Ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I did too, which is why I went to the extreme of having five different professional security systems installed in my test house. What I discovered might surprise you...
Phoenix's stunning desert landscapes and 300+ days of sunshine make it a paradise for homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts. But beneath that picture-perfect exterior lies a concerning reality: the Valley of the Sun faces significant security challenges.
As we move through 2025, Phoenix's property crime rate remains 53% higher than the national average, with violent crime a startling 106% above average. The city's overall crime grade? A concerning zero. These aren't just statistics—they represent real families affected by break-ins, theft, and worse.
That's why I decided to cut through the marketing hype and test the major security systems myself. After living with five different professionally installed systems, I've gained insights that go beyond what any brochure will tell you. Let me share what I've learned to help you make the best choice for your home.
When I talk to Phoenix homeowners, they consistently mention three priorities: reliability, value, and ease of use. Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on home security is a gamble few are willing to take.
The sweet spot? Systems that offer dependable protection without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up costs. During my testing, I found that mid-tier packages from reputable companies typically provide the best balance—comprehensive coverage without the premium price tag of top-tier offerings.
Here's what surprised me during my testing: the features homeowners use most aren't always the ones marketed heaviest.
Video doorbells and garage control consistently ranked as the most frequently used and appreciated smart security features. There's something incredibly convenient about seeing who's at your door from your phone, whether you're in the backyard or across town. And being able to check if you closed the garage door—and close it remotely if you didn't—provides genuine peace of mind.
In my testing, ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offered the most seamless implementations of these features. Their interfaces were intuitive enough that even my tech-averse relatives could use them without frustration.
Let's be honest—no security system makes your home impenetrable. What they do provide is reasonable protection and, perhaps more importantly, peace of mind.
The best systems also integrate fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and even water leak monitoring. During my testing period, a water sensor actually saved me from significant damage when a water heater started leaking at 2 AM. That single incident nearly paid for the entire system.
Security technology has advanced dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing:
But some aspects of home security remain timeless:
The best security providers balance cutting-edge technology with these proven fundamentals.
This is where things get interesting—and where many homeowners get confused.
ADT operates their own monitoring centers—six of them across the US, providing redundancy if one experiences issues. When you call for help, you're speaking with ADT employees trained to handle emergencies.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, meaning they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but they're technically a separate company. The monitoring still comes directly from ADT's centers, but installation and customer service are handled by SafeStreets. This arrangement allows ADT to expand their reach without directly managing thousands of installation technicians.
Vivint takes a different approach. They're vertically integrated, handling everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This gives them tighter control over the customer experience but sometimes at a higher price point.
Their smart home integration is particularly impressive—in my testing, their system worked more seamlessly with third-party devices than most competitors.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers the backend for countless local dealers nationwide, while ADT has their proprietary monitoring infrastructure.
This means the actual emergency response process might be nearly identical between a local company and a national brand—the difference often comes down to installation quality, customer service, and equipment options.
As someone who builds computers for fun and automates everything in my home, I initially thought professional installation was unnecessary. I was wrong.
Security professionals bring expertise that goes beyond connecting devices:
During my research, I've seen homeowners make critical errors:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners.
Based on my testing and research, here are the best options for Phoenix homeowners:
With property crime 53% above the national average and violent crime more than double the national rate, Phoenix residents face real security challenges. Both homeowners and the 55.6% of Phoenix residents who rent need to take security seriously.
Security systems serve dual purposes: deterring criminals from targeting your home in the first place, and providing critical evidence and response if the worst happens. In neighborhoods with higher crime rates, visible security measures can make your home a less attractive target compared to unprotected properties nearby.
After living with these systems and speaking with countless homeowners, my conclusion is this: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological edge provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher cost.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by a company with extensive resources, redundant monitoring centers, and cutting-edge technology is valuable—especially when it comes to your family's safety.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise these technicians bring ensures your system works as intended when you need it most.
Your home is your sanctuary. Protect it accordingly.
Phoenix has a population of 4,187,723 and is located in Maricopa County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $60,914. Median home value is $250,974, and the median rent is $1,100/month. With a median age of 33.9 years old, 29.4% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 27% having an income over $100,000. 42.3% 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.
