Ever wonder if that security system you're eyeing actually delivers on its promises? Or if those sensors are even placed correctly? After having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house (yes, my neighbors think I'm paranoid), I've learned a thing or two about what really works—and what's just expensive window dressing.
Orlando might be home to world-class theme parks and year-round sunshine that draws millions of visitors, but paradise comes with its own set of challenges. While tourists snap selfies with Mickey, residents face a sobering reality: property crime rates 94% higher than the national average and violent crime rates a whopping 122% above the norm.
That's why in 2025, as I write this, home security isn't just a luxury—it's practically a necessity for Orlando homeowners and the 37.3% of residents who rent. After spending months testing various security systems and grilling installers about every technical detail, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and help you make a choice that actually protects your home.
Here's what I've learned after countless hours of research: the most expensive system isn't necessarily the most secure. What matters is reliability—will it work when you need it most?
The sweet spot is finding a system that balances upfront costs and monthly fees with dependable performance. After my testing, I found that mid-tier packages from reputable companies typically offer the best value-to-reliability ratio. You don't need every bell and whistle, but skimping on core components is a mistake I've seen too many homeowners make.
Surprise! The security features homeowners actually use daily aren't always the ones that prevent break-ins. Based on my experience and interviews with dozens of system owners, these two features consistently rank as the most valuable:
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have absolutely nailed these features in their 2025 offerings.
Let's be honest—a security system isn't just about preventing crime. It's about sleeping better at night. It's about not worrying when your teenager is home alone. It's about fire detection that works even when you're on vacation.
The best security investment isn't the one that turns your home into Fort Knox—it's the one that reasonably improves safety while integrating seamlessly into your life.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. Today's cutting-edge systems offer:
But here's what hasn't changed: the fundamentals of good security. Proper door and window sensors, strategically placed motion detectors, and reliable monitoring are still the backbone of any effective system.
The best installers understand this balance—leveraging new technology while respecting time-tested security principles.
This is where things get interesting (and where most homeowners get confused).
ADT is the 800-pound gorilla of home security, with their own monitoring centers staffed 24/7. But here's what most people don't realize: when you call "ADT," you might actually be talking to SafeStreets, their largest authorized dealer.
SafeStreets and other authorized dealers sell, install, and service ADT systems, but the monitoring happens through ADT's infrastructure. These dealers must meet ADT's standards and requirements, which generally ensures consistent quality.
Vivint takes a different approach. They handle everything in-house—sales, installation, monitoring, and service. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control and more consistent customer experience, though it sometimes comes with a premium price tag.
Their smart home integration is where they truly shine in 2025, with some of the most intuitive interfaces I've tested.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com is the backbone for countless local dealers nationwide, while ADT has their own proprietary monitoring centers.
This means the actual emergency response process might be nearly identical between a national brand and your local installer—the difference often comes down to installation quality and customer service.
After watching five different professional installations of my test systems, I'm convinced: professional installation is worth every penny, even for tech-savvy homeowners like myself.
Professional installers know things you don't:
I've seen too many DIY installations with critical flaws:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
After extensive testing and research, here are the best options for Orlando homeowners:
With property crime 94% above national averages and violent crime 122% higher, Orlando faces significant security challenges. The city's crime grade of 0 is concerning for both homeowners and renters.
What does this mean practically? Your Orlando home is substantially more likely to experience a break-in than homes in most other American cities. Professional security installation isn't paranoia—it's prudent.
After all my testing, here's my honest take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the consistency and reliability of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your installer adheres to strict national standards and has extensive training resources can't be overstated when it comes to something as important as your family's safety.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The difference between a properly installed security system and an amateur setup could be the difference between deterring an intruder and becoming another crime statistic.
Your home is your sanctuary—make sure it's properly protected.
Orlando has a population of 1,792,047 and is located in Orange County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $55,183. Median home value is $259,618, and the median rent is $1,253/month. With a median age of 33.9 years old, 40% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 24.7% having an income over $100,000. 37.1% 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.
