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Is Alexa Amazon’s answer to a virtual assistant? You can use Alexa through any of Amazon’s Echo speakers, and it can help you automate your home. It’s also possible to integrate some home security systems, so you can use Alexa’s voice commands to control your system.
Alexa is in millions of homes across the globe. And while it works well with some security systems, it fails to deliver with others. Not to mention, Amazon’s reputation for protecting consumer’s privacy is not exactly clad in iron. Is it even a good idea to integrate Alexa with your security system?
Article Overview
- Why Integrate Alexa With A Home Security System?
- Best Home Security Systems Compatible With Alexa
- Comparison Table
- What Are My Other Options?
- What Other Smart Home Features Can You Use With Alexa? (Video)
- Meet Your Home Security Needs First
Why Should I Integrate Amazon Alexa With My Home Security System?
1. Voice Activation
By connecting your home security system to Alexa, you can use your voice to control features like arming your system, locking and unlocking doors, adjusting your thermostat, and more.
For instance, you can say, “Alexa, arm my home security system.”
2. Total Home Integration
With Amazon Alexa, you can connect your smart home devices and your home security in one place and use voice commands to control them.
3. Smart Camera Streaming
When your security system has an Alexa compatible security camera, you can stream the footage to Amazon Show or an Alexa-enabled Fire TV using voice commands. Not all cameras are Alexa compatible so be sure to consider this if it’s an essential feature for you.
4. Use Various Amazon Alexa Products To Control Your System
Any Amazon device you have that uses Alexa can connect to home security. These devices include the Alexa smart speakers, like Echo and Echo Dot, and smart displays, like Amazon Show and Fire TVs. Amazon makes it easy to connect your devices and integrate your home security.
Will Integrating Alexa Make Me More Or Less Secure?
The level of security and privacy for your system will depend largely on how well you’ve secured your home WiFi network and which particular security system you go with. In our individual reviews of each home security system, we discuss security and privacy implications.
As for Alexa, Amazon has not gotten gold stars for its privacy protocols, although the amount of press they’ve gotten for this would make you think things are better than they were. Not to mention, pretty much any smart product you use is going to suffer from some level of vulnerability. So at the end of the day, it’s up to you to educate yourself as best you can on what you put into your home. In our reviews of products we try and give you as much information as we can regarding security and privacy, but if you have specific questions or think we missed something, please hit us up in the comments!
Best Home Security Systems Compatible With Alexa
We’ve looked at all the security systems that work with Amazon Alexa. Our rankings are based on many factors, including the ease of integration, compatible features, customer support, security, privacy, and more.
Frontpoint Review
#1
Frontpoint is an obvious choice for the #1 security system compatible with Amazon Alexa. Not only can you use voice commands through Alexa to control your home security, but Frontpoint is also one of our top choices for the best home security system.
With Frontpoint, you can use Alexa voice commands to control the security system, lights, locks, doorbell camera, and Frontpoint security cameras. It’s a simple process to connect this system to Alexa, and you’ll have no trouble learning the voice commands you need to use as Amazon makes it very clear. The security system gets a high rating for its ease of use, excellent customer service, and equipment.
You’ll want to consider that the monitoring fees are higher than other systems, and when you use Alexa, you can’t use direct commands. That means you’ll have to ask Alexa to ask Frontpoint to complete each task.
Pros |
Cons |
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Price
Below are the packages Frontpoint offers. You can also purchase additional sensors for an extra fee, which you’ll see listed next to the device. There is also a Build Your Own option, which is à la carte style. Add up the total of your selected equipment and that’s your equipment fee.
Package Name | Safe Home Starter | Safe Home Everyday | Safe Home Select | Safe Home Preferred |
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Price | $99.00 | $295.94 | $383.92 | $479.90 |
Control Panel Hub ($249.98) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Keypad ($54.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Door/Window Sensor ($19.99) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Motion Sensor ($29.99) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Glass Break Sensor ($44.99) | 1 | 1 | ||
Smoke & Heat Sensor ($44.99) | 1 | 1 | ||
Indoor Camera ($99.99) | 1 | |||
Yard Sign ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Window Decals 3-Pack ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Door Stickers ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Additional Equipment
[frontpoint-pricing-supplement]
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Monitoring Plans
To have Alexa skills supported, you’ll need to have the Ultimate Plan, which is $49.99 per month.
Interactive | Ultimate | |
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Price Per Month | $44.99 | $49.99 |
Wireless & Cellular | ||
Unique User Codes | ||
Crash & Smash Protection | ||
Geolocation Services | ||
Mobile Alerts | ||
Remote Access & Control | ||
Sensor History | ||
Live Video Streaming | ||
Video & Image History | ||
Motion Triggered Alerts | ||
Night Vision Enabled | ||
Light Control | ||
Smart Lock Control |
Read Our Full Review Of Frontpoint
Ring Alarm Review
#2
View on Amazon | Visit Website
Why does Ring Alarm rank so highly on our list? Amazon owns Ring, and they make compatibility a breeze.
When you link Amazon Alexa to your Ring Alarm system, you can use voice commands to control the security system, lighting, and all security cameras, including a doorbell camera. They even have solar-powered outdoor camera options. You can also use direct commands when you ask Alexa to complete a task. Just ask Alexa; no need to ask Alexa to ask Ring to do it.
The one thing you’ll want to consider is that they have limited equipment available so they may not offer everything you’re looking for in your home security system.
Pros |
Cons |
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Price
Ring recently came out with a 2nd generation of security equipment. Below is the pricing for it.
- Ring Alarm Security System (includes 1 base station, 1 keypad, 2 contact sensors, 1 motion detector and 1 range extender) – $174.99
Additional Equipment
Cameras:
- Indoor Camera $49.99 | Floodlight Cam Check Amazon for availability
- Spotlight Cams: Battery $159.99 | Wired Check Amazon for availability
- Stick Up Cams: Battery $69.99 | Plug-In $69.99 | Solar (3 cameras included) Check Amazon for availability | Elite $199.99
- Doorbell Cameras:
- Video Doorbell Pro $249.99 | Peephole Cam $129.99 | Video Doorbell Elite $349.99 | Video Doorbell 3 $149.99 | Video Doorbell 3 Plus
- We’ve dedicated a separate article to go more in-depth on the Ring doorbells.
Home Security:
- Contact Sensors (2 pack) $39.99 | Motion Detector $29.99 | Keypad $49.99
- Range Extender $24.99 | Dome Siren $22.77 | Panic Button $34.99
- Chime Check Amazon for availability | Chime Pro $59.99
Home Automation:
- Pathlight: Solar $34.99 | Battery $29.99
- Floodlight: Solar $89.99 | Battery Check Amazon for availability | Wired $69.99
- Steplight: Solar $29.99 | Battery $35.32
- Spotlight $159.99 | A19 Smart LED Bulb $14.99 | PAR38 Smart LED Bulb Check Amazon for availability
- Smart Lighting Motion Sensor Check Amazon for availability | Bridge $49.99 | Transformer $99.99
Life Safety:
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Monitoring Plans
Free | Basic | Plus | |
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Price | Free | $3/month or $30/year | $10/month or $100/year |
Coverage | One doorbell or camera | All devices at one address | |
Ring & Motion Alerts | |||
Live Video On Demand | |||
Warranty | One year | One year | Extended |
Video Recording | |||
Review, Share & Save Videos | |||
Professional Monitoring |
Read Our Full Review Of Ring Alarm
Vivint Review
#3
Vivint comes in at #3 because of the number of features you can control with voice commands through Alexa — the security system, lights, locks, thermostats, doorbell camera, and garage door. This list is the most extensive of Alexa-compatible features that we’ve seen.
Take note that you can’t use direct commands when you’re asking Alexa to complete a task, and we don’t rank Vivint as highly as some other security systems.
Pros |
Cons |
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Price
Note that the equipment price is paid monthly until the equipment is paid off (total). It was difficult to find transparent Vivint pricing, so confirm before you purchase.
SkyControl Starter Kit | Home Security System | Smart Home Control | Video Security | Smart Complete | |
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Price Per Month (Total) | $10.00 ($599.99) | $11.83 ($709.98) | $17.50 ($1,049.95) | $23.00 ($1,379.95) | $29.83 ($1,789.92) |
SkyControl Panel $399.99 |
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Door/Window Sensors $34.99 |
4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Motion Detector $69.99 |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Smoke Detector $69.99 |
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Garage Door Controller/Sensor $99.99 |
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Smart Door Lock $159.99 |
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Element Thermostat $169.99 |
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Doorbell Camera $249.99 |
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Ping Camera $199.99 |
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Outdoor Camera $299.99 |
Additional Equipment
Cameras:
- Smart Drive $249.99
- We’ve dedicated a separate article to go more in-depth on the Vivint Smart Drive.
Home Security:
- Recessed Door Sensor $34.99 | Tilt Sensor $34.99 | Glass Break Sensor $69.99 | Key Fob $34.99
Life Safety:
- CO Detector $69.99 | Temperature/Flood Sensor $69.99 | Panic Pendant $34.99
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Monitoring
After you’ve chosen all of your equipment, you can then choose your monitoring plan.
Smart Security | Smart Home | Smart Home Video | |
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Price Per Month | $29.99 | $39.99 | $44.99 |
$49-$199 Installation Fee | |||
24/7 Professional Monitoring | |||
Entry, Smoke & CO Detection | |||
Medical Pendant Support | |||
Smart Home Integration | |||
Live Video Feed | |||
14 Days Storage Of 30-Second Clips For Up To 2 Cameras |
Read Our Full Review Of Vivint
Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison of the best Amazon Alexa-compatible security systems. If there are any terms that you don’t understand, you can refer to our terminology section.
1st: Frontpoint | 2nd: Ring Alarm | 3rd: Vivint | ADT | Protect America | SimpliSafe | |
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Equipment Starting Cost | $255.96 | $199 | $599.99 | $0 | $0 | $229 |
Pro Monitoring Monthly Starting Cost | $44.99 | $10 | $10 | $27.99 | $19.99 | $14.99 |
Contract Length | None | None | 3.5-5 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | None |
Installation | DIY | DIY | Professional | Professional | DIY | DIY |
Installation Fee | $0 | $0 | $49-$199 | $99-$199 | $0 | $0 |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 Days | 30 Days | None | 6 Months | 15 Days | 60 Days |
Warranty | 3 Years | 1 Year | 120 Days | Lifetime (Must Pay Additional $) | Lifetime | 3 Years |
Battery Backup | 24 Hours | 24 Hours | 4 Hours | 24 Hours | 18-24 Hours | 24 Hours |
Self Monitoring Option | ||||||
Third Party Monitoring | ||||||
Main Form Of Monitoring | Cellular | Broadband | Cellular | Landline & Cellular | Landline, Broadband & Cellular | Cellular |
Backup Form Of Monitoring | Broadband | Cellular | Broadband | Cellular | None | Broadband |
Amazon Alexa Compatible Features | Security system, lights, doorbell camera | Security system, lights, doorbell camera | Security system, lights, locks, thermostats, doorbell camera, garage | Security system, lights, locks, thermostats | Security system, lights, locks, thermostats | Security system |
Security Cameras Compatible With Amazon Alexa | ||||||
Allows Direct Commands To Amazon Alexa |
What Are My Other Options?
Your options are plentiful when it comes to home alarm systems that sync with Amazon Alexa. We’ve reviewed three more companies in-depth that integrate tightly.
ADT | Protect America | Simplisafe
There are many other systems that sync up as well but didn’t make the cut this time. Read our individual reviews of Adobe, AT&T Digital, Brinks, Kangaroo, Link Interactive, Nest Secure, Protection One, and Scout to learn more about these systems.
ADT Review
ADT is a great choice for home security that integrates well with Amazon Alexa and allows you to use direct commands.
Through Alexa, you can control the security system, lights, door locks, and thermostats (note: you’ll need ADT Control to integrate smart home equipment). You can also disarm your alarm with your voice using Alexa, which is not an option for all systems. When asking Alexa to complete a task, you can use direct commands.
Do keep in mind that you have to have professional installation and monitoring when you choose ADT, and security cameras aren’t Alexa-compatible.
Pros |
Cons |
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Price
Pricing and equipment vary depending on the ADT reseller. Below, we have listed options from an authorized reseller we recommend. You can use this link to get a custom quote for your home.
Complete Monitoring | Premium Monitoring | Remote Monitoring with Command | Video Monitoring with Command | Video and Home Automation with Command | |
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Price Per Month | $36.99 | $44.99 | $52.99 | $58.99 | $62.99 |
Professional Installation | $99 | $99 | $99 | $99 | $199 |
Free Security System | |||||
Control Panel | |||||
Door/Window & Motion Sensors Capable | |||||
Wireless Keychain Remote | |||||
Pet-Friendly Motion Detector | |||||
Monitoring | Landline | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
Remote Control w/ Cell Phone | |||||
Remote Arm/Disarm | |||||
Email & Text Alerts | |||||
Real-Time Video | |||||
Lighting Control | |||||
Thermostat Control (added cost) | |||||
Garage Door Control (added cost) |
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Protect America Review
Protect America is compatible with Amazon Alexa, which you can link to voice control the security system, lights, door locks, and thermostats. However, you can’t use direct commands when you’re asking Alexa to complete a task, and security cameras aren’t Alexa compatible.
Protect America stands out for its lower-cost monitoring options and ease of set up and use.
Pros |
Cons |
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Price
There are no installation fees, and you get up to $1,400 of wireless equipment free. Below are the monitoring packages and included equipment with each package. Unfortunately, Protect America doesn’t list all of its equipment prices, so we are unable to share some of that information with you at this time.
Note: If you want a camera, you must upgrade to broadband or cellular monitoring.
Copper | Silver | Platinum | |
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Landline Monitoring Price/Month | $19.99 | $37.99 | $42.99 |
Broadband Monitoring Price/Month | $41.99 | $49.99 | $54.99 |
Cellular Monitoring Price/Month | $41.99 | $49.99 | $54.99 |
Control Panel | |||
Door/Window Sensors ($39.99) | 3 | 9 | 14 |
Motion Detectors ($99.00) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Yard Signs ($12.00) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Door/Window Sticker ($2.25) | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Additional Equipment
Below is a list of additional equipment offered by Protect America. We’ve included the prices for equipment we were able to obtain.
Cameras:
- Indoor $99.00 | Outdoor | Doorbell Camera $179.00
- We’ve dedicated a separate article to go more in-depth on the Protect America cameras.
Home Security:
- Keychain Remote $49.00 | Glass Break Sensor $99.00 | Garage Door Sensor
- Recessed Door/Window Sensor | Ion Plunger Recessed Door/Window Sensor
Life Safety:
- Smoke Detector | CO Detector | Firefighter Sensor | Water/Freeze Sensor | Medical Alert Pendant
Home Automation:
- Smart Door Locks* | Linear Garage Door Controller | Smart Plugs | Smart Thermostats**
*Smart Door Locks: August Smart Lock | Kwikset 916 Touchscreen Deadbolt | Yale Z-Wave Touchscreen Lock | Kwikset 910 Push Button Deadbolt | Yale Z-Wave Push Button Deadbolt
**Smart Thermostats: GoControl Z-Wave Thermostat | Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Read Our Full Review Of Protect America
SimpliSafe Review
SimpliSafe is one of our top picks in our annual home security systems reviews, and it’s Amazon Alexa-compatible. Through Alexa, you can voice control the security system and door locks, but you can’t disarm your system or unlock locks with voice commands.
If you’re going to integrate your SimpliSafe system with Alexa, you’ll have to pay monthly for their highest level of monitoring. Also, you won’t be able to use direct commands when you’re asking Alexa to complete a task, and security cameras aren’t compatible.
Pros |
Cons |
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Price
Here is a sample of SimpliSafe packages. Visit their website to see all the packages available.
Build Your Own | The Foundation | The Essentials | The Hearth | The Knox | The Haven | |
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Price | Varies | $229 | $259 | $374 | $449 | $489 |
Number of Pieces | 100 maximum | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 14 |
Base Station | $114.99 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Wireless Keypad | $69.99 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Entry Sensor | $14.99 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
Motion Sensor | $29.99 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Keychain Remote | $24.99 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
Smoke Detector | $29.99 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
Siren | $59.99 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
Panic Button | $19.99 | 1 | ||||
Freeze Sensor | $29.99 | 1 | ||||
Water Sensor | $19.99 | 1 | ||||
SimpliCam | $99.00 | |||||
Glass Break Sensor | $34.99 | |||||
CO Detector | $49.99 | |||||
Video Doorbell Pro | $169.00 | |||||
Smart Lock | $99.00 |
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Monitoring
Monitoring is not required; however, the SimpliSafe system only integrates with Amazon Alexa if you pay for the interactive monitoring plan monthly.
Standard | Interactive | |
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Price Per Month | $14.99 | $24.99 |
24/7 Professional Monitoring | ||
Cellular Connection | ||
Environmental Monitoring | ||
Mobile App | ||
Unlimited Camera Recording | ||
Home Automation |
Read Our Full Review Of SimpliSafe
What Other Smart Home Features Can You Use With Alexa?
This two-minute video from Amazon shows you some of Alexa’s smart home features that you can enjoy in addition to using it with a home security system. Many smart home devices are compatible with Alexa, including thermostats, lights, plugs/outlets, sprinkler systems, vacuums, and more.
Meet Your Home Security Needs First
Connecting Amazon Alexa to your home security system can increase the ease of use and add to your smart home capability. However, more important is starting out with a home security system that meets your needs. Read our home security 101 article to see what features will work best in your home before deciding on a provider.
Which home security feature would you like to control with Alexa?
Tagged With: Alexa, Comparison