Many people hesitate to purchase home security systems because they think that they live in very secure surroundings. They have guards patrolling the streets. Their society is a gated community with security setups and defense systems. So, what’s the point of spending hundreds of dollars on a home security system?
But the fact is, burglaries happen even if you live in a secured gated community or not. Most of us don’t expect to be the next victim.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, there were 885,000 reported burglaries in the United States during 2022. Over 70 percent of those burglaries occurred on residential properties. But till 2025 there is a dramatic decline in burglary rates.
This is because over 94 million U.S. households used security systems in 2025. The University of North Carolina’s study “Through the Eyes of a Burglar” found that 83 percent of burglars avoid homes with visible security systems, while 60 percent choose a different neighborhood entirely if they observe extensive security measures.
These stats make it evident that home security apps are very important to make your homes and surroundings safe and burglary free but one of the main reasons for avoiding these systems is the public’s lack of assurance as to whether or not security systems are effective solutions. In this guide, we will tell you about apps with built-in defense systems that can effectively secure your home.
What Makes a Home Security App “Defense-Enabled”?
You can call your Home security app defense-enabled only when it actively helps you protect your home by working with your home’s security hardware and allows you to monitor and respond remotely. It offers you REAL PROTECTION rather than just showing the videos of what is happening in your home right now! Let’s understand what are the must haves of defense-enabled home security apps!
They Connect to Home Defense Hardware
Such apps have active connection with your home’s security hardware like door and window sensors, motion detectors, sirens, alarms, smart locks, and security lights. There are real defense-enabled apps because they let you act rather than only observing the event.
They Work on Detect–Deter–Respond Logic
Defense-enabled apps follow a simple protection chain: Detect–Deter–Respond, They detect any force entry. Using smart automation, they trigger alarms or turn-on lights to deter the intruder immediately. If your app’s professional monitoring is enabled, the trained agents verify the alert and in case of serious threat it can dispatch emergency services if users are personally unreachable.
They Support Real-Time Monitoring With Purpose
With these apps you can monitor your home 24/7/365 via live video so you can make quick decisions about any unwanted event happening in your homes instead of finding out later and regretting.
They Allow Full Remote Control From Anywhere
These apps allow you to remotely control your home. You can lock or unlock doors, trigger alarms manually, and view live camera footage directly from your phone. They give safety controls in the user’s hands by giving users full control over privacy and access.
Read More: How Home Security Robots Are Enhancing Safety with Smart Technology
Home Security Apps vs Monitoring-Only Apps
There are key differences between defense-enabled home security apps and monitoring -only apps. It’s very important for the homeowners to choose the setup keeping in view the pros and cons of both systems. Monitoring only apps are just for seeing what’s happening in your home. They do not give any security.
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Home Security Apps vs Monitoring-Only Apps |
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| Feature | Home Security Apps | Monitoring-Only Apps |
| Hardware support | Home Security Apps are linked with defense hardware of home like sensors, alarms, sirens, and smart locks to protect the home physically. | Monitoring apps only have links with cameras but no connection with home defense systems. |
| Alarm triggering | They can trigger loud alarms or sirens automatically or manually when a threat is detected. | They cannot trigger alarms but only records events or sends notifications. |
| Remote response | These apps let you lock doors, activate alarms, turn on lights, or warn intruders from anywhere. | Monitoring-only apps only allow you to watch footage or read alerts without taking real action. |
How a Defense-Enabled Security App Actually Works
The defense-enabled home security apps work on detect, deter, and respond logic. Let’s learn about it in detail!
Step 1: Sensors Detect an Intrusion
The primary line of defense is sensors. They detect any unusual activity. For example, someone tries to break into your home via a window, opens your door, or there is any unusual activity in your home. These sensors are active round the clock and work even when you are away or asleep.
Step 2: The Defense System Activates Immediately
As soon as a threat is detected, the defense system reacts. It discourages intruders or deter unusual activity by sounding alarms, turning-on the lights, or secure entry points. This immediate response scares and stops intruders and burglars.
Step 3: The App Alerts the Homeowner Instantly
At the same time, the app sends instant alerts to the homeowner or app user via notification about what triggered the alert. The user can open the app to view the footage of the alert, monitor the home real time and understand what is happening in the home.
Step 4: The Homeowner Responds Remotely
From the app, users can take action immediately like triggering alarms again, speaking through a camera, etc. If the threat is serious and he can’t reach it personally he can simply dispatch emergency services like police or ambulance, etc. Even if you are miles away, you still have full control over your home’s defense.
Top 5 Home Security Apps With Built-In Defense Systems
1. Vivint Smart Home App
The Vivint Smart Home App is the central control hub for the Vivint home security and automation system. It allows homeowners to manage their smart home and its defense system even remotely.
Smart Home and Security Integration
It connects to security hardware such as cameras, intrusion sensors, alarms, smart locks, and even environmental devices like smoke detectors. It helps you control and respond to security events. This app allows you to:
- Arm or disarm your security system remotely
- View live camera feeds and recorded clips
- Lock or unlock doors remotely
- Check the status of your garage and entry points
- Get instant alerts when security events occur
Professional Monitoring Option
Vivint offers optional 24/7 professional monitoring. If you are away or when you subscribe to professional monitoring, the security app sends alerts to security agents. The agents verifies the threat and in case of original threat escalate to emergency services
2. SimpliSafe Home Security App
The SimpliSafe Home Security App is the mobile control center for the full SimpliSafe security system. It links easily with sensors, cameras, and alarm devices. It is all-in-one defense hub that gives you control and alerts
With the SimpliSafe app, you can:
- Arm or disarm the entire system from anywhere in the world
- Receive instant alerts when a sensor is triggered
- Watch and capture live video if you have SimpliSafe cameras
- Track security events in a real-time timeline
Some additional defensive capabilities include:
- Panic Button integration for instant emergency alerts
- Smart Lock support for auto-locking and remote access
- Timeline logs to see past events in chronological order
- Live video and capture
Just like Vivint, it also has professional monitoring system that let agents to escalate emergency response in case of very serious threats in your absence.
3. ADT Mobile App
ADT is the most trusted name in home security, with over 150 years of experience. The ADT Mobile App is the central control hub for ADT’s professionally monitored security systems. backing its technology and monitoring services. It provides you control over your home’s defense, automations, real-time alerts, and professional response services.
With the ADT Mobile App, you can arm and disarm your security system remotely by:
- Controlling smart locks
- Turning lights on or off
- Monitoring garage doors
- Adjusting thermostats
Like the above mentioned apps, ADT also has professional monitoring and police dispatch support. Some ADT setups also support Google Nest devices for expanded camera, doorbell, and automation support.
It allows secure temporary access for trusted friends or family members while still protecting your home (available in some plans). Automation scenes allow you to control many security and smart home actions at the same time with just one tap in the app.
For example, when you tap “Away”, the app can:
- Arm your security system
- Lock all doors
- Turn off lights
- Adjust the thermostat
When you tap “Bedtime”, it can:
- Arm night mode
- Lock doors
- Turn off indoor lights
- Keep outdoor security lights on
4. Frontpoint Security App
The Frontpoint Security App is the mobile control center for the Frontpoint home security system. Just like all the other apps, with the Frontpoint app, you can:
- Arm and disarm your system remotely
- Receive instant push, email, or text alerts when motion or intrusion is detected
- View live or recorded camera footage
- Control smart lights, locks, and thermostats all in one place
One of the most important features is its alerts and notifications customization. You can choose exactly what kind of unusual activities can trigger a notification. This reduces unimportant alerts and prevents you from unnecessary tension.
Frontpoint’s system also supports location-based features known as geo-services. This lets the system take action based on your phone’s location. For example, arming the system when you leave the house. It ensures your defense system stays active even when you forget to set it manually.
If your app is connected to Frontpoint cameras, the app lets you:
- Watch live video or replay recorded clips
- Zoom in and out on video feeds
- Use two-way audio to speak through supported cameras
5. Abode Security App
The Abode Security App is the mobile control center for Abode’s smart home security system. It gives you full control of alarms, sensors, cameras, and home automations from your phone. Like all the other app, its basic features include:
- Arming or disarming your entire security system remotely
- Viewing live and recorded video from connected cameras
- Seeing a timeline of security events
- Receiving immediate alerts whenever something happens at home
It gives an easy setup and simple dashboard experience to users. You can install sensors, cameras, and other devices using guided steps in the app. The home dashboard gives a clear overview of your system’s status, recent activity, and quick action buttons for your most common tasks.
The app comes with powerful automation features called CUE automations. Using the app, you can create custom automation rules such as:
- Automatically arming your system when you leave home
- Turning on lights when motion is detected
- Adjusting thermostats or locking doors based on time or other triggers
- Running routines together to protect and automate your home
Like Vivint, SimpliSafe, and ADT, it gives access to:
- Free self-monitoring
- Optional professional monitoring plans
What Defense-Enabled Security Apps Really Cost
When you choose a defense-enabled home security system, you have to pay for both physical protection and ongoing services.
Let’s break down the costs of defense-enabled home security apps!
1. Hardware Cost
This is the cost of the devices that protect your home. The hardware include:
- Control hub/base station
- Door/window sensors
- Motion detectors
- Security cameras
- Sirens/alarms
- Smart locks
SimpliSafe app that supports DIY setup costs around $250–$300 for basic equipment. Whereas professional systems like ADT and Vivint offer packages ranging between $269–$600+, depending on what services you choose. If you opt for professional monitoring, the cost rises more.
If you are looking to save money or more affordable options, you can look for bundled packages rather than buying parts separately. Watch for seasonal deals (Black Friday, year-end). Moreover, some systems offer monthly financing plans so you don’t have to pay everything upfront
2. App Subscriptions
Most home security apps themselves are free to install and use for basic control and alerts. But advanced features often require a subscription.
They provide you following features:
- Cloud video storage
- Smart notifications
- Enhanced automation
- Remote alarm triggers
- Integration with voice assistants and smart devices
Pricing is mostly tied with features and varies by provider, the app cost often overlaps with monitoring fees described below.
3. Monitoring Fees
As we discussed above, some apps and home security systems allow professional monitoring. Using this feature, you allow a real security center to monitor your system 24/7 and can dispatch police/fire/emergency services in case of very serious threats.
Monitoring cost varies from provider to provider and package to package:
- SimpliSafe charges $22.99–$79.99 per month
- ADT charges $24.99–$39.99 per month
- Vivint charges $29.99–$49.99 per month
- Other providers (like Abode) often have flexible plans that can be paid month-to-month or annually.
FAQs about Defense-Enabled Home Security Apps
Can a security app trigger real alarms?
Yes, defense-enabled home security apps work on detect, deter, and respond logic. Whenever they detect any unusual activity, they trigger alarms and sirens to deter the intruders.
Do defense systems work without Wi-Fi?
Most of the defense systems work without Wi-Fi and can work locally. Some systems have cellular backup, which allows alerts to continue even without the internet. However, remote access is only available with the internet and if the wi-fi connection get disconnected user wont be able to monitor their homes.
Can renters install defense-enabled systems?
Yes. As we know that over 70 percent of burglaries occurred on residential properties either rented or owned. Therefore, they are useful for both renters and homeowners. Moreover, the hardware setup is rent-friendly that requires no drilling or wiring. Additionally, Sensors use adhesive mounts and can be easily removed when you move out.
What happens during power outages?
Defense-enabled security apps usually have backup batteries to keep sensors, alarms, and control hubs running without electricity.
Is professional monitoring required?
No, professional monitoring is not necessary but it can add an additional layer of security to your home. It monitors your home 24/7 and in case of very serious threats agents escalate emergency services.