Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of safety? After testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house, I can tell you the answer might surprise you.
Logan, Utah sits nestled against the stunning Wasatch mountains, offering residents that perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. While it remains one of Utah's safest communities, no place is completely immune to security concerns.
As someone who's spent the last year testing home security systems (yes, we had five different professional installations in the same test house), I've learned to cut through the marketing hype. In 2025, security technology has never been more advanced—but that doesn't mean every system or installer deserves your trust or money.
When I talk to Logan homeowners, they consistently mention one thing: they want systems that actually work when needed. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many security setups fail at the critical moment due to poor installation or equipment limitations.
The sweet spot isn't necessarily the cheapest option or the one with the most bells and whistles—it's the system that delivers reliable protection at a reasonable price point.
After testing numerous systems, I've found that certain features quickly become indispensable. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most frequently used and appreciated components of any modern security system.
In our testing, we found ourselves checking the video doorbell multiple times daily—for package deliveries, visitor identification, and even to see when the kids got home from school. Similarly, the ability to remotely check if the garage door was left open (and close it from anywhere) eliminated a common source of anxiety.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offer particularly impressive implementations of these features in 2025.
Security isn't just about preventing break-ins—it's about comprehensive protection. The best systems now integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak monitoring, and even medical alert capabilities. These features transform a simple alarm into a complete safety ecosystem for your family.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically. Today's systems feature AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles, dramatically reducing false alarms. Voice control has become more sophisticated, allowing for natural commands rather than rigid phrases.
However, some aspects of security remain timeless. Proper sensor placement, backup power systems, and professional monitoring continue to form the foundation of effective home protection.
Motion sensors still work best when placed in high-traffic areas at the right height. Door and window sensors remain the first line of defense. And a loud siren is still one of the most effective deterrents against intruders.
ADT operates six redundant monitoring centers across the United States, ensuring your system remains monitored even during regional disasters. They employ thousands of trained professionals who respond to alerts 24/7.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install and service ADT equipment but operate as an independent business. They must meet ADT's rigorous standards and training requirements, but they handle their own sales and installation teams.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales and service model. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their own proprietary equipment, giving them end-to-end control over the customer experience. This integration allows for seamless smart home capabilities but can sometimes result in higher costs.
Here's something most companies won't tell you: many local security dealers use the same central monitoring stations. Alarm.com serves as the backbone for numerous local and regional security companies, while ADT maintains its own proprietary monitoring infrastructure.
This means the actual emergency response process might be nearly identical between a national brand and a local installer—the difference often comes down to equipment quality and installation expertise.
After watching professional installers work their magic, I've become convinced that expert installation is worth every penny, even for tech-savvy homeowners.
Professional installers know exactly where to place sensors to eliminate blind spots. They understand how to position motion detectors to avoid false alarms from pets or HVAC systems. They know how to conceal wiring and protect components from tampering.
In our testing, we identified several critical errors DIY installers frequently make:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
Logan enjoys crime rates significantly below national averages—property crime is 42% lower and violent crime is 50% lower than national figures, earning the city an impressive crime grade of 9.
However, these statistics don't mean security is unnecessary. Even in safe communities, targeted property crimes still occur, and comprehensive security provides protection against non-crime emergencies like fires and medical incidents.
After a year of testing, I've found that while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the established infrastructure of national providers like SafeStreets and Vivint provides advantages that are difficult to match.
Their extensive training programs, consistent installation standards, and robust monitoring capabilities deliver peace of mind that's worth the potentially higher cost for most homeowners.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise of a trained technician makes the difference between a system that looks good and one that actually protects your home when it matters most.
Your family's safety deserves nothing less than the best. Make the call today.
Logan has a population of 106,319 and is located in Cache County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $43,056. Median home value is $216,826, and the median rent is $783/month. With a median age of 23.8 years old, 36.9% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 12.3% having an income over $100,000. 47.9% 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.
