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With 12 monitoring centers, ADT has the resources to secure your home and even monitor for medical emergencies. But SimpliSafe and Vivint are strong contenders.
Updated September 25, 2024
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Did you know that by 2030, one in five Americans will be of retirement age?1
This means that the country’s seniors are going to be a major portion of our population and, as such, will need security companies interested in catering to their needs.
I’ve spent years testing and reviewing the best security systems in the industry and have used that experience to develop this list of the top services for seniors available today. As you’ll see, ADT proved to be the most reliable with its network of monitoring centers specializing in home security and medical emergencies. But I also believe the systems from SimpliSafe, Vivint, Cove, and Frontpoint have some unique features that are useful for aging customers.
Whether you’re looking to protect your own property or help take care of a loved one, you’ll find something that suits your needs here.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
We’ve found the best way to make trustworthy and unbiased reviews is by testing home security systems ourselves. We buy all the equipment, install the devices in our homes, and test them extensively for weeks or months. This way, we can get a feel for what it’s like to live with the security system while assessing things like response times, features, and apps. We then share our experiences to make honest recommendations.
Several factors come into play when testing home security systems, so we look for ways to fairly compare them. For this review, we installed all the equipment in the same environment – a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our team members. Testing security systems in a real house gives us the most accurate results and helps us make better recommendations.
We also buy the same devices for every test unit and install them in identical locations. You can see the spots in the house where we frequently place home security devices below.
There are multiple factors to consider when choosing the best home security systems for seniors. Using our extensive experience in the industry, these are the factors we believe are the most vital:
Using these criteria, here is how we rated the top five security systems for seniors:
Rating the Best Security System for Seniors
We’ve all seen those websites that review everything from teapots to power drills. But you won’t find that at SafeHome.org. Our team of experts exclusively focuses on home security and safety equipment. It means we can spend more time analyzing systems and making more in-depth recommendations. The experts responsible for this review were:
Our team has over 75 years of combined experience, making us the most accomplished home security team online. Since SafeHome.org began in 2016, our work has been featured in several major outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. Together, we have achieved:
Every recommendation is drawn upon our first-hand product experience and a thorough understanding of the security industry. Now, let's find out why we chose our top picks.
ADT Control Panel
With age comes wisdom. That’s true in the security world, as well. ADT has been around for over a century and a half and currently serves more than 6 million customers. Impressive statistics, for sure, and I can say that when I reviewed ADT, I definitely understood that they’ve used 150 years of experience to deliver one of the better home security systems out there.
From their professional installation to the quality of their equipment to their exceptional customer service, ADT is a good choice for seniors looking to protect themselves and their property.
ADT is one of the best professionally monitored home security systems on the market today. Couple that with their expert professional installation, and you’ve got a comprehensive security system that you’re rarely going to have to lift a finger for.
Setting up the ADT Outdoor Camera near my front door
One of my favorite features is SMART Monitoring’s group text alerts. My parents actually have ADT in their house, so we added myself and my siblings to the group text. Anytime there’s an alarm, we can communicate with each other directly. I noticed one of those notifications from ADT one time after finishing up a work meeting. Luckily, my brother got to it first and was able to check on Dad.
FYI: ADT has 12 monitoring centers across the U.S. and Canada. They don’t just deal with home security situations. They also offer medical assistance. You can learn more about it in our review of their Medical Alert System.
Two of the major drawbacks of ADT’s systems are its costs and its long-term contracts. Equipment packages start from $450, and monitoring begins at $29.99 per month. I go into more detail in my guide to ADT’s prices. But here’s the good news and bad news:
The good news is you’re not going to have to pay for any equipment upfront. I was able to finance it and roll it up into my monthly bill. The bad news is I’ll be paying this bill for at least three years. Not everyone will love the idea of a long-term contract, which is why we have included other options on this list.
Pro Tip: You can save a minimum of $99 on professional installation by choosing one of ADT’s Self Setup packages. They don’t require hardwiring, can connect to your Wi-Fi, and there is a great selection of Google Nest products on offer.
Also, keep in mind that ADT is almost always running some sort of sale to help keep costs low, so when you’re shopping around, make sure to inquire about what deals they might be offering for new customers or AARP members.
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $499 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Originally designed to be the best security system for renters, SimpliSafe has since expanded its offerings to protect any sort of family in any kind of dwelling. That said, they haven’t lost sight of their DIY roots, keeping their equipment simple to install, easy to use, and affordable.
With the addition of their new Smart Alarm indoor camera, SimpliSafe security technicians can actually view a live feed during an alarm event to relay important information to first responders. They can even talk intruders down if they see one. When it comes to peace of mind, that’s hard to beat.
My SimpliSafe equipment unboxed and ready to be set up
Now, I know that DIY isn’t ideal for most seniors. But trust me, SimpliSafe’s equipment couldn’t be easier to set up, even if you’re not the handiest person on the block.
When I reviewed SimpliSafe, the ease of operation was what immediately stood out to me. All you’ll need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions on their smartphone app and, using the provided command strips, stick your equipment where you need it to go.
Pro Tip: Consider using the provided mounting hardware for the larger pieces of equipment like the motion sensor and keypad. I found that the sticky adhesive wasn’t really enough to affix them to my walls long-term. And if you’re adamantly against installing the system yourself, SimpliSafe offers professional installation starting from $125.
The SimpliSafe Base Station sitting on my shelf.
The base station is also worth pointing out. It’s where your siren is going to sound if the system detects a problem, and that siren is loud. Ear-piercing, even. When I was testing out the system, it even brought my next door neighbor out of their house to inquire about what was going on. This makes SimpliSafe a great system for folks who might be hard of hearing, which many seniors are.
When it comes to building out a security system for seniors, I’d recommend picking up the basics like motion detectors, entryway sensors, and glass-break sensors. I’d also recommend getting a panic button. These should be placed in rooms where emergencies might occur — like bathrooms and at the bottom of stairs. You’re going to want to make sure this button is within reach during emergencies.
Installing one of SimpliSafe’s motion sensors.
All of that equipment is extremely affordable, especially for seniors on fixed incomes. I go into this more in my guide to SimpliSafe’s costs. Even with a fully built-out system, your equipment and monitoring costs will be less than an ADT system. And speaking of monitoring, SimpliSafe offers a free self-monitoring option, but they also offer basic professional monitoring for $19.99 per month and advanced monitoring with live camera response for $29.99 per month.
FYI:SimpliSafe almost always runs some type of deal. In the past few months, I’ve seen up to 40 percent off new equipment packages when new customers sign up for Fast Protect monitoring, and they’ve been throwing in the Smart Alarm camera for free. Not bad if you’re looking to save a few dollars.
| 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 |
Vivint is another great option for seniors, though it’s for totally different reasons than SimpliSafe.
Similar to ADT, this is one of the best professionally installed systems out there, with white-glove service from start to finish. All of the systems are bespoke, too, meaning that they are going to be custom-designed for your property with your specific security needs in mind. But Vivint’s real strong suit is home automation that can help seniors age in place independently.
If you really want to kick back and relax while your security system does all the work, Vivint is a great option. They handle the design of the system, the installation, and explain how to work everything from the app or 7-inch touch screen panel. Vivint is high-tech, offering some of the best home automations I’ve come across, but it remains very simple to use.
All the components of my Vivint home security system.
One thing that really piqued my interest when I was testing the Vivint system was the “Smart Deterrence” capabilities of their outdoor cameras and doorbells. They claim to use video analytics to ward off would-be intruders. When I tested it out, the lights and sirens that went off were enough to wake the neighbors. If you’re a senior who wants a security system that’s going to go above and beyond to keep you safe, Vivint is one to consider.
As with many professionally installed and monitored systems out there, the primary drawback of Vivint is the price. Since each system is custom-made, it’s difficult to give you an exact Vivint price.
My test system equipment costs were pushing $1,000. Add to that the $100 installation fee and the required professional monitoring that will run you between $29.99 and $44.99 per month, and your bill can be pretty steep.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to pay for all your equipment upfront. Like ADT, you can finance it and pay it off in installments. I opted for two years, but they let you spread them over a maximum of five.
One little tip before we move on; If you happen to use a voice assistant, your Vivint system can be easily controlled by it. It’s easily one of the best security systems for Alexa, and I got a real kick out of saying, “Arm the security system!” when I left my house.
| 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 |
A smart option for seniors on a budget, Cove is one of the best and most affordable no-contract security systems on the market today. The equipment is all designed with longevity in mind, and, similar to SimpliSafe, Cove is able to keep its costs low by having customers install the system themselves.
One thing to keep in mind with Cove, though, is that although they’re affordable, there’s no self-monitoring option. (Don’t worry, I’ll get into more detail about that in the pricing section.)
The biggest appeal of Cove is that it’s one of the most affordable home security systems available. When I was reviewing Cove, my test system cost me just a little under $300. When you consider that a Vivint system can easily cost three times more, it’s clear to see why a lot of folks looking to save rely on Cove to keep their families and their properties safe.
Here’s everything I got in my Cove home security system.
Similar to SimpliSafe, the installation process was a breeze. The app walks you through everything you need to know, and mounting the equipment was no problem for me. When all was said and done, it took me a little under half an hour to have everything up and running.
FYI: Cove doesn’t offer professional installation. That said, their customer service representatives are extremely helpful. I had an issue keeping one of my entryway sensors connected to the system, and they were able to troubleshoot the problem in no time at all.
Like I said above, and in my guide to Cove’s prices, the main selling point here is affordability.
They may not have the most extensive list of equipment, but when it comes to core functionality, Cove covers all bases. It’s also worth pointing out that they don’t offer pre-packed systems like SimpliSafe, but this can actually be a good thing. When you have to purchase individual components, there’s little risk of accidentally getting something you don’t need.
Cove’s entryway sensors stand out more than those of other brands.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a monitoring plan with your Cove system. The good news is that they are extremely affordable — the basic package costs just $17.99 per month, and the more advanced package costs $27.99 per month. Word to the wise, though, those monthly fees do add up, so you might want to calculate where you’d break even with a more expensive system to really do your due diligence.
| 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 |
Last but not least, we have Frontpoint. This company takes a pretty interesting stance on home security, offering the best of both worlds, with elements of both a traditional and a DIY system.
They have great professional monitoring, but they keep costs low with a DIY install. They have exceptional customer service but allow for unlimited flexibility in the construction of your system. Whether this is your first home security system or your 50th, Frontpoint is likely going to fill in all the gaps.
Similar to Cove and SimpliSafe, Frontpoint is among the best DIY security systems in the industry. From start to finish, the setup took me around 45 minutes, and all of their equipment was designed with the user experience in mind. For the most part, nothing was too bulky for my tastes, and everything was easy to use during the test period.
Frontpoint’s entryway sensor compared to a Ring sensor.
That is — everything but the entryway sensor. While it was easy to install and worked really well, the thing was pretty huge. That might not be a deal-breaker for some, but my partner cringed when she saw it mounted to our door frame.
FYI: All Frontpoint equipment has a three-year warranty. This is more than SimpliSafe and Cove, which is only 12 months.
Another interesting feature Frontpoint offers is geofencing. High-tech in nature but low-tech in execution, Frontpoint’s geofencing reminds you to arm and disarm your system based on your proximity to the house. I found those reminders useful while I was reviewing Frontpoint as I tend to be forgetful. So if that’s a problem you’ve been dealing with as you age, Frontpoint is a smart pick.
Similar to the other DIY systems on this list, Frontpoint keeps its costs down with a do-it-yourself approach. If you want to know more about how this system stacks up against another top DIY provider, you can check out my comparison guide of Frontpoint and SimpliSafe. But the long and short of it is that they are pretty similar, especially when it comes to equipment costs.
Where they differ pretty significantly, though, is in their approach to monitoring. Unlike SimpliSafe, Frontpoint requires professional monitoring, and there isn’t a lot of flexibility there. It costs $49.99 per month, which puts it up there with ADT’s monitoring costs. Like I’ve mentioned before, those month-to-month costs can stack up pretty quickly, so be sure to consider that in your overall security budget.
FYI: Frontpoint doesn’t just protect your home. It protects your identity as well. The plan includes monitoring of financial accounts and dark web data breaches, which protects seniors from threats and scams they may not fully understand.
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $79 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring options | Professional |
| Monitoring cost | Starting at $49 per month |
| Contract lengths | Monthly or 36 months |
| Installation options | DIY |
| Smart platform integrations | Google Home, Alexa, and Siri |
If you’re a senior shopping for a security system or the loved one of a senior doing some research for them, there are a couple of special considerations that should be made when determining which system to choose. Some of those include:
When shopping for a security system, you’re going to have to decide on professional vs. DIY installation. This decision often comes down to budget. If you’re looking to save, DIY is the way to go. If you have a little more money to spend, professional installation is probably the right choice.
My ADT Glass Break Sensor is installed and ready to go.
That said, don’t be scared of DIY! These systems are designed to be as easy and accessible as possible, so setting them up isn’t going to require a lot of technical know-how or specialized tools. If you can hang a picture, you can install a security system.
A lot of modern security systems are — well — modern. That means they’re going to rely on digital components like touch-screen panels and smartphone apps to work properly. If you or your relative aren’t exactly confident with these technological tools, you might want to select a provider that has a good reputation for over-the-phone customer support.
You might also consider avoiding systems that seem overly complicated. You might not need to couple your thermostat to your lights or use voice commands to unlock the back door. Have a talk with your family member — or with yourself — and get a sense of what you need from your system and your level of comfort.
A major determining factor when it comes to any big purchase is ultimately going to be the cost. Shopping for a home security system, though, is a little different from other major home systems and appliances — specifically because there will likely be ongoing costs associated with it.
While equipment costs should definitely factor into your decision, also keep in mind that there might be subscription fees and monitoring costs associated with your system, and the time to figure that out is before you make your purchase. You don’t want to install everything and then find out you can’t use the system unless you pay $50 per month. For more on this, read my guide to security system costs.
Statistically speaking, seniors are less likely to be victimized than other age groups.2 As a group, seniors tend to live in lower crime areas and have tighter-knit communities. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk, as our research has shown:
The sad fact of the matter is that seniors are seen as a vulnerable group by thieves and scammers alike. They are more likely to be victimized when they’re living in situations where they can easily be preyed upon. While many burglaries are opportunistic, a fair amount of them are perpetrated by people known to the victim or by thieves who purposefully selected the victim due to their perceived inability to defend themselves. The best way to prevent these crimes is by investing in a rock-solid security system that will deter would-be burglars and intruders.
Testing out the SimpliSafe keypad
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
“Burglars don’t like to be seen or made known, so the louder the system, the better. Cameras and professional monitoring are also good ways to protect your home. Cameras allow law enforcement to identify perpetrators from the outside of the home and inside. If a burglary does occur and there is camera footage available, the solve-rate increases exponentially. And having 24/7 professional monitoring is the best way to keep your home protected while you’re away. The goal is to catch the criminals in the act, and having a reliable monitoring company can help get officers on the scene asap.”
Look for these key features in a home security system to get the most flexibility, ease-of-use, and comprehensive coverage for senior living.
Wireless DIY home security systems are a great solution for most seniors. The easy-to-install, battery-powered equipment can be up and running in a matter of minutes. Hardwired security systems, on the other hand, typically require professional installation and have more of a learning curve. Both options deliver quality home protection to keep seniors safe in their homes.
These days, seniors and smart devices go hand-in-hand. If you have a smartphone, your home security system will send helpful activity alerts. These alerts keep you updated on your security status and allow you to take necessary action if there’s a security breach. Mobile alerts come standard with most home security systems.
Seniors prefer things to be easy. Thankfully, it doesn’t get much easier than a remote control. This feature puts the controls on a tiny keychain device. Put it in your pocket or purse and control your home security at the push of a button. You can arm and disarm the system, hit the panic button if there’s an emergency, and more.
Home security systems come with an assortment of entryway sensors. These easy-to-install magnetic sensors go on your door frames and windows. When the system is set and a door or window is opened, the alarm will sound and you’ll most likely receive an alert. For more on this, read our guide to placing sensors throughout your home.
Here’s another device that stops criminals in their tracks. Mount a few motion detectors inside your home. When the detectors sense movement, the alarm sounds and alerts are sent. These devices deliver an effective range of up to 400 feet, keeping the inside of your home safe and sound. The best motion detectors can even distinguish between people and pets.
Burglars don’t think twice when it comes to breaking windows. That’s why glass-break sensors have become a popular add-on for home security systems. These sophisticated sensors house an internal microphone that detects the sound frequency of glass breaking. When triggered, the sensor sounds the alarm, and alerts are sent. This fantastic feature offers an added layer of protection.
24/7 monitoring puts a team of emergency response professionals on your side. Most home security systems for older adults offer professional monitoring. This feature is especially helpful for seniors who don’t use smart devices. Instead of sending instant alerts to a smartphone, the monitoring center will field and process the alerts — often within seconds of the security breach.
No landline? No internet connection? No problem. The best cellular monitoring security systems are the go-to choice. These wireless systems are powered by a cell network (much like your cell phone), so there’s no need for hardwiring. Seniors will love cellular monitoring because it’s easy, effective, and extremely reliable.
Place a panic button in your kitchen, shower, near the stairs, and in other high-risk areas around your home. Panic buttons and pendants can prove lifesaving for seniors. Medical alert systems can mean that help is always close at hand. This feature seamlessly connects to many home security systems, adding a little extra peace of mind.
United States Census Bureau. (2018, Mar 13). Older People Projected to Outnumber Children for First Time in U.S. History.
census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-41-population-projections.html
U.S. Department of Justice (2010, Sept). Victimization During Household Burglary.
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