Home Security in Boise
Boise is home to 229,000 residents and the scenic Boise River Greenbelt that runs through the heart of the city — 25 miles of walking trails and wildlife along the river. The Idaho Botanical Garden, featuring 14 different gardens, also makes the city a perfect spot for nature lovers. Whether you’re moving to Boise or have already taken up residence, we’ve done the research to help you determine the safest home security provider in the area.
Boise Crime Statistics
Your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Boise are lower than the national average but still higher than Idaho’s average, according to Neighborhood Scout. Boise experienced 4,627 crimes involving the theft of private property, according to 2018 data from the FBI. The vast majority were larceny-theft crimes, as shown in this breakdown of FBI data:
- 3,725 incidents of larceny-theft
- 638 incidents of burglary
- 410 incidents of aggravated assault
- 264 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 51 incidents of robbery
Boise Spotlight: Valor Home Security — Local Security Provider
We’ve chosen to spotlight Valor Home Security for its local expertise in Boise and affordable rates. It leases you pet-friendly equipment, provides free installation and lets you customize your equipment package. Valor has been around since 2014, and with five short years of business has an A+ rating from the BBB.
Valor Home Security lets you customize your equipment so you can build your own system for your home. The company offers smart locks, smart thermostats and other devices for home automation, and there’s a touch screen control panel with smash and crash protection. We love that 24/7 professional monitoring with Valor starts at a low rate of $29.99 per month. The system is wireless, featuring cellular connectivity instead of a landline. There’s also an app that lets you easily access your system remotely.
Our take
Valor Home Security offers a price match guarantee, and it’s more transparent about its monitoring rates compared to other local providers in Boise. We like Valor because it offers everything you may need to secure your home, in an affordable package you can customize. There’s no need to buy your equipment because it’s included in your monthly rate, ranging from $29.99 o $47.99
Pros
- Touch screen panel with smash and crash protection
- Smart devices and home automation offered
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No DIY installation
- Appointment required
- Not yet BBB accredited
- Best Home Security for Industry Experience
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT’s a well-recognized name in the home security industry. It offers traditional security that requires professional installation and monitoring at a steep price.
★ Recommended Plan
CompletePros
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- $500 theft protection guarantee
- High-quality equipment
Cons
- Must pay for an extended warranty
- Lengthy contracts
- More expensive than competitors
- Best Smart Home Security
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint has an extensive line of smart security equipment that you can expand over time. The downside is that you’ll have a long-term contract if you finance your equipment.
★ Recommended Plan
Vivint’s Smart Home Service is our recommended plan because it unlocks a larger selection of smart home devices, as well as video monitoring.
Pros
- Month-to-month contract option if equipment is purchased upfront
- Backup battery included with the Sky Control panel
- Extensive equipment features, including Vivint Car Guard
Cons
- Long contract if equipment is financed
- Installation can take 3-4 hours
- Short (120-day) equipment warranty and service guarantee (unless you purchase Premium)
- Best Overall DIY Security System
Our Take on SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe is our top pick for inexpensive monitoring, durable equipment and reliable services that simplify home security. You’ll have all the right devices and features to give you peace of mind — even when the unexpected happens.
★ Recommended Package
BarringtonPros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
Cons
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
- Best Pet-Friendly Home Security
Frontpoint Home Security
Our rating9.4Starting at$44.99/moOur Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint lets you choose both your package and monitoring plan to help build the perfect home security system for renters and homeowners alike. Monitoring can be costly, but free DIY installation helps lower costs without reducing reliability or protection.
★ Recommended Plan
Our recommended Frontpoint plan is the Safe Home Starter equipment package combined with the Ultimate monitoring plan, which will give you access to a smartphone app for monitoring your security devices.
Pros
- No lengthy contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Variety of equipment to choose from
Cons
- Monitoring fees are relatively expensive
- Short (30 days) trial period
- No professional installation option
Additional Local Home Security Providers for Boise
Here are some other home security providers in Boise to look at:
- Mountain Alarm monitors your security and fire alarm systems and offers access control, surveillance and home automation capabilities.
- Zenith Home Security provides alarm, surveillance and environmental monitoring and features an app with home automation features and smart notifications.
- Moment serves the local area with security, home automation and surveillance services and offers remote access through its app.
- Sonitrol offers a $10,000 Performance Warranty and False Alarm Fine Guarantee, plus it also serves Washington and Oregon.
- Peak Alarm serves Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, Nevada and Utah, providing security, fire and medical alarm systems.
Surrounding Areas for Boise
Consider providers serving neighboring areas around Boise, such as:
- Meridian, Idaho
- Eagle, Idaho
- Garden City, Idaho
- Caldwell, Idaho
- Kuna, Idaho
- Mountain Home, Idaho
- Emmett, Idaho
- Nampa, Idaho
Common Home Security Equipment and Features
Control panel/hub
Motion sensor
As one of the sentinels in your home, the motion sensor captures unusual activity, and your system lets you know. Some providers have motion sensors that are designed to be pet-friendly, avoiding pets under 80 pounds to help prevent false alarms. Learn more about motion sensors here in our post.
Door/window sensor
Door/window sensors are sentinels for your entry points. Most have a discreet profile so they’re not easily seen, but once an entry point is breached, your control panel sounds an alarm to let the intruder know they’ve been caught. Learn more about the door/window sensors offered by Frontpoint, Protect America, and SimpliSafe.
Indoor security camera
If you want to be able to monitor the interior of your home, communicate with family members, and check in on pets, then choosing an indoor security camera is a great option. Most indoor cameras feature HD video, come with night vision, and have two-way communication. Learn more about indoor security camera options offered by SimpliSafe, Vivint, and Abode.
Outdoor security camera
Keep tabs on your property no matter your location with an outdoor security cameras. Most outdoor cameras have weatherproof features, night vision, and some even have deterrence features. Learn more about the outdoor security camera options offered by ADT, Vivint, and Frontpoint.
Video doorbell camera
Check your front doorstep without having to leave work with a video doorbell camera. Most video doorbells have built-in two-way communication and night vision. Learn more about the video doorbells offered by Guardian Protection, Vivint, and SimpliSafe.
Smart thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you can potentially improve your home’s energy efficiency. Most smart thermostats allow you to program them, creating a schedule for when your home’s heating and cooling system turns on. Some will also automatically adjust themselves based on certain conditions. Learn more about the smart thermostats offered by Vivint, Frontpoint, and ADT.
Smart lock
Go keyless with a smart lock, designed so you can easily lock or unlock your door via app. Some smart locks have a keycode feature, allowing you to set unique PINs for family members and or professionals who may need to access your home. Learn more about the smart locks offered by Guardian Protection, Protect America, and Scout.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Can’t decide? Compare top providers side-by-side: ADT vs. SimpliSafe, Vivint vs. Frontpoint, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions for Boise
Valor is the least expensive local provider in Boise because you only need to pay one monthly rate for your service plus the equipment you need. National providers such as Blue by ADT offer even lower rates.
Valor would be the best local home security provider for renters because its equipment is wireless, so you can re-install it if you move. Otherwise, month-to-month nationwide providers such as SimpliSafe or Ring are great options.
Valor Home Security, Mountain Alarm, Zenith Home Security, Moment, Sonitrol and Peak Alarm all offer security cameras.
Mountain Alarm and Valor Home Security both offer smart home devices.
Few home security companies offer you the option to finance your security system. However, Google Nest lets you pay for your equipment in installments.
