'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
Whether you're new to the Houston area or a native, adding a home security system has many benefits. Securing your home against intrusions and events such as a fire or a flood can reduce the risk of costly losses. In fact, your homeowner's insurance company may even give you a discount on your premiums.
You don't have to spend a fortune to buy and install a system. The latest state-of-the-art alarm system Houston is wireless. You can install it yourself in just a few minutes without the need to run cables or use nails to mount devices. We analyzed over a dozen of the best systems available from home security companies in Houston. Criteria such as customer reviews, features, monitoring pricing and equipment were used to narrow the list down to six providers for your consideration.
Score: 4.4 | J.D. Power: 889* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
Simplisafe systems can be moved and expanded based on your requirements at the time. You can choose to self-monitor or pay for professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis for Houston's most flexible alarm system.
Pros:
Cons:
Equipment available:
Plans and pricing:
Score: 4.2 | J.D. Power: 882* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
Ring's product page features a comprehensive inventory of indoor and outdoor devices and accessories to build Houston's most customized alarm system.
Pros:
Cons:
Equipment available:
Plans and pricing:
Score: 4.25 | J.D. Power: NR* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
A smart home is a safer, more efficient home. Abode's home security system integrates monitoring, safety and convenience, thanks to the system's smart device compatibility.
Pros:
Cons:
Equipment available:
Plans and pricing:
Score: 4 | J.D. Power: NR* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
If the kind of home security you have in mind is all about monitoring your Amazon deliveries and watching over your pets while you're out, video surveillance featuring Arlo's 4K security cameras is ideal.
Pros:
Cons:
Equipment available:
Plans and pricing:
Score: 3.6 | J.D. Power: 834* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
ADT is well-known for its monitoring and security services. The provider offers Blue by ADT, a DIY system compatible with its professional monitoring subscription.
Pros:
Cons:
Equipment available:
Plans and pricing:
Score: 3.5 | J.D. Power: NR* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
If you're new to home security systems, Cove's 60-day money-back guarantee is a great way to give one a try and see if it fits your needs.
Pros:
Cons:
Equipment available:
Plans and pricing:
*J.D. Power's 2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
According to Area Vibes, which pulls information from recent FBI data, Houston is only safer than 2% of American cities.
Based on these statistics, an alarm system in Houston would be a good idea to secure your home and property.
Although crime is high in Houston, there are safe pockets with few incidents. To find the safest areas to live in Houston (and which ones to avoid), check out the statistics published by the following websites:
According to Neighborhood Scout, some of the safest neighborhoods in Houston are:
Families and young professionals usually inhabit the safer areas in Houston and its suburbs. If you're moving to Houston, it's best to visit and get a feel for the areas you're considering. If a visit isn't possible, see what locals have to say on websites such as Niche.com or by joining local Facebook groups for the area to meet other residents.
Houston has a burglar alarm ordinance. You'll need to register your system and pay an annual fee of $50 to renew your permit. If the system is registered, you can have up to three false alarms per year without a fee. Otherwise, there is a false alarm fine of $116.75 for unregistered burglar alarms.
To register your system:
Interior/exterior cameras: Adding cameras to your alarm system Houston expands on its functionality. You and your monitoring service can filter out any false alarms by checking to see the video feed to see what triggered a motion or door sensor. Houston is a hot, high-humidity area; if you're considering an outdoor camera, make sure it's rated for high temperatures and moisture. To extend the life of your camera, consider placing it in a protected area, such as an alcove or porch, or buying protective housing for the camera.
Pros of local security company | Company more familiar with the neighborhoods |
Cons of local security company | Products and services may be limited |
Pros of national security company | Service transfers with you |
Cons of national security company | Longer phone and service wait times |
The best home security system in Houston is designed to be DIY. You won't need professional installation or wiring to set up an alarm.
The best Houston home security companies depend on your needs. Look at Abode or SimpliSafe for a system that's smart home compatible. Ring features an extensive list of equipment and devices. Blue by ADT's professional monitoring is top-notch.
Ring offers professional monitoring for just $10 a month, and its bundles start at $209. You could always buy a single camera and sign up for professional monitoring to keep your home security system as low-cost as possible.
We evaluated home security companies based on equipment cost, monthly costs, contract options, installation, and customer satisfaction to determine our scores and create our best home security reviews. To compare home security companies with other providers across the board, we calculate each score based on the following: