Best Apartment Security Systems in 2024 | Security.org

SimpliSafe is easy to install, provides affordable monitoring, and offers basic options without a contract, which is why it's our pick.

About 40 million Americans live in apartments. Just as many people live in single-family homes. But here’s the thing: Most security systems are geared more towards homeowners. So if you’re looking for a security system for your apartment, you’d need to look for specific qualities. It should be something that your landlord will let you install (no drilling and permanent setups) and will give you the freedom to move anytime without pesky moving fees.

Such options do exist. You need to specifically look for a contract-free security system with wireless, easy-to-install equipment and a reliable monitoring service. After testing eight security systems that meet those criteria, I came to the conclusion that SimpliSafe is the best option for apartments. It’s not the only good one, though. I also recommend Cove, abode, Ring Alarm, and Scout.

FYI: Our highest-rated home security system overall is ADT and it’s worth noting that it’s becoming another great option for apartments. It’s not quite there yet, but ADT packages and plans now offer contract-free, DIY installed options. ADT already offers one of the most dependable monitoring services, so read my ADT Self Setup review to see if it’s worth considering for your apartment.

>> Read More: Comparing Home Security Systems

If I was securing a mansion, I might look for 4K security cameras, advanced environmental sensors, and plenty of them. If I was securing a studio apartment, I’d skip all that.

Different qualities are important for an apartment security system.

I compared my top-pick apartment security systems based on those criteria, so keep reading to find out what I learned.

Did You Know: Over one-third of renters live in apartments.1 Check out our favorite security systems for renters, as well as the best security cameras for apartments.

It’s hard to trust a startup to protect your home, and that’s what SimpliSafe was about a decade ago. But today, SimpliSafe has proven it’s here to stay.

SimpliSafe was founded in 2006 and first launched in 2009 as a security system for renters. It set out to prove that there is another way to secure homes besides security systems that require long-term contracts, expensive equipment, and inflexible monitoring terms. And it’s doing an incredible job. In fact, it’s the best DIY security system alternative to ADT – currently our top-pick security system for most homeowners.

The equipment is affordable but effective. Installation is dead simple, and there’s help if you need it. And the Core (formerly Fast Protect) subscription plan is one of the best in the business, even edging out ADT in terms of video monitoring. That makes SimpliSafe a great choice for a lot of people, from those living in a studio-type apartment to those who live in a mansion. In fact, it also made our list of the best security systems for large homes. That’s how good SimpliSafe is.

FYI: You probably don’t need it right now, but when you become a homeowner, SimpliSafe can scale up your monitoring with the Pro and Pro Plus plans. In addition to Core’s indoor video monitoring – which I’ll discuss below – those two plans offer outdoor video monitoring to better deter crime.

How hard is it to cancel a security system contract? It’s a spectrum. On one end, you have Vivint. Good luck trying to cancel that early without incurring some hefty fees. On the other hand, you have Ring Alarm. All you have to do is click a button on the website.

Apartment-dwellers should go with security systems on the easy end of the spectrum. So where does SimpliSafe fall? It’s close to Ring Alarm, but not exactly as easy. You still have to call a phone number and identify yourself using your safe word.

You probably won’t need to cancel though, because even if you move, you can take the security system with you. SimpliSafe has a hassle-free moving policy. You just have to let them know at least 30 days before the big move and they’ll send you over a free Mover’s Kit that comes with fresh packaging and adhesives. And don’t worry if you’re moving to a larger place. You can purchase additional equipment and pair it with your SimpliSafe.

Leave the hardwired security systems to the homeowners. Your apartment needs something super simple to install. Something that won’t damage your walls or lose your deposit. That something could be SimpliSafe.

When we tested SimpliSafe, we plugged in the base station, set our PIN, and let the app guide us through the rest.

The most difficult thing we had to do was install the sensors. But every sensor we needed was peel and stick. Peel. Stick. Done. Was it easy? Yes. Did it hold up? Not in the long run. The peel-and-stick tape kept the sensors in place for months, but I don’t trust it to hold up for years. It loses grip over time. Plus, it could leave nasty adhesive marks when removed. Peel-and-stick is great to avoid drilling, but if you don’t anticipate a move in the next few years or so, talk to your landlord about using screws to anchor the sensors.

We did have the option to add on devices that are more complicated. The SimpliSafe smart lock, for example, requires a screwdriver. But depending on your contract with your landlord, you might not be allowed to change out the locks. The same is true for the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell we reviewed, which weirdly, required hardwiring. It was the only hardwired piece of equipment from SimpliSafe.

Both devices fall into the more advanced category of SimpliSafe equipment though. So if all you want is a simple, reliable, and renter-friendly security system, SimpliSafe checks all the boxes.

Pro Tip: If you do run into problems, SimpliSafe offers professional installation starting at $124.99.2

SimpliSafe’s cheapest kit – The Foundation – costs about $250. From there, you can add whatever sensors and devices you need. You don’t need to buy anything you don’t want though.

SimpliSafe might seem expensive. When we compared SimpliSafe to ADT, their starter packages both cost us $250 to $270. Their indoor cameras were both $99, and their battery-powered outdoor cameras were both close to $200. But if you look at it, it’s not that SimpliSafe and ADT are expensive. They are actually somewhere in the middle. Yes, there are cheaper options like Cove, but most security systems such as Vivint and Brinks offer packages that cost no less than $350. Vivint’s packages start at around $500.

On top of that, SimpliSafe is one of the best security systems that don’t require monthly fees. You can save a lot by self-monitoring, or if you want to pay in order for your SimpliCam and other cameras to record, the cost is only $9.99 per month. We definitely recommend going for the $31.99 core plan though. It includes cloud storage for 10 cameras, plus professional monitoring with Live Guard – live audio and video monitoring for the Smart Alarm indoor camera during emergencies.

FYI: We are testing SimpliSafe long-term, and one of the downsides we noticed is that it tends to raise its subscription prices when it drops new features. There have been three hikes over the past three years. The good news is it’s still affordable compared to the likes of Vivint and Frontpoint. Very few companies offer monitoring for about $22 per month like SimpliSafe does.

Whichever SimpliSafe package you choose, you can rest assured that you won’t spend more on security than you do on co-op fees.

Cove launched its affordable, top-rated DIY home security system in 2018. But SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm are also affordable DIY systems. What does Cove have that the other guys don’t?

For starters, the cheapest professional monitoring in the game. If you live in a rough apartment complex and you need extra security, that $17.99 Cove subscription could be money well spent.

When we tested Cove, we found more to like than cheap monitoring. The sensors were extra small, so they didn’t stick out on the door. Battery life was extra long, which gave us peace of mind. And everything worked seamlessly with our Google gear. (Cove is one of the best home security systems for Google Home users.)

FYI: Cove doesn’t sell Cove cameras. It sells eufy cameras. Is that bad? Not necessarily. Read our eufy 2K camera review to learn more.

You can cancel your Cove contract anytime as long as that time is at least 30 days before your next billing date. This is not ideal when your lease is up in two weeks and you realize you forgot to cancel your security subscription, but at least you won’t pay a cancellation fee like you would if you signed a contract. Even if you pay an extra month because you forgot to cancel in time, the $17.99 to $27.99 monthly cost isn’t hard to swallow.

That said, you have to make an actual phone call to cancel your Cove service, as with SimpliSafe. Come on, Cove, it’s 2024. Still, compared to a traditional provider like Alder, Cove makes cancellation a walk in the park.

You might not have to cancel Cove though. It’s as easy to uninstall as it is easy to install. You can take it with you and resume your monitoring plan at your new address, provided you’re just crossing city or state lines; not country. Just make sure you give Cove a call to update your billing and monitoring address. That way, they have your new location in case they need to send the cops to your house in an emergency.

Cove is yet another security system that claims to be easy-install. But is it? The short answer is yes. It took our team 25 minutes to install every component. We devoted a full day to testing, but that’s just because we like to be thorough.

If you don’t want security technicians (aka strangers) entering your apartment building, don’t fret. This is definitely a system you can DIY.

The sensors have adhesive backing. The base station is free standing. And the cameras? You can either mount them or set them on a flat surface, like a bookshelf or something. And because none of Cove’s equipment is permanently installed, you can take Cove with you when you move.

One key distinction between SimpliSafe and Cove is the size and weight of equipment. Cove sensors were on the smaller side next to SimpliSafe, so they are more suited for peel-and-stick tape installation.

I should also mention that Cove comes with a touchscreen controller, something I’ve been longing to see from SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe offers a bulky, remote-like keypad designed for wall-mounting only. With Cove, you’ll get a tablet-like keypad you can attach to the wall or put on the nightstand next to your bed. It also has battery backup, so you can take it with you anywhere in the house.

Tip: Wireless range wasn’t an issue with Cove, because aside from the tablet-like controller, there’s also a router-like hub responsible for connecting the sensors. As long as you make sure to keep the hub in a central location, you can move the keypad around the house.

One of my pet peeves is when a security company hides its true pricing behind perpetually-in-place discounts. (Looking at you, Frontpoint!) Cove is also guilty of this.

If you add a Cove hub, panel, and contact sensor to your shopping cart, you’ll see what I mean. Supposedly, the full price is $265. As of publication, a discount brings it down to $92.75. It seems like must-buy savings — until you realize there’s a sale going more often than not.

Don’t let my grumbling stop you from picking up Cove equipment. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether the discount is totally honest or not; it’s uber-affordable either way. You can buy a Cove set for less than it took to fill your apartment with Ikea furniture.

There is one more thing you should consider before you hit “buy.” Cove requires a subscription.

Annoying? Yes. Affordable? Also yes. A price of $17.99 per month for professional monitoring is one of the cheapest deals I’ve ever seen. Even Ring Alarm charges $20 per month.

If you are in the market for professional monitoring anyway, you should consider giving Cove a try. Who knows? Maybe they’ll catch a nosy roommate sneaking into your bedroom while you’re at work.

Fun Fact: Cove started off offering monitoring for as low as $14.99 per month back in 2018, but raised it to $17.99 right after SimpliSafe increased its prices in March 2022. Cove didn’t follow suit the last two times SimpliSafe’s monitoring pricing increased, but at the same time, we haven’t seen as much development in features from Cove as we have from SimpliSafe.

Is your smart apartment a smart home? You should consider abode. It has all the plug-and-play ease of SimpliSafe with the supercharged home automation of Vivint.

Even if you’re not a home automation geek, the possibilities of abode’s CUE system just might turn you into one. When we tested abode, we set a rule that if the front door opened between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., the living room lights would turn on and the Alexa speaker would blast a siren. Take that, intruders.

One word of caution, though: abode is affordable as a security system, but adding smart home gadgets drives up the equipment cost. It’s cheaper than Vivint as a smart home system, but with more home automation possibilities, abode could outprice SimpliSafe and Cove,

FYI: Abode’s iota system integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.

abode doesn’t force you to speak to a human (yuck!) to cancel its monitoring plan. Just open the app and tap unsubscribe.

Compare abode to SimpliSafe, which requires you to call its customer service line. abode makes it much easier to opt out of monitoring. When you have to move out because your landlord decided to sell your apartment building, you’ll be glad you went with abode.

When it comes to moving, you’re also free to take abode with you. Just know that it won’t send you a free kit like SimpliSafe would.

FYI: If you signed up for monitoring through your phone’s app store, you’ll need to cancel your subscription the same way. On an iPhone, open Settings, tap Subscriptions, and, when you find the right one, tap Cancel Subscription.3

If you live in an apartment, you’re more likely to call maintenance than break out the power tools. Don’t worry. Even the least confident DIYers can install abode.

It took us a grand total of 20 minutes to install the abode security system. For context, it took us about 30 minutes to install SimpliSafe.

How did we manage to set it up so quickly? You guessed it: peel and stick sensors. Installing our abode kit was almost as easy as placing stickers in a scrapbook.

It would be a different story if we’d gone with abode’s recessed door sensors. They require drilling. We might have needed some professional help. Thankfully, abode offers professional installation starting at $99.

FYI: The most confusing part of abode isn’t installation; it’s ordering. The iota hub supports pretty much every smart home protocol, while the security hub supports only Google Home and Alexa. Make sure you order the right hub for your apartment.

You don’t need to pay thousands of dollars for dozens of sensors for your studio apartment. You can save money and protect your place for less than $200.

The simplest, cheapest abode kit is only $139.99. That’s the lowest price on the list. It’s also as basic as it gets: one contact sensor, one key fob, and a security hub. For context, the Ring Alarm starter kit costs $199.99, but it comes with a keypad, motion detector, and range extender too. If you have a sprawling suite, you might want to go with Ring. But for a tiny apartment, abode is enough.

That’s the equipment. What about the features? With abode, you can stream security camera footage, integrate smart home products, and receive push notifications. That’s not so unusual. What is unusual is the price: free 99. In other words, you don’t need a subscription to use abode.

If you do decide to upgrade, you have two plan options: Standard and Pro. Both are pretty good deals.

I should mention that abode’s biggest selling point is CUE, the home automation program the system uses to smarten up homes. You can create schedules with it, set up automation rules, and program smart scenes. CUE, however, requires the Pro plan. You can connect smart home devices to abode without a fee, but if you want access to CUE, you’d better pay up.

Pro Tip: Want abode on a budget? Try its price-match program. If you find a comparable security package that is cheaper, abode will do its best to match it.4

If you live in an apartment complex, there’s a chance that your neighbors already have Ring. It’s that ubiquitous. And it’s that good.

When we tested the Ring Alarm system, we were actually pretty impressed. The cameras recorded clear footage. The sensors detected people and ignored cats. And the Ring – Always Home app kept us informed about every little event.

Even better? It’s affordable. For $200 up front and $20 per month, you get a functional, professionally monitored security system. That’s hard to beat.

Maybe someday, you’ll want to upgrade your apartment to a home and your Ring Alarm to ADT. (Hey, it could happen.)

If that day comes, Ring Alarm will be easy to cancel. All you have to do is click, well, cancel.

FYI: Did you sign up on the Amazon website? You can head over there instead.5

The basic Ring Alarm package is dead simple to install. It took us under half an hour to get the five-piece package up and running.

That’s even more impressive because we ran into some technical difficulties. Our base station wouldn’t connect to the Wi-Fi network at first. Obviously, it would be better if the process was bug-free. But the fact that we handled this snag and installed everything else in less than 30 minutes is telling of Ring’s user-friendliness.

The “everything else” came together so quickly thanks to Ring’s peel-and-stick sensors. All we had to do was remove the pull tabs from the battery slots, peel off the protective film, and affix the sensors on our doors, windows, and walls.

The Ring store does sell some more complicated equipment. You wouldn’t want to try installing a high-tech pipe sensor on your own, for example.

If you do choose to add on some advanced tech, you might want to fork over the $129.996 for professional installation.

At $199.99, the Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit is one of the most affordable security systems in the business.

Does that mean Ring is cheap? Not necessarily. You could go all out on Ring.com buying up the place. The most expensive piece of equipment I’ve found on the site is nearly $800.7

If you’re renting a room in an apartment to save money, you probably don’t want a luxury water monitor. Skip the extras and stick with the basic kit.

Pro Tip: If you do decide to buy a pricey Ring package, you can spread out the cost with Affirm.

Ring Alarm will function without any extra purchases. You can view live security footage from the app, free of charge. But if you do decide to subscribe, Ring’s plans range from affordable to luxe.

Ring Protect plans range from $3.99 to $20 per month. Where is the luxe plan, you may ask? That would be the Virtual Security Guard, which rings up for an additional $99 per month.8 Think of this feature like supercharged professional monitoring. Your virtual guard can respond to security events in real time.

Sound familiar? That’s because SimpliSafe offers a similar feature for a fraction of the price. If you love the idea of a virtual guard but you’re on a tight budget, you might want to go with SimpliSafe.

>> Read More: Ring Alarm vs. SimpliSafe

What’s a seven-out-of-10 system doing on our best-of list? Well, let’s take a look at why we knocked points off in the first place. The hardware price can add up for large homes, and the camera is pretty basic.

Here’s the thing: That’s not a big deal for apartment-dwellers. You don’t need lots of hardware. And you don’t need a fancy camera.

If those issues don’t matter, what are you left with? An affordable, easy-install system.

FYI: Scout Alarm is also one of our picks for best rural home security system.

Every security system on this list had to pass what I call the “sudden move-out test.” If your property manager tells you that your apartment is full of mold and you have to move out immediately, could you cancel your security subscription? Scout passes with flying colors.

All you have to do is call or email Scout support. Even a yearly plan will be prorated.

Scout Alarm sensors are — you guessed it — peel and stick. That makes them easy to install. Unfortunately, there is a “but.” When we tested Scout ourselves, we found the camera to be clunky. It took 20 minutes to set one (one!) up.

It’s annoying, but it’s not a dealbreaker. You can still set up Scout Alarm on your own — no awkward calls to your property manager necessary.

Pro Tip: Got an old Ring doorbell? You can integrate it with your Scout system. Hop on IFTTT and create automations to link the two.

The entry-level Scout Alarm package costs $229. When you stack up Ring vs. Scout Alarm, Ring is cheaper, but Scout Alarm comes with one more contact sensor.

There’s one more cost to consider: monitoring. Like Cove, Scout Alarm requires a subscription to work.9 Unlike Cove, there’s a cheap self-monitoring option.

Still, you have to pay at least $10 per month to use your Scout system. If you’re saving for a nicer place, every dollar counts. You might want to skip Scout.

It’s easy to overlook home security when you live in an apartment. There’s a vague sense that if something happens, someone else will take care of it.

But apartments get burgled too. They burn down. They flood. And you’re the one who has to live with the consequences. Here are a few more reasons you might want a security system for your apartment.

FYI: Ground-floor apartments are more likely to be broken into. Make sure you install sensors on every easy-access window.

Do you share your apartment with friends (or enemies)? Those people are among the most likely to steal from you.

Pop an entry sensor on your bedroom door and an indoor camera in your room. That way, you’ll know if they go rifling through your things.

An apartment building can be a very attractive target for a porch pirate. (Are they still considered porch pirates if they aren’t stealing from an actual porch? I digress.) They can gain entry to your hallway and scoop up your package — and all your neighbors’ packages too.

FYI: Did your Amazon order get swiped? Report package theft here to be included in our national database.

Stop thieves in their tracks with a doorbell camera. The best doorbell cams alert you when anyone starts snooping, so you can use two-way audio to scare them off.

Insurers love security systems. After all, if you never get robbed, you’ll never file a claim for robbery. Check if your insurance company offers a discount on rental insurance for residences with a monitored security system.

Pro Tip: Don’t have renters insurance? You should probably get it. It won’t stop a disaster from happening, but it will make your life a lot easier when it does.

You can almost certainly install a security system at your place — whether that place is a shared apartment or a farmhouse. There are some questions you should ask yourself first, however.

The legality of security cameras is pretty clear. You have the right to record your private space — and no one else’s. But, when you live in an apartment complex, it can be tough to place security cameras in a spot where you’re the only one they see.

You could always stick to the basics and skip the security cameras. Alternatively, ask your neighbors. They might appreciate the extra security.

Many apartment-dwellers rent. Because every renter dreads losing their deposit, it helps to go with a peel-and-stick system. That way, you’re not doing anything more damaging than hanging a poster to the wall.

Your safety doesn’t stop with your security system. Here are three important ways to secure your home — even if your home is a 300-square-foot studio.

The first step starts before you move in. Choose a safe apartment.

Of course, not everyone can afford to live in a high-rise with a doorman. But you don’t need to. Keep these tips in mind instead:

Ah, the trusty old landlord special. A fresh coat of white paint. Broken blinds. Bargain-bin fittings — including the deadbolt, of course.

You don’t have to settle for unsafe equipment. If your apartment came with subpar locks, change them. While you’re at it, upgrade your blinds. Keep creeps from peeking in and burglars from breaking in.

Now that you’ve got those nice, new high-quality blinds and locks, use them. Leaving your blinds open lets every burglar passing by see what you have. Forgetting to lock the door seals the deal — you’re at risk for a break-in.

Pro Tip: Do you often forget to lock your doors? The best smart locks will do it for you. Just set a time for them to auto-lock.

Every security system on this list is here for a reason.

Maybe your apartment is your forever home. Maybe not. You need a home security system that you can quit quickly in case you move.

That’s why Ring Alarm is on the list. You buy your equipment upfront and can cancel your monitoring anytime. That’s also why ADT isn’t on the list. You lease your equipment for years. Sure, you can break the contract, but it’s not always easy.

Did You Know: The average American moves 11.4 times in their lifetime.10

When you buy a security system for an apartment, you’re not looking to tear up the walls and hire a technician. You want easy on, easy off. I included only security systems that you can install in 30 minutes or less.

A top-of-the-line security system will come with enough cameras, sensors, and even hubs to cover thousands of square footage. But, unless you live in some sort of Bond villain penthouse, you don’t need all that. A $250 system with a couple sensors will do the trick.

A $1,149 Deep Sentinel system? Simply not necessary. Save the top-of-the-line AI-powered cameras for your mansion. (I believe in you — you’ll get there someday.)

Your home is your castle. You need a moat to keep the bandits out. Except it’s 2024, so your castle is an apartment and your moat is a home security system. There are plenty of great options, but SimpliSafe, abode, Ring, Cove, and Scout are a cut above the rest.

These security systems are easy to install. (SimpliSafe’s sensors are peel and stick.) They’re easy to cancel. (To stop paying for Ring Protect, all you have to do is tap a button in the Ring app.) Finally, they’re easy to afford. (You can score a Cove system for under $100.)

Most importantly, these security systems are effective. They feature reliable equipment, smart home integrations, and professional monitoring (for a fee). Any one of them will help keep the bandits from storming your walls — or swiping your Amazon packages.

The short answer is yes, but you need to make sure you’re not infringing on the privacy of other residents.

We recommend SimpliSafe, abode, Ring Alarm, Cove, and Scout Alarm.

Other than getting a security system, you mean? Always lock your doors and windows. If your locks aren’t very good, install new ones.

Most security providers allow you to buy your equipment upfront. If you signed a contract to pay over time, you may need to pay the full amount before you move the equipment to another location.

Statista. (2023). Distribution of residents and households who live in rental accommodation in the United States in 2022, by structure type.statista.com/statistics/743422/share-of-residents-who-are-renting-usa-by-structure-type/

OnTech. (2024). https://www.ontechsmartservices.com/pages/simplisafe-home-security.ontechsmartservices.com/pages/simplisafe-home-security

Apple. (2023). If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple.support.apple.com/en-us/HT202039

Abode. (2023). Price Match Program.goabode.com/price-match

Ring. (2023). Cancel a Ring Protect Subscription Plan.ring.com/support/articles/0p7eu/Cancel-Ring-Protect-Subscription-Plan

OnTech. (2024). Ring Alarm Security Kit Installation.https://www.ontechsmartservices.com/products/ring-alarm-security-kit-installation-hdspcl

Ring. (2024). Flo by Moen 1-1/4-Inch Smart Water Shutoff.ring.com/products/flo-moen-smart-water-shutoff-valve-1-1-4-inch/

Ring. (2023). Virtual Security Guard.ring.com/virtual-security-guard-real-time-monitoring

Scout. (2023). Frequently Asked Questions.scoutalarm.com/pages/knowledge-base/frequently-asked-questions

FiveThirtyEight. (2015). How Many Times Does The Average Person Move?fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-many-times-the-average-person-moves/