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8 min read
Reviewed ByAlina BradfordA 12-year multi-media reporter, Katie tests moving services and home tech. A first-time homeowner, her work appears in AARP, Forbes, and SafeWise.
Top pick: Frontpoint takes the top spot for having the most top-notch home security systems for apartment renters. Frontpoint’s excellent customer service, straightforward installation, easy relocation, and optional smart home equipment options outweigh the price and make it the best value.
If you're just getting started, check out ultimate guide to home security to learn more about common sensors and our favorite brands.
These brands also work well in non-apartment rental properties, like houses or duplexes.
Company | Lowest monitoring price | Starter kit price | Self-monitoring available | Smart home compatibility | Company website |
|
$24.99/mo
|
$69
|  No | Moderate | See packages | |
|
$21.99/mo
|
$249.96
|  Yes | Low | See packages | |
|
$19.99/mo
|
$180
| No | Low | See packages | |
|
$24.99/mo
|
$159.99
| Yes | High | See packages | |
|
$29.99/mo
|
$199
| Yes | Moderate | See packages |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability subject to change.
Frontpoint costs a little less than the average monitoring price per month ($24.99/month versus $31.83/month) and it offers everything you need to protect your apartment. And none of its essential equipment like the base station, cameras, and sensors require drilling or putting holes in your wall (your landlord can thank you later for that).
Frontpoint combines the elements of a traditional security system with more DIY security features like video analytics, app control, and a refreshingly helpful customer service staff. Top that off with an easy process for moving to a new address when your lease is up, Frontpoint fits the bill.
However, pricing can be a little confusing between buying online and calling in for an order.
No drilling or holes required
Helpful extras like ID theft protection
Smart home devices
Moving kit and easy relocation 
Priced differently online and on the phone
Can be expensive monthly 
Frontpoint has some a slightly confusing approach to online and call-in customers. If you buy a system online, you'll have to agree to a 3-year contract. Call in with your order and you can pay month-to-month. You can still shop online to find what you want, we just recommend ordering over the phone once you're ready.
Frontpoint's monitoring fees range between $24.99 to $34.99 per month and starting equipment packages land between $69 and $380 up front, depending on whether or not you add a security camera.
For that cash you get enough sensors and tech to guard a one or two bedroom apartment. Frontpoint also has compatible smart home gear like its smart lock, lights, plugs and more to expand your system and automate through the Frontpoint app.
Apartment renters will hold onto a good place as long as they can. But if it seems like you're on the move every year, Frontpoint makes taking your system with you a breeze.
Just call customer service, and they'll send you a moving kit to make relocating with your whole security system easier.
Along with the standard home security equipment like sensors and cameras, Frontpoint has smart home gear like smart locks, lights, and garage door openers. It also stands out with clever services like ID theft protection through Allstate, personalized emergency response, and crash and smash protection for your security hub.
Learn more from the Frontpoint review on our sister site, SafeWise.
SimpliSafe offers easy DIY installation, affordable equipment, and professional monitoring that you can turn on or off each month. It’s perfect for temporary or long-term renting situations.
We love that you can customize your security system from the ground up and monthly fees come without a contract no matter which service plan you choose. These monitoring fees range from $10/month (camera-only features) to around $80/month for its plan which includes video, Live Guard, and smart home integration.
It’s important for you to take all necessary precautions to avoid unintentionally sharing your security information. Be sure to do things like use unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, add authorized users instead of sharing credentials, and regularly change passwords.
SimpliSafe's Live Guard option is one of the most unique we've seen in home security. With that Fast Protect plan, you can enable a live SimpliSafe monitoring pro to speak through your indoor camera if the system is triggered while armed. So whether it's a housesitter accidentally setting off the alarm or something much, much worse, your system will have a real human behind it to help make the call.
Several monitoring plan options
Customizable equipment
Easy to install
Lacks smart home options
Need subscription for camera recording While we're big fans of SimpliSafe's Fast Protect option, it isn't the only one available.
If you prefer to lean more on video and security cameras to protect your apartment, SimpliSafe's Self Monitoring with Camera Recording plan (around $10/month) is the perfect option.
The equipment’s easy to set up (just peel, stick, and go) but professional installation by SimpliSafe certified technicians is also for a fee.
You can choose a combination of hazard and intrusion sensors to alert you of fire, flood, freezing, and break-ins.
Overall, from setup to daily use SimpliSafe is an affordable DIY security solution that's well . . . simple. And its customizable packages make it great for small living spaces that don't need a ton of cameras and sensors too.
Read a full SimpliSafe review on our sister site, SafeWise.
Cove has low-committment monitoring options, making it ideal for renters who aren’t sure how long they’ll stay put. Its equipment packages are entirely customizable beyond its starter kit, leaving you with a system you can afford for the space you need.
In years past, Cove's weakest spot was its home automation and camera offerings. But that's changed with its new partnership with camera brand superstar, Eufy.
It's also debuted its new touchscreen panel and smart hub that offers cellular backup in case of power and internet outages.
Fully customizable
Pre-programmed equipment
RapidSOS and Cove Credits
Excellent customer service
Home automation still in development
More value for larger spaces Most home security systems offer equipment packages with a set amount of sensors, cameras, and doodads. Not Cove.
Other than the hub and control panel, everything in your home security kit is up to you. Thankfully, Cove has a whole buffet of sensors to choose from. There's intrusion sensors for doors and windows, motion, and broken glass, environment sensors for hazards like fire, carbon monoxide, freezing, and flooding, even a medical alert pendant for folks with disabilities living alone.
This all means that prices can vary depending on how much gear you get for your rental. But you could expect around $300-$500 up front for a system that includes multiple sensors, a camera, and other accessories.
When our friends at SafeWise tested Cove, one of their favorite features was the easy-breezy setup. One of the many perks of such a customized system includes getting all of your equipment pre-configured.
Your hub and touchscreen panel comes ready knowing what else is in your systems, making setup extra easy. And like most DIY systems, sensors come with a sticky adhesive backing, so no drilling or holes required to put them into place.
Cove didn't get our customer service pick for nothing. Its reps are helpful and knowledgable, allowing you to get quick answers when you've got big questions. Along with the friendly service, Cove throws in bonus features with its top monitoring plan ($27.99/month) like RapidSOS and Cove Credits.
RapidSOS stores basic, time saving information and forwards it to emergency responders whenever you need assistance. This cuts down on response time, allowing you to get help faster.
Our other favorite perk is called Cove Credits which gives you in-store credit with Cove every month you subscribe to Cove Plus, allowing you to rack up money to upgrade or expand your system.
Abode is one of the only DIY security systems that offers a truly self-monitored plan for around $6 per month. Its app is completely free and allows you to view live feed on camera, arm and disarm your home, and check the system's history.
Most home security systems charge some kind of monthly fee to help you watch over your home. Usually these fees go to supporting professionals to answer any alarms or triggers the system sets off and alert you that something is happening.
But if you're up for the job yourself, self monitoring with Abode might be the best way to cut down on those monthly fees. Along with having a self-monitoring option ($6/month), Abode is highly compatible with Zigbee, Z-Wave, Google, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit-linked gear, making it the ideal security component for a smart home system.
Zigbee, Z-Wave, Google, Amazon, and HomeKit compatible
Low monthly cost for self-monitoring
Perfect for small spaces
Lackluster cameras
Best with third-party equipment Abode has three main system kits to choose from ranging between $160 to $380. Each comes with sensors, keyfobs, and a main hub that connects everything together. In addition to these main kits, you can add extras to your system from Abode or a number of compatible third-party products like smart locks, lights, cameras, and other smart home gear.
Self-monitoring means the user watches the system. If a breach happens, you must contact the authorities on your own. Professional monitoring means that a company keeps an eye on the system from a central station. The company calls the authorities in the event of an intruder or other security issue.
If you've only got a one-bedroom or studio apartment to look after, you won't need to spend much for a full-fledged security system. While Abode's kits cost a little more up front, the equipment you get with it is perfectly sized for small spaces like apartments and studios.
Check out an in-depth review of Abode on SafeWise.
Ring is a renter's favorite for its low-commitment monthly fees and huge range of security cameras. Whether you rent a high-rise apartment or a condo with a yard, you can get eyes on your place for as low as $4/month.
Ring's security system is worth a look too, though may of its kits are better for larger rentals. If you live in apartment, its five-piece kit comes with two contact sensors, a motion sensor, keypad, and base station, making it suitable for smaller spaces.
Wide range of camera choices
Contract-free monitoring
Affordable monthly and equipment prices
Average video quality
Limited compatibility with Google and HomeKit While Ring made its name with video doorbells, it now has a fleet of indoor and outdoor camera options for watching over different types of homes. There are indoor cameras to watch your pet while you're at work, floodlight cameras for your patio, and even a peephole camera perfect for apartment dwellers.
These cameras are also super customizable, allowing you to set privacy and activity zones focusing on what you want to watch and avoid.
Ring's cameras generally record in 1080p HD which is standard for most home security cameras and you can cut down on monthly costs by opting for the camera-forward Ring Basic plan at $4/month.
Ring's monthly plans range between $4 to $20 per month, making it cheaper than most. The average security system costs around $32/month typically.
Read the Ring alarm review from our friends at SafeWise to learn more.
Yes, systems on this list like SimpliSafe and Abode can work without any monthly fee. But it cuts your access to essential features like video recording, automation, and full app access. If you want to skip the monthly fee, it's better to opt for security cameras with local storage like those found from Eufy, Reolink or Tapo.
It might! Just chat with your insurance provider during the decision-making process. They might have a deal with some brands or have specific requirements for a discount.
Brands like Cove and SimpliSafe can provide you with a certificate to prove your coverage.
Equipment and monthly cost: Security systems usually charge for equipment and professional monitoring services separately. Take into account both the up-front costs of equipment and the monthly fees.
Flexibility: Look for flexible contracts or even monitoring without a contract to simplify your situation when you move.
Installation: DIY systems (no installation fees!) with easy, wireless installation are your friends. Relocating the equipment will be effortless when you leave your rental (and you won’t leave any ugly holes behind to take a dent out of your deposit!).
Wireless equipment: Chances are good that your property manager won’t appreciate drilled holes in the walls, so find a wireless security system that connects to your Wi-Fi network.
Expandability: Your next home may require a different setup, so you want a system that can expand to fit your space. Look for customizable equipment packages.
Home automation: Does your security system jive with the smart home products you have (or want to have)? Find a system that will streamline, not complicate, your home control.
While professionally monitored systems cost a little more per month, it means there's extra eyes on your apartment. Self-monitoring requires consistent vigilance and patience for false alarms. Paying more per month for professionals to take care of it can help you in an emergency.
Brands like Frontpoint, SimpliSafe and Cove are especially helpful to renters. All you need to do is call customer service and tell them you're moving your system. These brands often have moving guides or will send kits to you for packing all your equipment safely.
That’s a big reason most of the systems we’ve recommended have no contracts. And all of them are wireless systems that don’t have to be drilled into walls. You can easily pack them up and bring them with you.
We recommend a door sensor for every entry into your apartment and ground-level window. The smaller your apartment, the fewer sensors you'll need. But a motion sensor in your main entryway and a contact sensor on the front door or any outside exits is best.
The average cost of a burglary lands around $3,000 while the average yearly cost for security monitoring is under $400.
The perfect apartment security system is going to depend on your situation, but you have lots of options. Consider how often you’ll be relocating, how much you can afford, and how important smart home integrations are.
Frontpoint: This is your best value with options for high-quality customer service and support.
SimpliSafe: Flexible monitoring, low costs, and easy installation--what more can you ask for?
Cove: Customizable kits; no contracts required, and awesome customer service.
Abode: When home automation is a top concern, and you don't want to pay for professional monitoring, this is a safe bet.
Ring: If you need to save money and have an excellent DIY setup, Ring can help.
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