Compare the highest-rated home security professionals in Cheltenham, Maryland. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A nationally recognized leader with a strong local presence, ADT offers comprehensive security solutions including professional installation, 24/7 monitoring from multiple centers, and a wide range of smart home integrations. Their strength lies in their brand reliability, extensive service network, and long-term monitoring contracts.
Guardian is a well-established, employee-owned company that provides professionally installed and monitored security systems. They are highly rated for their customer service, responsive monitoring, and quality equipment from brands like 2GIG. They serve the Cheltenham area from their Maryland offices.
A highly-rated local contractor known for personalized service and expertise in both residential and commercial security. They excel at custom installations, system integration, and maintenance/repair services, offering a more hands-on, customer-focused alternative to the large national companies.
** The home security market in and around Cheltenham, MD, is competitive and served by a mix of national giants and reputable local contractors. The average quality is high, with companies holding the necessary state and local licenses for alarm installation and monitoring. Residents have access to a full spectrum of services, from basic alarm monitoring to advanced smart home and video surveillance systems. Pricing is typical for the Greater Washington area, with basic monitored system packages often starting between $30-$50 per month, plus installation fees that can range from $99 to several hundred dollars for more complex, customized setups. The presence of both large providers (offering brand-name reliability and extensive resources) and smaller local firms (offering more flexible, personalized service) creates a healthy market that benefits consumers in Cheltenham.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cheltenham regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home security services in Cheltenham, Maryland.
In Cheltenham and surrounding Prince George's County, a basic professionally installed system typically starts between $200-$600 for equipment and installation, with monthly monitoring fees ranging from $30 to $60. Local factors that can influence cost include the age and construction of your home (common in many Cheltenham neighborhoods), which may require more complex wiring, and the specific need for exterior lighting or cameras to cover larger, wooded lots prevalent in the area. Always get itemized quotes from local providers.
Maryland's humid summers and cold winters require systems with equipment rated for wide temperature and humidity ranges. For Cheltenham homeowners, this means ensuring outdoor cameras and sensors are weatherproof (IP65 or higher) and choosing wireless components with reliable batteries that won't fail in extreme temperatures. Seasonal maintenance should include clearing overgrown summer foliage from camera sightlines and checking for ice or snow blockage on exterior sensors in winter to prevent false alarms.
Yes, Prince George's County has ordinances governing alarm systems. You must register your alarm system with the county and will be subject to fines for excessive false alarms, which dispatch police from the Cheltenham Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad area. For cameras, you cannot record audio without consent under Maryland's wiretapping laws, and you must ensure your cameras do not point directly into a neighbor's private windows or spaces, respecting local community standards.
Prioritize providers with a verified local presence and technicians familiar with the community's layout and common home styles. Check that they hold a valid Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license and are certified by major monitoring centers like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). It's also wise to ask for local references and confirm their response times and partnerships with the Prince George's County Central Alarm monitoring system for efficient emergency dispatch.
A layered approach is best. Start with robust perimeter security: motion-activated lighting (especially important on wooded lots) and clearly visible signage to deter casual trespassers. For wildlife like deer or foxes that can trigger motion sensors, consider cameras with pet-immunity settings or dual-technology sensors (combined motion and heat detection). Integrating your security system with smart outdoor lighting and clearly defined property boundaries is a highly effective strategy for the local environment.