Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually keeping you safe, or just giving you a false sense of security? I know I did, which is why I decided to put the top systems to the test in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you...
Edison, New Jersey is a vibrant township with excellent schools and convenient access to New York City. It's consistently ranked among the best places to live in Middlesex County. But even in this desirable community, security concerns remain a reality.
As someone who's personally tested five different professionally installed security systems in the same house, I've learned to cut through the marketing hype. In 2025, there are more options than ever, but which ones actually deliver on their promises? Let me share what I've discovered after years of hands-on testing to help you make the best choice for your Edison home.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Through my testing, I've found that reliability is worth paying for. Systems that consistently work when you need them—without false alarms or connectivity issues—provide the true value, even if they cost a bit more upfront.
You know what I've found most homeowners actually use daily? It's not the motion sensors or window contacts—it's the video doorbell and garage control. These features have become must-haves because they solve everyday problems:
Both ADT (with their Google Nest integration) and Vivint have perfected these features in 2025, making them seamless parts of daily life rather than just security add-ons.
A security system is really an investment in peace of mind. It's about doing the most reasonable thing possible to protect what matters most. And don't forget—modern systems don't just protect against intruders; they provide crucial fire safety monitoring that can save lives when minutes matter.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically in 2025. Today's systems feature:
But some aspects of security remain timeless: proper sensor placement, professional monitoring, and backup power systems. The best installers know how to blend cutting-edge technology with these proven security principles.
ADT operates their own UL-listed monitoring centers across the country, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. They employ thousands of security professionals and maintain strict standards for response times and customer service.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment while customer monitoring contracts are with ADT itself. This relationship gives customers the stability of ADT's monitoring network with the personalized service of a dealer.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their own proprietary equipment. This vertical integration allows for tighter smart home integration and more control over the customer experience from start to finish.
Many local Edison security companies actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. They're bound by the same requirements and standards, though service quality can vary.
What many homeowners don't realize is that numerous security companies use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com powers the backend for many local dealers nationwide, while ADT maintains their own monitoring infrastructure.
Even as a tech enthusiast, I strongly recommend professional installation for home security. After watching pros install five different systems in my test home, I've seen firsthand the "tricks of the trade" that DIYers simply miss:
The most common DIY installation mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
Edison's crime statistics underscore the importance of home security. Property crime rates remain a concern for both the 38.4% of residents who own homes and the 61.6% who rent.
A quality security system isn't just for homeowners—renters benefit equally from the protection and peace of mind that comes with proper security. Many modern systems offer options that don't require permanent installation, making them perfect for rental properties.
After years of testing security systems, here's my honest take: While local Edison companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher cost.
These national providers offer:
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The security professionals I've watched work have consistently spotted vulnerabilities and optimization opportunities that I would have missed, even with my technical background.
Your family's safety deserves the expertise that comes from installing thousands of systems—not the uncertainty of a first-time DIY project. Make the call today to get a professional assessment of your home's security needs.
Edison has a population of 99,876 and is located in Middlesex County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $102,913. Median home value is $392,841, and the median rent is $1,587/month. With a median age of 39.3 years old, 55.4% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 51.3% having an income over $100,000. 62% 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.
