Ever wonder if that security system you're eyeing is actually worth the investment, or just another flashy gadget that'll collect dust while you pay monthly fees? After having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house, I've got some eye-opening insights to share.
Plano consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in Texas with excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving economy. But even in this family-friendly suburb, security remains a legitimate concern.
While Plano boasts impressive safety statistics (property crime is 16% lower than average, and violent crime is 60% lower than the national average, giving the city a crime grade of 9), homeowners and the 58.9% of residents who rent still need to consider home security as an essential investment.
As someone who's spent countless hours testing security systems in 2025, I'm here to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight facts about what really matters when securing your Plano home.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Think of it like insurance – you hope you never need it, but when you do, you want it to work flawlessly.
After testing multiple systems, I've found that reliability correlates with quality components and professional installation. A system that fails during a critical moment isn't worth any amount of savings.
Here's something the security companies don't always emphasize: the features you'll use daily matter more than the ones you might need in an emergency.
The two most-used features across all our tests? Video doorbells and garage control. These aren't just security features – they're convenience features that transform how you interact with your home. Imagine never missing a package delivery or wondering if you left the garage door open again.
In 2025, both ADT (with their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have perfected these integrations. Their doorbell cameras offer crystal-clear video, package detection, and seamless smartphone control that actually works when you need it.
What you're really buying isn't sensors and cameras – it's peace of mind. The ability to check on your home while on vacation, receive alerts when your kids arrive home from school, or sleep soundly knowing your fire detectors are monitored 24/7.
A comprehensive system should address not just break-ins but fire safety too. Carbon monoxide detection and smoke monitoring can be literal lifesavers, especially in newer, more airtight Plano homes.
Security technology has made impressive leaps in recent years. Today's systems feature:
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
This is where things get interesting – and where most homeowners get confused.
ADT operates multiple monitoring centers across the country, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. They don't typically install systems themselves, instead working through authorized dealers like SafeStreets.
SafeStreets is essentially ADT's installation and sales arm. When you get an "ADT system" from SafeStreets, you're getting ADT monitoring and equipment, installed by SafeStreets technicians who must meet ADT's standards.
Vivint takes a different approach. They handle everything in-house – from sales to installation to monitoring. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but sometimes at a premium price point.
Their smart home integration is particularly impressive in 2025, with seamless connections between security, lighting, climate control, and entertainment systems.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers numerous local dealers nationwide, while ADT uses their proprietary monitoring system.
This means the actual alert processing and emergency response coordination might be identical between a national brand and your local provider – the difference often comes down to installation quality and customer service.
After watching professional installers work and attempting some DIY installations myself, I can confidently say: professional installation is worth every penny, even for tech-savvy homeowners.
Professional installers know exactly:
These aren't things you learn from a YouTube video or instruction manual.
I've seen DIY installations with:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners.
SafeStreets offers the reliability of ADT's monitoring with professional installation. Their technicians are thorough, taking time to customize sensor placement for your specific home layout. Their integration with Google Nest products provides excellent video quality and smart home features that work seamlessly with your security system.
Vivint excels in creating truly integrated smart homes where security is just one component of a comprehensive system. Their touchscreen control panel is the most intuitive we tested, and their outdoor cameras with built-in deterrence features (lights and two-way talk) are impressive. Installation is meticulous, with technicians who clearly understand both security and home automation.
For renters, Simplisafe offers the best balance of effectiveness and flexibility. While not as feature-rich as the premium options, it provides essential security without long-term contracts, making it ideal for Plano's rental population.
After extensive testing and living with these systems, here's my take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the consistency, technology integration, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher cost.
The national providers have invested millions in developing user-friendly apps, reliable monitoring centers, and seamless integrations that simply work better than most local alternatives. They also tend to stay current with security technology trends, regularly updating their offerings.
When it comes to protecting your family and property, professional installation from a reputable provider isn't just a convenience—it's a necessity. The knowledge, experience, and attention to detail that professional installers bring can make the difference between a system that gives you peace of mind and one that gives you headaches.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance. Invest in professional installation from a company with a proven track record. Your future self will thank you.
Plano has a population of 288,870 and is located in Collin County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $96,348. Median home value is $342,035, and the median rent is $1,447/month. With a median age of 38.9 years old, 57.7% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 48% having an income over $100,000. 56.9% 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.
