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.
Best for Industry Experience
- Over 140 years of industry experience
- $500 Theft Protection
- 6-Month Money Back Guarantee
Best for Customer Support
- Locked monitoring rates
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 4G LTE Monitoring
Best for Smart Homes
- Variety of smart home devices and features
- Wireless system
- Mobile app access and control available
Best for DIY Installation
- No contracts
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- A range of security packages
Best Monitoring Options
- Locked monitoring rate
- No installation fees
- Smart home devices and features
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.
Best for Industry Experience
ADT Home Security
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BBB ratingA+
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Starting price$35.99/mo
Our take on ADT Home Security
ADT has over 140 years of home security experience which sets them apart as the oldest security provider. ADT remains a top home security company by providing a broad range of services and custom security solutions. It is no surprise that ADT helps protect the home of over 7 million customers. ADT offers three packages homeowners can choose from: Traditional Package, Control Package, and Video Package. All ADT’s security packages include 24/7 professional monitoring with dedicated centers ready to alert authorities if an alarm is triggered at your home. Professional monitoring for ADT’s home security packages starts at $28.99/mo. Customers can choose from a wide range of equipment options, like motion detectors, smart locks, thermostats, doorbell cameras and more. ADT also offers customers to control their alarm system remotely through ADT’s mobile app in select packages.
What we like
- Over 140 years of industry experience
- $500 Theft Protection
- 6-Month Money Back Guarantee
Best for Customer Support
Frontpoint Home Security
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BBB ratingA+
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Starting price$34.99/mo
Our take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint Security offers customizable, DIY home security systems and is consistently recognized for outstanding customer service. Giving customers easy-to-follow installation instructions and access to help over the phone, Frontpoint makes DIY systems simple. Frontpoint provides modern security equipment and home automation options through six different packages. Customers can choose to include security cameras, smart home devices, motion detection, environmental monitoring and more in their security package. Customers have to purchase Frontpoint’s equipment upfront, but are able to choose from different monthly monitoring plans. Professional monitoring for Frontpoint home security packages starts at $34.99/mo.
What we like
- Locked monitoring rates
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 4G LTE Monitoring
Best for Smart Homes
Vivint Home Security
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BBB ratingD-
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Starting price$38.99/mo
Our take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint is recognized for its innovative security equipment and simple home automation integration. Vivint provides 24/7 professional monitoring services and professional installation. With Vivint, you have the ability to customize your own equipment package and choose a monitoring service to fit your family’s needs. Vivint has a range of well-designed equipment, with popular choices being the outdoor camera pro, indoor ping camera, and doorbell camera. Vivint offers basic motion detection and keypad control in all packages, allowing customers to customize their smart home and surveillance features. Vivint offers two professional security monitoring plans that start at $38.99/mo. Vivint allows customers to control their home security system no matter where they are through the smart home app.
What we like
- Variety of smart home devices and features
- Wireless system
- Mobile app access and control available
Best for DIY 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 is a popular DIY security provider known for its affordable professional alarm monitoring. SimpliSafe offers a range of home security solutions for customers with both equipment packages and monitoring plans to choose from. Customers must purchase SimpliSafe equipment upfront, but there are three different package options. SimpliSafe’s equipment is modern and easy to install. Designed with renters in mind, installing SimpliSafe equipment is non-invasive. All packages include the security basics like motion sensors, while the more advanced packages include enhancements like video surveillance or key fob control. SimpliSafe also offers several professional monitoring, starting at the low cost of $14.99/mo. The monitoring plans include features like environmental monitoring, mobile alerts, security camera recording and more.
What we like
- No contracts
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- A range of security packages
Best Monitoring Options
Protect America Home Security
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BBB ratingA-
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Starting price$19.99/mo
Our take on Protect America Home Security
Serving customers for over 25 years, Protect America focuses on providing affordable home security systems to customers. Protect America offers DIY installation options, allowing you to save money on your alarm system. Protect America does not have any upfront equipment cost, rather offering three security equipment packages: Copper, Silver and Platinum. With 100% wireless and portable equipment, Protect America is an ideal solution for renters. Protect America offers advanced equipment options including security cameras, keychain remotes, motion sensors and more. You can also enhance your homes protection using Protect America’s Smart Connect mobile app for remote control and live feed access. For professional monitoring, there are also three packages offered based on type of connectivity: Landline Plan, Broadband Plan or Cellular Plan. Protect America’s home security monitoring costs start at $19.99/mo.
What we like
- Locked monitoring rate
- No installation fees
- Smart home devices and features
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.
