Top Rated Security Systems

Broadview Security Systems

• Formerly Brinks Home Security, Broadview is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has a solid reputation for reliable equipment and service. Although they can cater their systems to particular needs, their basic system includes a standard keypad with one-touch police, fire and medical response buttons; a motion detector; two door or window sensors; a master control; and signs and decals to post on the perimeter of your home. An interior siren is included as well. Additional options include smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, and they provide 24-hour monitoring for a monthly fee.

GE Concord 4

• The GE Concord 4 is a self-installed system that includes a one-year monitoring subscription with NextAlarm. It can be used wired, wireless, or a combination of the two. It comes with two door and window sensors, a motion sensor that is supposed to be immune to pets, a control panel that can handle up to 96 different zones, a battery backup in case you lose power, and an indoor and outdoor siren. The main panel has a smoke detector loop that can handle up to 20 detectors. Web access log-in and web controls are also available as part of the NextAlarm subscription.

Alarm.com

• Alarm.com is a security service that is compatible with a basic GE control panel and allows you to activate and control the system over the Internet. Because the entire system operates wirelessly, you don't have to have a landline in the home and your system still works if the phone lines go down or are disabled. Because it operates through wireless technology and makes use of the Internet, you can log into the system from anywhere in the world and check the status and make changes to your settings.You can install a system yourself or have it done for you through an Alarm.com authorized dealer. Because the system is designed to be catered specifically to you, there is not a prepackaged set of equipment outside of the main panel and the Alarm.com interface that communicates to the main control center. You can customize the system to your needs as far as how many sensors and detectors you need.

ADT Safewatch QuickConnect

• ADT is one of the largest security companies in the world. Their Safewatch QuickConnect system features a large LCD display and control panel with two-way voice communication, a motion sensor, two door and window sensors, and wireless capabilities. It also has a wireless remote so you can operate it even when you're not at the panel. It also has a backup battery that can run your system for 24 hours in the event of a power-outage.