Ever wonder if that security system you hastily installed is actually protecting your family, or just giving you a false sense of security? I've been asking myself the same question, 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.
Nestled at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains, Burbank combines small-town charm with big-city amenities. Home to major studios like Warner Bros and Disney, this entertainment hub offers residents a vibrant community with excellent schools and gorgeous weather. But paradise isn't perfect.
In 2025, Burbank's property crime rate sits at 23% above the national average, even while violent crime remains 56% below average. With a crime grade of 7, it's relatively safe, but that doesn't mean homeowners (or the 42.8% of residents who rent) should be complacent about security.
After testing multiple systems in our Burbank test facility, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and help you understand what really matters when choosing a security system installer.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. But that doesn't mean you need to empty your bank account either. What matters is finding that sweet spot where reliability meets reasonable cost.
Think of it like buying tires for your car. You could go with the bargain brand and save money upfront, but if they blow out on the 134 Freeway, was it really worth it? Similarly, a security system that fails when you need it most isn't a bargain at any price.
In 2025, security systems do far more than just detect break-ins. The features homeowners use most frequently? Video doorbells and garage control.
I can't tell you how many times I've used my video doorbell to check package deliveries or talk to visitors when I'm not home. And being able to close my garage from my phone after that moment of panic ("Did I leave the garage door open?") while sitting at Bob's Big Boy is genuinely life-changing.
Our testing revealed that ADT (with their Google Nest integration) and Vivint offer the most intuitive and reliable implementations of these features.
A properly installed security system isn't just about deterring burglars—it's comprehensive protection. Modern systems monitor for fire, carbon monoxide, and even water leaks. When my neighbor's water heater burst while they were on vacation, their security system's water sensors alerted them before catastrophic damage occurred.
Security technology has evolved dramatically, but some principles remain constant.
Today's cutting-edge systems feature AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles. Voice control is now standard, and integration with other smart home features is seamless. Battery life has improved dramatically, and cellular backup is more reliable than ever.
But what hasn't changed? The importance of proper sensor placement, quality equipment, and professional monitoring. These fundamentals are as critical in 2025 as they were decades ago.
ADT operates nationwide monitoring centers that are staffed 24/7. When an alarm triggers, these centers verify the emergency and dispatch authorities if needed. It's like having a security guard watching your home constantly, but without someone actually sitting in your living room.
SafeStreets isn't ADT—it's an authorized dealer that sells and installs ADT equipment and services. Think of it like a car dealership: Ford makes the cars, but you buy them from your local Ford dealer. SafeStreets handles the sales and installation, while ADT provides the monitoring and technology.
Vivint takes a different approach. They handle everything in-house—from sales to installation to monitoring. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but sometimes at a higher price point. Their smart home integration is particularly impressive, with everything designed to work together seamlessly.
Many local security companies in Burbank are actually authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. Others use monitoring platforms like Alarm.com, which powers systems for thousands of local dealers nationwide.
This isn't necessarily bad—it often means you get the reliability of a national monitoring service with the personalized attention of a local business.
After watching professionals install five different systems in our test home, I can confidently say: leave this to the pros, even if you're tech-savvy.
Professional installers know things most homeowners don't. They understand that a motion sensor placed too close to a heating vent will trigger false alarms. They know exactly how high to mount cameras to maximize coverage while minimizing blind spots. They can identify potential entry points you might never consider.
One installer showed me how burglars can bypass poorly installed door sensors with a simple magnet. That's not something the DIY YouTube videos mention.
The most frequent DIY mistake? Improper sensor placement. I've seen homeowners install motion detectors that are easily triggered by pets, window sensors that don't actually secure the window, and cameras positioned to capture great views of their yard but miss the entry points burglars would actually use.
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to learn through trial and error.
After extensive testing, here are the best options for Burbank residents:
While local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, there's something to be said for the stability and consistency of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint. Their technicians receive standardized training, their equipment undergoes rigorous testing, and their monitoring centers have redundant systems to ensure your home stays protected even during power outages or natural disasters.
In my experience, the slightly higher cost of these national providers is worth it for the peace of mind they provide. After all, when it comes to protecting your family and home, "good enough" simply isn't good enough.
Don't leave your home's security to chance or a weekend DIY project. Contact a professional installer today—your future self will thank you when that system works flawlessly exactly when you need it most.
Burbank has a population of 103,411 and is located in Los Angeles County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $79,212. Median home value is $787,475, and the median rent is $1,763/month. With a median age of 39.6 years old, 44.4% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 39.9% having an income over $100,000. 45.2% 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.
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