Have you ever wondered if the security system protecting your family is actually doing its job? Or worse—if it's giving you a false sense of security while leaving critical vulnerabilities exposed? I certainly did, which is why I took the extreme step of having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Denver's breathtaking mountain backdrop and vibrant cultural scene make it one of America's most desirable places to live. The Mile High City continues to attract newcomers with its outdoor lifestyle and booming economy. But behind this picturesque facade lies a concerning reality: property crime rates 137% higher than the national average and violent crime rates exceeding the national average by 121%. With a crime grade of 0, security concerns affect everyone—from homeowners to the 50.4% of residents who rent.
As we move into 2025, I want to cut through the marketing hype and share what I've learned from our extensive testing. Having lived with multiple systems in our test facility, I can tell you what actually matters—and what's just expensive window dressing.
After testing numerous systems, I've found that the most expensive option isn't always the best. What matters is reliability—will your system work when you need it most? The sweet spot is finding a system that balances cost with dependable performance.
In our testing, we discovered that mid-tier packages from established companies like SafeStreets (ADT's authorized dealer) and Vivint offered the best value-to-reliability ratio. Budget systems under $500 often compromised on crucial features, while ultra-premium packages exceeding $2,000 included bells and whistles most homeowners rarely used.
Here's what surprised me most: the features homeowners use daily aren't always the ones marketed as "essential security components." The most frequently used and appreciated features were:
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these areas. Their implementations are intuitive enough that everyone from tech-savvy teens to grandparents could use them without frustration.
When we talk about home security, we're really discussing peace of mind. The most valuable aspect isn't preventing a statistical unlikelihood (a home invasion) but rather knowing you've taken reasonable precautions to protect your loved ones.
Don't overlook fire safety in this equation. Modern security systems integrate smoke and carbon monoxide detection with professional monitoring—potentially saving lives when seconds count.
Security technology has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing:
However, some aspects of security remain timeless:
ADT operates multiple monitoring centers across the country, providing redundancy if one center experiences issues. Their monitoring staff undergoes rigorous training and certification. When your alarm triggers, the signal travels to these centers where specialists follow strict protocols to verify the emergency and dispatch appropriate services.
SafeStreets operates as an ADT authorized dealer. This means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment and monitoring plans, but they're technically a separate company working under ADT's strict requirements and standards. Your contract is ultimately with ADT for monitoring services.
Vivint uses a direct sales model, meaning their representatives, installers, and monitoring services all work directly for Vivint. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but sometimes at a premium price.
Many local Denver security companies actually operate as authorized dealers for larger monitoring services. The equipment they install often connects to Alarm.com or ADT's monitoring platforms—the same ones used by dealers nationwide.
As someone who considers themselves technically inclined, I initially questioned the value of professional installation. After watching five different professional installations of my test systems, I'm firmly convinced it's worth every penny.
Professional installers know nuances that DIYers simply don't:
The most frequent DIY installation mistakes I've observed include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
After extensive testing and living with systems from both national providers and local installers, I've reached a clear conclusion: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the consistency, stability, and technological edge provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint justifies their slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
Local companies can provide excellent service, but they're often at the mercy of their suppliers and the monitoring platforms they resell. National providers control more of the ecosystem, resulting in more seamless integration and support.
Don't gamble with your family's safety. Invest in professional installation from a reputable provider. The peace of mind is worth far more than the modest savings you might find by cutting corners.
Denver has a population of 2,709,398 and is located in Denver County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $72,661. Median home value is $427,247, and the median rent is $1,397/month. With a median age of 34.6 years old, 50.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 36.5% having an income over $100,000. 37.8% 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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