How much are you willing to pay for a home security system? Consider what works best for your budget and don’t forget to ask about additional fees like installation and professional monitoring.
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.
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BBB ratingA+
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Starting price$35.99/mo
Our take on ADT Home Security
ADT Inc. stands apart as the home security company with the most experience and the best guarantee in the industry. That’s on top of certified monitoring centers and a competitive equipment lineup that includes intrusion protection, environmental monitoring, video surveillance and smart home automation.
What we like
- 140+ years in business
- 6-month money back guarantee
- $500 Theft Protection guarantee
What we don’t like
- Contract required
- No self-installation option
- Mobile app access not available in basic package
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BBB ratingA+
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Starting price$44.99/mo
Our take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint offers a competitive range of security equipment and monitoring services with the freedom of do-it-yourself installation and month-to-month contracts. We also appreciate their straightforward pricing and solid customer service reputation.
What we like
- Month-to-month contract
- Renter-friendly services and equipment
- Good customer service
What we don’t like
- Outdoor camera, doorbell camera only available as add-ons
- Limited home automation devices available
- High monitoring starting price
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BBB ratingD-
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Starting price$38.99/mo
Our take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint offers all of today’s must-have home security features (professional monitoring, top-of-the-line equipment, home automation, mobile app access) with the added benefit of extensive smart home options and flexibility with your equipment and payment plan.
What we like
- Flexible equipment configuration
- Flexible payment options
- Variety of cutting-edge smart home devices and features
What we don’t like
- Long contract if financing equipment
- Expensive equipment cost
- No DIY installation option
Best for Easy Installation
SimpliSafe Home Security System
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BBB ratingA+
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Starting price$14.99/mo
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe could be considered a disrupter in the home security industry, because it was among the first to provide forward-thinking customer benefits like self-installation, self-monitoring, video verification and month-to-month pricing. Its generous 60-day risk-free trial helps ensure long-term customer satisfaction.
What we like
- 60-day no-risk trial
- Easy self-installation
- Month-to-month commitment
What we don’t like
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
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BBB ratingA
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Starting price$19.99/mo
Our take on Protect America Home Security
Protect America stands out for its low starting prices, 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 might have the best priced option.
What we like
- 25+ years of industry experience
- Low prices on entry-level systems
- No upfront equipment costs
What we don’t like
- Contract required
- Must upgrade to get video surveillance, smart features and smoke detection
- Cellular monitoring is the most expensive plan
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
Equipment & Features to Keep in Mind
Smart Home Integration
Motion Sensors
Control Panel
Door and Window Sensors
FAQs on Choosing a Home Security Provider
How much do home security systems cost?
Price varies depending on many factors like add-ons, equipment, activation and installation. Some providers offer basic services as low as $20 per month, while others charge more for professional top tier services.
What are the differences between DIY and professional installation?
DIY systems are often more cost effective. You also have a little more freedom with equipment placement. Professional installation is more expensive but you typically have more feature functionality and add-ons to choose from, as well as professional monitoring.
