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Homeowners often worry about how to protect their home when they’re not around, whether they’re out to dinner or out of town on a trip. Many turn to home security systems for peace of mind, finding comfort in options like professional video monitoring, two-way talk security cameras, and more.
There are a wide variety of home security systems available in Virginia, each offering distinct packages, equipment, contract periods, and more. To help our readers find a high-quality security solution for their home, The This Old House Reviews Team created an in-depth review of the best home security companies, evaluating factors like packages, customer service, affordability, and more. Read on to learn about our top recommendations for a home security provider in Virginia.
The 6 Best Home Security Systems in Virginia
- ADT: Best Overall
- Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration
- Alder: Best for Medical Alerts
- SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation
- Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration
- Abode: Best for Customization
Compare Home Security Systems
1. ADT Home Security
ADT is our top recommendation for a home security system. The company protects millions of customers across the country and has over 140 years of industry experience. ADT also provides 24/7 professional monitoring, a six-month money-back guarantee, and operates the most extensive network of professional monitoring centers in the country.
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 |
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
2. Vivint Home Security
Vivint’s home security systems are sophisticated and can be integrated with a range of third-party smart home devices like the Kwikset smart lock, Nest thermostat, and Philips Hue smart light. Vivint also offers technologically-advanced equipment, including security cameras that use advanced camera analytics to alert customers when people and packages arrive on their doorstep.
Vivint Package Comparison
| Feature | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” | “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” | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
Vivint offers five different packages. The Smart Complete Package is Vivint’s most extensive package and includes outdoor cameras. The starter kit helps you customize your security package with its included $100 credit that can be used to purchase additional sensors.
- Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit: Offers a mobile app-controlled touchscreen panel, the Smart Hub, two entry sensors, one motion sensor, and one water sensor. Vivint also includes a $100 credit to purchase additional sensors.
- Home Security System Bundle: Features everything included in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit, plus a smart smoke detector that can integrate with your system to unlock any smart locks when the smoke alarm system is triggered.
- Smart Home Control Bundle: Contains everything mentioned above, plus a smart thermostat, smart door lock, and a smart garage door opener. To get full use out of this system, homeowners must subscribe to the Vivint Smart Home Video Plan.
- Video Security Bundle: Includes video surveillance for the home security system. Homeowners receive everything in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit, along with an indoor camera, an outdoor security camera, and a video doorbell. This package also comes with a Wi-Fi-enabled storage device that collects every playback recording. As with the Smart Home Control Bundle, customers will have to subscribe to the Smart Home Video Plan to fully use this package.
- Smart Complete Bundle: This is the most comprehensive system package, including the security devices of the Video Security Bundle and the automation from the Smart Home Control Bundle.
Vivint Pricing
| Packages | SkyControl 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 |
| Packages | SkyControl Starter Kit Package | Home Security System Package | Smart Home Control Package | Video Security Package | Smart Complete Package |
Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
3. Alder Home Security
Alder operates differently than many other home security systems. Instead of offering a range of premade packages, Alder allows homeowners to customize their own plans and add only the equipment they need. Alder has an average response time of 3.4 seconds, one of the fastest in the industry.
Alder Packages & Equipment
Homeowners can pick and choose the security equipment they want to create their own plan from scratch. Here is a breakdown of the company’s equipment.
- Touchscreen Panel: This central device controls the Alder system. It operates with a cellular connection so that it will still work even if the internet goes out. This battery-powered panel is also portable so that customers can move it from room to room.
- Indoor Security Camera: Alder’s indoor security camera features night vision, two-way talk, and a wide-angle lens. It also offers baby crying detection and sends motion-activated notifications when loved ones need special attention.
- Outdoor Security Camera: The outdoor security camera has a wide-angle lens, which lets homeowners monitor a large area with a single camera. Night vision is also included, along with many other features like motion detection, mobile notifications, and two-way audio.
- Motion Sensor: This sensor uses infrared technology to detect when someone is in the home. When it’s tripped, the sensor sends a signal to the security system’s control panel. This alerts the homeowner and monitoring center to a potential threat.
- Door/Window Sensor: If the system is armed, these multi-use sensors send alerts when doors and windows are opened. When the system isn’t armed, the base station will make a door chime sound when a sensor on a window or door is opened.
- Smart Smoke Detector: These smart smoke detectors alert homeowners before smoke signals even start and can detect carbon monoxide to provide additional peace of mind.
- Medical Alert Pendant: Designed for seniors who live alone or anyone with a serious medical condition, this pendant dispatches emergency services when the medical alert button is pressed.
- Flood and Freeze Detectors: These devices alert homeowners whenever they detect water overflowing in the home. Most homeowners place their detectors near sinks, appliances that use water, and near major piping in their basement.
- Doorbell Camera: The doorbell camera allows homeowners to view a livestream of their door, talk to visitors in real-time with two-way talk, and receive notifications when someone arrives for a package delivery or visit.
Alder Pricing
Alder’s equipment pricing information is not available on the website, but homeowners can discuss costs with a customer service representative by contacting the company. Monthly monitoring prices start at $39.99 per month and a three-year contract is required.
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
4. SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe is a popular home security system that offers straightforward DIY installation and integration with smart devices like Apple Watch, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. SimpliSafe offers convenient packages that require no contract agreement and even use battery-powered devices with batteries that have a lifespan of 10 or more years.
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 | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keyfob | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 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 home security packages, which is more than many of its competitors. The provider also offers a customizable plan that homeowners can design to fit their home’s needs. Additional items can be purchased for a one-time charge.
- The Foundation: Includes key features like a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor.
- The Essentials: Builds on The Foundation’s offerings, incorporating two additional entry sensors.
- The Hearth: Includes everything within The Essentials Package, plus special features like a siren, keyfob, and more.
- The Knox: Includes everything in The Hearth Package and offers six entry sensors—the most of any package.
- The Haven: With the most comprehensive security protection, The Haven Package features all of the basic equipment, plus a panic button, water sensor, and temperature sensor.
You can create your custom package by following these steps.
- Start with a base station and a wireless keypad.
- Add on protection sensors (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensor, temperature sensor, and water sensor) and burglary sensors (entry sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, SimpliCam, and panic button).
- Choose add-on equipment (extra keypad, key fob, extra 105db siren, extra yard sign, and pro setup help).
SimpliSafe Pricing
| Package | 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 |
| Package | The Foundation Package | The Essentials Package | The Hearth Package | The Knox Package | The Haven Package |
The Standard Monitoring Plan costs $14.99 per month, while the Interactive Monitoring Plan is $24.99 per month.
Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review
5. Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint is a flexible DIY home security system that doesn’t require long-term contracts. Frontpoint provides highly-customized smartphone notifications, and the provider’s crash and smash protection guarantees that if your control panel is damaged or destroyed, the monitoring center will still be alerted when a 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 four home security plans. Each one includes a hub, a keypad, two door/window sensors, and one motion sensor. Homeowners who don’t want an indoor camera or smoke and heat sensor can find fitting coverage under the Safe Home Starter Package and Safe Home Everyday Package.
- Safe Home Starter: This is the most basic package, including a hub, a keypad, two door/window sensors, and a motion sensor.
- Safe Home Everyday: Includes all equipment found in the streamlined starter package, plus an additional door/window sensor and an extra motion sensor.
- Safe Home Select: Includes a glass break sensor and a smoke and heat sensor.
- Safe Home Preferred: This is Frontpoint’s most extensive package, combining the features of all the previous packages and adding an indoor camera for additional peace of mind.
Frontpoint Pricing
| Pricing | Safe Home Starter Package | Safe Home Everyday Package | Safe Home Select Package | Safe Home Preferred Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package Price | $99.00 | $295.94 | $383.92 | $479.90 |
| Price with Monthly Financing | $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 |
Homeowners have the option to pay for their security equipment upfront or finance it through Affirm via a 3-, 6-, or 12-month payment plan.
Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
6. Abode Home Security
Abode offers comprehensive home security systems that can connect to up to 160 different devices for extensive protection. Abode has no contract requirements and provides customers with the option to self-monitor their homes.
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 | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Wifi-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 offers homeowners their choice of four security packages. If you’re interested in the more advanced Iota gateway, consider the Iota Kit Middle or Iota Kit Elite packages.
- Smart Security Middle: The most affordable and basic package includes Abode’s Gen 2 Gateway, three door/window sensors, one keypad, one key fob, one motion sensor, and one sticker.
- Iota Kit Middle: This package includes the sophisticated iota All-In-One Gateway, three door/window sensors, one keypad, and one key fob.
- Smart Security Kit Elite: This package includes the Gen 2 Gateway, four mini door/window sensors, one keypad, one key fob, two motion sensors, and one sticker.
- Iota Kit Elite: This comprehensive protection package features the All-In-One Gateway, four mini door/window sensors, one keypad, one key fob, and a motion sensor.
Abode Pricing
| Packages | Smart Security Middle Package | Iota Kit Middle Package | Smart Security Kit Elite Package | Iota Kit Elite Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | $342 | $379 | $389 | $445 |
| Packages | Smart Security Middle Package | Iota Kit Middle Package | Smart Security Kit Elite Package | Iota Kit Elite Package |
Learn more: Abode Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team recommends ADT as the best overall home security company in Virginia. We also recommend Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode as alternative home security providers that could fit your home’s needs. We recommend reaching out for multiple quotes to help you determine the best security system for your needs:
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Virginia
- Reputation: Talk to your friends and family and read reviews online to help you identify any common positive and negative patterns the company might have.
- Types of equipment: Different security services offer different types and amounts of equipment. Make sure the provider you select has the equipment you’re interested in.
- Installation method: Some providers only offer DIY setup or professional installation while others give you a choice between the two.
- Cost: Before purchasing a security system, you should consider the cost of installation, equipment, and monthly monitoring.
- Smart home integration: If you use smart home devices, make sure that the company you choose allows for smart home integration for greater coverage and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Security in Virginia
What is the best home security system on the market?
We believe that ADT is the best home security system on the market with its more than 140 years of experience, the largest network of monitoring centers, and a six-month money-back guarantee.
Do home security systems actually work?
Home security systems are usually effective as long as your system is not disabled or broken. Additionally, many home security systems can be professionally monitored, giving you an extra level of security.
Does ADT security require a credit check?
Some of the top home security systems like ADT and Vivint require a credit check to determine your upfront payment. If your credit check is good, you can often get a zero-down alarm system.
Other Resources:
- Best Home Security Systems of 2021
- ADT Home Security Review
- Vivint Home Security Review
- SimpliSafe Home Security Review
- Alder Home Security Review
- Frontpoint Home Security Review
- SimpliSafe vs ADT
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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.