Best Home Security Systems in New York, NY
Looking for the best home security systems in New York, NY? Learn more about the Big Apple’s top picks.
About New York City
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.
The Top 5 Home Security System Providers in New York City
Our take on ADT Home Security
ADT is a home security company with over 140 years of experience, making it one of the oldest and most experienced among home security providers. Within the home security industry, ADT’s vast experience sets them apart.
ADT Home Security is known for its high-quality customer service, affordable package prices and advanced equipment. All ADT security packages include 24/7 professional monitoring with professionals ready to alert authorities if an alarm is triggered at your home. ADT home monitoring costs range from $28.99/mo.* to $50.99/mo.* depending on which security package you choose. ADT’s home security 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 security cameras and more.
Read more ADT Security packages, pricing and features.
Our take on Vector Security
With more than 40 years of experience in the home security industry, Vector Security offers solutions for homeowners and businesses seeking intrusion protection, home automation and video surveillance features. Homeowners can choose from 3 packages: Basic Security, Home Automation and Connected Home.
For as low as $39.95/mo., homeowners can get intrusion protection and home automation features, paying nothing upfront. Vector Security’s systems are professionally installed and homeowners get access to 24/7 monitoring. Video surveillance can be added on to the Home Automation Package for an additional fee and comes complete with the Connected Home Package.
Our take on Vivint Home Security
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 enables homeowners to customize their home security systems while providing professional installation.
Vivint’s professional monitoring costs range from 29.99/mo. to $39.99/mo. depending on the security package option you choose. Vivint Security offers three packages: the Home Security System Package, the Video Security Package and the Smart Complete Package. Vivint has many available security features, including burglary detector, home automation, cameras, professional monitoring and professional installation.
Read more about Vivint Security packages, pricing and features.
Our take on SimpliSafe Security
SimpliSafe offers DIY home security solutions to over 3 million Americans. SimpliSafe Security was founded over a decade ago and recently updated its equipment to a smaller and more modern look with double the range. Installation is always do-it-yourself and security equipment can be customized to your home and needs. SimpliSafe requires home security equipment to be purchased up front with three different equipment package options to choose from.
SimpliSafe home security monitoring ranges from $14.99/mo. to $35.10/mo. depending on the package you choose. The Standard plan includes 24/7 security monitoring, cellular connection and environmental monitoring. The Interactive plan adds mobile control with security alerts on your phone, unlimited camera recording, smart home integrations and more.
Read more about SimpliSafe 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.
Read more about Frontpoint packages, pricing and features.
Our take on Protect America Home Security
Protect America is a home security company known for its affordable solutions and has more than 25 years of experience in the home security industry. With DIY installation, Protect America saves homeowners on home security costs by giving them greater freedom and also offering assistance with system installation. Protect America also offers 24/7 professional monitoring options with its home security system.
Protect America’s home security monitoring prices range from $19.99/mo. to $54.99/mo. with three different packages to choose from. Their home security packages provide your basic security system equipment, cameras, environmental monitoring, additional sensors and more. Much of Protect America’s equipment is also compatible with home automation devices like smart locks and smart thermostats.
Read more about Protect America packages, pricing and features.
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.
5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Home Security System
Cost
As one of the top-most concerns, make sure the cost of the provider’s equipment and services will fit your budget. With some providers, you may have to pay for equipment upfront, while with others you may have to pay a monthly fee.
Equipment & unique features
Each provider will include home security essentials like a base unit, motion sensors, and signage, but you’ll also want to check for additional equipment like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, hazard sensors, security cameras and others. You want to be able to choose a package that will best fit your home’s needs.
Monitoring
Most home security providers offer 24/7 professional monitoring which means that a monitoring professional will be standing by ready to assist in the event of an emergency. It is common that most providers charge a monthly fee for professional monitoring, so you’ll want to keep this in mind as well.
Video surveillance
If you want to monitor activity inside as well as outside of your home, consider purchasing security cameras. Most providers offer at least one type of security camera, whether it’s an indoor camera, outdoor security camera or video doorbell camera. Some packages will allow you to watch recorded video as well as receive motion-triggered alerts to your phone.
Home automation
Today, you can create your very own safe yet smart home with home automation features. Most providers will offer smart home devices that either come with certain home security packages or can be added on. Common devices that providers offer include smart locks, smart lights, garage door openers and others.
Equipment & Features to Keep in Mind
When looking for the best security system for your home, here are some features and equipment you’ll want to keep in mind.
Security cameras – “Porch pirates” are becoming increasingly more common, especially around the holiday season. To help prevent thieves from stealing your packages, consider getting a home security package that comes with a security camera, or add one to your package. Most cameras allow you to receive notifications if activity is detected. This will give you the heads up if someone is at your door. You’ll also find security cameras that feature two-way communication, which can allow you to speak to anyone who is at your door, so you can scare them away. The greatest benefit to owning a security camera is being able to see those who are around or inside your home, so you’ll be better able to identify intruders if they get away.
Motion and door/window sensors – Catch burglars or intruders in their tracks with motion and door/window sensors. Paired with a security system that features an alarm, you may be able to scare him or her off. These devices are essential for your home’s security as with some providers, you can get alerts whenever activity is detected in your home. While some basic packages may offer 1-3 sensors, if your home has more points of entry, you’ll want to purchase additional sensors.
Smart home devices – You can also make your New York abode safer and smarter with smart home devices. With the number of property crime incidents reported by the FBI in 2016, you can better equip your home with a few gadgets that can not only take some of the task-load off of yourself but also enhance your protection. Devices like smart lights and smart door locks are two you’ll definitely want to consider as you look for a home security provider. You’ll find that with some providers who offer smart lights, you can turn them on or off remotely without having to physically flick a switch. Another great feature is that you may be able to create a schedule for when your lights come on or go off–this can be especially helpful to avoid coming home to a dark house. With smart door locks, you won’t have to be concerned with forgetting to lock the door with keyless entry, making it harder for intruders to break in.
FAQs on Choosing a Home Security Provider
Which provider will best fit my needs?
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.
Do all of these providers offer security cameras?
Yes – each provider has security camera options.
Do all of these providers have home automation features?
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.
