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If you worry about someone trying to break in when you’re away from home or sleeping, consider investing in a home security system. There are many options out there, allowing you to choose between self-monitoring or professional monitoring as well as features like video doorbell cameras, two-way talk, and more.
Not all home security companies are created equal. Providers can differ in terms of the number and types of packages they offer, the specific equipment included in these packages, the cost for equipment and professional monitoring, and more. The This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated the best home security systems on these key factors to help you determine the best fit for your Fort Worth home.
Top 6 Home Security Systems in Fort Worth, TX
- ADT: Best Overall
- Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration
- SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation
- Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration
- Abode: Best for Customization
- Alder: Best for Medical Alerts
Compare Home Security Systems
ADT Home Security
ADT is the This Old House Reviews Team’s top recommendation in the industry. The provider sets itself apart with 140+ years of industry experience, a convenient six-month, money-back guarantee, and the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the US.
ADT Package Comparison
| Feature | Secure | Smart | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intrusion Detection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 24/7 Fire, Flood, & Carbon Monoxide Monitoring | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ADT Go Mobile App | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Touchscreen Panel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alexa Guard / Voice Control Integration (with Amazon Alexa) | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| ADT Mobile App and Remote Access | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Video Surveillance (Motion activated + alerts) | – | – | ✔ |
| Stored Video Clips (Up to 8 cameras) | – | – | – |
| Smart-Home Automation | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Feature | Secure | Smart | Complete |
You can pay a little extra to have one of these pieces of equipment added to your package:
- Touchscreen keypad
- Glass break sensor
- Smoke detector
- Flood sensor
- Video doorbell camera
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Panic button
ADT Pricing
| Pricing | Secure | Smart | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront | $599-$899 | $919-$1,219 | $1,049-$1,449 |
| Monthly for 60 months | $55.97-$60.97 | $65.31-$70.31 | $75.47-$82.14 |
| Professional Monitoring | $45.99 per month | $49.99 per month | $59.99 per month |
| Pricing | Secure | Smart | Complete |
Learn more: ADT Home Security Review
Vivint Home Security
Vivint provides streamlined smartphone and smart home integration by allowing you to connect third-party devices like smart thermostats and lights. The provider also has advanced camera analytics that notify customers when people and packages arrive.
Vivint Package Comparison
| Feature | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SkyControl Panel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart Entry Sensors (2) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Voice Control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Motion Sensor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart Smoke Detector | – | ✔ | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Element Thermostat | ✔ | – | ✔ | ||
| Smart Lock | ✔ | – | ✔ | ||
| Smart Garage Door Opener | ✔ | – | ✔ | ||
| Doorbell Camera | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Outdoor Camera | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Ping Indoor Camera | ✔ | ||||
| Feature | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
Vivint offers five home security packages. The Smart Complete Bundle Package offers the most extensive protection with outdoor cameras. If you’re interested in video surveillance but don’t want to commit to the highest-priced package, consider the Video Security Bundle, which provides a video doorbell, indoor security camera, and outdoor security camera.
- “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package: The starter package includes all of the essentials—a touchscreen panel, a motion sensor, two entry sensors, and The Smart Hub plus $100 toward purchasing more sensors.
- “Home Security System Bundle” Package: This package includes all of the equipment in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit plus a smart smoke detector you can integrate into your security system to unlock smart locks when the smoke alarm is triggered.
- “Smart Home Control Bundle” Package: This combination package includes all of the equipment from the two previous packages along with a smart thermostat, smart door lock, and smart garage door opener. A Vivint Smart Home Video Plan is required to use this package.
- “Video Security Bundle” Package: This bundled package combines the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit’s equipment with video equipment. The bundle also includes Wi-Fi-enabled storage for playback recording. You will need a subscription to the Smart Home Video Plan to use this package.
- “Smart Complete Bundle” Package: This smart package provides extensive security, combining all of the automation from Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle with all of the video equipment from the Video Security Bundle.
Vivint Pricing
| Pricing | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $599.00 | $709.98 | $1,049.95 | $1,379.95 | $1,789.92 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | $9.98 | $11.83 | $17.50 | $23.00 | $29.83 |
| Pricing | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe offers flexible installation and contracts. The company doesn’t lock customers into a long-term contract and gives you the choice between professional or DIY installation depending on which one fits your budget and preference best.
SimpliSafe Package Comparison
| Feature | “The Foundation” Package | “The Essentials” Package | “The Hearth” Package | “The Knox” Package | “The Haven” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Station | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keypad | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Entry Sensor | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 3 included | ✔ 3 included | ✔ 6 included | ✔ 4 included |
| Motion Sensor | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 2 included |
| Siren | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Key Fob | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smoke Detector | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Panic Button | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Temperature Sensor | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Water Sensor | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Feature | “The Foundation” Package | “The Essentials” Package | “The Hearth” Package | “The Knox” Package | “The Haven” Package |
SimpliSafe offers five pre-set home protection packages along with a customizable package that allows customers to select the exact equipment they want. The Hearth Package falls in the middle in terms of comprehensiveness, offering essential pieces of equipment along with some extras like a siren.
- “The Foundation” Package: This basic package includes all of the primary equipment—a base station, a motion sensor, an entry sensor, and a keypad.
- “The Essentials” Package: Building on The Foundation Package, The Essentials Package features extra entry sensors.
- “The Hearth” Package: The third-tier package features all of The Essentials Package’s equipment plus extras like a siren, smoke detector, and key fob.
- “The Knox” Package: The Knox has all of the security equipment featured in The Hearth Package, but it doubles the number of entry and motion sensors, giving you a total of six entry and two motion.
- “The Haven” Package: This package provides comprehensive protection, including all of the essential equipment plus a temperature sensor, water sensor, and panic button.
You can build your own SimpliSafe security package by following these steps:
- Start with a base station and a wireless keypad.
- Choose your protection sensors (temperature sensor, water sensor, smoke detector, carbon monoxide sensor) and burglary sensors (SimpliCam, entry sensor, glass break sensor, motion sensor, and panic button).
- Select any add-on equipment (pro setup help, extra keypad, key fob, extra 105db siren, extra yard sign).
SimpliSafe Pricing
| Pricing | “The Foundation” Package | “The Essentials” Package | “The Hearth” Package | “The Knox” Package | “The Haven” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $229.00 | $259.00 | $374.00 | $449.00 | $489.00 |
| Pricing | “The Foundation” Package | “The Essentials” Package | “The Hearth” Package | “The Knox” Package | “The Haven” Package |
The Standard Monitoring Plan costs $14.99 per month and the Interactive Monitoring Plan costs $24.99 per month.
Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint doesn’t require long-term contracts and features convenient, customizable smartphone notifications for customers on the go. The durable system has a crash and smash protection guarantee, ensuring that even if the control panel is destroyed or damaged, you will still be notified when a door opens or a motion sensor is activated.
Frontpoint Package Comparison
| Feature | “Safe Home Starter” Package | “Safe Home Everyday” Package | “Safe Home Select” Package | “Safe Home Preferred” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hub and keypad | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 1 included |
| Door/Window Sensor | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 3 included | ✔ 4 included | ✔ 5 included |
| Motion Sensor | ✔ 1 included | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 2 included |
| Glass Break Sensor | – | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smoke and Heat Sensor | – | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Indoor Camera | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Feature | “Safe Home Starter” Package | “Safe Home Everyday” Package | “Safe Home Select” Package | “Safe Home Preferred” Package |
Frontpoint offers a range of four home security packages. Each of the packages includes a hub, keypad, at least one motion sensor, and two or more door/window sensors.
- “Safe Home Starter” Package: This basic package features must-have equipment like a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, and two door/window sensors.
- “Safe Home Everyday” Package: The second-most streamlined package includes all of the starter package’s equipment along with an extra door/window sensor and motion sensor.
- “Safe Home Select” Package: This package comes with extra features like a smoke and heat sensor and glass break sensor.
- “Safe Home Preferred” Package: The preferred package offers the most comprehensive protection. It includes every feature from the other packages along with a camera.
Frontpoint Pricing
| Pricing | “Safe Home Starter” Package | “Safe Home Everyday” Package | “Safe Home Select” Package | “Safe Home Preferred” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $99.00 | $295.94 | $383.92 | $479.90 |
| Monthly Financing Cost | $17.00 | $25.00 | $32.00 | $40.00 |
| Pricing | “Safe Home Starter” Package | “Safe Home Everyday” Package | “Safe Home Select” Package | “Safe Home Preferred” Package |
You have two payment options—buy your Frontpoint security equipment upfront or finance it through the payment service Affirm with a three-, six-, or 12-month payment plan.
Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Home Security
Abode is capable of connecting up to 160 different devices for comprehensive security. The provider is also flexible in terms of allowing you to monitor your home yourself instead of paying for professional monitoring.
Abode Package Comparison
| Feature | “Smart Security Middle” Package | “Iota Kit Middle” Package | “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package | “Iota Kit Elite” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keypad | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Key Fob | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sticker | ✔ | – | ✔ | |
| Motion Sensor | ✔ 1 included | – | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 1 included |
| Door/Window Sensors | ✔ 2 included | ✔ 3 included | ✔ 4 included | ✔ 4 included |
| Smart Device integration | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in Motion Detector | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Wi-Fi-Enabled | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Type of Gateway | Gen 2 | Iota | Gen 2 | Iota |
| Feature | “Smart Security Middle” Package | “Iota Kit Middle” Package | “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package | “Iota Kit Elite” Package |
Abode gives customers four package options, with each one increasing in comprehensiveness and cost.
- “Smart Security Middle” Package: This starter package includes Abode’s Gen 2 Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and one sticker.
- “Iota Kit Middle” Package: This package builds on the Smart Security Middle Package, featuring the Iota All-In-One Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, and three door/window sensors.
- “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package: This elite package includes the Gen 2 Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, one sticker, two motion sensors, and four mini door/window sensors.
- “Iota Kit Elite” Package: This comprehensive security package comes with the All-In-One Gateway, a keypad, a key fob, four mini door/window sensors, and a motion sensor.
Abode Pricing
| Pricing | “Smart Security Middle” Package | “Iota Kit Middle” Package | “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package | “Iota Kit Elite” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $342 | $379 | $389 | $445 |
| Pricing | “Smart Security Middle” Package | “Iota Kit Middle” Package | “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package | “Iota Kit Elite” Package |
Learn more: Abode Home Security Review
Alder Home Security
Home security provider Alder uses a different format than most of its competitors. While many providers offer a selection of pre-made packages with specific equipment, Alder allows you to customize your own package by choosing the devices you need.
Alder Packages & Equipment
You can select the specific devices you want from the list below.
- Touchscreen Panel: The panel is the foundation of Alder’s home security system. Because of its cellular connection, it continues to work even when the internet cuts out.
- Indoor Security Camera: This camera uses night vision, a wide-angle lens, and two-way talk. The camera can pick up sounds like a baby crying to notify you when someone in the house requires special attention.
- Outdoor Security Camera: The outdoor camera has features like night vision and a wide-angle lens, giving it the ability to monitor a large area regardless of the time of day. Other features include two-way audio, mobile notifications, and motion detection.
- Motion Sensor: These sensors use infrared technology to detect motion inside the home. If a motion sensor is tripped, the system will notify the control panel, alerting you and the monitoring center.
- Door/Window Sensor: With an armed system, these sensors send notifications when a door or window is opened. When the system isn’t armed, the base station makes a chime when a window or door is opened.
- Smart Smoke Detector: These smart detectors alert you before smoke signals start. They also have the ability to detect carbon monoxide on top of smoke.
- Medical Alert Pendant: Designed for seniors who live alone and customers with medical issues, the alert pendant notifies emergency services when the button is pressed.
- Flood and Freeze Detectors: These detectors notify you when they detect excess water in your house. Common areas to set up these detectors include near sinks, appliances that use water, and piping in the basement.
- Doorbell Camera: This device gives you access to a livestream of your door and sends alerts whenever someone arrives.
Alder Pricing
Alder’s pricing information isn’t available on its website because the packages are customizable. However, Alder systems require a three-year contract, and its monthly monitoring prices begin at $39.99.
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
After evaluating a wide range of home security systems, the This Old House Reviews Team has determined that our top recommendations for Fort Worth are ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode. Each of these companies has their own unique features like no contract requirement or build-your-own packages along with must-have equipment like indoor security cameras and motion sensors.
We advise you to reach out to several providers for quotes so that you can compare cost and coverage and find the one that fits your needs. Use the tool below to get started.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Fort Worth
- Reputation: You can learn a lot about a home security provider’s benefits and drawbacks by chatting with family and friends who have the system as well as reading online reviews.
- Types of equipment: Different security system providers offer different equipment. Before selecting your security system, be sure the provider offers all of the equipment you want.
- Installation method: Not all companies will give you the choice between professional and DIY installation. This can be a drawback if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to pay for professional installation.
- Cost: You’ll want to consider the cost of every aspect of a home security system, including equipment, professional monitoring, and installation, to ensure it fits into your budget.
- Smart home integration: Not all home security systems can be integrated with smart home devices. If this is a priority for you, be sure to look out for this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security Systems in Fort Worth
What is the best security system for my home?
Our recommendation for the best home security system goes to ADT because of its more than 140 years of industry experience, six-month, money-back guarantee, and large network of professional monitoring centers.
Does a security system increase my home’s value?
Yes, having a home security system can increase the value of your property.
Should I install security cameras in my house?
This is up to personal preference, but if you want the added peace of mind that comes with knowing who is at your house when you’re away, security cameras are a good option.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for home security providers is on a 100-point scale based on 10 factors:
- Number of systems (5)
- Special features (10)
- Installation options (5)
- Connectivity and smart home automation (15)
- Pricing (15)
- Contract period (5)
- Warranty (15)
- Trial period (15)
- Usability (5)
- Trustworthiness (10)
Our Reviews Team reviewed 32 companies and spent 744 hours researching and testing out products to help us compare home security systems on key factors such as package options, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Read more on our methodology here.
Compare Home Security Systems:
- SimpliSafe vs ADT
- Frontpoint vs SimpliSafe
- Frontpoint vs Vivint
- Abode vs SimpliSafe
- SimpliSafe vs Vivint
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.