Consumer Reports Names The Best Home Security System For 2026
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit, independent organization with more than five million members. It frequently reviews products and services using extensive research, firsthand testing, and real customer feedback. This organization has reviewed and ranked a number of home security products, like the best lock brands and the outdoor security cameras that are worth your money. Recently, Consumer Reports released findings from a new survey to reveal the best home security system based on reviews from more than 11,000 of its members.
According to Consumer Reports' survey results, the top-rated professionally monitored home security system in 2026 is — insert drumroll here — SimpliSafe. Consumer Reports also reviewed self-monitored systems (meaning systems that don't require you to pay a monthly subscription for monitoring), and the top home security system in this category was Eufy. It's also worth noting that SimpliSafe came in second in the self-monitored category.
SimpliSafe earned top scores for the value of price paid and pricing transparency, and also scored very well in tech support. With SimpliSafe, you have the option to pay a monthly subscription for professional monitoring services or monitor the system yourself. Currently, SimpliSafe offers the first month of professional monitoring for free. In the self-monitoring category, Eufy received top marks for pricing transparency. It also earned good ratings for value and tech support.
How you can use Consumer Reports' findings to choose a home security system
Consumer Reports factored in a number of criteria that are important to consider if you're trying to choose the best security system for your home. The 12 criteria incorporated into this survey were: value of price paid, tech support, alarm and sensor reliability, wireless connectivity, ease of use, camera satisfaction, alert and notification helpfulness, pricing transparency, ease of setup, app functionality, ability to expand the system, and professional monitoring satisfaction. For those interested in a home security system, think about which of these criteria is most important to you. By pinpointing your highest priorities, it can be easier to filter through these top performers and choose the right fit for your home.
If you're shopping for a home security system, you should also consider your home's specific needs, your budget, and whether you want a professional monitoring service or if you're comfortable monitoring the system yourself. Keep in mind that if you choose to self-monitor, your system may have a more limited number of features. For example, with SimpliSafe's self-monitoring option, you'll be able to remotely activate or deactivate the system and receive notifications if it goes off, but won't receive other features like 24/7 emergency dispatch or video verification. You can find a number of the highest-rated home security systems at Costco, directly through the provider's website, or online.