People often worry about the safety of their homes when leaving for work or a family holiday. Installing a home security system is one way to ensure a house is safe. These systems help curb thefts in households across the country. However, several factors must be considered when purchasing them, including the costs, brands, and features. This post discusses the cost of a home security system and the best brands in the market.

Cost of a home security system
The cost is the first factor to consider when purchasing a security system. The price is usually split into three parts:

Monthly cost of the equipment
No two home security systems are the same. Some devices have minimal features, while others come fully decked with cameras and smart doorbells. A few brands also offer the flexibility to pick the devices you require to keep the home safe. The average cost of a home security system could range from $0 to over $600 for an advanced security package.

Monitoring cost
Home security system companies charge a monthly fee for monitoring services. It ranges from about $10 to $50 depending on the amount of equipment being monitored and its quality.

Activation and installation cost
A home security system purchase may include an activation and installation fee. The amount will differ from one brand to the other. Some may not have an activity fee, while others could charge between $200 to $300.

Top home security system brands and features
Several home security systems will appear at the top of your search results as the best. Here, we’ve curated the most popular ones and discussed their features:

Xfinity Home
If you’re looking for a professional monitoring system, Xfinity Home is the one to consider. This system’s features include real-time alerts, automated scenes for smart lighting, HD video, and the ability to arm or disarm remotely based on whether you’re home or away. Xfinity Home plans start at $30/month and don’t involve long-term service contracts. You can find the details on the brand’s official website.

Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece Security Kit
The Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece Security Kit is available on Crutchfield’s website for about $300. It comes with a keypad, four contact sensors, a motion detector, and a range extender, all of which can be installed easily without assistance. You can monitor and control the system from anywhere via the Ring app available for iPhone and Android. The system features a rechargeable battery backup that lasts up to 24 hours.

SimpliSafe
Another security system you could install yourself is from SimpliSafe. The brand offers professional monitoring for about $18/month with no long-term contracts. You could also go for the $28/month monitoring service plan, which adds features like mobile app controls and smart voice support. Other features include its Fast Protect™ technology that helps 24/7 monitoring agents verify security threats quickly for priority dispatch and faster response from authorities. Starter kits from SimpliSafe cost less than $250. The system could also be custom-built by choosing only the devices you need.

Unlike traditional wired home security systems, wireless options come with the latest technology. Everything is controllable via a smart device. These systems also have remote management features, including controlling temperature, switching lights on and off, and locking and unlocking doors remotely. As for the cost, wireless systems range between $200 and $2,000.