How to Pick the Best Home Security System Installer in Atlantic City, NJ

We've done the hands-on testing and local research to help you decide. 

Is Your Atlantic City Home Really Secure? What I Learned After Testing 5 Professional Installations

Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I did, which is why I spent the last year testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.

Atlantic City: More Than Just Casinos

Atlantic City's iconic boardwalk and vibrant entertainment scene make it a unique place to call home. The ocean views and beach access create a lifestyle that many residents cherish. But behind the tourist attractions and oceanfront charm lies a reality that homeowners can't ignore.

The truth is, Atlantic City faces significant security challenges. With property crime rates 38% higher than the national average and violent crime a staggering 112% above the norm, home security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. The city's crime grade of 0 (yes, zero) speaks volumes about the importance of protecting your property.

After having five different security systems professionally installed in our test home, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight facts about what works, what doesn't, and who you can trust with your family's safety in 2025.

What Really Matters to Atlantic City Homeowners

The Value-Reliability Equation

When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. But that doesn't mean you need to break the bank either. What matters most is the relationship between what you pay and what you get.

During our testing, we found systems ranging from $199 to over $1,000 for initial equipment, with monthly monitoring from $20 to $60. The sweet spot? Systems in the $500-700 range with $40-50 monthly monitoring typically offered the best balance of features, reliability, and service.

Quality of Life Features You'll Actually Use

Here's something the security companies don't always emphasize: the features you'll use daily aren't always the core security components. In our year-long test, we found that video doorbells and garage control were by far the most frequently used features.

Being able to see who's at your door while at work, or double-checking that you closed the garage after leaving—these conveniences quickly become indispensable. Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these areas, with intuitive interfaces that even my technology-averse mother-in-law mastered within days.

Peace of Mind: The True Investment

A security system is ultimately an investment in peace of mind. This includes not just intrusion protection but comprehensive safety. Modern systems now integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak sensors, and even medical alert capabilities.

When you consider that the average home burglary results in $2,800 in property loss (not counting the emotional impact), a quality security system starts to look like a bargain.

What's State of the Art in 2025 (And What's Timeless)

The security landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing:

  • AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, vehicles, and packages
  • Wireless sensors with 5-7 year battery life
  • Voice-controlled security features integrated with smart home assistants
  • Cellular and Wi-Fi dual-path communication (no more cut phone lines)
  • Mobile apps that provide real-time notifications and system control

But some aspects of security remain timeless:

  • Strategic sensor placement still matters more than sensor quantity
  • Professional monitoring remains superior to self-monitoring
  • Physical deterrents (yard signs, window stickers) still prevent many break-ins
  • Backup power systems are non-negotiable for serious security

Understanding How Security Companies Operate

The ADT Model

ADT operates through a network of six monitoring centers across the US, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. They employ thousands of monitoring professionals who respond to alarms 24/7.

SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer—essentially a franchise that sells and installs ADT equipment while adhering to ADT's standards. The monitoring service comes directly from ADT, but the installation and customer service are handled by SafeStreets.

The Vivint Approach

Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. When you buy from Vivint, you're dealing with the company itself—not a dealer. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their own equipment, giving them tighter control over the customer experience and technology integration.

The Industry's Open Secret

Here's something most security companies won't tell you: many local dealers use the same central monitoring stations. Alarm.com provides the backend technology for numerous security providers nationwide, while ADT's monitoring infrastructure serves countless local companies.

This means the actual alarm response might be identical between a national brand and a local installer—the differences often lie in equipment quality, installation expertise, and customer service.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: Why It Matters

After watching five professional installations of our test systems, I can confidently say that professional installation is worth every penny, even for tech-savvy homeowners.

The Tricks of the Trade

Professional installers know things that aren't in any manual:

  • How to position motion sensors to avoid false alarms from heating vents
  • The optimal height for cameras to capture faces rather than just the tops of heads
  • How to secure sensors so they can't be easily tampered with
  • Where to place glass break detectors for maximum coverage with minimum units

Common DIY Mistakes

The most frequent DIY installation mistakes we've seen include:

  • Placing door sensors too far apart, creating false alarms when doors expand in summer
  • Installing motion sensors where sunlight creates false triggers
  • Mounting cameras where they're easily reached and disabled
  • Failing to properly test wireless signal strength before finalizing placement

When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners.

Top Home Security Installers in Atlantic City

National Providers

  • SafeStreets (ADT): The gold standard for professional monitoring with six redundant monitoring centers nationwide. Their partnership with Google Nest has significantly improved their equipment quality and user experience. Installation is meticulous, though pricing tends toward the higher end.
  • Vivint: The smart home security leader with the most seamless integration between security and home automation. Their equipment is sleek and modern, and their app experience is unmatched. Installation is comprehensive, though their sales approach can be aggressive.
  • SimpliSafe: While primarily DIY, they offer professional installation options. An excellent choice for renters with their no-contract approach and portable equipment. Less robust than the top-tier options but perfectly adequate for many situations.

Local Atlantic City Installers

  • Top Security Locksmiths: Located at 2319 Bridge Ave, they offer both traditional locksmith services and modern security systems. Their expertise in physical security gives them a unique perspective.
  • Fixabit: Specializes in home automation with integrated security and lighting solutions. Good option if smart home features are your priority.
  • Premier Fire & Security: Found at 1468 Blackwood Clementon Rd, they offer comprehensive fire protection alongside security systems and home theater installation.
  • GCSI Security Group: Located at 40A Walnut St, they focus on both residential and commercial security with professional consulting services.
  • McDowell's Telecommunications Group: At 314 Beach Ave, they integrate telecommunications expertise with security and home automation.
  • MTronics: Specializes in both security systems and fire protection services with a focus on technical excellence.
  • Independent Alarm: Located at 7215 Maple Ave, they provide security systems, fire protection, and general security services with a local touch.

Atlantic City Crime Trends: Why Security Matters

With property crime 38% above the national average and violent crime a shocking 112% higher, Atlantic City residents face real security challenges. This affects not just the homeowners but also the 28.2% of residents who rent.

A quality security system can reduce your chance of burglary by up to 300% according to industry studies. More importantly, it provides peace of mind that's difficult to quantify but impossible to ignore.

The Bottom Line: National vs. Local

After a year of testing, here's my honest assessment: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.

The difference becomes particularly apparent when something goes wrong. National providers have the resources and infrastructure to respond quickly, replace equipment, and maintain service standards that smaller operations sometimes struggle to match.

Don't leave your family's safety to chance. Invest in professional installation from a reputable provider, whether national or local. The expertise and peace of mind are worth far more than the modest savings of DIY alternatives.

Your home is your sanctuary. Protect it accordingly.

Important Considerations

Advanced equipment
Affordability
Outstanding customer service
Professional Installation
Reliability
Ease of use
Customizable to fit your unique needs
Interoperability - everything works together
24/7 Monitoring

Recommended Home Security System Companies in Atlantic City, New Jersey

ADT

ADT is the gold standard, and they now have Google Nest as a partner. Their customer service stands out a cut above the rest and is our recommended installer for most people.
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Vivint

Smart home features are very unrated as a crime deterrent, so we’ve selected Vivint as the best option for advanced smart homes. Automating lights can prevent crime, and cameras can catch unwanted actors in the act. 
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SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is the best option for renters since you buy the equipment up-front. Professional Monitoring is still a must for this top DIY install choice.
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Latest 2025 Home Security Deals and Promo Codes

SafeStreets ADT - take your pick of these bonus offers:

Vivint offers:


FeatureVivintADTAbode
Central Alarm PanelWireless OnlyWired & Wireless OptionsWireless Only
Smart LocksYesYesNo
Doorbell CamerasYesYesYes
Smart Home AutomationYesWith Some PlansYes
Mobile AppYesYesYes
InstallationProfessional OnlyProfessional & DIYDIY
Customer ServiceGoodGreatGood
Monthly Monitoring Cost$29.99 to $49.99$27.99 to $58.99$12.42
Installation Cost$0+$0+$0
Return Policy30-Day6-Months30-Day

Choosing a Home Security System Installer in Atlantic City

Choosing the home security system that works best for you can seem like a daunting task but taking a few moments to assess your needs will make the decision much easier.

Rent vs. Own

Whether you rent or own will influence which home security system is right for you. Renters will want to consider systems that won’t cause any permanent damage to walls since you will likely have to either make repairs yourself or lose some of your deposit when you leave. This will also make it easier to bring your equipment with you when you decide to relocate. Another consideration for renters will be whether the landlord permits affixing security cameras to the exterior of the structure and if it can surveil common areas (e.g., apartment hallways, carports, etc.). We recommend you review your lease agreement and consult with your landlord before installing any home security system component on the exterior of a rental.

Homeowners have a little more leeway when choosing a home security system since they can attach permanent fixtures like surveillance cameras and smart locks, and they typically won’t move as often as renters. However, a greater number of potential configurations makes choosing the best home security system company even more challenging, which is why it’s important to assess your needs.

Family and Visitors in the Home

Another consideration is who lives in the residence and how many people you allow access to the home. Renters with roommates may only need a security camera for their room, whereas a homeowner may want full interior coverage. If you have kids that let themselves in after school, a doorbell camera can let you know they made it home safe. If you have caregivers or others who you allow periodic access to the home, then a smart lock with customizable codes is perfect for monitoring who is accessing the house. And of course, motion sensors and interior security cameras can let you keep an eye on those furry family members while you’re away.

Professional Installation vs. Do-It-Yourself

For smaller projects, like a single camera or smart lock installation, you may want to do it yourself if you’ve got the tools and are somewhat handy. For anything bigger or more complex, professional home security system installation is the way to go. Considering the time it’ll take you to install it yourself – not to mention the headache – any money spent on installation will be well worth it. And if you choose Vivint, installation is free.

More importantly, a professional will ensure your home doesn't have any blind-spots or weaknesses in coverage. From glass-break sensors to pet-immune motion sensors, the more layers of detection the better. If you have pets, pros like you'll find at ADT are what we recommend to most people.

How Important are Smart Home Features for protecting your Atlantic City home?

It’s easy to forget that home security systems don’t begin and end with just door and window sensing. When choosing a security system for you home, some companies like Vivint have nearly endless automation options. We feel that preventing break-ins with smart home features like light automation and doorbell camera is the way to go.

Easy to Use Mobile App

Having an intuitive app that controls your home security devices from a smartphone or tablet allows you to get the most out of your investment.

How Smart Home Automation Can Prevent Crimes

According to the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 75% of burglaries occur when no one is home so it’s important to give the appearance that your residence is occupied even when it isn’t, and smart home automation can help. Automatically turning your interior and exterior lights on and off to give the appearance of being occupied is one of the key features of smart home automation, especially when you’re on vacation.

Additionally, smart door locks and automated garage door systems, like MyQ, can not only alert you when they are opened, but also answer those nagging questions while you’re away like “Did I forget to close the garage door?” or “Did the kids lock the front door when they left?”

Atlantic City, NJ Local Security Installers

Choosing between a nationwide home security system company and a smaller, local one can be a tough choice for some people. Here are the pros and cons to each:

Nationwide companies:

  • Pros:
    • Lower prices due to higher volume of business
    • Wider range of available equipment
    • More established / more likely to be in business for the long-term
  • Cons:
    • Potential for impersonal service
    • Longer-term contracts

Local companies:

  • Pros:
    • Supports local economy
    • May be more familiar with your area’s needs
  • Cons:
    • Smaller staff can cause delayed installation
    • Higher pricing
    • May not be in business long-term

We recommend the national installers Vivint for it's class leading technology and ADT for superior customer service and all around value.

Atlantic City, NJ Home Security System Installers

Find a local security company

Top Security Locksmiths
2319 Bridge Ave
Premier Fire & Security
1468 Blackwood Clementon Rd
GCSI Security Group
40A Walnut St
McDowell’s Telecommunications Group
314 Beach Ave
Independent Alarm
7215 Maple Ave
Universal Installations
2800 Carlton Ave
Fixabit
MTronics
Paladin Accessibility Solutions
Manuel’s Security Home

Areas Served

Neighborhoods of Atlantic City, NJ

Cities Nearby Atlantic City, New Jersey

North Beach Haven, NJ
Linwood, NJ
Port Republic, NJ
Mays Landing, NJ
Elwood, NJ
Tuckerton, NJ
Northfield, NJ
Atlantic City, NJ

Zip Codes in Atlantic City, New Jersey

8401

Information About Atlantic City

Atlantic City has a population of 236,314 and is located in Atlantic County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $29,526. Median home value is $149,956, and the median rent is $927/month. With a median age of 37.1 years old, 18.1% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 11% having an income over $100,000. 30% of households are married.

Atlantic City Demographics

According to the 2020 Decennial Census, the racial breakdown was as follows:

  • White – 25.9%
  • Two or More Races – 5.6%
  • Black or African American – 32.3%
  • Other Race – 18.8%
  • Asian – 16.2%
  • American Indian and Alaska Native – 1.2%
  • Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander – 0%

Final Considerations

Home security is more than just cameras that capture bad actors committing crimes. Smart home features such as automated lighting are underrated features that can prevent thefts before they happen.

Professional monitoring is a must, and the choice generally comes down to a balance between the latest technology, overall price, and the service you receive for installation and on-going maintenance.

Our pick for the best home security system is ADT, with its exceptional reputation for customer satisfaction and professional installation, followed closely by Vivint which while slightly more expensive, has the most advanced security technology for your home.

SimpliSafe is our home security system recommendation for renters with its great balance of features and value, while offering minimal installation effort and reasonably priced professional monitoring.

Atlantic City, New Jersey Home Security System FAQs

What is the best home security system in Atlantic City

Based on our research, the best home security system option for residents of Atlantic City, NJ is ADT, followed by Vivint. With free professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, a wide variety of home security, cameras, and smart home options to suit any need, reasonable monthly fees, and superior customer service, ADT is the security system we’d choose for our homes.

How much does it cost to install security systems?

Home security system cost vary greatly depending on the size of the house and number of devices. You can get started for as little as $280 for a system, but the average homeowner should expect to pay around $700 for a complete system with home automation.

Professional installation costs can range from $120 - $600, with the potential for even higher costs depending on how much equipment you purchase. However, some larger home security companies offer reduced pricing or even free installation with the purchase of a system and monitoring.

Monthly monitoring fees range anywhere from $10 - $65 dollars per month depending on installation type (landline vs cellular) and services offered.

Why is a security system needed?

When it comes to keeping your property and loved ones safe, home security systems are one of the top ways to accomplish that mission and sleep peaceably at night knowing you’re covered.

Can I install a security system by myself?

Most people can install a single device, such as a wireless camera, relatively easily. When it comes to installing multiple, interconnected devices, professional installation is best. Abode is a great DIY option.

What is the best DIY security system?

Abode is the best DIY home security system option. They have a wide variety of products you can mix-and-match to fit your needs, all with easy installation.

Does Vivint offer free installation?

Yes. Vivint offers free installation and no activation fee for new customers.

Does ADT offer free installation?

Sometimes promotions are available for free installation, though usually there is a $99 fee. The best option is to check here for the latest promotion that Safestreets currently has available.

How can I prevent break-ins?

Home security systems are the best way to prevent break-ins, but there are other steps you can take to protect yourself. Sufficient exterior lighting around your house, keeping entry points such as windows unobscured, and participating in programs like a neighborhood watch are all steps you can take to deter break-ins.

Does a security camera system prevent break-ins?

Yes. A study by the University of North Carolina of incarcerated burglars found that most looked for indications of increased security (e.g. alarms, cameras, etc.) when selecting a target, and that the presence of a security system would cause about 60% of them to “shop” elsewhere.

© JRW Publishing Company, 2023
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