Lin NormanNashville is booming, and rapid growth demands tighter safety measures across the board. Downtown honky-tonk owners, corporate office managers, and suburban residents all share a non-negotiable need for reliable security.
Unfortunately, too many local firms simply provide a warm body in a uniform alongside a hefty monthly bill.
We wanted real protection instead of bare-minimum service.
That’s why my team and I put the local scene to the test, conducting thorough research to verify trustworthiness. We vetted these providers by searching for elite reliability, rigorous training, and a vital personal touch.
Here is our team-researched breakdown of the best security companies in Nashville that we actually trust to help you protect what matters most.
How much do security services cost in Nashville?
Budgeting for protection depends heavily on the specific risks you need to manage.
| Service Type | Rate |
| Armed guards | $35 to $60 per hour |
| Unarmed guards | $20 to $35 per hour |
| Mobile services | $40 to $70 per hour |
| Basic home alarm monitoring | $10 to $20 per month |
1.Global Risk Solutions, Inc.
Website: https://www.grsprotection.com/security-locations/tennessee/middle-tennessee/
Address: 40 Burton Hills Blvd Suite 200
Contact: (615) 622-2491
Hours: Available 24/7
If you are looking for the best security companies in Nashville, Global Risk Solutions, Inc. (GRS) is a top-tier choice for executive and corporate protection.
They stand out mostly for their elite personnel, staffed by former military and law enforcement professionals who bring unparalleled expertise to the table.
GRS doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they offer highly customizable, scalable plans supported by advanced technology and a 24/7 Command Center for rapid, local deployment.
This is really crucial if you need discrete residential security in Belle Meade or event protection downtown.
However, GRS is explicitly designed for high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives. Their premium, highly-trained armed guards and strategic threat assessments come with a price tag that may be overkill for standard small businesses or the average homeowner.
Additionally, as a rapidly expanding firm, you might encounter occasional administrative inconsistencies.
Overall, if you have the budget and need uncompromising, gold-standard protection, GRS delivers exceptional peace of mind and steadfast reliability.
Customer Reviews
They’ve become an extension of our ops team
GRS has managed three of our corporate events now. They know our venues, anticipate our needs, and have learned to work seamlessly with our vendors. From managing guest access to quietly resolving a contractor issue without calling attention to it—they’ve become an extension of our ops team. That level of trust isn’t easy to earn.
- Viola Hixha | Google Review
We haven’t had a single problem since
We started using GRS after several late-night trespassing incidents near our horse paddocks. They set up motion-detection patrols and began securing the south boundary where most of the issues occurred. We haven’t had a single problem since. What I appreciate most is how they’ve worked with our grounds team, not around them.
- Jen Rothe | Google Review
2. Helton Security
Website: https://heltonsecurity.us/
Address: 7012 City Center Way, Suite 274, Fairview
Contact: (615) 840-5442
Schedule: 24/7 Support
Helton Security specializes in active intervention for high-risk environments where visual presence alone is insufficient. Their armed officers carry tactical gear, including handcuffs and bulletproof vests, and hold licenses to detain suspects directly.
When an incident occurs, these teams step in to neutralize the threat immediately.
One notable thing about this company is that to prevent high turnover, management prioritizes employee satisfaction, ensuring you get the same familiar faces guarding your property week after week.
This consistency eliminates the worry of training a new guard every few days.
Serving the Nashville area since 1999, the company brings over two decades of local expertise to their deployments. However, this heavy tactical focus creates a highly secure atmosphere that might not suit every casual business setting.
A small retail boutique or a quiet corporate lobby needing a friendly greeter will likely find these specialized armed services unnecessary and expensive.
Customer Reviews
HIGHLY recommend Helton for any event
Helton Security was the perfect choice for our wedding! Our security agent, Gil, came dressed for the occasion! He arrived early and communicated very professionally. He was friendly and polite as well. I HIGHLY recommend Helton for any event.
- Jessie Earle | Google Review
I highly recommend Helton Security!
If I could give this company more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! The guard who assisted us with a personal matter was exceptionally professional—well-dressed, calm, and respectful. Emotions were high among everyone involved, yet he did an outstanding job mediating and maintaining peace. He remained neutral while still making it clear who had hired him, which showed great integrity. My entire family felt safe and protected throughout the situation. I highly recommend Helton Security!
- Jose Arias | Google Review
3. Mathis Security Protection Services
Website: https://mathissecurity.com/
Address: 100 Powell Place
Contact: (865) 621-2060 | [email protected]
Schedule: 24/7 Support
Mathis Security Protection Services delivers a highly polished presence for high-end events and executive protection. Their guards arrive in sharp attire and maintain a professional demeanor that blends seamlessly into formal environments.
These officers actively integrate with your staff to coordinate crowd flow and assist with event logistics. Events like high-profile galas and VIP escorts require this precise combination of strict confidentiality and a refined image.
The owner, Michael Mathis, remains personally involved in daily operations, ensuring an immediate layer of accountability for every client contract.
As they operate as a specialized boutique firm, their dedicated services naturally command higher rates.
Massive corporations requiring multi-state infrastructure and hundreds of simultaneous guards will likely need to source a larger national provider.
Customer Reviews
Definitely recommend them to anyone needing security
Mathis Security Protection Services did a great job. The staff was professional, easy to work with, and made us feel safe the whole time. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone needing security.
- Sangita Das | Google Review
Highly recommend!
We had an incredible experience working with Mathis Security! I was nervous working in a new city where we did not have any trusted vendors, but I trusted the other reviews and we could not have been more satisfied with the service, professionalism, and the guards even went above and beyond to over-communicate and help with our activation when that was not expected or necessary. Highly recommend!
- Ashley Acosta | Google Review
4. First Class Security
Website: https://securityguardnashville.com/
Address: 320 Seven Springs Way, Suite 250
Contact: (615) 656-3300 | [email protected]
Schedule: 24/7 Support
As a locally managed firm, First Class Security builds strong connections across Middle Tennessee by understanding local neighborhood dynamics and specific crime trends in-state.
But what sets them apart from the giant national chains is their hands-on approach. When you start a new post, management actually sends supervisors to the site first to make sure your unique protocols are completely dialed in.
Plus, they use live GPS tracking to guarantee their officers are exactly where they should be throughout every shift.
There are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind, though. For some stationary assignments, guards might use their personal vehicles instead of official marked cruisers, which may cut down on that immediate visual deterrence.
Also, because they have a strictly regional focus, if your business has branches outside of Tennessee, you’ll have to find supplementary coverage for those out-of-state locations.
Customer Reviews
Professionalism, quick communication, and thorough reports
We’ve worked with First Class for a few years now and have always appreciated their professionalism, quick communication, and thorough reports. Alex Sanders consistently goes above and beyond to make sure our property is well taken care of. I would highly recommend them.
- Seth Bladow | Google Review
Service and communication was very professional
First Class Security was recommended by a client of ours. Our experience was very good from beginning to end (we only needed security for a few months). Jon was great to work with. Service and communication was very professional. The Security team turned in their daily reports for every round made along with pictures. Thank you so much for your service! We will definitely reach out to you again if ever needed!
- PT Landscape | Google Review
5. On Guard Security, Inc
Website: https://onguardsecurityinc.com/
Address: 501 Metroplex Drive, Suite 210
Contact: (615) 361-4141 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Dispatch Service 24/7
On Guard Security mandates rigorous drug tests and comprehensive background checks before deploying any personnel to your site.
You can choose between armed officers for high-risk environments or unarmed guards for basic access control, allowing you to tailor the presence to your specific property.
What I find most advantageous is that if your business operations cross the state line, their dual-state licensing in Tennessee and Kentucky eliminates the administrative headache of hiring separate regional contractors.
The management here also actively fosters a family-oriented environment to encourage reliable staffing for your long-term contracts.
However, the company’s reliance on entry-level wages can still occasionally result in higher staff turnover. That said, you might experience more frequent guard rotations compared to a premium-priced boutique firm.
If you strictly require the exact same familiar face greeting your employees every day, these frequent rotations could be underwhelming.
Customer Reviews
A vendor that you can trust to get the job done
OGSI has been a valuable partner, assiting with security at our hotel properties. I have been pleased with thier ability to accommodate last minute changes and coverage requests. It’s nice to work with a vendor that you can trust to get the job done.
- David Sundermann | Google Review
Hard to find security that is as attentive to detail as they are
We have been with OnGaurd for six months now and their professionalism and vigilance has consistently kept trespassers away. I used to have a problem with break-ins.. OnGuard quickly solved that problem. It’s a huge relief having my business good hands. I can leave the office knowing we’re not in jeopardy and my clients’ vehicles are being guarded carefully. It’s hard to find security that is as attentive to detail as they are. I will definitely have them at my second location when it opens.
- Thai L1me | Google Review
