Monitoring is a very important part of a home security system. Whether you are away from home or sleeping, professional monitoring ensures that your home is protected at all times. Think of monitoring as extra eyes on your home to keep your family safe at times when yours can’t be. Home security systems that include monitoring also charge a monitoring fee.
Best for Industry Experience
- Over 140 years of industry experience
- $500 Theft Protection
- 6-Month Money Back Guarantee
Best for Customer Support
- Locked monitoring rates
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 4G LTE Monitoring
Best for Smart Homes
- Variety of smart home devices and features
- Wireless system
- Mobile app access and control available
Best for DIY Installation
- No contracts
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- A range of security packages
Best Monitoring Options
- Locked monitoring rate
- No installation fees
- Smart home devices and features
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.
Best for Industry Experience
ADT Home Security
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BBB ratingA+
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Starting price$35.99/mo
Our take on ADT Home Security
ADT has over 140 years of home security experience which sets them apart as the oldest security provider. ADT remains a top home security company by providing a broad range of services and custom security solutions. It is no surprise that ADT helps protect the home of over 7 million customers. ADT offers three packages homeowners can choose from: Traditional Package, Control Package, and Video Package. All ADT’s security packages include 24/7 professional monitoring with dedicated centers ready to alert authorities if an alarm is triggered at your home. Professional monitoring for ADT’s home security packages starts at $28.99/mo. Customers can choose from a wide range of equipment options, like motion detectors, smart locks, thermostats, doorbell cameras and more. ADT also offers customers to control their alarm system remotely through ADT’s mobile app in select packages.
What we like
- Over 140 years of industry experience
- $500 Theft Protection
- 6-Month Money Back Guarantee
Best for Customer Support
Frontpoint Home Security
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BBB ratingA+
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Starting price$34.99/mo
Our take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint Security offers customizable, DIY home security systems and is consistently recognized for outstanding customer service. Giving customers easy-to-follow installation instructions and access to help over the phone, Frontpoint makes DIY systems simple. Frontpoint provides modern security equipment and home automation options through six different packages. Customers can choose to include security cameras, smart home devices, motion detection, environmental monitoring and more in their security package. Customers have to purchase Frontpoint’s equipment upfront, but are able to choose from different monthly monitoring plans. Professional monitoring for Frontpoint home security packages starts at $34.99/mo.
What we like
- Locked monitoring rates
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 4G LTE Monitoring
Best for Smart Homes
Vivint Home Security
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BBB ratingD-
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Starting price$38.99/mo
Our take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint is recognized for its innovative security equipment and simple home automation integration. Vivint provides 24/7 professional monitoring services and professional installation. With Vivint, you have the ability to customize your own equipment package and choose a monitoring service to fit your family’s needs. Vivint has a range of well-designed equipment, with popular choices being the outdoor camera pro, indoor ping camera, and doorbell camera. Vivint offers basic motion detection and keypad control in all packages, allowing customers to customize their smart home and surveillance features. Vivint offers two professional security monitoring plans that start at $38.99/mo. Vivint allows customers to control their home security system no matter where they are through the smart home app.
What we like
- Variety of smart home devices and features
- Wireless system
- Mobile app access and control available
Best for DIY Installation
SimpliSafe Home Security System
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BBB ratingA+
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Starting price$14.99/mo
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe is a popular DIY security provider known for its affordable professional alarm monitoring. SimpliSafe offers a range of home security solutions for customers with both equipment packages and monitoring plans to choose from. Customers must purchase SimpliSafe equipment upfront, but there are three different package options. SimpliSafe’s equipment is modern and easy to install. Designed with renters in mind, installing SimpliSafe equipment is non-invasive. All packages include the security basics like motion sensors, while the more advanced packages include enhancements like video surveillance or key fob control. SimpliSafe also offers several professional monitoring, starting at the low cost of $14.99/mo. The monitoring plans include features like environmental monitoring, mobile alerts, security camera recording and more.
What we like
- No contracts
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- A range of security packages
Best Monitoring Options
Protect America Home Security
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BBB ratingA-
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Starting price$19.99/mo
Our take on Protect America Home Security
Serving customers for over 25 years, Protect America focuses on providing affordable home security systems to customers. Protect America offers DIY installation options, allowing you to save money on your alarm system. Protect America does not have any upfront equipment cost, rather offering three security equipment packages: Copper, Silver and Platinum. With 100% wireless and portable equipment, Protect America is an ideal solution for renters. Protect America offers advanced equipment options including security cameras, keychain remotes, motion sensors and more. You can also enhance your homes protection using Protect America’s Smart Connect mobile app for remote control and live feed access. For professional monitoring, there are also three packages offered based on type of connectivity: Landline Plan, Broadband Plan or Cellular Plan. Protect America’s home security monitoring costs start at $19.99/mo.
What we like
- Locked monitoring rate
- No installation fees
- Smart home devices and features
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
Equipment & Features to Keep in Mind
When looking for a home security system in Tampa, here are some equipment and features you may want to keep in mind.
Video Surveillance Equipment
Mobile Accessibility
Smart Home Equipment
FAQs on Choosing a Home Security Provider
Do any of the top 5 home security systems in Tampa offer professional installation?
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.
Do any of the top 5 home security systems recommended offer home automation?
Yes. In fact, all of our top 5 offer a variety of home automation features.
How many security cameras do I need?
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.
