Renters and homeowners in the San Antonio area have a variety of options when it comes to home security providers. To help you pick the provider that is best suited to your needs, we rounded up five of the best San Antonio security companies based on monthly price, equipment cost, contract length, and customer satisfaction.
Compare the best San Antonio home security systems
Information accurate as of April 2021
Home security in San Antonio: What you need to know
San Antonio, Texas, crime statistics
The San Antonio Police Department reports that property crimes, including burglary, larceny-theft, and vehicle theft, reached a 10-year low in 2020, with only 54826 reported incidents. Still, these numbers aren’t zero, and homeowners would do well to take additional measures to protect themselves and their property. Why we chose it SimpliSafe allows customers to completely customize their easy-to-install home security systems without locking them into a contract. Pros:
No contract requirementsVideo verification for faster emergency dispatchEasy installation
Cons:
Require a degree of tech-savviness to set up and useRemote access only available with a premium subscriptionNot compatible with other smart devices
Equipment available:
a base station, keypad, and key fobMotion and entry sensorsIndoor camerasSmart locks and doorbellsSmoke detectors, water sensors, temperature sensorsPanic button
Plans and pricing:
Self-monitoring: $0.33/dayInteractive-monitoring: $0.83/day
Why we chose it Ring security systems pair easily with various smart devices from other brands for a completely customizable system that users can control from their phones. Pros:
Pairs with a variety of smart devicesProfessional monitoring available on Plus planLifetime theft protection on all devices
Cons:
Many reviewers have reported glitchy sensorsShort battery lifeNo glass break sensors
Equipment available:
A base station, keypad, and key fobContact sensor and motion detectorsIndoor/outdoor camerasVideo doorbellsFlood/freeze sensors and smoke/CO sensorsPanic button
Plans and pricing:
Basic: $3/month or $30/yearPlus: $10/month or $100/year
Why we chose it Pros: Cons:
Starter kits include limited devicesComparatively expensive up-front equipment costsBasic CUE functions
Equipment available
Indoor/outdoor camerasMotion and glass break sensorsIndoor/outdoor sirensSmoke alarms and water sensorsSmart home power switchPanic button
Plans and pricing:
Standard plan: $6/month or $60/yearPro plan: $20/month or $200/year
Why we chose it Arlo offers the best self-monitored security system featuring indoor and outdoor cameras that don’t rely on an AC power source. Pros:
Up to 4K video quality with Elite plansCommitted to data protection and privacyLonger-lasting camera battery lifeCustomizable app notifications
Cons:
the continuous video recording only available at an additional chargeInability to download continuous video recordings (only accessible on the cloud)911 call service only available on multi-camera plans
Equipment available:
Indoor/outdoor camerasVideo doorbellsFloodlight cameras Solar camera charging panels
Plans and pricing:
Premier: $2.99/month (one camera)Premier: $9.99/month (up to 5 cameras)Elite: $4.99/month (one camera)Elite: $14.99/month (up to 5 cameras)
Why we chose it Blue by ADT offers a wide variety of perks and conveniences when customers sign up for its professional monitoring plan. Pros:
One month of 24/7 pro monitoring free for new customersDevices enabled with 2-way talk features24-hour battery backup on DIY plan devicesExtensive automation capabilities
Cons:
The DIY plan does not alert you in the event of an alarmNo cellular backup on the DIY planNo brand-owned smart home devices
Equipment available:
Base station and keypadIndoor/outdoor camerasDoorbell cameraWi-fi range extender and chimeDoor/window sensors
Plans and pricing:
DIY Monitoring: Free24/7 Professional Monitoring: $19.99/month
According to Uniform Crime Reports, there were 7606 burglaries in San Antonio in 2020.Vehicle thefts are on the rise in the city, jumping from 5893 in 2011 to 6707 in 2020.Larceny theft, on the other hand, is decreasing, dropping to just 40 513 incidents.
Research your neighborhood
Of course, in a city that covers 505 square miles and is home to 1.508 million people, crime rates won’t be the same in all areas, which is why it’s important to research your neighborhood before committing to a home security system. There are plenty of resources online that can help you understand crime rates and security concerns in your particular zip code. Neighborhood Scout and Best Places are examples of two websites that break down the metropolitan area into individual neighborhoods and rank them according to safety. According to these websites, Timberwood Park, Scenic Oaks, Mesa Ranch, and Mesa Ridge are among San Antonio’s safest neighborhoods. Salado Junction and the Eastside are two of the least safe. The San Antonio Police Department also has an interactive map that identifies each of its substations’ exact locations. This can be useful in identifying approximately how long law enforcement’s response time may be for your exact address. Additionally, websites like Nextdoor, a neighborhood hub, can be useful in warning you of current security threats (like break-ins on your block or porch pirates running rampant) or in allowing you to get a better handle on the type of security threats a neighborhood typically experiences before moving in.
Register your home security system in San Antonio
Before installing your home security system, it’s important to register it with the city of San Antonio. Owning an unregistered security system is a city ordinance violation, and a triggered alarm that is unregistered can result in a $75 - 125 fee. To register your security system:
How to choose your San Antonio home security system
Interior/exterior cameras
Summers in San Antonio are hot and humid, and outdoor security cameras need to be able to withstand these extreme temperatures without corrupting. Look for cameras designed to handle temperatures above 100 degrees or add additional outdoor kits, like this one from SimpliSafe, to your cart. There’s no sense investing in a camera that will melt or short out during the heat waves and rainy seasons typically experienced here.
Control panel
While most security systems operate from a single control panel, the style of these panels can vary by brand. When choosing a system, think about where you want your hub to be: by the front door, next to your bed, or in a hallway. This can help you clarify whether you want a corded or cordless option based on available power sources. Additionally, if you frequently enter your home through a garage or side door, a remote control via a key fob or mobile app may also be important to you.
Compatibility
Before making a purchasing decision, think about how important integration or automation is to you. Do you want to be able to set and disarm your security system through Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit? Some security companies are open platforms, meaning they can be connected to these third-party services, while others are not. In addition, most modern home security systems have apps, but what you can do via these apps (view notifications and live streams, arm or disarm the system, call 911) varies, so be sure to do a little digging into each app before purchasing.
Storage
Perhaps the most disparate aspect of home security systems is how they store your footage. While storing the video in the cloud is the most common solution, how long the footage is stored and how much is stored (whether the company has data limits or pays for unlimited space) varies wildly. Additional consideration should be whether or not you are able to download that footage from the cloud if need be. For example, Arlo doesn’t allow for this, while other brands may.
Window/door sensors
Depending on your living situation, door and window sensors may be a top consideration. If you live on or near a busy street and have ground-floor windows or a street exit door, you’ll likely want these additional sensors. If you live in a more suburban area that gets less foot traffic or on a higher floor in an apartment building, these sensors may not be necessary. Check to see whether the company you are considering includes these sensors in their starter package or if they only come at an additional cost.
Local vs. national companies
Monthly price: The lower the cost of a home security company’s monthly contract, the higher the score. Inversely, the higher the cost of the monthly contract, the lower the score in this metric. Equipment cost: Affordability is important with home security, so we awarded higher scores to home security companies with lower equipment prices.Contracts: We reviewed the flexibility in contracts of the home security companies. The more flexibility, like having no contracts to bind customers for long periods, the higher the score. Customer satisfaction: With J.D. Power’s 2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study, we assigned a score to each company based on the rating it received.Installation: Like with contracts, we award higher scores to companies with flexible installation options, like DIY or professional options.
