Compare Top Providers
![]() 1st Security USA | ![]() 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 | 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.
Pros
- Professional installation
- Home automation
- Customized packages
Cons
- An additional activation fee ($49)
- Professional monitoring is not optional
- No integration with Google Home, Alexa, etc.
- 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions 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.
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.
Consider 1st Security USA, Baltimore Alarm and Security, and A-1 Security Systems for professional installation and service in Baltimore.
All of the home security providers listed above offer security cameras. Most national providers will offer a number of high-tech camera options, too.
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.