I use ADT as I get a discount on the fees due to my USAA membership. I have been very happy with them.

I’d ask some neighbors or locals. We had ADT (also because we got a small discount via USAA), but had terrible issues with them. Installation was terrible, ruining our existing phone lines with their splices (we had home based jobs at the time, requiring land lines). Were never able to fix that problem. Then our system just stopped working. Came out several times to “repair”, but it never worked correctly. We were thrilled when our contract expired. Next we got Vivint. It has been better for the most part, but ongoing issues with thermostat controls. Again, waiting for the contract to expire. There are several options but it varies by locale. Also many options that aren’t bound by contract. I know people who like Simpli Safe, but I have no experience. Your cable company may offer security.

I used Simplisafe in our last house and it was great! Super easy to install yourself, great price and easy to use.

I recommend fortress security out of Frankfort, Michigan.

Very happy with SimpliSafe - super easy to install - works great.

Agree with the previous opinion. It's better to check yourlocal companies reviews to make the right choice. In my house I installed home alarm systems from Union Alarm. It is one of the best security companies in Calgary. They have affordable prices and carry the latest products from world class companies including Interlogix, Honeywell, and DSC Alarms.

We have installed six Ring exterior motion cameras, a Ring doorbell and a Ring security system with motion detectors for the interior, also smoke alarms that are tied in. It is a learning system so a few glitches with the exterior cameras to start with but now seems to be running very smoothly and is so easy to monitor and control using their app. Very helpful customer service as well. Had the Geek squad set it up but should be very straight forward. Highly recommend.

Install system that can be inexpensively remotely monitored. Most standard systems - do. I also differentiate between video surveillance and security systems. They are NOT mutually exclusive. Personally I do not care where monitoring company located. ADT here is like $59/month. 3rd party monitoring $8. Both will call same the police department.

Good point BT. Ring charges $10 a month if you pay the $120 up front. They monitor and call you and the police as well as the fire station in case of the smoke alarm going off.

I think I might be a tiny bit late for the discussion, but I really want to read honest opinions about alarm systems. I have a dilemma, I can't decide if I need one or not. I just have some security cameras adelaide and I feel safe just by having them. I have an alarm system installed in my house but it is disconnected because I don't want to pay my money for it. I live in a quiet neighborhood, I don't have enemies so I have nothing to be afraid of. However, there are many thieves out there and I really don't know what to do. Does it worth the money?

I have ADT at one of rentals, nothing bad it does what it was designed to do, but almost $60.00 a month for monitoring. I use Simply Safe at the property I live in and it does the same basic job just for $25.00 a month. Add the fact that I have cameras that are integrated into the system make it nice, but they are extra if you want to store the recorded images in the cloud. Otherwise it is just able to view. There is an upfront cost to Simply Safe most people may not like though. You have to buy your equipment upfront. They do not finance the equipment AKA 4 an 5 year contracts. You can shut it off anytime you like though with no penalty. It has gone off maybe twice in 3 years and both times it was the dog. The community I live in the police are slow to respond to residential alarms anyway. The only plus to having one is that the perp usually does not hang out after the alarm goes off limiting what they may take. I beat the police to my house both times lol.