How to Pick the Best Home Security System Installer in Fort Smith, AR

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

Is Your Fort Smith Home Really Secure? What I Learned After Testing 5 Professional Security Systems

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 did, which is why I decided to put five different professionally installed systems to the test in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.

Fort Smith: Beautiful City, Concerning Statistics

Fort Smith, with its charming historic downtown and beautiful riverfront, offers residents a unique blend of small-town feel with city amenities. But beneath this picturesque surface lies a concerning reality that can't be ignored.

As we head into 2025, Fort Smith continues to face significant security challenges. Property crime rates are 182% greater than the national average, while violent crime sits at a troubling 202% above average. With a crime grade of 0, security concerns affect everyone—both the homeowners and the 50.6% of residents who rent.

After living with and testing multiple security systems in our test facility, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight facts about what works, what doesn't, and who you should trust with your home's security in Fort Smith.

What Really Matters to Fort Smith Homeowners

The Value-Reliability Equation

When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. However, the most expensive isn't automatically superior either. What matters is the relationship between value and reliability.

In my testing, I found that systems in the $30-50 monthly monitoring range hit the sweet spot. Below that price point, you often sacrifice essential features or reliability; above it, you're typically paying for bells and whistles that don't meaningfully improve your security.

Quality of Life Features That Make a Difference

Here's something interesting I discovered: the security features homeowners use most aren't always the ones that prevent break-ins. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most frequently used and appreciated smart security features.

Why? Because they solve everyday problems. Video doorbells let you see who's at your door without getting up, screen visitors, and monitor package deliveries. Integrated garage control lets you check if you left the garage door open and close it remotely—something Fort Smith residents tell me they use almost daily.

Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these quality-of-life implementations, with intuitive interfaces that even my tech-phobic relatives could master.

Security as Peace of Mind

The most valuable aspect of a good security system isn't tangible—it's the peace of mind. Knowing your home is protected against intrusion, fire, carbon monoxide, and water damage allows you to sleep better at night and enjoy life more fully during the day.

After testing multiple systems, I've found that comprehensive protection doesn't require a fortress mentality—just reasonable, thoughtful implementation of modern security technology.

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

Security technology has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles with remarkable accuracy. Mobile apps have become incredibly intuitive, allowing granular control over your entire system from anywhere.

However, some aspects of security remain timeless. Motion sensors, door/window contacts, and glass break detectors still form the foundation of any good system. The difference is in how these components integrate with modern technology.

The best systems now offer:

  • Facial recognition for trusted visitors
  • Predictive alerts based on unusual activity patterns
  • Seamless integration with smart home features
  • Voice control through multiple platforms
  • Backup cellular and battery systems that work during power outages

Understanding How Security Companies Operate

ADT and SafeStreets: The Authorized Dealer Model

ADT operates one of the largest monitoring networks in the country, with multiple redundant monitoring centers staffed 24/7. However, many people don't realize that when they "call ADT," they're often actually calling an authorized dealer like SafeStreets.

SafeStreets is ADT's largest authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment, but the monitoring is handled by ADT's professional monitoring centers. This arrangement ensures consistent quality standards while allowing for local service.

Vivint: The Direct Sales Approach

Vivint takes a different approach. As a fully integrated company, they handle everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This vertical integration allows them to offer some of the most tightly integrated smart home security features on the market, though sometimes at a premium price.

In my testing, Vivint's system offered the most seamless smart home experience, with particularly impressive doorbell camera and garage control implementations.

The Monitoring Platform Reality

Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers many local dealers' systems nationwide, while ADT uses its proprietary monitoring network.

This means the actual "watching" of your home often happens at the same facilities regardless of which local company you choose. The difference comes down to installation quality, customer service, and equipment options.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: Why It Matters

As someone who considers myself technically inclined, I was humbled by what I learned watching professional installers work. There's an art to security system installation that goes far beyond connecting wires.

The Professional Edge

Professional installers know:

  • Optimal sensor placement to eliminate blind spots
  • How to conceal wiring to prevent tampering
  • The correct height and angle for motion sensors to avoid false alarms
  • How to properly test and verify each component
  • How to integrate with existing home systems

Common DIY Mistakes

In my research, I've seen homeowners make critical errors that compromise their security:

  • Placing motion sensors too high or low
  • Installing door sensors improperly, creating gaps in coverage
  • Failing to account for pets, resulting in constant false alarms
  • Overlooking tamper protection for outdoor components
  • Inadequate battery backup systems

When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners. Professional installation typically adds $200-500 to the upfront cost but dramatically improves system effectiveness.

Top Home Security Installers in Fort Smith

National Providers

  • SafeStreets (ADT Authorized Dealer): Their professional installation is meticulous, with installers taking the time to explain system operation. Their ADT-backed monitoring is rock-solid, and their equipment options have improved dramatically with the Google Nest partnership. Best for homeowners wanting proven reliability and comprehensive coverage.
  • Vivint: Their cutting-edge smart home integration is unmatched, with particularly impressive doorbell cameras and garage control. Installation is thorough, though slightly pricier than competitors. Their all-in-one system is intuitive and powerful. Best for tech-savvy homeowners who value seamless integration.
  • Simplisafe: While primarily DIY, they do offer professional installation. Their flexible, no-contract approach makes them ideal for renters in Fort Smith, who make up over half the population. Equipment is reliable if somewhat basic compared to premium options.

Local Fort Smith Installers

  • Alert Alarm Systems (1118 S Greenwood Ave): A longstanding local provider with good community reputation and competitive pricing.
  • One Source Innovation (5809 S 28th St): Offers comprehensive services including security, home theater, and automation integration.
  • Advantage Security Technologies (3324 Vicksburg St): Specializes in both security and fire protection, with solid home automation options.
  • Home Solutions: Provides integrated security and entertainment solutions with flexible packages.
  • AV Design Consultants (264 Albano Dr): High-end security and home theater installations with premium service.

The Bottom Line: Making Your Choice

After testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house, I've come to a clear conclusion: while local Fort Smith companies offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide superior peace of mind for most homeowners.

The slightly higher cost—typically $5-10 more per month—pays dividends in reliability, feature sets, and ongoing support. When it comes to protecting your family and property in a city with concerning crime statistics, that premium is easily justified.

Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise these technicians bring ensures your system works as intended when you need it most. In Fort Smith's challenging security environment, that's not just a convenience—it's a necessity.

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 Fort Smith, Arkansas

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 Fort Smith

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 Fort Smith 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?”

Fort Smith, AR Home Security System Installers

Find a local security company

Alert Alarm Systems
1118 S Greenwood Ave
One Source Innovation
5809 S 28th St
Advantage Security Technologies
3324 Vicksburg St
AV Design Consultants
264 Albano Dr
Home Solutions

Areas Served

Neighborhoods of Fort Smith, AR

Cities Nearby Fort Smith, Arkansas

Greenwood, AR
Arkoma, OK
Hackett, AR
Pocola, OK
Spiro, OK
Kibler, AR
Roland, OK
Fort Smith, AR

Zip Codes in Fort Smith, Arkansas

72908
72901
72904
72923
72916
72903

Information About Fort Smith

Fort Smith has a population of 125,306 and is located in Sebastian County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $45,233. Median home value is $131,937, and the median rent is $703/month. With a median age of 36.7 years old, 24.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 17.2% having an income over $100,000. 44.8% of households are married.

Fort Smith Demographics

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

  • White – 62.8%
  • Two or More Races – 7.3%
  • Black or African American – 8.8%
  • Other Race – 13.9%
  • Asian – 6.1%
  • 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.

Fort Smith, Arkansas Home Security System FAQs

What is the best home security system in Fort Smith

Based on our research, the best home security system option for residents of Fort Smith, AR 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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