Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I sure did, which is why I spent months testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Reading, Pennsylvania has undeniable charm with its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The Pagoda offers breathtaking views, and the city's rich industrial heritage gives it character you won't find elsewhere. But behind this charming facade lies a concerning reality that residents can't ignore.
In 2025, Reading continues to face significant security challenges. Property crime rates are 52% higher than the national average, while violent crime soars at 82% above average. With a crime grade of 0 (yes, zero), security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for both the homeowners and the 39.4% of residents who rent.
That's why I decided to cut through the marketing hype and test multiple security systems in the same house. After living with these systems and experiencing the installation process firsthand, I'm ready to share what actually matters when securing your Reading home.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Think of it like buying tires for your car—you could save money upfront with budget options, but is that savings worth the risk of a blowout on the highway? Similarly, a security system that fails when you need it most isn't a bargain at any price.
The systems that offered the best reliability-to-cost ratio in my testing were those with professional monitoring and regular system checks. These weren't necessarily the most expensive options, but they did require ongoing investment.
Surprisingly, the security features my family and I used most weren't the motion sensors or window contacts—they were the smart doorbell cameras and garage door controls. These aren't just security features; they're daily conveniences that transform how you interact with your home.
Imagine never missing a package delivery again or being able to let in a repair person remotely while you're at work. In my testing, ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offered the most seamless implementations of these features.
A security system isn't just about preventing break-ins—it's about comprehensive safety. The best systems I tested included fire and carbon monoxide detection, which could literally save your life. When you consider that a home security system costs less annually than many people spend on coffee, the investment in your family's safety seems like a no-brainer.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically in 2025. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a prowler and your neighbor's cat with remarkable accuracy. Wireless technology has become more reliable, and integration with other smart home systems is nearly seamless.
But some aspects of security remain timeless. Proper sensor placement, backup power systems, and professional monitoring are as important now as they were decades ago. The best systems I tested combined cutting-edge technology with these fundamental principles.
For example, modern doorbell cameras now offer facial recognition and package detection, but they're still performing the basic function of letting you see who's at your door—just much more effectively.
ADT operates through a network of authorized dealers, with SafeStreets being one of the largest. Think of it like a McDonald's franchise—the local business follows strict corporate standards while providing local service. This means when you deal with SafeStreets, you're getting ADT's technology and monitoring centers with local installation and service.
ADT maintains six monitoring centers across the country, ensuring redundancy if one center goes offline. This is something many people don't realize—your system isn't just connected to one call center, but to a network designed to stay operational even in disasters.
Vivint takes a different approach, operating as a direct provider rather than through dealers. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their systems themselves. This vertical integration allows them to offer highly integrated smart home features and maintain tight quality control.
In my testing, Vivint's system offered the most cohesive smart home experience, though at a premium price point.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring services. Alarm.com provides the backbone for numerous local dealers nationwide, while ADT uses its proprietary monitoring network. This means the actual emergency response process might be very similar regardless of which company's name is on your bill.
As someone who builds computers for fun, I thought I could handle installing a security system. I was wrong.
Professional installers know tricks that most homeowners don't—like the optimal height for motion sensors to avoid false alarms from pets, or how to position door sensors to prevent tampering. They understand RF signal propagation and can spot potential wireless dead zones in your home.
Common DIY mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn by trial and error.
With property crime 52% above the national average and violent crime a staggering 82% higher, Reading residents face real security challenges. These aren't just statistics—they represent real homes broken into and real families affected.
For the 39.4% of Reading residents who rent, security is equally important. SimpliSafe offers portable systems that don't require permanent installation, while still providing professional monitoring.
After months of testing different systems, here's my bottom line: while local companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide superior peace of mind for most homeowners.
The slightly higher cost translates to more reliable service, better app experiences, and the financial stability to honor warranties and service agreements for years to come. When it comes to protecting what matters most, that premium is worth every penny.
Whatever you choose, please don't cut corners on professional installation. The expertise these technicians bring ensures your system works when you need it most—and that's something you can't put a price on.
Your family deserves the best protection possible. Make the call today.
Reading has a population of 278,693 and is located in Berks County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $35,745. Median home value is $77,833, and the median rent is $817/month. With a median age of 30.6 years old, 10.1% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 10% having an income over $100,000. 30.5% 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.
