Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I certainly did, which is why I took the extreme step of having 5 different security systems professionally installed in my test home. What I discovered might surprise you.
Ontario, California offers residents that perfect blend of suburban comfort with big-city accessibility. With the Ontario Mills mall and proximity to the mountains, it's a fantastic place to call home. But like any growing city, security concerns remain real for homeowners and the 54.6% of residents who rent.
After spending months testing every major security system available in Ontario, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and share what actually matters when protecting your home in 2025. The technology has advanced dramatically, but some fundamentals remain timeless.
When I talk to homeowners across Ontario, their primary concern isn't always getting the cheapest system—it's finding the sweet spot between affordability and dependability. A security system that fails when you need it most is worse than having no system at all.
In my testing, I found that systems from established providers like ADT (installed by SafeStreets) and Vivint offered the most consistent performance. Yes, you might pay slightly more monthly, but when that bump in the night turns out to be something serious, you'll be glad you invested in reliability.
Here's something the security companies don't always emphasize: the features you'll use most often have nothing to do with burglary protection.
The video doorbell has become the MVP of modern security systems. In my testing, I used mine daily—checking package deliveries, speaking to visitors, and even telling door-to-door salespeople "no thanks" without opening the door. The Google Nest doorbell integration with ADT systems is particularly impressive in 2025, with AI that can recognize familiar faces and distinguish between people, packages, and animals.
Garage door control is another game-changer. The ability to check if your garage is open from anywhere and close it remotely has saved me countless trips back home. Vivint's implementation here is seamless, allowing you to check status, open, and close your garage all from the same app that controls your security system.
When we talk about home security, we're really talking about peace of mind. This extends beyond just break-ins to include fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and even water leak monitoring.
The most comprehensive systems I tested included environmental monitoring that could literally save your life. When my test system detected elevated CO levels during a furnace malfunction, the monitoring center called immediately—this kind of response can make the difference between safety and tragedy.
Security technology has made incredible leaps forward. In 2025, we're seeing:
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
This is where things get interesting—and where most homeowners remain in the dark.
ADT operates through a network of authorized dealers, with SafeStreets being one of the largest. Here's what this means for you: SafeStreets handles the sales and installation, but your monitoring service comes directly from ADT's six redundant monitoring centers across the US.
This model allows for consistent monitoring quality while enabling more personalized local installation service. When I had SafeStreets install my test system, the technician knew Ontario neighborhoods intimately and recommended sensor placements specific to common entry points in our area.
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 offer some of the most advanced smart home integrations I've tested.
Their technicians are employees rather than contractors, which I found resulted in more consistent installation quality and better system knowledge.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers numerous local dealers' systems, while ADT uses its proprietary monitoring network.
This means the actual alert processing when your alarm triggers might be happening on the same servers regardless of whose name is on your bill. The difference comes in response protocols, staffing levels, and backup systems.
As someone who reviews tech for a living, I'm about as "DIY-capable" as they come. Yet after watching professionals install five different systems, I'd never attempt to install my own security system.
Professional installers know things you don't:
The most common DIY mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, the professional installation cost (often under $200) is money well spent.
After extensive testing, here are the best professional installers serving Ontario:
The numbers don't lie: property crime in Ontario is 9% higher than the national average, while violent crime is 6% lower. With a crime grade of 4, Ontario residents should take reasonable precautions to protect their homes.
This matters for both homeowners building equity and the majority of residents who rent. Modern systems from providers like Simplisafe offer options that work for renters without permanent modifications.
While local companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, my extensive testing revealed that the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The technology that protects your family isn't where you want to cut corners. Schedule a professional installation with a reputable provider, and sleep better knowing your Ontario home has the protection it deserves.
Ontario has a population of 178,194 and is located in San Bernardino County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $67,357. Median home value is $405,985, and the median rent is $1,557/month. With a median age of 32.3 years old, 18% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 28.8% having an income over $100,000. 43.5% 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.
