Best Home Security Systems in Chicago, IL
Looking for the best home security systems in Chicago, IL? Learn more about the Chi-Town’s top picks.
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.
Compare Home Security System Providers in Chicago
Our take on Security Doctors
Security Doctors is a popular home security provider in the Chicago area with over 30 years of experience providing home and business security solutions. Security Doctors seeks to ensure that customers receive the best assistance in the event of emergencies by having trained dispatch operators who are ready to help.
Each home security package comes with 24/7 professional monitoring, a control panel, interior siren, sensors and more. There are 4 packages customers can choose from: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. For as low as $29.95/mo., customers can get the basics for home security. Home automation and video surveillance are available for as low as $39.95/mo. with the Platinum Package.
Our take on ADT
ADT Security is one of the oldest and most experienced home security companies, with over 140 years of experience. This vast experience sets them apart in the home security industry.
ADT is known for its high-quality customer service, affordable package prices and advanced equipment. All ADT packages include 24/7 professional monitoring with professionals ready to alert authorities if an alarm is triggered at your home. Monthly monitoring costs from ADT start at $28.99/mo.* and increase with higher packages. ADT’s available features include mobile control via the ADT Pulse® mobile app, email and text alerts, home automation capability, live and stored clips from indoor and outdoor video cameras and more.
Read more about ADT packages, pricing and features.
Our take on Vivint
Founded in Utah in the 1990s, Vivint Smart Home Security is known for its unique security equipment. The company creates a lot of its own smart devices, and even has its own smart thermostat. Vivint’s monitoring system is 100% wireless and much of this top-tier equipment is offered even in basic packages.
Vivint has many available features, including burglary detector, home automation, cameras, professional monitoring and professional installation.
Read more about Vivint packages, pricing and features.
Our take on Frontpoint
Frontpoint Security is a newer home security company, founded in 2007. Frontpoint is well-known for its modern equipment and home automation systems, as well as high-quality customer support.
All Frontpoint packages are customizable and include 24/7 professional monitoring with dispatchers ready to take action if needed. Monthly monitoring from Frontpoint starts at $34.99/mo. for the lowest tier plan and increases with more features. Frontpoint’s available features include home automation, live video streaming, sensor history and more. Frontpoint emphasizes their DIY installation options, which allow wireless setup and don’t require drilling holes in walls.
Our take on SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is known for its dedication to helping homeowners take control of their security. With award-winning home security solutions, SimpliSafe offers a number of packages that you can choose from based on your needs.
With SimpliSafe, you’ll purchase and own your equipment. Security packages range from around $229.00 for the basic, Foundation Package to around $489.00 for the more inclusive, Haven Package. The basic package features a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor while the highest tiered package adds on a key fob, panic button, environmental sensors, and more. SimpliSafe’s DIY alarm systems also feature the option of adding 24/7 professional monitoring.
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.
5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Home Security System
Cost
At the top of your list is probably cost. When choosing a home security provider, make sure the provider’s costs will work for your budget. You’ll typically have to consider the cost of equipment and professional monitoring. For 24/7 professional monitoring, it’s typical to pay a monthly fee.
Equipment & unique features
You’ll find essential intrusion protection equipment with each provider. Basic packages normally come with a base unit, keypad, motion sensors, and signage. If your home has more points of entry, you’ll want to go with a provider that allows you to add on products and customize your package.
Monitoring
Most providers offer 24/7 professional monitoring, which means that a professional is always standing by to assist in case of emergencies. Some professional monitoring plans come with additional features like mobile alerts, live video, environmental monitoring and more.
Video surveillance
Most providers have indoor, outdoor and doorbell security camera options. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to view live video as well as watch recorded clips through your smartphone, depending on the provider.
Home automation
Smart home devices can help save you time on simple tasks, yet also enhance your security. If you’re typically forgetful with locking the door before leaving, a keyless entry smart door lock allows you to lock your door remotely. Additional smart home devices include smart lights, smart thermostats, garage door controllers and others.
Equipment & Features to Keep in Mind
Here’s a short list of equipment and features to review when perusing home security systems.
Security Cameras – With property crime being so prevalent in Chicago, you may want to consider a home security package with a surveillance camera. An issue that’s not just central to Chicago is package theft. According to Patch.com, Chicago ranks 13th as one of the “worst places in America for Amazon package theft”. By purchasing a security camera, particularly an outdoor camera or video doorbell camera, you’ll have a greater chance of being able to catch and identify any “porch pirates” or unwelcome visitors.
Motion and door/window sensors – One of your best lines of defense against home intruders are motion and door/window sensors. You’ll find these devices with pretty much every home security system. If you purchase a basic package, about 1-3 sensors are generally included, but you can add more if your home has several points of entry. When activity is detected by one of these sensors, an alarm will let you know if a door or window is breached. As a more unique feature, you may also be able to get motion alerts whenever activity is detected in your home.
Smart home devices – Devices like smart lights, smart plugs, and even a vehicle monitoring device can help to enhance your home’s safety. With smart lights and smart switches, you can give passersby the appearance of someone being home even when you’re not. Simply schedule times for your lights to turn on or off. You can also return to a well-lit home and avoid having to walk up a dark driveway. In addition to smart lights and switches, if you purchase a vehicle monitoring device, you’ll get tamper alerts and even an alert if your car is stolen. These are just several ways that smart home devices can enhance your security.
FAQs on Choosing a Home Security Provider
Which provider will best fit my needs?
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 or SimpliSafe.
Do all of these providers offer security cameras?
Yes – with each provider you’ll find security camera options.
Do all of these providers have home automation features?
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.
