Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I know I have, which is why I spent the last six months testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same Baltimore house. What I discovered might surprise you...
Baltimore's vibrant culture, historic neighborhoods, and incredible food scene make it a fantastic place to call home. The Inner Harbor's renaissance and thriving arts districts showcase the city's resilience and charm. But let's be real - living in Charm City comes with security challenges.
In 2025, Baltimore continues to face significant crime issues. That's why my team and I decided to cut through the marketing hype and test the most popular security systems available to Baltimore homeowners. We wanted to see what actually works, what's worth paying for, and what's just flashy tech that doesn't improve your safety.
After living with five different professionally installed systems, I'm ready to share what really matters when securing your Baltimore home.
When testing these systems, I quickly realized that price isn't always the best indicator of quality. What matters most is reliability - will your system work when you need it? The sweet spot is finding a system that balances cost with dependable performance.
The most expensive system we tested had the most features, but also the most false alarms. Meanwhile, a mid-range option from SafeStreets provided rock-solid performance with fewer bells and whistles.
Here's something interesting: across all five systems, the features homeowners used most weren't the advanced motion sensors or glass break detectors - they were the video doorbells and garage controls.
The ability to see who's at your door from anywhere or check if you left the garage open while at work provides daily peace of mind. The Google Nest doorbell cameras integrated with ADT systems and Vivint's doorbell cameras were standouts, offering crystal-clear video and reliable notifications.
Security isn't just about preventing break-ins. It's about comprehensive protection that includes fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and medical alerts. The best systems we tested offered all these features in one integrated package.
When you consider that the average Baltimore home burglary results in $2,800 in losses (not counting emotional impact), investing in quality security becomes a reasonable financial decision, not just an emotional one.
Security technology has evolved dramatically in 2025. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a person, pet, or vehicle with near-perfect accuracy. Facial recognition features can alert you when specific people arrive home. Wireless technology has improved to the point where signal jamming is much harder for would-be intruders.
However, some security principles remain timeless:
The best systems we tested combined cutting-edge technology with these timeless security principles.
ADT operates six monitoring centers across the US, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. They employ over 4,000 monitoring professionals who respond to alerts 24/7.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer - essentially a local installation and sales team that connects you to ADT's monitoring infrastructure. They handle installation and first-line service, while the actual monitoring happens through ADT's centers.
Vivint takes a different approach. They handle everything in-house - from sales to installation to monitoring. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but sometimes at a higher price point. Their smart home integration is among the best we tested, with seamless connections between security features and home automation.
Many Baltimore security companies operate as authorized dealers for larger brands. For example, several local installers are actually ADT authorized dealers, bound by the same installation standards and offering the same monitoring services.
What many homeowners don't realize is that most security companies use the same few monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers many local dealers' systems, while ADT uses its proprietary monitoring network. This is why the actual hardware often looks similar between companies - because it often is the same, just with different branding.
As someone who considers myself tech-savvy, I was humbled by what I learned watching professional installers work. They have tricks of the trade that simply aren't obvious to DIYers:
Common DIY mistakes I've seen include placing motion sensors too low (triggering pet alerts), installing door sensors improperly (causing false alarms), and positioning cameras with backlighting that renders footage useless.
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners. The $200-300 you might save on installation isn't worth compromising your security.
The statistics are sobering: Baltimore's property crime rate is 120% higher than the national average, while violent crime is a staggering 379% above the national average. The city currently has a crime grade of 0 - the lowest possible rating.
These numbers matter for both homeowners and the 47.7% of Baltimore residents who rent. A comprehensive security system doesn't just protect your possessions - it creates a safer environment for your family and can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
After testing systems from both national providers and local installers, I've found that while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability and consistency provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justifies their slightly higher cost.
National providers offer:
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise these professionals bring ensures your system works as intended when you need it most. In a city with Baltimore's crime challenges, that peace of mind is truly priceless.
Baltimore has a population of 2,270,087 and is located in Baltimore County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $52,164. Median home value is $167,452, and the median rent is $1,094/month. With a median age of 35.5 years old, 32.8% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 24% having an income over $100,000. 26.6% of households are married.
According to the 2020 Decennial Census, the racial breakdown was as follows:
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.
