9 Best Business Security Systems for 2024 (2024)

Overall Score: 4.02 / 5

What we like:

SimpliSafe is a popular security solution with inexpensive pricing and easy-to-use equipment you can install yourself. This system is the best choice for budget-minded businesses needing basic security in the form of locks, cameras, and environmental monitors like flood and fire.

It scored 3.91 out of 5 in our evaluation. While it provides great value for the money, it is a home system that can be adapted for businesses. As such, it lacks some of the more advanced features you can find with bigger companies like Vivint, Rhombus, ADT, or Tattletale.

Visit SimpliSafe

Monitoring: SimpliSafe offers two monitoring plans. It charges for monitoring on a monthly basis and does not require a contract.

• Self-monitoring plan with camera recording (33 cents per day): It does not tie to emergency services, but includes a timeline event log, remote arm/disarm, unlimited camera recording with 30 days’ cloud storage, and smart home integration, and full self-monitoring via the mobile app. It also has a three-year limited warranty on equipment.
• Fast Protect Professional Monitoring Plan (99 cents per day): All the features of the Self-monitoring plan, plus 24/7 live monitoring, two-way agent audio, fast dispatch of emergency services, lifetime warranty, and instant alarm alerts on the mobile app.

SimpliSafe has starter kits that include the base system and keypad, plus a combination of entry sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, smart locks, cameras, key fobs, and more (detailed below). You can also build your own set. Individual pieces of equipment run from $14.99 to $189.99. Installation is DIY or $125.

SimpliSafe’s wireless outdoor camera has a full-color HD display with night vision, Wi-Fi connectivity, two-way audio, and 8X digital zoom. It also has a motion-activated spotlight that automatically activates at night. Cost: $189.99 (Source: SimpliSafe)

SimpliSafe’s newest wireless indoor camera has a built-in motion sensor that covers high-traffic areas. Cost $139.99 (Source: SimpliSafe)

• Equipment: Unlike many of the systems on our list that use third-party equipment, SimpliSafe manufactures its own. The camera and doorbell camera include intelligent heat sensors to tell a human from an animal, and the camera motion sensors can tell the difference between humans and cars. It notifies you when it sees unusual activity, and you can view the video or set it to record using the app.
• Take it anywhere: The SimpliSafe system is easy to install yourself, and you can take it with you when you move. Others, like Vivint, charge you to transfer equipment, while several require you to sign a new contract for the new location.
• Video verification: With this addition to your plan, SimpliSafe can view video footage related to an event to determine if an intruder is on the premises and understand what is happening at the location. It helps reduce false alarms. We also found this feature with Vector, Rhombus, and ADT.
• Environmental monitoring: With a professional monitoring plan, you also get SimpliSafe’s fire, flood, and extreme temperature monitoring tools. This could qualify you for insurance discounts with some insurance providers. Many others on our site have temperature and flood monitoring, while Tattletale offers equipment-specific temperature monitors.
• Smart platform integrations: SimpliSafe offers both smart home and business platform integrations, namely: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch, and August Locks.

• Glitching: Real-world user reviews continue to complain about the equipment glitching; in fact, the most recent reviews (October/November) concern camera glitches and poor customer support.
• Lacks specialized security equipment: SimpliSafe does not offer invisible fences, equipment-specific temperature or tampering monitors, or RFID theft devices. For these, consider Tattletale, Vivint, Brinks, or ADT.

Overall Score: 4.02 / 5

What we like:

FrontPoint prides itself on being so easy to set up, anyone can do it. The packages come with monitoring, which starts at $49.88 per month. It assumes a three-year contract. It includes 24/7 monitoring, video surveillance, and hazard alerts. Plans come with identity theft protection from Allstate.

The system earned 4.02 out of 5 in our evaluation. It got high scores for value and did well for installation support (important for DIY installation options) and general features. However, it lacks some of the more specific tools that others provide, like biometric locks and equipment-specific sensors.

Visit Frontpoint

Like Vivint, you need to call for a quote for your business, but FrontPoint lists prices for its home plans, which depend on the equipment you buy. The home packages start at $541.91. The equipment costs are about on par with the others on our list, but like so many of its competitors, it offers deep discounts for new customers.

Monitoring costs $1.64 a day or an average of $49.88 per month. In the past, we found evidence that you could have a monthly plan, but they have changed their plans since our last review. Now, there is only one plan, and the checkout assumes a 36-month commitment. You may be better off calling for a customized quote and discussing the commitment. As with so many security systems, the contracts are notoriously hard to get out of.

Installation is DIY or starts at $99.

• Two-way voice cameras: Like several security system providers on our list, Frontpoint’s cameras have two-way voice communications. Not only can you speak to a visitor you see in the camera, but if it’s an intruder, you can warn them away before they break in.
• Custom business security package: FrontPoint offers businesses a custom security package for hardware, automation, and professional monitoring. Its experts will assist you with the best solution for your unique business layout and needs. This is pretty typical for business security systems.
• Smart automation: This feature allows you to customize your security and alarm settings, such as lighting and temperature, and alert notifications. You can also integrate Frontpoint with smart platforms such as Google Assistant and Alexa.
• Perimeter Guard™: Paired with video analytics, Frontpoint’s camera can be customized to let out flashing lights and loud beeps when intruders are detected within its field of vision. This is similar to Vivint’s Smart Deter technology.

• No biometrics: Like most on our list, Frontpoint locks are keypad only; they do not offer keycards or biometric access. If you need this, take a look at Vector. The mobile app has fingerprint or facial ID access if your phone supports them.
• Lacks specialized hardware: Like most of the home/business security systems on our list, the equipment is basic. If you need monitoring devices for anti-theft, temperature sensors, or other specialized tools, check Tattletale, ADT, and Rhombus.

Overall Score: 3.96 / 5

What we like:

Cove is primarily a home security system, but it offers security systems businesses can use at inexpensive prices. All its plans include professional monitoring, but it lets you set up your own system or bring in an expert to do it for you. We recommend it for offices and small retail stores because it offers a good variety of cameras and sensors but is limited in its access tools and does not have specialized security tools like Tattletale or ADT.

This system earned 3.96 out of 5. Cove had the best score for pricing, a strong showing for general features, only taking a hit for not working with other devices, and it also lost points for not having equipment-specific hardware. However, it’s easy to use and overall offers good value for money.

Visit Cove

Cove has a 60-day trial. If not satisfied, get a full refund.

Monitoring (Mandatory):

• Cove Basic: 60 cents/day ($18/month) for 24/7 live monitoring, alarm verification, text notifications, one-year warranty, no camera support
• Cove Plus: 93 cents/day ($27.90/month) for everything in basic, lifetime equipment warranty and camera support

Cove has a la carte pricing with a questionnaire to help you design your ideal system. Prices are comparable to others on our list, and Cove often offers deep discounts for new customers. Installation starts at $79, although you can easily DIY.

• Three-factor communication: Cove communicates with you in three ways when an alarm is tripped. Cove texts the number on record, and you can quickly respond with Dismiss Alarm or Dispatch. If they don’t get a response, they call. You also get an alert via your Cove app. If they don’t get an answer, they contact emergency services.
• RapidSOS: The RapidSOS system lets 911 call centers pull information like location directly from your smart devices. This ensures operators get the correct information quickly to send responders. Cove is one of the few alarm systems for business connected to this network. SimpliSafe and Vector are also connected to RapidSOS, while ADT integrates with RapidDeploy, which is similar.
• Touch-screen panel: Cove offers an upgraded tablet with an ethernet connection and cellular backup. You can create your own arming and disarming schedules, and even check the weather. The hub supports up to four panels so you can have them on entries and in the office.
• Reimbursem*nt for damages: Like ADT, Cove’s terms say it may reimburse you for property damage if a result of a system’s failure, but only “if any Cove party is found liable for such losses.” It sets a limit of $2,000, which is more than ADT; however, you may have to sue the company to prove liability.

• No DIY monitoring: You will need to pay for Cove security monitoring. If you prefer a DIY option, then look at SimpliSafe.
• Connectivity and customer support issues: Despite having new equipment, people still complain about connectivity and issues with setting up multiple users. They say customer support is not helpful.
• No temperature monitoring: If you need to ensure room or equipment temperatures, check Tattletale or ADT.

Overall Score: 3.88 / 5

What we like:

Tattletale is unique in our list in that it focuses on outdoor security and is best for construction sites, car lots, campgrounds, and other large areas. However, it recently added a home security component. It lacks cameras but offers tamper alarms and environmental sensors. Tattletale is also the only product on our list that offers rentals for short-term monitoring.

In our evaluation, Tattletale earned a 3.88 out of 5. The system is very affordable, has great installation support, and earned high user reviews. However, it has the lowest score for general and hardware features of the systems on this list. Limited device compatibility, warranties for equipment and damage, lack of smart platform integration, and inability to use the system to check locks cost it points.

Visit Tattletale

Monitoring plans have four levels and are billed monthly. For businesses, they run $40 to $70 per month. Home monitoring, which can be used for shops or offices, runs $20.95 to $33.95 per month. You can DIY or call for a quote for installation.

Hardware: Indoor equipment is priced about average for the industry, with sensors starting at $29.95 and the touch screen costing $399. Commercial equipment is more expensive, especially for the outside units. The sensor hub starts at $999. However, these systems are outdoor-rated and extremely robust. All equipment comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

• Heat detection alarms: The commercial environmental sensors include a rate-of-rise sensor that can sound an alarm if the temperature increases more than 10 degrees per minute or rises above 194 degrees. While some services, like Vivint and ADT, also offer temperature sensors, they only send out an alarm when an area is too hot or too cold.
• Large area security: For large properties with equipment, such as auto dealers or utilities, Tattletale offers motion detectors with 90-degree views and 40 feet of sensitivity, plus invisible fences. The Unbeatable Pro Security System Base can track up to 500 sensors, be set for 125 users, and is one of the most durable in the industry. It contains a strobe warning system as well as a 115-decibel alarm.
• Plug-and-play technology: Even with its wide array of outdoor equipment and ability to integrate up to 500 sensors at a time, Tattletale maintains a plug-and-play setup with its indoor and outdoor hubs so you can opt for a DIY installation.
• Equipment locks: Tattletale is unique in its equipment security. Its equipment locks work like bike locks to tie down your equipment. Alternatively, attach its Rattler™ alarm to the machine or hide it in a pile, like in a stack of lumber at a construction site. When someone tries to move the equipment, the alarm goes off.
• RV alarm system: Tattletale has a system designed specifically for RVs, something we did not find with other systems. This could be a good choice if you have a food truck or mobile office.
• Rentals: Tattletale is alone in that it rents its security equipment. It offers overnight shipping, setup, and monitoring in under 30 seconds, and easy returns when you are done.

• Door locks and smart platform integrations: We did not find door locks in Tattletale’s catalog. It also does not offer smart home technology integration. Try SimpliSafe for the most options for smart platform integration.
• No reimbursem*nt policy: Tattletale says it does not have a compensation policy for loss due to the system failing, but the only failures it has seen in 23 years were from user error, such as ignoring a warning or letting a battery die.
• No native surveillance camera equipment: Tattletale does not sell cameras in its system. Rather, it integrates with Arlo for its indoor and outdoor camera equipment. You’ll need to purchase it separately.

Overall Score: 3.79 / 5

What we like:

Vivint is a strong competitor for security systems for businesses, especially those that may have company cars. Like Tattletale, it has security equipment specifically for vehicles, but Vivint’s offers tracking for battery life, recalls, and fuel efficiency. Its other equipment—cameras, locks, and monitors—are of competitive quality as well.

In our evaluation, Vivint earned a 3.79 out of 5. It earned high scores for everything but price and general features. Vivint’s contracts are 36 to 60 months, which brought its score down significantly. Its equipment is standard, but it took a hit for not having biometric locks.

Visit Vivint

Vivint provides custom quotes for businesses, but for comparison, its home security prices are among the lowest on our list. The terms of service show a starting price of $29.99 per month with a purchase of $599+ in equipment and $49 to $199 in installation fees. However, they ask that you call for a quote, so prices may vary. Warranties are only 120 days unless you pay for monitoring.

Vivint’s contracts run three and a half to five years, which is slightly higher than most business security systems. Only SimpliSafe, Cove, and Tattletale do not have contracts. Frontpoint has contract requirements as low as one year. Vivint’s contracts are notoriously hard to get out of, so choose carefully. Installation starts at $49.

• Alarm system equipment: Vivint offers smart locks; door, window, and motion sensors; environmental sensors for temperature or flooding; smart thermostats; and a smart control panel to run everything. The temperature sensors include overheating or freezing alarms for sensitive equipment.
• Surveillance equipment: Monitor your inventory with motion-detecting indoor cameras with a built-in speaker and microphone, plus an outdoor camera that offers a 140-degree field of view, night vision, and zoom, which can recognize the difference between an animal and an intruder. Vivint’s outdoor cameras have Smart Deter Technology™ which, like Frontpoint, can detect intruders and scare them away with light and alarm sounds.
• Car Guard: Vivint’s Car Guard works on your phone and syncs with your Vivint system. It alerts you if someone disturbs your car, whether bumped, towed, or stolen. GPS tracking lets you know where your vehicle is at all times. It can even diagnose issues like battery life and recalls, and track fuel efficiency. This was the only system on our list with this feature, although Tattletale has some vehicle protection tools, too.
• Smart technology: Like many systems on our list, Vivint integrates with smart devices. Its systems are designed to work with Z-wave smart locks, thermostats, and more. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can remotely control and manage your business security measures. However, you may need to get a premium plan to enable the automations.

• Self-monitoring option: Some small businesses on a budget prefer a self-monitoring option to minimize costs by eliminating monthly fees. If this is something you would like to have, try SimpliSafe.
• Biometric locks: Vivint does not have biometric or keycard access controls or equipment-specific sensors. For this, look to ADT or Vector.
• No reimbursem*nt policy: Some services like ADT offer some reimbursem*nt if you have a break-in and the alarm system fails. Vivint, however, specifically says it is not responsible for break-ins or property damage.

Overall Score: 3.69 / 5

What we like:

Vector is one of the few on our list that has specific security systems and monitoring for businesses. They serve multiple industries from offices to grocery stores, restaurants, and residential builders. They also handle multi-location security.

It earned a 3.69 out of 5 in our evaluation, taking hits for pricing, contract length, and auto-renewal policy. The warranty is shorter than many, which hurt its score, as did the lack of some advanced tools like equipment-specific monitoring. However, since our last update, it saw a huge jump in customer satisfaction, now with an average of 4.19 out of 5 stars from multiple third-party review sites.

Visit Vector Security

As with the other business security systems on our list, Vector does not advertise prices for business services and no longer lists prices for their home plans, but we found third-party sites listing them from $39.95 to $69.95 with contracts of three to five years and professional installation. You may also have upfront costs of $99 or more.

Much of Vector’s commercial-grade equipment is not listed on the website catalog. You will need to contact the provider for pricing. All equipment comes with a one-year warranty. Call for a quote for installation.

Vector’s stream video recorder can store up to a terabyte of information from up to eight video surveillance cameras. (Source: Vector Security)

• Multisite security: Vector provides physical security and network solutions to over 90,000 multi-site commercial businesses in the southern and eastern states of the US. Network Security manages everything from installation to network operations with scalable connectivity solutions.
• Specializations in warehouse, supply chain, and delivery: Vector was the only service on our list that specifically lists its services for warehouse and storage facility security, including people screening, plus expertise in supply chain security issues.
• Additional access tools: Vector has one of the widest ranges of access security tools we have seen. It even has proximity readers, which is a card or fob that automatically gives someone access. (Several on our list offer key fobs.) Also, it offers turnstile readers and intercom systems.
• Push notifications: Vector lets you choose to receive email, text, or push notifications for events from standard alarms to particular cabinets or safes being opened, the system being disarmed, or someone trying to log in to your account. The Cancel-Verify feature lets you cancel false alarms online or through your app from anywhere. Only Rhombus has a larger range of alert choices.

• Not available everywhere: Vector is only available along the East Coast and a few interior states, so you should check with your local vendor for availability options. For wider options, check Vivint, Brinks, Rhombus, or ADT.
• Limited warranty: The equipment warranty is only a year. Compare this to FrontPoint’s three-year warranty.
• Equipment monitoring: Vector does not have tools to monitor specific equipment, such as machines for overheating or automobiles for theft. If you need this, look to Vivint or Tattletale.

Overall Score: 3.68 / 5

What we like:

Rhombus is by far the most expensive on our list, but it stands head and shoulders over the others for video surveillance. Not only are the cameras sensitive enough to pick up license plates of leaving cars, but it has AI to recognize specific events and customizable alerts. Its access control and environmental sensors are similarly enterprise-grade.

This newcomer to our list earned 3.68 out of 5. It took a hit for price, and you need licenses to use the cameras, they are that precise. However, it has the highest user satisfaction rating on our list: 4.7 out of 5 stars. (The average on this list is 4 out of 5.) We consider it the best commercial alarm system for heavy traffic or high-security businesses.

Visit Rhombus

Rhombus does not list prices for monitoring. Like with Vector, you’ll need to call for a quote. Rhombus offers a free 30-day trial. Several on our list have limited-time money-back guarantees rather than trials.

Camera prices run from $498 to $3,398 depending on the camera, days of video storage, and length of license. You must purchase (and renew) licenses to run these cameras. Other equipment is also more expensive, but enterprise-grade. Call for a quote on installation.

• Highly sensitive cameras: The Rhombus cameras are so sensitive and detailed that you require a license to use them. They can pick up license plates from the street and have facial recognition. They’re the best on our list by a longshot.
• AI technology: While some of the business alarm systems on our list can detect movement or tell humans from animals, Rhombus takes it to the next level. The AI control can recognize unwanted behavior, masked faces, and other triggers you specify. It marks these in the timeline. Further, the search parameters can be by event, motion, or even colors (such as if the suspect was in a blue shirt.)
• Magnetic locks: Rhombus offers magnetic locks for heavy doors that connect to their access control. All the others on our list offer standard keypad locks.
• Environmental sensors: Like ADT and Tattletale, it offers environmental sensors that go beyond general fire and heat. This makes them a good choice for food storage or when equipment has to stay below a specific temperature and humidity.
• 10-year warranty: Cameras are warranted for 10 years; other equipment for two years. This is the best of those on our list.
• Excellent customer satisfaction: Rhombus has a 4.7 out of 5 user approval rating, the highest of those on our list. Tattletale came second with 4.66 out of 5, while Brinks trailed last with 2.9 out of 5.

• Expensive: Rhombus’ equipment is made for enterprise-level security, and the price reflects that. All the rest on our list are less expensive, but for industry-specific business security systems, consider ADT or Vector.
• Licenses: You need to purchase a license to use the cameras. These must be purchased for multiple years or renewed annually.

Overall Score: 3.38 / 5

What we like:

Brinks is one of the few security systems for small businesses we found that says it can work with existing equipment, although it no longer supports monitoring for Nest Secure systems. You may need to create a hybrid system, but it works with multiple brands of cameras, motion sensors, and detectors. It has a firm three-year contract, so be sure you understand the terms and are confident in the service.

This system earned 3.38 out of 5 in our evaluation. Like with many others, the long-term contract and lack of clear online pricing for businesses hurt its score; it also lacks certain tools like equipment-specific monitors. It charges a monthly insurance cost of $7.99 for its equipment if you want the extended warranty. However, it earned strong scores for general security functions, installation, and ease of use.

Visit Brinks

You need to ask for a quote, which is location-dependent. However, third-party sites give pricing at $39.99-$49.99 per month. You can return your Brinks system within 30 days to get a refund. After that, you are tied into a three-year contract. Hardware has a two-year warranty, which is better than most on our list, but costs $7.99 a month (technician visits cost $75 with this plan).

You need to call for a quote, but we found prices for their equipment kids running from $199 to $799. You also have the option to build your own security package or purchase add-ons to the standard security hardware kits. DIY or call for a quote on installation.

The Brinks Outdoor Camera is a wireless, high-resolution camera that can both livestream and record events, detect movements, automatically adjust to different lighting conditions, and connect through Wi-Fi. This is included in the Premium Hardware package plan. (Source: Brinks)

• Use existing equipment: Like Vivint, Brinks may be able to incorporate your existing equipment into its system. This could save you money and make transitioning from another security company easier.
• Built for large areas: The hub can handle 119 smart home or security devices and is compatible with over a hundred smart devices including smartphones, Alexa, Google Home, and Apple TV. The system itself can handle 256 unique passcodes and takes a photo of the person using the panel.
• False alarm prevention: Like SimpliSafe and others on our list, Brinks has video verification, so it can check for signs that an alarm is true. Plus, it has two-way voice communication on its indoor cameras so you can speak to someone on camera. This could be enough to scare away a would-be thief or to verify that it’s an employee who flubbed their code.

• No equipment-specific monitors: Brinks lacks equipment-specific monitors, which you can find with Tattletale.
• Very low customer satisfaction: Brinks users give it 2.9 out of 5 stars with over 16,000 reviews. This is the lowest score on our list by far. As is common, the complaints consist mostly of billing, inability to get out of contract, and horrible customer service. There were also complaints about installers not showing up. Those who love the system praise the quality of equipment.

Overall Score: 3.29 / 5

What we like:

With over 145 years in the security business, ADT is a staple among commercial and home security services. We recommend it if you are a stable business with specialized needs because it offers an excellent variety of monitoring and alert services covering everything from burglary to flood to cybersecurity. ADT has experience with industries from retail to restaurants and also understands what you need to keep compliant with government and professional regulations. It’s a strong choice for businesses that need a comprehensive system.

In our evaluation, ADT earned 3.29 out of 5. It has the highest scores for general and hardware features out of all the systems on this list. However, expensive pricing, long contracts, lack of overall transparency, and mixed customer reviews prevented ADT from earning a higher score.

Visit ADT

ADT’s website lists three business professional monitoring plans: Secure, Interactive, and Complete. We found prices ranging from $49.99 to $57.99 per month, but you need to call for a quote. There is a standard three-year contract that also includes an extended warranty for equipment. It also offers add-ons for cybersecurity, access control, and video verification tools, but you will need to contact ADT for the costs.

As for business security hardware, ADT sends a person to your location to do a consultation for building your own hardware package. According to ADT’s Terms and Conditions, the minimum package price is $299, although it offers rebates when you purchase more equipment, including 10% off monitoring packages. Installation starts at $99.

• Industry-specific plans: While the services on our list offer nearly all the same kinds of equipment—access control, cameras—ADT offers expertise for many industry types. For example, they can recommend temperature alarms for your walk-in refrigerator or access control for your medical records room. (Tattletale is the best for businesses with large outdoor areas to protect, like construction, however.)
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging: ADT is the only security system for small business on our list to provide RFID tagging of merchandise to reduce theft in retail stores. (Brinks’ RFID Trusted T9 tracker is for long-term asset tracking, not in-store merchandise.)
• Variety of cameras: ADT also tops our list for its variety of cameras. You can get wired, wireless, or hidden cameras, which you can program to record when they detect motion or to record continuously. ADT offers on-site or cloud storage of recordings, and you can view them on your smartphone app. It also has video doorbells and offers video verification like SimpliSafe and Brinks. They are not as advanced as Rhombus’, however.
• Advanced access features: You can provide access control to employees and visitors. ADT has biometric scanners or key cards. With its commercial plan, it can check visitors against local and federal criminal databases before issuing a keycard.
• Reimbursem*nt policy: If for some reason, you do incur damage or theft because of a flaw in the system, ADT will reimburse you a percentage of your insurance deductible, up to $500. Cove also says it may reimburse for damages for up to $2,000. Brinks will reimburse for the defective equipment, and the rest offer no warranties against damages at all.

• Locked into the contract: ADT has a lot to offer but can be expensive. More concerning, however, is the number of complaints about how hard it is to leave the service. Even with legitimate reasons such as moves, customers found themselves stymied by customer service and hit with extra fees.
• Poor customer service: Despite raising its overall customer satisfaction rating, real-world users still say the customer support is bad. Rhombus had the best customer support score on our list.

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