Home Security in Rochester, NY
As the third-largest city in the state of New York, Rochester offers its residents a blend of city life with plenty of outdoor scenery to enjoy thanks to its location just south of Lake Ontario. Since it was home to both industrious leaders (such as George Eastman, founder of Kodak) and social reformers (such as suffragist Susan B. Anthony) over its nearly 200-year history, it should come as no surprise that Rochesterians feel a sense of pride in their city. But a rich history doesn’t protect homeowners from present-day threats. Thankfully, modern home security systems give peace of mind with numerous devices and monitoring options.
Compare Top Home Security Providers
 SimpliSafe Security | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | N/A | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | DIY or Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | 60 month agreement | 42-60 mos. or pay for equipment in full | None | None |
Smart home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video surveillance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | Option to extend limited warranty | N/A | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
Rochester Crime Statistics
Rochester includes approximately 205,000 residents, and they experience property crime at more than twice the state average. According to Neighborhood Scout, 93% of U.S. cities are safer than Rochester. Having a home security system could help you avoid becoming an easy target.
In 2018, the FBI reported the following crime statistics for Rochester, NY:
- 5,285 incidents of larceny-theft
- 1,178 incidents of burglary
- 939 incidents of aggravated assault
- 573 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 516 incidents of robbery
Rochester Spotlight: General Security — Local Security Provider
Although headquartered in Long Island, General Security remains a family-owned and operated security provider. Its Rochester office is conveniently located along the Genesee River just south of the Greater Rochester International Airport. With more than 30 years of experience in the home security industry, General Security knows that homeowners want a wide selection of smart home security equipment to manage their specific concerns. However, with an average contract length of five years, General Security is a choice that’s best suited for homeowners, not renters.
With General Security, you can take either a professional or DIY approach to choosing and setting up your home security system. Regardless, 24/7 professional monitoring is included in all packages, as is mobile app integration and a central control panel. Equipment options include smart door locks and doorbell cameras, video cameras, smart sprinklers, garage door sensors and controls, and environmental sensors. Hand-pick your custom package for total peace of mind or allow a General Security professional to recommend a package.
- Best for Customizable Packages
Our take
General Security boasts 30 years of experience providing security solutions for homeowners and businesses. The company offers different packages with various smart home components, like smart thermostats and light controls, as well as DIY security options. This fast-growing security company specializes in cutting-edge, creatively designed security and home automation systems, including unique services like visual verification, intercom systems, video monitoring, card access, home energy management systems, and fire safety.
Recommended Package: Systems are customizable so you must call to explore options
Pros
- 30 years of experience in security
- A wealth of smart home technologies
- The ability to customize your security packages
Cons
- Typical contract length is 5 years
- Limited service area
- Pricing and warranty information unavailable online
- Best Overall DIY Security System
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security:
SimpliSafe is our top home security pick because it offers reliable home security equipment at a cheaper price than most competitors. Even though smart home equipment isn’t offered, you’ll have the flexibility to create the system you want within your budget thanks to SimpliSafe’s customizable plans. But keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for equipment upfront because financing isn’t available.
★ Recommended package: The Haven plan offers the best value among SimpliSafe’s offerings. It gives you intrusion and environmental monitoring equipment for less than $500. The package includes security essentials, a smoke detector, a temperature sensor and more. You can add cameras and SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro for the full SimpliSafe security experience.
Pros
- Equipment and monitoring plans are cheaper than competitors
- Optional professional monitoring and installation
- Customizable packages and easy add-ons
Cons
- Upfront costs are more expensive than competitors
- No smart home equipment available
- Must upgrade to plan for remote and smart home control
- Best Home Security for Industry Experience
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT is one of the most well-known home security providers. You can expect traditional security with professional monitoring and installation. Choose from three packages, but keep in mind that you’ll need to upgrade your package if you want smart home or surveillance features. ADT also requires long-term contracts, but equipment financing is available.
★ Recommended Plan: We recommend the Complete package to give you everything you need from the start. It’s the only plan that includes security essentials, smart home compatibility and surveillance. Professional installation and monitoring are also included. Best of all, you’ll get ADT’s 6-month money-back guarantee and theft protection guarantee.
Pros
- 6-month money-back guarantee and theft protection guarantee
- Wide variety of smart home equipment
- Over 140 years of experience with award-winning professional monitoring
Cons
- Must upgrade plan for smart home or surveillance features and equipment
- Professional installation and monitoring are required
- Long-term contract required
- Best Smart Home Security
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
If you’re looking for smart home security, Vivint is our top choice. It offers the most extensive line of smart home and security equipment. Its intrusion and environmental equipment are filled with smart features, and the control panel doubles as a smart hub to connect and control your smart home devices. The only downside is that Vivint requires a long-term contract if you finance the equipment. Professional monitoring and installation are also required.
★ Recommended Plan: Vivint offers two packages: Smart Home and Smart Security. We recommend the Smart Home package to give you video monitoring, smart home control, environmental monitoring and the security essentials in one package.
Pros
- Smart Hub to connect and control smart home and security devices
- Extensive smart features for security equipment including package detection and Smart Deter
- Wide range of security and smart home equipment
Cons
- Contract required for service and financed equipment.
- Professional monitoring and installation required
- Expensive equipment compared to other providers
- Best Pet-Friendly Home Security
Our Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint is a DIY security option that offers wireless security and smart home equipment. It’s a close runner-up compared to SimpliSafe. You’ll have more surveillance options with two indoor cameras, an outdoor and doorbell camera. Professional monitoring is required and can be costly compared to others, but you can save money with Frontpoint’s easy DIY installation. Mobile app and video surveillance are also included in the cost instead of an extra fee.
★ Recommended Plan: Frontpoint’s Bunker Package is ideal for most homes. It comes with the essentials for intrusion, plus an indoor camera and smoke detector for $634. If you’re debating between the Bunker and Fortress packages, the big difference is that you’ll get more sensors with Fortress — good for larger homes.
Pros
- Smart home equipment available
- Financing available to lower upfront cost
- Mobile app and video surveillance included in monitoring cost
Cons
- No professional installation option
- Expensive professional monitoring
- Trial period is only 30 days
Other Local Home Security Providers in Rochester
- OMNI Security Inc. offers Rochester residents three equipment packages will a suite of smart security equipment and Z-wave technology.
- Keystone Security Systems can monitor your existing equipment or help you choose the cameras, sensors and control panels that suit your needs.
- DTN Security offers both wired and wireless security systems, plus custom packages that focus on pet monitoring, environmental monitoring, medical alerts and much more.
Surrounding Areas For Durham
Home security companies serving the Rochester, New York, area typically also travel to the following areas:
- Buffalo, New York
- Syracuse, New York
- Geneseo, New York
- Seneca Falls, New York
- Niagara Falls, New York
Common Home Security Equipment and Features
Control panel/hub
Motion sensor
As one of the sentinels in your home, the motion sensor captures unusual activity, and your system lets you know. Some providers have motion sensors that are designed to be pet-friendly, avoiding pets under 80 pounds to help prevent false alarms. Learn more about motion sensors here in our post.
Door/window sensor
Door/window sensors are sentinels for your entry points. Most have a discreet profile so they’re not easily seen, but once an entry point is breached, your control panel sounds an alarm to let the intruder know they’ve been caught. Learn more about the door/window sensors offered by Frontpoint, Protect America, and SimpliSafe.
Indoor security camera
If you want to be able to monitor the interior of your home, communicate with family members, and check in on pets, then choosing an indoor security camera is a great option. Most indoor cameras feature HD video, come with night vision, and have two-way communication. Learn more about indoor security camera options offered by SimpliSafe, Vivint, and Abode.
Outdoor security camera
Keep tabs on your property no matter your location with an outdoor security cameras. Most outdoor cameras have weatherproof features, night vision, and some even have deterrence features. Learn more about the outdoor security camera options offered by ADT, Vivint, and Frontpoint.
Video doorbell camera
Check your front doorstep without having to leave work with a video doorbell camera. Most video doorbells have built-in two-way communication and night vision. Learn more about the video doorbells offered by Guardian Protection, Vivint, and SimpliSafe.
Smart thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you can potentially improve your home’s energy efficiency. Most smart thermostats allow you to program them, creating a schedule for when your home’s heating and cooling system turns on. Some will also automatically adjust themselves based on certain conditions. Learn more about the smart thermostats offered by Vivint, Frontpoint, and ADT.
Smart lock
Go keyless with a smart lock, designed so you can easily lock or unlock your door via app. Some smart locks have a keycode feature, allowing you to set unique PINs for family members and or professionals who may need to access your home. Learn more about the smart locks offered by Guardian Protection, Protect America, and Scout.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Can’t decide? Compare top providers side-by-side: ADT vs. SimpliSafe, Vivint vs. Frontpoint, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions for Rochester
Rochester experiences heavy snowfall each year, which makes flood and freeze sensors a wise choice for homes in this area. Theft and burglary are the most common nonviolent crimes, so deterring opportunistic thieves with outdoor security cameras, yard signs, doorbell cameras and smart door locks is also a wise decision.
General Security allows you to choose and install its security equipment without professional assistance. Even if you choose to go the DIY route for installation and setup, you can still receive its professional monitoring service.
General Security, OMNI Security Inc, Keystone Security Systems and DTN Security all offer professional installation services in Rochester, or you can choose a national provider such as ADT or Vivint to have a certified professional install your system.
DTN Security and Keystone Security Systems both offer competitively low prices. Professional monitoring with DTN Security costs $18.95 per month, whereas Keystone Security Systems’ professional monitoring service costs just a dollar more at $19.95 per month. You can also choose a self-monitoring provider such as Abode or Blue by ADT.
We recommend General Security for residential security cameras (including outdoor cameras, indoor cameras, and doorbell cameras) in Rochester, but Keystone Security Systems also offers video surveillance and DTN Security uses the Honeywell line of equipment, which includes security cameras.