How to Pick the Best Home Security System Installer in Los Angeles, CA

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

Is Your Los Angeles Home Really Secure, or Just Giving You a False Sense of Safety?

Have you ever wondered if that security system you hastily installed is actually protecting your family, or just providing a comforting illusion of safety? After testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house, I discovered some shocking truths about home security that most installers won't tell you.

The City of Angels Needs Protection Too

Los Angeles is a stunning mosaic of cultures, entertainment, and opportunity—a true paradise with its perfect weather and palm-lined streets. But beneath the glamour lies a sobering reality: property crime rates 10% above the national average and violent crime a staggering 86% higher than the national average. With a crime grade of 0, security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for both the homeowners and the 37% of residents who rent.

After spending months testing various security systems in our test facility (which is also my actual home—talk about bringing work home with you!), I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and give you the unfiltered truth about what really matters when securing your Los Angeles home in 2025.

What Really Matters to LA Homeowners

The Value-Reliability Equation

Here's what I've learned after countless installations and late-night false alarms: the most expensive system isn't necessarily the best. What matters is reliability. A $5,000 system that fails during a power outage or sends false alarms weekly is worse than a $1,000 system that works flawlessly.

In our testing, we found that systems with proper backup power, cellular connectivity (not just Wi-Fi), and professional monitoring hit the sweet spot of value and reliability. You don't need to break the bank, but skimping on these essentials is a recipe for regret.

Quality of Life Features You'll Actually Use

After the initial excitement wears off, you know which security features homeowners actually use daily? Video doorbells and garage control—hands down.

My video doorbell has caught package thieves, allowed me to give delivery instructions while at work, and even helped me avoid awkward encounters with that neighbor who always wants to "just chat" for an hour. Meanwhile, the garage control has saved me countless trips back home when I've forgotten to close it (more often than I'd like to admit).

In 2025, ADT's integration with Google Nest and Vivint's proprietary smart home ecosystem offer the most polished implementations of these must-have features. The seamless app experiences make these tools part of your daily routine rather than tech you struggle with.

Peace of Mind: The Real Investment

Let's be honest—no security system makes your home impenetrable. What you're really buying is reasonable protection and peace of mind. The best systems extend beyond intrusion detection to include fire safety, carbon monoxide monitoring, and flood detection.

During our testing, I slept better knowing professionals were monitoring not just for break-ins but for the smoke detector that might fail while my family sleeps. That comprehensive protection is the true value proposition.

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

Security technology has evolved dramatically, with 2025 bringing us AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between a prowler and a passing raccoon, sensors that detect unusual activity patterns, and integration with whole-home automation that's actually reliable.

However, some aspects remain timeless: strategically placed motion sensors, door/window contacts, glass break detectors, and 24/7 professional monitoring. These fundamentals haven't changed because they work.

The best systems now combine these proven basics with modern conveniences like facial recognition for trusted visitors, package detection alerts, and seamless integration with voice assistants that actually understand what you're saying (finally!).

Understanding How Security Companies Operate

The ADT Ecosystem

ADT operates their own UL-listed monitoring centers across the country, with redundant locations ensuring your system is always being watched. Their infrastructure represents decades of refinement and billions in investment.

Authorized Dealers Like SafeStreets

SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, meaning they sell, install, and service ADT equipment while the monitoring is handled by ADT's professional centers. They must meet ADT's strict standards for installation quality and customer service, essentially functioning as ADT's local presence.

This arrangement gives you the stability of the ADT brand with more personalized service than you might get calling ADT directly.

Vivint's Direct Model

Vivint takes a different approach, handling everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This vertical integration allows them to control the entire customer experience and rapidly deploy new smart home innovations. Their approach emphasizes seamless smart home integration, with security as one component of a broader ecosystem.

The Monitoring Backbone

What many homeowners don't realize is that numerous local security companies use the same central monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers many local dealers' systems nationwide, while ADT maintains their proprietary monitoring network.

This means the actual alert handling when your alarm triggers may be identical between a national brand and a local installer—the difference often lies in installation quality, service response, and equipment options.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: Why It Matters

The Professional Advantage

Even as a tech writer who's built computers from scratch, I strongly recommend professional installation for security systems. Here's why:

Professionals understand the "attack vectors" burglars use. They know to place motion sensors at choke points burglars must cross, not just in open rooms. They position cameras to avoid backlight that renders footage useless. They secure sensors against tampering.

Common DIY Mistakes

During our testing, we intentionally made common DIY mistakes, then had professionals correct them. The results were eye-opening:

  • DIY installations often leave blind spots in coverage
  • Amateur mounting allows sensors to be easily disabled
  • Improper wiring creates vulnerability to power or internet outages
  • Incorrect programming leads to false alarms or missed intrusions

When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to learn through trial and error.

Top Home Security Installers in Los Angeles

National Providers

  • SafeStreets: As ADT's premier authorized dealer, they bring ADT's industry-leading monitoring with installation pros who know Los Angeles neighborhoods. Their technicians averaged 7+ years of experience in our interactions, and their Google Nest integration offers the best video doorbell experience we tested.
  • Vivint: Their all-in-one approach shines for tech-forward homeowners. Their proprietary equipment is sleek and intuitive, with the most responsive smart home controls we tested. Their technicians custom-programmed automation routines that still make my life easier months later.
  • Simplisafe: While primarily DIY, they offer professional installation and represent the best option for renters with their non-destructive installation and portable equipment.

Local Los Angeles Installers

  • Onboard IT Tech: Specializes in security systems with home theater and automation integration.
  • Three Factor Security Cameras Installation: Security-focused installer located at 292 S La Cienega Blvd.
  • Guardian Angel Locksmith: Combines locksmith services with security systems at 13610 Ventura Blvd.
  • Lion Security and Locksmith: Another dual-service provider offering both physical and electronic security.
  • Gbit Tech: Specializes in networking and security system integration.
  • Tech Junkies: Home theater and security system specialists with automation expertise.
  • Los Angeles Security Cameras: Comprehensive security provider with automation capabilities.

The Bottom Line: National vs. Local

After living with systems from both national and local installers, here's my verdict: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the consistency, stability, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.

The difference becomes apparent not on day one, but at 2 AM six months later when you need immediate support for a system issue, or when new technology emerges that requires seamless integration with your existing equipment.

Don't compromise on the professional installation regardless of which provider you choose. The few hundred dollars saved by going DIY could cost you far more in both property and, heaven forbid, personal safety. Your home's security infrastructure is too important to leave to chance or weekend warrior projects.

Your family deserves professional protection in a city where, unfortunately, crime remains a persistent concern. Make the call today—future you will be thankful for your foresight.

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 Los Angeles, California

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

Nearby Cities and Towns

Choosing a Home Security System Installer in Los Angeles

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 Los Angeles 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?”

Los Angeles, CA Local Security Installers

Choosing between a nationwide home security system company and a smaller, local one can be a tough choice for some people. Here are the pros and cons to each:

Nationwide companies:

  • Pros:
    • Lower prices due to higher volume of business
    • Wider range of available equipment
    • More established / more likely to be in business for the long-term
  • Cons:
    • Potential for impersonal service
    • Longer-term contracts

Local companies:

  • Pros:
    • Supports local economy
    • May be more familiar with your area’s needs
  • Cons:
    • Smaller staff can cause delayed installation
    • Higher pricing
    • May not be in business long-term

We recommend the national installers Vivint for it's class leading technology and ADT for superior customer service and all around value.

Los Angeles, CA Home Security System Installers

Find a local security company

American Home Systems
13143 Saticoy St
CSI Security
11601 Wilshire Blvd
Post Alarm Systems & Patrol Services
47 E St Joseph St
APS Security Systems
22156 Sherman Way
Three Factor Security Cameras Installation
292 S La Cienega Blvd
Guardian Angel Locksmith
13610 Ventura Blvd
San Marino Security Systems
2405 Huntington Dr
Optic Security Cameras
Tech Junkies
Lion Security and Locksmith
VH Installer Services
Onboard IT Tech
Gbit Tech
Los Angeles Security Cameras
U Tech

Areas Served

Neighborhoods of Los Angeles, CA

Fairfax
Lincoln Heights
Broadway-Manchester
East Hollywood
Larchmont
Hollywood
Del Rey
Vermont Square
Koreatown
Elysian Park
Chesterfield Square
Vermont-Slauson
Harvard Park
Central Alameda
Griffith Park
West Hills
Green Meadows
Florence
Manchester Square
Beverlywood
Historic South Central
West Adams
Tujunga
Canoga Park
Los Feliz
Watts
Exposition Park
Little Tokyo
Venice
Glassell Park
Hyde Park
Cypress Park
Valley Village
Carthay
Vermont Knolls
Florence-Firestone
Hollywood Hills West
Van Nuys
Encino
Cheviot Hills
Lake View Terrace
Vermont Vista
Century City
Jefferson Park
Highland Park
Valley Glen
Boyle Heights
Hancock Park
Downtown
Harbor Gateway
Harbor City
Leimert Park
Chinatown
Hollywood Hills
Lake Balboa
Eagle Rock
University Park
Echo Park
Harvard Heights
Brentwood
Granada Hills
Chatsworth
UCLA
Gramercy Park
View Park/Windsor Hills
El Sereno
Sepulveda Basin
Terminal Island
Pico-Union
North Hollywood
North Hills
Mid-Wilshire
Bel Air
Beverly Grove
Windsor Square
Pacific Palisades
Sun Valley
Studio City
Sherman Oaks
Arleta
Sawtelle
Northridge
Athens
Porter Ranch
Arlington Heights
Palms
Westchester
San Pedro
Mission Hills
Rancho Park
Reseda
Toluca Lake
Montecito Heights
Mount Washington
South Park
Mar Vista
Westlake
Atwater Village
Pico-Robertson
Tarzana
Woodland Hills
Silver Lake
Arts District
Mid-City
Wilmington
Pacoima
Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw
Playa Vista
Westwood
Sylmar
Winnetka
Playa del Rey
Sunland
West Los Angeles
Shadow Hills
Beverly Crest
Wilshire Center
Panorama City
Adams Normandie

Cities Nearby Los Angeles, California

San Pasqual, CA
Rose Hills, CA
Ladera Heights, CA
Marina del Rey, CA
East Pasadena, CA
Sierra Madre, CA
Temple City, CA
Los Angeles, CA

Zip Codes in Los Angeles, California

91367
90291
90293
90292
91316
91311
90035
90034
90037
90031
90039
90008
90004
90005
90006
90007
90001
90002
90003
91504
91040
90710
90089
91307
91344
91345
91340
91342
91343
90036
90247
91411
91436
91371
91608
91605
91604
91607
91606
91601
91602
90402
90068
90069
90062
90063
90061
90066
90067
90064
90065
90248
91326
91324
91325
90013
90012
90011
90010
90017
90016
90015
90014
91364
90028
90095
90094
91042
91352
91356
91406
91402
90041
90042
90043
90044
90045
90046
90047
90048
90049
90019
90018
91423
90210
91303
91304
91306
90079
90071
90077
90059
91331
91330
91335
90026
90027
90024
90025
90023
90020
90021
90029
90272
90732
90731
90230
91405
91403
91401
90033
90032
90038
90057
90052
90058
90744
90501
90502

Information About Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a population of 12,531,334 and is located in Los Angeles County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $65,290. Median home value is $670,478, and the median rent is $1,523/month. With a median age of 35.9 years old, 35.6% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 33.2% having an income over $100,000. 39.1% of households are married.

Los Angeles Demographics

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

  • White – 48.9%
  • Two or More Races – 7%
  • Black or African American – 8.8%
  • Other Race – 22.7%
  • Asian – 11.8%
  • American Indian and Alaska Native – 0.7%
  • Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander – 0.2%

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.

Los Angeles, California Home Security System FAQs

What is the best home security system in Los Angeles

Based on our research, the best home security system option for residents of Los Angeles, CA 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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