks at it. Also, other companies have continuous live streaming, but Ring only records if the equipment senses movement. This could limit its protection capabilities, which isn’t good news for consumers.

For those who are on a budget but still want some high-tech recording equipment, check out Arlo. This brand doesn’t sugar-coat anything, but that doesn’t mean customers won’t find dependable products here. The company offers three subscription plans, and individuals will get the Basic package at no extra cost. That said, they’ll want to upgrade if they want to take advantage of all the perks.

This includes things such as recorded images with timestamps, motion and sound detection, custom settings, and automated updates. Arlo products integrate with IFTTT, Echo, and more, and they’re 100% wireless for added convenience.

Individuals can adjust the modes on each camera, making it easy to have a well-managed system. After all, safety isn’t one-size-fits-all, and individuals might need to have different settings on their equipment depending on if it’s outdoors or inside. The only heavy-duty equipment Arlo offers is surveillance cams, so consumers who want more accessories might want to check out another company.

That said, there are additional accessories such as lighting modules and baby monitors. One option, the Elite cam, comes with 4K resolution and unlimited customer support. Clients can view files up to 30 days after recording, too.