About Chicago
Chicago is home to the NFL’s Chicago Bears, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park (where the giant, stainless steel “bean” lives) and much more. Despite waning in population, Chicago is still the third largest city in the U.S., according to the Chicago Tribune. Currently, the city has over 2.7 million residents. But why are residents leaving the city?
The Economist writes that high taxes as well as political issues fuel the reasons why some are choosing to leave. Violence is also a mentioned as a contributing factor to why some are choosing to leave.One essential measure to take as a resident is protecting your family and home, and we want to help you find a security solution that will work best.
Chicago, IL Crime Statistics
According to the FBI’s 2016 Crime Report, property crime followed by larceny-theft are two of the most prevalent crimes in Chicago. Violent crime falls third to both according to the report. Here is a breakdown of several crimes by category as reported for Chicago:
- 86,960 incidents of property crime
- 61,229 incidents of larceny-theft
- 30,126 incidents of violent crime
- 15,815 incidents of aggravated assault
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that violent crimes as well as “burglaries, motor vehicle thefts and robberies [are] at their lowest levels citywide since 2000″. This is good news for the city. While you’re searching for the best home security system, we want you to keep several factors in mind as you consider your options.
Best Home Security Systems in Chicago
- 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 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 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
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 Chicago
This can depend on a number of factors, but we share brief highlights of each provider listed so you can have more insight. ADT has over 140 years of experience in home security, so if you’re looking for a company with more experience, we’d recommend ADT. If you prefer a regional security provider that provides the basics and home automation options, we’d recommend Security Doctors. For innovative home security equipment, Vivint is a great choice. If you’d like to self-install your home security system and avoid paying an installation fee, we recommend Frontpoint, SimpliSafe or Protect America.
Yes – with each provider you’ll find security camera options.
Yes – each provider listed offers home automation features. With SimpliSafe, there aren’t any smart home devices you can purchase, but SimpliSafe does offer home automation integration, which means you can use the provider’s services with devices like Apple Watch, August Lock and digital assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
