
Cloud storage makes it easy to store and access recorded video, but it can cost hundreds of dollars per year depending on your subscription. Some systems offer both cloud storage and local storage, and some provide a dedicated storage drive that gives you DVR capabilities with time lapse recording, which makes it easy to find a video event that took place at a specific point in time. All of the systems we've tested feature an app that lets you use your smartphone as your command center to arm and disarm the system, create rules, add and delete components, and receive push notifications when alarms are triggered. Most apps also allow you to do things like view live and recorded video, lock and unlock doors, change thermostat settings, and silence alarms. Some apps
will even use your phone's location services to automatically arm and disarm the system according to your physical location. The more expensive systems usually come with a wall mounted
panel that acts as a communications hub, with a touch screen display that allows you to do everything the app does.
Today, the best home
security systems can range from $15.

Read the full reviewBest Premium SystemNest Secure$199 View at The Home Depot$227View at AmazonRecommended Retailer$299View at Best Buy?While it’s not as easy to install and use as Scout Alarm, Nest Secure has an intuitive setup process and is one of the best DIY security systems if you already have more than a few of Nest’s smart home devices in your home. Likewise, we found that using the system wasn’t as simple as abode, but is still better than the majority of systems we tested. Nest’s two year warranty is one of the best in our comparison. The main drawback behind Nest Secure is that it’s more expensive than other systems we tested at $400. If you want professional monitoring, Nest Secure has a partnership with
Brinks Home Security that offers no contract $29/month and three year contract $19/month options. You can
also use the system without monitoring, which doesn’t require a monthly fee. Read the full reviewAffordable MonitoringSimpliSafeLow StockSimpliSafe The Essentials$14. 99/mth?Visit Siteat SimpliSafeAffordable professional monitoringLimited smart home compatibilitySimpliSafe is one of the best DIY home security systems for professional monitoring, which costs around $15 a month. This is a lower price than Scout and abode, though it lacks smartphone app controls. Unlike the competition, SimpliSafe uses a cellular connection for its primary connection, something that other systems only use as a backup. The company also offers a great selection of security and safety sensors.