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To integrate your security system with your Google Home, we recommend ADT for its range of automation and innovative solutions.
Updated October 3, 2024
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Does your home resemble the Google section at Best Buy? If there are Pixel devices and Nest products in every corner of the house, you should get a security system that integrates with Google’s ecosystem to protect these precious items and the home that surrounds them.
But which security system is most compatible with Google? After three months of testing, we learned ADT performed the best due to its extensive partnership with Google Nest and Google Assistant. However, there are also some great alternatives from Vivint, Cove, Brinks, and Scout.
Here’s what we learned.
FYI: Are you using Alexa or Siri instead of Google Home? We also have lists of the best home security systems for Alexa and the best home security systems for Apple HomeKit.
The best way to make trustworthy and unbiased recommendations is through hands-on security system testing. To do this, we spend our own money to buy the products, set them up in our homes, and test them extensively for weeks or months. This rigorous process lets us get a feel for the usability, app, response time, and unique features of each security system.
We always try to provide objective comparisons when testing security systems. We achieve this by installing our test units in the same location, which is the two-story, 2,200-square-foot home of our testing coordinator. We’ve found that using a real house gives us the most accurate results.
We take it a step further by buying the same components for each system and setting them up in the same areas. Here’s what our security system setup typically looks like:
We drew on our extensive security expertise to identify the most important factors when choosing a home security system that works with Google Home. They are:
After careful examination, here’s how we rated our top picks based on these criteria:
Rating The Best Security Systems That Work With Google Home
Unlike review sites that cover everything from ceiling fans to electric toothbrushes, our team of security experts exclusively reviews security and safety equipment. So we know our stuff! The experts who tested and ranked the security systems that work with Google Home include:
We are the most experienced home security team on the internet. Since starting SafeHome.org in 2016, our work has been featured in many major outlets, including The Washington Post and The New York Times. Together, our team has:
Every recommendation we publish is based on first-hand product experience and a thorough understanding of the home security industry. So without further ado, let's take a closer look at the best security systems that work with Google Home.
ADT has always been a top-tier home security system. Its recent moves to modernize have made it even better. A new line of self-installed systems is more affordable than the company’s more traditional offerings, and a lower monitoring price point has made ADT competitive with competitors like SimpliSafe and abode. Add in a partnership with Google, and it’s easy to see why ADT has been around for 150 years and could very well be around for another 150.
ADT doesn’t just work with Google Home; it partnered with Google. For the last two years, the two companies have been working to create new products with seamless integration. ADT now offers Google Nest cameras with each plan, and the two companies have jointly designed a security system as well, the ADT Plus. ADT installers are now trained to optimize your ADT system’s connection to the Google Home platform. And if you use one of ADT’s mobile apps, you get full Google Home functionality.
Preparing to arm my ADT system before heading out for lunch.
What does all of that mean? It means that your system’s capabilities are virtually endless. We invested in some of the best smart locks, then set our system up so all we needed to do was say, “Unlock the front door,” to make it happen. No matter where in the world we happened to be, we could always make sure our doors were locked. You can get even more fancy by connecting your locks to other smart home products, like your ADT video doorbell (see more in our ADT video doorbell review). Then, operate the whole shebang from your phone.
With that said, no home security is perfect. There’s no getting around it: You’re going to pay a higher price with ADT than you might with some other companies. ADT’s contracts are also long, with a minimum length of 36 months. But you’ll get the security system that currently leads the industry.
Market Comparison: Best Alternatives to ADT Systems
FYI: ADT contracts are linked to your address. So if you plan on moving soon, I recommend waiting until you’re settled into your new place before getting your security system. Otherwise, you might be up for an expensive cancellation fee.
Once you’ve paired your ADT system with Google Home, you can operate the entire system with your “Hey, Google” commands. Use your voice to pull up camera footage, adjust your thermostat, and control the locks on your doors. One nice feature ADT offers is the ability to group devices by room so that you can turn all of your smart devices in an entire room on or off at the same time.
Pro Tip: You can turn any light into a smart light with a smart switch. Then, you can connect that smart switch to your Google Home ecosystem. We do this so that while we’re on vacation, we can make it seem like we’re home by turning our lamps on at their regular times.
Traditionally, ADT has always required customers to sign up for professional installation. While it can add up to $200 to your ADT bill, the professional installers know what they’re doing. So, they’ll set your system up right the first time. Nowadays, you can opt for a self-installed system and you’ll still get total Google Home integration.
Installing the ADT Outdoor Camera on my back porch
Beyond offering DIY installation, ADT has also brought down some of its prices. Traditionally, the price of an ADT system has started at around $600. Now, you can get a DIY system, though, for as little as $389.96.
ADT has also recently lowered its monthly monitoring prices from a starting point of $45 per month to just $25 per month. There are also a decent amount of ADT deals and discounts to check out. The bottom line is that there’s really never been a better time to invest in our favorite home security system than right now.
For more information on all things ADT, check out our full ADT review.
| 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 |
From its founding, Vivint has been a company dedicated to combining solid home security with cutting-edge technology. It’s no surprise, then, that the company offers full Google Home integration, including lots of convenient voice commands. Vivint isn’t for everyone. It’s a bit pricey, and you have to be ready to deal with customer service agents for absolutely everything. If you’re looking for high-tech home security, you can’t really do better than Vivint.
There’s a lot to like about Vivint, especially if you’re into cutting-edge technology. The heart of the system is a touch screen hub. We set ours up like a CCTV monitor so we could keep track of what our dog was up to even while we were making dinner. So, when we noticed him going for our favorite pair of sneakers, we used the two-way audio on the indoor camera to gently dissuade him. And the system fully integrates with Google Home, making it easy to control the entire system from anywhere in our house.
Laying out my Vivint components before installing them
Vivint’s indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras include AI that can tell the difference between animals and people. That cuts down on false alarms, especially if you have a pet like we do. Plus, you get all the other standard features you’d expect in top-notch cameras, like two-way audio and 1080p HD resolution. The nice thing is that for all their sophistication, the outdoor cameras are rugged enough for most environments. It’s one of the reasons Vivint tops our list of the best outdoor security systems.
All this technology costs a pretty penny. Even the cheapest Vivint systems cost around $600. Add a $200 installation fee and a monthly monitoring cost of at least $45, and the price rises quickly. Plus, you’re locked into at least a 36-month Vivint contract at those prices. And you need to talk to customer service to get equipment prices since Vivint doesn’t show pricing on its site.
Pro Tip: Even though you need to watch out for upsells while you’re on the phone with one of Vivint’s customer service representatives, you can also use that call as an opportunity to negotiate your Vivint costs. We highly recommend you always ask them to waive the installation fee at a minimum.
Advanced technology is sort of Vivint’s thing. It’s no surprise, then, that it works smoothly with Google Home. You can use Google Home to arm your system, control lighting, change thermostat settings, and lock your doors. We liked being able to find out whether we’d remembered to lock our front door just by asking, “Hey, Google. Is the Vivint front door locked?” Even better, we liked being able to say, “Hey Google. Lock our front door,” when we found it was unlocked.
FYI: You’ve got about 30 seconds to disarm your alarm if you accidentally trip it. I got a notification immediately and a call from Vivint at the 35-second mark while I was testing it, which is the industry standard.
Vivint requires professional installation with all its packages, and it’s not cheap. But, since Vivint’s system is so technologically advanced, it’s not as easy to install as the top three Vivint alternatives. So, you’re really better off with professional installation anyway. You can be sure that sensors and cameras will be perfectly positioned, and your friendly Vivint installer can troubleshoot your system for you. They’ll even integrate your system into Google Home.
Here’s Don, my Vivint technician, installing the Vivint Window Sensor
Vivint is definitely at the high end of the home security market. The cost of a Vivint system starts at around $600 and can easily balloon to $2,000 for the equipment alone. Meanwhile, Vivint’s professional monitoring runs between $45 and $60 per month. Then there’s the installation fee, which can be as high as $200. Thankfully, Vivint lets you finance your equipment so you can spread that cost out over five years.
| 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 |
No home security works harder to satisfy its customers than Cove. It all starts with a streamlined DIY installation process that even the most tool-challenged user can handle. Even if you’re looking to integrate the system in your Google Home platform, everything is plug-and-play. To top off the user experience, excellent customer service continues long after you’ve installed your system. And one more thing, Cove has some of the best emergency response times in the industry.
Did You Know? We personally test the response times of every home security system we test. That means triggering an alarm and seeing how long it takes the monitoring service to respond. While that sometimes means the police come knocking at our door, it lets us confidently recommend security systems with the best response times in the industry.
Cove provides quality equipment for an affordable price. Equipment is sometimes as much as half of competitors’ prices. Monitoring is reasonable as well, at just $27.99 per month. And you get all the bells and whistles with that price, including full Google Home integration. Plus, Cove is the first system on this list that doesn’t require a monthly contract. Even though there’s no self-monitoring option, it’ll work with any monitoring service that lets you bring your own equipment.
Setting up my Cove control panel took less than five minutes.
Our other favorite thing while testing our Cove security system is the easy install. You actually get your entire Cove system preprogrammed so that it is ready to go the moment it arrives. With 3M adhesives included, the whole thing took around 20 minutes. Testing the system took a little longer, but that’s because we kept changing our minds about whether to mount our indoor camera on the wall or put it on an end table.
FYI: The 3M adhesives used for installing Cove’s equipment are the same type of adhesives you use when you install command strips. And it’s really that easy to install. That’s why we feature Cove in our list of the best DIY home security systems.
Of course, Cove isn’t quite as fancy as ADT or Vivint. Cove’s indoor cameras, for instance, don’t have any built-in AI. And the hub is a little clunky for our taste. If you’re looking for an affordable home security system that still lets you work with Google Home, Cove may be the answer.
Dig Deeper: Best Wireless Security Systems
In addition to letting you arm and disarm your system, once you’ve connected Cove to Google Home, you can also pull up footage and even check footage history. This lets you watch your security camera footage from any of your Google screens, which is great when you need a bigger view than your phone. And you can do all of that using just your voice.
Learn More: A Complete Guide to Home Safety
FYI: Cove doesn’t make its own cameras; the cameras they sent us were from a brand called Eufy, which in itself works with Google Home. We suggest testing the camera integration with both the Cove app and Eufy app and see which works better for you. Here’s our Eufy review for reference.
Cove’s default is self-installation. You can get professional installation if you need it, and it’s reasonably priced at just $79. But there’s just no need to do that. Installing your own home security system with Cove is a lot easier than you think. You let Cove know what your home setup is when you order, and all the equipment comes preprogrammed. It can take a little more time to get Google Home connected, but that has more to do with talking to Google Home than it does with anything on Cove’s end.
Getting ready to install my Cove equipment
Cove doesn’t push any equipment packages on you. You can order exactly the equipment you need, which is always going to save you money. All the equipment from Cove is low-priced, sometimes as much as half of what you’d pay with other companies. Cove’s outdoor camera, for instance, costs $99, about $90 less than the price of SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera. Or compare Cove’s entry sensor price to Ring’s. Cove’s charges $7.50. A comparable entry sensor from Ring Alarm costs $20.
| 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 |
In addition to durable home security equipment, Brinks offers its own line of smart home devices, everything from light bulbs to locks. Don’t worry: Brinks also works smoothly with the Google Home platform, meaning you can connect even more smart home devices to your system. Want to brew a pot of coffee any time your video doorbell sees your brother coming down the path? Not a problem with Brinks.
A lot of people think of Brinks as ADT lite. That’s why we put the two head-to-head in an ADT vs. Brinks competition. Brinks has been in business almost as long as ADT — over 100 years. Like ADT, it’s a full-service company, with required professional installation, a minimum 36-month professional monitoring contract, and white-glove customer service.
As we mention in our Brinks review, for our money, Brinks has a couple of things going for it that ADT doesn’t. First, its equipment prices are only about two-thirds of what you’ll pay for ADT equipment. Second, you get all the advantages of Google Home integration with every plan. ADT requires you to invest in its most expensive plans if you want to control your system with your voice. But we will say the premium price of ADT does show in its quality of equipment and services.
Unboxing my Brinks IQ 2.0 Control Panel
You also get cellular backup with every system and plan. That came in handy over the winter when we lost power for over 24 hours. No Wi-Fi, and let’s just say that was not a pretty 24 hours for us. We didn’t have to worry about anyone breaking in. That meant we were able to walk a couple of blocks over to a coffee shop and use its internet to stream “Yellowjackets.”
Pro Tip: Always check which cellular provider your security system company uses. Then, check the official FCC cellular coverage map to make sure you can actually use the cellular backup offered by your security system.
Just make sure you really like Brinks before you invest. Its monitoring fees aren’t exactly the cheapest on the market — between $40 and $50 per month depending on the system you purchase — and, as we mentioned, you have to sign a 36-month contract.
More Cellular Options: Best Security Systems for Cellular
If it comes with your Brinks home security system package, it works with Google Home. Control all of the components of your security system with simple voice commands. Of course, the system itself is fully functional with commands too. And because it’s all connected through Google Home, you can create routines so that multiple devices work together. After going out a few times without setting our alarm, we finally set the system to come on automatically when we lock the doors in the morning.
Brinks is another one of those companies that requires professional installation. As we’ve mentioned with other companies, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you’re looking to connect your system to Google Home. Our installation tech showed up early, was incredibly friendly, and answered all our questions. We should point out that Brinks doesn’t have quite enough techs to handle its volume, so our appointment was three days out from when we ordered.
My Brinks Home Security equipment ready to be installed
Brinks systems are personalized, so if you want to know exactly what you’re going to pay in terms of equipment, you’ll have to speak with a sales representative. That can mean fighting the hard sell. Brinks’ cheapest packages are around $360, which is at the low end of the market. The nice thing is that even that basic package comes with full Google Home functionality. Monitoring costs range from $40 to $50 per month, which is a bit more than the competition.
Pro Tip: Brinks offers no-interest equipment financing through GreenSky if you decide to splurge on a home security system. I bought a lot of devices and was able to spread out the costs of my setup over 36 months.
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $199 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $39 |
| Contract Length | 36 months |
If you’re looking to self-monitor and still have plenty of Google Home functionality, Scout is the home security system for you. And not only does Scout work with Google Home, but it also works with IFTTT. This lets you design all sorts of custom routines for connecting your smart devices. With a self-monitoring option, Scout lets you save money on monthly monitoring fees, something you won’t get with any other system on this list.
You might notice that Scout is the only home security system on this list that lets you self-monitor. But you’ll still have to pay $10 per month plus another $3 per camera if you want to store footage. For that price, you’re really better off investing in Scout’s $20-per-month full-service professional monitoring plan. Still, we like having the option of self-monitoring when we need to tighten our belts a bit due to some Christmas splurging.
And either way, we got full Google functionality and cellular backup. And because Scout works with IFTTT, we were able to use Google Home to connect our security to all sorts of devices. For example, when our motion sensors detectors pick up unusual movement, our TV comes on, letting would-be home invaders know we’re home, even when we’re not.
Did You Know? Not every IFTTT integration is equal. IFTTT lets supported brands enable different triggers for controlling the device. The more triggers, the more capabilities the device has. In our guide to the best IFTTT-compatible home security systems, we dive deep into the capabilities of every system we test.
Be warned: This isn’t a Vivint-style, sophisticated system. You won’t find any AI features with Scout. The company doesn’t even offer a dedicated outdoor camera, let alone a high-quality outdoor camera. If you’re looking for affordable security with some nifty smart integration, Scout’s a pretty solid option.
Comparison Shopping: Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems
Obviously, Scout systems connect to Google Home. The cool thing about Scout is that it connects to so many other smart platforms and devices, like Yale, Hue, Z-wave, and IFTTT. Why does that matter? Because the more platforms and devices a system connects to, the more you can do with that system.
IFTTT functionality, in particular, is a big deal. It lets you create all sorts of fancy routines. We use it to turn our TV on, adjust our thermostat, and set the perfect mood lighting when we come home at night. If only we could figure out a way to have a glass of chilled wine waiting for us on the coffee table.
Installation is DIY, which means you save money. Scout isn’t quite as simple as Cove to install. Most of the sensors are peel-and-stick, so that part wasn’t much of a problem. But the system didn’t come preprogrammed, and connecting all of the components to the hub took at least 30 minutes. We also ran into an issue with the indoor camera where it wouldn’t turn on until we accidentally twisted the lens a bit. Not sure what was going on there, but it cost us a little extra setup time.
Pro Tip: I found it easier to link each device to the mobile app one by one. I learned this the hard way because one time, I accidentally entered the wrong password, which reset the app and forced me to start the entire process from scratch.
Scout equipment isn’t as cheap as Cove’s or SimpliSafe’s, but it’s certainly reasonably priced. Entry sensors, for instance, are around $20, right in line with the cost of Ring’s. You can save if you’re willing to invest in a premade package.
In fact, Scout runs a pretty regular promotion that gives you the basic package for free when you sign up for a year of professional monitoring. And at just $20 per month, that year of professional monitoring doesn’t even cost much. After the year is up, you can always switch to its self-monitoring plan at $10 per month, which gets you push alerts and the ability to live monitor your cameras.
| Monitoring Options | DIY or professional |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $120 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $9.99 |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
You might be thinking, wouldn’t it be easier to just get a Google security system instead of integrating a third-party one? While it’s true that Google sells a bunch of security products, it doesn’t have a full-fledged solution anymore.
In April 2024, Nest Secure was discontinued, and its products no longer function through the app. This includes the Nest Detectors and Nest Tags. You can still get your hands on the Nest Doorbell and Google Nest Cam, which we’ve reviewed.
That said, Google Home does sort of have a replacement for Nest Secure, this time developed with the help of ADT. The new ADT Plus system (released in late July 2024) resembles the Nest Secure in many ways, including how the keypad and sensors look. It even works seamlessly with Google Nest smart speakers and displays, Nest Cams, and the battery-powered Nest Doorbell. It’s as close as we have to a Google Home security system right now.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
All the best Google Home security systems have a voice control feature. That’s usually the main highlight. If you’re sitting in the living room with a 3% phone battery, you can use your voice to operate your home security system. Here are some of the commands to shout out after saying “Hey Google”:
You’ve got Google Home. You’ve got a home security system. What differences does it make whether they’re connected to one another? Plenty. Here’s the extra functionality you get by connecting Google Home to your security system:
You not only gain this functionality, but you also avoid becoming another crime statistic by strengthening your home security defenses. Some of the alarming numbers are:
What’s better than home security? Home security that’s convenient to use. The simpler the process, the safer you and your family will be. If checking a camera feed is a hassle, you’re less likely to do it.
Systems that connect to Google Home streamline your security by allowing you to connect devices and control them all using just your voice. When you can secure your home on the way out the door just by saying, “Hey, Google. Arm my system,” you’re just bound to be safer.
But it’s never easy shopping for home security, especially if you’re interested in a particular feature like Google Home integration. If you’ve been paying attention, you should almost be an expert yourself by now, so picking out the right system for your family should be as easy as saying, “Hey, Google.”
Yes. Google offers home security systems through its Nest line of products. Google also sells a Nest Aware plan that lets you record video footage and get access to real-time alerts.
Yes, SimpliSafe works with Google Home. But it only lets you arm your security system, which limits its functionality a lot. SimpliSafe says the limited functionality is for security purposes, but we’re a bit skeptical.
Yes. As long as your home security system is Google Home compatible, you can control it with your voice. Different systems offer different levels of compatibility. That means you can’t use every voice command with every system, so make sure to check your system’s compatible commands.
The best home security system for working with Google Home is ADT. It offers top-tier equipment, professional installation, and 24/7 monitoring. Add to this the fact that you can connect the system to Google Home, and you’ve got a new perfect system for your home.
Voice commands differ depending on how well a home security system integrates with Google Home. It’s also possible to create and store your own individual voice commands. Some of the most common and useful Google Home home security commands include the following:
Tap into biometric voice recognition with select Google Home compatible security systems. That’s right, this feature puts your home automation commands at the tip of your tongue. Control your lights, door locks, garage door, thermostat, security system, and other voice-enabled appliances or devices. Google Home compatible security systems open a world of opportunity beyond home protection.
Many home security systems that work with Google Home also work with smart locks. This tech-forward combination of features lets you remotely lock and unlock your doors via mobile app. Some automatic door locks detect range to automatically secure your home as you leave, and grant you hands-free access upon your return. Electronic door locks are extremely popular among the smart-home crowd.
Mobile Alerts keep you in-the-know. Thankfully, every system on our list that works with Google Home also delivers mobile activity alerts. These alerts are sent via text, email, and sometimes phone. Among the benefits of this key smart-home feature, mobile alerts offer the peace of mind of knowing your home is secure, no matter where you are.
Access, monitor, and control your home security system and automation features… from the convenience of your smartphone. Lock and unlock your front door for friends, family, and others. Nannys, dog walkers, contractors — you name it. There are countless scenarios where Remote Access becomes incredibly useful. Expect nothing less of Google Home compatible home security systems.
Arm your system. Now rest easy knowing your Entryway Sensors are working overtime to secure your home. These magnetic sensors are included with Google Home compatible security system. Mount them on door frames, windows, and other access points. When the magnets separate, the alarm sounds and alerts are sent. This powerful feature serves as the foundation of every home security system.
Nothing’s wrong with movement in your home, except of course when you’re at work and think your home is completely secure. Uh oh! Welcome to motion detectors. This feature goes the distance to protect your home, and they work great with Google Home systems. They sound the alarm and send alerts when motion is detected. Many can even distinguish between pets and people.
Google Home automation is a beautiful thing. Case in point: you can now control your HVAC system from anywhere in the world. All you need is a smart device and the companion app, and you’re in business. A smart thermostat (such as Nest) allows you to dial in your preferred temps. Save energy, save cash, and save a potential heat stroke on a hot summer’s day.
By lights, we mean smart lights — the smartest lights in the neighborhood. The best security systems that work with Google Home offer remote control lighting. This feature lets you turn on and off your lights from anywhere, and even allows you to pre-program your lights to function on a timed schedule. How’s that for an added layer of home protection and home automation?
Don’t forget to include your garage door in the smart home security equation. After all, the garage is a prime entrypoint for thieves and burglars. With smart garage door hookups, you can control and monitor your garage door remotely. Mobile access and helpful alerts keep you privy to any suspicious activity, and they kindly let you know if you leave your garage door open.
CapitalOne. (2024). Package Theft Statistics.
https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/package-theft-statistics/
ConsumerAffairs. (2024). Home security statistics 2024.
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/home-security-statistics.html
