Best Hardwired Home Security System of 2024 (2024)

You hear a lot about wireless home security these days. Even security companies themselves spend most of their time pushing these systems. And, as you’ll find out if you spend much time browsing our pages, there are some really great Wi-Fi systems out there.

The thing is, hardwired systems still have a lot of advantages. In the beginning, all security systems were hardwired, so you can be sure the technology has been well tested. Hardwired systems don’t go out if your home should lose power, you never have to worry about how far away from the router you place equipment, and they work even if you live in a rural area with no Wi-Fi or cellular service. In fact, many of the systems on this list also appear on our list of the best systems for rural homes.

With all the hubbub about Wi-Fi, fewer and fewer companies are offering hardwired home security these days, which is a shame. We know of three systems that are definitely worth talking about. Which one is right for you? That will depend on your family’s individual needs. But we promise that by the time you’re done reading through this guide, you’ll know everything you need to make the right decision.

Best Hardwired Home Security Systems

• ADT - Best With Professional Monitoring
• Vivint - Best AI-Powered Equipment
• Ring Alarm - Best With Self-Monitoring
• Lorex - Best Camera Selection

• 1 ADT - Best With Professional Monitoring

  

  SecureScore™

  9.2

  Customer Service

  8.6

  Value

  8.7

  Equipment

  9.5

  Features & Technology

  9.6

  Ease Of Use

  9.6

  SecureScore™

  9.2

  How We Review

  Overview:

  ADT isn’t just at the top of this particular list. We think it’s the best home security system out there. The company charges premium prices, but it delivers a premium service, and there’s nothing quite like being able to relax knowing your home and your family are safe. Find out more by checking out our full ADT review.

  

  Arming my ADT System

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use app
  • 24/7 professional monitoring with 12 monitoring centers
  • Cellular backup
  • SMART Monitoring technology for faster response times
  • 150 years of experience
  • Offers Google Nest Cams
  • Now offers DIY components via ADT Self Setup

  Cons:

  • Requires a contract; 36 months minimum
  • Installation fee costs $99 minimum
  • Limited touch-screen control panel features
  • Equipment costs more than the DIY competition

  Our Experience:

  Installation

  We found installation to be about as easy as installation gets, by which we mean we didn’t have to do it. All ADT systems are professionally installed. You can wind up paying as much as $200 for installation, but hardwired systems are tricky, and you’re almost certainly better off letting the professionals optimize your ADT system. Our installers were responsive to our wants and needs, and when all was said and done, the system worked flawlessly.

  FYI: ADT has begun offering systems with DIY installation. You save money on installation, and these systems are generally priced lower than ADT’s traditional systems.

  Monitoring

  As with installation, monitoring is professional, and you don’t get a choice in the matter. The good news is that you’re much better off with professional monitoring since you can’t possibly be available to check alerts 24/7. The even better news is that ADT operates the best security monitoring in the industry, with six centers located across the country.

  Price

  There are certainly cheaper systems on the market. Hardwired ADT systems cost upwards of $600. You can finance that equipment for up to 60 months, meaning you can get a system with no money upfront. Additionally, ADT has recently cut monitoring fees significantly. Basic monitoring is just $25 per month, down from $45. And you can add camera feeds and smart home integration for an additional $10.

  When we buy our ADT system, we always ask for professional installation for free. That means we need to pick up the phone and call, but more often than not, it works. We think that’s a small price to save up to $200 on our ADT bill.

  Know More:ADT contracts require customers to sign up for three full years of monitoring. Your commitment can balloon to 60 months if you finance your equipment. To compensate, the company gives you six months to decide whether or not you’re happy with your ADT equipment and service.

  Our Experience Testing ADT

  ADT essentially invented home security 150 years ago. We weren’t surprised, then, to find that it’s one of the few companies that still offers hardwired systems. This isn’t some fly-by-night outfit. ADT knows hardwired systems work, and in an age where everyone is offering Wi-Fi — including ADT — the company continues to offer the reliable protection of a wired connection to customers who prefer it.

  And while Wi-Fi is fine, we can testify to the value of a hardwired system. While we were testing out our ADT system, our city was hit with a massive thunderstorm — wind, rain, lightning, the works. Of course, our Wi-Fi was out for the duration. With no internet and no TV, we were forced to…gulp…read books. We never had to worry about our security, though. ADT kept working, kept transmitting to the monitoring center via our cellular connection, and kept protecting us from harm.

  Even though ADT’s equipment isn’t quite as sophisticated as Vivint’s, it is top of the line. Not only are ADT cameras highly rated, but every contract comes with full smart platform integration with both Google Home and Alexa. You can even get the Google Nest Cameras we recently tested with your ADT system. This allows you to automate your ADT system for full voice control.

  Product Specs:

  Equipment cost	Packages starting at $194.98
  Monitoring options	Professional
  Monitoring cost	Starting at $24.99 per month
  Contract length	Starting at 36 months
  Installation options	Professional or DIY
  Smart platform integration	Alexa and Google Home

  

  877-959-7762

  View Packages

• 2 Vivint - Best AI-Powered Equipment

  

  SecureScore™

  9.0

  Customer Service

  8.5

  Value

  8.4

  Equipment

  9.2

  Features & Technology

  9.5

  Ease Of Use

  9.5

  SecureScore™

  9.0

  How We Review

  Overview:

  Vivint has a lot of wireless equipment, but they also have several devices you can connect to your internal wiring. You won’t need to expose any cables with your pliers. Vivint will send a professional to take care of all the hard work and ensure your equipment is in the perfect location to deter criminals from targeting your home.

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • 4K Resolution on Outdoor Pro
  • Active Deterrence on Outdoor Pro
  • One-Touch “Callout” feature
  • Motion-Triggered Recording
  • Smartphone Controls
  • Custom Actions & Notifications

  Cons:

  • Night Vision Could be Improved
  • Outdoor Camera Pro Is Hardwired
  • Pricey Equipment

  Our Experience:

  Installation

  You won’t have to lift a finger while installing your Vivint home security system. Much like ADT, they’ll send someone to set up every device. Our technician even explained why they chose specific spots around our home. This expertise was particularly valuable.

  

  Installation Specialist, Don, Installing the Vivint Outdoor Camera

  Installation costs start from $99 and go up depending on the number of devices you have. There are guides on the website if you want to try setting up the equipment yourself. But we always recommend paying the fee, especially when internal wiring is involved.

  Monitoring

  Vivint’s monitoring prices start from $39.99 per month, and the center is available 24/7. We know this for sure.

  

  Vivint Outdoor Camera Live Video

  An agent checked up on me at 11:30 p.m. while I was out to dinner as an alarm was triggered. All I had to do was pull up the app and check the camera feed to see that the babysitter was leaving the house. I called off the alarm and went back to enjoying my dessert. It was good to know how easy it was to manage these situations no matter where I was.

  Price

  Vivint doesn’t publicize its equipment prices on its website. You’ll need to give them a call and discuss your requirements. You’ll then get a personalized quote. Prepare to be a little gobsmacked. We know how expensive some of their devices are compared to other brands like Cove and SimpliSafe. For example, the Smart Hub is $399.99, and the Indoor Camera Pro is $249.99.

  You can finance the equipment for up to five years, but this locks you into a contract. If you want to pay for everything upfront, you’ll only get a bill for the monthly monitoring fee.

  Our Experience Testing Vivint

  Vivint’s equipment is top-of-the-line. The cameras have exceptional image quality regardless of the time of day, and now they’re powered by AI, they can distinguish between people who live in your household and visitors. It even detects prowlers. A friend of mine was loitering outside while I was getting ready to go out, and the Outdoor Camera with Spotlight Pro shone a light on him. It wouldn’t stop until he was out of sight.

  

  Person Detection on the Vivint Smart Hub

  If an alarm is triggered, Vivint instantly sends a notification to cancel the alarm. We had 30 seconds, which is enough time to check the live feeds. If you don’t respond in time, they’ll call to check on you. The response time is in line with the industry average, but we’d like the option to reduce the delay to about 15 seconds. In our opinion, 30 seconds is plenty of time to break in, grab our valuables, and take off.

  FYI: You can receive alerts on your smartwatch and even operate equipment using the Vivint app. We used it to unlock our front door and let friends inside while we were in the backyard.

  Product Specs:

  Equipment cost	Contact Vivint for a quote
  Monitoring options	Professional
  Monitoring cost	Starts from $99.99
  Contract length	Up to five years when financing equipment
  Installation options	Professional
  Smart platform integration	Alexa and Google Home

  

  855-934-0535

  View Packages

• 3 Ring Alarm - Best With Self-Monitoring

  

  SecureScore™

  8.2

  Customer Service

  8.0

  Value

  8.3

  Equipment

  8.4

  Features & Technology

  8.2

  Ease Of Use

  7.9

  SecureScore™

  8.2

  How We Review

  Overview:

  Overview

  Ring doesn’t offer complete hardwired systems the way ADT does. Instead, you have to purchase equipment a la carte. On the other hand, Ring doesn’t come with a lot of strings attached. You have choices when it comes to equipment and monitoring. That makes it a great hardwired system for anyone who wants a bit more control over their security. Read our full Ring Alarm review for more information.

  

  Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Equipment

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Plenty of security and doorbell cameras to choose from
  • Affordable professional monitoring ($20 per month or $200 per year)
  • 30-minute DIY installation
  • Seven-day practice mode for new professional monitoring subscription
  • Loud built-in siren

  Cons:

  • Limited sensor options
  • Has had privacy and security breaches (which have been resolved)
  • Cameras need a subscription to record
  • Slower professional monitoring response times

  Our Experience:

  Installation

  If you go with Ring, you’re on your own when it comes to installation. The DIY process is pretty straightforward, though. Ring makes it easy by offering step-by-step instructions on the Ring app every time you connect a new device. Plug in a camera, and Ring will walk you through the entire process. Wired setups can take a little longer since you may have to find an outlet and worry a bit more about positioning equipment. Even so, we went from opening our Ring equipment boxes to a fully installed system in around half an hour. Check out our installation guide, which can get your Ring doorbell working in six easy steps.

  Monitoring

  Unlike ADT, Ring offers self-monitoring. You can get real-time alerts and access to live video feeds for free, or for pocket change each day, you can add video recording. Ring also offers professional monitoring as well, and for a cheaper price than ADT. You don’t have the security of multiple call centers around the country, but you can count on Ring security monitors to get emergency personnel to your home quickly if they can’t get in touch with you about a problem.

  Price

  At first blush, Ring seems like a much cheaper option than full-service security systems like ADT and Vivint. Professional monitoring, for instance, is just $20 per month. Or you can go it alone with self-monitoring. You still get real-time alerts and live video feeds, and you pay nothing. We recommend going with one of Ring’s self-monitoring plans to get the full suite of DIY monitoring features. All of the features in the self-monitoring plans are included in the professional monitoring plan as well. Here’s an overview of those plans:

  Self-monitoring plan	Ring Protect Basic	Ring Protect Plus	Ring Protect Pro
  Cloud storage for video history	180 days for one camera	180 days for unlimited cameras	180 days for unlimited cameras
  Notifications with photo preview	Yes	Yes	Yes
  Ring alarm automations	Yes	Yes	Yes
  Customizable notifications	No	Yes	Yes
  24/7 professional monitoring	No	No	Yes
  Cellular backup	No	No	Yes
  Price	$4.99 per month	$10 per month	$20 per month

  Since you don’t need to buy a whole system at once, you can spread out the cost of your Ring Alarm security system without any financing. You can buy one plug-in indoor camera for $60 and call it a day if you want (see our full Ring Indoor Cam review for more). For that very reason, costs can add up quickly.

  >> Compare: Best Ring Alternatives

  Our Experience Testing Ring

  No one makes a better video doorbell than Ring. That’s no surprise since Ring actually invented these devices, and the company continues to refine the technology. In fact, we were particularly drawn to Ring because it’s one of the few companies that offer a hardwired doorbell. You can install it in the spot where your original doorbell was and use the same wiring. Attach a Ring chime, and you’re not trading in a doorbell for a camera but upgrading your doorbell to include a camera. That’s what we did when we tested the Ring Doorbell Elite.

  Ring’s not just about doorbells. It produces a solid line of home security equipment, including a wide range of cameras. We added a Ring wired indoor camera to our doorbell for just $60. That let us keep an eye on our cat while we were at work. With two-way voice control, we were even able to talk to him. We could have heard him talk back too, but he tends to be a bit of a complainer, so we muted things on his end.

  Keep in mind that Ring doesn’t offer a fully hardwired system. Components aren’t connected directly to one another and still communicate via Wi-Fi. Hardwired, in this case, means the equipment plugs into outlets. You still get the advantage of never having to worry about changing out batteries or recharging components, no matter how much you use cameras.

  Product Specs:

  Monitoring Options	24/7 professional and DIY
  Installation	DIY
  Smart Platform Integration	Alexa and Google Home
  Equipment Cost	From $179.99
  Monthly Monitoring Cost	$20
  Contract Length	1-12 months

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• 4 Lorex - Best Camera Selection

  

  SecureScore™

  9.2

  Customer Service

  8.8

  Value

  8.9

  Equipment

  9.6

  Features & Technology

  9.7

  Ease Of Use

  8.9

  SecureScore™

  9.2

  How We Review

  Overview:

  Overview

  If Ring takes one step away from the full-service options of ADT, Lorex takes a couple more. There are no packaged systems, and the only monitoring option is to do it yourself. The upside with Lorex is that you have a lot of equipment options, so you can set up a system that perfectly fits your security needs. Find out more in our Lorex review.

  

  A Lorex Indoor Camera

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros:

  • Up to 4K resolution
  • Long-range color and Infrared night vision
  • Lots of equipment options
  • Free local recording with up to 2 TB internal storage space
  • Smooth app experience
  • Strong reputation in security camera manufacturing

  Cons:

  • Overwhelming amount of options
  • No professional monitoring for cameras
  • Occasional false alarms
  • Wired cameras can be tedious to install

  Our Experience:

  Installation

  As with Ring systems, Lorex systems are entirely DIY installations. That can be a problem, especially if you purchase a hardwired system. Lorex hasn’t done much to simplify the process. There are no automatic instructions that pop up on an app. We managed to do it in around an hour, but we’re experts. And even we had to deal with a tangle of wires all over the house until we got it all stowed away.

  Monitoring

  Turns out, monitoring is entirely DIY as well. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice security. Lorex makes it easy to self-monitor. The system sends push alerts when it detects a problem, and you can use the Lorex app to check out live feeds. Plus, unlike Ring cameras, most Lorex cameras come with local storage options, so you can store and review footage for free.

  Price

  We mentioned already that Lorex offers tons of equipment. As a result, you also get a range of prices. You can pay anywhere from $60 to over $1,000. Although, when we filled out the Lorex Solutions Finder to pick out our system, we chose a complete security monitoring solution. This gave us bundles that start at $442.99. But, since there are no monthly fees, we tend to splurge a little on equipment. It also makes it easy to start small, with what your budget can support, and add equipment as you go.

  >> Save More: Lorex Black Friday Deals

  Our Experience Testing Lorex

  The big advantage of going with Lorex is camera choice. The company offers a huge selection of cameras, the biggest selection in the market, including tons of wired options. And because Lorex began as a professional-grade camera supplier, its entire inventory is rugged and durable. You never have to worry about paying monthly fees with Lorex either since monitoring is strictly DIY. In fact, it sits atop our list of best no-subscription camera systems. And to make monitoring easy, most camera models come with local storage options: DVR, NVR, or on-board recording.

  Of course, the downside of DIY monitoring is that you have to be willing and able to keep an eye on your security yourself. We’ll confess that we’re not as diligent as we should be. That’s one reason we always sign up for a professional monitoring plan if one is offered.

  While we were testing Lorex, we got an alert while we were at the movies and missed it. We always silence our phones like the pre-movie video tells us to. Luckily, it was just the mailman leaving a package. And our Lorex security system told us that in the notification thanks to one of the best facial recognition camera features we’ve tested. Still, we worried a little about what could have happened.

  What we’re saying is that you have to know what you’re getting into when you go with Lorex. If you’re a person who likes to control your security, you’re not going to find a better system than Lorex. With options galore, DIY installation, and DIY monitoring, everything is in your hands.

  Product Specs:

  Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or PoE
  Power	Wired, battery, or PoE
  Field of View	Up to 180°
  Resolution	Up to 4K
  Storage	Free local, optional cloud
  Smart Platform Compatibility	Alexa and Google Home

  View Packages

Methodology

Ever wonder how the professionals go about evaluating home security equipment? Well, it’s not easy. We keep an eye on dozens of brands, and we’re constantly monitoring the market for new products. We stay aware of how technology is evolving, in terms of not just equipment but also threats. Keep in mind that home security is a constant battle, with crooks working hard to outwit security systems and security companies working hard to stay one step ahead of them.

To create lists like this one, we have some specific factors we compare across all systems.

• Equipment: Obviously, the strength of a security system starts with the quality of its equipment. We pay attention to what types of components companies offer, how durable that equipment is, and what sorts of features those components include.
• Installation: Installing a home security system can be a big undertaking, especially if you’re setting up a hardwired system. Your best bet is usually going with a company like ADT or Vivint that offers full professional installation. However, some companies, such as Ring, do make it relatively straightforward to install a system yourself, even a hardwired system.
• Value: Finally, like everyone else, we’re interested in price, but not just in terms of bottom line. A cheap system isn’t much use to you if it’s not going to protect your home and your family. So, we focus more on value. Just what are you getting for your money? There are low-cost systems out there that can protect you. There are also high-priced systems that offer a great deal of added convenience if you can afford them.

Of course, for this list, we were also interested in whether the company offers a hardwired system. There aren’t as many of those as you might think. In addition, a lot of them function differently. ADT, for example, offers systems that are hardwired both in terms of power and in terms of how components communicate with one another. Ring offers systems that are hardwired strictly in terms of power. Lorex offers both.

Benefits of a Wired System

We touched on it a bit in the introduction, but it’s worth returning to the topic for a deeper dive. In a time when Wi-Fi seems to rule the market, why would anyone invest in a traditional wired security system? In fact, there are a number of benefits to hardwiring your equipment.

• A truly wired home security system — one in which components communicate directly with one another — doesn’t depend so heavily on a Wi-Fi connection. Your system may send data out of your home via Wi-Fi, but most wired systems come with cellular backup, so if your Wi-Fi should go down, your security won’t be compromised.
• Worried about hackers? Wireless systems are harder for bad actors to hack. The idea of someone hacking into your home security system may feel like a plot out of a B-movie thriller, but it can happen with wireless systems. To interfere with your wireless systems, someone would have to cut the wires. That’s not impossible, but it means they’ll have to get a lot closer to your house than someone who just wants to hack into your Wi-Fi.
• With wireless systems, you also don’t have to worry about constantly replacing batteries. You’ve got power cords, and that’s really all you need.
• And with a wired system, it doesn’t matter if there is a sunburst or something else that might cause electrical interference. You’re not running off radio waves, so you’re good.

If you want a look at the flipside of this coin, check out our guide to the best wireless home security systems.

Wrap-up

There’s no getting around it: Hardwired home security systems are becoming more difficult to find as more companies go the wireless route. That’s a shame since hardwired systems can offer users the extra peace of mind of knowing that home invaders can’t cut power to their security or hack in through Wi-Fi.

The good news is that there are still some companies out there that believe in this type of system. That means the only real challenge is deciding which one is right for you. If you skimmed through this guide, you may already have some idea of which one that is. We’re certain that if you’ve read through all this information carefully, you’re ready to make a choice. What are you waiting for? Get your home secure.

FAQ

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