Compare Top Providers
SimpliSafe Security | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $29.95/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | No information provided | 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 | No information provided | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About Chesapeake, VA
Part of the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, Chesapeake is a city rich in history and things to do. With the city limits extending west through half of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and bordering the Elizabeth River, North Landing River, and Norfolk to the north and east, Chesapeake is uniquely situated as a dream location for outdoor enthusiasts and city slickers alike.
Among the city’s numerous bragging rights is its recognition as one of the safest cities of its size in America. Despite this accolade, Chesapeake residents should still take care to protect their homes. The best home security systems and alarm companies can help you protect your home, property, vehicles, and family from intruders. By investing in security equipment, you can help Chesapeake retain its safe reputation. This guide outlines the best local home security system providers in Chesapeake and the Hampton Roads area to help you find the right safety solutions for your household.
Chesapeake Crime Statistics
According to Neighborhood Scout, crime in Chesapeake is most likely to occur along the I-494 corridor north of I-64 in the South Norfolk neighborhood. The state of Virginia has an overall low burglary rate, but larceny-theft remains a problem in Chesapeake.
Chesapeake, Virginia, experienced the following crimes in 2018 according to the FBI’s city data:
- 4,285 reported incidents of larceny-theft
- 596 reported incidents of burglary
- 730 reported incidents of aggravated assault
- 310 reported incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 143 reported incidents of robbery
- Best for no separate equipment cost
Our take
Richmond Alarm Company hosts several locations throughout Virginia, including Chesapeake. The company offers custom equipment packages (but you can choose pre-existing packages if you like), a one-time installation fee that starts at $99, and monthly billing for monitoring and equipment use. You do not have to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket for the equipment, which is perfect for those who can afford monthly payments but who may not want to make a major purchase.
★ Recommended plan: Connected Package
The Connected Package includes an HD indoor camera, your choice of a video doorbell or keypad door lock, an indoor motion detector, a fire alarm, three door monitors, smart lights, a touchscreen control panel, and remote access via a smartphone app. All devices are professionally monitored. The Connected Package costs $59.95 per month.
Pros
- Local 5-diamond monitoring
- Custom packages available
- Free consultation
Cons
- You do not own the equipment
- Monthly fee is relatively pricey
- Limited environmental monitoring equipment
- 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 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 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
Other Local Providers
Other standout home security providers serving Chesapeake and the Hampton Roads region include:
- Johns Brothers Security: Johns Brothers Security charges a relatively small equipment fee and provides free professional installation.
- Blue Line Security: Blue Line Security provides numerous options for security cameras, smart home devices, and alarm systems.
- Vector Security: Vector Security offers three home security packages with smart home technology.
Additional Areas Covered
Chesapeake is located just south of the Norfolk and Portsmouth metropolitan area and borders North Carolina. Home security providers in Chesapeake tend to cover the following areas:
- Norfolk, Virginia
- Portsmouth, Virginia
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Suffolk, Virginia
- Hampton, Virginia
- Newport News, Virginia
- Moyock, North Carolina
- South Mills, North Carolina
- Barco, North Carolina
- Elizabeth City, North Carolina
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 Chesapeake, VA
Most of the property crimes committed in Chesapeake are larcenies, which involve taking property or breaking into a structure. Therefore, some of the best security features you can invest in include outdoor cameras (with two-way audio if possible) and motion-triggered outdoor lights and alarm systems. This equipment will make it clear to any potential thief that their every move is being watched.
Richmond Alarm Company, Johns Brothers Security, Blue Line Security, and Vector Security all provide professional installation in Chesapeake. You can also check out some of the best professionally installed home security systems offered on a national scale to find the right equipment and service for you.
Richmond Alarm Company, Johns Brothers Security, Blue Line Security, and Vector Security all offer smart home devices in the Chesapeake area. If you don’t find the variety you’re looking for, try Brinks, which allows you to monitor numerous Z-wave devices.
Although they do not provide equipment financing, Richmond Alarm Company and Johns Brothers Security require a one-time equipment or installation fee and do not charge separately for each piece of equipment. This structure allows you to pay a low amount up front in addition to a monthly monitoring fee. If you do not want to continue your contract, you will need to return the equipment. You can, however, finance equipment from national home security companies such as Vivint and Frontpoint.
Although Richmond Alarm Company, Johns Brothers Security, and Vector Security all offer packages that include a camera, Blue Line Security has the greatest selection of security cameras in the Chesapeake area. Choose cameras that are high-powered enough to record license plate numbers and quality footage at night. National and DIY provider Blue by ADT also offers security camera options.