The Best Home Security Systems in Los Angeles

Overview
Whether you’re a recent transplant adjusting to the Los Angeles sprawl or an L.A. lifer with a few emergency earthquake kits to spare, chances are you’ve thought about adding a security system to your home.

If you are considering home security, you have good reason. The rate of property crime (including larceny and burglary) in Los Angeles is 25.89 per 1,000 residents,¹ just above the national median of 24, so finding ways to keep your home secure is something every Angeleno needs to think about. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to go about it.

Below, we’re looking at the best local security companies in Los Angeles, from Atwater Village to Venice Beach.

Choosing between a local and national security system is mostly a matter of preference. Local home security services usually offer a greater deal of customization and customer support with a personalized touch. On the other hand, national security systems—including brands like ADT Security and Frontpoint—usually have more robust equipment offerings and more information about their services online.

Local security brands often use third-party apps provided by companies like Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0. And some, like Protection Alarms, charge you extra to use it. Comparatively, some national security brands see app access as a given. But others may not have one, or you might have to pay extra for access.

National security companies often offer a variety of ways to get in touch: via phone, support chat, or email. And more often than not, they typically have 24/7 customer service.

Local security companies don’t usually offer as much bandwidth for customer support. In our experience, most emails went unanswered; but when we called, we were always met with knowledgeable representatives who were friendly and polite.

San Marino Security Systems has a great reputation in East LA, and for good reason: it has great customer service, customizable equipment packages, and a no-contract option.

If you live in Eagle Rock or Highland Park, chances are you’ve seen houses with yard signs that read “Protection by San Marino Security Systems.” Its monthly monitoring cost is a bit more expensive than other local offerings, but San Marino Security offers reliable 24/7 alarm monitoring, and you’ll never be attached to an annual contract.

As far as monitoring, you’ll pay $49 per month, and you’ll get mobile access to your system for free. That means, at the very least, you’ll be able to arm and disarm your system when you’re on the go (and when you’re too lazy to get off the couch). If you pay for the entire year up front, it’ll come out to a little less, about $44 a month.

San Marino Security Systems doesn’t offer any predetermined packages. Instead, you’ll set up an estimate appointment where a representative will come to your home and give you a free quote, based on their own suggestions and your feedback.

San Marino Security uses Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) for all of its equipment, which offers pro-grade performance: DMP equipment was designed for places in need of high-end security, like banks and government buildings. That means it’s definitely up to the task of keeping your home secure.

If you’d like to prioritize home automation, San Marino Security offers a number of smart devices—from smart locks to smart thermostats—that you can add to your custom package. But if you do choose to make your house a little smarter, your monthly monitoring cost will jump to $59 per month, which is kind of steep compared to other companies on this list and many national brands (including Frontpoint).

San Marino Security’s customer service representative was knowledgeable and helpful over the phone. She was well versed in the brand’s offerings and gave us detailed information. She was also super friendly, which is a great sign when you’re trying to find a security company you trust.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you live in Eastern Los Angeles or the San Gabriel Valley, San Marino Security Systems is a natural choice. Its monthly monitoring price is a bit more expensive than the local competition, but you’ll get reliable service and knowledgeable customer support.

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APS offers affordable coverage for the entire Los Angeles area and has a good reputation for being thorough, professional, and reasonably priced.

Of the 20 local security companies in Los Angeles, APS Security was the only one that responded to an email inquiry. Plus, the brand customizes all of its security suites and has affordable monthly monitoring.

APS Security offers monthly monitoring for just $19.99 per month, which is much more affordable than the other LA-based companies we looked at and very competitive with national brands. You will have to commit to an annual contract, but you’ll have the option to cancel any time after the first year.

APS offers a base system with the minimum amount of equipment they recommend for a home. For most residences, they’ll use an on-site visit to build off of that base package and create a custom solution for your home.

Most of the equipment that APS provides is either Honeywell Resideo or DSC. And for interactive services, like using your mobile phone to control your system, APS uses Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com.

Via email, APS Security Systems’ owner, Aaron, was knowledgeable and polite. And reviews of APS and its services are overwhelmingly positive. Customers say the services are thorough and the representatives are courteous and knowledgeable.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: No matter where you live in Los Angeles—from Culver City to Silver Lake—APS has you covered. Get a custom quote if you’re looking for reliable monitoring at an affordable price.

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Protection Alarms takes a personalized approach to professional monitoring and has a great reputation for stellar customer service. Still, its equipment is a bit pricier than the competition.

Protection Alarms consistently ranks high for friendly customer service and professionalism on popular review sites.

Protection Alarms offers monitoring for $35 a month and requires a yearlong contract. But if you want mobile access to your system, you’ll have to shell out an additional $45 as a one-time fee for access to an Alarm.com account. We think it’s worth being able to control your system on the go, but other brands don’t charge extra for that service.

With Protection Alarms, you’ll get a system custom built for your home that may include things like door and window sensors and glass break detectors. But it will cost you: equipment fees typically range from $500 to $1,500 total. Comparatively, you could use a DIY national security service, like SimpliSafe: its Essentials bundle, with one of its security cameras added on, would cost about $150 less than Protection Alarms’ cheapest option.

Customers report prompt and comprehensive customer service with a personalized approach. Many customers say that Protection Alarms’ owner, Paul, personally came to their homes to offer an estimate. Many reviewers particularly liked that personalized approach.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you live on the Westside, Protection Alarms can help you make your home more secure. Prices are a bit more steep than other local security companies, but you’ll get reliable service with a stellar customer service reputation.

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The family-owned Hansen Alarm Company has been securing homes since 1969. Their success is largely based on word of mouth and its personalized approach to security.

Hansen Alarm Company is family operated and has been in the business since the ’60s. That experience translates into thoughtful, reliable services that put customers first.

Hansen Alarm Company’s monthly monitoring price is $40 per month, which is a bit on the pricey side but still less than San Marino Security Systems. That will give you access to a free app that lets you arm and disarm your security device from your phone or tablet.

You’ll also have to commit to a two-year contract, but it’s not an ironclad thing: if you need to cancel because you’re moving back to the East Coast, Hansen is pretty flexible.

Hansen doesn’t offer any base equipment packages. Instead, like San Marino and APS Security Systems, a representative will come to your home and create a custom package for you. That custom package will include a variety of equipment—like motion and glass break detectors—from security brand Interlogix.

To learn more about Hansen Alarm Company’s offerings, we spoke with owner Sean Hansen. He was knowledgeable, helpful, and interested in providing security solutions at the local level. And customers on review sites agree: Hansen Alarm is characterized as a fantastic resource that’s reasonably priced.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: Hansen Alarm Company serves all of Los Angeles proper and much of Los Angeles County. Consider the brand whether you have a mansion in Malibu or a Baldwin Hills bungalow.

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We used Google and review sites like Yelp and Angie’s List to get a picture of the most highly recommended security companies. From about 20 candidates, we eliminated any companies that offered only installation for security cameras or CCTV camera systems or didn’t have any pertinent information on their webpage.

From there, we emailed and called the remaining brands and eliminated any that were difficult to get in touch with. That left us with our top four.

Call now: +1-800-610-1000

Bay Alarm is a California-based security system provider that offers protection for homes and businesses. They have branches in Northern California, Southern California, and the Bay Area.

Bay Alarm has great ratings on review sites, with customers saying that the services are quick, painless, and affordable. Reviewers also say that the technicians are friendly and knowledgeable.

We weren’t able to get a clear picture of the services that Bay Alarm offers over the phone or email. A representative was unable to answer most of our questions, and in order to get any pricing information, you have to schedule an on-site consultation. It’s a free service, but it would be nice to be able to learn more about the company before scheduling a home visit.

The City of Angels has an above average property crime rate and a crime index score of 14—that means it is safer than only 14% of other cities in the United States.² With numbers like that, having a security system in place seems like a good idea.

Security systems can catch would-be burglars in the act or deter them from entering your home. They can also help with everyday things, like making sure your package that was delivered midday stays put or seeing if that pack of coyotes is roaming your block again.

If you have a security system installed, you may be able to get a discount of up to 10% off your annual premium. So if you’re spending $950 annually on homeowners insurance, you could get a discount of up to $95 per year.

Having a reliable security system can be a great way to protect your home from would-be ne’er-do-wells.

• If you don’t want to get tangled up in a contract, we suggest San Marino Security Systems. It covers only the eastern neighborhoods of Los Angeles and the SGV, but it’s a reliable company with a great reputation.
• If your top concern is an affordable monitoring price, go with APS Security Systems. Monitoring is relatively inexpensive, and its service professionals are courteous and knowledgeable.
• Looking for stellar customer service? Try Protection Alarms. Equipment prices are on the expensive side, but if you’re on the Westside, then Protection Alarms is a good option.
• Is a long-standing reputation your thing? Hansen Alarm Company has been in the business for 50 years and serves most of Los Angeles proper and LA county.

If going local isn’t your thing, check out our list of the best national home security systems.

1. Neighborhood Scout, “Los Angeles, CA Crime Rates”
2. Neighborhood Scout, “Los Angeles, CA Crime Rates”
3. FBI, “2017 Crime in the United States”