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With seamless integration with Alexa and smart home equipment, ADT can keep your home safe with the power of your voice.
Updated September 17, 2024
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If you’re anything like me, you want your home security system to be a sleek, modern thing. You want it to be powerful enough to protect you from all sorts of different threats, of course, but you also want it to make your life easier, too. One of the best ways to do that is by selecting a system that can integrate with Alexa, so you can control everything from arming the system to bringing up the lights in your backyard with just the sound of your voice.
But when it comes to Alexa integration, some systems are better than others. That’s why I’ve done the legwork to develop this list of the best Alexa-compatible home security systems. Alexa, read me the list!
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
“Time and information is the police officer’s best friend when it comes to solving a crime. The faster the police can arrive and start their investigation, the more likely they are to solve that crime. ADT and Vivint offer the fastest response times in the industry.”
In our experience, the only way to make trustworthy and unbiased recommendations is through first-hand testing of security systems. We do this by purchasing the equipment with our own money, installing them in our own homes, and testing them extensively for weeks and sometimes months. It’s how we get a feel for the features, usability, app, and response time of each security system. It’s also how we keep our recommendations honest and accurate.
We also do our best to provide a level playing field. We start by installing all of our test units in the same location. For this guide, we used a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our security experts. Testing security systems in a real house versus a lab provides the most accurate results.
We also buy the same equipment for every test system and set the devices up in identical locations. Here’s how our typical testing setup looks:
We also use our extensive security experience to identify points of comparison. These are the top priority for Alexa security systems:
After comparing our top picks, here’s our verdict.
Rating the Best Security Systems That Work With Alexa
We’ve all seen those websites reviewing everything from basketballs to cowboy hats. Unlike those, our team of experts exclusively reviews security and safety equipment. It means we can focus all our attention on the topic at hand. The experts who worked on this review include:
With more than 75 years of combined industry experience, we are the most accomplished home security team online. Since 2106, SafeHome.org has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and many major outlets. Collectively, we have:
Every recommendation we make is based on first-hand product experience and a true understanding of how home security works. Now let’s dive right in and check out the best home security systems that work with Alexa.
ADT Control Panel
ADT has been in business for a century and a half, and, during that time, it’s come to understand the ins and outs of the security industry. Simply put, there’s a reason why you see all those blue signs in people’s yards when you’re walking around your neighborhood.
But just because ADT is a traditional system with a lot of history doesn’t mean it’s not compatible with modern conveniences — namely, Alexa. The opposite is true, in fact.
Similar to Vivint, ADT is a more traditional system than some of the others on this list. I have more on this in my comparison of ADT and DIY home security systems, but the long and short of it is this: While you’re going to pay a little more and be locked into a long-term contract, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks. Let’s talk a little more about that, starting with ADT’s pricing.
Similar to Vivint, ADT’s systems are pretty much built to order, but there are three categories to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of what that looks like:
| Feature | Secure Home | Smart Home | Video and Smart Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital control panel | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Contact sensors | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Motion detector | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Smart door lock | No | 1 | 1 |
| Smart plug | No | 1 | 1 |
| Remote arm/disarm | No | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor camera | No | No | 1 |
| Video doorbell | No | No | 1 |
| Remote livestreaming | No | No | Yes |
| Customizable alerts | No | No | Yes |
| Monitoring | Starts at $45.99 per month | Starts at $49.99 per month | Starts at $57.99 per month |
| Equipment cost | Starts at $599 | Starts at $919 | Starts at $1,049 |
Like I said above, you don’t have to stick rigidly to these three packages. ADT understands that every home is unique and every homeowner’s security needs are different. When I was reviewing ADT, the customer service representative asked me about my security needs, the size of my home, how many people lived there, and a lot of other important information to build out my system. That attention to detail is what earned it the top spot on my list of the security companies with the best customer support.
While it’s primarily a professionally installed system, ADT does offer a DIY option that can save you a bit of money. It’s a bit bare-bones, but I have more detail on that in my guide to ADT Self Setup.
Pro Tip: ADT recently upgraded their self-setup offerings. Now you have even more options and flexibility when it comes to your home’s security. After testing it out, I’d argue they’re on par now with a DIY-forward option like SimpliSafe.
ADT Entryway Sensors
ADT’s monitoring depends entirely on the size of your system and which equipment tier you’re using. That said, the cheapest it’ll ever be is $46 per month — that’s a little steep, especially when you consider the next company here costs only $17.99.
ADT has some of the best professional monitoring in the industry today. It has nine control centers across the country, each with its own redundancies built in. And since ADT is one of the best cellular security systems out there, that means you never have to worry about your protection disappearing if the power goes out or a landline gets cut.
Testing the ADT Control Panel.
This means its response times are blazing fast too. In my tests, response times ranged from 30 to 45 seconds. Remember, every second counts during an emergency, so you want a system that’s going to react quickly.
Like I mentioned before, ADT has plenty of home integration capabilities, despite its reputation as a “traditional” home security system. It’s certainly kept up with the times in this regard.
One thing I want to point out about using the ADT system with Alexa is that you can’t disarm it using voice control. That frustrated me at first, but I pretty quickly understood why. If a burglar knows your home’s security system is controlled through Alexa, they might be able to stand near a window and shout, “Hey Alexa, disarm the system!” and gain access into your house. Remember how I said that ADT has learned a lot about security in the 150 years it’s been around? This is what I mean.
Pro Tip: Setting up ADT with Alexa is really easy. All you have to do is go to the Alexa app and search for the ADT skill. Follow the prompts to enable the skill and link your ADT account to your Alexa. All set!
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $269 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring options | Professional |
| Monitoring cost | Starting at $29.99 per month |
| Contract length | Starting at 36 months |
| Installation options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Vivint Smart Hub and Ping Indoor Camera
Vivint is one of the best home security systems for a lot of reasons — namely, because it’s extremely high tech, the system is professionally installed, and it has one of the most robust profiles of home automation options available. And yes, that means you can control the whole thing with Alexa with ease.
Pro Tip: Vivint’s customer service is superb, but make sure you ask a lot of questions when you’re speaking with your sales representative. Make sure the equipment they’re suggesting actually fits with your security needs.
But behind Vivint’s flashy home automations is a comprehensive security system that is going to protect your home using the most high-tech, high-quality equipment around. Keep in mind, though, it’s all proprietary and it requires a monitoring plan to keep the system functioning. If you’re looking for something a little more flexible, our No. 2 option might be a better choice.
With that in mind, let’s talk specifics.
There’s no way to sugarcoat this: Vivint isn’t cheap. Every system is bespoke, so it’s tough to give you an idea of what your system might end up being, but the equipment alone for my test ended up costing over $1,000. To give you an idea, here are all of the components Vivint offers and their costs:
| Component | Price |
|---|---|
| Smart drive (storage) | $250 |
| Car guard | $200 |
| Smoke detector | $100 |
| Carbon monoxide detector | $100 |
| Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide monitor | $100 |
| Smart lock | $180 |
| Garage door controller | $100 |
| Smart thermostat | $170 |
| Lamp module | $50 |
| Doorbell Camera Pro | $250 |
| Outdoor Camera Pro | $400 |
| Ping Indoor Camera | $200 |
| Indoor Camera Pro | $200 |
| Spotlight Pro | $250 |
| Water sensor | $50 |
| Flood, freeze, and heat sensor | $50 |
| Smart sensor | $50 |
| Panic pendant | $50 |
| Key fob | $50 |
| Tilt sensor | $50 |
Vivint Motion Sensor
Keep in mind that you’ll be able to finance your equipment costs over the course of your required contract, meaning you’re not going to take a big financial hit upfront. But, when you look at the bottom line, there are much more affordable options out there — like No. 4 on my list.
Now let’s talk monitoring.
Brass tacks? Vivint’s professional monitoring costs $29.99 per month, but that can go up depending on the size of your system and the features you’re looking for. While it is still one of the best security systems for large homes, understand that you’re likely going to pay more if you’re monitoring a bigger system. I have more in my guide to Vivint’s costs, but here’s the breakdown:
| Feature | Smart Security Monitoring | Smart Home Monitoring | Smart Home Video Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Entry, smoke, and CO detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medical pendant support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Professional 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart home integration | No | Yes | Yes |
| Video monitoring | No | No | Yes |
| Cost | $29.99 per month | $39.99 per month | $44.99 per month |
What does that money get you? One of the best professionally monitored systems out there. Its response times are quick — in my tests, nothing ever exceeded the industry standard of 30 seconds. If you really want to dig deep into the smart home functionality of your Vivint system, you’ll need a Smart Home Monitoring or Smart Home Video Monitoring subscription.
Vivint’s smart home automation does everything you’d expect it to — like setting up routines to arm and disarm parts of your system depending on the time of day or proximity to the system itself — but one of my favorite things to do when I was reviewing Vivint was to use Alexa to control my smart thermostat and lighting.
The technician installing my Vivint outdoor camera.
It was the middle of the winter when I was testing this system, so it was great to say, “Alexa, start morning routine,” to bring the lights up and crank up the heat without ever having to leave my comfortable bed. If you’re using a Vivint system coupled with Alexa, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can make the system do.
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $599.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $40 |
| Contract Length | 48 to 60 months |
SimpliSafe equipment
Now let’s take a walk down to the totally opposite end of the spectrum. If Vivint is one of the best professionally installed systems out there, SimpliSafe is one of the best security systems for DIYers. Both are outstanding in their own right but take wildly different approaches to home security.
Pro Tip: Installing a SimpliSafe system is really easy, so don’t let that DIY moniker scare you off. The only thing you might have trouble with is installing their video doorbell, since it has to be hardwired into your home’s power. This sounds a lot harder than it actually is, though. Just make sure you follow the instructions and turn off your power at the breaker box.
I recently spent some time working with SimpliSafe’s newest products — specifically the flagship Smart Alarm Indoor Camera, which allows security professionals access to a live feed of your home in the event of an emergency. This, coupled with Alexa’s voice commands, really made me feel like I was living in the future and that my family was protected comprehensively.
And one of the biggest benefits? I didn’t have to spend a fortune.
Unlike Vivint, SimpliSafe offers several security packages to choose from, depending on the size of the property you want to protect, as well as the option to build your own system. I have more information in my guide to SimpliSafe’s costs, but here’s the breakdown:
| Package name | Number of components | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Foundation | 4 | $244.96 |
| The Essentials | 6 | $274.95 |
| The Lighthouse | 7 | $464.93 |
| The Hearth | 9 | $394.91 |
| The Beacon | 10 | $669.90 |
| The Knox | 13 | $469.78 |
| The Haven | 14 | $509.86 |
Keep in mind that those are the retail prices, and in all of my years covering home security equipment, I’ve never once seen SimpliSafe charging full price. At the time of this writing, all of these bundles were 20 percent off when you sign up for a Fast Protect Monitoring subscription, which we’ll get into below.
But, before we get to that, I also want to point out that SimpliSafe offers lots of ways to save on its systems. I’ve compiled everything I know in my guide to SimpliSafe’s deals for you.
Testing out SimpliSafe’s keypad.
Like Vivint, there are a few tiers of monitoring to choose from with SimpliSafe. I’ll list them here and then point a few things out below.
| Features | Free plan | Camera recording only, five cameras | Standard plan | Fast Protect plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livestreaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular connection | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental monitoring | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Secret alarms | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Video-verified alarms | No | No | No | Yes |
| Unlimited cloud storage | None | 5 cameras | None | 10 cameras |
| Smart home integrations | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Monthly price | Free | $9.99 | $19.99 | $29.99 |
First, SimpliSafe gives you the option to self-monitor your system, making it one of the best security options with no monthly fee. I also want to point out its new Fast Protect Monitoring option. With this subscription, SimpliSafe’s technicians can access your indoor camera’s live feed to relay important information to authorities in real time or actually tell intruders the police are on the way.
I tested this out to see how well it worked, and I was pretty impressed with the results. I essentially staged a break-in, where I walked quickly into my house and triggered the alarm. I immediately began rummaging around in full view of the camera, and in about 10 seconds, a SimpliSafe technician was informing me to vacate the property and that authorities were on their way. I was able to tell them through the camera that it was a false alarm, and after providing them with my PIN, they were able to call everything off.
When I was reviewing SimpliSafe, it was really easy to connect the system to my Amazon account — like, two steps easy. Once that was done, I could tell Alexa to arm or disarm the system in either home or away mode, and I could also check the status.
Installing a SimpliSafe entryway Sensor.
My partner gets really paranoid sometimes that we forgot to engage our August Smart Locks before going to bed, so it was really nice to be able to ask, “Alexa, is my house secure?” instead of having to get up and recheck everything.
The last thing I’ll say about SimpliSafe is this: Although it’s a tremendous DIY system for Alexa users, I wish it didn’t force you to purchase an analog, push-button keypad with every system. If you’re going to be controlling the system with your voice and through the mobile app anyway, it feels a little unnecessary. During my testing period, I hardly ever used the keypad.
| Monitoring options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional and DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $249.96 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $9.99 |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
Cove Equipment
I don’t feel like home security should be available only to folks with a lot of cash lying around. If you need an affordable home security system but aren’t willing to sacrifice quality — or Alexa compatibility — Cove could be a good option.
Put simply, Cove is one of the best affordable home security options out there today. When I reviewed Cove, I was impressed by what I got for the price. I really liked the sleek touch screen panel, and the ability to control my cameras from my smartphone — including pan and tilt functions — made keeping an eye on things while I was out surprisingly easy.
Like I said above, Cove doesn’t offer a lot of exotic equipment or high-tech gadgetry, but this down-to-earth system offers every component you’d need to build out a rock-solid security system that won’t break the bank.
Here’s the quick breakdown of Cove’s costs:
| Component | Price |
|---|---|
| Cove Touch alarm panel | $124.50 |
| Door sensor | $7.50 |
| Motion detector | $15.00 |
| Key remote | $12.50 |
| Glass-break sensor | $17.50 |
| Window sensor | $7.50 |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide detector | $27.50 |
| Flood sensor | $10.00 |
| Medical/panic button | $10.00 |
| Outdoor camera | $99.50 |
| Indoor camera | $49.50 |
When I was testing Cove, I used most of the equipment listed above. In total, everything cost around $290. Now that was one of everything; you’re probably going to need multiple entryway sensors and a handful of motion detectors, and you might decide to forgo the indoor and outdoor cameras. That said, building out a perfectly functional security system with Cove for around $300 is absolutely doable.
Cove Sensors
For context, my comparable SimpliSafe system cost around $600, and the Vivint system topped $1,000. Again, your mileage will vary depending on your security needs and the type of property you’re protecting, but as far as equipment costs go, Cove is definitely the most affordable on this list.
One drawback of Cove is that, unlike SimpliSafe, it doesn’t offer any option for self-monitoring. That means you will have to pay more in addition to the equipment that you just bought, but the good news is that its contracts are month-to-month and its two monitoring plans are both affordable.
| Feature | Cove Basic | Cove Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 professional monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Cove InstaText | Yes | Yes |
| Cove LiveAssist | Yes | Yes |
| Smash-and-grab protection | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular backup | Yes | Yes |
| Hourly automated system check | Yes | Yes |
| 24-hour battery backup | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment warranty | 1 year | Lifetime |
| Smartphone control | No | Yes |
| Alexa and Google Assistant integrations | No | Yes |
| Lifetime rate-lock guarantee | No | Yes |
| Monthly cost | $17.99 | $27.99 |
Now let me jump up and down and wave my hands before you decide on a Cove system. If you want to use Cove with Alexa, you have to purchase a Cove Plus subscription plan. And, at $27.99 per month, that might eat up all of the savings you gained in the first year by going with a more affordable system. I’d recommend pricing out a few systems — including their monthly costs — and seeing where the break-even points end up being.
Pro Tip: When installing your Cove system, make sure you take advantage of their geofencing capabilities. Simply put, this can arm and disarm your system as you approach or leave your property. If you’re into the convenience voice commands give you, you’re going to love geofencing.
There aren’t a whole lot of bells and whistles when it comes to using Cove with Alexa. Once I connected my Cove and Amazon accounts, I was able to arm the system and disarm it using my PIN code — a really helpful feature that will prevent burglars from disarming the system using their voice.
Unboxing the Cove system.
I could also check the status of the system, which helped when my phone wasn’t handy. When I was testing out this system, it became part of my nighttime routine. The last thing I did was say, “Hey Alexa, check Cove’s status.”
| Monitoring Options | Professional |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $90 for hub and keypad |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $17.99 |
| Contract Length | 1 month |
Troubleshooting an ADT outdoor camera.
While using Alexa's voice commands to control your home security system might seem like a futuristic novelty, there are several real-world reasons why it's a good idea. Those include:
The home automation features Alexa enabled allow you to control many functions of your home and lifestyle. This is commonly referred to as a smart home. Home automation features are easily integrated and controlled through Alexa and other compatible products, including:
With a fully automated system, almost any function in your home can be controlled by just your voice. How futuristic is that?
Alexa can be integrated with Amazon Echo, which comes with any Amazon home security package. The Echo is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses voice recognition to enable you to perform many home security and home automation functions with your voice rather than doing it manually. This can save time and add convenience.
Alexa can be an extra layer of peace of mind, whether you're a smart home enthusiast or just a homeowner trying to keep your family safe. For instance, many of the best home security cameras on the market have Alexa automations, including Ring, Wyze, and Reolink.
Installing a SimpliSafe motion sensor.
With Alexa paired to your cameras, you can control and monitor your home 24/7. In my latest Wyze Cam review, I found that Alexa can actually talk to us, instead of the other way around. If a person enters the camera's field of view, Alexa will say, “Person detected in the living room,” without you having to lift a finger or use your own voice.
Additionally, you can have Alexa control your smart door locks as long as you have the proper locks and set up a four-digit PIN code, which enables you to use this feature. This is important, especially if you live in a state where crime is particularly high. According to our research on state-level crime rates, the states with the highest levels of property crime are:
And the states with the highest levels of violent crime are:
It’s important to take home security seriously no matter where you live, but if you’re in these particular locales, you might want to pay extra attention.
While controlling your security system using nothing but your voice is pretty convenient, there are a few downsides to consider.
First, voice recordings can be captured and replicated, so you should always look for a security system that adds second layer of security, such as a PIN, so a criminal can't use a recording of your voice, then manipulate that recording using a speech synthesis system like WaveNet to trick your voice identification system. The age of AI is upon us, folks. Take the necessary precautions.
Another potential pitfall is the loss of privacy having an Alexa device in your household can create. All of the commands your Alexa responds to travel across the internet and are stored in Amazon's servers. There are plenty of ways that can go sideways — from overzealous law enforcement agencies snooping around to hackers looking to crack Amazon’s security. It pays to weigh the privacy risks against the benefits.
If the security system you decided to go with is Alexa-compatible, then connecting your account with the security provider to your Amazon account shouldn’t be too difficult.
In the Alexa app, click “Add a Device” and then search for your security system. If it’s not immediately available, you can also ask Alexa to “discover devices.” It should be able to locate your system — just make sure everything is on the same Wi-Fi network.
Still have a few questions about how to use your home security system with your Alexa voice assistant? Don't worry — we have the answers!
4K resolution refers to an image that was recorded by a device capable of capturing 3,840 x 2160 pixels. It’s a step above 1080p, the “gold standard” resolution in home security cameras.
Most people can’t tell the difference between a 1080p image and a 4K image. When a 4K image is blown up, though, the extra detail is evident.
Most security camera manufacturers use the industry standard of 1080p, but there are some, like Lorex, Arlo, and Google Nest, that are branching into 4K.
Some folks might consider 4K to be overkill when it comes to security cameras, but if you’re trying to cover a large area or record with detail at night, 4K is the best option.
4K security cameras are slightly more expensive than their 1080p counterparts.
Alexa-compatible home security systems have a number of features. Most of these features are related to home automation, and these home security systems that work with Alexa help create a safe and secure smart home.
Alexa fits seamlessly into many home security systems, offering Voice Recognition among its suite of features. We’re talkin’ hands-free voice control via Alexa-controlled Echo device. This puts your home security and automation controls at the tip of your tongue — which is far more elegant and sophisticated than having to manually input requests and commands. Manual controls are so last year.
Home security systems that work with Alexa come stacked with entryway sensors — a standard feature that you can customize to fit your home. Simply mount the magnetic sensors on your doors, windows, and other entry points. The moment a sensor is tripped, your system sounds the alarm and alerts you of the potential security breach.
Amazon’s Alexa and Echo make it easy to “self-monitor” your home security system with real-time mobile alerts. Both devices can be configured to send activity alerts. These alerts go straight to your mobile device via the Amazon app, allowing you to take necessary action to keep burglars at bay. It’s another helpful feature that saves you a monthly monitoring bill.
Security systems that work with Alexa also offer Remote Access. Simply login to the companion app and take total control of your home security system — no matter where you are. Depending on your system’s features and technology, you can lock and unlock your doors, arm and disarm the system, control your lights, thermostat, and much more.
Similar to the remote access feature, Heat/AC controls and customization is another way Alexa supercharges security systems. Simply say, “Alexa, turn up the heat!” and get ready for toasty. You can set the thermostat to any specified temperature using only your voice. Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right. Alexa dials in home automation like never before.
You thought Heat/AC controls were hot — wait till you see what Alexa can do to set the mood. She can control both on/off switches and dimmer switches too. Just say the words. You can also give commands via the companion app. Home security systems that work with Alexa and Echo are a solid investment — especially if you’re into home automation.
If your home is outfitted with smart locks, have Alexa do your bidding. “Alexa, lock the door.” After all, you might be watching your favorite flick and don’t want to be bothered (who could blame you?). This is yet another convenient benefit of having a home security system that works with Alexa. Your home is your kingdom, rule it with Alexa.
The majority of security systems that are compatible with Alexa offer Motion Detectors. As an added layer of security, this feature is especially useful in difficult to monitor areas and/or rooms that hold valuables like art and jewelry. The system sounds the alarm and sends alerts when triggered. Thankfully, many motion detectors can distinguish between, say, your dog Bailey and a burglar.
Even garage doors listen to Alexa. But you first have to buy Alexa-compatible garage door equipment like Nexx. Once you do, flex your vocal chords by opening and closing the garage door without lifting a finger. Certain third-party equipment comes with a nifty companion app and lets you assign permissions for other users. That’s the value of a security system that works with Alexa.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
