Ever wonder if that security system you hastily installed is actually protecting your family, or if it's just a fancy doorbell with some stickers? After testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house, I've got some eye-opening insights to share.
Lansing, with its charming riverfront and vibrant downtown revival, remains one of Michigan's most distinctive communities. But behind the revitalized neighborhoods and growing cultural scene lies a concerning reality: security challenges that many residents face daily.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Property crime rates in Lansing are currently 53% higher than the national average, while violent crime rates soar at a staggering 269% above the national average. With a crime grade of 0, Lansing residents—both the 48.5% who own homes and the 51.5% who rent—need effective security solutions more than ever.
Having personally tested multiple security systems in our Lansing test facility, I've seen firsthand how the right setup can make all the difference. Let's cut through the marketing hype and get to what really matters for your home's security.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best choice. However, the most expensive system isn't automatically superior either. What matters is finding that sweet spot where reliability meets reasonable cost.
In our extensive testing, we found that systems in the $30-50 monthly monitoring range typically offer the best balance. Below that price point, you often sacrifice crucial features or reliability; above it, you're paying for bells and whistles that don't meaningfully improve security.
Here's something interesting we discovered: the security features homeowners actually use daily aren't always the ones they initially thought were most important.
Video doorbells and garage door controls consistently rank as the most frequently used and appreciated smart security features. In 2025, these aren't luxury add-ons anymore—they're essentials. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking whether you remembered to close the garage after leaving for work provides practical, everyday peace of mind.
Our testing found that ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offer the most seamless, reliable implementations of these features.
When you install a security system, you're not just buying equipment—you're investing in peace of mind. The psychological benefit of knowing you've taken reasonable steps to protect your family is immeasurable.
And don't forget: comprehensive home security isn't just about preventing break-ins. Modern systems integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, potentially saving lives in emergencies that have nothing to do with intruders.
Security technology has evolved dramatically, with 2025 bringing us systems that are more intuitive and integrated than ever before. Today's cutting-edge features include:
However, some aspects of security remain timeless. Proper sensor placement, backup power systems, and redundant communication methods (cellular, Wi-Fi, and landline) are as important now as they were decades ago.
ADT operates six owned-and-operated monitoring centers across North America, providing redundancy that ensures your system stays connected even if one center experiences issues. They employ thousands of trained monitoring professionals who respond to alerts 24/7.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment and monitoring plans. They must meet ADT's strict standards for installation quality and customer service. When you sign up with SafeStreets, your contract and monitoring are ultimately with ADT.
Vivint takes a different approach. As a vertically integrated company, they design their own equipment, employ their own installers, and operate their own monitoring centers. This gives them tighter control over the entire customer experience but sometimes at a premium price point.
Their direct sales model means you're dealing with Vivint representatives from start to finish, not third-party dealers.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies don't actually do their own monitoring. Instead, they contract with large monitoring centers like Alarm.com, which provides the backend for numerous local and regional security providers.
ADT stands apart by operating their own monitoring infrastructure, giving them more direct control over service quality and response times.
After watching professional installers work and attempting DIY installations ourselves, I can confidently say: professional installation is worth every penny, even if you consider yourself tech-savvy.
Professional installers bring years of experience that translates into crucial decisions about:
When homeowners install systems themselves, we frequently see:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
Based on our extensive testing and research, here are the best security installation options in Lansing:
While local companies may offer competitive pricing—sometimes undercutting national providers by $5-10 per month—the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify the slightly higher cost.
When you consider what's at stake—the safety of your family and home—investing in professional installation from a company with proven reliability makes sense. Remember, a security system is only as good as its installation and monitoring.
Don't wait until after an incident to discover the weaknesses in your home's security. Contact a professional installer today to get a proper assessment of your home's unique security needs. Your family's safety is worth the investment.
Lansing has a population of 326,380 and is located in Ingham County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $44,233. Median home value is $88,010, and the median rent is $847/month. With a median age of 32.7 years old, 26.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 11.3% having an income over $100,000. 34.2% 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.
