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Uncover the fastest response times for traditional systems, DIY options, text-based alarms, and more.
Updated August 8, 2024
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The best professionally monitored home security systems provide peace of mind that self-monitored systems just can’t touch. You’ll pay a little more every month, but you’ll sleep more soundly knowing a professional is monitoring your system’s status and the authorities will be dispatched quickly if an emergency arises.
Not all professional monitoring is created equal though. In situations where seconds count, you want a security system with snappy response times. I’ve spent years testing security systems and equipment, and I’m using that experience to examine the three security systems I’ve found with the best response times.
Before we talk about each system, let’s talk about how I developed the list.
All of my lists start with intensive research. I read online reviews, consumer reports, and company claims. If something piques my interest, I purchase and install the system in my home. I test the functionality and durability of components, and I put each system through break-in scenarios to get a sense of how it operates in the real world. That includes setting off the alarms.
For this list, I wanted to see exactly how long it would take for an alarm event to get a notification from the company. The industry standard is between 30 seconds and one minute, so I looked for systems that could beat that time. I also looked at the company’s monitoring plans and the efficacy of the system overall.
Now that you know how the list was put together, let’s talk about the systems themselves.
When it comes to protecting property, ADT really knows its stuff. It has been around for a century and a half, and serves about 6 million people across the country. If you’ve ever used an ADT system, you’ll understand why you see so many of those little blue signs in people’s yards.
Arming my ADT System
When I reviewed ADT, I was impressed by the quality of the system, which has only gotten better. The company recently announced a partnership with Google, and now provides even higher-quality equipment. For more on that, read my review of the Nest Doorbell and my deep dive into the Nest Camera. Here’s a quick summary though: Both are some of the most feature-rich and technologically advanced security devices I’ve tested.
If you’re considering ADT, you probably already know it’s a high-quality system. But what about its monitoring and response times?
ADT’s monitoring depends on the size of the system you select, which falls into three categories. It starts at $45.99 per month, but you may end up paying more if you have a lot of house to protect. If that’s your situation, you may be interested in my list of the best security systems for large homes.
What will you get for that monthly price? A whole lot of protection. ADT has six dedicated monitoring centers across the country, each with their own redundancies built in. There are 17,000 professionals spread across 200 individual locations, all keeping an eye on their customers’ systems. That is far and away the largest monitoring footprint of any system on the market.
That’s all well and good, but how speedy are the company’s response times? When I put the system to the test by triggering a false alarm, I timed how quickly I received a call from ADT to verify the alarm. For each event, I measured between 30 and 45 seconds — plenty fast when you compare it to the industry standard of about a minute. I was able to cancel each test alarm, but if you were in a true emergency situation, you’d tell the agent the alarm was legitimate and they would dispatch the authorities.
A look at ADT Entryway Sensors
When it comes to monitoring and response times, ADT is definitely one of the best in the business. We have to talk about its main drawbacks, though, which are its price and long-term contracts.
When you sign up with ADT, you’re making a commitment. A 36-month commitment, to be exact. The company offers a 30-day grace period, but you’ll be paying a monthly fee for three years if you go with this system. The good news is that your equipment costs will be rolled into that price, so you won’t have to pay a big bill up front. The commitment can turn off some folks though.
Here’s the breakdown of ADT’s prices.
| Feature | Secure Home | Smart Home | Video and Smart Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital control panel | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Contact sensors | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Motion detector | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Smart door lock | No | 1 | 1 |
| Smart plug | No | 1 | 1 |
| Remote arm/disarm | No | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor camera | No | No | 1 |
| Video doorbell | No | No | 1 |
| Remote livestreaming | No | No | Yes |
| Customizable alerts | No | No | Yes |
| Monitoring | Starts at $45.99 per month | Starts at $49.99 per month | Starts at $57.99 per month |
| Equipment cost | Starts at $599 | Starts at $919 | Starts at $1,049 |
Keep in mind that ADT often runs sales to get new customers interested. If you think it’s the system for you but the price tag is a bit of a hindrance, you may want to read my guide to ADT’s deals.
| 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 |
Looking for something completely different? SimpliSafe swings to the other end of the spectrum, but still offers protections that are every bit as high quality as ADT’s.
What do I mean by that? SimpliSafe is one of the best DIY security systems on the market. That means you’ll install and set up the system yourself, and you’ll have a more active role in your protection.
SimpliSafe equipment
I understand that DIY may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the benefits really outweigh the drawbacks. When I reviewed SimpliSafe, I was able to get my system unboxed, set up, and protecting my home in less than 30 minutes. The system is designed to be extremely user-friendly, so it’s still accessible even if you’re not the handiest person on the block.
FYI: As a bonus, no SimpliSafe equipment requires hard-wiring or permanent installation, making it a great security system for renters. I used the system myself when I lived in an apartment in New York City years ago, and I was able to get my security deposit back when I moved out.
One thing to note though: SimpliSafe relies on command strips to mount the majority of its hardware, and they can be a little flimsy when it comes to big pieces of equipment. My motion sensor fell off the wall more than once during my testing, triggering an alarm event that woke everyone up in the middle of the night and had us scrambling to cancel it before the police showed up. You may consider using the provided mounting hardware to attach everything to the walls more securely.
Let’s talk about how SimpliSafe handles monitoring and how quickly the company responds to an emergency. SimpliSafe is one of the best options for self-monitoring, but if you go that route the response time will depend entirely on how quickly you react to a notification sent to your phone. I have found myself ignoring notifications when I’ve tested self-monitored systems in the past, so that’s something to keep in mind. You may miss something important.
That said, SimpliSafe offers two options for professional monitoring: standard monitoring, which costs $19.99 per month, and Fast-Protect monitoring, which costs $29.99 per month.
Fast Protect monitoring relies on the company’s new Smart Alarm Indoor Camera for verification. It works like this: When I purposefully set off an alarm, the camera came to life and an agent was able to look at a live feed of my home to determine if an emergency was occurring. When I was testing the system, they interacted with me using the two-way microphone and I was able to deactivate the alarm by providing a code word determined when I set up the system. (Don’t forget your code word!)
I clocked SimpliSafe’s response time at 30 seconds flat. That’s very similar to ADT’s time, but I appreciated the video verification element of SimpliSafe’s protection. If they see something like broken glass, smoke, or an intruder making off with your TV, they can relay the important details to authorities en route, who will then be better prepared to handle the situation when they arrive at your home.
Similar to a lot of DIY systems, SimpliSafe lets you select from prepackaged systems or build your own using a list of components. I have more detailed information in my guide to SimpliSafe’s prices, but here’s the breakdown of their security bundles to start with.
| Package name | Number of components | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Foundation | 4 | $244.96 |
| The Essentials | 6 | $274.95 |
| The Lighthouse | 7 | $464.93 |
| The Hearth | 9 | $394.91 |
| The Beacon | 10 | $669.90 |
| The Knox | 13 | $469.78 |
| The Haven | 14 | $509.86 |
As far as individual components go, here’s the quick rundown.
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry sensor | $14.99 |
| Motion sensor | $34.99 |
| Glass-break sensor | $39.99 |
| Outdoor camera | $189.99 |
| Smart Alarm indoor camera | $139.99 |
| SimpliCam indoor camera | $99.99 |
| Video doorbell | $169.99 |
| Water sensor | $19.99 |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide detector | $59.99 |
| Smoke detector | $34.99 |
| Temperature sensor | $29.99 |
| Panic button | $19.99 |
| Key fob | $24.99 |
| Extra-loud siren | $59.99 |
SimpliSafe Essentials Kit
I’ve written an entire article comparing SimpliSafe and ADT, but if you’re looking at cost alone you’ll probably save quite a bit with SimpliSafe. Its professional monitoring is a lot more affordable, and its individual pieces of equipment are a lot cheaper.
Keep in mind, though, that you will have a pretty big up-front cost for your SimpliSafe equipment. There is an option to finance through a third-party vendor, but for the most part SimpliSafe is looking for you to plunk down your credit card.
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $249.96 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring options | Professional or DIY |
| Monitoring cost | From $19.99 |
| Contract length | Monthly |
| Installation options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Watch |
There’s no question that Vivint is the one of the best security systems with home automation. You can clearly see that in the feature-rich Vivint Smart Hub (touchscreen control panel), in the indoor and outdoor security camera with A.I. Smart Deter, and in the customizable Vivint app.
When I reviewed Vivint, I was impressed by the quality of the equipment. They didn’t feel plastic-y; rather, they have that good heft I’m looking for in quality security components. And when you consider the fact that it’s all professionally installed, I can see it being a top option for homeowners who want a reliable security system.
Vivint Smart Home Equipment
Well of course, no security system is perfect. I loved the equipment quality, but their looks? Not so much. Some of the sensors were bulky, especially the door sensors. They didn’t exactly fit right in with my interior theme.
I’m also not a big fan of Vivint’s 60-month contract, nor that they give customers only three days to cancel. Other companies like SimpliSafe give users a 60-day refund period; ADT even has a six-month money-back guarantee.
All things considered, though, Vivint is a top-notch option for home security, especially if you’re looking to dip your toes into home automation. The Vivint app offers a lot of options to customize schedules, automated rules, and routines. In fact, I didn’t have to arm Vivint every night; it arms automatically when I lock my front door after 10 p.m.
Another thing to like about Vivint is the monitoring service. It costs as little as $39 per month, but it’s one of the best out there. Well, not as good as ADT and its multi-redundant monitoring facilities, but Vivint does have two in-house monitoring facilities. That’s already better than most security systems with only one or those that completely outsource the service.
As for response times, Vivint was the fastest. Well, that’s only if we count the text-based alerts. In typical security systems, the monitoring center will alert you via call. That usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. But these days, a lot of systems now offer text-based alerts, even ADT and SimpliSafe with Fast Protect. Vivint was one of the first to do it, and Vivint’s text-based alerts are still the speediest. In my experience, text alerts arrive in under 10 seconds and you can confirm or cancel the alarm right then and there.
Here’s how Vivint alarms work:
Like I said, Vivint’s monitoring service costs as little as $39. That’s somewhat affordable if you consider that Frontpoint, my fourth pick for this list, charges every user $49 per month.
Here’s the thing, though: the monitoring fee is only one of the many aspects of Vivint’s pricing. You also need to buy the equipment either upfront or via financing and pay a professional installation fee starting at $99 which could go up to $199. Vivint’s equipment packages are also not the cheapest. They start at $599, so you can see why Vivint didn’t make my list of the most affordable security systems. Vivint’s most basic equipment package costs twice as much as SimpliSafe’s The Foundation kit.
Vivint Smart Hub and Ping Indoor Camera
In any case, here are Vivint’s equipment packages. These packages change often, so make sure to call Vivint and ask for their current offers. And also, you might want to look into Vivint’s deals. They sometimes offer free equipment or free installation and could instantly save you over a hundred bucks.
| Vivint Packages | Price |
|---|---|
| Core Security (no camera) | $599.99 |
| Indoor Security (1 indoor camera) | $849.99 |
| Porch & Package Protection (1 doorbell camera) | $849.99 |
| Total Home Security (1 outdoor camera) | $999.99 |
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $599.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $39 |
| Contract Length | 48 to 60 months |
Last but not least, we have Frontpoint. It serves as a bridge between the peace of mind of a traditional system and the flexibility of a DIY one. You’ll install the Frontpoint system yourself, but you’ll be able to pay over time for your equipment and enjoy the benefits of professional monitoring.
When I reviewed Frontpoint, I thought there was a lot to like. The system itself is extremely easy to set up. Every component was installed in minutes, and I didn’t have any problems getting everything to communicate over the network. I had a bit of a problem with one of the door sensors losing connectivity, but after some quick troubleshooting over the phone it was smooth sailing.
Frontpoint equipment
FYI: Frontpoint is also one of our picks for security systems with the best customer service.
Frontpoint offers only one monitoring package, but it comes with quite a few perks — including text verification and video analytics for smarter monitoring — and fewer false alarms. When I was testing the system, I was able to change the sensitivities on my cameras and set up activity zones and virtual trip wires to keep my phone from buzzing all day and night. If you’ve ever had a DIY security camera, you know exactly what I mean.
But let’s talk about what happens when an alarm is triggered and it actually means something. Frontpoint does a great job. Its monitoring center will send you a text notification or give you a call, depending on your preference, to verify the alarm event. Depending on your response, they can have authorities on their way in a hurry.
In my experience, it took Frontpoint between 30 and 45 seconds to respond to an alarm going off. Similar to SimpliSafe and ADT, the system is certainly speedy.
Frontpoint’s monitoring costs $24.99 per month, which is pretty affordable. It’s definitely less expensive than ADT’s monitoring and a little cheaper than SimpliSafe’s Fast Protect system. Its equipment is also squarely in the budget-friendly range. I have more on that in my guide to Frontpoint’s prices, but here’s a quick overview.
| Name | Equipment | Regular price | Sale price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Home Security System |
|
$1,351.83 | $419 |
| Premier Home Security System |
|
$771.90 | $169 |
| Starter Home Security System |
|
$541.91 | $79.99 |
One thing to note: You don’t need to pay attention to the “Regular price” column. I’ve been covering Frontpoint for years, and the company never charges full price for its systems. That’s why I’ve included the “Sale price” column, which will be a lot closer to the actual number you’ll see when shopping for your system.
Frontpoint equipment
As a DIY system, Frontpoint also offers an a la carte menu of its individual components.
| Component | Price |
|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide sensor | $65.49 |
| Door or window sensor | $19.24 |
| Doorbell camera | $109.99 |
| Extra keypad | $30.24 |
| Flood sensor | $24.74 |
| Garage door tilt sensor | $24.74 |
| Glass-break sensor | $41.24 |
| Indoor camera | $65.99 |
| Keychain remote | $17.59 |
| Motion sensor | $38.74 |
| Outdoor camera | $126.49 |
| Outdoor smart plug | $27.49 |
| Premium indoor camera | $109.99 |
| Smart door lock | $109.99 |
| Touch screen | $82.49 |
I have a full article comparing Frontpoint and SimpliSafe, but their prices are pretty much on par. In terms of diversity of equipment, though, Frontpoint edges ahead. That said, I prefer the design of SimpliSafe’s equipment to Frontpoint’s devices. Some of Frontpoint’s equipment feels a little clunky — particularly the entryway sensor, which is about the size of a cell phone from 1989. That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get what I mean.
| 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 |
One thing I want to make clear is that when I talk about response times, I’m talking about the time it takes for the alarm company to get in touch with you to confirm the validity of an alarm, not how long it will take first responders to arrive at your home.
The time it takes for authorities to arrive at your property will depend on multiple factors, including the size of your police force, how easy it is to get to your home, and how busy the police are at the time of the call.
Generally it takes officers 30 to 60 minutes to respond to an alarm, but those response times can speed up greatly depending on the information the alarm company provides. If there is a medical emergency, for example, response will be prioritized.
Verified response laws were put in place to cut down on wasted police effort. False alarms are extremely common, and if police had to respond to every single one, they wouldn’t be available to deal with the actual life-threatening scenarios that should demand their attention.
Nearly every alarm company is under some form of verified response law. That means a triggered alarm alone isn’t enough to send authorities. It must be confirmed as an actual event by the homeowner. That’s why response times are so critical. If it takes several minutes for the alarm company to reach out and verify the alarm, it may be too late.
When I talk about response times, it’s inevitable that someone will bring up self-monitoring. Don’t get me wrong — self-monitoring is better than nothing, and it certainly has its benefits in terms of costs. I always recommend professional monitoring when possible though. To learn why, check out my guide to ADT vs. DIY systems.
Simply put, self-monitoring places all the responsibility on you, the homeowner. You have to pay constant attention to your phone to make sure nothing is wrong at home. What if you’re on a road trip or out at the movies? Will you miss an important text that says your motion detector picked up something in the hallway when no one is supposed to be there? It’s better, in my opinion, to leave that responsibility to the professionals and sleep easier at night knowing someone is watching out for you.
Whatever your budget, you can choose a home security system known for fast response.
Here are the features you should look for:
You return home, toss your keys on the table, and leisurely turn off your alarm system. A 30-second delay is a long time, especially for intruders who study how to disable alarm systems, so the best home security systems with ultra-fast response times offer adjustable delay. The feature allows you to adjust the preset delays to suit your needs.
Smash-and-bashing the control panel is a go-to move for criminals. With tamper protection, your control panel and other devices have built-in tamper detection. If they’re rattled, shaken, or smashed — or if the wiring is disturbed — the alarm sounds and alerts are sent. That allows the monitoring center to take immediate and direct action to protect you and your home.
Cellular monitoring is the industry standard for reliable coverage and lightning-fast response times. No landline is required. Instead, your home security system connects to cell towers in the area (just like a cell phone) to deliver around-the-clock protection. The best systems with cellular monitoring send immediate alerts and are processed in a matter of seconds.
Redundant monitoring is a powerful feature that brings in backup when needed. Multiple servers, strategically located monitoring centers, and even assigning a landline to back up a cellular connection are all forms of redundant monitoring. Rapid response requires a secure connection and a reliable monitoring center. That’s why redundancy is key when it comes to home security.
It’s no secret that top home security companies hire the best of the best. In an effort to deliver superior service and fast response times, high-quality staffing cannot be overlooked. Companies scour the field searching for highly skilled, reliable, and trustworthy emergency responders. If you’re looking for a speedy response, don’t forget to assess the people behind the products and services.
Help is on the line mere moments after the glass shatters — if your home is outfitted with glass-break sensors. These helpful home security devices ensure the fastest response times possible. Simply mount the sound-sensitive devices near your windows. They constantly listen for the frequency of breaking glass. When triggered, the alarm sounds and help is summoned before your home is looted.
Get help at the push of a button with a panic button. Panic buttons are ideal for older adults who live alone. Mount them in the shower, in the kitchen, near stairs, and in other high-risk areas to make sure help is always close at hand. They also help during home invasions. A streamlined way to sound the alarm and send alerts, panic buttons are critical for reliable and rapid response.
Get quick-draw home security with a remote control. The wireless technology puts your home security controls in your pocket or purse. Many companies offer keychain-size remote-control devices that let you arm and disarm your system, summon help with an emergency alert button, and control other security functions. If you want fast response times, remote controls have your back.
The best security systems with fast response times all have something in common: mobile access. It enables you to tap into your system on the go. Access, monitor, and control features such as indoor and outdoor security cameras, smart lights and thermostats, door locks, and the security system itself. Mobile access takes the top features and puts them in your smartphone.
