The best home security system in New Jersey

Vivint offers a robust lineup of automated home security and the most flexible automation options out of our four favorite companies. Perfect if you want to bring home next-level automation and intuitive controls, but in just the combinations you choose.

One comment we heard over and over from our testers was that they loved Vivint's mobile app. Like the ADT app, it lets you do things like lock and unlock doors, view smart cameras remotely, change the temperature in a specific room, or even arm and disarm your entire system.

We expected it to be one of the more confusing systems to navigate with all of those options. But our tester reported the opposite, saying the app was so intuitive that they found themselves using it even when they were inside the house, ignoring the sleek command center. And they're not alone: Vivint has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating in the App Store, compared with 4.8 and 4.6 stars from ADT and Frontpoint, respectively.

As much as we love Vivint's high-tech equipment, it does come at a price. Vivint pushes you to purchase your equipment outright. The advantage to going this route is that your contract is month-to-month, and a rental fee won't inflate your bill. But it does require an initial investment. On the bright side, you only purchase the equipment you want, so you aren't forced to pay for expensive gadgetry you'll never use.

If you choose to rent the equipment, you're locked into a five-year contract with a tiny three-day trial period. Vivint's advanced technology also requires professional installation, unlike ADT and Frontpoint, which both offer DIY installation packages. If you're not ready for that kind of commitment, we recommend checking out Frontpoint.

If you're not comfortable making the substantial financial commitments that ADT and Vivint both require, Frontpoint is a great way to test the home security waters without necessarily diving in headfirst.

Where ADT and Vivint only offered measly three day trial periods, Frontpoint went for a comparative eternity: 30 days to decide if you want to commit to a longer contract. It is the only company that doesn't offer any professional installation -- you'll have to do it all yourself -- but our testers generally found that this wasn't too much of a hassle.

Its website is personalized to guide you through your specific package's installation with thorough guides, video tutorials, and a detailed FAQ section that helps you quickly solve any problems that pop up along the way. If you're still having issues for some reason, we're confident that Frontpoint's customer service will have your back.

From our first phone call, Frontpoint's reps made us feel taken care of in a way that ADT's and Vivint's didn't quite manage. They patiently answered all of our questions and asked many smart ones themselves, helping us get the best security for our home's unique layout. We never felt like they were pushing us towards a specific package, either. Frontpoint's reps come off as invested in helping you find what fits your needs best.

Home security is an industry where name recognition matters. According to a study from the University of North Carolina, over 60% of potential home intruders are deterred by a security sign or sticker. That's good news for ADT customers, as its blue shield is by far the most well-known in the home security world. There's a reason the brand enjoys such instant recognition: It's been defending homes since 1877, and it has the largest customer base of any company we saw, with over 6 million active subscribers.

While ADT's logo is ideally the only deterrence you'll need, it's backed up by truly cutting-edge home security technology. It has motion sensor video cameras, remote control options, and a simple command layout to use at every step. We loved how we could monitor all of our cameras remotely using the app. That way, if an alarm is triggered, we'd be able to tell which one specifically was set off, check the live feed, and begin taking the next steps immediately.

We were also impressed by the level of customization that ADT boasts in both its plans and technology. If you only want basic home security features like 24/7 monitoring by ADT professionals, plans start at $36. In its most expensive plan, you can go up from there, adding extras like smart thermostats and remote light controls.

We also loved the attention to detail in things like vacation mode, which adjusts your room temperature and lights while you're away for maximum protection. You can even program your system to react to specific situations, like having your doors unlock automatically if a fire is detected.

The main downside to ADT is that you'll be locked into a three-year contract, and you'll only get three days to try it out before making your decision. If you're not comfortable making that kind of commitment, consider Frontpoint's annual contract or Vivint's month-to-month plan.

You'll be seeing a lot more of SimpliSafe in the home security space. Its no-contract options and updated equipment get it on the podium with industry leaders like Frontpoint and ADT. A Reviews.com survey found that 46% of U.S. adults cite the cost of home security as their main barrier, and Simplisafe seeks to eliminate that. Simplisafe users interested in DIY monitoring need only purchase their equipment and tackle the straightforward drill-free setup. In contrast, those who opt for the professional monitoring and 24/7 live alarm service can choose from six package options, starting at $15/ month. You can cut your startup costs even further by opting for a refurbished Simplisafe system. If you aren't happy with your Simplisafe system after 60 days, Simplisafe will issue you a full refund, complete with return shipping costs.

One caveat to bear in mind when choosing Simplisafe: their included security camera can fall a little short when it comes to indoor and outdoor cameras, but it still provides free streamable HD video and audio, 30 day-storage, and night vision.