Best Security Guard Platforms 2025 | Complete Comparison Guide

Navigating the security guard platform landscape can be overwhelming. With options ranging from modern marketplaces to agency management software to traditional security providers, understanding which solution serves your specific needs is crucial.

This comprehensive guide compares all major security guard platforms and approaches to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Platform Categories

Before comparing specific platforms, it's important to understand that "security guard platforms" fall into three distinct categories:

Category 1: Customer Booking Marketplaces

Purpose: Book guards from multiple agencies User: Businesses hiring security guards Example: Calvis

Category 2: Agency Management Software

Purpose: Help agencies run their operations User: Security agency owners and managers Example: TrackTik, Belfry, Silvertrac

Category 3: Traditional Security Providers

Purpose: Provide security services directly User: Customers needing security (but through traditional sales process) Example: Allied Universal, Securitas, GardaWorld

Quick Platform Comparison Matrix

Detailed Platform Analysis

Calvis: Modern Security Marketplace

What It Is: Customer-facing marketplace connecting businesses with multiple vetted security agencies for instant guard booking.

Core Features:

• •Instant online guard booking (60 seconds)
• •Multi-agency comparison and selection
• •Transparent pricing before booking
• •Real-time GPS tracking standard
• •Dynamic shift management via app
• •No contracts or commitments
• •Mobile apps (iOS/Android)
• •AI-powered incident reporting

Pricing Model:

• •Free for customers to use
• •Pay only for guards booked ($22-$45/hour)
• •No hidden fees or setup costs
• •GPS-verified minute-accurate billing

Ideal For:

• •Businesses needing flexible guard staffing
• •Events requiring immediate booking
• •Companies wanting transparent pricing
• •Organizations avoiding long contracts
• •Situations requiring multi-agency access

Strengths:

• •Speed: Book guards in 60 seconds
• •Transparency: See all costs upfront
• •Flexibility: No contracts, edit shifts anytime
• •Choice: Compare multiple agencies
• •Technology: Modern platform with GPS tracking

Limitations:

• •Focus on guard staffing (not full security consulting)
• •Geographic coverage still expanding
• •Best for standard guard services

When to Choose Calvis: Need guards quickly (same-day to weeks out) Want pricing transparency Prefer no long-term contracts Value modern technology Want to compare multiple agencies

TrackTik: Enterprise Agency Management

What It Is: Comprehensive workforce management software designed for security agencies to manage operations.

Core Features:

• •Guard scheduling and dispatch
• •Time and attendance tracking
• •Client management CRM
• •Patrol and tour tracking
• •Invoicing and billing
• •Compliance and training tracking
• •Extensive third-party integrations

Pricing Model:

• •$1,000-$5,000+/month for agencies
• •Per-user fees
• •Implementation costs ($5K-$20K)
• •Annual contracts typical

Ideal For:

• •Security agency owners
• •Enterprise security departments
• •Large operations (50+ guards)
• •Companies needing workforce management

Important: You cannot use TrackTik as a customer to book guards. It's software your security agency might use internally.

Strengths:

• •Comprehensive operations suite
• •Extensive integrations
• •Enterprise scalability
• •Robust reporting

Limitations:

• •Not customer-facing
• •Expensive for small agencies
• •Long implementation time
• •Complex to learn

When Your Agency Uses TrackTik: Your experience booking guards remains traditional (phone, email, sales process). TrackTik helps the agency operate more efficiently behind the scenes.

Belfry: Agency Operations Software

What It Is: Security guard scheduling and management software designed specifically for security agencies.

Core Features:

• •Drag-and-drop scheduling
• •Automated dispatching
• •GPS tracking and tours
• •Client portal (if enabled)
• •Invoice generation
• •Guard management

Pricing Model:

• •$89-$499+/month for agencies
• •Per-guard pricing
• •Setup and onboarding fees

Ideal For:

• •Security agency owners
• •Mid-size agencies (10-100 guards)
• •Companies wanting scheduling automation

Important: Like TrackTik, Belfry is for security companies, not security buyers.

Strengths:

• •User-friendly interface
• •Affordable for small agencies
• •Quick implementation
• •Good customer support

Limitations:

• •Not customer-facing
• •Limited to agency operations
• •Customer access depends on agency

When Your Agency Uses Belfry: You still book through traditional methods. Belfry helps your agency schedule more efficiently.

Silvertrac: Guard Management Platform

What It Is: Security guard scheduling, patrol tracking, and client management software for agencies.

Core Features:

• •Scheduling and shift management
• •Guard tour verification
• •Incident reporting
• •Client communication
• •Time tracking
• •Mobile guard app

Pricing Model:

• •$150-$300+/month for agencies
• •Tiered by company size
• •Per-user fees above limits

Ideal For:

• •Security agency owners
• •Small to mid-size operations
• •Companies needing guard tour tracking

Important: Silvertrac is agency software, not a customer booking platform.

Strengths:

• •Affordable pricing
• •Good mobile app
• •Tour monitoring features
• •Simple interface

Limitations:

• •Not customer-facing
• •Limited advanced features
• •Agency-dependent customer experience

When Your Agency Uses Silvertrac: Your booking process remains traditional. Silvertrac helps the agency manage operations.

Allied Universal: Traditional Security Giant

What It Is: North America's largest security services company providing guards, technology, and risk consulting.

Service Model:

• •Traditional B2B security provider
• •Long-term contracts (1-3 years)
• •Dedicated account management
• •Comprehensive security solutions

Pricing Model:

• •Quote-based negotiation
• •Hourly rates: $25-$50+ per guard
• •Account management fees
• •Contract minimums and commitments

Ideal For:

• •Large enterprises
• •Multi-site operations
• •Long-term predictable needs
• •Complex integrated security

Strengths:

• •Massive scale and resources
• •Comprehensive services
• •National/international presence
• •Established reputation

Limitations:

• •Slow procurement process (6-12 weeks)
• •Long-term contracts required
• •Limited flexibility
• •Opaque pricing until quoted

When to Choose Allied Universal: Need 100+ guards across multiple sites Can commit to multi-year contracts Want bundled services (guards + tech + consulting) Have enterprise budget and procurement process

Securitas: Global Security Provider

What It Is: One of world's largest security services companies with comprehensive offerings.

Service Model:

• •Traditional contract-based services
• •Account management teams
• •Dedicated guard teams
• •Technology integration available

Pricing Model:

• •Negotiated contracts
• •Hourly rates: $28-$55+ per guard
• •Account fees and minimums
• •Multi-year commitments

Ideal For:

• •Enterprises requiring standardization
• •International operations
• •Long-term facility security
• •Compliance-heavy environments

Strengths:

• •Global presence (45 countries)
• •Established procedures
• •Comprehensive services
• •Strong reputation

Limitations:

• •Lengthy sales process
• •Contract commitments
• •Limited real-time transparency
• •Inflexible terms

When to Choose Securitas: Global security coordination needed Multi-year contracts acceptable Want established brand Need specialized services

GardaWorld: Traditional Provider

What It Is: Major global security company with physical security, cash services, and risk management.

Service Model:

• •Contract-based security services
• •Specialized protection services
• •Technology integration
• •Risk consulting

Pricing Model:

• •Quote-based contracts
• •Hourly rates: $30-$60+ per guard
• •Setup and account fees
• •Long-term commitments

Ideal For:

• •High-value asset protection
• •Cash handling and armored services
• •Executive protection
• •High-risk environments

Strengths:

• •Specialized expertise
• •International capabilities
• •Comprehensive services
• •Cash handling services

Limitations:

• •Long procurement cycles
• •Contract lock-in
• •Premium pricing
• •Limited flexibility

When to Choose GardaWorld: Need specialized security services High-risk environment protection Cash handling requirements Multi-year contracts feasible

Platform Comparison by Use Case

Use Case 1: Event Security

Situation: Need 5 guards for weekend concert

Calvis:

• •Book online in 60 seconds
• •Cost: 5 guards × 8 hours × $32/hr = $1,280
• •GPS tracking during event
• •Winner: Instant booking, no contracts, perfect for one-time events

Traditional Providers (Allied/Securitas/GardaWorld):

• •Contact sales 2-3 weeks ahead
• •Quote process: 5-10 business days
• •Higher rates due to account overhead
• •❌ Not practical for one-time events

Agency Software (TrackTik/Belfry/Silvertrac):

• •Cannot be used by customers
• •N/A for this use case

Use Case 2: Long-Term Facility Security

Situation: Need 24/7 coverage for manufacturing facility (3 years)

Calvis:

• •Book ongoing shifts via platform
• •Monthly: ~$20,000 for 24/7 coverage
• •Flexibility to adjust staffing
• •Good option: Flexibility + transparency

Traditional Providers:

• •Comprehensive security assessment
• •Dedicated supervisor and guard team
• •Predictable monthly costs
• •Integration with facility systems
• •Winner: Best for 24/7 integrated operations

Agency Software:

• •Your agency might use internally
• •Not customer-facing

Use Case 3: Retail Chain (Multiple Locations)

Situation: 10 retail stores needing variable coverage

Calvis:

• •Book guards per location as needed
• •Adjust based on foot traffic
• •Compare agencies per market
• •Winner: Flexible scaling, no commitment to fixed coverage

Traditional Providers:

• •National account pricing
• •Standardized deployment
• •Fixed costs regardless of traffic
• •❌ Paying for coverage you don't always need

Agency Software:

• •Not applicable for customers

Use Case 4: Security Agency Operations

Situation: You own a security agency with 50 guards

Calvis:

• •List guards on platform to reach customers
• •Access to marketplace distribution
• •Good: Additional customer channel

Agency Software (TrackTik/Belfry/Silvertrac):

• •Manage scheduling, dispatch, payroll
• •Track compliance and training
• •Generate invoices
• •Winner: Essential for agency operations

Traditional Providers:

• •You are competing against them
• •N/A

Cost Comparison Summary

Example: Small business needs 2 guards × 8 hours × 5 days/week for 1 year

*Includes account management fees and contract premiums

Calvis Savings: $27,120 - $35,520/year (18-23% less) + complete flexibility

Decision Framework

Choose Calvis If:

Need flexible, on-demand guard booking Want transparent pricing upfront Prefer no long-term contracts Value modern technology (GPS tracking, apps) Want to compare multiple agencies Need same-day to immediate booking Operate in major US metros

Choose Agency Software If:

You OWN a security agency Need to manage guard operations Want scheduling automation Require compliance tracking Have 10+ guards to coordinate

Important: You cannot use agency software as a customer.

Choose Traditional Providers If:

Need 100+ guards across multiple sites Can commit to 1-3 year contracts Want comprehensive security programs Need specialized services (risk consulting, technology integration) Have enterprise procurement process Need global coordination

Common Misconceptions Clarified

"All platforms let me book guards"

Reality: Only Calvis and traditional providers serve customers directly. TrackTik, Belfry, and Silvertrac are for security agencies, not security buyers.

"Traditional providers are always more expensive"

Reality: For large-scale (100+ guards), multi-year deployments, traditional providers may offer volume discounts. For flexible, on-demand needs, marketplace platforms like Calvis are significantly cheaper.

"I should use the same software my agency uses"

Reality: If your agency uses TrackTik or Belfry, you still book through traditional methods (phone, email). That software is for their internal use, not for you.

"Modern platforms sacrifice quality for convenience"

Reality: Calvis vets all partner agencies and maintains platform-level quality standards. Customer reviews and ratings create transparency that traditional models lack.

The Future of Security Guard Hiring

The security industry is undergoing a digital transformation:

Traditional Model (Allied, Securitas, GardaWorld):

• •Sales-driven procurement
• •Long-term contracts
• •Account management overhead
• •Opaque pricing
• •Limited customer visibility

Agency Software (TrackTik, Belfry, Silvertrac):

• •Helps agencies operate more efficiently
• •Behind-the-scenes tools
• •Improves agency operations
• •Not customer-facing

Modern Marketplace (Calvis):

• •Customer-centric platform
• •Instant online booking
• •Transparent pricing
• •Real-time tracking
• •No contracts
• •Multi-agency choice

Trend: Growing adoption of marketplace models for flexibility and transparency, while traditional providers remain dominant for large enterprise contracts.

Making Your Choice

The right platform depends on your specific situation:

For Customers Booking Guards:

Need Flexibility: Calvis

• •Instant booking, transparent pricing, no contracts

Need Enterprise Scale: Allied Universal, Securitas, or GardaWorld

• •Comprehensive programs, long-term contracts, dedicated management

For Security Agency Owners:

Need Operations Software: TrackTik, Belfry, or Silvertrac

• •Scheduling, dispatch, compliance, billing automation

Need Customer Access: List on Calvis

• •Distribution channel, reach customers seeking guards

Get Started with Modern Guard Booking

Stop wasting time with RFPs, contracts, and opaque pricing. Experience modern security guard hiring with Calvis.

Why Calvis:

• •60-Second Booking: Instant online guard booking
• •Transparent Pricing: $22-$45/hour, all costs upfront
• •No Contracts: Book per shift or ongoing
• •Multi-Agency: Compare and choose best option
• •Real-Time Tracking: GPS monitoring standard
• •Complete Flexibility: Edit shifts anytime via app
• •Quality Assurance: Reviews and ratings
• •Modern Technology: AI-powered features

Book guards now → Get Started