Compare Top Providers
 SimpliSafe Security |  Link Interactive | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. | $30.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | 42-60 mos. or pay for equipment in full | None | None | 60 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 | 3-year warranty |
About San Antonio
With so many things to do in San Antonio, it’s no wonder people love calling this city home. Visiting San Antonio is not complete without seeing the Alamo. Countdown City also offers events like San Antonio Spurs games, although NBA games are only one of the many fun sports activities you can enjoy here. Maybe you are one of the 1.1 million people projected to move to San Antonio by 2040, and why wouldn’t you? Millennials are especially drawn to the city for the job opportunities it offers.
Although population growth is great for the economy, it has disadvantages. It can also increase the risks to your home and property. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself and your valuables with home security. If you are looking for a security system, San Antonio offers great options.
San Antonio, Texas Crime Statistics
According to the FBI, overall crime in Texas has gone down over the last decade. However, in 2018 there were a reported 30,590 property crimes in San Antonio.. You don’t want these crimes affecting your home. Learn about your options and explore what home security San Antonio residents can choose from. Other crimes statistics for San Antonio include:
- 2,955 motor vehicle thefts
- 22,993 incidents of larceny-theft
- 4,642 incidents of burglary
What is the best home security package for you?
Use our Package Finder to find the right package based on your home security needs!
Best Home Security Systems
- Best Overall DIY Security System
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security:
SimpliSafe is our top home security pick because it offers reliable home security equipment at a cheaper price than most competitors. Even though smart home equipment isn’t offered, you’ll have the flexibility to create the system you want within your budget thanks to SimpliSafe’s customizable plans. But keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for equipment upfront because financing isn’t available.
★ Recommended package: The Haven plan offers the best value among SimpliSafe’s offerings. It gives you intrusion and environmental monitoring equipment for less than $500. The package includes security essentials, a smoke detector, a temperature sensor and more. You can add cameras and SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro for the full SimpliSafe security experience.
Pros
- Equipment and monitoring plans are cheaper than competitors
- Optional professional monitoring and installation
- Customizable packages and easy add-ons
Cons
- Upfront costs are more expensive than competitors
- No smart home equipment available
- Must upgrade to plan for remote and smart home control
- Best Home Security for Industry Experience
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT is one of the most well-known home security providers. You can expect traditional security with professional monitoring and installation. Choose from three packages, but keep in mind that you’ll need to upgrade your package if you want smart home or surveillance features. ADT also requires long-term contracts, but equipment financing is available.
★ Recommended Plan: We recommend the Complete package to give you everything you need from the start. It’s the only plan that includes security essentials, smart home compatibility and surveillance. Professional installation and monitoring are also included. Best of all, you’ll get ADT’s 6-month money-back guarantee and theft protection guarantee.
Pros
- 6-month money-back guarantee and theft protection guarantee
- Wide variety of smart home equipment
- Over 140 years of experience with award-winning professional monitoring
Cons
- Must upgrade plan for smart home or surveillance features and equipment
- Professional installation and monitoring are required
- Long-term contract required
- Best Smart Home Security
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
If you’re looking for smart home security, Vivint is our top choice. It offers the most extensive line of smart home and security equipment. Its intrusion and environmental equipment are filled with smart features, and the control panel doubles as a smart hub to connect and control your smart home devices. The only downside is that Vivint requires a long-term contract if you finance the equipment. Professional monitoring and installation are also required.
★ Recommended Plan: Vivint offers two packages: Smart Home and Smart Security. We recommend the Smart Home package to give you video monitoring, smart home control, environmental monitoring and the security essentials in one package.
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 is a DIY security option that offers wireless security and smart home equipment. It’s a close runner-up compared to SimpliSafe. You’ll have more surveillance options with two indoor cameras, an outdoor and doorbell camera. Professional monitoring is required and can be costly compared to others, but you can save money with Frontpoint’s easy DIY installation. Mobile app and video surveillance are also included in the cost instead of an extra fee.
★ Recommended Plan: Frontpoint’s Bunker Package is ideal for most homes. It comes with the essentials for intrusion, plus an indoor camera and smoke detector for $634. If you’re debating between the Bunker and Fortress packages, the big difference is that you’ll get more sensors with Fortress — good for larger homes.
Pros
- Smart home equipment available
- Financing available to lower upfront cost
- Mobile app and video surveillance included in monitoring cost
Cons
- No professional installation option
- Expensive professional monitoring
- Trial period is only 30 days
Our Take on Link Interactive Home Security
Link Interactive is the perfect middle ground between SimpliSafe and ADT. A contract is required, but you can determine how long it will be. Like SimpliSafe, Link Interactive also offers “smash and crash protection” to still call for help if burglars break your control panel. Smart home and security equipment are both available. It’s wireless and easy to set up. Best of all, if you’re not satisfied Link Interactive offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
★ Recommended Plan: The Elite Plan gives you smart home control and video surveillance at a relatively low cost. You’ll also get professional monitoring for extra environmental and intrusion protection. This plan also gives you video analytics and on-demand video recording, all for $44.99 per month.
Pros
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Wide range of smart home and security equipment
- Multiple security and doorbell camera options
Cons
- Contract required
- No professional installation option
- Professional monitoring is required
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.
Home Security Frequently Asked Questions
Each home is unique. That is why it’s important to contact one of the top providers and work with an agent to go over all of your security needs. Some providers are better suited for larger homes, while others offer self-monitored options that are less expensive.
Certain home security San Antonio providers may allow you to self-install, but most require professional installation Relying on professionals for installation guarantees that your equipment works properly. It also helps you take full advantage of all the features of your new home security system.
Each company has their own arrangements, and there are some options that allow customers to pay on a month-by-month basis without a contract. Be sure to ask about this option when you request a quote, as this will eliminate any surprises later.