*Pricing varies substantially with equipment, cameras, promotions, financing, and contract terms. Current 2026 comparisons put ADT and Vivint among the strongest professionally installed choices.
1. ADT — my first choice
ADT currently ranks particularly well for professional installation and monitoring. Its professional-install systems are installed by technicians, and ADT operates six company-operated monitoring centers. Recent testing found an average monitoring response time of about 28 seconds.
Pros: excellent monitoring infrastructure, professional installation, Google/Nest integration, strong reputation. Watch out for: professional-install plans can cost more, and equipment/features can push the monthly price up.
Vivint is particularly appealing if you want security + cameras + smart locks + thermostat + automation in one system. Professional installation is standard, and monitoring is professional.
Pros: excellent smart-home integration, sophisticated cameras, professional installation. Watch out for: equipment/financing can make the total cost considerably higher, and contracts can be lengthy.
Brinks offers professionally installed equipment and 24/7 professional monitoring, with cameras, doorbells, sensors and smart-home integration available.
Pros: traditional full-service security, professional monitoring, customizable systems. Watch out for: pricing is less transparent, and contracts may apply.
First Alarm — local Abilene security provider focused on alarm and surveillance systems.
My shortlist: I'd get quotes from ADT, Vivint, and AAC Security. That gives you a national premium provider, a smart-home-focused provider, and a local alternative to compare.
If you tell me your rough budget (e.g. under $50/month, $50–$100/month, or flexible) and whether you want cameras/doorbell + smoke/CO monitoring, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 best systems and compare their actual current pricing and contracts.
If you want a complete, hands-off approach where technicians handle the physical setup and professional dispatch centers watch your home 24/7, a few top-tier home security providers stand out:
SimpliSafe provides an exceptional balance of flexible, highly customizable equipment and top-tier monitoring. While primarily designed for DIY, they offer professional installation for a flat fee if you prefer to have an expert set it up. Review their current offerings on the SimpliSafe Guide.
Brinks Home bridges the gap between self-chosen equipment and complete professional installation options. Their top-tier packages include full setup by a technician alongside comprehensive 24/7 emergency response. Explore packages via Brinks Home.
To help narrow down which option fits best, let me know:
Do you prefer a traditional hardwired system or a wireless smart home ecosystem?
Are you looking for heavy camera coverage or primarily door/window intrusion sensors?
If you want someone else to handle the drilling, wiring, and system configuration while locking down 24/7 professional oversight, going with a professionally installed and monitored security system is the way to go.[](https://www.security.org/home-security-systems/best/professional-install/)
The top companies to consider for this specific setup include:
ADT Security
The Vibe: The gold standard for legacy reliability and trusted household brand recognition.
Installation: Professional in-home setup by certified technicians who customize placement for your layout.
Perks: Strong partnership with Google brings top-tier Google Nest cameras and integrations, backed by a massive monitoring network.
Drawbacks: Less national name recognition, and upfront/monthly pricing tends to reflect traditional full-service security.
SimpliSafe(Via Pro-Install Partners)
The Vibe: The most flexible, contract-free alternative.
Installation: While originally a DIY system, they partner with professional installation networks (like Pro Install services) if you prefer not to do it yourself.
Perks: Month-to-month monitoring plans with no long-term lock-in, highly rated hardware, and innovative "Active Guard" live response features.
Yes. If your priorities are professional installation + 24/7 professional monitoring, I’d put ADT and Vivint at the top of your list, with Brinks as another worthwhile quote.
Several top-tier home security companies specialize in full-service offerings , meaning a certified technician handles the physical setup and configuration, and the company backs it with 24/7 professional monitoring.[](https://www.security.org/home-security-systems/best/)
ADT Home Security : The industry standard for reliability and nationwide reach. ADT sends professional technicians to design and install your setup, ensuring optimal sensor and camera placement. They feature robust 24/7 monitoring and extensive smart-home compatibility, though it typically requires a traditional multi-year contract and higher upfront equipment/installation costs.[](https://www.safehome.org/security-systems/best/)
Vivint Smart Home : Widely recognized as a top choice for high-end home automation and custom smart ecosystems. Every Vivint system is installed by licensed professionals who optimize AI-driven cameras, smart locks, and environmental sensors. They offer fast monitoring response times, but the equipment and plans sit at a premium price point.[](https://www.safehome.org/security-systems/best/)
Brinks Home : Known for offering a balance between professional-grade security and slightly more flexible or affordable contract and installation packages. They provide professional installation options (sometimes free depending on the promotional package) alongside dependable 24/7 alarm monitoring.[](https://www.safehome.org/security-systems/best/)
SimpliSafe : Traditionally known as a premier DIY choice, SimpliSafe also partners with certified technicians to provide professional, no-obligation-contract installation if you prefer not to set it up yourself. Paired with their interactive or Active Guard monitoring plans, it gives you a flexible middle ground between custom pro setups and simplicity.
If you want to narrow down these options, let me know:
Do you prefer a traditional contract or month-to-month service?
Are you more interested in heavy smart-home automation (lights, smart locks, thermostats) or straightforward intrusion/safety monitoring?
I can help tailor the recommendation to your preferences.
If you want a home security system where the company installs the equipment and provides 24/7 professional monitoring, I’d start by comparing ADT and Vivint, then look at a few St. Louis-area providers. These options can handle the setup for you, including door and window sensors, alarms, cameras, and emergency-response coordination.
My top recommendations
1. ADT
(Best overall starting point)
ADT offers professional installation, 24/7 alarm monitoring, battery backup, and options for smart-home controls and Google Nest cameras. It operates its own U.S. monitoring centers.
Contracts and potentially higher long-term cost
Vivint
Best smart-home system
✅
✅
More expensive; contracts are common
Brinks Home
Smart-home alternative
✅*
✅
Installation depends on package
Local South Florida installer
Personalized service
✅
✅*
Need to vet the monitoring provider carefully
1. ADT — my first quote to get.
ADT currently ranks especially well for professional installation and monitoring. Its professionally installed systems include 24/7 monitoring, and ADT offers a six-month money-back guarantee on those systems.
Vivint 2. Vivint — best if you want a sophisticated smart home.
Vivint is particularly strong for integrated cameras, locks, thermostats and automation. Installation is handled by Vivint technicians, and its monitoring is performed by an in-house 24/7 team. Current published monitoring pricing starts around $24.99/month, although the actual package can cost more.
3. Brinks Home — worth getting a competing quote.
Brinks offers professional monitoring and professional installation, but its installation isn't included in every package. Its Ultimate package includes professional installation; other packages can be professionally installed for an additional fee.
Since you're in South Florida
There are also local companies worth investigating. For example:
Florida Burglary Control — Miami Gardens-based, with system installation and 24/7 professional monitoring.
Alarm Brokers of Florida, LLC — Doral-based integrator offering residential security installation and monitoring.
Alarm and Electronics — South Florida company offering professionally installed and monitored alarm/life-safety systems.
Vivint — Doral-area Vivint operation offering professional installation and monitoring.
Miami Premium Security LLC / ADT Authorized Dealer — an ADT authorized dealer serving Miami-Dade and Broward.
What I'd do
I'd get three quotes: ADT, Vivint, and one reputable local installer. Don't compare just the advertised monthly monitoring price. Ask each one for the total 3- and 5-year cost, including:
Equipment
Installation
Monthly monitoring
Cameras/video storage
Cellular backup
Service/repair fees
Contract length
Early cancellation charges
Whether you own or lease the equipment
What happens to the equipment if you cancel
That's particularly important because professional systems can involve multi-year commitments; for example, current comparisons show contracts ranging from monthly arrangements to 3–5 years depending on provider and financing.
My personal ranking for your requirements:ADT → Vivint → Brinks → carefully vetted local installer.
If you tell me your approximate budget, house size, number of doors, and whether you want cameras, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 best systems and compare their current pricing and contracts.
Vivint's technicians install and configure the system, demonstrate how to use it, and provide ongoing support. Professional monitoring is included with its security service. Options include cameras, smart locks, and other connected-home devices.
Best for: People who want a professionally managed system with cameras and smart-home automation in one app.
Confirm the full equipment price, installation fee, monthly monitoring charge, and contract terms.
A local security provider offering residential alarm installation, professional monitoring, and related safety and security solutions. Its location is at 9021 Riverview Drive in the St. Louis area.
Best for: Comparing a local provider against the national brands.
View business details
4. St Louis Alarm Co
St. Peters, Missouri · 5.0/5 (80 reviews)
Offers security-system design and installation, intrusion alarms, video surveillance, and related services.
Best for: Homeowners who want to discuss a more tailored system with a local installer.
View business details
5. SafeStreets Home Security St. Louis
St. Louis area · ADT installation partner
SafeStreets coordinates professionally installed ADT-monitored systems, with options for intrusion sensors, cameras, and smart-home features.
Best for: Getting an ADT installation quote through a local-area provider.
View business details
Compare them before signing
What to compare
Why it matters
Upfront equipment and installation
Avoid surprises beyond the advertised offer
Monthly monitoring
Compare the full recurring cost, not just the introductory price
Contract length
Check cancellation fees and financing obligations
Cellular and battery backup
Helps keep the system connected during outages
Cameras and video storage
Find out whether recording requires an additional subscription
Emergency response
Ask how the company verifies alarms and contacts police or fire services
Local providers to compare
My recommendation is to get three written quotes: ADT, Vivint, and one local installer. Ask each to quote the same equipment setup so you can compare the actual total cost.
One question that would help me narrow this down: What is your approximate monthly budget for monitoring, including equipment if financed?