Best Security System For Apartment Rental: Top Companies Reviewed And Compared

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Best Overall
SimpliSafe logo
Cheapest Professional Monitoring
Ring logo
Best Customer Service
Frontpoint logo small
Studio Apartments
Canary logo
Houses
ADT Authorized Dealer logo
Compare All Products

Home security is important whether you rent or own your home. As a renter, you most likely need a wireless security system that won’t damage the structure of the home but can also go with you when you move.

The security systems we review here can work with various rentals and budgets to fit what you need. So whether you want the basics or something more extravagant with cameras and home automation equipment, you can learn more about your options here.

Article Overview

What To Consider For Your Security System

Ask yourself these questions:

  • How many entrances are there to my home? It’s recommended to have a door sensor on each entrance to your home (e.g., front door, back door, garage entrance, sliding glass door, etc.).
  • How many windows do I want monitored? You may want to consider placing a window sensor for each or a motion sensor to cover multiple windows in one room to reduce the number of devices you purchase.
  • If you’re renting an apartment, what floor is it on? For example, if you live on the tenth floor, you may choose to forego window sensors (sensors that go on doors or windows are also called contact sensors) since the windows are less accessible.

Think about your home’s layout and make a list of the equipment you want and how many of each sensor. 

No Drilling Into The Walls

Your lease may require no nails, screws, or other drilling into any of the walls, door frames, etc. in your rental. All of the security systems in this article offer wireless equipment,* which have a “peel and stick” method for installing the equipment. No need to be concerned about sensors falling off walls — for most companies, the supplied stickies are industrial grade and made to hold heavy paintings.

*ADT also offers wired equipment, so if you opt for them you’ll want to make sure you request wireless equipment.

Best Security Systems For Renters

We chose the best security systems for renters based on system prices, monitoring costs, available equipment, warranty length, third-party compatibility options, and more.

Best Overall: SimpliSafe Review

SimpliSafeVisit Website | 888-910-1458

SimpliSafe has all the basic equipment needed to secure you apartment or rental home. There are preset packages for you to choose from, or you can build your own. You can also relocate the equipment easily when you move.

Sensor batteries last up to five years, and the base station has a 24-hour battery backup in case of a power outage. You can connect up to 100 sensors to your system, but you probably won’t need that many.

We chose SimpliSafe as our best overall pick because it has a reasonable monthly monitoring fee, a three-year warranty, uses cellular monitoring, and has a decent equipment lineup. It also has six monitoring stations through COPS, which should give you extra peace of mind knowing that if one monitoring station goes down, several other stations can answer your distress call.

Pros

Cons

  • Has six monitoring stations
  • Excellent customer service
  • Monthly professional monitoring is not required
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
  • 60-day money back guarantee
  • BBB accredited with an A+ rating
  • Self-monitoring functionality is tied to a monthly payment plan
  • Equipment costs are higher than competitors
  • Website and app do not indicate low battery alert
  • No outdoor security cameras

Price

Below is a sampling of SimpliSafe’s packages. Visit SimpliSafe’s website to see all packages available. SimpliSafe also has a Build Your Own option, which you can learn more about here.

Build Your Own The Foundation The Essentials The Hearth The Knox The Haven
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

Read Our In-Depth SimpliSafe Review

Cheapest Professional Monitoring: Ring Review

Ring Keypad

View on Amazon | Visit Website |800-656-1918

Ring offers professional monitoring at only $10 per month, which is extremely low compared to the competition. It also has a respectable equipment lineup to choose from.

You can start with the Ring Alarm five-piece kit for $199.99 , then add any additional door/window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, etc. you need. The equipment is backed by a one-year warranty.

The base station continues to work through a power outage for up to 24 hours with its battery backup. Door/window sensors and motion sensors have about a three-year battery life.

Ring uses Rapid Response for its monitoring needs, and it has two monitoring stations. Broadband is the primary form of monitoring, which we don’t consider to be as secure as cellular. However, Ring is still an excellent option for those of you who want a basic security system with a low professional monitoring fee.

Personal Experience

Our own Kimberly has a Ring Alarm security system. Here is her experience.

There are many things I love about my Ring Alarm system. My professional monitoring is extremely affordable. The app and keypad make the system easy to arm and disarm. The equipment is discreet and sturdy. The app is user friendly.

This system would work well for renters or homeowners alike. All the sensors are peel and stick, so it doesn’t leave marks on the walls, and it’s easy to take with you when you move. Plus, there are no longterm contracts.

Pros

Cons

  • Has two monitoring stations
  • 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
  • BBB accredited with an A+ rating
  • Limited equipment reduces system’s capabilities

Pricing

Ring recently came out with a second 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) – $249.99

Additional Equipment

Below is a listing of add-on equipment options.

Cameras:

  • Indoor Camera | Floodlight Cam
  • Spotlight Cams: Battery | Wired
  • Stick Up Cams: Battery | Plug-In | Solar | Elite
  • Doorbell Cameras:
    • Video Doorbell Pro | Peephole Cam | Video Doorbell Elite
    • Video Doorbell 3 | 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) | Motion Detector | Keypad
  • Range Extender | Dome Siren | Panic Button
  • Chime | Chime Pro

Home Automation:

  • Pathlight: Solar | Battery
  • Floodlight: Solar  | Battery | Wired
  • Steplight: Solar  | Battery
  • Spotlight | A19 Smart LED Bulb | PAR38 Smart LED Bulb
    • Smart Lighting Motion Sensor | Bridge  | Transformer

Life Safety:

  • Flood & Freeze Sensor | Smoke & CO Listener

Monitoring

Free Basic Plus
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 Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Live Video On Demand Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Warranty One year One year Extended
Video Recording Checkmark Checkmark
Review, Share & Save Videos Checkmark Checkmark
Professional Monitoring Checkmark

Read Our In-Depth Ring Alarm Review

Best Customer Service: Frontpoint Review

Frontpoint equipment

Visit Website | 833-654-0225

Frontpoint is commonly praised for its excellent customer service. If you run into any issues with your security system, Frontpoint is great with helping you resolve the problem. Customers say representatives are friendly and knowledgable.

In the case of a power outage, your base station has a 24-hour battery backup. Door/window and motion sensors have a five-year battery life. Frontpoint also uses Rapid Response for its monitoring (same as Ring).

Frontpoint uses cellular monitoring for all plans, has a three-year warranty, and has one of the most extensive equipment lineups in this article. If you want your security system to have dependable professional monitoring, great customer service, and more equipment options than SimpliSafe, Ring, and Canary, then Frontpoint may be the best for you.

Pros

Cons

  • Has two monitoring stations
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • All plans have cellular monitoring
  • Known for its superior customer service
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
  • Self-installation
  • No long-term contract
  • BBB accredited with an A+ rating
  • Higher monitoring fees

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
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

Cameras:

  • Premium Indoor Camera $199.99 | Outdoor Camera $169.99 | Doorbell Camera $149.99
  • We have dedicated a separate article to go more in-depth on the Frontpoint cameras.

Home Security:

  • Touchscreen $119.99 | Keychain Remote $24.99 | Digital Doorbell Adapter $10.99
  • Garage Door Tilt Sensor $24.99 | Garage Door Controller $74.99 | Recessed Door Sensor $39.99

Home Automation:

  • Smart Light Bulb $24.99 | Wireless Light Control $49.99 | Smart Door Lock $149.99
  • Smart Thermostat $199.99 is coming soon (meanwhile, any Z-Wave thermostat will also work, including the Nest Thermostat)

Life Safety:

  • CO Sensor $69.99 | Flood Sensor $24.99 | Panic Pendant $19.99

Did You Know…

Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol used for home automation equipment. Companies that support Z-Wave are able to expand their product lines to support many third-party devices, giving you access to more equipment options.

Monitoring Plans

Interactive Ultimate
Price Per Month $44.99 $49.99
Wireless & Cellular Checkmark Checkmark
Unique User Codes Checkmark Checkmark
Crash & Smash Protection Checkmark Checkmark
Geolocation Services Checkmark Checkmark
Mobile Alerts Checkmark Checkmark
Remote Access & Control Checkmark Checkmark
Sensor History Checkmark Checkmark
Live Video Streaming Checkmark
Video & Image History Checkmark
Motion Triggered Alerts Checkmark
Night Vision Enabled Checkmark
Light Control Checkmark
Smart Lock Control Checkmark

Read Our In-Depth Review Of Frontpoint

Best For Studio Apartments: Canary Review

Canary All In OneView on Amazon | Visit Website | 844-294-4163

Canary is a great option for those who have studio apartments. Canary is an all-in-one security system that includes a motion-activated camera and monitors air quality, temperature and humidity. It has a 147° field of view to capture any unwanted visitors.

Canary is unique from the other security systems in this article because it doesn’t include door/window sensors or motion sensors. It operates by detecting motion, and once detected, it begins recording and notifies you.

There’s no peeling and sticking sensors for Canary, just plug the device in, set up the app and start using it. Canary is also unique in its temperature and air quality monitoring, which isn’t something other systems in this article do.

Canary has a one-year warranty, 1080p HD quality video and night vision. It also has outdoor options in case you have a patio or outside entrance you want to monitor.

Pros

Cons

  • Great customer service, according to online reviews we’ve read
  • 100% self-monitoring
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
  • 60-day money back guarantee
  • No professional monitoring option
  • Can only connect up to four devices on the free Canary Cloud membership plan
  • Not BBB accredited, F rating

Price

Canary Pro (All-In-One) Canary View Canary Flex
Price $169.00 $59.00 Check Amazon for availability
Video Resolution 1080p 1080p 1080p
Field Of View 147° 147° 116°
Night Vision Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Motion-Activated Recording Checkmark Checkmark
Monitor Air Quality, Temperature & Humidity Checkmark
Power Plugin Plugin Wire-Free or Plugin
Person Detection Checkmark Checkmark
One Tap Access To Police, Fire & EMS Checkmark
Weatherproof Checkmark
Operating Temperature N/A N/A -4° to 113°F
Two Way Talk With Premium Service With Premium Service With Premium Service
Colors Black, White Black, Graphite Black, White
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year

Canary Cloud

  • Free Access: one-day storage of 10-second video previews for up to four devices
  • Premium Service: 30-day storage of full-length videos for $9.99/month or $99/year for five devices

Read Our In-Depth Canary Review

Best For Houses: ADT Review

Blue By ADT equipment

Visit Website | 833-276-1428

ADT offers various equipment bundles to fit your home’s layout. You can have a simple or intricate system to fit your preferences.

ADT also helps you when you move. It does require a full monitoring contract renewal of 36 months (24 months in California), though. You get $100 instant savings plus 25% off any additional equipment you may want for your new home.

Equipment can be hardwired or wireless, so you’ll probably want to ask for wireless unless your landlord allows hardwiring. Installation is done professionally, unlike the other companies in this article which have DIY installation.

Pros

Cons

  • Has 10 monitoring stations
  • Six-month guarantee
  • Can be professionally installed in your home within one to two days after ordering in most cases
  • Includes basic equipment at no additional cost
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
  • BBB ratings vary depend on your local authorized reseller
  • Three-year monitoring contract required
  • Requires a technician to visit your home and install
  • Cameras have 720p resolution, not 1080p
  • Many customer service complaints for ADT including extra charges on bills, incomplete installations, high-pressure sales tactics, and more
  • Among the most expensive compared to its competitors
  • May charge 75% of the remaining contract if you cancel early

Price

Equipment options and monthly prices can vary depending on the ADT reseller you choose. The equipment and pricing we’ve listed below are from an authorized reseller we recommend. If you’re interested in ADT, use this link to get a custom quote for your home.

And if you’d like to learn more about ADT’s camera options, you can do so in these articles: indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and doorbell cameras.

Complete Monitoring Premium Monitoring Remote Monitoring with Command Video Monitoring with Command Video and Home Automation with Command
Price Per Month $36.99 $44.99 $52.99 $58.99 $62.99
Professional Installation $99 $99 $99 $99 $199
Free Security System Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Control Panel Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Door/Window & Motion Sensors Capable Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Wireless Keychain Remote Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Pet-Friendly Motion Detector Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Monitoring Landline Cellular Cellular Cellular Cellular
Remote Control w/ Cell Phone Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Remote Arm/Disarm Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Email & Text Alerts Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Real-Time Video Checkmark Checkmark
Lighting Control Checkmark
Thermostat Control (added cost) Checkmark
Garage Door Control (added cost) Checkmark

ADT also offers a DIY option called Blue by ADT. It has a separate equipment lineup and pricing details, which you can learn more about in our Blue by ADT review.

Read Our Full Review Of ADT

Comparison Table

Best Overall: SimpliSafe Cheapest Professional Monitoring: Ring Best Customer Service: Frontpoint Studio Apartments: Canary Houses: ADT
Best Overall: SimpliSafe Cheapest Professional Monitoring: Ring Best Customer Service: Frontpoint Studio Apartments: Canary Houses: ADT
System Price Starts at $229.96 Check Amazon for availability Starts at $255.96 $169.00 Free With Contract
Self-Monitoring Monthly Starting Cost N/A Free N/A Free N/A
Pro Monthly Monitoring Starting Cost $14.99 $10 $44.99 N/A $27.99
Indoor Cameras Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Outdoor Cameras Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Key Fob Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Motion Detector Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Smoke Alarm Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Entry Sensor Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Glass Break Sensor Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Range Extender Checkmark Checkmark
Video Doorbell Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Door Lock Checkmark Checkmark
Smart Thermostat Checkmark Checkmark
Water Sensor Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark
Warranty 3 year 1 year 3 years 1 year Lifetime Through Quality Service Plan
Z-Wave or Zigbee Compatibility Checkmark Z-Wave Z-Wave Z-Wave
Amazon Alexa & Google Home Compatibility Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark Checkmark

Read More About Z-Wave & Zigbee Compatibility Options

Reducing The Risk Of Being Broken Into

Most apartment renters want a security system that has an easy DIY installation with wireless equipment that can go with them when they move. The systems above all offer this at various price and commitment requirements. For more specific guidance on apartments, don’t miss our guide on apartment home security systems.

Keep in mind that homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized. So you’re doing the right thing by researching the best one for your home. You can read more crime statistics here.

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The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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