Compare Top Providers
 SimpliSafe Security | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $35/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | 36 months | 42-60 mos. or pay for equipment in full | None | None |
Smart home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video surveillance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | Option to extend limited warranty | One-year warranty and 24-hour emergency repair service. | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California, lies at the base of the sweeping San Bernardino mountains and is home to the San Bernardino National Forest. Some of San Bernardino’s top attractions include the San Manuel Stadium, the California Theatre of Performing Arts and the original McDonald’s site, located on the iconic Route 66. With a population of 215,000 and growing, San Bernardino also has fairly high crime levels. If you live in the area, you may want to take steps to protect your home from burglary and other property crimes. Let’s look at some of the best home security systems in San Bernardino to help you choose the best solution for your home.
San Bernardino Crime Stats
Statistics from the FBI’s 2018 Crime in the U.S. Report show that San Bernardino had a total of 9,014 property crimes recorded that year. Neighborhood Scout estimates that the chances of becoming a victim of property crime in San Bernardino are 1 in 23, notably higher than the 1-in-42 chance across California.
Here is a breakdown of the most common crimes reported in San Bernardino:
- 4,594 incidents of larceny-theft
- 2,226 incidents of burglary
- 1,730 incidents of aggravated assault
- 2,194 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 974 incidents of robbery
San Bernardino Spotlight: Bay Alarm Home Security
Founded in 1946, Bay Alarm Home Security has plenty of experience keeping homes safe. Originally built as a small family business protecting homes in the local area, Bay Alarm has expanded to protecting homes across the nation. Despite Bay Alarm’s expansion, the provider still manages to give customers a personal touch when it comes to building tailored security solutions for their homes.
Bay Alarm stands out with its tailored approach. Rather than offering set packages to choose from, Bay Alarm provides packages that are fully customizable according to your needs and budget. When building your own security package, you can include motion sensors, cameras, doorbell cameras and fire alarms. You can also use one of Bay Alarm’s other services, including vacation watch. All of Bay Alarm’s equipment is managed through the user-friendly Bay Alarm Link app. This app acts as a central hub, connecting all of your security devices in one place to make them easier to control.
On top of its equipment, Bay Alarm provides professional monitoring services as standard. Monitoring starts from $35 per month, but this rate depends on the equipment you choose to include in your package.
- Best for Personal Service
Our take
Founded in 1946, Bay Alarm Home Security has plenty of experience protecting homes. The company offers fully customizable plans to suit your home and budget. With great equipment and integration with smart devices, Bay Alarm’s security systems can give you peace of mind and control over your home safety.
★ Recommended Plan
Custom: Bay Alarm does not offer pre-bundled equipment packages. You’ll need to consult with a Bay Alarm representative to select the best equipment for your household, which may include wearable medical monitoring devices, fire and smoke detectors, and security cameras and sensors. A custom package allows you to get exactly what you want without having to pay for extras that you may not use, which is often the case with pre-bundled packages.
Pros
- Patrol and Response program
- Complete life safety system
- Fully customizable packages
Cons
- Minimum contract of 36 months required
- Lack of specific pricing on the website
- Lack of contract details on the website
- 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: 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
Other Local Providers
Other local home security providers in San Bernardino include:
- StarBrite: StarBrite provides 24/7 alarm monitoring, HD security cameras and free installation in California.
- Secure24 Alarm Systems: Secure24 is an ADT dealer that offers professional installation, monitoring and high-quality security equipment.
- USO Security Systems: USO provides video surveillance, access control systems and security monitoring for homes and businesses.
- Alarmco: Alarmco has 22 years of experience in home security and provides custom home security solutions.
Additional Areas Covered
Home security companies in San Bernardino may also provide security services in areas such as:
- Nena, California
- Blair Park, California
- Rancho West, California
- Kendall, California
- Terrace, California
- Muscoy, California
- Red Lands, California
- Colton, California
- Rialto, California
- Loma Linda, California
- Running Springs, California
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.
FAQs for San Bernardino
With high levels of burglary in San Bernardino, it’s important to keep your home fully protected. Motion sensors, video surveillance and security lights are often strong deterrents for criminals.
Many security providers require you to sign a contract, typically ranging from 12-60 months, depending on the security provider you choose. For example, Bay Alarm’s contract is 36 months, whereas Vivint’s is between 42-60 months. If you are looking to avoid a contract, you may want to try SimpliSafe or Frontpoint. These providers operate on a month-to-month agreement rather than a contract.
Many home security providers offer professional installation in San Bernardino, including Bay Alarm, ADT, Secure24 and StarBrite. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, SimpliSafe offers DIY security systems.
Security cameras are an effective way to deter criminals and capture crimes in action. For this reason, most security providers offer video surveillance, including Bay Alarm, ADT and USO.
