Compare Top Providers
SimpliSafe Security | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. | $45.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY | Professional |
Contract | 36 months | 42-60 mos. or pay for equipment in full | None | None | 36 months |
Smart home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video surveillance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | Option to extend limited warranty | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | Lifetime equipment warranty |
About New York
New York, NY – also known as the “Big Apple” and “the city that never sleeps” – is home to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial and so much more. WordAtlas.com lists that New York is currently the largest city in the United States with over 8 million residents. But something that may come as a surprise is that the state is seeing a decrease in residents. The New York Daily News mentions the state saw a decrease in 48,500 residents between 2017 and 2018, yet the city is still our nation’s most populous.
The FBI’s 2012 Crime Report shows that property crime and larceny-theft are two of New York’s most common crimes. It’s essential to secure your home and protect your family with a home security system. To help you find the best solution, we share 5 of New York’s most popular home security providers.
New York, NY Crime Statistics
In 2016, the FBI reports that New York City had over 125,000 reported property crime incidents. Larceny-theft came in second with over 106,000 incidents reported in 2016. Here is a breakdown of some of the major offenses by type in New York City:
- 125,278 incidents of property crime
- 106,868 incidents of larceny-theft
- 49,124 incidents of violent crime
- 30,873 incidents of aggravated assault
Despite the large number of property crime incidents reported for 2016, the New York Daily News states that “[c]rime in New York dropped in all seven major categories in March [2019], helping push the city’s overall crime rate to an all-time low for any quarter in at least 25 years.” This included “murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and grand larceny auto” (New York Daily News, 2019).
This is good news for New York being the largest city in the U.S., yet taking additional steps to make sure your home and family are more secure is definitely an essential.
Home Security Systems in New York
- 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 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
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
- Best for Award-Winning Monitoring
Our take on Guardian Protection Security
Rather than offering set packages, Guardian has one Base package that can be upgraded with individual products as needed. The basic package includes all of the whole-home security essentials including a control panel, sensors and motion detection plus popular security features like a mobile app to control your equipment and remote arming and disarming. Free professional installation is also included. Equipment starts at $250.
Package devices
-
- 1 PowerG motion detector
- IQ2 Power G Panel
- 3 PowerG door and window sensors
Package Features
-
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Free professional installation
- Free Guardian Protection mobile app
Pros
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- $500 theft protection guarantee
- Smartphone app available
Cons
- Not available in all 50 states
- Relatively expensive monitoring services
- Professional installation only
-
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 New York
This is going to depend on several factors. If you would prefer home security services from a provider with the most experience, we would recommend ADT. For more innovative home security and smart home features, Vivint would be a great option. For a regionally recognized provider, you can consider Vector Security. But, if you would like to self-install your security system, we would recommend Frontpoint, SimpliSafe or Protect America. The provider you choose should meet your security needs.
Yes – each provider has security camera options.
Yes – each provider has home automation features. While SimpliSafe does not offer any smart home devices you can purchase, you can use SimpliSafe with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. SimpliSafe also integrates with Apple Watch and August Lock.