Note: Google has discontinued Nest Secure. So we recommend checking out our list of the best home security systems to explore your options.
As experts in the realm of home security, we often find ourselves testing system after system in an effort to provide you with top-notch information on the industry’s leading brands.
The Google-owned Nest Secure system has been a popular choice (and a favorite of ours) for those trying to find a reliable home security system. It offered modern technologies for home protection as well as home automation features to simplify daily tasks. Unfortunately, Nest Secure has been discontinued by Google.
Not to worry! If you’re looking for something similar, you should check out our three Nest Secure alternatives. We’ve done the research work for you, compiling the key information here all in one place to save you time, energy, and maybe even a little stress.
Nest Secure
SimpliSafe
Touted as the best DIY home security system, Simplisafe promises affordable and simple home security right out-of-the-box. They offer more package and pricing options than Nest, and their lineup of equipment is easier to use (and install).
SimpliSafe offers add-ons galore, from smoke detectors and panic buttons to glass-break and temperature sensors. Not looking for all the bells and whistles? Basic setups (that won’t break the bank) are also available, and you can customize each system to your heart’s content.
SimpliSafe Equipment
Similarities
After testing and reviewing SimpliSafe, we found that their system was pretty comparable to its Nest counterpart. Along with competitive pricing, both SimpliSafe and Nest Secure are DIY setups complete with reliable equipment, such as indoor and outdoor cameras, and more. SimpliSafe does offer professional installation services for its most expensive (and complicated) security packages.
Did You Know? Companies that require you to have your system professionally installed will most often charge you for the installation. Unfortunately, considering that you already have to pay for equipment and services, additional costs like installation fees can lead to a pricey monthly bill. It’s always a good idea to find a home security system with DIY-friendly installation options available.
Installing the system yourself will not only save you money in the long haul, but also ensure that you can set it up exactly the way you want. Unsure of your DIY capabilities? Take a look at our hands-on installation experience and see how easy it is to install SimpliSafe for yourself.
In addition to the high-quality video that SimpliSafe provides, the system is also contract-free (win!). This fact may be crucial in your decision-making process, especially if you’re renting or just now beginning to figure out what you need from a home security system. SimpliSafe offers an easy way out should you decide to “break up.”
SimpliSafe Camera and Base Station
Differences
Between the two systems, there are several differences worth noting. As mentioned above, Nest Secure links to Google Assistant, making Nest Secure the easier purchase if you’re looking to use Google Assistant as your home automation system. While smart home integration is limited with SimpliSafe, don’t count them out yet! SimpliSafe offers smart home components like smart locks and video doorbells, and it can connect to Amazon’s Alexa, the Apple Watch, and more.
Versatility is another key difference you’ll find between the two systems. SimpliSafe offers more package and equipment options to choose from, as well as several different pricing options to boot. This will grant you the ability (and freedom) to pick and choose the package options that are ideal for you, as opposed to getting stuck with those pre-built setups that offer very little wiggle room.
SimpliSafe Wireless Keypad Setup
Pricing
So how do these two leading DIY systems match up in terms of price? To start, both Nest Secure and SimpliSafe offer(ed) several options. If you purchase Nest Secure through Brinks, up-front charges started at $399 for the package and $19 for monitoring services. If you’re on the lookout for something more affordable, SimpliSafe offers pricing and package options starting as low as $183 for equipment and $15 for month-to-month 24/7 monitoring. In other words, this is one of the most affordable home security systems available.
SimpliSafe offers a smart lock at the most basic level, which automatically locks your door, even if you forget. This lock comes at the base price of $99. Or, for that same price, you can purchase an indoor camera to stream HD video from anywhere and alert the homeowner when it detects trouble at home. They also offer refurbished systems at a discount.
Another of SimpliSafe’s basic option is a video doorbell for $169, or the basic kit for small homes and apartments (base station, wireless keypad, one entry sensor, one motion sensor, one HD camera) for only $183.
SimpliSafe also offers more extensive packages with costs that go from $207 to up to $359.
SimpliSafe’s most expensive package ($395) includes:
- A base station with a wireless keypad
- One key fob
- Four sensors for windows/doors
- One HD camera
- Two motion sensors
- One alarm
- One panic button
- Environmental sensors
If you’re not happy with the system after purchase, Simplisafe offers you a money-back guarantee that applies for the first 60 days after the date of purchase. Plus, you won’t have to pay shipping costs for returning the equipment. This may relieve you of some of the stress and pressure of the purchase price.
Frontpoint
Next up on our list of possibilities is the Frontpoint home security system. Frontpoint offers several perks that aid in their successful competition with Nest Secure, the least of which may be their 100-percent cellular technology (meaning no cords are on hand for intruders to cut).
Frontpoint packages include a power supply battery that can last up to 24 hours, which is helpful in the event of a power outage. They also offer fire, water, and carbon monoxide monitoring, as well as smash-proof technology that ensures the system will continue to work even when smashed (accidentally or purposefully).
Another attractive feature of Frontpoint is its pre-programmed capability to work right out of the box and its compatibility with both Alexa and Google Home.
FYI: One advantage most people don’t know about is the ability to grow your savings on your homeowner’s insurance. Frontpoint can save up to 20 percent on your homeowner’s insurance each year.
Last but not least, Frontpoint offers professional security monitoring (24/7/365) that includes an automatic check of every sensor at every hour to make sure your system is working correctly. To top things off, the monitoring system works even if an intruder destroys your alarm system.
Frontpoint Equipment
Similarities
We recently tested and reviewed Frontpoint for ourselves and were impressed with not only their system as a whole, but also with the amount of overlap Frontpoint shared with similar setups, including Nest Secure.
For starters, both offer and encourage “do it yourself” installation which is likely a plus if you're tech savvy. But, if DIY projects are not really your thing, you do have the option to hire a professional to install either system.
Frontpoint also provides professional 24/7 home monitoring for your peace of mind. In addition, they also allow you to link your home automation into your security system, which gives you complete control over your home’s doors, alarms, locks, and more. (We love a good smart home!)
Frontpoint comes stacked with a wide range of customization options, like indoor and outdoor security cameras, custom actions or “rules,” and even a neat geo-fencing feature that will automatically arm your system as you drive away from your home.
Did You Know? One standout Frontpoint feature is geofencing, which allows you to put up a wireless “fence” around your abode using your smartphone’s GPS. Basically, should you leave your house unarmed, you’ll get a reminder the minute you cross that virtual perimeter. Pretty cool, right?
Frontpoint Keypad Control Panel
Differences
The biggest differences between Frontpoint and Nest Secure are the customization features and web app interface. While using Frontpoint, we were impressed with the number of automations available. And the overall feel of the mobile app and web app was really something else. It’s all so user-friendly and easy on the eyes.
And, of course, the biggest difference is that Frontpoint is available for purchase, while Nest Secure is not. That alone makes Frontpoint the better choice.
Frontpoint – Outdoor Camera
Pricing
Now, for pricing … Frontpoint has packages that start as low as $250, but can go up to $400 (plus a monitoring fee). Their basic package includes:
- A central hub with a keypad
- Two entry sensors (for windows or doors)
- A yard sign
- One motion sensor
- One door sticker
- Three-window decals
Nest Secure systems, on the other hand, cost upwards of $499 (oof). While the equipment packages were pricey, Nest’s monthly monitoring fees tended to be more affordable than Frontpoint’s.
Did You Know? Frontpoint also offers other “pre-packaged” options. For instance, for about $350, you can get a package that includes one Frontpoint hub and Frontpoint keypad, three-door/window sensors, two motion sensors, a yard sign, one window decal, and one door sticker.
Conversely, with Frontpoint, you could choose to build your own setup, one with distinct security preferences that suit your needs and lifestyle. Each package starts with a basic home security system and automation base, and from there opens up to a wide variety of products (cameras, keypads, sensors, etc.) at different price points.
Keep in mind, as with any à la carte situation, your costs can add up quickly, so research is your friend when determining which components you really need. The last thing you (or we) want is to break your budget and cause an entirely new set of worries. Here’s our latest rundown of Frontpoint’s plans, packages, and prices.
Brinks
Finally, our hunt for the top Nest Secure alternatives has brought us to the familiar name of Brinks, a leader in the field of home security. Brinks is a system packed with mobile alerts, 24/7 monitoring, inside and outside surveillance cameras, and much more. It’s also reliable and easy to use, and even serves (or served) as Nest Secure’s monitoring service.
We recently got our hands on one of their pre-configured equipment packages and (as with the others) tried and reviewed Brinks’ system over several days to find out what exactly sets them apart from other setups.
Brinks Home Complete with Video
Similarities
We were pleased to discover that Brinks, like Nest Secure, has excellent customer service. They also offer a 30-day free trial, allowing you to try out their home security setup prior to any contract commitments (more on that later). Brinks also offers a money-back guarantee, but only for 15 days. Still plenty of time to test out their equipment though!
Like other systems in this Nest Secure alternatives article, Brinks is designed to be easy to use and reliable, offering environmental monitoring and the tools to control locks, cameras, lights, and more. They will also send instant alerts to your smartphone should any suspicious activity occur around your home.
Brinks is generally a good fit for those who are about to purchase their first home security system or want to upgrade their current setup.
Brinks Equipment
Differences
Although similarities between the two brands are plentiful, there are differences as well. Because of the complexity of its system, Brinks highly encourages clients to opt for professional installation services. But, if you’re fairly handy and adept at putting things together, DIY installation is still an option.
FYI: Brinks also offers a more extensive selection of smart home tech than Nest Secure. With the most basic Brinks package, you’ll receive a control panel, a wireless motion sensor, two wireless door sensors, a yard sign, and window stickers.
The touchscreen control panel offered by Brinks is a competitive option. It encrypts all sensor signals to safeguard against hackers and it also works as a hub for just about any home automation device, including Alexa, Z-Wave, Google Home, Apple TV, and more. It comes with a 5MP camera, stereo speakers and microphones, a backup battery, and an 85 dB siren.
Unboxing Brinks Cameras
Pricing
So how do these two differ in terms of cost? For starters, Brinks equipment costs and fees are a little pricier, starting at $199 with a $29 monitoring fee per month. If you’re willing to go one step further, we recommend their Smart Security Complete package for $349. A little on the steep side (we know), but you’ll get more bang for your buck with the extra equipment included. With this package you can expect:
- A touchscreen control panel
- An indoor camera with night vision
- Three entry sensors (for windows or doors)
- Two motion sensors
- A yard sign
- Mobile access
In contrast to Nest Secure, Brinks also offers more customization in terms of its overall setup and cost. Add-on options are aplenty, allowing you to create the system that’s right for you. To round things out, Brinks also provides free in-home consultation which can be pretty helpful if you’re unsure of what you need.
Final Thoughts on Nest Secure Alternatives
As you can see, the alternatives to Nest Secure are out there, each similar and different in their own way. The key to making your choice is determining your max budget and your minimum must-haves (the absolute features you can’t go without).
There are package options for any home security priority you might have, from the quality of components and specific features to the price and ease of installation. If you’re still unsure, embrace the “try before you buy” method (like us)! Just keep in mind that most free trials/money-back guarantees come with time limits that often vary.
