Compare Top Providers
 SimpliSafe Security | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $39.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | No | 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 | 1-year warranty | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About Fort Wayne, IN
Just over 265,000 people call Fort Wayne home in northeastern Indiana. In addition to having a bevy of proud residents, the city is also known for the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, the Northern Indiana Beer Trail and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. The second largest city in Indiana is 150 miles or less from other major cities including Chicago, Indianapolis and Columbus. The hottest month in Fort Wayne is July, with an average temperature of 84 degrees, and January is the coldest month with an average temp of 32 degrees. Given that Fort Wayne sees a higher-than-average number of property crimes each year, investing in a home security system with cameras and alarms is certainly warranted.
Fort Wayne Crime Stats
Neighborhood Scout rates Fort Wayne as safer than 15% of other US cities, with the highest crime rates occurring in the downtown area. The safest neighborhoods in the city include Cedar Canyons, Timbercrest and Royville. Property crimes are far higher in Fort Wayne than violent crimes; the rates are 26.26 and 3.83 per 1,000 residents, respectively. The crime rate per square miles is about three times higher in Fort Wayne than it is in Indiana at large.
In terms of crime numbers, the FBI 2018 Crime Report relays the following figures for the most common types of crimes in Fort Wayne:
- 5,453 incidents of larceny-theft
- 1,006 incidents of burglary
- 546 incidents of aggravated assault
- 548 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 307 incidents of robbery
- Best for Regional Experience
Our take
Cammack & Sons Security has been around since 1988. In addition to the available packages listed on their website, customers can also call for a customized package based on their specific security needs. All of the company’s products include 24/7 monitoring.
Recommended plan: Honeywell Lynx Touch Camera Package
Pros
Cons
- Best Home Security for Industry Experience
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT’s a well-recognized name in the home security industry. It offers traditional security that requires professional installation and monitoring at a steep price.
★ Recommended Plan
CompletePros
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- $500 theft protection guarantee
- High-quality equipment
Cons
- Must pay for an extended warranty
- Lengthy contracts
- More expensive than competitors
- Best Smart Home Security
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint has an extensive line of smart security equipment that you can expand over time. The downside is that you’ll have a long-term contract if you finance your equipment.
★ Recommended Plan
Vivint’s Smart Home Service is our recommended plan because it unlocks a larger selection of smart home devices, as well as video monitoring.
Pros
- Month-to-month contract option if equipment is purchased upfront
- Backup battery included with the Sky Control panel
- Extensive equipment features, including Vivint Car Guard
Cons
- Long contract if equipment is financed
- Installation can take 3-4 hours
- Short (120-day) equipment warranty and service guarantee (unless you purchase Premium)
- Best Overall DIY Security System
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security:
SimpliSafe is our top pick for inexpensive monitoring, durable equipment and reliable services that simplify home security. You’ll have all the right devices and features to give you peace of mind — even when the unexpected happens.
★ Recommended package: Barrington
Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
Cons
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in the basic monitoring plan
- Best Pet-Friendly Home Security
Our Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint lets you choose both your package and monitoring plan to help build the perfect home security system for renters and homeowners alike. Monitoring can be costly, but free DIY installation helps lower costs without reducing reliability or protection.
★ Recommended Plan
Our recommended Frontpoint plan is the Safe Home Starter equipment package combined with the Ultimate monitoring plan, which will give you access to a smartphone app for monitoring your security devices.
Pros
- No lengthy contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Variety of equipment to choose from
Cons
- Monitoring fees are relatively expensive
- Short (30 days) trial period
- No professional installation option
Other Local Home Security Providers for Fort Wayne
Per Mar Security Systems: Per Mar Security Systems offers home and commercial security solutions throughout the Midwest.
Koehlinger Kruse Security Systems: This locally owned business has been offering security systems in northeast Indiana since 1980.
Sonitrol: This Fort Wayne security company specializes in smart technology and has assisted in more than 175,000 burglary apprehensions since 1977.
Nelson Alarm: Nelson Alarm has custom security options, operating out of Indianapolis.
Surrounding Areas For Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne home security providers also provide service to the following areas around Fort Wayne:
- New Haven, IN
- Decatur, IN
- Auburn, IN
- Huntington, IN
- Warsaw, IN
- Lima, IN
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 Fort Wayne
Given the high number of property crimes in Fort Wayne, visible outdoor cameras are a good deterrent. They let passersby know that your home is protected by 24/7 monitoring. Door and window alarms are also good additions to a comprehensive monitoring plan.
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint are excellent providers for renters since their services require no contract.
If you’re looking for national providers with smart home devices, Vivint and Frontpoint are a good starting point. Local providers like Cammack & Sons Security and Per Mar also have a lot of smart device packages.
Almost all Fort Wayne home security systems come with a professional installation option, though there is typically an extra fee involved.
Simplisafe and Frontpoint both offer contract-free services, as well as many of the local providers.
