Reviews Report
- DIY, contract-optional systems like SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, Abode, and Cove are widely recommended for value, ease of use, and flexible monitoring by major 2024–2025 guides such as U.S. News, CNET, and Wirecutter.
- Top Dallas-ready systems combine affordability with reliable apps and smart-home integrations; pro-installed options (e.g., ADT, Vivint) now emphasize deep Google Nest integration, while DIY brands keep contracts optional. Also factor Dallas’ alarm permit rules into your choice (J.D. Power; City of Dallas Alarm Permits).
To find the best home security companies Dallas has to offer, we reviewed each of the following brands based on affordability, monitoring capabilities, equipment availability, and integration capabilities with smart devices. While none of these Dallas alarm companies are perfect, each of them offers an intuitive experience, whether that be a professional or DIY install. Our favorites of the bunch we reviewed — SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode, Arlo, ADT, and Cove — offered high-tech equipment, round-the-clock monitoring services, and easy DIY options aligned with today’s contract-optional trend. In a word, these home security systems Dallas provides made us feel safe.
The 6 Best Home Security Systems in Dallas
- SimpliSafe: Most Flexible Dallas Home Security System
- Ring: Best Dallas Home Security System for Ease of Use
- Abode: Best Dallas Home Security System for Budget
- Arlo: Most Dallas Home Security System Technical Features
- ADT: Best Dallas Home Security System for Professional Installation and Google Nest integration
- Cove: Best Dallas Home Security System for Customizing
Compare the Best Dallas Home Security Systems
| SimpliSafe | Ring | Abode | Arlo | ADT | Cove | |
| Reviews.com Score | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.25 | 4 | 3.6 | 3.5 |
| Prices start at | Varies by package | Varies by package | Varies by package | Varies by package | Varies by package | Varies by package |
| Contract length | No contracts | No contracts | No contracts | No contracts | Typical 36 months (financed) | No contracts |
| Cameras | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell | Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell (Google Nest) | Indoor |
| Sensors | Entry sensor, motion sensor, glass break sensor, panic button, smoke detector, water sensor, temperature sensor | Door,window,motion detection, spotlight,floodlight,flood and freeze sensor,panic button | Door,window,motion detection, door sensor,window sensor | Door,window,motion detection,spotlight,floodlight | Door,window,motion detection, smoke and carbon monoxide sensor | Door/window sensor, motion detector, panic button, glass-break detector, smoke/heat/freeze detector, flood sensor, carbon monoxide detector |
| Smart home features | 105dB siren, smart lock, pro-set-up help, smart home support through third party systems | Smart home integration with Z-Wave support | Smart home integration through custom engine (CUE), third party smart software support | Smart home support through their proprietary hub selection | ADT+ app with Google Nest integration | Key remote |
| Control panel | Wireless, keypad, key fob, base station, mobile app | Base station, keypad, mobile app | Mobile app, key fob, keypad | Mobile app | Mobile app,keypad integrated on hub | Mobile app, touchscreen alarm panel |
Information accurate as of November 2025
SimpliSafe
Most Flexible
Why we chose it
If you want to keep your home and loved ones safe but aren’t a fan of home security prices, SimpliSafe is a strong as well as flexible option. SimpliSafe offers 24/=7 professional monitoring services and gives customers wanting to save money the option to monitor their security system themselves.
Why we chose it
If you want to keep your home and loved ones safe but aren’t a fan of home security prices, SimpliSafe is a strong as well as flexible option. SimpliSafe offers 24/=7 professional monitoring services and gives customers wanting to save money the option to monitor their security system themselves.
Pros
- Easy, DIY installation option
- DIY monitoring option
- No required contracts
Cons
- No outdoor camera options
- Expensive video storage fees
- Limited integration options
Read More
Equipment Available
- Entry sensor
- Motion sensor
- 105dB siren
- Smart lock
- Wireless, keypad
- Key fob
Plans & Pricing
- Self Monitoring w/ Camera Recordings: $9.99/mo
- Standard Monitoring: $19.99/mo
- Fast Protect Pro Monitoring: $29.99/mo
- Month-to-month; no long-term contract
- Cellular backup available on pro plans
Ring Security
Best for Ease of Use
Why we chose it
Ring’s straightforward DIY approach makes the home security company a top contender for those looking to protect their homes. While not perfect, Ring’s affordable pricing and lack of contracts make it an attractive option.
Why we chose it
Ring’s straightforward DIY approach makes the home security company a top contender for those looking to protect their homes. While not perfect, Ring’s affordable pricing and lack of contracts make it an attractive option.
Pros
- Quick, easy installation process
- Affordable packages
- Simple pricing for subscription support
Cons
- Poorer performance compared to competitors
- Google support can be problematic
- Basic plan offers no professional monitoring services
Read More
Equipment Available
- Indoor camera
- Outdoor camera
- Window sensor
- Door sensor
- Motion detector
- Panic button
Plans & Pricing
- Ring Protect Pro (professional monitoring): $20/mo or $200/yr
- Self-monitoring available without pro dispatch
abode
Best for Budget
Why we chose it
Abode security plans are a great option if you don’t want to break the bank on a home security system but still want the peace of mind it offers. Unfortunately, its limited integration capabilities with smart devices can be a big frustration.
Why we chose it
Abode security plans are a great option if you don’t want to break the bank on a home security system but still want the peace of mind it offers. Unfortunately, its limited integration capabilities with smart devices can be a big frustration.
Pros
- Inexpensive costs
- No security contracts
- Offers DIY and professional monitoring
Cons
- Early termination fees apply
- Refund options are lacking
- Warranty is limited to a year
Read More
Equipment Available
- Recessed window and door sensor
- Glass break sensor
- Motion sensors
- Outdoor camera
- Indoor camera
- Siren
Plans & Pricing
- Standard: $6/mo.
- Pro Plan: ~$23/mo.
Arlo
Most Technical Features
Why we chose it
Uninterested in monitoring your home security system yourself but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg? Arlo’s professional monitoring systems are some of the cheapest plans on the market and come with some impressive camera equipment.
Why we chose it
Uninterested in monitoring your home security system yourself but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg? Arlo’s professional monitoring systems are some of the cheapest plans on the market and come with some impressive camera equipment.
Pros
- Offers 4K-video footage capabilities
- Good BBB ratings
- Inexpensive plans
Cons
- Costs extra for 24/=7 monitoring
- Limited sensor catalog compared with full-system rivals
- Expensive camera equipment
Read More
Equipment Available
- Indoor camera
- Outdoor camera
- Solar panel camera
- Smarthub
- Mounts
- Chime
Plans & Pricing
- Arlo Secure plans required for advanced features
- Professional monitoring optional in select offerings
- Check current pricing on Arlo for most accurate rates
Blue by ADT
Most Rounded Features
Why we chose it
As one of the longest-running security system companies, ADT has a long, trusted history with a solid variety of plan options for home security. Despite being one of the few security system companies that require a contract, Blue by ADT offers access to extensive hardware options.
Why we chose it
As one of the longest-running security system companies, ADT has a long, trusted history with a solid variety of plan options for home security. Despite being one of the few security system companies that require a contract, Blue by ADT offers access to extensive hardware options.
Pros
- Quality professional monitoring
- Quick installations and repairs
- Money-back guarantee for first six months
Cons
- Requires a long contract
- Cancellation fees
- Poor BBB customer service ratings
Read More
Equipment Available
- Hub
- Indoor camera
- Outdoor camera
- Door sensors
- Window sensors
- Motion sensor
Plans & Pricing
- Pro-installed packages with ADT+ app and Google Nest devices
- Typical monitoring: ~$45–$65/+/mo depending on features
- Contracts commonly ~36 months when financing equipment
Cove
Best for Customizing
Why we chose it
Founded in 2018, Cove is new to the home security scene, but that by no means makes it a non-valuable player. Cove’s BBB customer ratings are impressive, to say the least, and it’s easily customizable security plans make it a dream for customers who want more control over their home security set-up.
Why we chose it
Founded in 2018, Cove is new to the home security scene, but that by no means makes it a non-valuable player. Cove’s BBB customer ratings are impressive, to say the least, and it’s easily customizable security plans make it a dream for customers who want more control over their home security set-up.
Pros
- No contracts
- Customizable plans
- Stellar BBB customer service reviews
Cons
- No professional installation
- Limited app functions
- Limited integration
Read More
Equipment Available
- Door/window sensor
- Motion detector
- Panic button
- Indoor camera
- Key remote
- Touchscreen alarm panel
Plans & Pricing
- Cove Basic: ~$17.99/mo
- Cove Plus: ~$27.99/mo
Home Security in Dallas: What You Need to Know
Dallas, Texas, crime statistics
Your city’s overall crime rate and common types of crimes can provide better insight into how to keep your home safe. For the freshest official view, use the Dallas Police Department’s year-to-date dashboards for category trends, and anchor annual comparisons with finalized figures from the Texas DPS Crime in Texas report and the FBI Crime Data Explorer. After pandemic-era increases, violent crime and homicide generally trended down in 2023–2024 in Dallas, while motor vehicle theft spiked in 2022–2023 and eased in many places during 2024 (DPD Performance Dashboard; Council on Criminal Justice tracker). Here are a few points to bear in mind:
- Use the DPD YTD dashboard to see current counts and percent change for burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft in your division/beat.
- Finalized Dallas totals and rates are published by Texas DPS (Crime in Texas) and the FBI CDE; independent trackers show homicide declined in 2024 vs. 2023 in many large cities, including Dallas.
- For block-level context (porch/package theft or theft from vehicles), map incidents using the City of Dallas Open Data Portal and review the last 12 months around your address.
Research your neighborhood
The type of home security system you’ll need will depend on what kind of neighborhood you live in. Check division and beat trends on the DPD dashboard and use the Dallas Open Data Portal to view recent burglary, larceny-theft (including package theft), and motor vehicle theft near your block. If you live in a low-crime area, a basic kit may suffice; in higher-risk areas, consider a complete package with video and professional monitoring. To learn more about how to research your neighborhood’s safety record, browse our resources here.
Register your home security system in Dallas
It’s important to register your home security system with the city of Dallas because, if it’s not, the city can refuse to respond to your home alarms. Keeping a record of the Security Alarm Permits helps the city keep the registration information up-to-date. Hence, law enforcement knows how to reach you should your alarm go off and you’re not home, and it lets the city of Dallas keep track of false alarms. In Dallas, residential alarm permits are typically $50 annually (non-residential $100), with senior discounts often available; false-alarm fees escalate after a limited number of allowable activations. In order to register for a Security Alarm Permit with the city of Dallas, follow these instructions:
- Visit False Alarm Reduction Website (dallasalarmpermit.com)
- Click “Register Online”
- Fill out the online registration form, which will require your contact information, address, and alarm company information
- Pay the $50 fee
- For more information, visit Home (dallaspolice.net)
How to Choose Your Dallas Home Security System
- Interior/exterior cameras: If you’re going to purchase a security camera for your home, consider the weather ratings for exterior cameras. Dallas is hot and humid, with warm summers and mild winters. For busy networks or multi-camera setups, Wi‑Fi 7 gear can improve reliability and reduce latency (Wi‑Fi Alliance).
- Control panel: The control panel is one of the most important facets of your home security system. This is the interface that gives you access to the backend of your home security system. Before you purchase a security system for your home, research how intuitive and easy to use the control panel is and confirm dual-path connectivity (cellular + Wi‑Fi) for resilience.
- Compatibility: One of the most convenient aspects of a home security system is its compatibility with your smart devices. The top operating systems for phones, Android, Google, and iOS, should integrate with most home security system hubs. Growing support for Matter/Thread helps locks and sensors work across ecosystems—useful for future-proofing (Connectivity Standards Alliance).
- Storage: If you live in an area where you’re bombarded with foot traffic, you might stock up on video storage a lot more quickly than you would expect should you have a motion-sensor camera. If this is the case, be sure to position the camera to focus on the traffic that’s coming in and out of your home instead of the street. This will help to cut down on needless monitoring and keep you from racking up unnecessary video footage. Consider local or end‑to‑end encrypted options where available (e.g., HomeKit Secure Video).
- Window/door sensors: Due to Dallas’s considerable humidity, you’ll want to make sure your door and window sensors are weatherproofed. With long-term exposure, the dense humidity and heat could cause a lot of wear and tear on any outdoor sensors. Ideally, you’ll want to keep your window and door sensors indoors.
Local vs. national companies
| Pros of local security company | Offers a more personalized experience Familiarity with your neighborhood Investment in your community |
| Cons of local security company | Pricier packages Longer wait times Less resources to offer |
| Pros of national security company | 24/7 monitoring Wide variety of equipment options Smart equipment capabilities |
| Cons of national security company | Poor customer service Less personalized experience Lack of familiarity with your neighborhood |
Dallas Home Security Systems FAQ
Methodology
We evaluated home security companies based on equipment cost, monthly costs, contract options, installation and customer satisfaction to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best home security reviews. To compare home security companies with other providers across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com score based on the following:
- 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: Reviews.com 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 2024 U.S. Home Security Satisfaction Study, we assigned a score to each company based on the rating it received.
- Installation: Just like with contracts, we award higher scores to companies that have flexible installation options, like DIY or professional options.
