Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Every business needs visibility. Whether you’re running a restaurant, managing a retail store, operating a warehouse, or scaling a small business, knowing what’s happening across locations protects more than just your assets. It protects your people, your time, and your bottom line.
In 2026, business security systems are more than just a camera on the wall. They integrate with your operations, connect to the cloud, and use AI to help you take action faster. The best options work with what you already have and make it easier to manage everything, from anywhere.
Here’s what the best business security systems have in common.
Choose a business security system that grows with you
What the best business security systems have in common
Legacy systems like ADT were built to record and store video, not solve problems. They rely on local storage, manual footage review, and outdated alert methods. When something goes wrong, you’re often stuck scrubbing through hours of footage with no context, no data, and no backup plan.
Today’s best business security systems are built for speed, scale, and simplicity. They give you more visibility, smarter tools, and faster answers. You get control without friction. Here’s what sets them apart:
Investigation-ready tools
Search by keyword, POS transaction, date, or motion. Top systems tag incidents automatically so you can find the right clip in seconds, not hours.Smart alerts when something’s off
Get real-time alerts with video and data tied to the event. That could be a forced door, a register opened without a sale, or someone lingering after hours.Hybrid storage
Cloud and on-site options protect your footage no matter what. If the internet drops, you’re still recording. If your NVR is stolen, your data is safe.Video verified alarms
Alarms come with context. You see what triggered it right away. That cuts down false alerts and speeds up emergency response.AI that works for you
Count people. Track conversion rates. Spot time theft. Detect patterns. This isn’t just about security anymore. It’s about better business.Use your existing cameras
No need to rip out what you already installed. The best systems work with most camera brands and setups.Clear video analytics
Get metrics you can use. Make staffing changes. Spot compliance gaps. Improve customer flow. All from one dashboard.User-friendly interface
Anyone on your team should be able to log in and find what they need fast. No training manuals. No guesswork.Dedicated customer support
One point of contact who knows your setup. No ticket queues. No explaining your problem twice.Remote access and scalability
Check in from your phone. Add new locations in minutes. Train staff quickly. These systems are built to grow with your business.
Top business (and small business) security systems of 2026 ranked
1. Solink
Solink continues to lead the market in 2026. It’s built for operators who need visibility into both video and data. Solink connects with your POS, alarms, sensors, and existing cameras. It uses AI to surface key insights, track behavior, and send smart alerts when something’s wrong.
Cloud-first with hybrid storage
Video analytics anyone can use
People counting, time theft detection, conversion tracking
Works with most camera systems
Fixed customer success managers
Simple remote access and multi-site scalability
Integrated video alarms
Solink stands out for how fast it turns video into answers.
2. Avigilon
Avigilon offers a strong platform with high-quality cameras and AI features. It works well for enterprise-level installs, especially in manufacturing and logistics. However, its ecosystem often requires proprietary hardware, which can raise costs and limit flexibility.
Strong AI analytics
Good for large-scale sites
May require hardware upgrades
Less flexible for small businesses
Your complete video management system (VMS) buyers guide
Take a look at the five key features you need in a modern VMS, and how to evaluate them.
3. Rhombus
Rhombus offers a clean interface and solid cloud storage. It integrates well with other business tools, but works best with its own camera hardware. Features like facial recognition are available, but setup and support may vary depending on business size.
Cloud-native system
Clean UI
Limited camera compatibility
AI tools improving but not best-in-class
4. Verkada
Verkada markets itself as easy to install and manage. It’s strong on cloud and remote access, but its reliance on proprietary hardware limits flexibility. Some businesses may find the pricing model less transparent.
Simple setup
Locked into branded equipment
Hybrid storage available
Good for single-location use
5. Eagle Eye Networks
Eagle Eye is a solid cloud video platform. It works with many types of cameras and has a decent mobile experience. That said, its analytics aren’t as advanced as others on this list, and users may find the dashboard less intuitive.
Broad camera compatibility
Reliable cloud storage
Analytics still catching up
Learning curve for new users
Find the right business security system for your business
6. Genetec
Genetec is strong in enterprise security and offers robust customization. It’s often used by governments and large institutions. But it’s not always ideal for retail, hospitality, or smaller businesses due to complexity and cost.
Enterprise-level control
Scalable but complex
Not built for SMBs
Steeper setup and training needs
7. Spot AI
Spot AI focuses on video intelligence and has some solid tools for team collaboration. It’s cloud-based, but the feature set still lacks some of the deeper AI integrations and alarm capabilities that operators rely on.
Team-based video tools
Cloud only
No hybrid storage
Limited alarm integration
8. Hikvision
Hikvision remains popular due to cost, but often relies on older infrastructure. Many businesses find it lacks the support, AI capabilities, and integrations needed to truly scale. There are also ongoing concerns about compliance and cybersecurity.
Budget-friendly
Limited smart features
Not cloud-first
Data privacy concerns
9. Milestone
Milestone is known for its video management software. It supports a wide range of cameras and can handle complex setups. However, it’s not always user-friendly and doesn’t offer a lot in terms of business data integration or remote scalability.
Good camera compatibility
Strong video management tools
Not built for daily operators
Limited business-focused features
10. Alpha Vision
Alpha Vision provides traditional video security with some remote access features. It’s best suited for small setups that don’t require advanced analytics or integration. It’s often used in legacy environments.
Basic video tools
Limited AI or data integration
Not scalable
Few business-focused features
What type of security equipment do businesses need?
Every business is different, but the core security needs stay the same: protect your people, your property, and your profits. The right equipment depends on your size, layout, risk level, and industry. But most businesses need a mix of video, access control, and alert systems to stay secure and stay informed.
Here’s a breakdown of the key equipment businesses rely on:
Security cameras
Cameras are the foundation. You need indoor and outdoor coverage, high resolution, and night vision. Dome cameras work well for retail and offices. Bullet cameras are better for outdoor areas like loading docks or parking lots. Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) models are useful for larger spaces like warehouses.Network video recorder (NVR) or cloud storage
You need a place to store your footage. NVRs record on-site, but cloud storage gives you backup and remote access. Many businesses use hybrid storage to stay protected even if the power or internet goes down.Video management software (VMS)
A good VMS lets you review footage, search by keyword or motion, and share clips fast. The best systems also tag events automatically and integrate with other tools like point-of-sale systems or alarms.Video analytics and AI tools
Businesses are moving beyond basic recording. AI-powered analytics can track customer traffic, detect loitering, identify time theft, or even measure conversion rates. This turns your security setup into a tool for operations, not just risk prevention.Access control systems
Key cards, mobile credentials, or biometric readers help control who gets in and out. These systems also log entry data, so you can review who was where and when. This is especially useful in offices, warehouses, or multi-tenant buildings.Video-verified alarm systems
Traditional alarms are often triggered by motion, which can lead to false alerts. A video-verified alarm sends live footage along with the alert, helping you decide quickly whether it’s a real threat or not.Environmental sensors
Sensors for temperature, humidity, smoke, or flooding are crucial in places like restaurants, pharmacies, or storage facilities. These alerts can prevent serious damage and downtime.Remote access control
Being able to view, manage, and update your system from your phone or laptop is now essential. Whether you’re off-site for five minutes or five days, remote access keeps you in control.Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
If the power goes out, your system should stay on. A UPS can keep cameras, NVRs, and routers running long enough to save critical footage and keep systems online.Customer-facing monitors (optional)
Some businesses place monitors at entry points to let customers know they’re on camera. This can act as a deterrent and show that you’re serious about safety.
What to consider before buying
Think about what you already have. Many of the best systems today work with existing cameras and infrastructure. Also look at what your business really needs. A single-location coffee shop doesn’t need the same setup as a distribution center. The key is to find equipment that scales, connects, and makes it easier to act when something’s wrong.
Professional monitoring
Professional monitoring means trained specialists watch for alerts and respond 24/7. If there’s a break-in, a fire, or suspicious activity, they verify the event and contact emergency services fast. This reduces false alarms, speeds up response times, and takes the pressure off your team.
For businesses that can’t afford to miss a threat or delay a response, professional monitoring isn’t optional—it’s critical.
Here’s who offers it:
Solink – Yes. Solink offers video-verified alarms with live professional monitoring, helping filter false alerts and respond faster.
Avigilon – Limited. Monitoring is available through third-party integrations but not built-in.
Rhombus – No built-in monitoring. Users must connect to a third-party service.
Verkada – Yes. Verkada offers professional monitoring as an add-on through its alarm platform.
Eagle Eye Networks – No built-in monitoring. Requires third-party integration.
Genetec – Not standard. Monitoring can be added via partners but isn’t part of the core platform.
Spot AI – No. Focused on video analytics with no monitoring services.
Hikvision – No built-in monitoring. Requires third-party providers.
Milestone – No. Offers video management only. Monitoring must be added separately.
Alpha Vision – Varies. Some support for third-party monitoring, but not consistent.
If fast, verified response matters to your business, professional monitoring should be non-negotiable. Look for systems that include it or make it easy to add.
FAQ: Business security systems in 2026
What is the best security system for a small business in 2026?
The best security system for small businesses in 2026 is one that offers cloud access, works with your existing cameras, sends smart alerts, and supports remote access. Solink ranks highest for combining video, data, AI analytics, and professional monitoring without requiring proprietary hardware. It’s also scalable, so it grows with your business.
Do I need professional monitoring for my business security system?
Yes, especially if you want verified alarms and faster emergency response. Professional monitoring adds a layer of protection by confirming threats in real time and contacting authorities when needed. This cuts down on false alarms and keeps your staff focused on operations.
Can I use my existing security cameras with a new system?
Many modern business security systems support camera-agnostic setups. Solink, Eagle Eye, and Genetec all support existing IP cameras. This helps reduce installation costs and makes upgrades easier.
What’s the difference between video monitoring and video analytics?
Monitoring is about recording and storing footage. Video analytics turns that footage into usable data. With analytics, you can track people count, spot suspicious behavior, monitor dwell time, and even measure conversion rates. This makes your system more than just a security tool—it becomes part of your business intelligence.
What is hybrid cloud storage in a security system?
Hybrid storage combines local and cloud-based video storage. It ensures your footage is safe even if internet access fails or hardware is stolen. You get the fast access of local storage with the backup and scalability of the cloud.
Can I monitor my business security system from my phone?
Yes. Most modern systems include mobile access through secure apps. This lets you view live feeds, search footage, receive alerts, and even arm or disarm alarms remotely. Make sure the platform you choose has a user-friendly mobile interface.
What are AI-powered security cameras and are they worth it?
AI-powered cameras can detect movement, recognize objects, track people, and even analyze behavior. They reduce false alarms and give you insights into how your business operates. For example, you can identify peak traffic hours, monitor employee behavior, and reduce time theft.
How much does a business security system cost in 2026?
Costs vary based on the number of locations, type of cameras, cloud vs on-prem storage, and whether professional monitoring is included. Some platforms like Solink offer flexible monthly plans with little or no upfront hardware costs, especially if you already have cameras installed.
Are cloud-based security systems safe?
Yes, if they follow industry standards for encryption, authentication, and compliance. Look for systems with SOC 2 certification, end-to-end encryption, and secure user access controls. Cloud-based platforms also allow for faster updates and less downtime.
Which business industries benefit most from video-integrated security systems?
Retail, restaurants, warehouses, hospitality, cannabis, and multi-location businesses benefit the most. These systems let you monitor operations, reduce shrink, improve safety, and track business performance—all from one platform.