Guardian Protection Services vs SimpliSafe

Item: Guardian Protection Services vs SimpliSafe
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Tuesday, June 6th

2023 Wireless Security System Reviews

Guardian Protection Services

Services some metro areas in Texas, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Delaware, Florida, Pennsylvania, and DC
"A-" rated and accredited by the BBB
Professionally-installed security systems
Many packages to choose from

If you live in one of their nine service areas, Guardian Protection's got wireless security systems you'll like: thousands of clients have given this provider a perfect five-star rating, and their monitoring centers have earned lots of accolades. The downside is that you can't get pricing unless you request a quote, and according to our research you'll pay more for your protection with this company.

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SimpliSafe

"A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
60-day risk-free trial
No required contracts
DIY installation; professional setup available for a fee
Professional monitoring starts at $14.99/month
Self-monitoring with camera recording starts at $9.99/month
Self-monitoring with no recording is free

SimpliSafe formerly tied for our highest rating among wireless security system companies, largely because of their 60-day no-risk trial and affordably-priced monitoring that made it possible for most consumers to get protection. We were disappointed to see that recent changes to their service have alienated a lot of clients, giving SimpliSafe a big drop in our rankings until further notice.

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The 10 Best Wireless Security Systems

Which Company Offers the Best Wireless Security Systems?

You may be surprised at the number of wireless security systems offered today. You can choose from popular companies that have been in business for decades to startup carriers marketing do-it-yourself, budget-friendly residential protection and automation.

There are many factors to consider when selecting a wireless security system, whichever solution you pick. There are products that can shield you and your family against burglaries when you're out that can also provide added assurance if you're among numerous Americans who work from home often. Want to see who is knocking at your door? You can get live video on your smartphone or tablet screen so you can choose whether to pause a remote meeting to answer the door!

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What are the best Wireless Security Systems

Wireless Security System FAQ

Do I need a wireless home security system?

Increasingly, the answer is yes. Unless you want to be one of the two million victims of break-ins every year in the United States alone, you need to protect your home and your loved ones.

What are the most common features of wireless home security systems?

Most homeowners choose a home security system for the round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring that at any time of day or night they have someone watching over their property. You could stick with a basic system that just includes sensors on all of the exterior doors, or you could choose a robust package with all of the bells and whistles.

Which extra features are worth the money?

That depends on what will give you the most peace of mind. Many customers today like to have video cameras at the door/doorbell at a minimum, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside the home. You might want to consider systems that you can control and monitor from your smartphone, that include flooding sensors or night vision cameras, or that have wearable panic buttons.

Will my wireless security system have a contract?

It might. If you choose a provider that includes all of your equipment "for free" , chances are good that you'll have a contract for anywhere from 1-3 years. If you prefer not to have a contract, you'll typically pay for your equipment outright and then just have month-to-month monitoring fees.

How much will I pay for a wireless security system?

There are two costs associated with security systems: equipment and monitoring. You might be able to get your equipment at no cost, but you'll pay more for the monthly monitoring service -$45-$85/month, on average -and probably have to sign a contract of 1-5 years. On the other hand, if you buy your sensors, cameras, and any other system equipment outright, you could pay under $20/month for the monitoring. Either way you go, expect to spend more for your monitoring as you add features to your system like motion sensors and outdoor HD cameras.

Will I need a professional to install my wireless security system?

You might think that if a system is wireless, it won't need to be installed by a professional - and, in many cases, that's true. Customers love the ease of security systems that they can set up on their own, take with them when they move, and rearrange as needed. However, there are still a few providers whose systems will require a visit from a technician to set it up properly.

Do wireless security systems come with a satisfaction guarantee?

Yes, most providers offer some kind of satisfaction guarantee, usually a 30-day timeframe to put your system to the test and see if it meets your needs. But, if you decide you're unhappy, what happens next varies by company: you may get a refund for what you've paid thus far, or you might be allowed to break your contract but not get any money back. Make sure you read all of the fine print before you commit to a wireless home security provider.

Will my wireless home security system go with me if I move?

Unlike the security systems of decades ago that required hardwiring and landlines, most wireless systems are easily transferred from one address to another. The most important part is making sure that your provider has your most current address, in the event that emergency services need to be dispatched to your location.

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What matters most when choosing a wireless security system? You'll likely want a few window/door sensors and some type of control panel as a basic option, which most systems tend to have. Some conventional devices still exist that consist of an in-wall panel, however the majority of today's systems have standardized on a touchscreen device of some kind to arm and disarm the security system. Lots of other choices exist, including video doorbells, indoor/outdoor cameras, smoke/fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and lots of other ways to maintain a feeling of security.

Today's systems truly are space-age technology. Just ten years ago, who would have dreamed that they could use a smartphone to raise or lower the temperature on the way home from work? Now you can! Who would have thought they could arm the alarm just by saying a few words while getting ready for bed? It's now possible! Hardly anyone thought they could sign into their system from a computer to check the lock on the front door, and lock it if it wasn't. That's one less thing you have to worry about now.

The task of choosing a wireless security system can be overwhelming when there are so many options. Here is a summary of what to consider when deciding so that you get the perfect system for your needs:

Features. What do you absolutely need in a security system? Look at having the correct amount of door and window sensors that cover all vulnerable entries on the first floor, and an intuitive screen that everyone can understand and use. What are the nice-to-have options that you really want? Some options could be lots of home automation capabilities, indoor video monitoring and storage, etc. Put these two lists together when comparing providers for your requirements.
Cost. Wireless security systems include numerous costs. First is the payment in advance or a recurring/contractual cost. Next are fees for monthly monitoring, and sometimes the installation. Various companies will tell you a firm price upfront, but others require you to ask for an estimate. The terms and conditions document is very important, so be sure that you fully understand the agreement before you buy. For example, some home security contracts have a minimum of one year or more.
Service Area. The majority of wireless security companies have a presence in each of the 50 states. However, not all have universal coverage, so make sure that your address or zip code is covered by their services. Depending on where you live, there may or may not be a dealer or authorized reseller to install and service your equipment.
Reputation. Find out what current customers like and dislike about their security solutions. Did they get their money's worth? Is there prompt, reliable, and professional technical support when things go wrong? Keep in mind that larger companies will have more complaints than smaller companies, but that is not necessarily an indicator of a bad service if you can see that they are responding to complaints quickly and courteously.

TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best wireless home security systems available today. We're certain that this detailed review will give you everything you need to know to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property with an excellent combination of equipment and service.