Best Professionally Installed Security Systems of 2024 | Security.org

Nov 04, 2024

The affordable professional installation, Nest equipment options, and smart home features are why ADT is our top pick.

Home security technology has progressed to the point that almost everything now can be DIYed, but in a poll we conducted, it seems that professional installation is still the preference of many. And why not? It’s a great way to ensure your security system is properly set up. So, in this guide, I’ll help you pick the best professionally installed security system for your home.

After watching different technicians come and install different home security systems in our testing locations, I’ve concluded that ADT could be the best option for most people. The installation service was on point, and the equipment installed were some of the best I’ve seen. It included security cameras and smart home gear from Google Nest. Besides ADT, though, I also found Vivint, SimpliSafe, Alder, and abode to be great options. Read on to find out more about my top picks.

FYI: Would you rather decide on a brand yourself? Check out our home security system comparison tool.

ADT is a classic for a reason. It has been around for 150 years and has offered reliable equipment and monitoring for decades. And the cherry on top? ADT sends trained technicians to set it all up for you.

FYI: ADT also offers a self-installed option. Read all about it in our ADT Self-Setup review.

I’ve tested ADT extensively over the years. Every time I finish another test drive, I come away pleasantly surprised. ADT isn’t just old reliable, but it’s also the best security system I’ve tested.

Are the long contracts annoying? Yes. But the expert service from day one to day 1,095 makes it worth it.

When you buy an ADT package, you can expect the initial installation fee to be in the ballpark of $99 to $199 — less if you order fewer devices, more if you order, well, more.2 The good news is just like Vivint, there may be a few ways for you to save through ADT deals.

First, you might be qualified for discounted installation and free hardware if you served and are a member of Veterans Advantage. Second, ADT occasionally provides free installation of certain pieces of equipment, like their security cameras. Just keep an eye out for promotional banners on ADT’s website. Lastly, you might be able to haggle if you’re willing to. Before you sign an ADT contract, you’ll need to speak to a sales representative. You might as well make that conversation worth your time. Ask if they can knock something off the installation price. They might just say yes.

Pro Tip: Traditional ADT systems require a lengthy contract. Don’t sign one before you’ve gone over the fine print. We covered some common concerns in our ADT FAQs.

ADT recently made changes to its lineup, and while the equipment is not necessarily groundbreaking, there were a few pieces that I found exciting. First is the Google Nest Cam. You read that right; the feature rich and high-end Nest Cams are part of the ADT security system. They are what you’ll get if you buy security cameras.

>> Check Out: Best Home Security Systems That Work With Google Assistant

We like that Nest Cams are part of the ADT ecosystem now. Before ADT’s partnership with Google Nest, our team tested ADT’s original equipment and saw its limitations. The doorbell camera, for example, had a measly 720p resolution with no smart features at all. In contrast, the Google Nest Doorbell has a 1080p HD resolution with HDR, offers person detection out of the box, and can recognize people and detect package drop-offs once the Nest Aware service is activated.

That’s just one example. I can say the same things for the battery-powered, wired, and floodlight-equipped Nest Cam models compared to the former security cameras from ADT.

FYI: Google has officially stopped supporting its own security offering, Nest Secure, starting April 8, 2024. Because ADT works with Google Nest cameras, it’s a great alternative for former Nest Secure users who would like to try a professionally installed system.

By the way, ADT offers other types of Google Nest devices, including smart speakers, displays and thermostats. They also offer more traditional security equipment like motion and entry sensors, fire detectors, and carbon monoxide monitors. There are lots of options, all of which ADT will install for you for a fee.

What that means is that you can have a full-blown security system with home automation features and security cameras installed in your house without any work. That’s where professional installation pays for itself.

FYI: By the way, if you’re still deciding between professional and DIY installation, ADT can work either way. The latest ADT system called ADT Plus can be installed both ways. There’s a new option too, where you’ll install the system yourself but an ADT professional will remotely assist you every step of the way.

ADT has racked up 150 years worth of goodwill. That’s more than any other company on this list can say. Compared to ADT, Vivint is a spunky little upstart.

That said, experience isn’t always synonymous with excellence. In recent years, some customers have revolted against ADT’s long contracts — especially since companies like SimpliSafe have shown there’s another way.

But having a contract – particularly one as transparent as ADT – can put you at an advantage. For one, ADT is able to offer equipment financing. You can pay $10 to $30 per month over the course of up to five years, which is easier on the wallet compared to shelling out over $1,000 on-the-spot.

I should also mention there’s a stark difference between companies that require a contract to protect the company’s and the customer’s interests, and companies that use contracts to deceive customers. In the years I’ve been testing ADT, I’ve always found its contracts forthcoming, transparent, and easy to understand – which is more than I can say about some of the worst security systems I’ve tested.

Did You Know: ADT sued NorthStar, and settled for $3 million.4 ADT alleged the competitor used deceptive sales tactics to steal its customers.

Vivint is more than a home security company — it’s a smart-home security company. It sells all the sensors you need to set up smart-home automations. That’s nice, but it’s also an awful lot of tech to install.

Thankfully, every Vivint package comes with professional installation.

FYI: Self-install is not an option with Vivint. If you want to drill your own door sensors, check out our favorite self-install security systems.

I might be stating the obvious, but Vivint is one of my favorite smart-home security systems too. When I tested Vivint, I was able to set up powerful home automations with ease. That’s because the installation technician laid all the groundwork – he set up my Vivint system and paired the third-party smart-home equipment I wanted paired. By the time he left, all I had to do was set up the automations using my Vivint app.

If Vivint sales reps would stop knocking on my door on the weekends, it just might become my favorite professionally installed security system.

I have good news and bad news. First, the good news: There’s a decent chance your initial Vivint installation will be free. According to the Vivint website, customers who sign up online don’t have to pay an installation fee.5

Now, the bad news: That’s just the first installation. A second, third, or fourth? That’ll cost you. Moving your Vivint equipment will cost $149.6 Free installation is suddenly feeling a lot less free, huh?

FYI: Active-duty military members don’t have to pay Vivint’s moving fee.

That’s why Vivint is one of our favorite security systems for large homes, but it’s not one of our favorite security systems for renters. If you’re settled in your five-bed, three-bath in Pasadena (good for you, by the way), you’re unlikely to run into the $149 moving fee. If you’re moving from rental to rental, you probably will. Skip Vivint and go with a no-contract security system.

One last thing worth mentioning about Vivint’s installation is that its installation technician had my system up and running in half the time it took ADT. Vivint took about three or four hours total, compared to ADT’s eight-hour installation.

I’ve tested about $1,200 worth of Vivint equipment. If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. Vivint is one of the priciest systems I’ve ever tested. I’m not talking about Eufy here.

Pro Tip: Choosing the hardware for your Vivint package? Go with the recessed door sensors. A professional tech is doing it anyway, so let them break out the drill.

The Vivint Outdoor Camera, in particular, is top of the line. It features a 4K sensor, 140-degree field of view, and local storage. That’s in addition to its AI capabilities. It can tell the difference between a car, pet, and human, which came in handy during testing. I got alerts for people, not Porsches.

The Smart Deter function on the Vivint outdoor camera was also a real crime-buster. I got to set it up to sound a warning tone every time someone lurked in my front lawn for more than a minute. And the red LED ring around the lens was surely eye-catching. Some prefer to hide their outdoor cameras, but I want mine in full display to serve as a warning.

Vivint also offers some of the best smart-home devices on the market. I especially loved the Kwikset smart lock. Vivint Smart Home earned its name by making it easy to unlock all the doors when the fire alarm went off.

Here’s the thing about top-of-the-line equipment: It’s not always the easiest to install. I probably wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of hooking up a wired outdoor camera or drilling an advanced dead bolt on my own. It was really nice that Vivint techs did it for us.

There’s no doubt that Vivint is a security company worthy of the name. In my experience, it does exactly what it says it’s going to do: monitor your home security system. When I tripped a window sensor, Vivint was ready to respond — until I explained it was an accident.

It’s not all cotton candy and roses though. The Better Business Bureau rates Vivint a whopping C+. One reason for the lackluster grade? Vivint settled a lawsuit alleging it used random people’s credit reports to approve customers for loans.7

FYI: That’s not the only lawsuit Vivint has settled. ADT sued Vivint for deceptive sales practices and settled for $10 million.8

That said, the credit-approval wing is totally separate from the professional-installation wing. There’s no reason to believe the lady installing your Vivint security system is out to commit a minor financial crime.

You want help with installation. You don’t want professional monitoring, high prices, or a long contract. SimpliSafe may be the security system for you.

To understand what makes the security company so special, compare SimpliSafe to ADT. When you buy an ADT system, you may speak to a sales rep, undergo a credit check, and sign a three-year contract. You don’t have to do any of that with SimpliSafe. You can just hit “Add to Cart.” If you add “professional installation” to cart, too, you’ll get just as much help with your tech as you would from ADT.

That’s not the only way SimpliSafe can go toe to toe with ADT. The newcomer may not beat the old guard when it comes to smart-home features, but it holds up when it comes to basic security. I pressed the panic button and reached SimpliSafe’s monitoring center in seconds — just as quick, if not quicker, than calling 911. (Just remember that the monitoring center is not the police.)

FYI: SimpliSafe is primarily a DIY security system, so you have to request professional installation at checkout if you need it. The cost will depend on how many pieces of equipment are getting installed.

You’ll have to fork over at least $124.99 for professional installation, but it can cost you much more. That base price covers installation for five pieces of equipment. When I had a 14-piece SimpliSafe package installed, they quoted me a little over $200.

It’s also worth noting that unlike Vivint and ADT that have in-house technicians, SimpliSafe outsources the job to OnTech. Who’s OnTech? Exactly.

To its credit though, OnTech has a nationwide installation network. They install all kinds of home gadgets, like security systems, security cameras, and smart home devices. They may not be trained to install SimpliSafe gear exclusively, but they know what they’re doing. For some reason though, I still prefer in-house technicians. That’s why I felt more at ease with ADT and Vivint.

Did You Know: We remember a time when SimpliSafe installation fees started at $99. Its subscription fees have also gone up twice in three years. The frequent price hikes are one of the few things we don’t love about SimpliSafe.

Compared to ADT and Vivint, SimpliSafe sells a relatively limited range of equipment. That’s less equipment for your security technician to install — aka less bang for your buck. It does sell a complete line of indoor and outdoor cameras, including a hardwired video doorbell. But on the smart home front, SimpliSafe can’t hold a candle to ADT and Vivint.

The only smart home device SimpliSafe has ever offered is a smart lock. At $119.99, it’s one of the most affordable smart locks I’ve encountered. Other top smart locks I’ve tested are way more expensive. The Yale Smart Lock from ADT, for example, costs $189.

Unfortunately, though, I haven’t seen SimpliSafe restock the smart lock since last year. I’m not sure why, but when companies do that, that’s usually because the item is not selling as well as they had hoped and are now slowly removing it from the lineup. I hope that’s not the case, considering it’s SimpliSafe’s only remaining smart home offering.

FYI: SimpliSafe makes up for its lack of home automation devices with advanced security camera monitoring like I’ve never seen before. Included in the $31.99 Core (formerly Fast Protect) plan is live two-way audio response via the Smart Alarm Indoor camera, which activates automatically anytime the system detects an intrusion. The purpose is to actively deter and drive burglars away.

When SimpliSafe launched in 2009, I wasn’t sure I could trust it. Security is serious business. Could I really depend on a startup?

Turns out, the answer was yes. SimpliSafe has proven itself time and again as a trustworthy security provider. That’s not to say issues haven’t cropped up over the years. Security geeks the world over gasped at the Lockpicking Lawyer’s RFID jam.9 Since that incident, SimpliSafe has patched vulnerabilities, added features, and wormed its way to the top of our best-of lists.

SimpliSafe’s reputation is only part of the story, though, because SimpliSafe doesn’t have an in-house installation team. OnTech carries out its installations.

OnTech has an A+ BBB rating, with a 3.61 out of 5 average customer review.10 When you consider that unhappy customers are a lot more likely to comment than happy customers, that ratio looks pretty good. There’s a decent chance you’ll be happy with the OnTech installer who shows up at your door.

You’ve probably heard of ADT, Vivint, and SimpliSafe. You may not have heard of Alder Security. Well, you’re hearing about it now. When I tested my Alder system, it impressed me so much that I rated it 9.0 out of 10. For context, my Ring Alarm review landed at 7.7 out of 10.

Not everything about Alder is grade-A, however. Its official BBB rating is a B, and its average customer rating is about 1 out of 5.11 The sneaky sales tactics customers complain about kept me from giving Alder top marks.

Did You Know: In 2019, ADT won a $4 million lawsuit against Alder.12 ADT alleged Alder engaged in deceptive sales practices. Yikes.

How much does professional installation cost with Alder? The answer may be more complicated than you think.

When I called the company’s customer-service line, a representative told me I would have to wait for a sales person to knock on my door to discuss it. (Yep, you read that right.) After putting me on hold, they amended that answer: Instead, I would have to email customer service, wait for contact from a door-to-door rep, and then discuss it.

That lack of transparency may be covering up for the fact that the cost of installation is negotiable. Like ADT and Vivint, Alder’s stock in trade is lengthy contracts with monthly fees. You can often haggle over fees — including installation fees — until you come to an agreement.

According to court records, Alder customers paid between $14.71 and $46.18 in activation fees.13 That may give you a ballpark figure to expect.

It could work out to a great value. You’ll have to speak to your local Alder rep — and comb through your contract carefully — to find out.

You may not actually need professional installation. I managed to install my Alder system in about 15 minutes. With that caveat out of the way, let’s talk specs.

My Alder package came with cellular backup by default, which I appreciated. I felt extra safe knowing a Wi-Fi outage wouldn’t affect my security system.

On the other hand, there weren’t many devices to back up in the first place. If you’re looking for a smart-home suite, you may be better off with Vivint.

FYI: Excited about Alder’s Z-Wave-compatible panel? It looks like Alder isn’t offering it anymore. We’re sad too.

When a company loses a $4 million lawsuit over deceptive practices, you can’t really say it has a good reputation, can you? At the same time, the lawsuit had nothing to do with the technicians who install security equipment. There’s no reason to believe they would be anything but professional.

You want a lightweight, contractless system. You want help installing it. SimpliSafe doesn’t provide enough smart-home integrations for you. What’s a security system seeker like you to do?

You may want to order Abode. It’s a lightweight, affordable system with extensive smart-home capabilities, unlike SimpliSafe. In my experience, it’s the best of both worlds. When I tested Abode, I managed to create a jury-rigged floodlight with home automation. And the equipment I used didn’t all come from abode. Some of them were smart home devices I already had, which I was able to pair with abode thanks to its Z-Wave and Zigbee integration.

The downside of a system as customizable as abode is that it’s not so easy to set up. Luckily, you can opt for professional installation for that.

The cost of Abode installation starts at $99, thanks to its third-party partner, HelloTech. (Pssst: Does that sound like too much to spend? Consider DIYing it. It took me 15 minutes to install my Abode Iota system.)

Abode doesn’t offer an overwhelming choice of smart devices, but it makes up for it with smart-home compatibility. The Iota hub’s Z-Wave technology means it works with Kwikset locks, Hue lights, and other popular devices. Will your abode installer help you with those third-party devices? Probably not. That’s one reason Abode is my No. 5 pick, not my No. 1 pick.

The BBB is not happy with Abode. It’s sitting at a D+ rating.14 That’s partly because Abode didn’t respond to a BBB complaint. That may say more about the BBB than Abode.

For what it’s worth, the BBB is a bigger fan of HelloTech, the company that would send out your technician. The third-party installer has earned an A-.15 That’s a much more reassuring score for the technician who will be entering your home.

Before you sign up for a years-long Vivint contract, you should ask yourself a question: Are you certain you want a professionally installed security system? It’s nice for other people to do stuff for you, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Professionally installed systems often come with other perks too.

If you’re researching home security systems, you probably care more about home security than the average person. You may think about things that other people don’t, like: What if the person who installs my security system is a serial killer?

In 2024, chances are pretty low. Security technicians are trained, drug tested, and background checked before they reach your front door.16

So you’ve decided to treat yourself to professional installation. Here’s what happens next.

Letting strangers into your home is serious. That’s why I took assembling this guide so seriously. Here are the criteria I considered before putting a brand on my list.

The cost of installation shouldn’t exceed the cost of the whole system. I love the Deep Sentinel security system, but I don’t love that you would have to pay $100 to $150 per hour for a Deep Sentinel technician to install

What’s the point of paying $99 for professionals to install, well, junk? You may just have to keep paying for them to come back. I don’t want to put you in that position. Every security system on this list has reliable equipment that held up to extensive testing.

I’m not going to recommend that you invite unvetted strangers into your home. Every company on this list hires in-house technicians, like Vivint and ADT, or contracts with a reputable third-party company, like SimpliSafe and Abode.

There are plenty of DIY security systems on the market, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it yourself.

Installing a security system takes time, effort, and technical know-how. It could be as simple as placing a battery-powered security camera in the right spot, but it could also be as complicated as wiring six cameras to your home electrical system.

If you decide it’s worth it to get your security system professionally installed, make sure you choose a reputable security provider. You can feel safe letting ADT technicians into your home. I can’t say the same about all providers, unfortunately.

To ensure you’re making the right choice, read the terms and conditions of any deal a security company throws at you. Think carefully about the pros and cons of each brand. That way, when it’s time for installation, you can relax, knowing you’ve done your due diligence.

Sit back and watch some Netflix while the pros do the heavy lifting.

After extensive research and testing, we decided ADT was the best professionally installed security system on the market. Vivint, SimpliSafe, Alder, and Abode are also great options.

The cost of professional installation varies depending on the company, the size of your system, and your haggling skills. Expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $100.

Yes, you can self-install most security systems. Brands like SimpliSafe make it easy, with peel-and-stick sensors. Some of the more traditional brands, like Vivint, require professional installation.

You don’t need to choose a professionally installed security system, but there are a couple of perks that could convince you. First, it saves time; you don’t have to spend hours fiddling with equipment. Second, it keeps advanced equipment in reach; tough installation won’t keep you from choosing it.

IBIS World. (2023). Security Alarm Services in the US – Number of Businesses.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/security-alarm-services-united-states/

We Salute. (2024). ADT Security Services.wesalute.com/brands/adt

ADT. (2019). ADT Settles Lawsuit Filed Against NorthStar for $3 Million Marking Second Deceptive Sales Legal Victory in Two Months.investor.adt.com/News–Events/news/news-details/2019/ADT-Settles-Lawsuit-Filed-Against-NorthStar-for-3-Million-Marking-Second-Deceptive-Sales-Legal-Victory-in-Two-Months-07-16-2019/default.aspx

Vivint. (2024). Vivint Monthly Pricing: How Much Does a Vivint System Cost?vivint.com/resources/article/vivint-monthly-pricing

Vivint. (2024). Policy – Moves.support.vivint.com/article/Policy-Moves

Federal Trade Commission. (2024). Vivint Smart Home Settlement.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/vivint-smart-home-settlement

Fox13 News. (2023). Vivint settles one lawsuit, is near a deal on second.fox13now.com/news/fox-13-investigates/vivint-settles-one-lawsuit-is-near-a-deal-on-second

The Verge. (2019). SimpliSafe’s home security system can be compromised by a $2 wireless emitter.theverge.com/2019/8/7/20758529/simplisafe-home-security-system-flaw-compromise-lockpickinglawyer

Better Business Bureau. (2024). OnTech Smart Services.bbb.org/us/co/englewood/profile/tech-support/ontech-smart-services-1296-90275708

Better Business Bureau. (2024). Alder.bbb.org/us/ut/orem/profile/burglar-alarm-systems/alder-1166-22245938

SDM Mag. (2019). ADT Awarded $4 Million in Lawsuit Against Alder.sdmmag.com/articles/96703-adt-awarded-4-million-in-lawsuit-against-alder

Consumer Finance. (2020). Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection v. Alder Holdings.files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_alder-holdings-llc_complaint_2020-12.pdf

Better Business Bureau. (2024). Abode.bbb.org/us/ca/palo-alto/profile/security/abode-1216-760697

Better Business Bureau. (2024). HelloTech.bbb.org/us/ca/santa-monica/profile/network-computer/hellotech-1216-412976/

WayUp. (2024). Installer/technician.wayup.com/i-j-Vivint-Smart-Home-Pros-047563154658793/

DeepSentinel. (2024). Deep Sentinel Professional Installation.deepsentinel.com/professional-deep-sentinel-installation/