- Doyle Security Systems – Reagional NY Provider
- Vivint Home Security – Best Smart Home Equipment
- ADT Home Security – Best Industry Experience
- SimpliSafe Home Security – Best for Easy Installation
- Blue by ADT – Best for Flexible Monitoring
Home Security in Albany
With a population of just over 96,000, Albany is not only the capital of the state of New York; it’s also one of the oldest cities in the United States. Albany’s history dates back to 1614, when Dutch colonists built Fort Nassau for fur trading. The city has been chartered since 1686 and has been the capital of New York since 1797. Which such a long and rich history, Albany is brimming with historical attractions such as the New York State Museum, the USS Slater, the Irish American Heritage Museum, and the Albany Institute of History and Art. If you’re a resident or planning to move to Albany and looking for a home security provider we’ll explore some of the top home security companies in the area to help you narrow your search and make your final choice.
Compare Local Home Security Providers
| Pro. monitoring starts at | $25/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $45.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | DIY | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY installation |
| Contract | 36 months or month-to-month option available | 42-60 months or pay equipment in full | 36 months | None | None |
| Smart home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video surveillance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 120-day equipment warranty | Option to extend limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty | N/A |
Albany Crime Statistics
Albany’s crime rate has been relatively high compared to many other cities its size, but has been decreasing the past few years. According to the 2018 FBI Crime Report, there were quite a few incidents of larceny-theft at over 2,500, as well as more than 500 aggravated assaults, over 400 burglaries, and just over 200 robberies in Albany that year.
- 2,585 incidents of larceny-theft
- 550 incidents of aggravated assault
- 432 incidents of burglary
- 209 incidents of robbery
- 130 incidents of motor vehicle theft
Local Spotlight: Doyle Security Systems — Local Security Provider
Doyle Security Systems has been providing home security services in New York state since 1919, which makes this company by far one of the oldest providers in the nation. With local in-house monitoring, responsive customer service and affordable plans, Doyle offers a comprehensive security solution for almost any customer.
Doyle’s plans start at $25 per month with zero down, and always include wireless communication. Professional installation is an option, but they’ve also recently added “virtual assist installation” for people who would rather not have a technician enter their home, but still want help. As well as package deals, Doyle also offers custom security solutions.
Our take
Doyle offers a ton of experienced, friendly staff and affordable, in-house monitoring. There’s never a need for a phone line, and plans are customizable. With a lifetime warranty, a month-to-month plan and an option to self-install with online help, Doyle is ahead of the game in most areas.
What we like
- In-house monitoring
- Lifetime warranty
- Month-to-month option
What we don’t like
- No home automation on lowest plan
- Equipment costs more for month-to-month
- No cameras on lowest plan
Starting at $29.99/mo
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint really shines when it comes to equipment. Perhaps no other provider has such an extensive catalog, which makes it an excellent provider for those who plan to install new equipment over time.
★ 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 up front
- 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)
- Short (3-day) trial period
Starting at $45.99/mo
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT is a well-recognized name in the home security business thanks to its top-notch equipment, award-winning monitoring centers and commitment to customer service. For people who feel like you get what you pay for, it’s hard to beat ADT.
ADT prefers to provide a brief consultation before quoting a custom package. Contact ADT to get started.
★ Recommended Plan
ADT’s Video Lite Plan is nothing minor — you’ll get motion detection, smart home capabilities, and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $599. Professional monitoring starts at $54.99 per month.Pros
- 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
Our Take on SimpliSafe Home Security
Keep those pesky burglars away with a SimpliSafe security system. Choose from a range of packages and equipment, and get inexpensive professional monitoring.
★ Recommended Plan
We recommend The Barrington if you’re interested in SimpliSafe. This package combines intrusion detection and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $388.93. Professional monitoring starts at $14.99 per month. Self-monitoring is free.Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
- Free self-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
- Research SimpliSafe
Our Take on Blue by ADT
Get trusted professional monitoring and an easy-to-install security system with Blue by ADT. Even better, your first month of monitoring is free. As a Blue by ADT customer, you have the option to do a no contract plan. By doing this, you can purchase the equipment and skip the professional monitoring. You can always go back and add professional monitoring to your system if you decide you need it later down the line.
★ Recommended Plan
For front-door protection, we recommend the Blue Doorbell Camera System. You’ll get the essentials and a doorbell camera for your home. Equipment starts at $109.19. Professional monitoring starts at $19.99 per month.Pros
- Smart home compatibility
- 7-Day Practice Period
- 24/7 professional monitoring available
- No contract option
- Free self-monitoring
Cons
- Limited Blue by ADT equipment
- No smart home add-ons
- Cloud storage costs extra
- Research Blue by ADT
Best Home Security Systems of 2020
See allAdditional Local Home Security Providers for Albany
Albany is home to quite a few reputable home security providers. Some of the top names include:
- Hart Alarm: With 40 years of experience serving security customers in the Capital Region, Hart alarm is a solid home security choice.
- Shepherd Communication and Security: A newer company founded in 2007, Shepherd offers integrated security solutions including environmental and fire protection.
- General Security: Family-owned and founded over 30 years ago on Long Island, General Security provides cutting edge security systems for both residential and commercial customers.
- International Built-In Systems: International Built-In Systems is another family-owned business, started in 1972 and still providing a full spectrum of home security services.
Surrounding Areas for Albany
Security providers in the Albany area also serve surrounding towns, including:
- Amsterdam, New York
- Bennington, Vermont
- Cohoes, New York
- Glens Falls, New York
- Gloversville, New York
- Kingston, New York
- Manchester, Vermont
- North Adams, Massachusetts
- Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- Rotterdam, New York
- Saratoga Springs, New York
- Schenectady, New York
- Southwick, Massachusetts
- Troy, New York
- Watervliet, New York
Common Home Security Equipment and Features
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Can’t decide? Compare top providers side-by-side: ADT vs. SimpliSafe, Vivint vs. Frontpoint, and more.
4 Questions To Find Your Home Security Provider
Select the features you want and we’ll match you with the right home security provider.
Frequently Asked Questions for Albany
What home security features are important for Albany?
Like most cities, Albany’s most common crime is larceny-theft, and there are a significant number of burglaries every year, so a security system with good entry detection and professional monitoring is the minimum you should look for.
Which home security provider is the least expensive in Albany?
Doyle Security Systems’ in-house professional monitoring service starts at $25.00 per month, which is competitive with national firms such as Vivint.
Which home security providers offer security cameras in Albany?
Doyle Security Systems offers security cameras as add-ons and as options in custom systems. Some national companies such as Blue by ADT or SimpliSafe offer a wider array of camera options.
Which home security providers offer professional installation?
Most local home security providers offer professional installation, including Doyle Security Systems, Hart Alarm, Shepherd Communication and Security, General Security and International Built-In Systems, as well as some of the best national providers.
Which of these home security providers offer smart home devices?
Higher-level packages at Doyle Security Systems include smart home options, including Z-Wave, Alexa and Apple Home Control.
