Compare the highest-rated home security professionals in North Chicago, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
ADT is a national leader with a strong local presence, offering comprehensive, professionally installed security systems. Their key strength is reliability, backed by multiple, redundant monitoring centers and a long-standing reputation. They offer a wide range of equipment and integrate well with many smart home platforms.
Guardian is a well-established, national company that provides its own professional monitoring and has a dedicated team for the Illinois market. They are known for their customer service and offer custom-designed security solutions that include cutting-edge video surveillance and environmental monitoring.
A highly-rated, local contractor based in the nearby suburb of Waukegan. They specialize in personalized service and are an authorized dealer for top-tier brands like Vivint. Their high rating reflects a focus on customer satisfaction, custom installations, and serving the specific needs of Lake County residents, including North Chicago.
** The home security market in North Chicago is competitive and served by a mix of large national corporations and reputable local contractors. Residents have access to high-quality options, but the choice often comes down to preference for a nationally recognized brand (ADT, Guardian) with extensive resources versus a local provider (A Safe Harbor Security) known for highly personalized service. * **Average Quality:** The market standard is high, with most reputable providers offering similar core technologies (cellular monitoring, HD cameras, smart locks, sensors). Differentiation occurs through customer service, installation quality, and contract flexibility. * **Competition Level:** High. The presence of major national players and skilled local installers creates a competitive environment that benefits the consumer through service quality and varied pricing models. * **Typical Pricing:** Initial costs can range from $0 to $200 for basic equipment with a long-term contract, to $600+ for advanced, fully-owned systems. Monthly monitoring fees typically range from **$30 to $60+**, depending on the level of service, video storage, and smart home features included. Local contractors may offer more flexibility with no-contract options, though often at a higher upfront equipment cost.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with North Chicago regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home security services in North Chicago, Illinois.
In North Chicago, upfront equipment and installation costs typically range from $0 to $500, depending on the system complexity and promotions. Monthly professional monitoring fees generally run between $30 and $60. It's important to note that Illinois has a 6.25% state sales tax on security equipment, and some local providers may offer competitive pricing compared to national chains, so it's wise to get multiple quotes.
The extreme cold, snow, and ice common in North Chicago winters can impact exterior cameras, motion sensors, and door/window contacts. It's crucial to choose equipment with a wide operating temperature range (e.g., -20°F to 120°F) and to ensure all outdoor components are properly weather-sealed. Professional installers in the area are experienced in placing devices to minimize snowdrift coverage and ice accumulation on camera lenses.
The City of North Chicago does not require a general permit for a standard homeowner-installed security system. However, if your system includes an audible exterior alarm siren, you must register it with the North Chicago Police Department to avoid potential false alarm fines. For systems requiring extensive electrical work or drilling into certain structural elements, it's best to consult local building codes or your installer.
A reputable local provider often offers more personalized service, faster local technician response for maintenance, and specific knowledge of North Chicago neighborhood patterns. National companies may provide broader smart home integration and name recognition. Whichever you choose, verify they are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and have positive reviews from other local homeowners.
Given the severe thunderstorms in summer and blizzards in winter, a reliable backup power source is essential. Ensure your security panel has a high-capacity battery backup (24+ hours) and that critical components like cellular communicators (recommended over landlines) are also backed up. For homes with frequent outages, discussing a generator-compatible system or additional cellular backup with your installer is a prudent step for North Chicago residents.