- ADT Security – Best Industry Experience
- 1st Security USA – Regional MD/VA Provider
- Vivint – Best Smart Home Equipment
- SimpliSafe – Best DIY Installation
- Frontpoint – Best Professional Monitoring
Compare Top Providers
| 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 | Yes, term not specified on website | 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 | Yes, term not specified on website | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About Baltimore
Hometown pride runs deep in “The Greatest City in America,” and for a good reason. Baltimore may be only the 26th largest city in the United States, but it’s also among the country’s most historic and vibrant places to call home. Consider it the best-kept secret of the eastern seaboard, where big-city commerce meets small-town charm.
Whether they’re rooting for the Orioles or Ravens, spending a day at the races at Pimlico, shopping at the Inner Harbor, enjoying a crab cake dinner or reflecting on the city’s dramatic history as told through its numerous statues and landmarks, Baltimoreans know how to have fun. But like any other city in the world, Baltimore does have its share of crime. Fortunately, Baltimore’s families have no reason to worry while they take in the sights and sounds of Charm City with a home security system to keep an eye on everything back home.
Baltimore Crime Statistics
Although the homicide rate in Baltimore has risen to record levels in recent years, the 2018 FBI Crime Report indicates that residents of Baltimore are more than twice as likely to experience property crimes than violent crimes. In particular, larceny-theft proved the most common property-related offense to occur in the city. The 2018 breakdown of property crimes include:
- 16,794 instances of larceny-theft
- 6,048 instances of burglary
- 5,364 instances of aggravated assault
- 5,066 instances of robbery
- 4,375 instances of motor vehicle theft
Baltimore Spotlight: 1st Security USA – Local Security Provider
1st Security USA offers high-quality home security devices with a special focus on home automation. Control your lights, thermostat, door locks and more via a touch-sensitive control panel or mobile app. In addition to the modern equipment offered by 1st Security USA, perhaps the best benefit for Baltimoreans is the Maryland-based central monitoring station. Your security alarms and cameras are reviewed 24/7 by professionals in your local area, which can provide additional peace of mind.
Best Home Security Systems in Baltimore
Our take
With over 25 years of experience in the home security industry and an extensive range of equipment, 1st Security USA represents a knowledgeable resource for homeowners in Baltimore. If you don’t know what equipment you truly need or don’t feel comfortable installing it, the professionals at 1st Security USA can give you peace of mind.
What we like
- Professional installation
- Home automation
- Customized packages
What we don’t like
- An additional activation fee ($49)
- Professional monitoring is not optional
- No integration with Google Home, Alexa, etc.
Starting at $45.99/mo
Our take on ADT Home Security
ADT Inc. stands apart as the home security company with the most experience and the best guarantee in the industry. That’s on top of certified monitoring centers and a competitive equipment lineup that includes intrusion protection, environmental monitoring, video surveillance and smart home automation.
What we like
- 140+ years in business
- 6-month money back guarantee
- $500 Theft Protection guarantee
What we don’t like
- Contract required
- No self-installation option
- Mobile app access not available in basic package
Starting at $29.99/mo
Our take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint offers all of today’s must-have home security features (professional monitoring, top-of-the-line equipment, home automation, mobile app access) with the added benefit of extensive smart home options and flexibility with your equipment and payment plan.
What we like
- Flexible equipment configuration
- Flexible payment options
- Variety of cutting-edge smart home devices and features
What we don’t like
- Long contract if financing equipment
- Expensive equipment cost
- No DIY installation option
Starting at $14.99/mo
Our take on SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe could be considered a disrupter in the home security industry, because it was among the first to provide forward-thinking customer benefits like self-installation, self-monitoring, video verification and month-to-month pricing. Its generous 60-day risk-free trial helps ensure long-term customer satisfaction.
What we like
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
What we don’t like
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
Starting at $44.99/mo
Our take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint offers a competitive range of security equipment and monitoring services with the freedom of do-it-yourself installation and month-to-month contracts. We also appreciate their straightforward pricing and solid customer service reputation.
What we like
- Month-to-month contract
- Renter-friendly services and equipment
- Good customer service
What we don’t like
- Outdoor camera, doorbell camera only available as add-ons
- Limited home automation devices available
- High monitoring starting price
Best Home Security Systems of 2020
See allOther local home security providers in Baltimore
- Guardian Security Systems provides video surveillance systems, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and home alarm systems.
- Baltimore Alarm and Security has more than 50 years of experience installing and monitoring home security systems in the Baltimore and D.C. area.
- Westminster Security Company serves residential and commercial customers with a variety of automated security systems.
- A-1 Security Systems services all home security brands and offers local monitoring and home automation equipment.
Surrounding Areas for Baltimore
Given the unique geographic location of the city, Baltimore’s home security companies are within driving distance of multiple states and metropolitan areas, including:
- Washington, D.C.
- Annapolis, MD
- Ellicott City, MD
- Towson, MD
- Columbia, MD
- Bel Air, MD
- Northern Virginia
Common Home Security Equipment and Features
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Can’t decide? Compare top providers side-by-side: ADT vs. SimpliSafe, Vivint vs. Frontpoint, and more.
4 Questions To Find Your Home Security Provider
Select the features you want and we’ll match you with the right home security provider.
Frequently Asked Questions for Baltimore
What home security features are important for Baltimore?
Visible signs of a home security system could help deter the high number of burglars and robbers in Baltimore. Consider outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras, and window break alarms.
Which of these home security providers offer smart home devices?
1st Security USA and Westminster Security Company both provide a range of smart home devices. National providers such as ADT, SimpliSafe, and Nest also offer a variety of smart home options as well.
Which home security providers offer professional installation?
Consider 1st Security USA, Baltimore Alarm and Security, and A-1 Security Systems for professional installation and service in Baltimore.
Which Baltimore home security providers offer security cameras?
All of the home security providers listed above offer security cameras. Most national providers will offer a number of high-tech camera options, too.
Which security provider is best for homeowners in Baltimore?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right company for you depends on what you expect in terms of equipment, installation, and monitoring services, as well as your budget.
