SafeGuard Security at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1961 (Scottsdale, AZ) |
| Service area | Arizona only (Phoenix metro, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott) |
| Ownership | Locally owned, not a national chain |
| Contract | 36-month minimum |
| Monitoring | $30-$50/month (estimated) |
| Installation | Professional only (no DIY option) |
| Equipment | Honeywell/Resideo panels |
| Mobile patrol | Yes — armed response service in Phoenix metro |
| Smart home | Limited (Total Connect 2.0 app via Honeywell) |
| Our verdict | 2.5/5 — mobile patrol is unique, but contracts and pricing push most buyers toward DIY |
What SafeGuard Actually Offers
Monitoring Plans
| Plan | Estimated Monthly | Includes | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic monitoring | ~$30/mo | 24/7 central station, landline | 36 months |
| Cellular monitoring | ~$40/mo | Cellular backup, app access | 36 months |
| Premium + patrol | ~$50/mo | Mobile patrol response, video | 36 months |
Note: SafeGuard doesn’t publish pricing online. Estimates based on industry reports and customer feedback. Actual quotes may vary.
Mobile Patrol — Their Standout Feature
SafeGuard’s mobile patrol service is their real differentiator. When an alarm triggers, instead of just calling police (who may take 30-60 minutes in Phoenix), SafeGuard dispatches their own armed patrol vehicle. Response times are reportedly 10-15 minutes in the Phoenix metro area.
This is genuinely useful if you’re in their coverage zone. However, it comes with caveats:
- Only available in Phoenix metro — not statewide
- Premium plan pricing (~$50/mo)
- Response times vary by location and time of day
- Locked behind a 36-month contract
SafeGuard Strengths
| Strength | Details | Caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile patrol response | Armed patrol dispatched on alarm | Phoenix metro only, premium plan |
| 60+ years in Arizona | Established local reputation | Longevity doesn’t guarantee value |
| Local ownership | Not a faceless national corp | Limited service area as a result |
| Honeywell equipment | Industry-standard panels | Same equipment available through DIY systems |
| Commercial services | Fire, access control, CCTV | Residential customers subsidize commercial focus |
SafeGuard Problems
| Problem | Impact | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| 36-month contracts | $1,080-$1,800 commitment before you try it | Abode — no contract, cancel anytime |
| No DIY option | Must schedule install, wait for tech | Abode Smart Security Kit — 15-min self-install |
| No published pricing | Can’t compare before calling sales | Abode, Ring, SimpliSafe all show pricing online |
| Arizona only | Move out of state = cancel + pay ETF | DIY systems move with you anywhere |
| Limited smart home | Basic Honeywell app, no HomeKit | Abode — HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee |
| Professional install fees | $99-$299+ upfront (estimated) | DIY systems = $0 installation |
| No self-monitoring tier | Must pay monthly even for basic alerts | Abode free plan — $0/mo self-monitoring |
| Outdated web presence | Hard to research before buying | National brands have full specs, reviews, comparisons online |
3-Year Cost Comparison
| System | Equipment | Installation | Monthly | Contract | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode (self-monitor) | $199 | $0 | $0 | None | $199 |
| Abode Pro | $199 | $0 | $20 | None | $919 |
| Ring Plus | $200 | $0 | $20 | None | $920 |
| SimpliSafe Interactive | $299 | $0 | $28 | None | $1,307 |
| SafeGuard Basic | ~$200 | ~$199 | ~$30 | 36 mo | ~$1,479 |
| SafeGuard Premium + Patrol | ~$200 | ~$199 | ~$50 | 36 mo | ~$2,199 |
| ADT Pro Install | $0 | $0 | $45 | 36 mo | $1,620 |
| Vivint | $0 (financed) | $0 | $50 | 60 mo | $1,800 |
SafeGuard’s premium patrol service costs $2,199 over 3 years — that’s more than double what Abode Pro costs with professional monitoring, cellular backup, and full smart home integration. The only thing you’re getting extra is mobile patrol in Phoenix.
SafeGuard vs Abode: Head-to-Head
| Feature | SafeGuard | Abode |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | 36 months required | No contract |
| Monthly cost | $30-$50 | $0-$20 |
| Installation | Pro install only | 15-min DIY |
| Mobile patrol | Yes (Phoenix) | No |
| HomeKit | No | Yes |
| Z-Wave/Zigbee | Limited | Full support |
| Geofencing | Basic | CUE automations |
| Portability | Arizona only | Take it anywhere |
| Self-monitoring | Not available | Free plan |
| Camera integration | Limited CCTV | Abode Cam 2 ($35) |
| Cellular backup | Premium plan only | All plans |
When SafeGuard Makes Sense
| Scenario | SafeGuard? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want armed patrol response in Phoenix | ✅ Yes | Only local provider with this service |
| Commercial property in AZ needing fire + access | ✅ Yes | Full commercial security suite |
| You want no-contract flexibility | ❌ No | 36-month minimum — try Abode |
| You’re tech-savvy and want smart home | ❌ No | Limited integrations — Abode has HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee |
| You might move out of Arizona | ❌ No | System doesn’t travel — DIY systems do |
| You want the lowest cost | ❌ No | Abode at $199 + free monitoring can’t be beat |
| You’re a renter | ❌ No | Pro install + contract = landlord headaches |
Other Arizona Security Options
| Provider | Type | Contract | Monthly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | DIY + optional pro | None | $0-$20 | Best overall value, smart home |
| Ring | DIY | None | $20 | Amazon ecosystem |
| SimpliSafe | DIY | None | $18-$28 | Simple setup, no smart home needed |
| ADT | Pro install | 36 mo | $28-$45 | Brand recognition, local offices |
| Alarm Capital Alliance | Local pro | 36 mo | ~$35 | AZ commercial, fire |
Already a SafeGuard Customer?
If you’re locked into a SafeGuard contract and considering a switch:
- Check your contract end date — early termination fees typically equal remaining monthly payments
- Request a copy of your contract — verify auto-renewal terms (many auto-renew for 12 months)
- Send cancellation in writing — certified mail, 30-60 days before contract end
- Set up Abode before canceling — 15-minute install means zero gap in protection
- Keep your existing sensors? — SafeGuard uses Honeywell panels; some sensors may work with Abode via the Smart Security Hub’s multi-protocol support
SafeGuard in 2026: What’s Changed
SafeGuard continues to operate in Arizona but faces increasing pressure from national DIY brands:
- Honeywell panel upgrades — SafeGuard has started offering LTE-equipped Honeywell panels to replace aging POTS (landline) connections. If your SafeGuard system still uses a phone line, request an upgrade — landlines are being decommissioned nationwide.
- Total Connect 2.0 still in use — While Honeywell has released newer app platforms, SafeGuard hasn’t migrated. The TC 2.0 app works but looks dated compared to Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe apps. Basic arm/disarm and notifications only.
- Pricing unchanged — Monitoring plans remain $29–$45/month with 36-month contracts. In a market where Abode offers professional monitoring at $20/mo with no contract and SimpliSafe starts at $22.99/mo, SafeGuard’s pricing feels increasingly out of step.
- Mobile patrol still a differentiator — SafeGuard’s patrol verification service in the Phoenix metro area remains unique. No national brand offers this. If you’re in Phoenix and value human verification at your property, this is SafeGuard’s strongest selling point.
Bottom line: SafeGuard is a reputable local provider with the unique patrol service, but the contract requirements and pricing put it at a significant disadvantage vs portable, no-contract DIY systems. Arizona residents should seriously compare Abode before signing a 3-year SafeGuard contract.
FAQ
Is SafeGuard Security legit?
Yes. SafeGuard is a real, licensed security company operating in Arizona since 1961. They’re BBB accredited with a local office in Scottsdale. The company is legitimate — the question is whether their contract terms and pricing are competitive in 2026, which they generally aren’t compared to DIY options.
Does SafeGuard have an app?
They use Honeywell’s Total Connect 2.0 app for remote access. It’s functional but dated compared to modern apps from Abode, Ring, or SimpliSafe. Expect basic arm/disarm and notifications without advanced automation features.
Can I self-monitor with SafeGuard?
No. SafeGuard requires professional monitoring on all plans. If you want free self-monitoring with optional pro upgrade, Abode’s free plan is the best option.
How does SafeGuard’s mobile patrol work?
When your alarm triggers and the central station can’t reach you, SafeGuard dispatches a patrol vehicle to your property (Phoenix metro area only). They verify the alarm visually and contact police if needed. It’s faster than waiting for police dispatch but only available on premium plans.
What happens if I move out of Arizona?
SafeGuard only operates in Arizona. Moving out of state typically means paying an early termination fee (remaining contract balance). This is one of the biggest drawbacks of regional providers vs. portable DIY systems like Abode.
Is SafeGuard cheaper than ADT?
Slightly, for basic monitoring. But both require long contracts and professional installation. For actual savings, DIY systems like Abode ($199 + $0-$20/mo, no contract) cost 50-70% less over 3 years than either SafeGuard or ADT.
Related Reviews & Guides
Better Alternatives to SafeGuard
- Abode Review 2026 — No-contract DIY with HomeKit, Z-Wave, free self-monitoring
- SimpliSafe Review 2026 — Popular no-contract alternative with pro monitoring from $19.99/mo
- Ring Alarm Review 2026 — Amazon DIY system with $20/mo monitoring
- ADT Review 2026 — America’s biggest pro-install provider
Comparisons
- Abode vs SimpliSafe 2026 — Two best no-contract DIY systems compared
- Abode vs ADT 2026 — DIY vs legacy: HomeKit, cost, cameras
- SimpliSafe vs ADT 2026 — Budget DIY vs legacy pro monitoring
- Abode vs Ring 2026 — HomeKit smart hub vs Amazon camera ecosystem
- Abode vs Vivint 2026 — $6/mo DIY vs $40/mo premium install
- Ring vs SimpliSafe 2026 — Two biggest DIY brands head-to-head
- Abode vs Cove 2026 — Affordable no-contract systems compared
- Brinks vs ADT 2026 — Two legacy pro-install brands compared
Guides
- How to Cancel Your Security Contract — Steps to escape long-term alarm contracts
- DIY Home Security Guide — Self-install system options and setup tips
- How to Choose a Home Security System — Complete buyer’s guide
- Best Home Security With No Monthly Fee — $0/month systems that work
- Profile of a Burglar — What convicted burglars said about choosing targets
- What to Do After a Burglary — 12-step recovery checklist
Last updated: March 2026
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Miss Class says
No longer family owned and operated, was bought out by a California company. Doesn’t disclose all you will be paying per month. Doesn’t follow client wishes when on vacation. Locks you into the contract and will add fees on top of that. There is zero exception unless you were a long time client.. charges for things you never agreed too. Please, if you are looking for an alarm company don’t go with Safeguard. You’ll be robbed blind before you know it. I hate to be negative, but honesty is policy and this co isn’t anything more than all the $$ they can make at your expense. You’re just a number, not a customer.
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks for the update on them. Locals always know best 😉