Home Security in Birmingham
Birmingham is Alabama’s largest city, boasting a metro-area population of nearly a million residents. It is a vibrant place with a rich culinary scene and a deep heritage. The city is home to key landmarks of the Civil Rights movement, many of which are now preserved as a part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. Another one of the city’s notable landmarks is a 100,000-plus-pound statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of metal forging. It is the largest cast-iron statue in the entire world. The figure commemorates Birmingham’s history as a major center of steel and iron production. In addition to its own roots, Birmingham also regularly celebrates general Southern history and traditions with many festivals and community events.
Whether you already call Birmingham home or are hoping to become a resident soon, you’ll want to make sure that your life in the city is a safe one. Below, we’ll introduce you to some of the best choices for Birmingham home security services.
Compare Top Providers
SimpliSafe Security | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $34.95/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $45.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | 42-60 months or pay equipment in full | 36 months | None | None |
Smart home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video surveillance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | N/A | 120-day equipment warranty | Option to extend limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Birmingham Crime Statistics
The FBI’s 2018 Crime in the United States Report shows that Birmingham has significantly higher rates of crime than most of the state’s other towns and cities. Birmingham’s crime rate is 147% higher than the state average and 219% higher than the national average.
- 941 incidents of robbery
- 2,555 incidents of burglary
- 8,988 incidents of larceny-theft
- 1,752 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 2,816 incidents of aggravated assault
Birmingham Spotlight: Provision Home — Local Service Provider
Provision Home was established in Birmingham in 2001. Since that time, the company has been providing the city and its surrounding areas with high-quality home security equipment and monitoring services. It’s a Vector Security authorized dealer, meaning that its equipment comes from Vector’s catalog of products. Vector Security is also the end supplier of Provision Home’s security monitoring service. Given that the monitoring service is stationed in Pittsburgh, this ensures that Birmingham residents can have active monitoring even when their city experiences a blackout. Many customers report that Provision Home was able to provide them with next-day installation and that its specialists are patient and knowledgeable. Most customers come away with confidence in their new security systems.
A full local staff of installers and consultants allows Provision Home to provide hands-on customer service to Birmingham residents. The company provides free security assessments, and one of its packages enables you to get an alarm system installed for free (with a $34.95 monthly monitoring subscription). In addition to home alarm systems, Provision Home’s team can also help set you up with a full smart home system that includes smart locks, automated lights and even energy monitoring.
Our take
Provision Home is a local favorite among Birmingham residents who want security service from a hometown brand. This authorized Vector Security dealer is able to deliver some of the highest quality security products and monitoring services in the nation.
Pros
- Quick installation
- Knowledgeable specialists
- Highly praised customer service
Cons
- No local monitoring center
- More expensive monitoring
- Only one brand of products offered
- 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 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 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: Barrington
Pros
- 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 the basic monitoring plan
- Best Pet-Friendly Home Security
Our 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 Birmingham
Birmingham homeowners and renters who want service from a local home security business have no shortage of providers from which to choose.
- Smart Homes of Alabama: An independent provider based in Birmingham, Smart Homes’ service includes the selection and setup of smart home security devices, such as residential alarm systems, security cameras and automated locks, gate openers, lighting and more.
- On Guard Security: A highly ranked local service claiming the best reviews among competitors on the top review sites, On Guard provides alarm systems, smart home devices and 24/7 monitoring.
- Tamburello Protective: This company specializes in providing home security alarms and cameras throughout Birmingham and surrounding areas. It is an authorized Honeywell and DMP dealer with its own local monitoring center.
- AAA Security: This local security provider with a monitoring center based right in Birmingham offers customized systems built with devices from top brands, such as Honeywell, Bosch and GE.
- ADS Security: ADS is a regional provider for the southeast with a local branch in Birmingham. It provides 24/7 monitoring and home alarm and surveillance equipment from Vector Security.
Surrounding Areas for Birmingham
These home security providers serve not only Birmingham but also surrounding suburbs and towns. Even those who live on the quieter, more rural outskirts can enjoy high-quality local service. Nearby areas include:
- Hoover, Alabama
- Adamsville, Alabama
- Gardendale, Alabama
- Warrior, Alabama
- Leeds, Alabama
- Meadowbrook, Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Talladega, Alabama
- Jasper, Alabama
- Springville, Alabama
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 Birmingham
Birmingham’s high rates of burglary, larceny and car theft make home alarm systems, door and window sensors, outdoor motion sensor lights and outdoor video cameras all valuable security features.
Provision Home, Smart Homes of Alabama, On Guard Security, Tamburello Protective, AAA Security and ADS Security all provide professional installation. ADT, Vivint Smart Home and Guardian Protection are all known for their great pro installations as well.
None of the local security providers we reviewed accommodate DIY installation, but a number of national providers are known for enabling excellent DIY setup, including Blue by ADT, Cove and SimpliSafe.
Smart home devices can be purchased from many local providers, including Provision Home, Smart Homes of Alabama, On Guard Security, Tamburello Protective, AAA Security and ADS Security. Blue by ADT, Cove, and Vivint Smart Home have all been recognized as some of the top national providers to offer smart home devices, too.
Provision Home, Smart Homes of Alabama, On Guard Security, Tamburello Protective, AAA Security and ADS Security are all Birmingham security brands that offer security cameras. Blue by ADT, SimpliSafe, and Google Nest are also ranked as some of America’s best producers of home security cameras.