The Best Professionally Installed Security Systems in 2025
The affordable professional installation, Nest equipment options, and smart home features are why ADT is our number one pick.
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Last Updated on Apr 22, 2025
- Expert professional installation
- Nest integration
- Professional monitoring included
- Usually free professional installation
- Top-of-the-line cameras
- Wide selection of smart devices
- $124.99 professional installation
- Affordable packages
- Cancel subscription anytime
Getting a home security system professionally installed costs money, however, it ensures that you are getting the most out of your cameras, sensors, and other security equipment. While DIY installations can be just as effective without the cost, there’s a greater chance of having blind spots in your camera coverage or sensors that malfunction and give false alarms.
We regularly test all kinds of home security systems and services. We’ve had more than our share of professionally installed systems and always recommend this service if you can afford it. As for our top picks, we currently recommend professionally installed systems from ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, and Alder. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, so let’s get into the details.
FYI: Would you rather decide on a brand yourself? Check out our home security system comparison tool.
What to Look for in a Professionally Installed Security System
Almost every security system offers some kind of professional installation. And even for the ones that don’t, there’s always local handyman services or security contractors who can install those ones for a fee. So, we need to look beyond the fact that a security system offers professional installation to find the best options. When choosing a professionally installed security system, our team always looks for:
- Affordable installation: It makes sense that professional installation usually costs money. The security technician’s time is valuable, after all. It should still be a good value for you.
- Quality equipment: What’s the point of getting professionals to install your security system if they have to come back over and over? Each piece of equipment should be durable and reliable.
- Good reputation: You’re inviting the company into your home, so they need to be worthy of your trust.
Comparison of Professionally Installed Security Systems
| System |
ADT
|
Vivint
|
SimpliSafe
|
Alder Security
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| BBB rating | A+ | C+ | A+ | B |
| Cost of installation | $99+ | $0+ | $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
View Packages Links to ADTProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $349 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
If there’s one brand that comes to mind for home security system installation, it’s probably ADT. The company is known for its uniformed service technicians carrying those iconic blue octagonal signs. In addition to having decades of experience with installations, ADT currently has some of the best home security equipment on the market.
We had an ADT technician install our 11-piece ADT home security system. FYI: ADT also offers a self-installed option. Read all about it in our ADT Self-Setup review.
We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve tested ADT security systems. But every review is different. We’re always unearthing new surprises that elevate the system and make it even better than it already was. But there is always room for improvement. Allow us to explain further.
What We Like
- Experienced in-house technicians
- 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
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 Each year we test a new ADT system, we pay roughly $150 for a mid-sized home. 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 usually say yes to us.
Pro Tip: Traditional ADT systems require a lengthy contract, but we appreciate the 6-month money-back guarantee. Still, don’t sign one before you’ve gone over the fine print. We covered some common concerns in our ADT FAQs.
ADT Equipment
If it’s been a minute since you looked at ADT, you might not know that the company has partnered with Google Nest and now offers many of its products. This is a welcome change since ADT’s security cameras were a longstanding complaint we’ve had when testing ADT security systems.
We had ADT’s technician install our Google Nest Cam so it could overlook our driveway. >> Check Out: Best Home Security Systems That Work With Google Assistant
For example, the doorbell camera that we tested just a few years ago had 720p video, which is a resolution we hadn’t seen in a new device since the mid-2010s. To be fair, we did like the old ADT outdoor cameras that had built-in heaters, which allowed the cameras to work in the frigid winter temperatures of the Northern US and Canada. If you need cameras with that level of heat tolerance, it appears you can still get those cameras by contacting ADT.
The new Google Nest Doorbell camera not only offers 1080p HDR video, but it also has a number of features that leverage AI. Our favorite AI feature was its familiar face recognition which let us get alerts telling us when each of our kids got home. On top of that, the other Nest Cam models from ADT are on par with premium cameras we’ve tested from Vivint and other top brands. The former security cameras from ADT just pale in comparison.
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. If your Nest Cams are already installed, you won’t need to pay to have them reinstalled with your ADT package lowering your professional installation fee.
ADT is offering more than just cameras from the Nest range. We also grabbed the signature Nest thermostat and integrated it into our ADT system. It let us create schedules for heating and cooling so we weren’t overspending on energy bills. We also added ADT-branded motion sensors, smoke alarms, and entryway sensors to round out our system.
Our ADT technician installed our Premium Door Window Sensor on the top corner of our door frame to keep it out of sight. These ADT and Google Nest products can be controlled with a range of home automation features, which you can manage in the ADT+ app. Your professional installer should give you a crash course in the most popular and useful features. However, you don’t need to learn everything right then and there. The ADT+ can walk you through every step needed to create automations for your system. We used the app to create an automation that notified us whenever we left a window open after 6 p.m. for more than 15 minutes.
FYI: If you want to take your time and read up on the products before buying them, you can review all the ADT security system components on the website like you can with SimpliSafe. But you’ll still need to call ADT to organize professional installation.
ADT Reputation
You know ADT. You trust ADT. It’s been around for 150 years, and not by accident. Compared to ADT, Vivint and the others on this list are relative toddlers in the home security space. That being said, pedigree isn’t always synonymous with performance, as any horse racing fan can attest. ADT’s long contracts have been drawing increasing ire, and many people have been opting for the competition to avoid getting locked into a long-term agreement.
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 us that there’s another way.
But having a contract – particularly one as transparent as ADT – can put us, as customers, at an advantage. For one, ADT is able to offer equipment financing. Each time we’ve financed our equipment, we’ve paid for our equipment $10 to $30 monthly installments over five years. That’s easier on our wallet than the roughly $1,000 the equipment costs upfront.
We 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 we’ve been testing ADT, we’ve always found its contracts forthcoming, transparent, and easy to understand – which is more than we can say about some of the worst security systems we’ve tested.
Did You Know: If you’re not a fan of contracts but still want an ADT system, we recommend becoming a Self Setup customer. You’ll even save some money on professional monitoring plans, which are cheaper for ADT Self Setup customers.
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2. Vivint - Best Smart Home System
View Packages Links to VivintProduct 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
After Vivint technicians installed our system, we armed it using the Vivint Panel. Vivint is a premium home security company that sets itself apart from the competition by leaning into smart home functionality. While the security equipment is top-notch, Vivint’s smart home automations provide an extra level of convenience and security. Those automations also add a layer of complexity, and that’s why we don’t mind that professional installation is compulsory with every Vivint home security plan.
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.
Vivint technicians help you get the most value out of one of the best smart-home security systems on the market. This starts with having your equipment smartly installed and paired to any other smart home equipment you already own. Our technician also ran us through the various automations available in the Vivint app so we could choose the ones that best suited our lifestyle and security needs.
If Vivint sales reps would stop knocking on our door on the weekends, it could become our favorite professionally installed security system.
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
We have good news and bad news when it comes to Vivint’s installation. The good news is that Vivint gives free installation if you sign up online.5 That’s how we signed up and we can confirm that installation was free with our system. Also, our technician had our system up and running in half the time it took our latest ADT installation, which lasted eight hours.
Now, the bad news. Only the first installation is free. If you move, it will cost $149 to reinstall your system. So, we only recommend Vivint when you’re living in your forever home.6 and and don’t think Vivint is a good security system for renters. However, it’s one of our best security systems for large homes. If you recently built a modern mansion or moved into a grand old manor, you probably aren’t moving anytime soon. But if you’re in an apartment or even a condo, we suggest skipping Vivint and considering a no-contract security system.
FYI: Active-duty military members don’t have to pay Vivint’s moving fee.
One last thing worth mentioning about Vivint’s installation is that its installation technician had our 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.
Vivint Equipment
We’ve tested about $1,200 worth of Vivint equipment. If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. Vivint is consistently one of the most expensive systems that we test. It’s nowhere near Eufy’s low pricing.
We put the integrated spotlight and siren of the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2) to use with its active deterrence feature. Pro Tip: Choosing the hardware for your Vivint package? Go with the recessed door sensors. We thought the normal ones stood out like a sore thumb. Since a professional tech is doing the installation anyway, you won’t have to break out a drill either.
The Vivint Outdoor Camera, in particular, is our favorite Vivint component. 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. And on the alert, it told us what it saw so we knew if we could put our phone back in our pocket or needed to pull up our feed and trigger its built-in siren.
The Smart Deter function on the Vivint outdoor camera was also a real crime-buster. We set it up to sound a warning tone every time someone lurked on our 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 we want ours in full display to serve as a warning.
Vivint also has some of the best smart-home devices on the market. Our favorite is the Kwikset smart lock. We use it to let guests in while we’re partying out the back. All it takes is a quick tap on our phone. Once they’re in, we tap it again to lock the door.
We knew we made the right move with professional installation for our Vivint system – even though we didn’t have a choice. The technician had to perform a lot of electrical work, including connecting our outdoor camera to the internal wiring and drilling holes for our deadbolt. There was no way we could have completed the project as well as the technician. So it was money well spent.
Vivint’s Door Sensor had a modern look that didn’t quite fit the aesthetic of our wooden door and door frame. Vivint Reputation
There’s no doubt that Vivint is a security company worthy of the name. In our experience, it does exactly what it promises: monitors our home security system. When we tripped a window sensor, Vivint sent us a text immediately and we called them off telling them 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.
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3. SimpliSafe - Best Contract-Free Option
View Packages Links to SimpliSafeProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $249.96 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 each component they offer. You want help with installation. That doesn’t mean you want professional monitoring, high prices, or a long contract. When we were living in an apartment, we felt the same way. If that’s what you’re looking for, SimpliSafe fits the bill.
To understand what makes the security company so special, compare SimpliSafe to ADT. When we bought our ADT system, we spoke to a sales rep, underwent a credit check, and signed a three-year contract. We didn’t need to do any of that with SimpliSafe. Instead, we picked a system from their website and hit “Add to Cart.” At the checkout screen, we could add professional installation for the pros to install our package. 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. When we pressed the panic button, we 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.)
Did You Know: 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.
What We Like
- No contract
- Good value equipment
- Some high-tech features
What We Don’t Like
- Limited selection of devices
- Professional installation is at least $125
- Third-party installation technicians
SimpliSafe Installation Cost
The SimpliSafe keypad comes with every security system 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 we bought our 14-piece SimpliSafe package, they quoted us over $200 for professional installation.
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 be fair, OnTech has a nationwide network of installers who are trained to install all kinds of home gadgets, including security systems. They may not deal exclusively with SimpliSafe gear, but they are professional technicians. By comparison, ADT and Vivint have technicians that exclusive deal with their installations.
FYI: 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.
SimpliSafe Equipment
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.
Our SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera could read the license plates of cars that drove up to our house. 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 we’ve tested. Other top smart locks we’ve tested are way more expensive. The Yale Smart Lock from ADT, for example, cost us $189.
For this price, we’re impressed with the Smart Lock features like automatically locking when the system is armed, keeping tabs on who’s coming and going, and remote access via the SimpliSafe app. Our kids got home early from school one day and we unlocked the door from our office in the city. It’s much safer than leaving a spare key under a pot plant
FYI: What SimpliSafe lacks in home automation it makes up for in innovative security features. As part of your Core professional monitoring subscription, you get Intruder Intervention. When the Wireless Indoor Camera detects an intruder, a SimpliSafe agent will access the feed and two–way speaker to try and get rid of them.
SimpliSafe Reputation
When SimpliSafe launched in 2009, we weren’t sure if we could trust it. Security is serious business. Could we 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 like us 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. We can also attest to the fact that SimpliSafe systems are easy to install since we installed our own. If we can do it, we know professional OnTech installers can.
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4. Alder Security - Best Response Time
View Packages Links to Alder SecurityProduct 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 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 we tested our Alder system, it impressed us so much that we rated it 9.0 out of 10. For context, our 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 us from giving Alder top marks. And we have to say, those same sneaky sales tactics were one of our major complaints too.
Did You Know: In 2019, ADT won a $4 million lawsuit against Alder.12 ADT alleged Alder engaged in deceptive sales practices. Yikes.
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
Alder’s professional installation costs are shrouded in mystery like Vivint’s. We couldn’t find any prices or information on the website. But it did have a button to organize someone from Alder to contact us.
The representative told us they would arrange an appointment for someone to visit us in person. They would then discuss a security package, including the price for installation.This 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. We recommend asking for free installation or a free piece of equipment such as a doorbell camera as a starting point. At least, that’s what we did.
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.
Alder Security Equipment
You may not actually need professional installation. It only took us about 15 minutes to install our Alder system. With that caveat out of the way, let’s talk specs.
We put our Alder Motion Sensor in our living room on a corner table to maximize its coverage. Alder Equipment
- Control panel
- Door and window sensors
- Motion sensor
- Indoor camera
- Outdoor camera
- Arlo Audio Doorbell
- Heat detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Medical button
Alder’s Touchscreen Control Panel let us arm our system and set a timer for how long we want it armed. Our Alder package came with cellular backup by default, which we appreciated. We felt extra safe knowing a Wi-Fi outage wouldn’t affect our security system. It came in handy for us more than once.
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.
Alder Security Reputation
When a company loses a $4 million lawsuit over deceptive sales 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 or the security system itself. There’s no reason to believe they would be anything but professional and our tests of the equipment left us impressed.
The Pros and Cons of Professionally Installed Security Systems
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.
- Con: It costs more. That professional installation fee is money you simply don’t need to spend.
- Pro: It’s easier. Stating the obvious, it’s easier to watch other people work than to work yourself.
- Con: You (probably) have to be there. It would be great if you could go on vacation while a security installer did their thing. Unfortunately, that’s probably not an option. It’s safer (although more inconvenient) that way.
- Pro: You can get advanced tech. Are you up to installing an entire smart-home suite? Yeah, us neither. Get a professional to do it for you.
- Con: Technicians aren’t always that techy. What do you call a doctor who got straight Cs in med school? A doctor. The same idea applies to security technicians (minus the med school). You could end up with a security professional who isn’t so professional.
Other Features That Come With Professional Installation
Professionally installed systems often come with other perks too.
- Maintenance: Even the most carefully installed equipment could break down someday. Your security company should send someone out to fix it, or, at the very least, help you fix it yourself.
- Professional monitoring: Vivint requires professional installation and professional monitoring when you sign on. That’s not uncommon.
- Credit: Security companies selling premium features like professional installation often offer payment plans. That keeps the service within reach.
Is It Safe to Get Your Security System Installed Professionally?
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 2025, chances are low. Security technicians are trained, drug tested, and background checked before they reach your front door.16
What to Expect During Home Security System Installation?
So you’ve decided to treat yourself to professional installation. Here’s what happens next.
- Assessment: A professional will take a good look at your house and your chosen package to make sure there’s a spot for every device. Depending on the company, it may happen before you even sign the contract.
- Heads up: 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, ask to see some ID or call your security company.
- Installation: What happens next depends completely on your system. Wireless and minimalist? The technician will stick on some sensors in less than half an hour. Wired and extensive? They could be there for up to eight hours.
- Configuration: In this day and age, there will almost certainly be both a software and a hardware component. Your technician will make sure all your devices are not only installed correctly, but also configured correctly. That typically means they’re connected to the Wi-Fi and visible in the app. With Vivint and ADT, they also connected our third-party smart home devices.
- Education: Don’t worry. Your technician won’t leave without showing you how everything works. Expect them to show you around the control panel, app, and keypad before they go.
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Ranked the Systems
Letting strangers into your home is serious. That’s why we took assembling this guide so seriously. Here are the criteria we considered before putting a brand on our list.
Cost of Installation
The cost of installation shouldn’t exceed the cost of the whole system. We love the Deep Sentinel security system, but we don’t love that they charge $100 to $150 per hour for a Deep Sentinel technician to install the
Equipment
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. We don’t want to put you in that position. Every security system on this list has reliable equipment that held up to our extensive testing.
Reputation
We’re 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.
Recap
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. Some systems we’ve installed only require placing a battery-powered security camera in the right spot, but more advanced systems, like Vivint, can be as complicated as wiring six cameras to our home electrical system. That’s when professional installation is always needed.
If you decide it’s worth it to get your security system professionally installed, make sure you choose a reputable security provider. We always feel safe letting ADT technicians into our home. But, we can’t say the same about all providers.
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. Or, make your life easier by going with one of our professionally-vetted recommendations; ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, or Alder to get your system installed by pros like us.
Sit back and watch some Netflix while the pros do the heavy lifting.
FAQs
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What is the best professionally installed home security system?
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.
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How much does it cost to get a security system professionally installed?
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.
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Can I install a security system myself?
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.
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Why should I get my home security system professionally installed?
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.
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Are third-party security system installers safe to use?
In our experience, as long as its a reputable company, using a third-party security system installer is safe. We recommend using your security system provider’s recommended installer though as those technicians will be the most familiar with your equipment.
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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 -
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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/
