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Of all the office security systems we tested, we liked ADT’s monitoring service the most, with its 12 monitoring facilities.
Updated November 4, 2024
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Here’s a not-so-fun fact: Around 50,000 commercial buildings are burglarized each year.1 Offices are prime targets because of all the equipment lying around that’s easy to sell off on the black market. That’s why installing a security system for your office is a must.
We have one in ours, but just like in home security, we recognize that each office might have different security needs. Our ADT security system works great, but we decided to test four other excellent options in our own open-plan workspace to give you more options. In addition to ADT, we tested Vivint, SimpliSafe, Cove, and Frontpoint. Keep reading to see what we found!
>> Related: Best Security System for Businesses
The trustworthy and unbiased reviews we make come from testing home security systems ourselves. We buy the equipment, install the devices in our homes, and test them for weeks or months on end. It’s how we get a feel for what it’s like to live with the system and experience first-hand the response times, features, and apps. We then take what we have learned to make our recommendations.
Multiple factors impact testing home security systems, so we look for ways to level the playing field. One strategy is testing all the equipment in the same place. In this instance, we used our own 1,000-square-foot office space. We believe that real-world testing yields more accurate results than testing in a controlled environment.
We also buy the same equipment for every security system and install them in identical spots. That way, we can compare the features and performance of individual components, like security cameras and smoke detectors.
To select the best security systems for offices, we took into consideration multiple factors. Using our experience and knowledge of the industry, we believe these are the most important ones.
We used these criteria to rank our top five picks. Here’s how we scored them.
Rating the Best Office Security Systems
Unlike other review websites, you won’t find reviews on everything from phone cases to ironing boards here. Our team at SafeHome.org exclusively covers security and safety equipment. We know how to effectively assess a security system and give our readers relevant and insightful recommendations. The team members who contributed to this review were:
Our team has over 75 years of combined experience, making us the most accomplished home security team on the internet. Since SafeHome.org began in 2016, our work has been featured in several major outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. As a team, we have achieved:
Every recommendation is based on our first-hand product experience and a deep understanding of the security industry. Now, let's find out why we chose our top picks.
Frontpoint Door Sensor
ADT is always one of our favorite security systems because of its professional monitoring. It has 12 centers in the U.S. and Canada that ensure continuous operation. We also learned that some of those centers are certified to provide advanced security to enterprise-level clients.
Our office isn’t on that level, but ADT gave our security the same priority it gives larger businesses. Whenever we had alarms triggered, ADT’s response team would always be on the phone in 45 seconds or less. Pretty impressive for a service that starts at $29.99 per month.
A Closer Look at ADT Outdoor Camera, Installed in Our Back Porch
Security cameras play a big role in office security, and we love our cameras from ADT. We got Nest Cams with our ADT package that provide clear 1080p videos, two-way talk, and a strong night vision. But our favorite feature is Familiar Face alerts. That means facial recognition. Imagine how useful that could be for your office. Did an employee leave on bad terms? Set your system to alert you when they swing by. You’ll get a heads-up before they make a scene.
Our cameras know all 13 of us in the office; it even knows the pizza delivery guy. And so we had set up our Nest Cams in a way that it would notify us anytime it sees a stranger in the office. But the rest of the day, even though we’re all in the office, the cameras don’t bother us with false alarms.
Did You Know? Google’s own security offering, Nest Aware, has been discontinued. If you want a Google-friendly security system, ADT may be your best option.
| Field of view | Resolution | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Cam (indoor, wired) | 135° | 1080p | $99 |
| Nest Cam (indoor or outdoor, battery) | 130 degrees | 1080p | $179 |
| Nest Cam with Floodlight | 130 degrees | 1080p | $299 |
ADT owns and operates its own monitoring centers. When ADT calls you about a tripped alarm, it’s actually ADT calling — not a third-party contractor. Can Ring say the same thing? No.3
>> Read More: Ring Alarm vs. ADT
When armed, our ADT system is linked to one of its 12 monitoring centers.
On top of that, ADT has the largest monitoring network anywhere in the country with 12 facilities. Just to show you how impressive that is, Vivint is our second-favorite system that has in-house monitoring centers. It has only two facilities at this time.
That being said, ADT’s vast network didn’t really translate to faster response times. During our ADT tests, we clocked it at around 30 seconds. That’s the industry average. The 12 monitoring centers are really there to increase reliability; since they can take over for each other, ADT is equipped to continue monitoring rain or shine.
Pro Tip: If you think someone is watching your office security camera footage, there are things you can do to stop them. First and foremost, change the login details immediately. Read our guide on how to stop security camera hacks for more tips.
| 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 |
SimpliSafe has grown a lot since its early days as a security system designed for apartments. Today, it’s a top-ranked system that offers one of the most interesting monitoring features we’ve seen – live security camera monitoring. We gave this feature a go when we reviewed SimpliSafe at home, and then tried it again in the office. And frankly, we liked it a lot better as a part of our office security.
SimpliSafe isn’t the only option that offers live video monitoring, but it’s the cheapest by far. It charged us $29.99 per month for Fast Protect monitoring with that feature. Deep Sentinel and Ring, which both offer virtual security guards, charge over $100 per month.
If your office is in a commercial complex and all you need to worry about is indoor video security, SimpliSafe is a good choice. It offers two types of cameras, one of which works with the live video monitoring feature described earlier. That’s the one we opted for – the Smart Alarm wireless indoor camera.
The Smart Alarm wireless indoor camera in our meeting area with its privacy shutter closed.
The camera has a decent 125-degree viewing angle, but we need three of them to cover our open-plan office. We put one in the meeting area where we keep our printers and projectors; the other two, we mounted on both sides of the wall facing the entrance. They have a good vantage to monitor who comes and goes, and that’s also a good spot to catch if anyone tries to break into our office at nighttime.
Pro Tip: If your office needs outdoor cameras as well, look somewhere else. SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera is battery-powered, which means it would need recharging every few months or so. See our list of the best business security cameras for other options.
| SimpliSafe Camera Specs | Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera | SimpliCam Wired Indoor Camera | SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1536p | 1080p | 1080p | |
| Field of view | 125-degree | 120-degree | 140-degree | |
| Power source | Plugged-in | Plugged-in | Battery | |
| Price | $149.99 | $99.99 | $199.99 |
SimpliSafe was more flexible than ADT when it came to monitoring. It didn’t force us to sign a three-year contract, and we could have even gone for self-monitoring if we wanted to. But because we don’t have a dedicated security detail – only our building does – we opted for the most expensive SimpliSafe plan.
Here’s the adhesive backing of the SimpliSafe motion sensors we installed.
If someone were to get past our building security and break into our office, our three motion sensors would catch them and alert the monitoring center. But we found the live security camera monitoring even better. To be clear, SimpliSafe didn’t monitor our feeds 24/7. Only when one of our sensors is tripped would an agent get live video and two-way talk access to talk the intruder down. We customized it so that that would only only happen after 8 P.M. and before 7 A.M.
It’s great in theory, but does it work? Our Managing Editor, Rob, had to work late one evening and forgot about the cameras and the fact that our system arms automatically every 8 P.M. He tripped a motion sensor and set off the Live Guard feature. He described it as both reassuring and creepy – well, creepy if he were a crook sneaking around.
Pro Tip: Remember your SimpliSafe secret passcode! You’ll need it to cancel an active alarm.
| 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 |
We get it; not everyone is as big of a fan of smart home – or smart office – technology. But if you’re like us that use Alexa smart speakers, smart thermostats, and smart lights to streamline the office, you’ll love Vivint. It easily integrates with a wide variety of smart devices.
Vivint isn’t the cheapest though; quite the opposite. It’s the most expensive option on this list. Packages start at around $600, and a single camera can cost your office budget $250 to $400. But it’s a great security system that protects your workplace and makes it smart, too.
Vivint security cameras are quite simply some of the best we’ve ever tested. 4K image sensor? Check. Full HD resolution? Check. Wide field of view? Check.
Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro
>> Read More: Best Home Security Cameras
All those specs mean you have a better chance of capturing the security footage you need — when it really counts. Let’s say a burglar targets your office. They drive off with thousands of dollars worth of electronics. Wouldn’t it be nice to capture their license plate? Higher resolution makes that more likely.
In our Vivint camera tests, its Outdoor Camera Pro, with its 1080p HD resolution, outperformed every other camera on the market, except for Google Nest Cams. The Vivint Camera is lacking a bit in field of view, but it has crystal-clear image quality and an active-deterrent (siren and lights) feature.
| Field of view | Resolution | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Camera Pro | 150 degrees | 1080p | $199.99 |
| Outdoor Camera Pro | 140 degrees | 1080p | $399.99 |
| Doorbell Camera Pro | 145 degrees | 1080p | $249.99 |
When you compare Vivint and ADT, you realize they have a lot in common. One example? Professional monitoring is part of the deal. With Vivint, you will pay at least $40 per month for a plan that includes alarm monitors watching over your building 24/7.
And we do mean 24/7. Vivint provides cellular monitoring, which means it won’t be interrupted by internet outages. If your office Wi-Fi cuts out, your security system stays on. In our tests, Vivint’s response time clocked in at 25 seconds on average (5 seconds faster than ADT).
Vivint Smart Home Equipment
FYI: Professional monitoring isn’t the only perk Vivint makes mandatory. You also have to spring for professional installation ($100 to $200). That’s probably something you want in an office security system anyway. Do you really want to trust the interns with electrical wiring?
| 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 |
If you’re running a small office and all you need is a few simple security devices, Cove is our most budget-friendly recommendation. It isn’t exactly cheap in quality, but the price will make your accounting department happy. With discounts – which Cove is running all the time – you can get a motion sensor for less than $15. Vivint’s motion sensors cost three times as much.
But don’t be fooled by Cove’s affordable pricing. It has a really good monitoring setup in place with multiple contingencies. It’s also RapidSOS-ready, which means if anything goes down, the monitoring center is equipped to relay information directly to emergency responders.
Cove offers some of the best and most affordable security cameras on this list. 2K resolution for $59.99? If you’re running an office on a budget, you’re probably wondering where to sign up.
YI Indoor Camera for Cove
So, what’s the catch? They aren’t actually Cove cameras; they’re eufy cameras. They aren’t bad, but they are also not as well-integrated as Nest Cams and ADT. The video feed sometimes lagged while playing it back using the Cove app, which has never happened when we used the real eufy app.
But feature-wise? We love eufy. The eufy Outdoor Camera features local and cloud storage, solar charging, and night vision. Has your office been the target of vandalism after dark? The eufy Outdoor Cam will catch the vandals.
| Field of view | Resolution | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| eufy Indoor Camera | 100 degrees | 2K | $59.99 |
| eufy Outdoor Camera | 135 degrees | 2K | $129.99 |
| eufy Doorbell Camera | 160 degrees | 2K | $99.99 |
Does Cove professional monitoring really work? Yes, it does. When we tested out the system for our Cove Smart review, we found out the hard way. While doing break-in simulations (this was at home), we got an app alert, text, and call from Cove explaining what happened. The problem was we forgot our safe code. The agent, thinking we were actually criminals, sent a detailed report to emergency services through a service called RapidSOS. 10 minutes later, the police showed up.
This was bad news for us who had to pay a false alarm fee, but great news for your office. If something goes wrong, there are three ways for Cove to let your office manager know. And, if they can’t get in touch with you, they really will call in the cavalry.
Cove equipment
| 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 |
What makes Frontpoint particularly great is that it has a little bit of everything our four other top picks do. It offers reliable cellular monitoring like ADT, it integrates with smart devices like Vivint, it has SimpliSafe’s easy DIY setup, and the equipment packages are almost as affordable as Cove.
Frontpoint is very flexible, except for one thing: The monthly fee. No matter how big or small your office is, you’ll pay $49.99 per month and sign a three-year contract. Our advice? Customize your Frontpoint system all you want.
Frontpoint is powered by Alarm.com, which means its cameras come from — you guessed it — Alarm.com. Fortunately, Alarm.com is one of the most trusted names in security, and it makes some darn good cameras. Expect 1080p resolution and up to a 180-degree field of view.
Frontpoint Outdoor Camera
At first glance, Frontpoint cameras seem geared toward the consumer market. (I mean, what are you going to do with a Bluetooth speaker/indoor camera combo in the office? Listen to “Despacito” with your management team?)
But there are some features that come in handy in a commercial setting. Take SD card continuous recording, for example, which lets you watch footage from up to 29 days ago. That would be overkill for most residential properties. But at the office? It could help catch a thief.
Imagine you have a problem with theft and you’re pretty sure it’s an inside job. With almost a month of footage, you have plenty of chances to review the movements of suspicious employees.
| Field of view | Resolution | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Camera | 110 degrees | 1080p | $119.99 |
| Premium Indoor Camera | 180 degrees | 1080p | $199.99 |
| Outdoor Camera | 117 degrees | 1080p | $229.99 |
| Wired Doorbell Camera | 165 degrees | 1080p | $199.99 |
| Wireless Doorbell Camera | 160 degrees | 1080p | $299.98 |
When we tested out the system for our Frontpoint review, we got a response within 25 seconds. That’s below the industry average of 30 seconds and right in line with Vivint’s response times.
However, there’s a catch. Frontpoint alarms have a non-negotiable 30-second entry delay between the alarm being tripped and going off. That brings the total response time up to 55 seconds. That’s more than enough time for a savvy burglar to make off with a company laptop or three.
When we compare SimpliSafe and Frontpoint, we’re puzzled. SimpliSafe allows you to remove the entry delay. Why not Frontpoint?
Frontpoint equipment
FYI: Frontpoint’s professional monitoring does have the advantage of running on a cellular network. That means you don’t have to worry about a bad storm shutting down your office security system.
| 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 |
There’s no question that offices and commercial buildings need some sort of security detail. Here’s what we know:
Having security cameras can help deter and prevent office crimes.
Those numbers highlight the importance of office security. But is having security guards enough, or do you also need an office security system? Here are a few reasons why you still need a security system even if your office building has roaming security guards just like ours:
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
Pro Tip: If you’re putting up security cameras for your office, you should look for options that have 24/7 continuous recording. They’re excellent at keeping evidence.
Any electronic device connected to the internet is a potential point of entry for a tech-savvy bad guy (yes, even your office security system). What can you do to prevent a hack?
Pro Tip: If your office doesn’t have an enterprise password manager already, you should really consider getting one.
Office management is all about maximizing efficiency while minimizing costs. How do you make your pricey security system work extra hard?
Residential smart locks like this can work as a makeshift access control system.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
Commercial buildings suffer environmental damage and theft, just like residential buildings. Security systems can help prevent that.
So, an office security system is a no-brainer. But which one?
To sum it up, you should choose a professionally monitored system with excellent security cameras from a reputable company. ADT, SimpliSafe, Vivint, Frontpoint, and Cove all fit the bill.
If none of those options works for you, check out my guide to the best security systems available. You’ll find more great options that may be a better fit for your business.
Some of the things that are really important for a commercial security system are less important for a home security system. For example, you can get away with self-monitoring your home security, but it’s not a good idea for an office. Generally speaking, office security systems will have more devices and more features than a home security system.
Generally speaking, yes. Avoid recording private areas, like bathrooms and locker rooms. Notify employees they’re being recorded. And check with the relevant governing bodies to make sure you’re in the clear.
We recommend professional monitoring for commercial properties. Even if you have a security guard, they can’t be everywhere all at once. Professional monitoring is an affordable way to keep your office safe.
We think ADT is the best option for most commercial buildings. Vivint, Frontpoint, and Cove are also great.
Yes. It’s rare, but possible, for an office security system to be hacked. To reduce the risk, choose unique, secure passwords and vet employees carefully before hiring.
You can record the areas in and around your office with high-quality security cameras. The best options will have HD resolution, night vision, and intruder deterrence capabilities.
Alarm monitors can watch over your property at all times with professional monitoring. Here’s how it works: One of your sensors detects suspicious activity. It sends a signal to a monitoring center. If the monitor can’t get in touch with someone at the office, they’ll call emergency services.
Professional monitoring is a must for office security systems, but you should be able to monitor the property yourself too. Self-monitoring through a mobile app should be available alongside professional monitoring.
Installing a smart lock gives your office an extra layer of security. It works with a code, card, or virtual wallet instead of (or in addition to) a key. You can lock it and unlock it remotely, which is useful when you have forgetful employees.
Keep your office lit when you want it (and dark when you don’t) with smart lights. You can schedule them to turn off and on with work hours. That could save you some money on electricity.
Turn any device into a smart device with a smart plug. Devices connected to a smart plug can be powered off on a timer, just like smart lights and locks. This is a good way to reduce fire risk and save on electricity for infrequently used equipment, like fax machines.
Motion detectors are one of the main components of an office security system. The motion detectors are designed to detect movement in or around your office. Then, when movement is detected, the system will alert you and/or a monitoring center so you can respond accordingly. When motion is detected, you can use your security system's mobile app to check your place of business to see what caused the motion detector to trigger an alarm or contact the proper authorities to respond to the alarm for you.
Track when doors and windows open with contact sensors. They are actually two magnetic pieces; when the door or window opens, the magnetic field breaks. That lets your monitoring center know something is amiss.
An office security system can involve a lot of equipment. Professional technicians can install it for you more quickly and effectively than you can on your own.
Statista. (2022). Number of burglaries in the United States in 2022, by location.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/195200/burglary-in-the-us-by-location-of-felony/
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2023). Rising Crime Is a Risk for Businesses. What Can Be Done?
https://www.uschamber.com/economy/crime-risk-to-business-2023
Ring. (2024). Understanding Professional Monitoring and Self-Monitoring.
https://ring.com/support/articles/46blt/Understanding-Professional-Monitoring-and-Self-Monitoring
Chron. What Can Vandalism Cost a Business?
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/can-vandalism-cost-business-63820.html
