Consumer Reports Ranks Top 6 Home Security Systems for 2026
Consumer Reports surveyed over 11,000 members to rank home security systems. SimpliSafe scored 79 with professional monitoring but 66 when self-monitored. Ring scored 72 professionally and 65 self-monitored, with free self-monitoring limited to keypad use. Digital Security Controls, a hardware maker sold through dealers, earned 68. Frontpoint scored 67, requiring a three-year contract, with plans from $30 to $50 monthly. Eufy scored 72, offering no professional installation but no fees for self-monitoring or cellular backup. Wyze scored 64, requiring a subscription for alarm features. The rankings reflect ease of use, setup, value, and sensor performance.
Key facts
- Consumer Reports surveyed more than 11,000 members.
- SimpliSafe scored 79 with professional monitoring and 66 self-monitored.
- SimpliSafe professional installation costs $125 extra; subscriptions range from $10 to $80 per month.
- Ring Alarm Pro doubles as a mesh WiFi router expandable with Eero nodes.
- Digital Security Controls does not sell complete systems; dealers include Safe and Sound Security and The Slomin's Shield.
- Frontpoint offers a DIY system at a discount in exchange for a three-year contract; installation via an outside company costs $99.
- Eufy charges no fee for self-monitoring or cellular backup and does not offer professional installation.
- Wyze Home Monitoring subscription costs $10 per month or $100 per year.
- Wyze scored 64, the lowest among the six brands.
Entities
Artists
- Michał Jakubowski
Institutions
- Consumer Reports
- SimpliSafe
- Ring
- Digital Security Controls
- Safe and Sound Security
- The Slomin's Shield
- Alarm.com
- ADT
- Frontpoint
- Eufy
- Wyze
- Eero
- Unsplash
Sources
- Quartz —