5 Best Home Security Systems for Motion Detection 2025

1. Eufy E220 Indoor Cam

Best For: Homeowners and renters looking for a reliable, easy-to-install home security system with highly accurate motion detection and flexible monitoring options.

SimpliSafe remains one of the most trusted names in DIY home security. It’s straightforward to install, doesn’t tie you into long-term contracts, and gives you the flexibility to self-monitor or upgrade to 24/7 professional monitoring.
Its motion detection technology is one of the strongest selling points: the sensors accurately distinguish between people and pets (up to 60 lbs), cutting down on false alarms. The Gen 2 motion sensor offers a 90º field of view and a 35-foot range, meaning you can secure a full room with just one device. 

When armed, it sends instant alerts to your phone or the monitoring center – so whether you’re home or away, you’ll always know what’s happening.

Features

• Wireless setup with simple DIY installation – no hardwiring needed

• Pet-friendly motion sensors up to 60 lbs

• 90º field of view and 35 ft detection range

• Cellular backup ensures monitoring even if Wi-Fi or power fails

• Smash-resistant keypad separated from the base station for added security

• App control for remote arming/disarming and instant motion alerts

• Voice assistant compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant

• Battery life up to 4 years

Pros

• Quick and intuitive setup, ideal for renters or first-time users

• Accurate motion detection with pet immunity minimizes false alarms

• Reliable performance with cellular backup and strong monitoring options

• Clear app interface and real-time alerts

• Transparent equipment pricing and flexible packages

• Excellent customer feedback on responsiveness and reliability

Cons

• Advanced smart home integrations are somewhat limited

• Motion sensors deactivate in “Home” mode, reducing indoor coverage

• Some users report occasional sensor connectivity hiccups

• Full functionality requires a paid subscription plan

• Subscription costs may add up over time

Score: 4.8/5

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2. Vivint

Best For: Homeowners who want a professionally installed, fully integrated smart home security system with highly customizable motion detection and 24/7 professional monitoring.

Vivint sits firmly in the premium tier of home security systems, combining reliable motion detection with full smart home automation. Its motion sensors use advanced passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect body heat and movement with impressive accuracy – covering up to 40 by 50 feet with a 75°–110° field of view.  

When motion is detected, Vivint can do more than just sound an alarm: lights can turn on automatically, cameras can start recording, and the monitoring center is notified within seconds.

It’s designed for those who want total control of their security ecosystem from one place, whether through the Smart Hub™ or the Vivint app, and prefer professional installation handled by experts.

Features

• PIR (Passive Infrared) motion detection for accurate day/night sensing

• Adjustable pet-immune settings (35 or 55 lbs) to avoid false alarms

• Wide 40’ x 50’ coverage area with 75°–110° field of view

• Automatic lighting and thermostat adjustments when motion is detected

• Real-time alerts and camera activation for instant visibility

• Integration with Alexa, Google Home, smart locks, lights, and thermostats

• Two-way communication via compatible cameras

• 24/7 professional monitoring with direct emergency dispatch

• Battery-powered sensors with up to 5 years of life

Pros

• Highly reliable motion sensors with wide coverage and pet sensitivity options

• Full smart home integration and automation capabilities

• Rapid, professional emergency response through monitoring team

• Intuitive mobile app with live notifications and video playback

• Customizable motion zones to reduce false triggers

• Professional setup ensures optimal performance and device placement

Cons

• Professional installation required (no DIY option)

• Long contract terms and early cancellation fees

• Higher upfront and monthly costs compared to DIY systems

• Mixed reviews on customer service responsiveness

• Occasional false alarms in specific lighting or temperature conditions

Score: 4.5/5 

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3. Google Nest Cam

Best For: Homeowners who want AI-driven motion detection, effortless smart home integration, and a sleek design that fits seamlessly indoors or outdoors.

Google’s Nest Cam strikes a balance between smart detection, reliability, and design. Using on-device AI, it distinguishes between people, vehicles, and animals with impressive accuracy – cutting through the noise of irrelevant movement. 

You can fine-tune its alerts using Activity Zones and get notifications straight to your phone. Installation is simple thanks to its magnetic mount and weather-resistant build, and the app gives you full control wherever you are.  

While some premium features like familiar face detection and extended video history require a Nest Aware subscription, the camera’s baseline intelligence and 3 hours of free event recording still make it one of the smartest motion detection systems available.

Features

• AI-powered motion detection differentiating people, vehicles, and animals

• 1080p HD video with HDR and night vision for clear visibility

• Activity Zones for customizable motion alerts

• Two-way talk via built-in speaker and microphone

• Battery-powered, weather-resistant design for flexible placement

• Local data processing with encrypted storage

• 3-hour free event history; 30–60 days with Nest Aware

• Integration with Google Home and Amazon Alexa

• Theft replacement program and magnetic mount for easy setup

Pros

• Highly accurate motion detection powered by AI and local processing

• Intuitive, user-friendly app and effortless setup

• Works seamlessly with Google and Alexa smart home devices

• Crisp video quality day and night

• Customizable alert zones minimize irrelevant notifications

• Privacy-first design with encrypted storage and local processing

• Stylish design that blends into most homes

Cons

• Advanced features locked behind a paid Nest Aware plan

• Limited free video history (3 hours)

• Higher cost compared to similar models

• Battery version is slightly bulkier than competitors

• Minor lag in alerts during high network load

• Reliant on internet for full functionality

Score: 4.4/5

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4. Lorex

Best For: Homeowners who want powerful, subscription-free video security with customizable motion detection and local storage.

Lorex is best known for its flexible range of wired and wireless camera systems – and for giving users complete control without tying them to monthly cloud fees.  

Instead of sending footage to the cloud, Lorex systems store everything locally on an NVR or DVR, which means you own your recordings and manage them directly.

When it comes to motion detection, Lorex offers multiple levels of sophistication, from standard motion sensing to advanced AI-based detection that can identify people, vehicles, and even faces. Smart Motion Detection Plus further refines this by distinguishing between motion types and eliminating unnecessary alerts.  

For privacy-focused users who prefer to self-monitor, it’s a reliable, cost-effective choice.

Features

• Multiple motion detection types: standard, PIR, person/vehicle, and Smart Motion Detection Plus

• Customizable motion zones with adjustable sensitivity

• Smart alerts for specific motion types and activity zones

• Local NVR/DVR storage – no mandatory subscription or cloud fees

• High-definition and 4K Ultra HD camera options

• Two-way audio and listen-in capabilities on select models

• Remote access via Lorex App for live monitoring and motion alerts

• Deterrent options like motion-activated lights and sirens

• Additional detection features (missing or abandoned object alerts)

Pros

• No ongoing subscription costs – full ownership of footage

• Highly customizable motion detection zones and alert settings

• Advanced detection reduces false alarms (people, vehicles, faces)

• Strong image quality, especially in 4K systems

• Flexible range of wired and wireless configurations

• App offers intuitive remote access and control

• Privacy-focused approach with fully local storage

Cons

• No professional monitoring option for emergency response

• Setup can be challenging for first-time users

• Some models have slower or less precise motion alerts

• Occasional false notifications on non-smart detection cameras

• Notification speed lags slightly behind systems like Ring or Vivint

Score: 4.3/5 

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5. Ring

Best For: DIY homeowners who want an affordable, expandable home security system with reliable indoor motion detection and seamless smart home integration.

Ring has become synonymous with DIY home security, and its motion detection features are a big reason why. 

The Ring Alarm Motion Detector uses passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect heat and movement across a 90° horizontal field of view. When armed, it triggers alerts and can activate alarms, cameras, or Alexa routines. Pet-friendly settings, adjustable motion zones, and built-in entry delay options make it highly customizable for households with different activity levels.  

While its sensors are designed for indoor use only, Ring’s ecosystem easily extends outdoors through cameras, doorbells, and smart lighting – all controllable from one intuitive app.

Features

• PIR motion detection with adjustable sensitivity and motion zones

• Pet-friendly detection for animals under 22 kg (approx. 50 lbs)

• 90° field of view with adjustable detection range

• Works exclusively with Ring Base Station via Z-Wave connectivity

• Entry and exit delay timers to avoid false alarms

• Integration with Alexa for custom routines and voice control

• Real-time app alerts and activity history

• Expandable ecosystem with doorbells, cameras, and lights

• Cloud video storage and Smart Alerts with Ring Protect Plan

Pros

• Simple DIY setup with easy sensor pairing

• Affordable system with flexible scalability

• Strong smart home integration (especially with Alexa)

• Responsive mobile alerts and automation capabilities

• Pet-friendly features help reduce false alarms

• Cloud-based video recording option for extended event access

Cons

• Motion detectors are indoor-only and not weatherproof

• Subscription (Ring Protect) required for full functionality and cloud storage

• Privacy concerns related to data sharing with law enforcement have been raised

• False alerts possible if placement or sensitivity isn’t fine-tuned

• Battery life varies depending on activity and settings

Score: 4.2/5

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Comparison: Best Home Security Systems for Motion Detection

How to Choose the Best Home Security System for Motion Detection

When comparing the best home security systems for motion detection, the goal is to find a system that’s reliable, customizable, and suits your lifestyle. The right choice depends on how you balance accuracy, integration, cost, and convenience. 

Here’s what to look for, and how each of the top contenders performs under these criteria:

1. Type of Motion Sensor

Most systems use Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, which detect body heat and motion. These are ideal for residential settings but can vary in precision. Some brands add AI or dual-sensor technology to refine detection.

• Best: Google Nest Cam (AI detection) and Vivint (PIR with smart automation) deliver superior accuracy with fewer false alarms.

• Good: SimpliSafe also offers dependable PIR sensors with pet immunity.

• Less Good: Ring and Lorex depend on traditional PIR tech – accurate enough, but not as adaptive without advanced camera add-ons.

2. Detection Range and Coverage

The wider the coverage, the fewer devices you’ll need to secure a room or yard. Range also affects reliability in large spaces.

• Best: Vivint leads here with sensors covering up to 40×50 ft and a wide 110° view.
  Good: SimpliSafe and Lorex both provide strong range (around 35–40 ft) for typical homes.

• Less Good: Ring’s indoor detectors have limited reach, best for smaller rooms.

3. Integration and Compatibility

Smart home integration is crucial if you use Alexa, Google Home, or other platforms. Seamless integration allows automated actions – lights turning on with movement or cameras starting to record instantly.

• Best: Vivint integrates deeply with Alexa, Google, smart thermostats, and locks. Nest Cam naturally excels within the Google ecosystem.

• Good: Ring works well with Alexa and has solid ecosystem expandability.

• Less Good: SimpliSafe offers integration but is more limited; Lorex is largely standalone.

4. Installation and Ease of Use

DIY systems are budget-friendly but can suffer from poor placement or calibration. Professionally installed systems ensure optimal sensor coverage and fewer false alarms.

• Best: Vivint (professional setup ensures precision).

• Good: SimpliSafe and Ring make DIY installation easy and beginner-friendly.

• Less Good: Lorex offers powerful systems but requires more technical skill.

5. Storage and Monitoring

This impacts both cost and security. Cloud-based systems provide easy access but come with fees; local storage ensures privacy but lacks live monitoring.

• Best: SimpliSafe and Vivint provide professional monitoring with fast response times.

• Good: Lorex offers subscription-free local storage – great for privacy-conscious users.

• Less Good: Ring and Nest Cam rely heavily on subscriptions for full functionality.

6. Customization and Sensitivity Settings

Being able to fine-tune motion zones and pet immunity prevents constant notifications and false alarms.

• Best: Nest Cam and Vivint offer the most flexible customization.

• Good: SimpliSafe and Ring allow basic adjustments via app.

• Less Good: Lorex can be highly customizable, but settings differ widely by model.

Bottom Line:

If you want professional-grade smart security, choose Vivint for its automation and coverage. For DIY flexibility and reliability, SimpliSafe is the best balanced option. 

For AI accuracy and design, go with Google Nest Cam. Lorex fits privacy-focused users avoiding subscriptions, while Ring offers a budget-friendly, expandable ecosystem for everyday protection.