Compare Top Providers
 Fort Knox Security |  SimpliSafe Security | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $15.95/month | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | DIY or Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | 36 months | 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 | Equipment warranty | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About Plano, TX
Plano’s vibrant community offers plenty for residents and tourists to do. Located just north of the bustling city of Dallas, Plano holds its own in terms of shopping, arts and fun. For outdoor fun, try the Skate Park at Carpenter Park, the Texas Pool, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve or the Boardwalk at Granite Park. For a cultural experience, you can visit the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District to enjoy live music, theater, art galleries and creative studios.
However, it’s easier to relax and enjoy all that Plano has to offer when you’re not worried about your home security. Check out our picks of the best home security systems in Plano to find the right fit for your household.
Plano Crime Statistics
Data from Neighborhood Scout indicates that crimes are more likely to happen in Plano’s city center than within the rest of the city limits. The area around I-75 and the President George Bush Turnpike reports the most crime in Plano. In contrast, the area around Independence Parkway has comparatively low incidents of crime.
According to the FBI’s city data, the following crimes were reported in Plano in 2018:
- 3,911 incidents of larceny-theft
- 671 incidents of burglary
- 112 incidents of aggravated assault
- 373 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 208 incidents of robbery
Our take
Our take on Fort Knox Security: No matter what you’re looking for in a home security system, Fort Knox Home Security has a solution for you. This Texas-based company caters to both the DIY crowd and homeowners who prefer to let the pros handle their home security from start to finish. The company’s most affordable rate of $15.95 per month is only available if you sign a 36-month contract and purchase equipment. Expect to pay around $29.95 per month if you want a month-to-month option. Already own home security equipment? Fort Knox Home Security can monitor it for you.
★ Recommended Plan
View 360 Ultimate This plan provides three different video cameras for broad surveillance, plus a motion detector and three window or door sensors. You can control the system through a central touchscreen hub or your smartphone.
Pros
- DIY and professional installation options
- Smart home automation
- A variety of equipment to choose from
Cons
- Month-to-month option is pricey
- $99 installation fee depending on your plan
- Additional monthly app cost
- Best for Money-Back Guarantee
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
- Best for Smart Homes
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
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
- Best for Customer Service
Frontpoint Home Security
Our rating7.6Starting at$44.99/moOur Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint recently changed its billing model to month-to-month contracts, which we believe shows that the company strives to stay on top of industry trends and cares about customer service. We also appreciate that Frontpoint’s equipment is compatible with the major smart home hubs.
★ 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
Other Local Providers
Thanks to Plano’s proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, numerous local home security providers serve this community. If you’re not satisfied with Fort Knox Home Security’s prices or packages, explore these alternatives:
- Smith Thompson Home Security: This company offers no-contract home security and home automation options.
- InHouse Security: InHouse Security specializes in whole-house automation, professional security monitoring and environmental monitoring.
- Dallas Security Systems: This company offers surveillance, intrusion and fire alarm systems.
Additional Areas Covered
Home security providers in Plano may also serve nearby areas of Texas, including:
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- McKinney
- Garland
- Denton
- Greenville
- Allen
- Lewisville
- Richardson
- Carrollton
- Flower Mound
- Grapevine
- Irving
- Arlington
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 for Plano, TX
Because larceny-theft and burglary are the most common crimes committed in Plano, it’s smart to choose equipment that stands out to would-be thieves and convinces them to pass up your home. A smart door lock with a video camera and two-way audio, an outdoor surveillance camera, and motion sensors are all great investments. Most home security companies also provide yard signs and window decals, which you should place in a prominent location as well.
Fort Knox Home Security, Smith Thompson Home Security, InHouse Systems and Dallas Security Systems all offer professional installation. National home security companies such as Brinks and ADT also offer professional installation.
Fort Knox Home Security, Smith Thompson Home Security and InHouse Systems are all excellent choices for smart home devices. If you want to connect your entire home, InHouse Systems offers the greatest variety. National providers like ADT and Frontpoint also provide smart home devices.
Yes, Smith Thompson Home Security offers a financing option. Many national home alarm companies offer financing through Affirm, including Frontpoint and Ring. Vivint also provides financing. Additionally, many companies offer a financing plan even if they don’t advertise it on their website. Keep in mind that you’ll typically need to sign a contract to finance your equipment.
You can purchase security cameras and monitoring services in Plano through Fort Knox Home Security, Smith Thompson Home Security, InHouse Systems and Dallas Security Systems. For a self-monitoring option with excellent cameras, try Blue by ADT.
