Compare Top Providers
 SimpliSafe Security |  Protect America | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | DIY | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | 42-60 mos. or pay for equipment in full | None | None | 36 months |
Smart home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video surveillance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | Option to extend limited warranty | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | Lifetime equipment warranty |
About Tampa
Located along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, Tampa, also known as “The Big Guava” by locals, is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and is known for its rich cultural diversity and plentiful tourist attractions. Whether you take a stroll through Busch Gardens, enjoy the Tampa Zoo and Aquarium, or enjoy learning in museums, Tampa has something for everyone. Many young professionals flock to Tampa, helping it live up to its reputation as a booming business center.
According to the U.S Census, the estimated population in Tampa in 2018 was 392,890, a 17% increase since 2010. Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida, growing partially due to high birth rates compared to death rates, but also high net migration rates.
Home security is important in any city, but especially in a city as large and rapidly growing as Tampa. According to the FBI, the top crime concerns in Tampa are property crime, burglary, larceny-theft, and violent crime. Neighborhood Scout reports that property crime is much more prevalent than violent crime which means home security is a top concern. Let us help you learn how to protect your home and family so you can relax and enjoy all that Tampa has to offer.
Tampa, FL Crime Statistics
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, property crime is the most prevalent crime reported in Tampa, FL with over 7800 reports in 2016. Property crime involves the theft of property or money. Property crime rates in Tampa have decreased over the past five years, putting it now slightly below national rates. While it’s difficult to determine exactly what causes a decline in crime rates, it is safe to say that enhanced security measures have contributed.
We’ve included a breakdown of the number of offenses reported by type from the 2016 FBI Uniform Crime Report.
- 7800 incidents of property crime
- 5695 incidents of larceny
- 1906 incidents of violent crime
- 1477 incidents of burglary
- 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 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 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
- 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)
Our take on Protect America Home Security
Protect America stands out for its low-cost landline monitoring and great coverage for rural areas. Their professional monitoring has over 25 years of award-winning service and monitoring plans that are based on connectivity type. If you’re looking for a capable no-frills home security system you can install yourself, Protect America is a good choice for your family.
Pros
- Price-match guarantee
- Smart home devices and features
- Mobile app access & control
Cons
- Contract required
- Must upgrade to get video surveillance, smart features and smoke detection
- Cellular monitoring is the most expensive plan
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 About Home Security Systems in Tampa
All of the top 5 home security systems we’ve recommended offer professional installation except Frontpoint, which offers helpful resources for a streamlined and simple self-installation.
Yes. In fact, all of our top 5 offer a variety of home automation features.
The answer to this depends on several factors. First, you should consider the size of your home and the number of entry doors. Next, you should consider other areas of your property that could be intrusion points or areas that may be targeted for theft (like a detached garage). Third, review any other areas of your property you want remote visibility of (like a driveway entry). Last, decide if you need any indoor cameras for inside the home. The number of security cameras needed is a decision for you to make. Many home security system providers will also offer a consultation where they will provide you a recommendation of needed equipment.
