Compare Top Providers
![]() SimpliSafe Security | ![]() Protect America | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | DIY | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | None | 42-60 mos. or pay for equipment in full | None | 36 months |
Smart home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video surveillance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | Option to extend limited warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | Lifetime equipment warranty |
About Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC, the U.S. capital, not only houses the federal government’s three branches, it’s also the home of iconic monuments and museums like Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, and the National Gallery of Art. While Washington has a large population with over 700,000 residents, growth is slow, mainly due to the high cost of living.
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, violent crime, property crime and larceny-theft are the highest occurring crimes in Washington. NeighborhoodScout gave Washington, D.C. a 4 out of 100 on their crime index, with 100 being the safest, meaning that Washington is only safer than 4% of U.S. cities. Residents have a 1 in 100 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime and 1 in 23 of a property crime. Arming your home with an intuitive home security system can give you peace of mind that your home, family and valuables are safe.
Washington, D.C. Crime Statistics
Washington, DC’s most prevalent crime is property crime, with 31,661 known law enforcement cases in 2016, and larceny theft with 26,402 cases. Since 2018, property crime numbers have increased by 1% while larceny theft declined by 4%. The increase in property crime is mainly due to social conditions and poverty.
- 7,711 incidents of violent crime
- 3,897 incidents of aggravated assault
- 31,661 incidents of property crime
- 26,402 incidents of larceny-theft
- 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
BarringtonPros
- 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 basic monitoring plan
- 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 Pet-Friendly Home Security
Frontpoint Home Security
Our rating9.4Starting at$44.99/moOur 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
- 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)
Our take on Protect America Home Security
Protect America stands out for its low-cost landline monitoring and great coverage for rural areas. Their professional monitoring has over 25 years of award-winning service and monitoring plans that are 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
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 Washington, D.C.
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.