Best Professionally Monitored and Installed Home Security Systems

ADT has been in the security business for over 140 years at this point, so they know a thing or two about keeping their customers safe. Their professionally monitored systems are among the best in the business and they’re a personal favorite of ours.

That said, when it comes to home security, there are essentially two schools of thought. There are the folks who want to pick out and install their own equipment, and the folks who want someone else to do it for them. If you’re not handy with a power drill or don’t want to climb up on a ladder, ADT’s professional installation is a great option. You’ll have the peace of mind that everything is set up exactly as it should be, and you’re not going to run the risk of electrocuting yourself. Always a plus in our book.

There are three plans to choose from with ADT. Each one can be customized to fit your specific needs, but they all include monitoring. Here’s the breakdown:

ADT Plan and Cost Breakdown

From a professional installation perspective, ADT is the best option due to its quality system components as well as its varied plan options. The equipment itself is high end, which is one of the reasons they want you to have it professionally installed. The technicians also provide excellent service when they visit, teaching you everything you need to know to get the features you want out of the system. More so, it is very easy to use. If you want home security, you don’t have to install, that’s affordable, and easy to use, ADT is the route to take.

Vivint consistently receives some of the most positive feedback from customers purchasing their home security system. They are one of the leaders in fully wireless systems with home automation built into it. The equipment you’ll be able to choose from is quite versatile, offering everything from high-end voice-activated home automation to thermostats and customizable remotes. Smart Drive is a type of data security protection you can add. Or, go with smart locks to minimize access to your home. Any type of doorbell camera or indoor or outdoor camera you are interested in is available here.

Vivint requires a long-term contract for most users. However, if you pay for your equipment up front, instead of using the Flex pay feature, you can choose a month-to-month contract. This still comes with the professional home security monitoring that you’ll want to purchase. There is also a $49.99 installation fee to consider.

There are three monitoring options with Vivint. The most basic Smart Security Package costs $29.99 per month, their more advanced Smart Home package — which includes video integration — costs $39.99 per month, and their Smart Home Video package — which includes actual video monitoring — costs $44.99 per month.

With excellent equipment options and really well-built systems that last for years, Vivint is an excellent choice for most users. It offers a lot of customization as well, including four starter package options for you to choose from. And, with the monthly Flex Pay, you don’t have to pay upfront for all of the equipment like some competitors require. It’s also very easy to use. There isn’t a large learning curve here, which is great for those who want a professional to install it and then start using it.

If you’re looking for a home automation-packed home security system with ample automation and professional installation, Vivint is the route to take. It provides an excellent level of functionality, but it also provides the high-end features you want to be able to remain connected to your home no matter where you go.

Xfinity is a unique company in that it is not a stand-alone home security company. Rather, the company provides professionally monitoring home security alongside providing for your cable and internet services. It also offers a wide range of ways to customize your plan based on the add-on equipment you choose.

There are a few things that make it different. First, this company offers just a single plan option, and it requires a two-year contract. The basic package includes professional monitoring, motion detectors, window and door sensors, and a control panel with a keypad. From there, you can make it your own by adding additional features and equipment options such as environmental protections. For this reason, it’s quite customizable (and it works with a number of third-party home automation providers as well).

There is a battery backup available to manage any power outage, but the system runs on a power supply and your 3G cell service (or better). Of course, what you use depends on what is available from Comcast for your area.

There are two monitoring plans, Pro Protection, and Pro Protection Plus. The former offers professional monitoring, real time alerts, and cellular backup. The latter covers all of that while adding a week of cloud video storage, and a search function that allows you to find particular moments faster. Pro protection starts at $30 per month, and Pro Protection Plus starts at $40.

There are some big pros to choosing Xfinity, including the potentially lower cost depending on your area. The company’s home automation is competitive. And, when it comes to the professionally monitored service, it’s well known to be reliable. The company requires professional installation, but the process is no different than having your cable person come to the home. What makes it ideal is that you can add-on a lot of equipment options, which makes it possible for you to really choose something that works for any need and stays within your desired price range.