Picking the best security systems for a small business isn’t as simple as grabbing the first brand you recognize.
Some are great at DIY installs but stumble on video quality. Others offer premium cameras and monitoring – with contracts to match. And then there are systems that trade subscription fees for more control.
We’ve rounded up the five strongest options – judged on usability, reliability, features, and real customer feedback.
1. SimpliSafe
Best for small businesses that want fast DIY setup and flexible monitoring without contracts.
SimpliSafe has carved out a space as the go-to “plug and play” security system. It’s easy to install, easy to use, and the kits are priced to make entry painless compared to legacy providers like ADT.
The app is straightforward, pro monitoring tiers are flexible, and its Live Guard agent intervention can make a real difference during incidents. Where it stumbles is video. Users consistently report Wi-Fi drops, laggy recordings, and underwhelming camera performance, which undermines the monitoring story if video verification is required in your area.
For businesses that need affordable, simple intrusion protection, it’s a solid fit. But if high-quality surveillance is critical, you may want to pair it with third-party cameras.
Features
- DIY installation with optional pro install
- Modular kits: sensors, keypads, smoke/CO/water/temp detectors
- Flexible monitoring: self-monitoring (free) or pro plans ($21.99–$79.99/month)
- Live Guard agent intervention with AI-assisted cameras
- App-based control, alerts, and remote arm/disarm
- Integrates with Alexa/Google; limited smart-home support
Pros
- Extremely easy setup, no tools required
- App is intuitive and reliable for daily use
- Flexible, no-contract monitoring options
- Affordable starter kits, frequent promos
- Live Guard monitoring can deter intruders in real time
Cons
- Cameras underperform: Wi-Fi drops, laggy video, weak outdoor performance
- Monitoring prices have crept up over time
- Support complaints: billing, cancellation friction, occasional slow replies
- Hardware gaps (no touchscreen keypad, limited device types)
2. Vivint
Best for businesses that want premium cameras, automation, and pro installation – but can handle higher costs and contracts.
Vivint positions itself at the high end of small business security: AI-driven cameras that deter lurkers before they break in, a polished Smart Hub/app, and one of the most integrated automation suites available. Businesses get professional installation, 24/7 monitoring with cellular backup, and the option to fold in Z-Wave smart devices like locks and thermostats.
Where the shine wears off is cost and contracts. Equipment and monitoring add up quickly, trials are short, and support/billing complaints are widespread.
If you want a deeply integrated, deterrence-first system and prefer one vendor over cobbling together solutions, Vivint makes sense. If you need flexibility, DIY pricing, or vendor-agnostic hardware, it’s not the right fit.
Features
- AI-powered Outdoor Camera Pro with “lurker” detection, lights, and siren
- Smart Hub + app for centralized control; Z-Wave device support
- Indoor/outdoor cameras with live/recorded video, two-way talk
- Professional installation and onboarding (when done by Vivint staff)
- 24/7 cellular monitoring with battery backup
- Customizable systems for different industries (retail, offices, restaurants, warehouses)
Pros
- Some of the strongest deterrence-focused cameras on the market
- Deep automation features with wide smart-home compatibility
- Smart Hub/app UX is polished and integrates multiple devices seamlessly
- Professional installation and training often praised (when done in-house)
- All-in-one vendor: one app, one system, no mixing brands
Cons
- High upfront cost ($1k–$2k+ for small setups; $3k–$5k with multiple cameras)
- Long contracts/financing (commonly 60 months) with only a 3-day trial
- Customer service/billing complaints: cancellations, hidden fees, long waits
- Reliability issues reported: cameras dropping offline, app buffering, false alarms
- Install quality varies – weaker when handled by third-party contractors
3. Lorex
Best for small businesses that want pro-grade cameras with local recording and no monthly fees
Lorex is the “buy once, no subscription” option. Their 2K and 4K cameras deliver excellent clarity, durable builds, and some of the best color night vision around.
NVR/DVR systems give you serious customization – motion zones, schedules, local storage – making Lorex a good fit for cost-conscious businesses that want reliable coverage without paying monthly.
The trade-off? The software and support experience consistently frustrate users. Apps are clunky, updates sometimes break functionality, and support can be slow or ineffective.
If you’re comfortable managing your own system and want high-quality, always-on recording, Lorex works.
Features
- 2K and 4K wired and wireless cameras with strong night vision
- Local DVR/NVR recording (no mandatory cloud fees)
- AI detection for people and vehicles
- Durable, tamper-resistant hardware built for outdoors
- Alexa, Google Assistant, and smart TV integrations
- Customizable motion zones, recording schedules, and multi-camera streaming
Pros
- Excellent video quality, praised for clarity and night performance
- Rugged, commercial-grade hardware with long-term durability
- No subscription required; local storage by default
- Fine-tuned control via DVR/NVR settings
- Strong value for businesses that want to avoid monthly costs
Cons
- Apps are glitchy, unintuitive, and prone to breaking after updates
- Support widely criticized for slow, scripted responses
- Installation can be complex, especially for wired systems
- Reports of DVR failures and hardware issues after 1–2 years
- No professional monitoring; self-monitoring only
4. Arlo
Best for small businesses that want flexible, wire-free camera coverage with solid 2K video and AI alerts, and are fine with subscriptions.
Arlo shines when you need good-looking footage without pulling cable. The 2K models are the sweet spot for clarity and cost, setup is quick, and AI detections filter out a lot of noise when paired with Arlo Secure.
For business, multi-user access and plans that scale to dozens of cameras are handy. The tradeoffs are real though. Many features sit behind a subscription, the app can feel busy, and reliability reports mention dropouts, latency on doorbells, and support that is hard to reach.
If you subscribe and your Wi-Fi is strong, Arlo can deliver. If you want painless 24/7 local recording or no monthly fees, look at PoE NVR systems.
Features
- Wire-free 2K and 4K cameras with spotlights and color night vision
- Arlo Secure AI: person, vehicle, package, face and fire detection with activity zones
- Business subscriptions for 5 to 40 cameras, upgradeable in blocks
- Cloud storage 7 to 60 days depending on plan; optional CVR per camera on supported models
- Multi-user access with per-camera permissions and downloadable clips
- Optional SmartHub with USB for local event clips and remote viewing via router setup
Pros
- Strong video quality at 2K with wide FOV and clear night footage
- Broad lineup covers indoor, outdoor, battery XL, and cellular options
- AI detections are accurate once tuned, reducing false alerts
- Fast DIY setup and decent app for daily checks and history
- Business plans scale easily across locations and teams
Cons
- Subscription dependence for key features and easy cloud history
- Reports of cameras going offline, delayed doorbell alerts, and resets
- App UX can be confusing, with some features gated by hubs or plans
- CVR is an extra fee and exporting footage is clunky
5. Trend Micro Worry-Free Services
Best for small teams that want “set-it-and-forget-it” security with lots of built-in extras.
If your priority is simplicity and breadth over tuning knobs, Trend Micro’s Worry-Free Services is an easy win to deploy: 100% SaaS, a single console, automatic updates, and helpful add-ons like Pay Guard and Folder Shield.
In day-to-day use, the UX is clean and the feature coverage feels generous for the price. The trade-off is detection consistency. In hands-on tests, phishing and offline malware misses show up more than we’d like, and support can feel automated when you need a human fast.
The higher-tier Vision One/XDR story is strong, but for straight SMB endpoint protection, you’ll want to pilot with your own phishing sims before you commit.
Features
- 100% SaaS console with automatic updates and policy management
- Endpoint security for Windows/Mac/iOS/Android with ML-based protection
- Email and collaboration security for Microsoft 365, Gmail, and more
- Folder Shield anti-ransomware file protection and secure backup/restore
- Pay Guard hardened browser for financial sites; URL/spam filtering
- Optional XDR/MDR: cross-layer correlation, visual attack timelines, sandboxing
Pros
- Fast, straightforward deployment; logically organized console
- Strong value: many useful extras included at SMB-friendly pricing
- Ransomware/file protection layer (Folder Shield) gets consistent praise
- Upgrade path to Vision One/XDR for broader visibility and analytics
Cons
- Inconsistent detection in hands-on SMB tests, especially phishing and offline samples
- Noticeable slowdowns during full scans; occasional desktop app hiccups
- Support/billing frustrations reported; responses can feel automated
- Firewall depth is basic compared with full next-gen suites
Comparison: Best Security Systems for Small Business
| Feature / System | SimpliSafe | Vivint | Lorex | Arlo | Trend Micro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Friendly | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Professional Monitoring | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Video Quality | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ Not focused on cameras |
| Local Recording (No Fees) | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Subscription Dependence | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Smart Home / Automation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
How To Choose?
When deciding on a security system, it’s not just about cameras or alarms. The right choice depends on how well the system fits your business operations, budget, and growth plans.
Here are the criteria that matter most and how the five providers in our list measure up:
1. Accessibility & Ease of Use
Small business owners and managers need quick control – whether that’s arming/disarming remotely, checking cameras, or adding new users.
If a system is clunky, it creates more headaches than protection.
- Best: SimpliSafe is the easiest to set up and manage day to day, while Trend Micro’s SaaS console is simple for IT-led teams.
- Less Good: Lorex’s app is widely criticized for glitches, and Vivint’s polished interface is locked behind costly contracts.
2. Scalability & Flexibility
Businesses change – you might open a second location, add staff, or reconfigure your space. A good system should scale with you without forcing a full restart.
- Best: Arlo’s subscription plans let you manage 5 to 40+ cameras flexibly. Vivint also scales well, offering deep automation across sites.
- Less Good: SimpliSafe is modular but less sophisticated for multi-site operations, and Lorex requires heavier IT involvement to scale.
3. Accountability & Monitoring
Detailed logs and proactive monitoring are critical for understanding who accessed your property and when. They also help in emergencies and investigations.
- Best: Trend Micro excels here with clear endpoint/email access logs and automated analytics, while Vivint offers strong real-time monitoring with video verification.
- Less Good: Lorex has no professional monitoring and relies on self-checking. Arlo and SimpliSafe both offer monitoring, but SimpliSafe’s camera quality undermines accountability in some regions where verified video is required.
4. Reliability & Support
A security system is only as good as its uptime. Downtime, buggy apps, or poor support can leave your business exposed at the worst time.
- Best: Vivint, when installed by in-house techs, earns strong marks for reliability. Trend Micro’s enterprise/XDR platform is also highly rated for uptime.
- Less Good: Lorex and Arlo both face reliability complaints – from cameras going offline to app resets. SimpliSafe’s sensors are solid, but its video issues mean reliability depends on what part of the system you value most.
5. Cost & Customization
Budgets matter. Some businesses want to pay once and own their system, others prefer spreading costs across subscriptions and monitoring.
Customization ensures the system matches your risks – not just a generic setup.
- Best: Lorex stands out for businesses that want no monthly fees and full local control. SimpliSafe is budget-friendly and flexible for DIY buyers.
- Less Good: Vivint is powerful but expensive, with long contracts. Arlo can become costly as subscriptions pile up. Trend Micro’s pricing makes sense for IT teams, but it’s overkill for basic intrusion coverage.
Bottom Line:
- If you need simple DIY security, SimpliSafe is the easiest fit.
- For premium, all-in-one automation, Vivint leads – at a cost.
- Lorex is best for subscription-free, local recording.
- Arlo suits those who want wireless flexibility and AI alerts but don’t mind subscriptions.
- Trend Micro is a fit if your focus is endpoint and SaaS-driven protection.
Not Sure Which System Fits Your Business?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do small businesses really need professional monitoring?
Not always. Professional monitoring adds peace of mind and faster response times, but many small businesses use self-monitoring to save costs. It depends on your risk tolerance and whether local law enforcement requires video verification.
What’s the difference between DIY and professionally installed systems?
DIY systems are cheaper and quicker to set up but rely on your Wi-Fi and troubleshooting. Professionally installed systems tend to be more reliable, fully integrated, and supported – though they usually come with higher costs and contracts.
Can I use a residential security system for my business?
Yes, but with caveats. Systems like SimpliSafe and Arlo are popular with small businesses, but they may lack features like multi-site management, detailed logs, or compliance tools that purpose-built business systems (like Trend Micro or Vivint) offer.
How often should business security systems be updated or reviewed?
At least once a year. Check for software updates, expired warranties, and whether your system still fits your operations. As your business grows, you may need to scale up cameras, add access control, or upgrade to stronger monitoring.
Conclusion
Choosing the best security systems for small business comes down to what you value most.
SimpliSafe is a strong fit if you want affordable, no-contract intrusion protection with easy DIY setup. Vivint is better suited to companies that want premium cameras, deep automation, and professional installation.
Lorex makes sense for businesses that prefer local recording with no ongoing fees, while Arlo offers flexible wireless coverage and AI alerts if you’re comfortable with subscriptions. For teams that need SaaS-driven endpoint and email security, Trend Micro provides a “set it and forget it” approach.
If you’d like expert advice on which system makes sense for your space, book a free appointment – we’ll assess your needs, compare options, and recommend a tailored solution.