Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? After testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house, I discovered some shocking truths about what works and what's just marketing hype.
Memphis is a city with soul – from Beale Street's legendary music scene to world-class barbecue that'll make your taste buds dance. But behind this vibrant cultural backdrop lies a sobering reality: security concerns that many residents face daily.
As we head into 2025, Memphis continues to grapple with crime rates that demand attention. That's why I spent the last year testing every major security system on the market, having professionals install each one in our test home. What I discovered will help you cut through the marketing noise and make choices that actually protect what matters most.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Think of it like buying tires for your car – you could save money upfront with budget options, but is that really where you want to cut corners?
The systems that delivered the best value weren't necessarily the most expensive, but they all shared one trait: reliability. A security system that fails during a power outage or has spotty cellular backup isn't much of a security system at all.
Here's something the industry doesn't talk about enough: the features you'll use daily matter more than the ones that sound impressive in a sales pitch.
In our testing, video doorbells and garage control topped the list of most-used features. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking whether you closed the garage after leaving provides immediate, everyday peace of mind. Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these areas, with interfaces that even your least tech-savvy family member can navigate.
A comprehensive security approach isn't just about deterring break-ins. Fire safety integration proved crucial in our testing, with smoke detector connectivity providing protection whether you're home or away. The best systems don't just secure your property – they protect lives.
The security landscape in 2025 has evolved dramatically. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a prowler and your neighbor's cat, while smartphone integration has become seamless across platforms.
However, some aspects of security remain timeless:
The latest systems from ADT and Vivint balance cutting-edge technology with these timeless principles. Their equipment is more intuitive than ever, with touchscreens that respond like your smartphone and apps that actually work when you need them.
ADT operates through a network of six monitoring centers across the country, providing redundancy that local operations simply can't match. If one center goes offline during a natural disaster, your home remains protected through their other facilities.
SafeStreets isn't ADT – they're an authorized dealer that sells and installs ADT equipment and services. This distinction matters because while they follow ADT's standards and connect to ADT monitoring centers, your installation experience comes through SafeStreets, not ADT directly.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales and installation model. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their systems, giving them end-to-end control over quality. This integrated approach shows in their smart home capabilities, which felt more cohesive in our testing.
Many local Memphis security companies actually operate as ADT authorized dealers, bound by the same requirements and standards. Others use Alarm.com as their backend platform – the same technology powering many national brands.
This means your local installer might be offering essentially the same monitoring service as bigger names, just with different branding and potentially different installation quality.
After watching five professional installations of different systems in our test home, one thing became crystal clear: there's an art to proper security installation that DIY approaches often miss.
Professional installers know exactly where to place motion sensors to avoid false alarms from pets or HVAC systems. They understand the subtle differences between mounting a door sensor on the hinge side versus the opening side. These "tricks of the trade" aren't obvious until you've seen them in action.
The most dangerous DIY installation mistakes we've seen aren't about functionality – they're about security vulnerabilities:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to learn through trial and error.
The statistics paint a sobering picture: property crime in Memphis is 184% greater than the national average, while violent crime rates soar at 506% above average. With a crime grade of 0 (the lowest possible rating), security isn't a luxury – it's a necessity.
This reality affects both the 53.8% of Memphis residents who own homes and the 46.2% who rent. Renters face particular challenges, needing systems that offer protection without permanent modifications.
After a year of testing, here's my honest assessment: while local companies may offer competitive pricing and the appeal of supporting Memphis businesses, the stability, consistency, and technological edge provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint justifies their slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system connects to multiple monitoring centers with backup power and redundant communication paths is worth the premium. When seconds count during an emergency, that infrastructure difference matters.
Don't compromise on professional installation. The security of your home and loved ones deserves expert handling, whether you choose a national provider or a reputable local installer. The best security system is the one that's installed correctly, monitored consistently, and actually used daily – and that starts with choosing the right installer for your Memphis home.
Memphis has a population of 1,072,330 and is located in Shelby County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $41,864. Median home value is $106,971, and the median rent is $915/month. With a median age of 34.2 years old, 26.7% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 16.4% having an income over $100,000. 31.7% 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.
