Best Home Security System With Low Upfront Fees

What's the catch? In most cases, a long-term contract is required, which means you'll need to use their monitoring service for a number of years as set forth by your monitoring agreement. If you're okay with that, this article explores several options available to you so you can get a security system without shelling out hundreds of dollars. 

Free Equipment vs. Equipment Financing

The two popular options are free equipment and equipment financing. There's a difference between the two. 

If you choose a company that offers free equipment, you'll typically get a security system that includes a set number of devices. Your security system will depend on which monitoring service you'll choose. However, free security systems only come with basic security devices, such as motion sensors and door/window sensors. If you want to add more accessories, like glass break sensors, fire alarms, or carbon monoxide sensors, you will have to purchase them separately and pay for them upfront.

Companies with a financing option don't offer free security systems, but instead of requiring you to pay everything upon signing up, you can choose to pay the equipment cost in monthly installments, usually with 0% APR. The equipment cost is then added on top of the monthly service fee. If you cancel service without finishing the contract, however, aside from the penalty, you'll need to pay for the remaining equipment balance.

There's actually a third and better option that combines the best of both worlds. These are companies that offer equipment packages with huge discounts. You will still need to pay around a hundred dollars for the equipment package initially, but for doing that, you'll get a security system worth several hundred dollars. Your monthly fee won't increase and in case of early termination, there won't be any equipment balances to pay. 

Whichever of the three options you choose, there's a security company we can recommend.

Best Security System With Free Equipment — ADT

ADT is the oldest alarm company in the country and is arguably the most popular home security company. They are best known for their wireless security systems, professional monitoring services, and home automation platform called ADT Control. 

ADT offers two equipment packages designed to work with their monitoring services. Both packages are included for free if you set up service with them, but additional products are also sold separately in case you want to expand your security system. 

The first package, given to those who choose their entry-level plan, includes a touchscreen control panel, three wireless door/window sensors, and one pet-immune motion sensor. A yard sign and window decals bearing ADT's logo is included as well. This package is worth at least $300 if the devices are purchased individually. Take note that a landline connection is required to use this security system.

The second package, geared towards the Total Protection and Premium Protection plans, includes the same devices plus a CellGuard module. The module allows the use of cellular signal for monitoring, which is far more reliable than landline monitoring. 

Additional devices, like security cameras, key fobs, smoke alarms, and glass break sensors are sold separately. 

Keep in mind that while ADT offers free equipment, they also require professional installation. The base rate for the installation is $99, although it may increase depending on the number and type of devices being installed. 

Click here for more information about ADT's deals, prices, and promos, or read our in-depth ADT review if you'd like to know more about their products and services.

Best Security Systems With Equipment Financing — Brinks

The revamped Brinks brand, formed through a licensing agreement between Brinks, MONI, and LiveWatch, is a strong and popular option for those looking to bring down the upfront cost of setting up a security system. 

Brinks offers two equipment packages, both of which can be paid in 36 monthly installments with 0% interest. The monthly installment cost is added to the monthly monitoring cost. Alternatively, you can choose to pay the full price of the package upon signing up, essentially bringing down your total monthly bill. 

The first package offered by Brinks is designed for the Complete Home plan. It's Brinks' entry-level plan that offers home security features, remote smartphone access, and home automation. The package is inclusive of a touchscreen control panel, a motion sensor, and three door/window sensors. If paid upfront, the package is worth $499. If financed, $13.86 will be added to your monthly bill for 36 months. 

The second package is worth $599 and is inclusive of a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion sensor, an indoor camera, and a video doorbell. The monthly installment for three years is $16.64. 

You can read more about Brinks' packages and deals here or explore Brinks' features and devices in our Brinks review.

Best Security System With Big Equipment Discounts — Frontpoint

Frontpoint is currently our number 1 pick for 2019, partly because of the value that they offer. 

Frontpoint offers a total of six equipment packages, ranging between $430 and $1,332. Although the price of their packages is steep, you can easily get over $300 discount if you sign a three-year contract. For instance, you can get the cheapest equipment package for only $69 to $99, reflecting an at least $330 discount. This package is inclusive of a Frontpoint Hub, remote keypad, one motion sensor, and two door/window sensors. A yard sign, door sticker, and window decals are included as well. 

Better still, the second and third packages, cost the same ($69 to $99). The second package is a nine-piece system that includes three door/window sensors and two motion sensors, in addition to the hub, keypad, yard sign, door sticker. Window decals are also included. The third package swaps the two motion sensors with two glass break sensors. Both packages reflect a $450+ discount. 

As you go with a higher package, the discount also increases. The biggest equipment package, which is originally worth $1332.84, will only cost you $832.84. 

For more information on these packages, you can check out our Frontpoint review. You may also read our assessment of Frontpoint deals and promos to find other ways to save.