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As a homeowner, it’s normal to worry about the safety of your house when you’re not there or when you’re fast asleep. One of the best ways to get peace of mind is to invest in a home security system. These systems keep your home under constant surveillance and can alert you and a professional monitoring center when doors or windows open. That way, you can know what’s going on in your home at all times.
There are a wide variety of home security systems available in Baltimore, but they differ in the packages and equipment they offer, how much they cost, and more. To help you find the security solution that works for your home, the This Old House Reviews Team evaluated the best home security companies in Baltimore, evaluating each on key metrics like packages, cost, and customer service. Read on to learn more about our top home security recommendations in Baltimore, Maryland.
Top 6 Home Security Systems in Baltimore
- 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 choice for a home security system. ADT has more than 140 years of industry experience and operates the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the country. The provider also services millions of customers nationwide and offers a six-month money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.
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 purchase this optional add-on equipment at a one-time charge:
- Touchscreen keypad
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Video doorbell camera
- Smoke detector
- Flood sensor
- Glass break sensor
- 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 offers easy-to-use home security systems that come with smartphone and smart home integration for added convenience. You can seamlessly integrate your security system with third-party smart devices like the Philips Hue smart light, Kwikset smart lock, and Nest thermostat. Technologically-advanced features are included, like camera analytics that let you know when people and packages arrive at your door.
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 provides you with a choice between five home security packages. Its basic starter kit is more inclusive than some of the most streamlined packages offered by Vivint’s competitors. The package includes a water sensor and comes with a $100 credit to help you purchase additional sensors.
- Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit: The starter kit includes a touch screen panel, the Smart Hub, a water sensor, a motion sensor, and two entry sensors. It also gives you a $100 credit to purchase more sensors.
- Home Security System Bundle: This bundle includes the equipment from the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit, along with a smart smoke detector that can be integrated with the system, allowing you to control smart locks when the smoke alarm system is triggered.
- Smart Home Control Bundle: This combo package includes the devices featured in the above kits, along with a smart lock, a smart thermostat, and a smart garage door opener. A Vivint Smart Home Video Plan is required to fully use this package.
- Video Security Bundle: This bundle includes the equipment offered in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit and includes additional video surveillance equipment like an indoor camera, an outdoor security camera, and a doorbell camera. It also includes Wi-Fi-enabled storage to archive playback recording. Customers need a subscription to the Smart Home Video Plan to fully use this package.
- Smart Complete Bundle: The most extensive package bundles the automation of Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle and the equipment from the Video Security 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 |
Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe offers flexible home security systems and provides simple, customer-friendly DIY installation. The provider also offers expert professional installation if you prefer. SimpliSafe requires no contract and its systems have a long battery life of 10 years or longer. You can also easily integrate third-party smart devices like smartphones, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Watch.
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 standard home security packages and one customizable package that allows you to design a system that fits your needs. If you want to go above and beyond with home security, you should consider The Haven Package. It includes all fundamental features, along with a panic button for heightened security.
- The Foundation: The most basic package includes all primary equipment, including a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor.
- The Essentials: Adding onto the most basic package, The Essentials Package offers extra cameras for additional security.
- The Hearth: This package includes supplemental equipment like a key fob and siren for added peace of mind.
- The Knox: The Knox Package features all of the security devices included in The Hearth Package and offers six entry sensors—the most of any package.
- The Haven: This package offers the most encompassing security, including all of the foundational equipment, plus a temperature sensor, a water sensor, and a panic button.
You can customize your SimpliSafe security package by following these three steps:
- Start with the foundation: a base station and wireless keypad.
- Choose your protection sensors (smoke detectors, water sensors, temperature sensors, and carbon monoxide sensors) and burglary sensors (entry sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, SimpliCam, and panic buttons).
- Select your add-on equipment to complete your package (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 is one of the most popular DIY home security companies, providing customizable, easy-to-navigate smartphone notifications to keep you in the loop while you’re away. Thanks to the system’s crash and smash protection, it remains functional even when the control system is damaged or destroyed.
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 provides customers with four security packages of varying levels and costs. The Safe Home Select Package is a solid option for customers looking for security that goes above and beyond baseline equipment.
- Safe Home Starter: This streamlined kit features all of the basic devices: a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, and two door/window sensors.
- Safe Home Everyday: This package features all of the equipment from the starter package, along with an additional motion sensor and door/window sensor.
- Safe Home Select: This package offers even greater security, including a smoke and heat sensor and glass break sensor.
- Safe Home Preferred: The preferred package provides the most comprehensive security with all of the equipment noted so far, plus an additional 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 can pay for your Frontpoint security system equipment in two ways. You can either purchase your equipment upfront with a one-time payment or finance it through the payment service Affirm with a 3-, 6-, or 12-month payment plan.
Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review
Abode Home Security
Abode offers versatile home security solutions and connects with up to 160 different security devices for customized protection. Its simple DIY monitoring means that customers don’t have to pay for professional monitoring. Additionally, Abode doesn’t require you to commit to a long-term contract.
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. Two of its offerings use the basic Gen 2 gateway as the core, while two use the more advanced iota All-in-One Gateway, which comes with motion detection.
- Smart Security Middle: The most basic package is designed around the simplified Gen 2 Gateway and features one sticker, one keypad, one key fob, one motion sensor, and three door/window sensors.
- Iota Kit Middle: This package resembles the Smart Security Middle Package but is built around the more sophisticated iota All-In-One Gateway. It contains one keypad, one key fob, and three door/window sensors.
- Smart Security Kit Elite: The elite security package uses the Gen 2 Gateway and includes one keypad, one key fob, a pair of motion sensors, four mini door/window sensors, and one sticker.
- Iota Kit Elite: The most advanced package option includes the iota All-In-One Gateway, a keypad, a key fob, four mini door/window sensors, and one motion sensor for extensive protection.
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
Alder offers a different approach to purchasing home security systems. While many of Alder’s competitors provide a variety of preset packages and devices, Alder lets you create a personalized package. You can customize your package to fit your exact needs, paying money for only the devices you want. Alder has a fast average response time of 3.4 seconds, which is one of the quickest in the industry.
Alder Packages & Equipment
You can design a custom package tailored to your needs by mixing and matching the following equipment. An Alder representative can give you recommendations over the phone at 844-431-0264 if you want professional guidance. The company’s equipment can also be viewed online.
- Touchscreen Panel: The touchscreen panel is the core of Alder’s home security systems. It uses a cellular connection so that it remains functional even when the internet cuts out.
- Indoor Security Camera: This security camera uses a special wide-angle lens, night vision, and two-way talk for convenience. The technologically-advanced device can detect a baby’s cries and sends alerts when an individual in the house requires special attention.
- Outdoor Security Camera: This camera offers advanced features like night vision and a wide-angle lens that can monitor a large area. Additional elements that are offered include motion detection, two-way audio, and mobile notifications.
- Motion Sensor: The motion sensors detect movement inside the house with infrared technology. Whenever a motion sensor is tripped, the system notifies the control panel, sending alerts to you and the monitoring center.
- Door/Window Sensor: When the system is armed and a door or window is opened, the triggered sensors send notifications. When the security system isn’t armed, the base station chimes if someone opens a door or window.
- Smart Smoke Detector: These smart devices alert you before smoke signals begin and also work as carbon monoxide detectors.
- Medical Alert Pendant: Created for seniors who live alone and people with medical issues, the alert pendant can contact emergency services when the button is pressed.
- Flood and Freeze Detectors: These devices operate by alerting you when excess water is detected within your home. Common places people set these up are near sinks, appliances that use water, and major piping in the basements.
- Doorbell Camera: The camera shares a livestream of your doorstep and sends alerts whenever someone arrives.
Alder Pricing
An Alder customer service representative recommended the following equipment for a three-bedroom home. The activation fee came out to $89, and the monthly charge was $44.99.
- 1 touchscreen panel
- 2 door sensors
- 1 motion sensor
- 1 monitored fire sensor
- 1 outdoor wireless camera with two-way audio
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
Our Conclusion
The This Old House Reviews Team evaluated many home security systems in the area and selected the following as the best home security systems in Baltimore: ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode. Each of these providers offers comprehensive protection and a wide variety of packages and equipment. We recommend that you reach out to several different providers for a range of quotes so that you can choose the best home security system for your needs. You can use the tool below to contact a few home security services we recommend.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Baltimore
- Reputation: If you want to learn about a provider’s specific track record, talk with friends and family who have the system and read some online reviews.
- Types of equipment: Home security systems offer different types of equipment with varying levels of sophistication. If there is specific equipment you’re interested in, make sure that the provider offers them.
- Installation method: If you prefer DIY installation, make sure that the provider doesn’t require professional installation, which usually includes a fee.
- Cost: You want to choose a home security system with costs of installation, equipment, and monitoring that fit your budget.
- Smart home integration: Not all security systems can integrate with smart home devices like the Nest thermostat and Kwikset smart lock.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security Systems in Baltimore
What is the best home security system available?
We believe that ADT is the best home security system available. It has nearly 150 years of industry experience, the largest network of professional monitoring centers, and a six-month money-back guarantee.
Is SimpliSafe as good as ADT?
SimpliSafe is one of our top recommendations for home security in Baltimore. Despite having systems with long-lasting battery life and no contract requirement, SimpliSafe ranks below ADT, which is our top choice.
Should you put a security sign in your yard?
Yes. Placing a security sign in your front yard can be a good way to deter potential intruders. ADT and Frontpoint, two of our top choices for home security companies in Baltimore, offer packages that include security signs.
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.
More on 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.