Compare Top Providers
 Security One |  SimpliSafe Security | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | Request a quote | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | Not specified | 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 | Not specified | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About St. Paul, MN
As the capital of Minnesota and one half of the state’s “Twin Cities,” St. Paul serves as a Midwest business hub and home to 307,695 people. St. Paul is also known for its beautiful parks and zoos, including Raspberry Island, Hidden Falls, and Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. The city is a popular convention destination, with a convention complex that includes the St. Paul RiverCentre and the Xcel Energy Center, which is also home to the Minnesota Wild, MN’s pro hockey team.
Foodies and art lovers enjoy exploring St. Paul’s Creative Enterprise Zone, while history buffs take pleasure investigating Indian Mounds Regional Park on the city’s East Side. With all that the city has to offer, it’s important for residents to be able to find a home security system that’s right for St. Paul, MN.
St. Paul Crime Statistics
Neighborhood Scout scores St. Paul in the 7th percentile when it comes to the safest cities in the U.S., landing it in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities for safety. Your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in St. Paul are triple what they are in the rest of Minnesota, with a rate of 6.62 violent crimes per 1,000 residents compared to 2.2 per 1,000 for the rest of the state. St. Paul fares a bit better when it comes to property crime—you have a 1-in-29 chance of being a victim of property crime in St. Paul compared to a 1-in-50 chance in the rest of Minnesota.
For St. Paul in 2018, the FBI reported:
- 5,877 incidents of larceny-theft
- 1,909 incidents of burglary
- 1,089 incidents of aggravated assault
- 2,296 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 560 incidents of robbery
Local Spotlight: Security One
Security One has partnerships with home security equipment manufacturers GE and Honeywell to provide the latest in home security technology to its St. Paul customers. It serves every state in the continental U.S., including Minnesota. Security One currently has a B- rating from the Better Business Bureau. Security One’s services include home security systems and cameras, smart home automation, medical alert monitoring, and existing home security system takeovers. The company also offers a lifetime warranty on all its equipment.
Security One offers three different packages to its customers: Simply Security, Energy Plus and Ultimate Home. For specific fees and pricing, you’ll have to contact the company for a quote, but every plan has a locked rate guarantee, so your monthly fees will never change for as long as you own your system.
The Simply Security plan includes a control panel/touchscreen combo, 2 door sensors, a motion detector, a keyfob/remote control and mobile app access. The Energy Plus plan adds in smart light control and a smart thermostat, while the Ultimate Home plan includes everything from the Simply Security and Energy Plus packages, as well as a security camera. Security One also offers add-ons such as smoke alarms, smart locks, glass break sensors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Our take
Security One provides professional installation of home security systems, security cameras, smart home devices and medical alert systems. The company can also provide professional monitoring for your existing security system. Its three equipment packages all come with a locked-rate guarantee, lifetime warranty and mobile app access.
Pros
- Mobile app access with all packages
- Locked-rate guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No pricing available online
- No DIY installation option
- Mediocre BBB rating
- 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
BarringtonPros
- 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 basic monitoring plan
- Best Pet-Friendly Home Security
Frontpoint Home Security
Our rating9.4Starting at$44.99/moOur 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 St. Paul
If giving business to local companies is important to you, here are a few other St. Paul home security options for you to consider.
- Get Connected Technologies: Get Connected Tech specializes in home security systems that work with your budget and your tech skill level.
- Electro Watchman: As a fourth-generation family business, Electro Watchman’s home security products include fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, home security systems and more.
- MinnesotaSecurity.com: An Alarm.com dealer, MNSecurity.com can give you app access to your smart home security system.
- HTS Security: HTS Security guarantees it can beat the price of any local advertised alarm system by 10%.
Surrounding Areas for St. Paul
St. Paul home security providers also provide service to the following St. Paul suburbs:
- Oakdale, MN
- Woodbury, MN
- Roseville, MN
- White Bear, MN
- Maplewood, MN
- Mendota Heights, MN
- Richfield, MN
- Lake Elmo, MN
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 St. Paul
Because St. Paul has so many historic properties, it’s important to look for wireless home security systems that won’t damage the integrity of historic homes. Local companies such as Electro Watchman and HTS Security offer professional installation of wireless home security devices. SimpliSafe and Abode are two national providers with wireless devices you can install yourself.
We like ADT for St. Paul homeowners due to its longstanding reputation in the security industry. ADT regularly ranks high on our list of the best home security systems, and it offers a variety of packages so you’re sure to find one to fit your needs and your budget.
Our top home security pick for renters in St. Paul is SimpliSafe. Unlike local providers, SimpliSafe doesn’t require a lengthy contract, and they offer optional professional monitoring and a 60-day no-risk return policy.
Every local St. Paul home security company we researched offers professional installation for homes in the city and surrounding areas. Bigger home security names such as Guardian Protection, Vivint, and ADT also offer professional installation for St. Paul residents.
Our top picks for DIY home security systems for St. Paul residents include SimpliSafe, Blue by ADT and Cove Security. These DIY systems offer optional professional monitoring, wireless equipment and smart home devices.
