The Best Professionally Installed Home Security Systems in 2025
ADT is our top pick. It works with Google Nest devices, offers white-glove professional installation and monitoring, and has become more affordable than ever.
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Last Updated on Oct 15, 2025
- Works with Google Nest security cameras and smart devices
- Expert installation by trained technicians
- Affordable professional monitoring starting at $34.99 per month
- Ready to integrate with smart home devices and automation features
- Touch screen smart hub for easier control
- Top-of-the-line security cameras with Smart Deter
- Affordable packages starting at $250
- Contract-free monitoring, even if you opt for professional installation
- Proactive security with Intruder Intervention and Active Guard Outdoor Protection
A home security system can be a sizable investment. While DIY installation reduces costs, some of the best security systems require a professional installation. So, are professionally installed systems worth the cost, and which ones deliver the most bang for your buck?
After spending months testing dozens of professionally installed systems, our top choice remains ADT. It offers unmatched installation quality and an advanced smart home ecosystem. But Vivint, SimpliSafe, and Alder are solid choices, too. Read on for a detailed breakdown of each brand’s best features as well as some tips for choosing your next home security system.
>> Read More: DIY vs Professional Home Security Installation?
Comparison of Professionally Installed Security Systems
| System |
ADT
|
Vivint
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SimpliSafe
|
Alder Security
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| BBB rating | A+ | C+ | A+ | B |
| Cost of installation | $99+ | $199+ | $124.99+ | $0+ |
| Who does installation? | ADT | Vivint | OnTech | Alder |
| DIY installation option? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Read Review | ADT Review | Vivint Review | SimpliSafe Review | Alder Security Review |
Summary of the Best Professionally Installed Security Systems
- ADT - Best Installation and Monitoring Service
- Vivint - Best Smart Home System
- SimpliSafe - Best Contract-Free Option
- Alder Security - Best Response Time
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1. ADT - Best Installation and Monitoring Service
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $269 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $24.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or 36 months and up Installation Options Professional and DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home ADT Overview
ADT partners with Google for their video doorbells and security cameras, and has opened the door to home automation, making it a top security system for smart homes. It even has a line of equipment you can install yourself, called ADT Self Setup. Still, we believe ADT works best as a professionally installed and monitored security system thanks to its top-notch quality of service.
>> Read More: ADT Self-Setup Review
This time around we had an ADT technician install our 11-piece ADT home security system. What We Like
- Experienced in-house technicians
- Google Nest camera equipment
- Offers smart lights, plugs, thermostats, and more
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey installation
- Long contracts
- ADT-branded equipment lacks some features
ADT Installation Cost
Typically, ADT installation fees range from $99 to $199. Every year we test ADT, we pay somewhere in that range. However, costs can climb higher for larger homes or complex setups.
Professional installation by ADT isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it in our opinion. They have local technicians trained to install ADT equipment, and they work efficiently in our experience. Our last ADT installation took less than two hours. Plus, if budget is your main concern, ADT offers deals from time to time that can offset the installation cost.
Pro Tip: Traditional ADT systems require lengthy contracts, which isn’t ideal. However, ADT does offer a six-month money-back guarantee in case you’re not happy. For more common concerns about ADT products and services, visit our ADT FAQs.
ADT Equipment
We had our ADT technician install our Google Nest Cam over our driveway. ADT’s cameras come from the Google Nest range and they integrate seamlessly with the rest of the security equipment. Nest cameras are some of the best on the market, and offer state-of-the-art features like facial recognition. Here’s a breakdown of the devices available.
- Video doorbell: While ADT’s old video doorbell shot 720p video, the Google Nest Doorbell we reviewed shot 1080p HDR video and had crisp night vision.
- Facial recognition: The ADT Complete plan ($49.99 per month) includes the Nest Aware plan and Google’s AI-based facial recognition.
- Nest Cams: ADT’s indoor and outdoor cameras are now on par with premium security cameras we’ve tested from Vivint and other top brands.
- Smart home integrations: ADT sells the full Google Nest smart home range, including the Nest Thermostat, the Nest Hub, and the Nest Wi-Fi Router.
While the camera selection is more limited than some competitors (three main models plus the doorbell), we found each device delivers exceptional coverage. The Nest Cam’s 130-degree field of view and intelligent alerts meant we needed fewer cameras overall to secure our property.
>> Check Out: Best Home Security Systems That Work With Google Assistant
FYI: You can control your ADT smart devices via Google Assistant or via the ADT+ app. We used the app to create a security automation that notified us whenever we left a window open after 6 p.m. for more than 15 minutes.
Our ADT technician installed our door sensor on the top corner of our window frame. Potential Downsides
ADT’s long contracts might seem like a turn-off, but they can reduce your upfront costs. Instead of dropping a ton of cash for a system, you can finance the equipment and pay it off over three years. In our case, financing brought our monthly equipment cost down to about $25 per month instead of paying $900 upfront.
We also didn’t mind signing the contract with ADT. In the years we’ve been testing ADT, we’ve always found its contracts forthcoming, transparent, and easy to understand, especially compared to its competitors such as Vivint.
>> Related: Compare Vivint vs ADT
Did You Know: If you’re not a fan of contracts but still want an ADT system, you can pay for your system upfront and self-monitor it. You can also start with a small system and add cameras or other devices incrementally.
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2. Vivint - Best Smart Home System
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $599 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs Starting from $30 per month Contract lengths Starting at 42 months Installation options Professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home Vivint Overview
The Vivint technician wall-mounted our Vivint Smart Hub near the front door for easy access. Vivint is another premium home security company that leans into smart home functionality. We particularly like how they use automation to improve the capabilities of their security system with active deterrence features. It adds a layer of complexity, though, so we understand why professional installation is required with every Vivint home security plan.
FYI: Vivint security systems must be installed by their technicians. That includes the door sensors, which just stick to a frame. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, check out our favorite DIY security systems.
What We Like
- Professional installation is often free
- Wide range of smart devices
- App makes home automation easy
What We Don’t Like
- Long contracts
- Fees for moving and maintenance
- Must speak to sales representative to buy
Vivint Installation Cost
Full disclosure, we were lucky enough to grab a free installation deal when we tested Vivint. We didn’t pay anything for the service. Our invoice, however, says that we saved $200, which is roughly on par with ADT’s installation costs. The technician also had our system up and running in about the same time it took for our ADT installation.
That said, Vivint has higher moving costs than most security systems. It costs around $150 to reinstall Vivint equipment in a new home, so we don’t recommend Vivint for renters. Try these top security systems for renters instead. Or consider a no-contract security system.
FYI: Active-duty military members don’t have to pay Vivint’s moving fee.
Vivint Equipment
We used our Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro Gen 2’s Smart Deter feature to arm our spotlight and siren. You won’t find Vivint on our list of affordable home security systems. Our package cost us $1,400, significantly more than the Cove package we bought. Like ADT, you can finance the system so you don’t drain your bank account. We also think of it as future-proofing our home, considering how advanced the equipment is. Here are some of our highlights.oofing our home, considering how advanced the equipment is. Here are some of our highlights.
- Outdoor camera: This was one of the best outdoor cameras we’ve tested. It shoots 1080p videos (but has a 4K image sensor for better clarity) with a wide 140-degree field of view and glare-proof night vision. Vivint doesn’t use AI for faces like the Nest, but it does distinguish between cars, pets, and humans for smarter notifications.
Our Vivint outdoor camera shot super crisp nighttime video - Smart Deter: To actively protect our home, Vivint’s cameras use AI to detect potential threats. Once it detects a threat, its smart deter feature kicks in, which sounds a warning tone and flashes its light to scare off the perpetrator.
- Kwikset smart lock: Another smart home device we liked, our smart lock let us open the door for guests and family and then lock it again remotely.
>> Related: The Best Smart Devices of 2025
Pro Tip: We recommend Vivint’s recessed door sensors; the normal ones are pretty clunky (see below.) The recessed sensors are a little trickier to install, but with a professional installation, you won’t have to do any drilling.
Vivint’s door sensor had a modern look that didn’t quite fit the aesthetic of our wooden door. Potential Downsides
While Vivint delivers premium equipment and service, the company has faced scrutiny over its business practices. Most recently, the FTC reached a $20 million settlement with Vivint in 2024 regarding credit reporting practices.1
As for the security system itself, the only sticking point is the cost. Vivint’s equipment is of premium quality, but so is the price. The outdoor camera we tested cost us $399, which is more than double the cost of the Nest Cam (battery).
FYI: In 2023, North Carolina-based CPI Security Systems sued Vivint for deceptive sales practices, settling for a massive $189.7 million. Vivint salesman, it was alleged, had posed as CPI reps and convinced elderly customers to purchase Vivint plans.2
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3. SimpliSafe - Best Contract-Free Option
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $250.96 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starts at $21.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe Overview
We bought SimpliSafe’s full device lineup to test out all of their components. Unlike Vivint, SimpliSafe doesn’t require professional installation. In fact, you can install a SimpliSafe system yourself in under an hour. However, they now offer professional installations and they aren’t too expensive. Plus, unlike Vivint, you can add more devices after installation without paying additional fees.
The real game-changer with SimpliSafe is their Active Guard Outdoor Protection. This feature lets monitoring agents actively intervene through your outdoor cameras. They’ll warn off potential intruders before they even reach your door. We found this feature incredibly reassuring during testing.
What We Like
- No contract
- Good value equipment
- Some high-tech features
What We Don’t Like
- Limited selection of devices
- Professional installation starts at $125
- Third-party installation technicians
SimpliSafe Installation Cost
Our SimpliSafe keypad came with our security system. SimpliSafe installations start at $124.99 for five pieces of equipment. We bought the 14-piece SimpliSafe bundle and paid over $200 for our installation. It was worth it, given that the technician took half a day to set everything up.
FYI: Unlike Vivint and ADT, which have in-house, trained technicians, SimpliSafe outsources installation jobs to OnTech. This is the same company Ring uses.
SimpliSafe Equipment
SimpliSafe has a complete range of security equipment, including video doorbells, outdoor cameras, and even smart locks. The price tag is going to be substantially lower than ADT or Vivint — SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera costs about half what Vivint is asking, but the quality is excellent. See our Vivint and SimpliSafe comparison for more information.
- Outdoor camera: SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera shoots 1080p video, has excellent night vision, and offers facial recognition when paired with the Pro or Pro Plus monitoring plan.
- Live Guard Outdoor Protection: Available with Pro or Pro Plus monitoring, this adds proactive deterrence to your security. When your outdoor camera detects a threat, SimpliSafe agents gain real-time access to the camera to scare them away.
- One-hour set-up: SimpliSafe equipment was designed for DIY installs, so if you feel comfortable, we recommend trying it. You’ll save at least a hundred bucks that way and plenty of time.
FYI: SimpliSafe now sells a smart lock. While it isn’t one of our top five smart locks, at $119.99, it’s one of the most affordable locks we’ve tested.
Our SimpliSafe outdoor camera could read the license plates of cars that drove up to our house. Potential Downsides
SimpliSafe has maintained a strong track record since addressing security vulnerabilities discovered back in 2019. The company quickly patched those issues, and we haven’t seen any significant security concerns emerge since.
Also, SimpliSafe’s installation partner, OnTech Smart Services (not to be confused with OnTech Systems) offers great customer service as evidenced by the BBB reviews. Currently, they sit at 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 400 reviews.
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4. Alder Security - Best Response Time
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $0 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $35 Contract Lengths 36 months Installation Options Professional or DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Alder Security Overview
Our Alder security system included sensors, cameras, and a touchscreen hub. Alder Security doesn’t have the name of ADT, Vivint, or SimpliSafe, but it’s a solid security system that performed well in our tests. In fact, our Alder security system impressed us enough to earn a 9.0 out of 10 SecureScore. For context, our Ring Alarm review only scored a 7.7 out of 10. Like Vivint, however, Alder has been accused of deceptive business practices, and installation costs are a bit murky.
Alder’s “free” starter system includes a touchscreen panel, two entry sensors, and a motion detector. However, you need to sign their three-year monitoring contract at $39.99 per month. That totals $1,440 over the contract period — competitive for professional monitoring, but hardly free.
Did You Know: In 2019, ADT won a $4 million lawsuit against Alder, alleging Alder had engaged in deceptive sales practices.
What We Like
- Professional technicians
- Highly rated app
- Limited up-front costs
What We Don’t Like
- Hefty activation fee
- Long contracts
- Sketchy sales tactics
Alder Security Installation Cost
Like Vivint, Alder doesn’t display any prices on its website. We couldn’t even get a quote over the phone. Someone from Alder came to our property, performed an inspection, and discussed packages. While this personalized approach ensured our system was adequate for our home, we had to turn down a few upsells. It also makes comparison shopping difficult.
Professional installation normally costs between $100 and $200. If you choose Alder, you likely won’t pay more than that. In fact, we asked for a free installation or a free piece of equipment and we got the former.
Alder Security Equipment
We were happy to find out the hub came with cellular backup meaning our security system would stay connected during a Wi-Fi outage. They included this cost in the compulsory monthly fee. ADT, Vivint, and SimpliSafe all offer cellular backup as well, and all three made our list of the best cellular security systems. Alder did not due to the lack of transparency.
Don’t get us wrong, Alder is one of the best professionally installed security systems. Their average response time of under 30 seconds really impressed us. That’s significantly faster than the industry standard of 45 to 60 seconds. However, unlike Vivint, Alder’s smart home capabilities are limited. It doesn’t even offer smart home products.
Alder’s Touchscreen Control Panel let us arm our system and set a timer for how long we want it armed. Potential Downsides
We mentioned earlier that Alder has been accused of deceptive sales practices in the past. That was not our experience with Alder. The home visit was professional and the installation went smoothly. This doesn’t mean everyone will have the same experience.
The real drawback is value. Alder uses similar third-party equipment as Cove, which offers packages starting at under $100. Over three years, Alder’s monitoring costs add up to more than $1,400. This does include professional monitoring ($20 to $30 monthly with Cove), but Alder still ends up costing significantly more than Cove.
How to Choose a Professionally Installed Security System
Deciding between professional and DIY installation is just the beginning. Here are the key factors we evaluate when recommending professionally installed security systems:
- Does the equipment cover my needs? There’s no point in paying double for a 4K outdoor camera with AI enhancements if all you’re looking for is a simple one to place for deterrence.
- Do I trust the company? Security equipment often requires a contract or at least financing. Only enter into an agreement with a company you can see yourself working with over time.
- Is my security system future-proof? You may not have a smart home today, but in a year or two you may want one. If your security system isn’t smart home compatible, you’ll have to start from scratch.
>> Learn More: The Best Places for Your Home Security Cameras
The Pros and Cons of Professionally Installed Security Systems
Professional installations are quality controls that ensure your security equipment is properly set up and ready for emergencies. But there are a few considerations.
Cons
- Professional installations cost more. You could use that money for another piece of equipment you need.
- Installations are day or half-day events and you have to be there overseeing.
- You may end up with a subpar technician, even if they’re specialists.
Pros
- A pro installation doesn’t cost too much in our experience.
- If you install your system yourself and make a mistake, you’ll have to pay to fix it anyway.
- Technicians are usually good, especially those trained by ADT and Vivint. If they make a mistake, they should fix it at no extra cost.
With professionally installed systems, you also get:
- Maintenance. If your equipment isn’t working, your security company should send someone out to fix or replace it, depending on your contract.
- Professional monitoring. Many security brands that offer professional installations include professional monitoring in their contracts for an additional fee. In most cases, we recommend monitoring, which speeds up law enforcement responses in the event of a security incident.
- Financing. Security companies selling premium features like professional installations often offer financing to put their equipment and services within reach.
Are Professionally Installed Security Systems Safe?
Inviting a person, even a trained professional, into your home to set up your security system may set you on edge. They know where your alarm is and how to disable it. What if their side hustle is burglary?
Your concerns are understandable, but the risks are minimal. Major security companies require comprehensive background checks, drug testing, and continuous monitoring of their technicians. That’s a solid safeguard if you ask us.
>> Learn More: The Best Security Brands for Rural Areas
What to Expect During Your Home Security System Installation
If you do move forward with a professional installation, here’s what to expect.
- Assessment: A professional will take a good look at your home and your security package to make sure there’s a spot for every device. Depending on the company, this may happen before you even sign the contract.
- Installation: Installation times vary significantly. Our ADT setup took just two hours for 11 devices. For Vivint, the installation turned into a full day affair. How long your installation takes will depend on the size and age of your home, how much equipment you’ve ordered, and how much wiring and automation is involved.
- Configuration: Your new security system will have a software and hardware component. Your technician will make sure all your devices are not only installed correctly, but also configured correctly. That typically means connecting them to your home Wi-Fi network and controller. With Vivint and ADT, our technicians also connected our third-party smart home devices.
- Education: A quality technician won’t leave until you’re comfortable with your system. During our installations, technicians spent 20 to 30 minutes walking us through the app, demonstrating alarm responses, and answering our questions about automation features.
FYI: When it’s time for the security technician to install your system, you should get a text or call that they’re on their way. If you have any doubts about their authenticity, call your security company to double-check.
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Ranked the Best Professionally Installed Security Systems
Letting someone into your home to install a security system is almost always safe and better for hardwired security systems, but it’s still a serious business. Here are the three main criteria we considered before putting a brand on our list.
- Installation costs: Our top picks aren’t trying to gouge their future customers. Their installation costs are reasonable. Some of them even offer DIY options.
- Equipment quality: We don’t recommend any companies that have serious issues with their security equipment. Every security system on this list has quality equipment that holds up to our extensive testing.
- Potential downsides: When choosing a security system for your home, it’s important to get the full picture, including any less-than-ideal elements of an otherwise quality professional installation. If we turned up any issues with our top picks during testing, we’ve reported them here.
Recap
After years of hands-on testing, ADT remains our top choice for professionally installed systems. They cemented that spot with their advanced Google Nest Cams and more competitive pricing. That said, Vivint excels at smart home automation, SimpliSafe offers the best no-contract flexibility, and Alder delivers impressively fast response times.
Yes, professional installation comes at a cost, but we think it’s always worth it. Also, most companies will negotiate with you. With a little bargaining, you may even be able to waive the installation fees.
FAQs
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What is the best professionally installed home security system?
In our experience, ADT offers the best professionally installed security system right now because it ensures you’re getting the most out of premium cameras and ADT’s top-class monitoring service. We also thought professionally installed systems from Vivint, SimpliSafe, and Alder are solid choices for different reasons.
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How much does it cost to get a security system professionally installed?
Professional installation costs typically range from $100 to $200, depending on your system’s complexity and the company you choose. Keep an eye out for promotions that include free installation with monitoring contracts. They’re more common than you’d think.
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Is a professionally installed security system better?
A professionally-installed security system isn’t necessarily better, but it saves time and ensures you’re getting the most out of your devices and monitoring service. A bad DIY installation could mean poor security coverage and a monitoring service that is limited in how it can help you during a break-in or emergency.
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Can I install my security system myself?
Yes, you can self-install many security systems. Brands like SimpliSafe make it easy with peel-and-stick sensors. However, some of the more traditional brands like Vivint require professional installation.
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Are third-party technicians safe?
In our experience, yes. As long as your security provider partners with a reputable company, a third-party installation is safe.
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FTC. (December 2024). Vivint Smart Home Settlement. https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/192-3060-vivint-smart-home-inc
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Reuters. (February 20, 2023). Vivint hit with $189.7 million verdict for stealing security rival's customers. https://www.reuters.com/legal/vivint-hit-with-1897-mln-verdict-stealing-security-rivals-customers-2023-02-17/
