Feeling Safe at Home: Top Home Security Systems + a Multilayer Security Checklist (Fishers, IN)
By Gentle Technology Services — Serving Central Indiana
You’re not overreacting. The fastest path to peace of mind is a multilayer setup: bright lights outside, a loud siren inside, paired sensors on doors/windows plus glassbreak or motion, and a simple way to call for help (panic keyfob or duress code). This guide covers top home security systems with typical costs, plus a practical checklist you can use this week.
Our Experience (home and small business)
We have hands‑on experience designing and installing security systems, and today at Gentle Technology Services (Fishers) we help neighbors with multilayer design, installation, and training—for homes and small businesses. We configure the right sensor pairings, set up dual‑path call‑outs (internet + cellular), and add life‑safety protection (smoke/heat, carbon monoxide, and water‑leak sensors) so you’re covered whether you’re home alone or the dogs are at daycare.
What “multilayer security” means (and why it works)
Deterrence: motion floodlights, signage ("Monitored," "No Soliciting"), visible cameras.
Detection: door/window sensors plus paired interior protection (glassbreak and/or pet‑friendly motion).
Communication: notifications that actually reach you (text/push), plus duress code and panic options.
Response: loud siren, monitored dispatch, neighbors you can call, and clear house numbers for first responders.
Life‑safety: smoke/heat, carbon monoxide, and water‑leak sensors—because disasters aren’t only about intruders.
Top Home Security Systems (DIY + Pro Install)
Prices are typical ranges; promos change. Monitoring is month‑to‑month unless noted. Pick the fit first, not just the price.
At‑a‑glance comparison
| System | Setup | Upfront | Monitoring/mo | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe | DIY | $250–$700+ | ~$22–$30+ | Simple, reliable DIY |
| ADT Self Setup (Google Nest) | DIY | $250–$700+ | ~$35–$40+ | DIY with ADT monitoring |
| Abode | DIY | $200–$500+ | ~$20–$25 | Automation lovers (HomeKit/Google/Alexa) |
| Cove | DIY | $300–$500+ | ~$20–$30 | Budget monitoring w/ cellular |
| Ring Alarm | DIY | $200–$300+ kits | ~$20–$30† | Households already on Ring/Amazon |
| Vivint | Pro install | $600+ (often financed) | ~$30–$50+ | “Do-it-for-me” whole-home |
Our ratings (1–5 stars) & why
We score on five factors: Ease of Use, Monitoring Value, Smart‑Home Flexibility, Pet‑Friendly Options, and Overall (not an average—weighted toward reliability and response).
| System | Ease | Value | Smart | Pets | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| ADT Self Setup | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Abode | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cove | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ring Alarm | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Vivint | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Scoring: Ease of Use, Monitoring Value, Smart-Home Flexibility, Pet-Friendly Options, and a weighted Overall score (reliability/response emphasized).
Reasoning in brief
SimpliSafe: rock‑solid monitoring and panic/duress support; cameras are fine but add cost; limited deep automations.
ADT Self Setup: ADT monitoring with Google Home app; not the cheapest monthly, but trusted dispatch.
Abode: most flexible automations (great for Apple Home); choose pet‑immune motion models for big dogs; LTE add‑on for redundancy.
Cove: lowest monthly for cellular‑backed monitoring; simpler ecosystem.
Ring Alarm: easy if you’re already on Ring/Amazon; plan tiers/changes can affect features—confirm current inclusions.
Vivint: excellent end‑to‑end system and cameras, but contracts/financing increase total cost.
1) SimpliSafe (DIY)
Best for: Fast, reliable DIY with strong monitoring
Typical equipment: ~$250–$700+ (starter kits and add‑ons)
Monitoring: ~$22–$30+/mo (cellular backup; optional camera services)
Pros: Pet‑friendly motion, easy install, panic button & duress PIN, cellular backup
Cons: Advanced camera features can add cost
2) ADT Self Setup (DIY under the ADT umbrella)
Best for: DIY with big‑name monitoring
Typical equipment: Buy upfront (kits and à‑la‑carte sensors)
Monitoring: ~$35–$40+/mo
Pros: 24/7 pro monitoring from ADT, duress codes, optional pro install later
Cons: Monthly cost higher than some DIY rivals
3) Abode (DIY)
Best for: Deep smart‑home integrations (Apple Home/Google/Alexa)
Typical equipment: ~$200–$500+ (iota hub or standard hubs)
Monitoring: ~$20–$25/mo (annual options available)
Pros: Flexible automations, keyfob + panic, broad integrations
Cons: Stock motion needs careful placement for larger pets (or use specific pet‑immune sensors)
4) Cove (DIY)
Best for: Budget monitoring with cellular backup
Typical equipment: ~$300–$500+
Monitoring: ~$20–$30/mo
Pros: Easy setup, low monthly cost, lifetime warranty on higher tier
Cons: Fewer third‑party integrations than Abode
5) Vivint (Pro install)
Best for: “Do it for me” whole‑home systems
Typical equipment: Custom packages; often $600+ (commonly financed)
Monitoring: ~$30–$50+/mo
Pros: Strong cameras/automation, hands‑off 24/7 monitoring
Cons: Highest total cost; contracts typical
Bonus (camera‑first): Arlo Home Security System — Affordable sensors + one‑tap emergency dispatch; pairs well with Arlo cameras.
Ring Alarm (DIY)
Best for: Households already in the Amazon/Ring ecosystem; very simple DIY
Typical equipment: Starter kits often $200–$300+; add sensors as needed
Monitoring: Ring changed plans in late 2024 — professional monitoring is now a $10/mo add‑on to a Ring Home plan.
• Ring Home Standard: $9.99/mo → $19.99/mo total with monitoring
• Ring Home Premium: $19.99/mo (adds 24/7 recording on some wired cams) → $29.99/mo total with monitoringPros: Easy install, broad accessory ecosystem, cellular backup on Standard+, SOS features
Cons: Pricing/plan changes; monitoring is a separate add‑on now; features vary by plan
Smart sensor pairings that work
Perimeter + interior: Door/Window on every exterior entry plus either glassbreak (for rooms with large windows) or pet‑immune motion (for rooms pets don’t roam).
Bedroom safety: Keep night‑mode on perimeter only (no interior motion), but add a small panic button bedside.
Garage/utility: Door sensor on the service door, tilt sensor on overhead door, and a water‑leak sensor near water heater/sump.
False‑alarm reduction: Mount motion sensors higher and aim away from furniture pets jump onto; adjust sensitivity for larger dogs.
Redundancy that actually matters
Dual‑path monitoring: Use broadband + cellular so alerts still get out if internet or power drops.
Battery backup: Hub and router on a small UPS; keypad and sirens with internal batteries.
Duress & panic: Program a duress code that silently alerts monitoring and carry a keyfob or place a discrete panic button.
Pet‑friendly setup tips (for dog owners)
Primary detection: rely on doors/windows + glassbreak first; add pet‑immune motion only in rooms the dogs don’t roam.
Mount motion sensors higher and aim away from furniture dogs jump on.
Use “Stay” mode at night (perimeter only) and “Away” mode when the dogs are out (add interior motion).
If you use cameras indoors, place at waist height angled slightly down to avoid constant pet clips.
Home‑alone safety extras
Share temporary access to cameras/alerts with a trusted neighbor or friend when you’re anxious or traveling; revoke later.
Panic keyfob/button placed where you naturally go (bedside, hallway). Set a duress code and practice a discreet code phrase for calls/texts.
Emergency shortcuts on your phone: enable iOS/Android SOS and add lock‑screen emergency contacts.
Front‑entry discipline: dusk‑to‑dawn porch light, No Soliciting sign, use doorbell/camera; don’t open to unknowns.
Address visibility: reflective house numbers visible from the street at night.
30‑minute “quick wins” you can do this week
Add a motion floodlight at the driveway and replace dim bulbs by entry doors.
Put a yard/window sign and house numbers that are easy to see at night.
Set up critical notifications on your phone (allow alerts to break through Do Not Disturb for alarms).
Save your local non‑emergency police number in favorites; use 911 for anything in progress.
Place a panic button where you naturally go if startled (bedside, hallway).
Walk the outside at night: fix dark corners, trim shrubs below window height, and consider a simple timer for interior lamps.
So…which one should you pick?
Want fast, reliable DIY with strong monitoring? SimpliSafe.
Want ADT name recognition without full pro‑install? ADT Self Setup.
Want deep smart‑home automations and Apple/Google/Alexa? Abode.
Want the lowest monthly bill with cellular backup? Cove.
Want a done‑for‑you system with robust cameras? Vivint.
Already happy with your cameras and just want dispatch + sensors? Arlo kit.
Need a hand?
Gentle Technology Services — Patient, caring tech support — remote, onsite, and in‑home.
Serving Central Indiana
call or txt (463) 220‑0601 • gentlecomputers.com • help@gentlecomputers.com
We can help you:
Design a multilayer system (home or small business) that matches your layout and routines
Install and train you on duress/panic, sensor pairings, and alerts that actually reach you
Add redundant internet + cellular call‑out, battery backup, and life‑safety sensors (smoke/CO/water)
No pressure—happy to do a quick call or a simple on‑site setup session. You deserve to feel safe at home.
