Best cellular home security system in 2026

Around 51 million households in the U.S. have a video surveillance system, and 37% of homes are equipped with a video doorbell, making it essential to choose a security system that keeps you connected, even if there’s a power outage or your WiFi goes down.

Unlike traditional systems that need WiFi, a cellular security system uses mobile networks to ensure continuous monitoring, making it a more reliable and resilient option to protect your home.

To save you some time, the Cybernews research team and I have delved into several user reviews, technical specifications, and independent reviews to create a shortlist of the best cellular security system models on the market. So, let’s dive into the details.

Top 5 cellular security systems - shortlist

1. Vivint – best for advanced 24/7 monitoring
2. Abode – best for customization options
3. SimpliSafe – best for affordability
4. Xfinity – best for bundling services
5. ADT – best for professional monitoring

The best cellular security systems: side-by-side feature comparison

This section offers a side-by-side comparison of the best cellular security systems to simplify your decision-making process. Each system is unique, with varying features, monitoring types, costs, and customer ratings. With this table, you can quickly assess the differences, from Vivint’s advanced monitoring options to ADT’s reputation for professional service, to see which provider aligns with your needs and budget.

Providers	Cybernews rating	Installation type	Monitoring options	Cellular backups	Contract length
Vivint	4.8/5	Professional	Professional	✅ Yes	42–60 months
Abode	4.6/5	Professional or DIY	Professional or DIY	✅ Yes	No contract required (month-to-month)
SimpliSafe	4.5/5	Professional or DIY	Professional or DIY	✅ Yes	No contract required (month-to-month)
Xfinity	4.5/5	Professional or DIY	Professional or DIY	✅ Yes	No contract required (month-to-month)
ADT	4.3/5	Professional or DIY	Professional or DIY	✅ Yes	36 months (24 months in California)

The best cellular security system – our detailed list

With the basics out of the way, let’s jump into our reviews and explore each of the 5 best cellular security systems in detail. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect from each brand, which should make your decision easy.

1. Vivint – best for advanced 24/7 monitoring

Equipment cost:	Packages starting at $599.99
Monitoring options:	Professional
Monthly monitoring cost:	Starting at $30.00/month
Contract length:	42–60 months
Installation options:	Professional
Smart home integrations:	Alexa, Google Assistant, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Nest thermostats, and Philips Hue smart lighting

Visit Vivint

Vivint stands out for its advanced monitoring options, combining cutting-edge technology with professional support to keep homes secure.

Vivint has been a leader in home security since its inception in 1999. Known for its innovative solutions and comprehensive services, the company offers a range of products, including smart doorbells, security cameras, and sensors, all designed for durability and high performance.

Equipment

The equipment you get with Vivint depends on the home security system you opt for. For example, the Starter Package, Vivint’s basic system, comes with a control panel, 2 door/window sensors, and a motion sensor.

Grab the Premium Package, and you get twice the door/window sensors (4) and a doorbell camera on top of what’s included in the basic system. Meanwhile, the Premium Plus Package also adds a smoke & CO detector, a water sensor, and an outstanding 4K-capable outdoor camera.

While most of these pieces are a bit on the expensive side, Vivint’s proprietary equipment is widely recognized for its top-notch quality. For instance, the outdoor camera boasts premium build quality and can withstand the elements easily, while the Smart Hub control panel displays live footage. Furthermore, users can build their own custom systems and choose the type of equipment they want.

Monitoring

Unlike many competing brands, which offer both professional and DIY home monitoring options, Vivint has opted for a professional-only approach. As a result of this, you’ll have to shell out a bit more money per month than you would with a DIY-capable monitoring system.

However, Vivint certainly makes it worth your while, as it provides 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular capabilities and smart home automations. With such a system by your side, you can count on rapid response times in the event of a home break-in. In fact, I’ve encountered dozens of reviews that highlight the reliability and effectiveness of the company’s monitoring services.

Price

Vivint has an average contract length of 42 to 60 months, depending on your equipment financing plan. If you decide to pay for our equipment over 42 months, you can enter a 42-month contract. However, if you prefer to pay over 60 months, then the contract duration is 5 years. If you don’t want to enter into a contract, you can pay for your equipment up front. Vivint contracts are generally longer than ADT, which provides 36-month contracts, or 24-month contracts in California.

Vivint's total ownership costs include the equipment cost, finance term, and monthly monitoring costs. A basic starter package with Vivint, including the Smart Hub and door/window devices and one motion sensor, costs around $599, though you could get it cheaper during promotions. If you decide to build your system to the max, you may spend up to $1000. The monitoring costs range from $30 to $50 per month, and extra cameras and video storage add to the cost. Vivint matches ADT’s pricing range, but its contract length may keep you tied up long-term.

ADT also provides 60 months of financing, reducing the monthly payment but increasing the contract duration. SimpliSafe provides 24-month financing options, offering a higher monthly fee, but allowing you to pay for your equipment quickly. Although Vivint has flexible plans, the interest rate may increase the overall costs. You may also be liable to pay a penalty if you terminate your contract early.

Wrap up

As mentioned, all Vivint systems require professional installation, as the company wants to ensure that everything functions properly. After all, all equipment pieces are smart, so they need to be connected correctly for everything to work as intended.

Once the installation is complete, the Vivint system instantly becomes effortless to use. Whether you’re messing with the Smart Hub or using the Vivint smartphone app to let someone you know into your home, the ease of use is on another level.

Notifications are nearly instant as long as your home is in an area with a strong cellular signal. Meanwhile, pairing the system with Alexa or Google Assistant is a breeze, and it lets you easily control other smart devices in your home.

2. Abode – best for customization

Equipment cost:	Packages starting at $159.99 (currently $49.99)
Monitoring options:	Professional and DIY
Monthly monitoring cost:	Starting at ~$6.25/month ($74.99/year)
Contract length:	No contract required (month-to-month)
Installation options:	Professional and DIY
Smart home integrations:	Alexa, Google Assistant, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Sonos, Bose, Apple HomeKit

Visit Abode

Abode stands out in the home security market with its focus on customization and independence, allowing users to create a professional-grade security system tailored to their needs without the burden of contracts.

Launched through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014, Abode has quickly established itself in the DIY home security market, earning a reputation for flexibility and user empowerment. Its systems are designed for self-installation, catering to homes of various sizes, and it offers professional installation as an option.

Equipment

Abode offers 3 different security systems, with the entry-level Abode Security Kit being a self-monitoring option. It includes a durable security hub with a 93 dB siren, a single door/window sensor, and a key fob.

Go up a level to the Smart Security Kit, and the standard hub is replaced with a smart one, while the sensor and the fob remain the same. You also get a separate motion sensor, while the smart hub adds Apple HomeKit, Z-Wave, and Zigbee integrations. However, you lose Wi-Fi connectivity, since this is the oldest Abode product.

The company’s top-of-the-line system, the Iota All-in-One Security Kit, changes the hub yet again. This time, the system offers a high-quality 1080p camera that covers a 40-degree angle and can record up to 30 seconds of video. However, the motion sensor, which is a separate device in the Smart Security Kit, is built into the hub, alongside the camera.

Monitoring

Unlike Vivint, Abode offers the flexibility of monitoring your home yourself or through the company’s 24/7 professional monitoring service. If you opt for the DIY option, you can get away without a subscription and still get access to live video and smart home integrations, which include Apple HomeKit.

If you want Abode’s professional monitoring, you’ll need to shell out for a Standard or a Pro plan. However, the Standard plan still requires action on your end to forward the alarm to a monitoring center, and like the DIY option, doesn’t include cellular backups.

For automatic alarm forwarding and cellular backups, you’ll need the more expensive Pro plan. It’s also worth noting that Abode offers on-demand monitoring, so you can pay for the subscription for one month and skip it another.

Price

Abode provides a flexible, no-contract model with affordable pricing. The equipment costs are upfront, and require no monthly fees unless you want to add on-demand professional monitoring. Abode has various packages, which start out at $159.99 (currently $49.99). This discount is currently available for the iota All-In-One Kit, currently priced at $199.99 (only with a subscription). That brings the price to $274.98 (Iota + Standard plan) or $398.99 (Iota + Pro plan). The on-demand professional monitoring costs either $21.99 monthly or $219.99 yearly.

This allows you to pay for monitoring only when needed, making the total ownership costs lower than systems that have annual or monthly payments. Abode does have the same long-term commitment as other companies, such as ADT. Its upfront purchase model prevents you from being tied to long contracts. Compared to the financing option that ADT offers, Abode has a pay-as-you-go subscription.

Abode offers transparent pricing, so no need to worry about hidden charges. There are no activation, long-term contracts, or cancellation fees. Although there is a monitoring fee, it is an optional cost, and you can cancel it at any time, unlike ADT and SimpliSafe, which offer long contracts. Also, the 30-day money-back guarantee and the unlimited warranty within the Secure annual plan scheme offer you a degree of comfort, freedom, and flexibility.

Wrap up

While Abode offers professional installation for $99, the DIY setup is surprisingly straightforward and might be the way to go for most users. There are clear instructions that’ll guide you through the process, and you won’t need more than an hour, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Once everything is set up, you can download the user-friendly Abode app, which will walk you through the rest of the setup. The app offers live camera feeds, customizable alerts, and rather quick notifications as long as you’re in an area with a strong cellular signal.

Abode also integrates with smart home platforms easily, so you’ll have no problem on that end, either.

3. SimpliSafe – best for affordability

Equipment cost:	Packages starting at $249.96 (currently $100)
Monitoring options:	Professional and DIY
Monthly monitoring cost:	Starting at $31.00/month
Contract length:	No contract required (month-to-month)
Installation options:	Professional and DIY
Smart home integrations:	Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch, August Smart Locks

Visit Simplisafe

SimpliSafe stands out for its budget-friendly, customizable home security systems that cater to a wide range of needs. With flexible options for equipment and monitoring plans, it allows homeowners to tailor its security solutions to fit their lifestyles and budgets.

Founded in 2006, SimpliSafe has built a strong reputation for providing reliable and affordable home security solutions that empower homeowners to confidently protect their properties. The company has consistently prioritized customer satisfaction and accessibility, ensuring its systems are easy to install and use.

Equipment

SimpliSafe bundles its equipment in 7 existing packages that cater to different user needs. These range from the entry-level Foundation kit, which includes 4 pieces of equipment, to the top-of-the-line Beacon, which features 10 different items.

Users can browse these options based on whether they need an indoor or outdoor security system, as well as their budget.

Besides these packages, SimpliSafe also excels in terms of customization. Users can start with a battery-equipped base station and a keypad with a hidden panic button, and build their package from there. They can add 1 or more entry, motion, and glassbreak sensors, a wireless indoor or outdoor camera, and a video doorbell, as well as various add-ons, such as a smart lock.

Monitoring

With SimpliSafe, users have the flexibility to monitor their security system themselves, but professional monitoring may be worth it for most customers. If that’s what you’re after, SimpliSafe is flexible here, too, as there are 3 different professional monitoring plans to choose from.

The Core plan offers 24/7 monitoring, intruder interventions, and unlimited camera recordings that are kept for 30 days in the cloud. Meanwhile, the Pro plan includes an AI that detects threats and live agents that can intervene, but only between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time. If you want that feature available 24/7, you’ll need the Pro Plus plan.

Price

SimpliSafe is a reasonably priced cellular security system, starting as low as $249.96 (currently $100). Plus, there are regular sales that can significantly lower the price. This makes SimpliSafe one of the cheapest solutions in the market, in comparison to brands such as Vivint. Its monthly monitoring fees cost $31, higher than Vivint's, but no long-term contracts. This leaves you with the flexibility to cancel anytime or switch to DIY monitoring.

SimpliSafe is an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers. The Beacon, which costs $730, is the most expensive package and offers two outdoor cameras, entry sensors, motion sensors, a base, and a keypad. It is a much better deal when compared to Vivint, where a single outdoor camera can cost you up to $399.

The financing options at SimpliSafe are quite interesting as well. The company provides a 24-month financing term, offering affordable payments but also leaving you with higher monthly payments. This short-term option (24-month plan) may put pressure on your monthly budget. It also has zero hidden costs, such as activation or cancellation fees.

Wrap up

Whether you’re a DIY specialist or an amateur, installing a SimpliSafe home security system should be a breeze. It’s one of the most straightforward systems to install yourself, as the instructions make the process easy.

Getting the app and finishing the setup keeps the easy-to-do trend going, while real-time alerts, live video streaming, and alarm activation are also seamless.

However, it’s worth noting that DIY monitoring doesn’t offer cellular backups. If that’s something you want or need, you’ll have to get one of the professional monitoring plans and shell out at least $31/month.

4. Xfinity – best for bundling services

Equipment cost:	Packages starting at $360.00
Monitoring options:	Professional and DIY
Monthly monitoring cost:	Starting at $10.00/month
Contract length:	No contract required (month-to-month)
Installation options:	Professional and DIY
Smart home integrations:	LIFX, Philips Hue, August Smart Locks, Kwikset

Visit Xfinity

Xfinity offers a robust home security system that integrates with its wide range of services. With customizable monitoring options and partnerships with numerous smart home device manufacturers, Xfinity stands out for its convenience and versatility.

Founded in 2010, Xfinity is widely recognized as a leading cable, internet, and home security solutions provider. The company combines its home security offerings with advanced smart home integrations, making it an appealing option for customers looking to enhance their home automation systems.

Equipment

Xfinity’s Base Home System includes an easy-to-use touchscreen controller, 1 pet-friendly motion sensor, and 3 door/window sensors. While there are no cameras or smoke detectors in this package, you can customize the system with indoor and outdoor cameras and other add-ons like smoke detectors.

The Complete Home System bumps the number of door/window sensors to 5 and adds a wireless keypad and a solid HD-capable Xfinity Camera. Meanwhile, the Ultimate doubles both the number of sensors and cameras, to 10 and 2, respectively.

All 3 packages come with built-in batteries, cellular system backups, and even Xfinity Home Security yard signs to deter potential intruders.

Monitoring

When it comes to monitoring, Xfinity keeps it simple and offers 2 packages – one for DIY and one for professional monitoring. However, unlike competing brands, Xfinity also makes you pay for the self-protection package, so you can’t exactly opt out of subscriptions.

If you’re looking for professional monitoring, you’ll find it in Xfinity’s Pro Protection Plus, alongside 24/7 video recording.

It’s also worth noting that contracts aren’t required for either plan. Therefore, you have the option of switching between these subscriptions at any moment, and can, for example, activate professional monitoring when you’re on vacation.

Price

Xfinity provides three equipment packages with flexible prices that fit your budget. The Base Home System costs $360 paid upfront, or $15 per month over 24 months, and includes a touch screen controller, three door/window sensors, and a pet-friendly motion sensor. The Complete Home System, priced at $480 or $20 per month, builds on the starter package with an extra 5 door/window sensors, a wireless keypad, and a single indoor-outdoor camera. The Ultimate Home System is the highest plan costing either $600 or $25 monthly for 24 months and has 10 door/window sensors and two indoor-outdoor cameras. This gives you flexibility in choosing if you want to pay upfront or finance your system over two years.

Xfinity also has two monitoring options: A self-monitoring option, starting at $10 a month, which gives you the ability to check on your home using live and recorded video. It also has a 24/7 monitoring option, which costs $55 a month, that adds a team of trained professionals to supplement your monitoring efforts. Even if you take the DIY approach to self-monitoring, you still need to pay $10 a month.

Xfinity requires you to pay for a 24-month term, $15, $20, or $25 per month based on the package you choose. It is a shorter financing term than ADT's 60-month financing. Xfinity offers financing terms comparable to SimpliSafe, but even a 24-month financing plan with Xfinity results in a higher monthly payment owing to equipment costs. Although ADT has an extended payment term, Xfinity’s short payment term gives you the chance to pay for the equipment quickly. The Xfinity equipment packages do not have any hidden fees, but you need to consider the monitoring costs before committing.

Wrap up

One of the biggest downsides of choosing Xfinity is the fact that parts of the brand’s home security system must be installed professionally. Even if you’re an expert DIY enthusiast, you’ll have to use professional installation for door/window sensors, the motion sensor, and even the smoke detector.

When you consider that, only the touchscreen controller is DIY installable, so be prepared to shell out at least $100 for the installation.

Apart from that, the rest of the setup is a breeze, so you’ll have no issue arming and disarming the system from within the app. Controlling and even automating connected devices is also easy, with notifications arriving nearly instantly.

5. ADT – best for professional monitoring

Equipment cost:	Packages starting at $269.00
Monitoring options:	Professional and DIY
Monthly monitoring cost:	Starting at $24.99/month
Contract length:	36 months (24 months in California)
Installation options:	Professional and DIY
Smart home integrations:	Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest

Visit ADT

ADT’s unique selling proposition lies in its long-standing reputation for reliability, with over 145 years of experience in the industry. Its 24/7 professional monitoring and dual cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity ensure consistent security, even during outages, while its intuitive mobile app enhances user control.

ADT’s solutions are designed to offer peace of mind through comprehensive protection for families and property.

Equipment

One of the most significant advantages of ADT is the complimentary in-home consultation offered to first-time buyers. You should take advantage of it to find out what type of ADT’s high-quality equipment your home needs.

If you opt to shop for ADT home security systems without it, you can choose between 6 different packages, which affect the type of equipment you get. For example, the Security Starter package doesn’t include a camera, while the Outdoor Video system doesn’t offer motion detection.

However, all packages come with cellular backups, built-in batteries that can last a full day, and the ADT+ smartphone app through which you can control every aspect of the system.

Monitoring

What is peculiar about ADT is that you can only opt for DIY monitoring if you get the Security Starter or the Life Safety package, which don’t include any cameras. In other words, if a camera is part of your ADT home security system, you have to use the company’s professional monitoring service.

However, that certainly isn’t a bad thing, as ADT’s 24/7 professional monitoring relies on 12 monitoring centers in different states. That’s more than most competing brands have, and ensures quick response times in case of home break-ins or other types of emergencies.

Price

The equipment cost starts at $269, and the cost of installation varies between $99 and $150 depending on the system. Monitoring costs begin at $24.99 a month with DIY systems and $34.99 a month with professional monitoring. To access more sophisticated services like video surveillance, it may cost up to $49.99 per month. ADT monitoring is a bit costlier than SimpliSafe, but it is worth the price because it offers such features as video verification and live camera view.

Before choosing ADT, it's essential to consider the hidden fees and contract terms. With DIY systems, no contracts are involved, making it more flexible. The cancellation policy provides that if you cancel the contract after the 60-day money-back guarantee has expired, you will be required to pay 75% of the remaining balance.

In terms of financing, the standard ADT contract is 36 months, but if you live in California, it’s 24 months. It also has a 60-month contract option that translates into cheaper monthly payments but also a longer contract time. SimpliSafe, however, offers 24-month financing, which results in paying more and faster. ADT long-term contracts can provide greater affordability over a longer period.

Wrap up

If you’re already taking advantage of ADT’s free in-home consultation service, it also makes sense to go the professional installation route and not worry about wiring the system yourself. This way, the entire setup takes only a few hours, and you can kick back and relax while ADT’s technicians pick the best spots to install cameras, sensors, and detectors.

With everything installed and ready, the ADT equipment can truly shine. From voice controls for the entire system to seamless connections with other smart devices, everything flows smoothly. After all, there’s a reason why ADT is considered one of the most professional home security brands in the industry.

Our methodology

Our methodology for assessing the top cellular security system models ensures a balanced, accurate ranking to guide you in choosing a reliable security system. Here’s a glimpse into the criteria we used to create this ranking:

• Equipment quality (25%). We thoroughly examined spec sheets and analyzed dozens of expert reviews to evaluate the range, durability, and performance of the sensors, cameras, and control units in each system.
• Installation (15%). We assessed the ease of setup of different security systems based on hundreds of user reviews and dozens of expert-backed product guides to ensure they are accessible for all users.
• Total cost (25%). We looked into both initial equipment costs and monthly subscription fees, prioritizing affordability without compromising quality.
• Monitoring options (20%). We reviewed the availability and reliability of professional monitoring services, considering options like 24/7 support and cellular backup.
• Customer feedback (15%). We analyzed hundreds of user reviews for insights into customer satisfaction, reliability, and common issues.

How cellular security systems work

Cellular systems use mobile signals to connect to monitoring centers, providing live alerts in the event of loss of Wi-Fi and power. Unlike traditional security systems, which use either the landline or the internet, cellular systems provide a standalone and dependable solution not reliant on these networks.

The built-in battery backup is one of the best features of cellular security systems. It guarantees that even when power goes out, your security system continues to work, protecting your home at all times. This is an important feature, particularly in regions that are susceptible to frequent power failures.

The cellular security systems are compatible with mobile devices and smart home appliances, and you can monitor your home remotely. Using your smartphone, you can get notifications, live videos, and manage different settings such as enabling alarms and changing the camera position. You can also integrate it into smart home ecosystems, with a greater degree of control and convenience complemented by the added security infrastructure.

Pros and cons of cellular security systems

Cellular security systems have become popular due to their flexibility and resilience. They offer homeowners protection that isn’t reliant on Wi-Fi or landline connections. However, like any security solution, cellular systems have pros and cons to consider.

Key features to consider when choosing a cellular security system

Here are the key features to consider when choosing a cellular security system.

• Cellular monitoring: It guarantees communication to the monitoring center in real-time, even if there is a power outage or internet disruption, allowing you to continue monitoring your home without interruptions.
• Battery backup: It is essential to have a good battery backup to keep your system running in case of power outages. It is comforting to know that your security system can still operate during power outages.
• Remote access and mobile app: This feature makes it convenient to manage your security system remotely using a mobile application. It allows you to view live video feeds, arm or disarm your system, get real-time alerts, and stay connected wherever you are.
• Professional monitoring: This plan allows the provider to add a team of professionals who can respond to emergencies in real-time. It is an extra paid service that provides an additional level of protection.
• Smart home integration: Cellular security meshes with other smart home devices, such as locks, lights, and cameras, for easy control through one interface. This centralized control enhances your home’s security, giving a smooth operation and better security.

Is a cellular security system right for your situation? (Coverage)

It is important to consider the network coverage before deciding on a cellular security system. Cellular systems are based on mobile networks, so areas with weak or intermittent signals can cause delays in data transmission or even a failure in communication. Rather than only trusting maps published by service providers, check coverage maps published by trusted sources, like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

These maps provide a more accurate picture of signal strength and availability, including indoor coverage, which is often a major issue. Also, partnerships between security system providers and other technology service providers may improve the usability and integration of your security system. For example, Vivint partners with Philips Hue, Kwikset, and Google to provide a smooth smart-home experience.

These integrations allow for a unified control of numerous devices such as lighting, locks, and thermostats via one single interface, enhancing convenience. Even though cellular security systems are flexible and reliable, especially when working in situations involving power outages, you need to ensure that they provide good network coverage and take advantage of integrated smart home partnerships so that your security system stays effective.

A final word on cellular security systems

Cellular security systems are less vulnerable to internet disruptions or power outages. These systems come equipped with battery backups, ensuring continuous protection and added peace of mind for homeowners. However, it's essential to consider your specific needs before making a decision.

After extensive research, the Cybernews research team and I believe that Vivint is the best cellular security system in 2026. I recommend Vivint because it offers high-quality cameras, reliable professional monitoring, and an easy-to-use app.

If you want to look at other options, Xfinity is excellent for bundling services. Abode offers great customization features, ADT has top-tier professional monitoring, and SimpliSafe is best suited to budget-conscious users.

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