Hey Google, what are the best security systems to use with you?
You probably use your Google Home Voice Assistant for all sorts of things — convenience, entertainment, cheating at Jeopardy — but did you know you can use the app to set up, manage, automate, and control thousands of smart home and security devices in one centrally located place?
It’s true. Google Home is a great partner for home security, but if you want to maximize your system, you’re going to have to pick the right one. Don’t worry, though — I’ve spent years testing security equipment, and I’ve put together this comprehensive list of the best home security systems that work with Google Home.
Before we get going, here’s a quick punch list of the criteria I used to develop the following list:
- Google Home Integration
- High-quality equipment
- Installation options
- Reputation
- Price
Now that you have a good idea of how I’m judging these systems, let’s start breaking them down!
Feature Comparison of the Best Google Home Security Systems
| System | ADT
| SimpliSafe
| Vivint
| Cove
| Brinks Home Security
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 Best Professional Monitoring | 9.2/10 Best DIY Option | 9.4/10 Best Smart Home Features | 8.7/10 Most Affordable | 8.6/10 Best Reputation |
| Installation Options | DIY or Professional | DIY or Professional | Professional Only | DIY or Professional | Professional Only |
| Best Subscription Price | $45.99 Per Month | $9.99 Per Month | $19.99 Per Month | $17.99 Per Month | $39.99 Per Month |
| Professional Monitoring Cost | Included | $29.99 Per Month | $40 Per Month | Included | $39.99 Per Month |
| Equipment Package Costs | Starting at $599 | Starting at $250 | Starting at $600 | Must Customize Package | Starting at $360 |
| Read Review | ADT Review | SimpliSafe Review | Vivint Review | Cove Review | Brinks Home Security Review |
Best Google Home Security Systems
- ADT - Best Professional Monitoring
- SimpliSafe - Best DIY Option
- Vivint - Best Smart Home Features
- Cove - Most Affordable
- Brinks Home Security - Best Reputation
-
1. ADT - Best Professionally Monitored Security System for Google Home
SecurityScore:
9.8 /10
855-908-4461
View Packages
How We Review
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $599 Monitoring Options Professional Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $25 per month Contract Lengths 36 months and up Installation Options Professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home 855-908-4461
View Packages
ADT Overview
There’s a reason why ADT is at the top of my list of best home security systems. Actually, there are several reasons. There’s ADT’s century and a half of experience in the home security business, its top-of-the-line 24/7 professional monitoring, its intuitive app, and its highly responsive customer service.
Pro Tip: Looking to save on an ADT system? Check out my guide to ADT’s deals.
Also, ADT now works directly with Google, which means not only is ADT compatible with Google Home, but it’s now supported by Google’s technology. ADT customers can purchase the following Google Nest products through ADT and have a professional installer set them up in their homes:
- Nest Doorbell (battery)
- Nest Cam (battery)
- Nest Cam (wired)
- Nest Cam with floodlight (wired)
- Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and Nest Hub Max
- Nest Mini
- Nest WiFi and WiFi Point
- Nest Learning Thermostat
- Nest Thermostat
- Nest Aware
- Nest Aware Plus
So that’s pretty handy! Let’s take a quick look at some pros and cons of working with ADT, and then we’ll talk about how to integrate an ADT system into your Google Home network.
Pro Tip: Looking for everything ADT offers without the big price tag? Check out my favorite ADT alternatives.
What We Like
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Top-of-the-line equipment
- 145+ year history in the security business
- User-friendly app
- Plays well with Google
What We Don’t Like
- Minimum three-year contract
- Relatively high prices
- No self-monitoring options
- Requires professional installation
Using ADT With Google Home
Setting up ADT with Google Home is a relatively simple, straightforward process. If you’re comfortable with the Google Home app, it shouldn’t be an issue for you. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet
Step 2: Tap “Devices”
Step 3: Tap “Add New Device”
Step 4: Choose “Works with Google”
Step 5: Select “ADT Smart Home,” and then follow the steps to complete setupIn all, this process took me about 20 minutes to complete. For context, I have a pretty small home — about 1,600 square feet — and it doesn’t take a whole lot of equipment to secure it. For my test, I used three ADT contact sensors, a glass break sensor, two Nest Cameras — both indoor and outdoor — as well as a flood sensor.
ADT Monitoring
Currently, there are no options to self-monitor an ADT system. For that, you might want to check out my list of the best self-monitored security systems. That said, your monitoring fees are going to cost you anywhere between $40 and $60 per month. It’s not the cheapest in the industry, but for what you get, ADT’s pricing isn’t half bad. I’ve tested this monitoring by triggering it several times, and each time I got a response in about 30 seconds or less. That’s about industry average, and I consider that 30-second mark to be the sweet spot. You still have plenty of time to call off a false alarm, but not enough time for burglars to make off with your valuables.
>> Compare: ADT vs. Frontpoint
If you want to talk specs, ADT has nine interconnected, redundant monitoring centers. What that means is that if one center fails to operate — if there’s a natural disaster in the area or something similar — your service isn’t going to be affected at all. This isn’t something you’ll get from most other providers. Most brands will only have a few monitoring centers spread across the nation. Something to keep in mind!
ADT Costs
There are three packages to choose from, including a DIY option called ADT Self Setup. I have a whole ADT Self Setup review that you can take a look at, but here’s the most up-to-date information on their three primary security packages.
Package name Build Your Own Smart Home Video and Smart Home 24/7 Professional monitoring Yes Yes Yes Remote arming and disarming Yes Yes Yes Customizable alerts, schedules and automations Yes Yes Yes Live Streaming from mobile devices No No Yes Record and save clips No No Yes Digital panel Yes Yes Yes Entryway contact sensors Yes Yes Yes Keychain remote Yes Yes Yes Motion detector Yes Yes Yes Yard signs Yes Yes Yes Window decals Yes Yes Yes Smart light bulb Not included Yes Yes Smart thermostat Not included Yes Yes Garage controller Not included Yes Yes Smart plugs Not included Yes Yes Doorbell camera Not included Not included Yes Outdoor camera Not included Not included Yes Indoor camera Not included Not included Yes I have more information on this in my guide to ADT’s traditional packages and pricing, but the long and short of it is this — they’re not the most affordable security option out there. Packages are going to run you between $600 and $1,100 if you pay upfront, or you can finance the cost over a 24-, 36-, or 60-month period. And there’s also the monitoring costs to contend with. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, definitely check out Cove or Simplisafe.
Looking for a cheaper, more DIY approach? Keep on reading!
-
2. SimpliSafe - Best DIY Option
SecurityScore:
9.2 /10
800-544-5942
View Packages
How We Review
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $280 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $19.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home 800-544-5942
View Packages
SimpliSafe Overview
When SimpliSafe came out in 2009, it was a game changer. There had been DIY security solutions before — heck, whacking another caveman on top of the head with your club could be considered DIY home security — but SimpliSafe really made it mainstream. Mainstream and accessible to everyone.
>> Compare: SimpliSafe vs. ADT
Back in the day, home security systems were really for the affluent. But with the increasing popularity of companies like SimpliSafe, Ring, Cove, and others, affordable, DIY home security became a thing. Suddenly you didn’t need to pay a massive monthly bill to protect your property — all you really needed was a smartphone and a few pieces of affordable equipment.
One thing I do dislike about this system has to do with the installation. Almost every piece relies on command strips to adhere the sensor to the wall, which doesn’t feel super secure to me. While it never happened during my testing period, I could totally see a motion sensor falling off the wall one day, triggering a false alarm. I’d definitely recommend using the provided anchor points in the housing to drill each piece of equipment into your wall. Although, I will say the mobility of the command strip system is a definite benefit — particularly for renters. If you ever want to move, all you have to do is unstick your sensors from the walls and door frames. To each their own.
>> Check Out: Best Home Security Systems for Renters
I’m going to talk about what it’s like to use a SimpliSafe system with Google Home, but first let’s look at some really quick benefits and drawbacks.
What We Like
- Alexa and Google Assistant integrations
- Fast DIY installation
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Month-to-month contracts
What We Don’t Like
- Cloud storage and smart device integrations are only available with the 24/7 professional monitoring plan.
- History of hacks
- No cellular backup if you self-monitor
Using SimpliSafe With Google Home
Setting up SimpliSafe on your Google Home account is… well… Simple. Here’s the quick breakdown.
Step 1: Open the Google Home app, and then tap on your profile icon.
Step 2: Scroll down to Assistant Settings
Step 3: Tap “Home Control”
Step 4: Tap the “+” icon
Step 5: Type “SimpliSafe” into the search bar
Step 6: Add the SimpliSafe integration
Step 7: Log into your SimpliSafe account
Step 8: Select your Google Home locationThere you have it. You’ll be able to use Google to arm your SimpliSafe system and check your system’s status. Right now, there is no functionality for streaming video through your Google Nest hub, but that’s a forgivable offense in my book. A few of the other providers on this list — Ring, for example — do offer this functionality, though.
SimpliSafe Monitoring
If you’d asked me a year ago about SimpliSafe’s monitoring, the answer would have been simple: Do It Yourself. That is, SimpliSafe has traditionally been a DIY, self-monitored home security system.
These days, though, SimpliSafe has rolled out a pretty impressive professional monitoring plan called Fast Protect. It costs just $29.99 per month and has some pretty interesting functionality. The most interesting is that it’s meant to pair with SimpliSafe’s new indoor camera — the Smart Alarm cam — which allows SimpliSafe technicians to immediately assess what’s going on in your home when an alarm is triggered.
I was worried that I’d feel a little weird having a camera that someone else can access in my house, but SimpliSafe helped a lot by including a privacy screen on the camera that snaps open and shut to let you know when it’s in use. During my testing period I felt really confident that no one was invading my privacy because there was a physical barrier on the camera’s lens.
If there’s an intruder, though, that lens will snap open and the tech can even converse with them to let them know authorities are on the way. They can also relay important information to authorities in real-time, like if they see smoke coming from a certain room or if someone has a medical emergency. The camera is relatively affordable, too, at just $139.99.
>> Learn More: Fire Safety Tips
Keep in mind though, that isn’t the only monitoring option you have with SimpliSafe. You can also choose their standard self-monitoring plan, which will alert authorities when you have an alarm event. It’s pretty basic, but at just $19.99 per month, it’s pretty reasonable when you consider the extra layer of protection you’re getting.
SimpliSafe Costs
One of the reasons SimpliSafe remains so popular is its affordability. Its biggest security package — the Haven — is still less expensive than the most basic security package from ADT. Plus, you have the option of self-monitoring the whole thing, meaning you’re not going to run into any recurring costs. I have more in my guide to SimpliSafe’s prices, but here’s a rundown of SimpliSafe’s security packages:
Package Number of Components Regular Price The Haven 14 $519.86 The Knox 13 $479.87 The Beacon 10 $709.90 The Hearth 9 $399.91 The Lighthouse 7 $469.93 The Essentials 6 $279.95 The Foundation 4 $249.96 And true to their DIY ethos, you can also piece together your own system a la carte. Here are the costs of a few of their most popular pieces of equipment:
Name Cost Entry Sensor $14.99 Motion Sensor $34.99 Glass Break Sensor $39.99 Outdoor Camera $189.99 Smart Alarm Indoor Camera $139.99 SimpliCam Indoor Camera $99.99 Video Doorbell $169.99 Water Sensor $19.99 Smoke and CO Detector $59.99 Smoke Detector $34.99 Temperature Sensor $29.99 Panic Button $19.99 Key Fob $24.99 Extra Loud Siren $59.99 Something worth noting: A lot of SimpliSafe’s security packages and equipment go on sale frequently, so make sure to bookmark my guide to SimpliSafe’s deals to stay up to date on the most recent savings.
FYI: SimpliSafe pricing is on par with other DIY home security systems like abode, Ring, and Cove. As mentioned, ADT and Vivint are more premium providers, so expect to pay more for those systems.
-
3. Vivint - Best Smart Home Features
SecurityScore:
9.4 /10
844-922-0575
View Packages
How We Review
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $449 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs $40 per month Contract lengths Starting at 42 months Installation options Professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home 844-922-0575
View Packages
Vivint Overview
If you’re into smart home automation — and since you’re reading an article about integrating your security system with Google Home, I’ll assume you are — Vivint is definitely a provider to check out. They’ve been in the home security game for a little over 10 years now and have made a name for themselves as one of the best smart home security systems out there.
I personally lived with and tested a Vivint system for over a month, and I was definitely feeling like George Jetson with the level of automation I was able to achieve. Once I had everything set up in Google Home, not only was I able to watch my video feeds, I could also create pretty intricate schedules, like having my thermostat go down to 60 degrees whenever I armed the system in Away mode. It’s little conveniences like this that really make living in the modern age worthwhile, right?
Here’s a little bit of what I liked and a little bit of what I disliked before we talk specifics.
What We Like
- Professional installation
- Pro monitoring 24/7
- Best smart home features
- Impressive cameras
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey equipment
- Long contracts
- Re-installation fee if you move
- No money-back guarantee
Using Vivint with Google Home
As you’d expect with a system that’s really technologically advanced, setting your Vivint system up with Google Home is relatively straightforward. It’s almost identical to SimpliSafe, but here are the steps you’ll need to take.
Step 1: Open the Google Home app
Step 2: Tap the home icon
Step 3: Press the + icon
Step 4: Select “Set up device”
Step 5: Select “Works with Google”
Step 6: Tap the magnifying glass
Step 7: Search for Vivint and link to your accountStep 8: Press “Allow”
Step 9: Enter your Vivint account information
Step 10: Assign your devices to their respective rooms
Step 11: Use the voice command: “Hey Google, sync with Vivint.”All set! Now you’re ready to control your Vivint system from Google Home.
>> Learn About: Google Nest Hub Review
Vivint Monitoring
Every Vivint system comes with a professional monitoring contract — exactly how much you’ll pay, though, depends on the size of the system. Here’s a hint, too: If you’re looking for pricing information for a Vivint system online, it’s going to be pretty difficult to find. Since each system is bespoke and professionally installed, it’s difficult to say your Vivint system is going to cost XYZ. Mine cost a little over $1,000 when all was said and done, but your mileage will vary.
>> Read More: Best Security Systems for Large Homes
That said, Vivint’s monitoring starts at $40 and can go up from there, depending on the size of your system. For this, you’ll get 24/7 monitoring, phone alerts if an alarm is triggered, and automatic authority dispatch if you can’t be reached.
Vivint Costs
Like I said above, Vivint is pretty difficult to get a clear answer from if you’re looking for prices. They really want you to call and get your own quote for your own property. Don’t worry, though, I’ve compiled a list of costs from the last time I tested Vivint, and I’ll share them here.
Component Retail Price Smart Drive $250 Car Guard $200 Smoke Detector $100 CO Detector $100 Smoke alarm and Carbon Monoxide Monitor $100 Smart Lock $180 Garage Door Controller $100 Vivint Smart Thermostat $170 Lamp Module $50 Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro $250 Outdoor Camera Pro $400 Vivint Ping Indoor Camera $200 Vivint Indoor Camera Pro $200 Spotlight Pro $250 Water Sensor $50 Flood/ Freeze/ Heat Sensor $50 Smart Sensor $50 Panic Pendant $50 Key Fob $50 Tilt Sensor $50 So yeah… Not cheap. Especially when you compare these component prices to SimpliSafe above or Cove below. Vivint’s outdoor camera is over double the price of SimpliSafe, and a full-blown Cove System is just a little cheaper than Vivint’s video doorbell.
>> Compare: Vivint vs. SimpliSafe
I will say, though, you get what you pay for. I have a lot more information in my guide to Vivint’s prices, but the long and short of it is this: There’s a good reason people are willing to pay this much for their security. I’ll also say that there are a few opportunities to save on a Vivint system if you’re so inclined. I’ve detailed those in my guide to Vivint’s deals.
-
4. Cove - Most Affordable
SecurityScore:
8.7 /10
View Packages
How We Review
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Must customize package Monitoring Options Professional Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $17.99 per month Contract Lengths No contract required Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home View Packages
Cove Overview
As the Pythons say — and now for something completely different.
Cove is a relative newcomer to the home security scene. Founded in 2018, they’re slowly making a name for themselves for their high-quality, DIY systems, their lack of long-term contracts, and their easy-breezy online quiz-based sales system.
They’re not going to knock your socks off in terms of home automation, but they do a great job integrating their relatively simple equipment with Google Home. I was able to unbox and set up my test system from start to finish in about 30 minutes and for under $400. So, if you’re looking for a simple that won’t blow the budget and that will play nice with Google, Cove’s a great option.
Here are some quick pros and cons, and then we’ll get down to the details.
What We Like
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Lifetime warranty with Cove Plus plan
- DIY installation
- Cellular backup
What We Don’t Like
- No self-monitoring option
- The remote control isn’t available with all plans
- Google Home integration isn’t available with all plans
Using Cove with Google Home
Out of all the integrations that Cove offers, Google is by far the best. Not only could I alarm the system in away mode or ask for the alarm status, but I could also ask for event history and control connected devices. It was also able to stream video to my Nest Hub, which I definitely liked.
Setting it up was really simple, too. Here are the steps I took:
- Open the Cove Home app
- Click the link at the top
- Enter your login credentials
- Click “Send to Device”
- Select Your Google Assistant device
That should take care of things for you. Your device should wake up and open on the Cove Home Action screen.
One red flag that I need to wave really high, though: The Cove Google Assistant Action is only available to customers with the Cove-Plus monitoring package. I’ll discuss that more below.
Cove Monitoring
Unlike SimpliSafe, Cove doesn’t offer a self-monitoring option. I think that’s a little weird for a DIY system, but hey, I’m not sitting in the boardroom. The good news is that both monitoring options are relatively affordable, and both offer cellular backup security, which will keep you protected if the power goes out. I live in a pretty old home with not-so-great wiring, so my power has been known to be a little iffy at times. The cellular backup kept right on rolling during my test period brownout with Cove, though, so that was definitely a plus for me.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get with both monitoring packages:
Feature Cove Basic Cove Plus 24/7 Professional Monitoring Yes Yes Environmental Monitoring Yes Yes Cove InstaText Yes Yes Cove LiveAssist Yes Yes Smash and Grab Protection Yes Yes Cellular Backup Yes Yes Hourly Automated System Check Yes Yes 24-hour Battery Backup Yes Yes Equipment Warranty 1 year Lifetime Smartphone Control No Yes Alexa and Google Assistant Integrations No Yes Lifetime Rate-Lock Guarantee No Yes Monthly Cost $17.99 $27.99 Again, keep in mind that if you want to control your system using Google Home, you have to have a Cove Plus plan. The good news there is that it’s the most affordable professional monitoring option on our list, with the exception of SimpliSafe’s most bare-bones package.
Cove Costs
Cove doesn’t offer any security packages. Instead, you purchase an alarm panel and build out your system from there. Using their online tool, they’ll provide you with a recommended system for your home, but you can always tailor that to your specific needs. I really appreciate this approach, but I can understand why some people might feel a little overwhelmed by it.
With that said, here’s the breakdown of Cove costs. This should give you a pretty good idea of what you’re looking at.
Item Price Cove Touch alarm panel $124.50 Door sensor $7.50 Motion detector $15.00 Key remote $12.50 Glass break sensor $17.50 Window sensor $7.50 Smoke and CO detector $27.50 Flood sensor $10.00 Medical/panic button $10.00 Outdoor camera $99.50 Indoor camera $49.50 Everything’s pretty cheap when you compare Cove to SimpliSafe. And Cove’s really cheap when you compare it to Vivint. Like I said above, you can outfit a small home with a comprehensive Cove system for the cost of one of Vivint’s outdoor cameras. Definitely something for folks to keep in mind if they’re on a budget.
-
5. Brinks Home Security - Best Reputation
SecurityScore:
8.6 /10
View Packages
How We Review
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $360 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs Starting at $39.99 per month Contract lengths 36 months Installation options DIY or professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home View Packages
Brinks Overview
Brinks is one of the largest home security providers in the country, with over 1 million users to date. Now, I’m not typically a “go with the crowd” kind of guy — especially when it comes to my security — but a million users really says something.
That said, Brinks is similar to ADT in that they take a pretty traditional approach to home security, but they’re still appealing to folks with more modern sensibilities, myself included. This means Brinks does a great job offering DIY installation options, a user-friendly mobile app, and affordable pricing structures.
>> Learn About: Brinks vs. ADT
Here are the gives and takes of Brinks to give you some context, then we’ll move on to integrations.
What We Like
- DIY installation option
- Low-cost DIY video security
- Great online support
- Brinks Home Security app and Google Assistant integration work well with Android
What We Don’t Like
- 36-month contract
- Deals and prices change often
- No self-monitoring option
- Expensive monitoring
Using Brinks with Google Home
So first things first, Brinks doesn’t technically have its own Google Assistant action. You’re instead going to have to use a third party — Alarm.com — to control your Brinks devices. Don’t worry, though, the steps are almost identical to SimpliSafe and Vivint.
Step 1: Open the Google Assistant on your mobile device
Step 2: Click the “+” icon in the top right of the Google Assistant
Step 3: Scroll down to Home Control and find Alarm.com
Step 4: Tap the Alarm.com card and scroll down to the link on the skill page
Step 5: Tap the link and follow the prompted directions
Step 6: Use the Voice Command: “Okay Google, talk to Alarm.com”
Step 7: Entry your Alarm.com credentials and sync your account.
Step 8: Create a PINThere you have it. You can now control your security system, your lights, your thermostat, your door locks, and pretty much everything else in your Brinks home security system. I always like asking Google if the system is armed before I walk in from outside because, hey, sometimes I forget. We’ve all been there, mistaking ourselves for a home invader. Just me?
Brinks Monitoring
Brinks offers three tiers of professional monitoring, depending on what package you purchase. At the time of my tests, these cost about $40, $45, and $50 per month. Not exactly cheap — you can definitely get more bang for your buck with Cove or SimpliSafe, but here’s a quick breakdown:
Features Smart Security Essential Smart Security Complete Smart Security Ultimate 24/7 Professional Monitoring Yes Yes Yes Cellular Backup Yes Yes Yes Tamper Protection Yes Yes Yes Smartphone Control Yes Yes Yes Home Automation Yes Yes Yes Google Assistant and Alexa Integration Yes Yes Yes LiveVoice Assist Yes Yes Yes Live Video Streaming No Yes Yes Cloud Video Storage No Yes Yes Free Professional Installation No No Yes Total Cost of Equipment $360 $519 $799 Monthly Monitoring Service Fee $39.99 $44.99 $49.99 In terms of costs, Brinks is definitely up there with Vivint and ADT. But let’s dig a little deeper into that.
Brinks Costs
In terms of equipment prices, we’re looking at a little less than Vivint, but not much. Here’s the most recent breakdown of Brinks’ equipment costs. Keep in mind, though, Brinks changes these prices up pretty regularly, but this should give you a basic idea.
Component Price Door sensor $40 Keychain Remote $40 Garage Door Tilt Sensor $48 IQ Flood Detector $56 Motion sensor $80 IQ Smoke Detector $80 FireFighter $80 IQ Carbon Monoxide Detector $80 Glass Break Detector $80 SkyBell Slim Line Video Doorbell $159 Indoor camera $160 Alarm.com Z-Wave Thermostat $160 Kwikset 888 Smartcode Deadbolt $200 Outdoor camera $240 Kwikset SmartCode Lever Lock $240 Smart Video Doorbell $240 Indoor Camera with Two-Way Voice $240 So, some of this equipment is a little pricey to me — like the $40 door sensor — and some of it seems pretty extreme — like the $240 outdoor camera. Heck, you could get a pretty decent Arlo camera for that much, and those are about the best on the market today.
Brinks is definitely a rock-solid security system, but just make sure you’re prepared for a pretty steep price tag if you go with them.
How Do Security Systems Work with Google Home?
By linking your security system to Google Home, you’ll be able to control your lights, your garage doors, your deadbolts, and your security cameras, all by simply calling out their names. The future, as they say, is now.
Be careful, though; not every security system is going to offer you this Captain Kirk level of command. You need to find a provider, like the ones mentioned above, that has smart home capabilities and Google Home integration capacity. Even then, not every feature is always going to work. Many, for example, won’t let you stream live footage from your security cameras to your Google Nest Hub.
Before you purchase your security system, I highly recommend you think about what smart home integrations you’re looking for, and research the providers that offer them. You’re taking a great first step by reading this far.
>> Check Out: Comparing Home Security Systems
Does Google Offer Security Systems?
Maybe you want to bypass the whole “integration” thing and go directly to the source. Google has to offer a security system, right?
Well, they did.
It was called Nest Secure, and it consisted of a main unit called the Nest Guard, the entryway sensors called the Nest Detectors, and Nest Tags — NFC keys. They stopped selling these products in 2020, and in 2023 they announced that they would no longer be supporting the system in 2024. If you noticed that your Nest Secure system has suddenly stopped working, now you know why.
That said, Google does offer plenty of security products, including one of my favorite security cameras ever. You can read more about that in my review of the Google Nest Cam.
Fun Google Home Commands and Questions
When all is secure, it’s easier to unwind! Google Assistant is ready for casual conversation with a robot, everyday help, and entertainment. Here’s a small sampling of Google Home commands and questions.
- Start your day with a briefing. Say “Okay Google, tell me about my day” or “Okay Google, good morning.” This routine can include a personalized greeting, current weather, a forecast, traffic info for your commute, to-do reminders, calendar entries, flight status, and curated news stories.
- Create location-based reminders. Google Assistant can give reminders based on where you are. For example, try “Okay Google, remind me to walk the neighbor’s dog when I get home” or “Hey, Google, remind me to buy dog treats when I’m at the grocery store.”
- Support your memory. There’s so much to remember! Let Google assist when you say phrases like, “Okay Google, remember that I put my Amazon password on a Post-It in the filing cabinet.” Later, you can ask, “Hey, Google, where is my Amazon password?”
- Find yourself. We all misplace ourselves. Get your precise location by asking “Okay Google, where am I?”
- Relax with ambient sounds. Google Assistant responds to phrases like, “Okay Google, help me relax,” “Play white noise” and “Play ocean sounds.”
- Learn what’s playing. Sharpen your trivial knowledge. Ask “Okay Google, what song is this?” or “Okay Google, what album is this?”
- Get game results. Check-in on your home team or rival. Say “Okay Google, who is [XYZ team] playing next?” or “Okay Google, did [team] win last night?”
- Play games with Google Assistant. Try “Okay Google… Mad Libs!” for laughs. Trivia games with Google Assistant are popular too.
- Control your TV. With certain devices you can voice-control your TV with commands like “Okay Google, turn the TV to Comedy Central” or “Okay Google, play channel 4.”
- Pretend Google Assistant is psychic. Say “Hey Google, let me talk to Friendly Fortune Teller” to kick off the session. You can also ask Google Assistant “What am I thinking now?”
If you’re in the Google smart home ecosystem, then you’ll probably want to use your trusted voice assistant to control your home’s security. Let’s face it: We’re all busier than we want to be, and we all spend too much time on our phones. So, the ability to command an electronic component using your voice alone is truly a blessing.
Not only do all of the home security systems on this list work with Google Home, but we’ve tested them all out to make sure they’re up to snuff when it comes to system components, installation, monitoring options, customer support, and mobile applications.
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Rated These Systems
When it comes to smart home security, there are a few things that we typically look at, including:
- System components: We prefer security systems with motion, entry, and glass break sensors, plus security cameras for both the indoors and the outdoors, unless you live in an apartment.
- Installation: DIY security systems, which are usually easy to set up, are the trend today. Occasionally, however, companies like Vivint require professional installation. Of course, you can always hire an outside contractor to install your system for you if you prefer.
- Professional monitoring: Now, not everyone is going to want 24/7 professional monitoring, although we always recommend it. We prefer companies that offer flexible, monthly contracting for a low price as well as giving you the option to self-monitor.
- Customer support: If something goes wrong with your security system, you want to make sure that you have a team that’s knowledgeable and easy to reach. Aside from incorporating our own experiences, we also look at customer reviews from both Amazon and Google to see what other people thought.
- App: Especially if you’re self-monitoring, you want an app that’s user-friendly for either iPhone or Android. We always check customer reviews on the Apple and Google Play stores, aside from testing the app out myself.
Best Home Security Systems With Google Home Tips
Here are some best practices for your home security system with Google Home:
- Make sure you can’t disarm your security system through voice commands because if you can, others most likely can, too. If it allows disarming by voice, make sure to set a secure voice passcode.
- For the most convenience, it’s best to get smart home devices from one brand — or as few brands as possible — so you don’t have to deal with multiple applications.
- Now that Google has smart displays like the Nest Hub and the Nest Hub Max, adding security cameras that can live stream to these displays will boost your security. With your voice, you can ask Google Assistant to show you parts of your house in real time.
Google Home Security System FAQs
- Can you use Google Home for security?
You can use Google Home for security. If you buy a SimpliSafe, Cove, Vivint, Brinks, Scout, or any other Google Assistant-compatible security system, you can command your system using Google Assistant.
- Do all security systems work with Google Home?
While Google Home works with thousands of pieces of smart home and security equipment, it doesn’t integrate with every piece of technology out there. Your best bet is to use our list above to ensure your security system plays well.
- I can’t get my devices to connect with Google Home. What should I do?
Have you tried turning it off and on again? In all seriousness, sometimes that’s all it takes. If that doesn’t do the trick, make sure your Google Home is within 15 or 20 feet of the Wi-Fi router. Make sure the device you’re trying to connect is turned on and operational, as well.
- Does Google Home listen to me?
While it might sound a little creepy, your Google Home is always listening to its environment, including your conversations. That said, it doesn’t record anything — or “pay attention” — until you speak the “wake words” “Okay Google,” or “Hey Google.”
- What security automations can you use with Google Home?
It depends on your security system, but, for the most part, you can use Google Home to check on the status of your system, lock and unlock doors, open and close garage doors, change lighting configurations, set thermostats, and arm and disarm an alarm system.
