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 | 1 year warranty | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About San Diego
Situated on the United States and Mexico border, San Diego was the first site in California visited by the Europeans, so it’s sometimes called “the birthplace of California.” Modern San Diego is contiguous with Tijuana, and it’s the second-largest such multi-country urban area in the U.S., next to Detroit/Windsor.
With a population of 1.4 million, San Diego is the second-largest city in California. It has a year-round temperate climate, many beaches, a world-famous zoo, and is home to the United States Navy Seal Headquarters.
If you’re considering a move to San Diego, or you’re already a resident and have yet to equip your home with a security system, we can help you decide which company is best. Here are the best home security providers in San Diego.
San Diego Statistics
According to the FBI Crime Report for 2018, San Diego’s most committed crime is larceny-theft. Over 18,000 cases of larceny were reported, as well as more than 5,000 motor vehicle thefts and 3,700 incidents of burglary. Here is a breakdown of the most prevalent crimes in San Diego in 2018:
- 18,482 incidents of larceny-theft
- 5,182 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 3,752 incidents of burglary
- 3,281 incidents of aggravated assault
The good news is that the rate of property crime in San Diego is lower than California’s overall rate, and it is consistently ranked among the safest big cities in the U.S. Still, it’s a good idea to keep safe. The good news is, there are some great choices for home security in San Diego.
San Diego Spotlight: Bay Alarm - Local Home Security Provider
Bay Alarm is an independent, family-owned company. Bay Alarm has been in business since 1946, so you can count on a ton of experience in home security. This company is different from most other companies in that it goes all out to create a local, personalized service. Bay Alarm doesn’t offer standard one-size-fits-all packages. Instead, it consults with customers to put together a custom solution. Not only that, but Bay Alarm technicians live in the neighborhoods they serve, creating a better sense of community with residents knowing that someone from the company is always nearby.
Bay Alarm systems start at $199.00, which is competitive in the field, and its professional monitoring service starts at $35.00/mo. Since the company personalizes each customer’s solutions, you won’t find specific package details on its website. Instead, they recommend requesting a custom quote. Bay Alarm offers a wide variety of services and equipment, including professional monitoring, alarm systems, home automation, doorbell cameras, smoke detectors, patrol and response services, and security cameras.
Best Home Security Systems in San Diego
- 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 is one of the most well-known home security providers. You can expect traditional security with professional monitoring and installation. Choose from three packages, but keep in mind that you’ll need to upgrade your package if you want smart home or surveillance features. ADT also requires long-term contracts, but equipment financing is available.
★ Recommended Plan: We recommend the Complete package to give you everything you need from the start. It’s the only plan that includes security essentials, smart home compatibility and surveillance. Professional installation and monitoring are also included. Best of all, you’ll get ADT’s 6-month money-back guarantee and theft protection guarantee.
Pros
- 6-month money-back guarantee and theft protection guarantee
- Wide variety of smart home equipment
- Over 140 years of experience with award-winning professional monitoring
Cons
- Must upgrade plan for smart home or surveillance features and equipment
- Professional installation and monitoring are required
- Long-term contract required
- Best Smart Home Security
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
If you’re looking for smart home security, Vivint is our top choice. It offers the most extensive line of smart home and security equipment. Its intrusion and environmental equipment are filled with smart features, and the control panel doubles as a smart hub to connect and control your smart home devices. The only downside is that Vivint requires a long-term contract if you finance the equipment. Professional monitoring and installation are also required.
★ Recommended Plan: Vivint offers two packages: Smart Home and Smart Security. We recommend the Smart Home package to give you video monitoring, smart home control, environmental monitoring and the security essentials in one package.
Pros
- Smart Hub to connect and control smart home and security devices
- Extensive smart features for security equipment including package detection and Smart Deter
- Wide range of security and smart home equipment
Cons
- Contract required for service and financed equipment.
- Professional monitoring and installation required
- Expensive equipment compared to other providers
- Best Overall DIY Security System
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security:
SimpliSafe is our top home security pick because it offers reliable home security equipment at a cheaper price than most competitors. Even though smart home equipment isn’t offered, you’ll have the flexibility to create the system you want within your budget thanks to SimpliSafe’s customizable plans. But keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for equipment upfront because financing isn’t available.
★ Recommended package: The Haven plan offers the best value among SimpliSafe’s offerings. It gives you intrusion and environmental monitoring equipment for less than $500. The package includes security essentials, a smoke detector, a temperature sensor and more. You can add cameras and SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro for the full SimpliSafe security experience.
Pros
- Equipment and monitoring plans are cheaper than competitors
- Optional professional monitoring and installation
- Customizable packages and easy add-ons
Cons
- Upfront costs are more expensive than competitors
- No smart home equipment available
- Must upgrade to plan for remote and smart home control
- Best Pet-Friendly Home Security
Our Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint is a DIY security option that offers wireless security and smart home equipment. It’s a close runner-up compared to SimpliSafe. You’ll have more surveillance options with two indoor cameras, an outdoor and doorbell camera. Professional monitoring is required and can be costly compared to others, but you can save money with Frontpoint’s easy DIY installation. Mobile app and video surveillance are also included in the cost instead of an extra fee.
★ Recommended Plan: Frontpoint’s Bunker Package is ideal for most homes. It comes with the essentials for intrusion, plus an indoor camera and smoke detector for $634. If you’re debating between the Bunker and Fortress packages, the big difference is that you’ll get more sensors with Fortress — good for larger homes.
Pros
- Smart home equipment available
- Financing available to lower upfront cost
- Mobile app and video surveillance included in monitoring cost
Cons
- No professional installation option
- Expensive professional monitoring
- Trial period is only 30 days
Additional local home security providers for San Diego
Bay Alarm isn’t the only provider available to San Diego residents. Other good companies that serve the San Diego area include:
- ADT – One of the oldest security companies in the country, ADT is a solid choice for homeowners.
- Alarm 2000 – Local to San Diego, Alarm 2000 prides itself on technicians with many years of experience.
- Dempsey Alarms – Also San Diego based, Dempsey alarms has packages designed specifically for condos as well as homes.
- SimpliSafe – A newer company, SimpliSafe has made a name for itself with innovative equipment and flexible month-to-month agreements.
- Smart Shield Systems – Another San Diego company, Smart Shield Systems offers a variety of smart home, video, and security packages for almost any situation.
Surrounding Areas for San Diego
These companies serve San Diego and surrounding areas, so whether you live in downtown San Diego, Carlsbad, or Carmel Valley, you’re covered. Area cities supported by these local companies include:
- Carlsbad, CA
- Chula Vista, CA
- Coronado, CA
- Del Mar, CA
- El Cajon, CA
- Encitas, CA
- Escondito, CA
- Imperial Beach, CA
- La Mesa, CA
- Lemon Grove, CA
- National City, CA
- Oceanside, CA
- Poway, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Marcos, CA
- Santee, CA
- Solana Beach, CA
- Vista, CA
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 San Diego
Since larceny, motor vehicle theft and burglary are the most prevalent crimes in the San Diego area, it’s a good idea to make sure your security provider has a good outdoor camera selection, professional monitoring, and sufficient entry detection.
Many of the local providers don’t publish their rates, but Smart Shield Systems’ professional monitoring systems start at $39.95/mo., which is competitive with many national providers.
Since Bay Alarm personalizes solutions for each of its customers, it’s a great choice for renters and homeowners alike.
SimpliSafe is the only provider on our recommended list that allows DIY installation. If you prefer to install your own system, SimpliSafe might be a good choice for you.
Local San Diego providers usually require contracts between one and five years for their service.