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Since its release in 2014, Amazon’s Alexa has become one of the top AI-powered virtual assistants. Users can access Alexa through any Alexa-enabled device, like Amazon’s Echo speakers. You can use Alexa to automate your home, such as turning off Amazon Fire TV or adjusting your lights, without moving an inch. All you need is your voice. Integrating some home security systems is possible so that you can use Alexa’s voice commands to control your system.
Alexa Routines creates next-level smart home automation, making several things happen simultaneously. For example, you can create a routine so that when you say, “Alexa, it’s time for bed,” Alexa will turn off the lights, reset the thermostat, lock the doors, and start playing a sleep soundscape.
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?
- 4 Reasons To Connect Amazon Alexa With Your Home Security System
- Will Connecting Alexa Make Me More Or Less Secure?
- Best Home Security Systems Compatible With Alexa
- Comparison Table
- Which Other Security Systems Work With Alexa?
- Alexa Home Security FAQs
- What Other Smart Home Features Can You Use With Alexa?
- Meet Your Home Security Needs First
4 Reasons To Connect Amazon Alexa With Your Home Security System
1. Voice Activation
Connecting your home security system to Alexa lets you 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,” and your system will be enabled—all without moving an inch.
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 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 Connecting Alexa Make Me More Or Less Secure?
Your system’s level of security and privacy will depend mainly on how well you’ve secured your home Wi-Fi network and which particular security system you choose. Our individual reviews of each home security system discuss security and privacy implications.
As for Alexa, Amazon has received criticism 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 will 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 product reviews, we try to give you as much information as possible 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.
Winner: Frontpoint Review
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 panel, lights, locks, garage door, and 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. You’ll have to ask Alexa to ask Frontpoint to complete each task. For example, to arm your security system, you say, “Alexa, ask Frontpoint to arm stay.”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two monitoring stations | Higher monitoring fees |
| 30-day risk-free trial | Doesn’t allow for direct commands |
| All plans have cellular monitoring | |
| Known for its excellent customer service | |
| Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home | |
| Self-installation | |
| No long-term contract | |
| Amazon Alexa controls security system, lights, door locks, garage door, and cameras |
Frontpoint Smart Home Skill
Frontpoint works with any Alexa-enabled device, including Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show. Frontpoint offers the ultimate level of automation, with Frontpoint Skill supporting:
- Security panel control
- All cameras (indoor, outdoor, and doorbell)
- Smart Door Lock
- Smart Thermostat
- Garage Door Control
- Wireless Light Control
- Smart Plug
5 Voice Commands To Use With Alexa And Frontpoint Security
- “Alexa, ask Frontpoint if the Garage Door is closed.”
- “Alexa, ask Frontpoint to switch on the bathroom light.”
- “Alexa, ask Frontpoint to set the office light to 75 percent.”
- “Alexa, ask Frontpoint what the temperature is set to.”
- “Alexa, ask Frontpoint to Arm Stay.”
Pricing
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.
| The Starter Pack | The Home Shield | The Family Lookout | Build Your Own | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $269.00 | $399.00 | |
| Frontpoint App |  | | | |
| Control Panel Hub & Keypad ($99) | | | | |
| Motion Sensor ($35) | | | | |
| Home Defense Kit (stickers and yard signs $2 each) | | | | |
| Door/Window Sensor ($17.50) | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Indoor Camera ($60) | | | | |
| Keychain Remote ($16) | | | ||
| Wireless Doorbell Camera ($150) | | | ||
| Smoke & Heat Sensor ($35) | | | ||
| Flood Sensor ($22.50) | | | ||
| Wired Doorbell Camera ($66) | | |||
| Outdoor Camera ($115) | | |||
| Premium Indoor Camera ($100) | | |||
| Glass Break Sensor ($37.50) | | |||
| Garage Sensor ($22.50) | | |||
| Outdoor Smart Plug ($25) | | |||
| Smart Door Lock ($100) | | |||
| Wireless Light Control ($25) | | |||
| Touchscreen ($75) | | |||
| Panic Pendant ($20) | |
Monitoring Plans
All Frontpoint security packages include 24/7 professional monitoring; however, to have Alexa skills supported, you’ll need to have the Ultimate Plan, which is $49.99 per month.
In-Depth Frontpoint Security Review
Runner-Up: Ring Alarm Review
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 doorbell cameras. Ring even has solar-powered outdoor camera options. You can also use direct commands when you ask Alexa to complete a task. Just ask Alexa; there is no need to tell Alexa to ask Ring to do it.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to smart home equipment from Ring. Ring sells some of the best video doorbells that work seamlessly with Alexa or Amazon Echo. We’ve dedicated a separate article to go more in-depth on the Ring doorbells.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has two monitoring stations | Limited equipment reduces system’s capabilities |
| Attractive equipment design | |
| If your equipment is stolen, Ring will replace it for free | |
| Professional monitoring is optional | |
| No contracts | |
| Self-installation | |
| 30-day returns | |
| Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home | |
| Option to add emergency contacts | |
| Amazon Alexa syncs with security system, lights, and doorbell camera | |
| Best Alexa camera controls | |
| Allows direct commands |
Ring Alarm Smart Home Skill
Use Ring Skill to manage all of your Ring devices using Echo speakers, Echo Show, Echo Spot, or FireTVs. Create routines, arm/disarm your system, or unlock 3rd party door locks. You can even ask Alexa to notify you when your Ring Smart Lights are running low on battery power.
5 Voice Commands To Use With Alexa And Ring Alarm
- “Alexa, turn on my backyard lights.’
- “Alexa, turn on Motion Sensor on patio light.”
- “Alexa, set Alert Snooze to 1 hour.”
- “Alexa, arm Ring.”
- “Alexa, show me the last activity from the front door camera.”
Pricing
There are two versions of alarm security systems: the 2nd generation Ring Alarm and the Ring Alarm Pro, which doubles as a Wi-Fi router. The starter Ring security kit comes with 1 base station, 1 keypad, 1 door/window contact sensor, and 1 alarm range extender. From there, packages add additional items to secure a larger area. Below is the price per kit and per item.
| 5-Piece Alarm | 8-Piece Alarm | 10-Piece Alarm | 14-Piece Alarm | 8-Piece Alarm Pro (with built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router) | 13-Piece Alarm Pro and eero 6 Wi-Fi extender | 14-Piece Alarm Pro (with built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $249.99 | $181.99 | $329.99 | $299.99 | $474.95 | $379.99 |
| Base Station (Pro $174.99) | | | | | | | |
| Keypad ($49.99) | | | | 2 | | | 2 |
| Contact Sensor ($19.99) | | 4 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 8 |
| Motion Detector ($29.99) | | | 2 | 2 | | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm Range Extender ($24.99) | | | | | | | 1 |
| Eero Wi-Fi 6 Extender ($79) | |
Ring also offers various security bundles with additional accessories, including the Echo Dot, Echo Show 5, indoor cameras, and doorbells cameras.
Monitoring Plans
Ring offers three subscription plans for watching, saving, and reviewing photos and videos captured by Ring devices. All plans allow you to create home security automation using your Ring Alarm system. Ring’s Pro plan adds 24/7 professional monitoring, starting at $20/month or $200/year.
In-Depth Ring Security System Review
3rd Place: Vivint Review
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.
Note that you can’t use direct commands when asking Alexa to complete a task, and we don’t rank Vivint as highly as some other security systems.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has two monitoring stations | Requires professional installation |
| All plans have cellular monitoring | Amazon Alexa syncs with a security system, lights, door locks, thermostats, doorbell camera, and garage door |
| Excellent home automation options | If you want cameras, you must purchase the highest monitoring plan |
| If you pay for the equipment upfront, a month-to-month monitoring plan is available | Expensive |
| Amazon Alexa syncs with security system, lights, door locks, thermostats, doorbell camera, and garage door | Four-hour battery backup |
| Security cameras are Alexa-compatible | Has one of the shortest equipment warranties we’ve seen (only 120 days) |
| Has one of the shortest equipment warranties we’ve seen (only 120 days) | |
| Must provide written notice 30 days prior to your desired cancellation date, and you’re responsible for paying the remaining balance in full |
Vivint Smart Home Skill
The Alexa app offers two skills for Vivint Smart Home:
- Complete skill – controls garage doors, locks, thermostats, lights, and arms/disarms security system. All Complete skills require you to say, “Alexa, ask Vivint to…”.
- Basic skill – works with thermostats and lighting. Basic skill does not require you to “Ask Vivint…”. Vivint recommends that you select both options.
5 Voice Commands To Use With Alexa And Vivint
- “Alexa, turn on my lights.”
- “Alexa, ask Vivint to lock my front door.”
- “Alexa, set my heat to 75 degrees.”
- “Alexa, ask Vivint to close my garage door.”
- “Alexa, ask Vivint to arm my security system.”
Pricing
Note that the equipment price is paid monthly until the equipment is paid off (total).
| Starter Kit | Premium Package | Premium Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Month | $10/month | $25/month | $41/month |
| Smart Hub (399.99) | | | |
| Door/Window Sensors ($50) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Motion Sensor ($100) | | | |
| Flood/Water Damage Sensor ($50) | | | |
| Kwikset Smart Lock ($180) | | | |
| Smart Thermostat ($170) | | ||
| Doorbell Camera ($250) | | | |
| Outdoor Camera ($400) | | 2 | |
| Indoor Camera Pro ($200) | | ||
| myQ Smart Garage Hub ($99.99) | | ||
| Key Fob ($50) | | | |
| Yard Signs/Window Decals | | | |
Monitoring
After choosing all of your equipment, you can select your monitoring plan. All Vivint monitoring plans offer 24/7 professional monitoring. To integrate with Google, you will need to purchase the Smart Home plan ($39.99/month) or the Smart Home Video plan ($44.99), which adds 14 days of video storage for up to two cameras.
In-Depth Vivint Home Security Review
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 | SimpliSafe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Starting Cost | $129.99 | $139.99 | $599 | $9.98 | $6.67 |
| Pro Monitoring Monthly Starting Cost (for smart home integration) | $44.99 | $20 | $10 | $45.99 | $29.99 |
| Contract Length | None | None | 3.5-5 Years | 3 Years | None |
| Installation | DIY | DIY | Professional | Professional | DIY |
| Installation Fee | $0 | $0 | $49-$199 | $99-$199 | $0 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 Days | 30 Days | None | 6 Months | 60 Days |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 1 Year | 120 Days | Lifetime (Must Pay Additional $) | 3 Years |
| Self Monitoring Option | | | |||
| Third-Party Monitoring | | | | ||
| Main Form Of Monitoring | Cellular | Broadband | Cellular | Landline & Cellular | Cellular |
| Backup Form Of Monitoring | Broadband | Cellular | Broadband | Cellular | Broadband |
| Amazon Alexa Compatible Features | Security system, lights, locks, thermostat, garage door, smart plug, and cameras | Security system, lights, locks, thermostat, smart switches, and cameras | Security system, lights, locks, thermostat, garage door, and cameras | Security system, lights, locks, and thermostat | Security system and locks |
| Allows Direct Commands To Amazon Alexa | | |
Which Other Security Systems Work With Alexa?
Your options are plenty regarding home alarm systems that sync with Amazon Alexa. We’ve reviewed two more companies in-depth that integrate tightly.
Many other systems also sync up 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 an excellent 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. 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.
ADT smart home skills work with Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Input, Echo Plus, and Echo Show. Remember that you must have professional installation and monitoring when choosing ADT, and security cameras aren’t Alexa-compatible.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has 10 monitoring stations | Three-year monitoring contract required |
| Six-month guarantee | Requires a technician to visit your home and install |
| Can be professionally installed in your home within one to two days after ordering in most cases | Cameras have 720p resolution, not 1080p |
| Includes basic equipment at no additional cost | Many customer service complaints for ADT including extra charges on bills, incomplete installations, high-pressure sales tactics, and more |
| Amazon Alexa syncs with security system, lights, locks, and thermostats | Among the most expensive compared to its competitors |
| Allows direct commands | May charge 75% of the remaining contract if you cancel early |
| Security cameras aren’t Alexa-compatible |
ADT Smart Home Skill
Using ADT Smart Home Skill, you can use your voice to manage your security system. Ask Alexa to arm your security system, turn the lights on or off, lock the front door, or decrease the bedroom temperature.
5 Voice Commands To Use With Alexa And ADT
- “Alexa, is ADT armed?”
- “Alexa, turn off the Porch Light.”
- “Alexa, dim the Living Room Light to 50%.”
- “Alexa, unlock the Kitchen Door Lock.”
- “Alexa, what temperature is my thermostat set to?”
Pricing
Pricing and equipment vary depending on the ADT reseller. You can get a custom quote for your home.
| Build Your Own | Smart Home | Video & Smart Home | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price/Month | $9.98 | $14.15 | $14.15 |
| Starting Pro Monitoring/Month | $45.99 | $49.99 | $61.99 |
| Touchscreen Panel ($3.33/mo.) | | | |
| Door/Window Sensors ($0.83/mo.) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Motion Detector ($1.67/mo.) | optional add-on | | |
| Smart Door Lock ($4.17/mo.) | optional add-on | | |
| Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) ($3.82/mo.) | optional add-on | | |
| Google Nest Cam (Battery) ($5.15/mo.) | optional add-on | | |
| Smoke Detector ($1.67/mo.) | optional add-on | ||
| Smoke/CO Detector ($3/mo.) | optional add-on | ||
| Flood Detector ($1.67/mo.) | optional add-on |
ADT partnered with Google in 2020. Additional add-ons are all Google Nest products. You can view the full list of security and automation equipment on ADT’s website.
Monitoring
All ADT monitoring plans offer 24/7 professional monitoring and integration with Alexa.
In-Depth ADT Home Security Review
SimpliSafe Review
SimpliSafe is one of our top picks in our annual home security systems reviews, and it’s Amazon Alexa-compatible. You can voice control the security system and door locks through Alexa, but you can’t disarm your system or unlock locks with voice commands.
If you 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 asking Alexa to complete a task, and security cameras aren’t compatible.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has six monitoring stations | Self-monitoring functionality is tied to a monthly payment plan |
| Excellent customer service | Equipment costs are higher than competitors |
| Self-installation | Website and app don’t indicate low battery |
| No contracts | No outdoor security cameras |
| Low monthly pro monitoring fee | No direct commands |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | Website and app don’t indicate low battery alert |
| Amazon Alexa syncs to security system and door locks |
SimpliSafe Smart Home Skill
Through the Amazon app, you can use the SimpliSafe system in Home Mode, Away Mode, or to check the status of your system.
5 Voice Commands To Use With Alexa And SimpliSafe
- “Alexa, ask SimpliSafe to lock up.”
- “Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I’m leaving.”
- “Alexa, ask SimpliSafe if my home is secure.”
- “Alexa, ask SimpliSafe to arm my system in Home Mode.”
- “Alexa, ask SimpliSafe for my status.”
Pricing
SimpliSafe offers various home security packages. You can also build your own system.
| The Beacon | The Lighthouse | The Haven | The Knox | The Hearth | The Essentials | The Foundation | Build Your Own | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price/Month | $23.66 | $15.66 | $17.33 | $16 | $13.33 | $9.33 | $8.33 | $6.67 |
| Base Station ($5.42/month) | | | | | | | | |
| Keypad ($2.92/month) | | | | | | | | |
| Entry Sensor ($14.99) | 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 3 | | | |
| Motion Sensor ($34.99) | 2 | | 2 | 2 | | 2 | | |
| Wireless Outdoor Camera ($189.99) | 2 | | | |||||
| Wired Indoor Camera ($99) | | |||||||
| Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera ($139.99) | | | | | | | | |
| Water Sensor ($19.99) | | | ||||||
| Smoke Detector ($34.99) | | | | | ||||
| Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector ($59.99) | | |||||||
| Temperature Sensor ($29.99) | | | ||||||
| Glassbreak Sensor ($39.99) | | |||||||
| Panic Button (19.99) | | | ||||||
| 105db Siren (59.99) | | | | | ||||
| Key Fob ($24.99) | | | | | ||||
| Extra Keypad (69.99) | | |||||||
| Yard Sign ($3.99) | |
Monitoring
The SimpliSafe system only integrates with Amazon Alexa if you pay monthly for the Fast Protect™ monitoring plan ($29.99/month). The Interactive plan also includes 24/7 professional monitoring and unlimited camera recording.
In-Depth SimpliSafe Home Security Review
Alexa Home Security FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions we’ve received from our readers. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments!
Is Alexa Guard Still Available?
Yes. Alexa Guard is a feature bundled with most Amazon Alexa devices (such as the Amazon Echo). It is Amazon’s “security solution” for its line of smart speakers. It can make it look like you’re home when you’re not (by automating your lights), and it can listen for security-related sounds, from glass breaking to the sound of a fire. If it detects any of these, it will notify you with a 10-second audio clip of the event. The events are customizable.
Alexa Guard is available from the Alexa App logged in to the same account the device is registered to. Find out more on Amazon’s Manage Alexa Guard page.
Can Alexa Control My Security System?
Yes, Alexa Guard (described above) integrates with select home security systems and lets you control your system through your Alexa-powered smart speaker or app. Supported systems include but are not limited to ADT, Abode, Scout Alarm, and Ring Alarm. More information on Amazon’s Connecting A Home Security System To Alexa Guard page.
Can I Connect My Security Cameras To Alexa?
Yes. In most cases, you’ll need an Echo Show to enable full support since managing the cameras involves video. Supported cameras include Arlo, Canary, Nest Cam, Ring, and Wyze. Examples of commands you can use include “Alexa, show the front door,” “Hide the front door,” “Answer the front door,” “Talk to the backyard,” and more.
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, starting out with a home security system that meets your needs is more important. Read our Home Security 101 article to see what features work best in your home before deciding on a provider.
Which home security feature would you like to control with Alexa? Let us know in the comments!
Tagged With: Amazon Alexa, Comparison, Smart Speakers
