8 Best Business Security Systems for 2023

Monitoring: SimpliSafe offers two monitoring plans. The plans are monthly and do not require a contract.

• Self-Monitoring plan with camera recording ($9.99/month): It does not tie to emergency services, but includes a timeline event log, remote arm/disarm, unlimited camera recording for five cameras, and smart home integration
• Interactive Monitoring Plan ($27.99/month): All the features of the Self-Monitoring plan, with unlimited camera recording for 10 cameras

Hardware: 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.

Hardware Kits

Business Essentials	Office System	Storefront System	Restaurant System
Best for: Standard brick-and-mortar security	Best for: Businesses looking to protect employees and sensitive equipment	Best for: Establishments with multiple entrances and a lot of foot traffic	Best for: Restaurants and coffee shops with multiple entrances and windows
Includes three entry sensors and a motion sensor for your entrances and hallways, plus a base station and a keypad.	Includes three entry sensors, two motion sensors, one panic button, a base station, and a keypad.	Includes two entry sensors, two glass-break sensors, one motion sensor, one panic button, a base station, and a keypad.	Includes three entry sensors, two motion sensors, two panic buttons, one glass break sensor, one key fob, a base station, and a keypad.
From $274.95	From $408.89	From $458.88	From $508.85

• 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 and ADT.
• Environmental monitoring: With a professional monitoring plan, you also get SimpliSafe’s fire, flood, and extreme temperature monitoring tools. This also gives you a chance to qualify 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, August Locks, and Nest Thermostat.

• Glitching: Real-world user reviews often complained about the equipment glitching. False alarms and camera glitches are common complaints with most systems on our list.
• Specialized security equipment: SimpliSafe lacks specialized equipment, like invisible fences, equipment-specific temperature or tampering monitors, or RFID theft devices. For these, consider Tattletale, Vivint, Brinks, or ADT.

Cove does not have standard packages like many of the systems on our list but rather lets you select the items you want and the monitoring plan you need. At the time of this writing, Cove offers a free key remote as well. The questionnaire asks how many doors and windows you have, if you need cameras, etc., and then makes a package for you that you can add or subtract from.

We priced out a plan with an alarm panel, two door sensors, two window sensors, a motion detector, a glass break detector, a smoke alarm, a water/flood sensor, a fob, an indoor camera, and an outdoor camera. It came to $268 with discounts ($867 without). This is competitive with other plans on our list.

Monitoring is mandatory, and businesses can choose from two plans. For 60 cents a day ($18 per month) you get monitoring, flood and fire protection, three-factor alarm verification, smash and grab protection, automatic tests, and a one-year equipment warranty. For 93 cents a day ($27.90 per month), you can add on smart technology, seven days of cloud storage, a lifetime equipment warranty, and camera integration.

All Cove systems start with the touch alarm panel, which is tamper-proof and self-testing. It also leads you through the self-installation of your system. (Source: Cove)

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The indoor camera has a 110-degree field of view, and 1080 HD video with night vision. It includes two-way voice communication. (Source: Cove)

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The outdoor camera also has night vision and 1080 HD video. It offers a 140-degree field of view and AI detection capability. (Source: Cove)

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Cove has three types of sensors: motion, door/window, and glass break detectors. (Source: Cove)

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• Three-factor communication: Cove communicates with you in three ways when an alarm is tripped. LiveAssist is the two-way channel between you and Cove through the alarm panel. At the same time, they will text the number on record and you can quickly respond with Dismiss Alarm or Dispatch. Finally, they will call. 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 security systems connected to this network. SimpliSafe is also connected to RapidSOS, while ADT integrates with RapidDeploy, which is similar.
• Touch-screen Panel: Cove offers a tablet-like touch-screen panel that is tamperproof, self-testing, and includes a button so you can talk to the 24/7 monitoring team whenever you need to. This is good for letting them know about false alarms or an emergency when the alarms did not trip for some reason. The panel also has instructions to lead you through the installation process on your own. Overall, it’s one of the best control panels we saw.
• Reimbursement 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.

• Does not work with other devices. You’ll need to purchase Cove equipment. The equipment comes with a one-year warranty and has overall good reviews on Amazon.
• No DIY monitoring. You will need to pay for Cove security monitoring. If you prefer a DIY option, then look at SimpliSafe.
• Control panel issues. The most recent complaints have been about communication and power errors with the control panels. Some have speculated that the communication issues are coming from the switch to 5G networks. Be sure to ask about this if you are on a 5G network.

Tattletale lists pricing on its website, something many business security systems don’t do. Business plans with outdoor monitoring cost $40 to $70 per month. Home monitoring, which can be used for shops or offices, comes with two options. For $33.95 per month, you get police, fire, and medical monitoring with mobile alerts as well as contacting the authorities; for $20.95 per month, you get text or email alerts only.

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.

In addition to standard motion sensors, Tattletale offers specialized equipment to protect your business location, indoors and out. (Source: Tattletale)

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The Unbeatable Pro Security Base can create an invisible fence one mile in every direction to protect job sites, schools, churches, or other large areas. Connects with security sensors. Cost: $999 (Source: Tattletale)

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The Rattler sets on items or can be magnetically attached to an item. It detects movement and sends out an alarm if the object is being tampered with. Cost: $375 (Source: Tattletale)

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Tattletale offers an emergency lockdown station for quick turnoff of a wide range of applications indoors or outdoors. Cost: $499 (Source: Tattletale)

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The Temperature/Humidity sensor is for indoor use to detect unwanted changes in a room’s environment. Cost: $190 (Source: Tattletale)

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• 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.

• 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 reimbursement 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.

Like Vivint, you need to call for a quote for your business, but it lists prices for its home plans, which depend on the equipment you buy. The home packages start at $402 for the most basic. 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 $49.20 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.

Frontpoint Hardware

Starter Pack	Home Shield	Family Lookout
Includes hub and keypad, a door/window sensor, a motion sensor, signs and decals, and the phone app.	Includes hub and keypad, 3 door/window sensors, a motion sensor, an indoor camera, a heat and smoke alarm, a flood sensor, signs and decals, and the phone app.	Includes hub and keypad, 3 door/window sensors, a motion sensor, an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, a keychain remote, a doorbell camera, signs and decals, and the phone app.
From $402.96	From $678.91	From $790.91

• 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, as well as 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.

• Professional installation: Frontpoint does not have professional installers, even though most DIY security systems, such as SimpliSafe, offer this option.
• No biometrics: Access control is limited to the keypad only; it does not offer keycards or biometric access. If you need this, take a look at Vector.

Vivint provides custom quotes for businesses, but for comparison, its home security prices are among the lowest on our list. We found home security monitoring prices that ran from $19.99 to $44.99 monthly, with equipment packages starting at around $599. However, they ask that you call for a quote, so prices may vary. Vivint installation fees begin at $99. Warranties are only 120 days unless you pay for premium service.

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.

Vivint Hardware Packages

Starter Package	Premium Package	Premium Plus Package
Includes a door sensor, a motion sensor, a water sensor, a smart hub, and an app.	Includes an outdoor camera, a doorbell camera, a door sensor, a motion sensor, a water sensor, and an app.	Includes an outdoor camera, a doorbell camera, an indoor camera, a door sensor, a motion sensor, a smart thermostat, a water sensor, smart lock, a smart lock, a smart hub, a car guard, and an app.

Vivint’s Car Guard lets you track your vehicle’s location from your phone. (Source: Vivint)

• 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.
• 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.
• Automobile security: Vivint also has tools for automobile security—a nice addition for service vehicles and something not found in other systems we reviewed (although Tattletale has RV security systems).
• Recordings: You can save your camera footage on the camera for 30 days. That’s for 24/7 recording, and you can access it from your phone. Most of the systems on our list offer some recording and storage, but not to this level.
• 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.
• Smart platform integrations: All of Vivint’s smart tech security hardware works together 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 or Cove.
• Biometric locks: Vivint does not have biometric or keycard access controls or equipment-specific sensors. For this, look to ADT or Vector.
• No reimbursement policy: Some services like ADT offer some reimbursement 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.

As with the other business security systems on our list, Vector does not advertise prices for business services. Home plans require a three-year contract that includes equipment and monitoring. The lowest plan costs $46.95 and includes a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, and signage; you’ll pay $99 up front. The mid-range plan costs $54.95 per month with an upfront fee of $199 while Vector’s highest plan has a one-time fee of $199, and then runs $64.95 per month. Vector gives you a discount if you want to install it yourself and have a technician walk you through it and check your work.

Contracts: Vector’s contracts include an auto-renewal policy. When your contract is up, it can be renewed automatically for another year. Many users were surprised by this. Read the contract carefully.

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.

Vector Hardware Packages

Essential Security System	Home Automation	Connected Home
Includes a control panel with Bluetooth speaker, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a yard sign, and stickers, plus professional installation and monitoring	Includes a control panel with Bluetooth speaker, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a video doorbell, a yard sign, and stickers, plus professional installation and monitoring	Includes a control panel with Bluetooth speaker, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a video doorbell, a smart thermostat, a yard sign, and stickers, plus professional installation and monitoring

• Multisite security: Vector provides physical security and network solutions to over 90,000 multi-site commercial businesses in North America. Network Security manages everything from installation to network operations with scalable connectivity solutions.
• Specializations in warehouse, supply chain, 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 saw. It even has proximity readers, which is a card or fob that automatically gives someone access. Also, it offers turnstile readers and intercom systems.
• Push notifications: All the systems on our list can text or call you in case of alarms. Vector also lets you choose to receive email, text, or push notifications for other events such as an employee entering the store, 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.

• 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, 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.

You need to ask for a quote, which is location-dependent. However, according to Safehome.org, hardware packages run $199–$1,099 for the equipment plus $39 a month for monitoring. (USNews lists monitoring at $44.99 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 $5 a month.

You also have the option to build your own security package or purchase add-ons to the standard security hardware kits. Prices are no longer listed on the website, but Safehome.org lists them as between $29 and $199, depending on what you purchase.

Smart Security Essential	Smart Security Complete	Smart Ultimate Security
Includes a smart control panel, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and the mobile app	Adds a video doorbell to the Essential kit so you can watch livestreamed videos on the control panel and the mobile app	Includes an additional door/window sensor and an outdoor camera to the Smart Complete Security package

• 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 can be controlled using smartphones, Alexa, Google Home, Apple TV, and other systems. 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.
• Damage reimbursement: In the past, we’ve found reimbursement policies for Brinks. However, this time, we only found a disclaimer that their liability extends only to the price paid for the defective equipment. ADT offers the best coverage.

While many small businesses can use home security systems for their businesses, there is a difference. The laws concerning use and placement are stricter for businesses, for example. Also, a home security system may not have all the devices you need, such as security tags for retail items.

First, some systems require a contract, so if you want that company, you need to commit to one or more years with them. However, many companies offer incentives like free equipment, maintenance, or installation.

As noted above, breaking a contract is difficult and expensive. There are some systems that require as much as 80% of your remaining contract costs. Some systems are portable, so you can take the equipment with you and change the address being monitored, and this can influence cancellation. Read the cancellation clause in your contract before signing.

Homeowners often get insurance discounts for professionally monitored alarm systems. Most do not for self-monitored solutions. Check with your agent to see if this applies to your business. You may need to show some proof, such as a contract.

Most security systems use cellular for backup, communication, or notification. As technology turns to 5G, cellular providers are transitioning out of 3G and no longer supporting this equipment. Verizon, for example, has started phasing out 3G completely, and this is affecting several companies on our list. When looking into the equipment, ask whether it uses the 3G network and what this means for replacing the equipment later.

The best way to prevent a false alarm is to be aware when your system is active, as most false alarms are caused by someone entering the building when the system is armed and not putting in their code. False alarms often come with fines to pay for the time spent by authorities, so be sure your employees are trained. It also helps to have a remote app on your phone that lets you input codes. Most business security services have this feature, but be sure to check.

On our list, ADT offers retail anti-theft devices in addition to monitoring. Of those that did not make our list, InVue offers the widest variety of anti-theft devices, from cable tags to stands for phones, to security for hanging items. It even has caps to prevent people from sampling perfume or wine. (Learn about other ways you can reduce retail theft.)