The Top 5 Small Business Alarm Systems in 2025

Best Overall Choice: SimpliSafe Business Security

• Unmatched Flexibility: No contracts, cancel anytime.
• Fast Response: Industry-leading 25-second response time.
• Cost-Effective: Professional features at DIY prices.
• Intruder Intervention: Live agents deter criminals in real-time.
• Starting Price: $251 (equipment) + $21.99/month (monitoring).

Unlike many security review sites, we don't sell any of the systems we recommend. As commercial security system installers, we have no financial incentive to favor one brand over another.

At Forbel, our rankings come from hands-on testing, industry data, and real customer outcomes, not affiliate commissions. This independence allows us to share what genuinely works for small businesses, including the drawbacks others might gloss over.

Our Security System Rankings

Top 5 Alarm Systems Transforming Small Business Security

1. SimpliSafe Business — Best Affordable Security Solution

Score: 9.0/10

SimpliSafe delivers professional-grade protection at startup-friendly prices with no contracts required. Their standout Intruder Intervention feature and 25-second response time outperform many premium competitors.

✅ Pros:

• No contracts, month-to-month flexibility
• Intruder Intervention in real-time
• DIY saves $300-$1,200
• Video verification at $31.99/month

❌ Cons:

• 10-camera maximum
• Cloud-only storage
• No continuous recording

Pricing: Equipment from $251 | Monitoring: $21.99-$79.99/month

2. Frontpoint — Best for Growing Businesses

Score: 8.7/10

Frontpoint's modular design and cellular-first connectivity make it perfect for expanding businesses. The lowest entry price and frequent 30-40% equipment discounts deliver exceptional value regardless of your budget.

✅ Pros:

• Lowest entry price ($69)
• Cellular-first reliability
• 30-day risk-free trial
• Expandable without replacement

❌ Cons:

• 30-second mandatory entry delay
• DIY only installation
• No self-monitoring option

Pricing: Equipment from $69 | Monitoring: $14.99-$49.99/month

3. ADT Business — Best Professional Monitoring

Score: 8.5/10

ADT's 150+ years of experience and 12 monitoring centers deliver unmatched reliability. Custom solutions and professional installation guarantee comprehensive protection without gaps.

✅ Pros:

• 12 monitoring centers
• Theft Protection Guarantee
• Continuous DVR recording
• Custom business solutions

❌ Cons:

• 36-month contracts required
• Higher upfront costs
• No DIY option

Pricing: Equipment from $269 | Monitoring: $24.99-$60/month

4. Vivint Smart Business — Best High-Tech Security

Score: 8.5/10

Vivint leads in AI-powered security with 4K cameras and advanced automation. While expensive, the 75% reduction in false alarms delivers a strong ROI for tech-forward businesses.

✅ Pros:

• AI reduces false alarms by 75%
• 4K cameras with 140° view
• Smart automation included
• Car Guard fleet monitoring

❌ Cons:

• Highest cost ($599+)
• Long contracts (42-60 months)
• 12-camera limit

Pricing: Equipment from $599 | Monitoring: $30-$50/month

5. Lorex Business — Best for Self-Monitoring

Score: 7.7/10

Lorex eliminates monthly fees with professional-grade cameras and local storage. It’s the perfect solution for businesses with security staff who can monitor systems directly.

✅ Pros:

• No monthly fees
• 4K with 180° coverage
• 58-day continuous recording
• Scales to 32 cameras

❌ Cons:

• No professional monitoring
• Complex wired installation
• Requires dedicated staff

Pricing: One-time cost: $200-$5,000 | No monthly fees

Quick Comparison: Which System Fits Your Business?

Choosing the right security system requires matching capabilities to your specific needs. The comparison below breaks down the essential factors that determine which provider delivers the best value for your unique situation.

Our analysis considers installation requirements, monitoring capabilities, technology features, and long-term costs. Each system excels in different areas: SimpliSafe leads with affordability and flexibility without contracts, Frontpoint offers unmatched scalability for growing businesses, ADT provides rock-solid reliability with 12 monitoring centers, Vivint delivers cutting-edge AI technology, and Lorex eliminates monthly fees for self-monitoring businesses.

The True Cost of Commercial Fire Alarm Systems (With Hidden Savings)

Transparency in pricing helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Here's what actually affects your security investment:

Breaking Down the Real Costs

Equipment investment:

• Basic package (1-5 sensors, 1 camera): $250-$500
• Standard package (5-10 sensors, 2-4 cameras): $500-$1,500
• Comprehensive package (10+ sensors, 4+ cameras, smart locks): $1,500-$5,000

Installation fees:

• DIY installation: $0 (but factor 4-8 hours of your time)
• Professional installation: $300-$1,200 (includes optimization and training)
• Complex integration: $1,200-$3,000 (for multi-system coordination)

Recurring costs:

• Basic monitoring: $20-30/month (intrusion only)
• Standard monitoring: $30-50/month (includes video verification)
• Premium monitoring: $50-100/month (AI detection, live intervention)
• Cloud storage: $10-30/month per camera
• Maintenance contracts: $200-500/year

Hidden savings often overlooked:

• Insurance premium reductions: 5-15% annually
• Tax deductions under Section 179: Up to 100% first-year write-off
• False alarm fine avoidance: $250-500 per incident
• Reduced shrinkage: Average 30% decrease in inventory loss

Secure the Future of Your Business Today

With the growing complexity of commercial security systems, selecting the right solution for your small business can be a challenge, but it’s something you want to get right. Your business deserves unwavering protection from external threats.

At Forbel, we specialize in planning, installing, and supporting commercial fire alarm systems. Our advanced solutions incorporate the latest technologies to enhance safety and provide long-term value. Contact us today to schedule your full fire safety assessment and see how modern protection systems can help you safeguard operations and reduce risk.