Have you ever wondered if that security system you're considering is actually going to protect your family when it matters most? I did too, which is why I took the extreme step of having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Philadelphia's rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible food scene make it one of America's most beloved cities. I still get goosebumps walking past Independence Hall or grabbing a cheesesteak at 2 AM. But behind this charm lies a concerning reality: Philly faces significant security challenges.
As we move through 2025, Philadelphia's crime statistics remain sobering. Property crime rates sit 58% above the national average, while violent crime soars at 134% above average. With the city earning a crime grade of 0 (yikes), security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for both the homeowners and the 52.8% of residents who rent.
That's why I decided to cut through the marketing hype and industry jargon to give you the unfiltered truth about home security installation in Philadelphia. After living with five different professionally installed systems, I've learned what matters, what doesn't, and who you can actually trust with your family's safety.
Here's what I discovered after months of testing: the cheapest option is rarely the best, but the most expensive isn't necessarily superior either. The sweet spot lies in systems that offer consistent reliability without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Think of it like buying tires for your car. You don't need racing tires for your daily commute, but those budget retreads might leave you stranded when you least expect it. Similarly, your security system needs to work flawlessly 24/7/365, not just most of the time.
Not all "smart" features are created equal. After testing dozens of gadgets, two stood out as absolute game-changers:
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have absolutely nailed these implementations in 2025, with interfaces so intuitive my technology-averse parents could use them without calling me for help.
The most valuable aspect of a properly installed security system isn't tangible—it's the peace of mind knowing you've taken reasonable steps to protect your family. This extends beyond break-ins to include fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and even medical emergencies.
When my neighbor's house had a small electrical fire last year, it was their security system's integrated smoke detectors that alerted the fire department while they were at work, potentially saving their entire block from disaster.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically, with 2025 bringing us:
However, some aspects remain timeless:
ADT operates six monitoring centers across the US, ensuring redundancy if one center faces issues. Their monitoring professionals undergo rigorous background checks and training programs that exceed industry standards.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer—essentially a franchise that sells and installs ADT equipment while adhering to ADT's strict standards. The monitoring still happens through ADT's centers, but installation and customer service come from SafeStreets. This relationship allows for more personalized local service while maintaining national-level monitoring quality.
Vivint takes a different approach, handling everything in-house from sales to installation to monitoring. This vertical integration allows them to control the entire customer experience and rapidly deploy new technology. Their smart home integration is particularly impressive in 2025, with their system serving as the central nervous system for everything from security to energy management.
Many Philadelphia security companies operate as authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. They must meet specific training and installation standards, but quality can vary between dealers despite the same brand name on the yard sign.
What many homeowners don't realize is that numerous security companies use the same central monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers many local dealers' backend systems, while ADT's monitoring infrastructure serves countless local companies nationwide.
As someone who builds computers for fun and automates everything in my home, I approached this project thinking I could probably do a better job than most professionals. I was wrong.
Professional installers know things you don't:
During my testing, I intentionally tried installing components myself before the pros arrived. My mistakes were eye-opening:
When it comes to home security, this isn't the place to cut corners or test your DIY skills. The stakes are simply too high.
After extensive testing and research, here are the best security system installers serving Philadelphia:
While local companies often offer competitive pricing and hometown service, my testing revealed that the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint justifies their slightly higher cost for most Philadelphia homeowners.
Think of it this way: you might save $200 upfront with a smaller provider, but is that worth wondering if your system will perform flawlessly during an emergency? After living with these systems day in and day out, I wouldn't take that chance with my family's safety.
Whatever you decide, please prioritize professional installation. The expertise these technicians bring ensures your system works as designed when you need it most—and in a city with Philadelphia's crime statistics, that peace of mind is truly priceless.
Philadelphia has a population of 5,540,199 and is located in Philadelphia County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $49,127. Median home value is $172,117, and the median rent is $1,084/month. With a median age of 34.6 years old, 31.2% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 22% having an income over $100,000. 30.8% 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.
