Ever wonder if that lock on your door is enough to keep the bad guys out? I did too, which is why I spent the last year testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you – especially if you live in Reno.
Reno's stunning mountain views and vibrant culture make it a fantastic place to call home. The Truckee River winding through downtown creates a picturesque backdrop for the city's growing tech scene and outdoor lifestyle. But behind this postcard-perfect image lies a reality that residents need to address: security concerns.
In 2025, Reno's property crime rate sits about 10% above the national average, while violent crime rates are a troubling 45% higher than the national average. With a crime grade of 0 (yikes!), both homeowners and the 47.7% of residents who rent need to take home security seriously.
After having five different security systems professionally installed in our test home, I've cut through the marketing hype to help you understand what really matters when securing your Reno residence. Let's dive in.
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 go with the budget brand, but do you really want to risk a blowout on those mountain roads outside Reno?
The systems that delivered the best reliability-to-cost ratio in our testing were those with professional monitoring and installation. Yes, they cost more upfront, but when your home's security is at stake, reliability trumps saving a few bucks.
Here's something the security companies don't always emphasize: the features you'll use most aren't necessarily the ones that catch burglars.
In our year of testing, the most frequently used features were:
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these everyday conveniences. These aren't just security features – they're lifestyle upgrades that happen to make your home safer.
A properly installed security system does more than deter break-ins. Modern systems include fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak sensors, and emergency response features. When I accidentally set off the smoke detector at 2 AM cooking a late-night snack, having the monitoring center call to check on me was reassuring (if a bit embarrassing).
Security technology has evolved dramatically, but some principles remain constant.
What's New in 2025:
What's Timeless:
The best security installers in Reno combine cutting-edge tech with these timeless principles.
This is where things get interesting. Most consumers don't realize how the security industry actually works behind the scenes.
ADT is the 800-pound gorilla of home security, with monitoring centers across the country staffed 24/7. But here's what many don't know: when you call "ADT" in Reno, you're likely reaching SafeStreets, an ADT authorized dealer.
SafeStreets sells, installs, and services ADT systems, but the actual monitoring happens through ADT's infrastructure. This isn't necessarily bad – it combines local service with national resources.
Vivint takes a different tack with their direct sales model. When you get Vivint, you're dealing with Vivint employees from sales to installation to service. Their systems are designed in-house with smart home integration as a core feature, not an afterthought.
Many local Reno security companies are actually ADT authorized dealers bound by the same requirements and standards. Others use Alarm.com as their monitoring platform – the same backbone that powers many national brands.
In our testing, we found the quality of installation varied more by individual technician than by company.
I consider myself pretty tech-savvy, but watching the professionals install these systems was humbling. There's an art to security installation that DIY kits just can't replicate.
Professional installers know:
The most frequent DIY errors we've seen include:
For renters with simpler needs, Simplisafe offers a decent DIY option. But for homeowners, professional installation is worth every penny.
Based on our extensive testing and research, here are the best security system installers in Reno:
Local Reno Options:
With property crime 10% above national averages and violent crime a concerning 45% higher, Reno residents can't afford to be complacent. Nearly half of Reno's population rents rather than owns, making portable security solutions important for a significant portion of residents.
Modern security systems don't just protect against break-ins – they create a connected safety net that includes fire detection, medical alerts, and environmental monitoring.
After a year of testing, here's my honest take: while local companies may offer competitive pricing, the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
Local companies can provide excellent service, but they often lack the resources for rapid response to service issues or the advanced technology platforms that national providers have developed.
Whatever you choose, don't cut corners on professional installation. The difference between a properly installed system and a DIY job could be the difference between a prevented break-in and a successful one.
Your home is your sanctuary – make sure it's protected by people who know what they're doing.
Reno has a population of 440,547 and is located in Washoe County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $61,860. Median home value is $359,092, and the median rent is $1,107/month. With a median age of 36.1 years old, 34.8% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 28.8% having an income over $100,000. 42.9% 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.
