Compare the highest-rated home security professionals in Ellicott City, Maryland. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A nationally recognized provider with a strong local presence through authorized dealers. Guardian offers comprehensive professionally installed security systems with 24/7 monitoring from their proprietary monitoring centers. They are known for high-quality equipment and robust smart home integration capabilities.
A highly-rated local company based directly in Ellicott City. They specialize in customized security solutions for both residential and commercial clients, offering personal service and local, rapid response for installations and maintenance. Their local ownership often translates to high customer satisfaction.
The largest and most well-known national security company, with multiple authorized dealers serving the Ellicott City area. ADT provides extensive experience, multiple redundant monitoring centers, and a wide range of equipment. Their brand recognition and long history provide a sense of reliability for many homeowners.
The home security market in Ellicott City is competitive and mature, characterized by a mix of large national providers (like ADT and Guardian) and well-established local specialists (like Howard County Security). The average quality is high, as companies must meet Maryland state licensing requirements. Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and service offerings. Typical pricing involves an initial equipment and installation cost ranging from $0 to $1,500 (often waived with a monitoring contract), followed by a monthly monitoring fee typically between $35 and $65. There is a significant trend towards integrated smart home systems, with video doorbells, smart locks, and security cameras being highly popular add-ons. Customers in this market tend to value both the technological reliability of national brands and the personalized, responsive service of local companies.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ellicott City regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home security services in Ellicott City, Maryland.
In the Ellicott City area, you can expect an initial equipment and installation cost ranging from $0 to $200, often with a 24-36 month monitoring contract. Monthly professional monitoring fees typically range from $30 to $60. Local factors like the size of your home, the age of its wiring (affecting installation complexity), and specific equipment choices (e.g., flood sensors for basements) will influence the final price.
Yes, Howard County requires an alarm user permit for any monitored burglar alarm system, which must be renewed annually for a small fee. For security cameras, you must ensure they do not record audio without consent due to Maryland's strict two-party consent wiretapping law. Additionally, cameras should be positioned to monitor only your property to avoid neighbor privacy disputes.
Ellicott City's vulnerability to flash flooding, particularly in historic districts and low-lying areas, makes flood sensors a critical addition to any security system. Furthermore, systems should have reliable battery backups and cellular monitoring (not just landline or Wi-Fi) to ensure they remain operational during the frequent severe thunderstorms and power outages that occur in our region.
Prioritize providers with a strong, verifiable local presence and technicians familiar with Ellicott City's mix of historic and modern home construction. A local company can often provide faster in-person service and will have direct experience with the Howard County Police Department's alarm response protocols and permit system, ensuring smoother system registration and dispatch.
Many older hardwired systems in Ellicott City homes can be effectively upgraded with a new interactive control panel and cellular communicator, preserving the existing door and window sensors. A reputable local provider can assess your current wiring and equipment to offer a cost-effective modernization plan, which is often preferable in historic homes where new wiring can be disruptive.