Best Security Guard Companies in NYC (2026)

New York City has an estimated 81,900 security guards working across its five boroughs (UC Berkeley Labor Center). For property managers and building owners, that means hundreds of security companies are competing for your contract — and the quality gap between the best and worst is enormous.

We put together this guide to help you cut through the noise. Below, you will find our picks for the seven best security guard companies operating in New York City in 2026, along with honest assessments of what each company does well and where they fall short. We also cover how to evaluate any security provider, what questions to ask before signing a contract, and whether a local or national firm is the better fit for your property.

The 7 Best Security Guard Companies in NYC for 2026

We evaluated dozens of security providers across New York City and narrowed the list based on years in business, service range, NYC-specific expertise, client and employee reviews, licensing, and industry reputation. Here is how the top seven stack up.

Company	Est.	Key Services	Best For	Coverage
Building Security Services	1984	Unarmed, armed, fire watch, concierge, patrol, construction, events	Commercial & residential buildings	NYC + NJ
EPIC Security Corp	1978	Unarmed, armed, investigations, courier, training	Large-scale commercial & government	NYC metro
Citadel Security Agency	1981	Event security, trade shows, corporate, armed, unarmed	Events & special occasions	NYC
Security USA	2001	Unarmed, armed, doormen, patrol, surveillance	Residential & mid-size commercial	NY, NJ, FL
AAM Secure	1991	Unarmed, armed, concierge, patrol, CCTV	Residential buildings & small commercial	All 5 NYC boroughs
Allied Universal	1957	Full-service: guards, technology, consulting, risk advisory	Enterprise & multi-site portfolios	National
Securitas	1934	Guarding, mobile patrol, remote monitoring, consulting	Corporate campuses & tech-integrated sites	Global

1. Building Security Services – Best Overall

Building Security Services has been protecting commercial and residential properties across New York City and New Jersey since 1984. The company is women-led under President Susan Ferdinando, and operates out of dedicated offices in both states with a New York City branch managed by Craig Battle.

What sets BSS apart from most competitors on this list is the breadth of services under one roof. The company provides unarmed security guards, armed security guards, fire watch services, concierge and doorman staffing, mobile patrol, construction site security, and event security. all managed locally.

What they do well:

• 40+ years of continuous operation with deep roots in the tri-state market
• Full-service provider: Guards, fire watch, concierge, patrol, construction, and events without needing multiple vendors
• Local management with direct accountability. Craig Battle runs the NYC branch; you are not routed through a national call center.
• BOMA membership signals that they understand commercial real estate operations, not just security in the abstract
• Serves 22+ industries, from commercial office buildings to hospitals and hotels

What to consider:

• Strongest presence is in NJ and the NYC metro area – not the right fit if you need coverage in upstate New York or outside the tri-state region
• Mid-size company – if you need 500+ guards deployed simultaneously across dozens of states, a national firm may have the infrastructure advantage

Best for: Property managers and building owners in NYC and NJ who want a single, locally managed security partner with a full service menu and decades of proven reliability.

“The biggest complaint we hear from property managers switching to us is that their previous provider treated them like an account number. They could not get their rep on the phone when a guard called out or when a tenant had a concern. That is a structural problem with how national firms operate — we solve it by keeping management local and accessible.”

— Craig Battle, NY Branch Manager, Building Security Services

2. EPIC Security Corp – Best for Large-Scale Operations

EPIC Security Corp has been operating in New York City since 1978, making it one of the longest-running security firms in the metro area with over 45 years in business. The company describes itself as the largest provider of uniformed security guards in the NYC/NJ metro and operates a 24-hour command and dispatch center.

EPIC provides armed and unarmed guards, investigative services, armed courier services, and guard training programs. Their client roster includes corporations, government agencies, and foreign governments.

What they do well:

• Massive scale and infrastructure – 24/7 command center with centralized dispatch
• 45+ years of longevity in a market where many firms fold within a decade
• Government and corporate client experience, which requires passing stricter vetting standards
• In-house training programs for their guard workforce

What to consider:

• Employee reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor are mixed. Recurring themes include high turnover and management communication gaps
• Size can be a double-edged sword: some clients report that smaller accounts get less attention than high-profile ones
• Service menu is narrower than some competitors – no concierge or fire watch offerings listed

Best for: Large commercial properties, government facilities, and corporate campuses that need high-volume guard deployment with a proven track record.

3. Citadel Security Agency – Best for Events

Citadel Security Agency was founded in 1981 by a retired NYPD Detective and a retired Sergeant. That law enforcement DNA still defines the company: their workforce includes retired NYPD and FDNY personnel, military specialists, court officers, and former intelligence professionals. The company claims a 97% client retention rate.

Citadel specializes in event security – trade shows, fashion shows, award ceremonies, product launches, corporate events, and private functions across all five boroughs.

What they do well:

• Events specialization backed by 40+ years of experience
• Staff with law enforcement and military backgrounds brings a level of professionalism that generic guard services cannot match
• 97% client retention rate – one of the highest in the NYC market
• Strong reputation for houses of worship, schools, and high-profile venues

What to consider:

• Primarily events-focused – not the best fit if you need ongoing, full-time building security with account management
• Limited service menu compared to full-service providers – no fire watch, no technology/systems integration
• Smaller operation than EPIC or the nationals, which can limit surge capacity for very large deployments

Best for: Event organizers, venues, and cultural institutions in NYC that need experienced, professional security for high-profile occasions.

4. Security USA – Best for Residential Properties

Security USA was founded in 2001 and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company serves residential and commercial properties across New York, New Jersey, and Florida, with a particular focus on doorman services and residential building security.

Services include professional doormen, mobile vehicle patrols, armed and unarmed guards, and security consulting.

What they do well:

• A+ BBB rating with positive client reviews – one of the better reputations in the NYC residential security market
• Strong doorman and residential focus – they understand the nuances of tenant-facing security
• Tri-state coverage plus Florida for clients with properties in multiple markets
• Security consulting services for clients who need a risk assessment before committing to a guard program

What to consider:

• 23 years in business – solid, but less track record than the 40+ year firms on this list
• Employee reviews on Glassdoor average 3.6 out of 5 – decent but not outstanding, with some concerns about compensation and advancement
• Less specialized in events, construction, or fire watch compared to more diversified providers

Best for: Residential property managers who need reliable doorman staffing and building security across the NYC metro or in multiple East Coast markets.

5. AAM Secure – Best for Borough-Wide Coverage

AAM Secure is a family-run security firm that has been operating in New York City since 1991 – over 30 years of continuous service. The company covers all five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island) plus Long Island, with both armed and unarmed guard services.

In addition to guard services, AAM provides concierge staffing, patrolling, access control, CCTV monitoring, and emergency response planning.

What they do well:

• Genuine five-borough coverage with local knowledge across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island
• Family-run operation with a personal touch – clients speak directly to ownership, not layers of middle management
• Positive client testimonials across Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and their own site
• Flexible enough to handle both residential buildings and small commercial properties

What to consider:

• Smaller scale limits capacity for large commercial deployments or multi-site portfolios
• NYC-only – if you need a security partner that also covers New Jersey or beyond, you will need a second provider
• Less brand recognition than the larger firms, which matters if your tenants or board expect a name-brand provider

Best for: Small to mid-size residential and commercial properties across the five boroughs that value a hands-on, family-run operation over corporate scale.

6. Allied Universal – Best for Enterprise Scale

Allied Universal is the largest security services company in North America, employing over 300,000 people worldwide. The company has been in operation since 1957, with a massive NYC presence serving corporate offices, financial institutions, healthcare facilities, and government buildings.

Their service menu is the broadest of any company on this list: on-site guarding, technology solutions (access control, video surveillance, visitor management), risk consulting, and executive protection.

What they do well:

• Unmatched scale – can deploy hundreds of guards across multiple sites on short notice
• Technology integration that smaller firms cannot replicate: AI-powered surveillance, workforce management platforms, real-time reporting dashboards
• Brand recognition matters for Fortune 500 tenants and institutional investors
• Full risk advisory and consulting services on top of guard deployment

What to consider:

• Employee reviews in NYC average 3.0 out of 5 on Glassdoor from 663 reviews — the most common complaints are about management communication, compensation (2.7/5 for benefits), and inconsistent staffing quality
• Account management can feel impersonal. Multiple reviewers describe a “hit or miss” experience depending on which site team you draw.
• The security industry overall runs a 77% annual turnover rate, but national firms tend to run higher than regional ones – and high turnover means your building sees unfamiliar faces more often
• Pricing typically reflects the corporate overhead – expect to pay more than you would with a regional provider for comparable on-site service

Best for: Enterprise clients, multi-state portfolios, and facilities that need both guarding and integrated technology solutions from a single vendor with national reach.

> Related reading: Our deep dive into the pros and cons of local vs. national security companies breaks down this decision in more detail.

7. Securitas – Best for Technology Integration

Securitas is a global security company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with operations in 44 countries. In the U.S., Securitas provides on-site guarding, mobile patrol, remote monitoring, and consulting services. Their NYC operations serve corporate, commercial, and industrial clients.

Securitas has invested heavily in what they call “intelligent security” – combining physical guards with technology like remote video monitoring, electronic access control, and data analytics.

What they do well:

• Strongest technology play among security guard companies – their remote monitoring and analytics platform is industry-leading
• Global infrastructure for clients with international operations
• 90 years of institutional knowledge as one of the oldest security companies in the world
• Mobile patrol capabilities that supplement static guard posts

What to consider:

• Global scale comes with the same downsides as Allied Universal – layers of management, slower responsiveness, and less personalized service for mid-market accounts
• Guard quality varies by market. A Securitas guard in Stockholm is not the same as a Securitas guard in Brooklyn.
• The technology pitch is compelling but adds cost – smaller properties may not need (or want to pay for) AI-powered surveillance dashboards
• Less embedded in the NYC market than local firms that have spent decades building relationships with property managers in specific boroughs

Best for: Corporate campuses and technology-forward facilities that want a single provider for both physical guarding and integrated security technology on a global scale.

How We Evaluated These Companies

We reviewed each company across six criteria:

1. Longevity: How long has the company been in continuous operation? Longevity is not a guarantee of quality, but a company that has survived 20+ years in the NYC market has demonstrated staying power in one of the most competitive environments in the country.
2. Service breadth: Does the company offer the full range of security services a property might need — guards, fire watch, concierge, patrol, events — or will you need multiple vendors?
3. NYC specialization: Does the company have local management, borough-level knowledge, and established relationships with property managers in the city? Or is NYC one of dozens of markets they serve from a distance?
4. Client and employee reviews: We checked Yelp, Google, BBB, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Employee reviews are an especially telling indicator — companies that treat their guards poorly deliver worse service to clients.
5. Licensing and compliance: Every security company in New York must be licensed by the New York State Department of State, and every guard must carry a valid registration card issued after completing the required 8-hour pre-assignment training. We confirmed licensing status for each company.
6. Industry membership: Membership in organizations like BOMA, ASIS International, or local chambers of commerce signals that a company invests in professional development and industry relationships beyond just winning contracts.

A note on transparency: Building Security Services is on this list, and we are the ones writing it. We included ourselves because we believe we belong here — but we also gave every competitor an honest assessment. If another company on this list is a better fit for your specific needs, we would rather you make the right choice than the wrong one.

What to Look for When Hiring a Security Guard Company in NYC

Choosing a security provider is not like choosing a cleaning service. A bad hire means your tenants feel unsafe, your liability exposure goes up, and your building’s reputation takes a hit. Here is what to prioritize.

Verify NYS Licensing

Every security guard company in New York must hold a valid license from the New York State Department of State. Every individual guard must carry a Security Guard Registration Card, which requires completing an 8-hour pre-assignment training course and passing a background check through the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Ask to see proof — any legitimate company will have it ready.

Check Insurance and Bonding

At minimum, your security provider should carry general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and a surety bond. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify the coverage limits match what your property requires. Commercial buildings in Manhattan often require $2 million or more in general liability coverage.

Evaluate Guard Training Standards

New York State requires 8 hours of pre-assignment training, 16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 days, and 8 hours of annual in-service training. That is the legal minimum. The best companies exceed it — look for providers that offer site-specific training, communication skills development, de-escalation training, and fire life safety certification where applicable.

Ask About Account Management

This is where the gap between good and great security companies shows up. Find out who your day-to-day point of contact will be. Ask how quickly they respond to call-outs and staffing emergencies. Ask whether your account manager is local or remote. The answers tell you more about service quality than any sales pitch.

“The contract is just the starting point. What matters is what happens at 2 a.m. when a guard calls out and your building needs coverage in two hours. That is when you find out whether your security company is a real partner or just a vendor.”

— Amanda DeAlmeida, Executive VP, Building Security Services

Review Contract Terms Carefully

Security guard contracts vary widely. Look for clear terms on billing rates, overtime, holiday surcharges, cancellation clauses, and performance guarantees. Be cautious of contracts that lock you in for long periods without performance review windows. NYC security guard rates typically range from $22 to $55 per hour depending on the type of guard and shift (Salary.com, 2026), with evening, weekend, and armed shifts commanding premiums.

Look for Technology Capabilities

Modern security is not just about bodies at posts. Ask whether the company uses digital reporting tools, real-time incident tracking, visitor management systems, and video surveillance integration. Technology does not replace good guards — but it makes good guards more effective.

Local vs. National: Which Is Right for Your Building?

This is one of the biggest decisions you will make when choosing a security provider, and there is no universally right answer. It depends on your property, your budget, and what you value most.

When a Local or Regional Firm Is the Better Fit

• Responsiveness: Local firms have management within driving distance of your building. When something goes wrong, they show up — they do not escalate through three layers of regional directors.
• Lower turnover: The security industry runs a 77% annual turnover rate nationally. Regional firms consistently run lower because they invest more in guard retention and site-specific relationships.
• Site knowledge: A local security company that has protected commercial buildings in Manhattan or Brooklyn for decades understands building codes, tenant expectations, neighborhood dynamics, and borough-specific regulations in a way that a national firm staffing from a national talent pool cannot replicate.
• Cost: Less corporate overhead typically means competitive pricing without sacrificing service quality.

When a National Firm Makes Sense

• Multi-state portfolios: If you manage properties in 10 states, a single national contract simplifies vendor management.
• Enterprise-grade technology: Allied Universal and Securitas invest more in proprietary technology platforms than most regional firms can afford.
• Brand requirements: Some corporate tenants or institutional investors require a name-brand security provider as a condition of their lease or investment agreement.
• Massive scale: If you need 200+ guards deployed across dozens of sites, nationals have the recruiting infrastructure to staff up fast.

For most NYC property managers with one to a handful of buildings, a strong regional provider will deliver better day-to-day service at a lower cost. For a detailed breakdown, read our full comparison of local vs. national security companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a security guard in NYC?

NYC security guard rates typically range from $22 to $55 per hour depending on the type of service. Unarmed guards start around $22-$30/hour, while armed guards average $26-$45/hour. Evening and overnight shifts add $2-$5/hour, weekends add $2-$4/hour, and holidays are billed at 1.5x to 2x the standard rate. For a detailed pricing breakdown, see our NYC security guard cost guide.

What licenses does a security guard company need in New York?

Every security guard company in New York must hold a license from the New York State Department of State. Individual guards must carry a Security Guard Registration Card, which requires completing an 8-hour pre-assignment training course, passing a DCJS background check, and maintaining 8 hours of annual in-service training. Armed guards must also hold a valid NYS pistol license and complete a 47-hour firearms training course. More details in our NYS security guard license guide.

What is the difference between armed and unarmed security guards?

Unarmed guards handle access control, patrols, visitor management, and incident reporting without carrying firearms. Armed guards carry licensed firearms and undergo additional training –  they are typically deployed at higher-risk sites like financial institutions, jewelry stores, or properties with a history of violent incidents. Most commercial buildings and residential properties in NYC use unarmed guards.

Read more about how to know if you need armed or unarmed security guards here.

How quickly can a security company staff my building?

Established NYC security companies can typically deploy guards within 24-72 hours for standard requests. Emergency or same-day deployments are possible with larger firms that maintain a reserve workforce. Seasonal events, construction projects, and fire watch needs can often be staffed within 24 hours by companies that specialize in those services.

What should I look for in a security guard contract?

Key items to review: hourly billing rates and what is included, overtime and holiday surcharge schedules, minimum contract term and cancellation clauses, performance benchmarks and review windows, insurance requirements, guard replacement policies, and reporting deliverables. Our guide to understanding security guard contracts covers each of these in detail.

Do I need armed or unarmed guards for my commercial building?

Most commercial buildings in NYC use unarmed guards. Armed security is typically reserved for high-risk environments, banks, luxury retail, pharmaceutical facilities, or properties that have experienced serious security incidents. Unarmed guards handle the vast majority of commercial property security needs: lobby access control, patrol, visitor management, and incident reporting. A reputable security company will assess your risk profile and recommend the appropriate level of protection.

How do I evaluate whether a security company is right for my building?

Start with the basics: verify their NYS license, check their insurance coverage, and read both client and employee reviews. Then go deeper: visit one of their current sites, talk to a reference, and ask how they handle guard call-outs and emergencies. For a complete evaluation framework, see our guide to evaluating a security company.

The Bottom Line

New York City has no shortage of security guard companies. The challenge is finding one that treats your property like a priority, not an account number.

For most commercial and residential buildings in the five boroughs and surrounding metro area, a strong regional provider with local management, a full service menu, and decades of NYC experience will deliver better results than a national firm. Our top pick is Building Security Services of New York, but the best choice depends on your property type, budget, and specific security needs.

If you are evaluating security providers for your building, request a quote from BSS or use the criteria in this guide to compare your options with confidence.