Compare Top Providers
 Guardian Alarm |  SimpliSafe Security | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $27.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | Not specified on website | 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 | Not specified on website | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About Detroit
Detroit, the capital of Michigan and home to about 670,000 Americans, is known for being the historic home of the automotive industry, as well as Motown music. You’ll stay for the Detroit style pizza and fall in love with the local art scene. Detroit gets a bad rap for high crime rates, and the statistics don’t lie. Like any American metropolis, there are quieter pockets where crime rates are lower. Of course, you want your property secured and your family protected no matter what. If you live in or are moving to Detroit, we can help you find the right home security solution for your need
Detroit Crime Statistics
According to Neighborhood Scout, 98% of cities in the U.S. are safer than Detroit. The city had 28,897 reported property crime incidents in 2018, according to FBI records. Larceny-theft crimes occurred at the highest rate, with aggravated assault next. Here’s a breakdown of the offenses Detroit reported in 2018:
- 15,003 incidents of larceny-theft
- 9,920 incidents of aggravated assault
- 7,440 incidents of burglary
- 6,454 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 2,309 incidents of robbery
Detroit Spotlight: Guardian Alarm - Local Security Provider
Guardian Alarm has been servicing residents in Detroit and surrounding areas with 24/7 home monitoring since 1930, giving them a whopping 90 years of local experience. In that time it’s become one of the largest independently owned security companies in the country. Still, it focuses on its local roots, and has even partnered with the Detroit Pistons.
Guardian Alarm sells equipment and monitoring in two packaged plans. The Essential Protection plan for $27.99/mo. includes a touchscreen, a motion sensor and window and door sensors for three entry points. Guardian Alarm’s motion sensor is pet-friendly, so you can avoid false alarms. The Essential Protection Plus plan for $34.99/mo. is what you need if you have Google Home or Amazon Alexa equipment to integrate with your Guardian Alarm system. This package will give you the remote access and home automation features you need. With either plan, you have the option to add an indoor camera, outdoor camera, environmental monitoring equipment, smart home devices and more, but it will increase your monthly rate.
Best Home Security Systems in Detroit
Our take
Guardian Alarm can offer you everything from video surveillance to home automation at a flat monthly rate. If you already have your own equipment, however, Guardian Alarm lets you subscribe to its professional monitoring service for $27.99/mo. It’s affordable and easy to get started with, plus you can easily build your system as your family grows.
Pros
- 90 years of experience in Detroit
- Transparent, affordable prices
- Option to get monitoring with your own equipment
Cons
- No option to buy equipment upfront
- Activation and installation fees
- Camera not included in packages
- 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 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: Barrington
Pros
- 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 the basic monitoring plan
- Best Pet-Friendly Home Security
Our 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
Additional Local Home Security Providers for Detroit
These are some of the other home security providers servicing Detroit:
- Central Alarm Signal, Inc: Central Alarm Signal has provided home intrusion monitoring, environmental monitoring, and video surveillance solutions in Michigan since 1969.
- Vigilante Security Alarm Systems, Inc.: Vigilante has a state-of-the-art monitoring center for intrusion detection and environmental monitoring, and its touchscreen hub and mobile app offer home automation features.
- Safeguard Security Solutions: Safeguard is a full-service security solution for video surveillance, home automation, or a simple wireless alarm system.
- Pointe Alarm: Pointe Alarm serves Southeast Michigan out of its headquarters in Grosse Pointe. It provides water, temperature and fire monitoring, as well as smart home automation, making it ideal for homeowners.
- Allstar Alarm: Allstar Alarm has serviced Southeast Michigan for more than three decades. It offers the latest home security solutions ranging from video surveillance to home automation and entry access control.
Surrounding Areas for Detroit
These and other providers service Detroit and several surrounding areas, including:
- Highland Park, MI
- Sterling Heights, MI
- Hamtramck, MI
- Ecorse, MI
- River Rouge, MI
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
- Royal Oak, MI
- Rochester Hills, MI
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 Detroit
Guardian Alarm is your least expensive route to getting home security in Detroit, since you can get all the intrusion detection equipment you need plus professional monitoring for just $27.99/mo. Several national providers, including Simplisafe, Cove, and Nest, offer lower monitoring rates.
If you move within Guardian Alarm’s servicing area, they will reinstall your equipment for free. This makes it a good option for renters, who also don’t have to worry about owning the equipment and can give it back when done with the service. Pointe Alarm and Allstar Alarm are also good options for renters because they require no contract. Our national choices for renters are SimpliSafe, Cove and Ring.
Guardian Alarm and Central Alarm Systems are Detroit security providers that offer smart home devices. You’ll also find smart home devices with our recommended national providers as well.
Guardian Alarm is a great choice for homeowners in Detroit because you can add on more features and equipment to your system as your family grows. Our top national providers are good choices as well as you can expand your home security system as needed.
Pointe Alarm and Allstar Alarm are local providers that don’t require you to enter a contract for service. For national options, neither SimpliSafe nor Frontpoint require a contract for their service.