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Worrying about your home while you’re away on a trip or out to eat can be exhausting. You may get some peace of mind by displaying a generic security or “beware of dog” sign, but that’s probably not enough. A home security system might be the answer, providing helpful features like professional and self-monitoring, doorbell video cameras, outdoor night vision cameras, alarms, and more.
It’s important to know that not all home security services are the same. There are many on the market in San Antonio, but they aren’t all the same quality. To help you find the right security solution for your home, the This Old House Reviews Team created an in-depth review of the best home security companies in San Antonio, evaluating each provider on key metrics like packages, affordability, installation, customer service, and more. Read on to find out about our top home security recommendations in San Antonio, Texas.
Top 5 Home Security Systems in San Antonio
- ADT: Best Overall
- Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration
- SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation
- Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration
- Abode: Best for Customization
Compare Home Security Systems
ADT Home Security
ADT is the This Old House Reviews Team’s top recommendation for a home security system. ADT serves millions of customers across the country and has more than 140 years of experience in the industry. The provider offers 24/7 professional monitoring and a six-month money-back guarantee, operating the most extensive 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 |
San Antonio homeowners can also purchase this add-on equipment: Glass break sensor, flood sensor, smoke detector, video doorbell camera, indoor and outdoor cameras, touchscreen keypad, panic button, carbon monoxide detector
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 |
Local San Antonio, Texas ADT Branch: 814 Arion Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78216
Learn more: ADT Home Security Review
Vivint Smart Home Security
Vivint’s sophisticated San Antonio home security systems can integrate with a range of third-party smart home devices like the Nest Thermostat, Kwikset smart lock, and Philips Hue smart light. The company offers a variety of technologically-advanced equipment, including security cameras that use camera analytics to alert customers when people and packages arrive on their doorstep.
Vivint Package Comparison
| Feature | “SkyControl 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 | “SkyControl Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
Vivint offers five packages, each offering a wide range of security equipment. The Smart Complete Bundle Package, Vivint’s most extensive package, includes outdoor cameras. The SkyControl Starter Kit Package, Home Security System Package, and Smart Home Control Package are good fits for homeowners who don’t want cameras.
- Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit: Includes a touchscreen panel homeowners can control through a mobile app. The Vivint Smart Hub, one motion sensor, two entry sensors, and one water sensor are also included, along with a $100 credit given toward purchasing more 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 in the event that the smoke alarm system is triggered.
- Smart Home Control Bundle: Contains everything from the previous packages, plus a smart thermostat, smart door lock, and a smart garage door opener. Homeowners need to subscribe to the Vivint Smart Home Video Plan to gain full use of the system.
- Video Security Bundle: Includes video surveillance, plus all the perks of the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit, along with a video doorbell, an indoor camera, and an outdoor security camera. This package also comes with a Wi-Fi-enabled storage device that archives each playback recording. Homeowners will have to subscribe to the Smart Home Video Plan to fully use this package.
- Smart Complete Bundle: This comprehensive package includes the security devices provided in the Video Security Bundle and the automation from Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle.
Vivint Pricing
| Pricing | “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 |
| Pricing | “SkyControl Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
Vivint San Antonio Branch Location: 5828 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240
Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe offers straightforward DIY installation, integration with smart devices like Amazon Alexa, and more. The company also provides a lengthy trial period, month-to-month contracts, and comes with battery-powered equipment that can last over 10 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 and a customizable plan that allows homeowners to pick the exact equipment they want for their home. SimpliSafe’s systems all require a base station, but customers can customize their system with options like security cameras and motion sensors. The Foundation Package is the most streamlined option, ideal for customers who want basic protection.
- The Foundation: The basic starter package includes all of the necessities, including a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor.
- The Essentials: Adds to The Foundation’s offerings, incorporating two extra entry sensors.
- The Hearth: Includes everything within The Essentials Package, plus special features like a key fob, siren, and more.
- The Knox: Includes everything in The Hearth Package and comes with six entry sensors, the most of any package.
- The Haven: Offers the most extensive protection, including all of the basic equipment, along with a panic button, water sensor, and temperature sensor.
You can create your custom SimpliSafe home security package by following these steps:
- Start with a base station and a wireless keypad.
- Add on any desired protection sensors (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensor, temperature sensor,and water sensor) and burglary sensors (entry sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, extra alarms, SimpliCam, and panic button).
- Choose any optional add-on equipment (extra keypad, key fob, extra 105db siren, extra yard sign, and pro setup help).
Note: All devices can be monitored by everyone in the family with their easy to use smart phone app.
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 is a leading DIY home security company that doesn’t require long-term contracts and offers 24/7 monitoring. We named the provider as the best home security company for smartphone integration because it provides highly customized smartphone notifications, which also makes it a great choice for on-the-go homeowners.
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 San Antonio home security plans. Each package includes a hub, a keypad, two door/window sensors, and one motion sensor. Homeowners who don’t want an indoor camera or a smoke and heat sensor should consider the Safe Home Starter and Safe Home Everyday packages.
- Safe Home Starter: This is the most streamlined package, including a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, and two door/window sensors.
- Safe Home Everyday: This package includes all equipment found in the basic starter package with an extra door/window sensor and an additional motion sensor.
- Safe Home Select: This protection package includes a glass break sensor and a smoke and heat sensor.
- Safe Home Preferred: This is Frontpoint’s most comprehensive package, combining the features of all the other packages and tacking on an indoor 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 |
Homeowners can pay for their Frontpoint security equipment upfront with a one-time payment or finance it through Affirm with a 3-, 6-, or 12-month payment plan.
Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Home Security
Abode offers extensive protection with a unique system that can connect with Zigbee, Google Assistant, and a variety of other home security devices. Abode is a convenient choice because it has no contract requirements and allows DIY 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 | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| 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 four security packages that range in comprehensiveness so that homeowners can find a package that meets their needs. Packages with the Iota All-in-One Gateway are more advanced, as it offers built-in motion detection and streaming capabilities.
- Smart Security Middle: This basic package includes Abode’s Gen 2 Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, three door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and one sticker.
- Iota Kit Middle: This package features the more 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, plus two motion sensors, four mini door/window sensors, one keypad, one key fob, and one sticker.
- Iota Kit Elite: The most comprehensive security package includes the All-In-One Gateway, four mini door/window sensors, one keypad, one key fob, 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
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team recommends ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode as the best home security companies available in San Antonio, Texas. These providers rank highly on critical factors like packages, equipment, affordability, ease of installation, and more.
We always recommend reaching out to several providers for quotes to help you determine the best security system in San Antonio for your needs. You can use the tool below to contact some top home security services providers:
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in San Antonio
- Reputation: Chat with your friends and family and read reviews online to identify any pros and cons of the service provider you’re interested in.
- Types of equipment: Different security services offer varying types and amounts of equipment. Make sure the provider you select carries all of the basic equipment you need and any extras you might be interested in.
- Installation method: Some providers only offer professional installation or DIY setup. Some provide both, though usually there’s a fee for selecting professional installation.
- Cost: Before purchasing a security system, you should make sure that the installation costs, equipment costs, and monitoring fees are within your price range.
- Smart home integration: If you like using smart home devices, consider choosing a company that lets you integrate them into your security system for greater protection and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security Systems in San Antonio
Do I need a home security system in San Antonio, Texas?
San Antonio does have a higher crime rate than the national average and higher than the Texas city average. Burglary and theft are the most common major crimes in the city, so protecting your home is very important.
Is SimpliSafe as good as ADT?
While SimpliSafe and ADT are both quality home security providers, ADT is our top choice for home security systems. The provider offers the largest network of professional monitoring centers, more than 140 years of experience in the industry, and a six-month money-back guarantee.
What is the easiest home security system to install?
Some of the best home security companies offer DIY installation and don’t require professional help. We believe SimpliSafe has the easiest installation.
Can I monitor SimpliSafe myself?
Yes, SimpliSafe offers self-monitoring as part of its home security services.
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.
Other Resources:
- 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.