Want to jump straight to the answer? The best business security system for most people is Vivint or SimpliSafe.
Business security must be a top priority for any business with a physical presence. Unfortunately, a simple locked door won’t always be enough to keep out intruders and criminals in today’s world.
From home offices to small retail shops to multisite commercial operations, there are many different business security systems available. I’ve looked at many and narrowed it down to my top seven choices.
The Top 7 Best Business Security Systems
- Vivint — Best Security System for Small Business
- SimpliSafe — Best for Low-Cost Business Security System
- ADT — Best Overall Business Security System
- Scout Alarm — Best for Small Offices
- Shield Security — Best for Custom Security Setups
- Stanley Security — Best for Commercial Businesses
- Vector Security — Best for Multisite Businesses
Today, the cost of cameras, alarms, and recording equipment is way less expensive than it used to be. For many companies, too, the setup is something they can handle themselves–no wires to run or storage devices to maintain.
I’ve narrowed down the top seven best business security systems on the market today. Continue reading to learn more about the features, benefits, pricing, and potential drawback of each one below.
Vivint — Best Security System For Small Business
Vivint is our top choice for small businesses. It’s definitely a step up from a cheap system like SimpliSafe, but the rate is still affordable for smaller organizations.
When you install a Vivint security system, you’ll benefit from 24/7 professional monitoring directly from the Vivint team. It’s common for other security systems to outsource this service to a third-party organization. But Vivint keeps this in house, which allows for 7.5x faster response times in the event of an emergency.
Here are some of the quick highlights and top wins for using Vivint as your business security system:
- Remote access from anywhere (including arm and disarm capabilities)
- Energy management tools
- Video surveillance
- Access live feed from any web device
- Set cameras to record when movement is detected
- Text alerts
- Monitor non-emergency events
Vivint starts at $29.99 per month with a $99 one-time installation fee. Unfortunately, the entry-level plans don’t include video surveillance, which most businesses want.
The pricing for video surveillance starts at $49.99 per month.
There’s no option to install Vivint on your own. Even though it’s easy to use, you’re stuck with the $99 install fee. Learn more and get a free quote at Vivint.
SimpliSafe — Best Low-Cost Business Security System
SimpliSafe is an excellent choice for business owners who want to install a security system without breaking the bank. With professional business monitoring services starting as low as $14.99 per month, SimpliSafe can accommodate the needs of lower budgets.
Unlike other business security systems on the market today, SimpliSafe won’t lock you into long-term or annual contracts. Cancel whenever you want with no termination fees or hidden costs.
SimpliSafe is easy to install as well. In fact, you can do it on your own in less than an hour. There’s no reason to schedule appointments and have a technician come out for hundreds of extra dollars.
This security system has a built-in cellular connection, so it doesn’t require a landline to operate. The built-in connectivity is secure and comes free with your plan.
A few of the top features and benefits of SimpliSafe include:
- Wireless sensors with 400 ft. range
- Portability
- Power outage protection
- SMS and email alerts
The SimpliSafe security system alerts you about break-ins, floods, fires, temperature changes, and more. If the alarm goes off, the SimpliSafe team will dispatch the police for you automatically.
While SimpliSafe is a great cheap business security system, the low price point does have a handful of drawbacks. The base package doesn’t include cameras. So you’ll pay extra for equipment.
The system is also not designed for larger properties. Businesses with more than 50 windows or over 20,000 square feet would need to look elsewhere. Visit SimpliSafe to learn more and get started.
ADT — Best Overall Business Security System
ADT is synonymous with security. The company has a long reputation for providing security and monitoring services for homes and businesses. ADT’s outstanding track record, 140+ years of service, extensive product offering, and overall ease of use make it the clear winner in this category.
Retail businesses, professional services, food and beverage, automotive shops, and manufacturing are just a handful of industries served by ADT.
ADT offers business security solutions for:
- Intrusion detection
- Interactive security
- Access control
- Video surveillance
- Video verification
- Fire protection and monitoring
- Cybersecurity
With the help of ADT, you also monitor employee productivity, reduce insurance liability, and improve the overall safety of your workplace.
ADT’s video surveillance system gives you real-time monitoring of your locations from anywhere. Videos can be stored and automatically uploaded to a cloud storage system where they can be safely accessed at a later time. You can also use ADT for onsite storage with a DVR.
ADT provides exceptional equipment and cameras for high-quality recording, day and night, indoors, and outdoors.
For a limited time, you can get three free indoor cameras installed with a 36-month monitoring contract.
Pricing for ADT business security is not available online. Contact ADT for a free no-obligation risk-assessment appointment. In most cases, you’ll receive same-day or next-day service from ADT’s team of skilled technicians and customer service representatives.
Scout Alarm — Best For Small Offices
Scout Alarm is actually branded as a home security system. But it works great for smaller spaces and home offices.
Getting started with Scout Alarm is simple. There are no long-term contracts and no hardwiring required to get set up. Simply build your system, choose your level of support, and customize the actions you want Scout Alarm to take in different situations.
If you’re not sure what type of equipment you need, Scout Alarm has bundles called “Scout Packs” available on its website. This is easier than building your own system from scratch.
The equipment bundles range from $229 to $549, depending on the size of the space that you’re trying to secure. Larger offices and spaces with multiple access points will fall on the higher end of this spectrum.
Fortunately, all orders over $200 ship for free. You’ll also benefit from a three-year warranty and 60 days for free returns.
If you’re a first-time customer and you sign up for the Scout Help email list, you can get 10% off your first order.
Once you choose your equipment, you need to select a monitoring plan. Self-monitoring costs $9.99 per month, and 24/7 professional monitoring costs $19.99 per month. I’d definitely recommend the professional monitoring service.
You’ll have to install Scout Alarm on your own. It’s not too difficult but will take some time, depending on the equipment you’re using.
Shield Security — Best For Custom Security Setups
Shield Security has been providing business security systems for more than 40 years. The company builds custom systems for companies across the nation using state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
With Shield Security, you won’t be locked into a long-term contract. Their team of security experts will give you a free security review and comprehensive analysis of your business.
Shield Security will conduct a physical assessment of your property layout to detect vulnerability points. They’ll also provide you with a checklist of security elements to keep in mind, suggest an evacuation plan, and give you a quote on the spot.
Top features of Shield Security for businesses include:
- 24/7 professional monitoring and police dispatch
- Schedule auto disarming for employees
- Power outage protection
- Smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detection
- Installation and maintenance
- Remote access
- Video surveillance
For business owners who aren’t a fan of the DIY approach or cookie-cutter solutions, Shield Security will be a top choice for you to consider. Contact them today for a free quote.
Stanley Security — Best For Commercial Businesses
Stanley Security has solutions for small and commercial businesses. Both options provide tailored systems built around your company’s security priorities.
The commercial business solutions from Stanley Security are definitely the best in the industry. Lots of the security systems that we’ve reviewed so far can’t accommodate the needs of larger buildings and businesses. But Stanley has everything you need to secure your business at scale.
Stanley Security provides security products, software, and integrated systems while prioritizing service for every step of the process. The systems are built for intruder detection, fire protection, video surveillance, monitoring, and access control.
The team of professionals at Stanley Security will handle the design, setup, and ongoing maintenance associated with your commercial security system.
Stanley Security is trusted by commercial organizations in categories like:
- Higher education
- Healthcare
- Corrections facilities
- Banking
- Government
- Retail
With banks, government offices, and corrections facilities using this system, you know that the services are exceptional, and the level of security is extremely high.
Contact Stanley Security to get started.
Vector Security — Best For Multisite Businesses
Vector Security has been providing security solutions for nearly 50 years. They work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, including:
- Small businesses
- Mid-to-large businesses
- Multisite commercial
In addition to intrusion detection, fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and video surveillance, Vector Security also provides managed services for multisite organizations.
As a commercial business with multiple locations, it’s crucial that your security system is running on the right network. But managing a robust network at scale requires time, human capital, and resources. Rather than doing this on your own, Vector Security can handle everything for you.
From the initial design and implementation to the monitoring and network operations, Vector Security manages the entire life-cycle and infrastructure of your security network.
The firm uses top-of-the-line technology like SD-WAN and IPSec VPN to connect your locations while keeping everything secure. This keeps your data and security safe as information moves between your IP network.
Pricing for Vector Security is not available online. But with that said, you can expect a custom solution like this to be priced accordingly (expensive).
How to Find the Best Business Security System For You
What’s the best business security system on the market today? Generally speaking, there is no “best for everyone” option. The best security system for you and your business might not be the best for me and mine.
With that said, there are certain factors that you need to take into consideration as you’re evaluating business security systems. These elements will help you find the best solution for your unique needs and circumstances.
Business Size
How big is your business? I’m not talking about your revenue or sales volume; I’m referring to the physical size of your storefront and offices.
Square footage, number of windows, and entry points are just a handful of things that need to be taken into consideration here.
Some security systems are designed specifically for small spaces, including small retail shops even home offices. Other solutions are built for small to medium-sized businesses. There are even security systems that are made specifically for large buildings and commercial properties.
It’s important to choose a security system that best fits your business size. Smaller spaces don’t necessarily need the complex functionalities and infrastructures associated with a multi-site operation. Cheap and DIY business security systems likely won’t be enough to properly secure a larger business.
Smaller offices can sometimes get away with using systems designed for home security. If a system has the capabilities to protect and monitor all of the doors, windows, and blind spots of a single-family home, it’s typically more than enough to handle offices with just one or two rooms. Going this route can also help you save money.
Equipment
The equipment used to set up your business security system will typically be the most expensive cost. You’ll need equipment for things like motion sensors, video surveillance, recording systems, and glass breaking detection.
Depending on the system you’re considering, you might be able to build your system online with custom equipment. In other cases, a security expert will assess your property and make recommendations for equipment based on their findings.
Certain types of equipment will be more expensive than others. For example, not every camera is created equally. If you need a camera with night vision or the ability to read faces or catch license plates, it will cost more than a basic indoor camera.
It’s common for security firms to let you finance your equipment, but it’s always cheaper to buy it outright. Plus, financing usually requires a long-term commitment.
Budget
Business security systems can be really cheap, really expensive, and everything in between.
For example, SimpliSafe costs just $14.99 per month. You’ll need to buy some equipment, but it’s still relatively inexpensive. Other solutions can cost anywhere from $50-$100+ per month, and that’s not including equipment.
There’s a fine line between protecting your business and saving money. Sometimes paying a little more can help protect you from incurring more costs down the road. For example, a single burglary could cost you significantly more money than the cost of a monthly monitoring service.
Make sure you find a security system that fits within the budget for your business. There’s a fine line between skimping out on necessary features and buying products or services that you don’t need. So find that middle ground.
Services
Aside from providing you with cameras, motion detectors, and other equipment, the real value of a business security system is the service. In many cases, you can’t just buy a camera without paying for ongoing monitoring services.
Every solution on our list has some form of 24/7 monitoring and police dispatch, although some are better than others.
Look for other services like installations, free on-site assessments, and ongoing maintenance.
For a multisite commercial business, you’ll also need to prioritize network services and infrastructure design.
Setup
How will you get your business security system up and running?
Some systems you can set up on your own for free, some require professional installation, and others allow you to decide for yourself. Does the security system require a phone line to work properly? Is hardwiring necessary? How long does the setup take?
Generally speaking, higher-quality security systems will require a technician to come out and install it for you.
But if you’re just looking for a motion detection system or camera for a small office, you can likely set that up on your own.
For larger spaces, I strongly recommend a professional installation. Even though many systems make it easy to set up on your own, there’s a good chance you’ll miss some blind spots. So, it’s worth it to get your system installed professionally, even if it means paying a little more.
Best Business Security Systems: Your Top Questions Answered
The Top Business Security Systems in Summary
The best business security systems can help detect and prevent theft, vandalism, trespassing, and more. Upon installation, a security system will give you peace of mind knowing that your business is protected 24/7.
For businesses on a tight budget, SimpliSafe will be ideal for you. Small businesses should lean toward Vivint or Scout Alarm. If you want a custom setup, choose Shield Security. Commercial companies and multisite organizations would be better off with Stanley Security and Vector Security.