Compare Top Providers
 SimpliSafe Security |  Protect America | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | DIY | DIY or Professional | DIY |
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 |
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About Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and is well known for its contributions to America’s history. Here is where the famous Liberty Bell is on display as well as where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution was signed. The Athens of America, as the city is also known, has been seeing an increasing population boost for the past 12 years. According to The Daily Pennsylvanian, between 2017 and 2018 alone there’s been an increase by 3,900 people. There are two reasons for this population growth in particular:
- Millennials (who are a rather large age group) flock to the city to experience what living in a highly dense area is like.
- An influx of immigrants that have come to Philadelphia for the past 12 years.
Although Philadelphia is called the City of Brotherly Love, crimes happen here just as they do everywhere else. In fact, the most reported crimes in the city were property crimes which include larceny/grand theft, burglary, arson, and motor vehicle theft.
Even though Philadelphia is a hub of culture and rich history, it was also rated as one of the most dangerous cities in America. In order to help keep you safe, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 security system providers in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, PA Crime Statistics
By far the most committed crime Philadelphia is property crime. According to the Uniform Crime Report in 2018, there were 23,172 incidents of this one particular crime alone.
Property crime, believe it or not, has actually had an overall decrease over the years. CityRating.com reports that in 2016, the property crime rate was higher than the national average by 28.15%. In 2016 there were 49,334 incidents while in 2019 there were 45,243. The second highest reported crime is larceny/grand theft at 17,481. Below is a list of property crimes as recorded by the 2018 Uniform Crime Report.
- 17,481 incidents of larceny/grand theft
- 3,063 incidents of Burglary
- 2,481 incidents of Robbery
- 2,644 incidents of Motor Vehicle Theft
- 212 incidents of Arson
Home Security Systems in Philadelphia
- Best overall DIY security system
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security:
SimpliSafe Home Security 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.
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 Home Security is a well-known name in the home security industry. It offers traditional security that requires professional installation and monitoring at a steep price.
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
- Best smart home security
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint is our top choice for smart home security with an extensive line of equipment filled with smart features. The control panel also doubles as a smart hub. The only downside is that Vivint requires a long-term contract if you finance the equipment. Professional monitoring and installation are also required.
Pros
- Smart Hub to connect and control smart home and security devices
- Extensive smart features for security equipment including package detection and Smart Deter
- Wide range of security and smart home equipment
Cons
- Contract required for service and financed equipment.
- Professional monitoring and installation required
- Expensive equipment compared to other providers
- Best pet-friendly home security
Our Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint Security lets you choose both your package and monitoring plan to help build the best home security system for renters and homeowners alike. Monitoring can be costly, but free DIY installation helps lower costs without reducing reliability or protection.
Pros
- No lengthy contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Variety of equipment to choose from
Cons
- Monitoring fees are relatively expensive
- Short trial period (30 days)
- No professional installation option
Our take on Protect America Home Security
Protect America stands out for its low-cost landline monitoring and great coverage for rural areas. Its professional monitoring has over 25 years of award-winning service and monitoring plans based on connectivity type. If you’re looking for a capable no-frills home security system you can install yourself, Protect America is a good choice for your family.
Pros
- Price match guarantee
- Smart home devices and features
- Mobile app access & control
Cons
- Contract required
- Must upgrade to get video surveillance, smart features, and smoke detection
- Cellular monitoring is the most expensive plan
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 Philadelphia
This answer 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. 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.