Compare Top Providers
 Sievers Security |  SimpliSafe Security | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $26.95/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
Contract | 36 months | None | 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 Cleveland
Home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the famous “A Christmas Story” house, Cleveland, OH, has plenty to offer its 384,666 residents. Sports fans can choose between the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and the Cleveland Cavaliers for pro. football, baseball, and basketball games. Thrill-seekers enjoy roller coasters at Cedar Point, and outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the 18 parks making up “The Emerald Necklace” of the Cleveland Metroparks. Playhouse Square is the go-to spot for all things theater, and foodies flock to West Side Market for a European culinary experience. Cleveland also has its own zoo, art museum, natural history museum, science center, and aquarium.
With all these great reasons to live in Cleveland, you may be wondering about how you can keep your home secure. We’ve scoured the city and its surrounding suburbs so we can help you find a home security system that’s right for Cleveland.
Cleveland Crime Statistics
Scoring only in the 2nd percentile for safest U.S. cities on Neighborhood Scout, Cleveland’s crime rates are higher than even larger cities like New York and Chicago. Both murder and robbery rates in Cleveland are more than quadruple the national average. Cleveland burglary rates are more than triple, with 12.24 burglaries per 1,000 residents compared to the U.S. average of just 3.76 per 1,000. For Cleveland in 2018, the FBI reported:
- 9,342 incidents of larceny-theft
- 4,658 incidents of burglary
- 3,257 incidents of aggravated assault
- 2,970 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 1,772 incidents of robbery
Cleveland Spotlight: Sievers Security - Local Security Provider
A family company headquartered in Cleveland, Sievers Security has been serving home security customers in Ohio for 63 years. In addition to professionally installed home security systems, Sievers Security also offers video surveillance systems, home automation, and medical alert systems. Sievers operates its own monitoring station in Cleveland with its own trained representatives, and the Better Business Bureau gives Sievers Security a rating of A+.
Sievers offers four home security packages customers can choose from: the DIY Package, Standard Package, Traditional Package, and the Touchscreen Package. Each package includes a control panel or keypad and sensors. If you want an interior siren for your home, you’ll have to choose either the Traditional or Touchscreen packages. Additional device options include a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, sump pump monitor, key fob, Z-Wave smart home devices, and more. Professional monitoring with Sievers starts at $24.95/mo., and professional installation starts at $349.
Best Home Security Systems in Portland
Our take
Sievers is a family-owned and operated company serving Cleveland residents since 1957. It operates its own UL-certified monitoring center in Cleveland, and offers professionally installed home security, video surveillance, home automation, and medical alert services.
Pros
- Flexible pricing options
- Smash & crash protection
- $500 break-in guarantee
Cons
- Extra fee for app access
- No backup monitoring station
- No self-installation option
- 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
Additional Local Home Security Providers for Cleveland
Here are a few local Cleveland home security providers that stood out in our research.
- Gillmore Security: Founded in Cleveland in 1971, Gillmore Security operates its own UL Five Diamond-certified monitoring center.
- State Alarm: State Alarm’s home security lineup includes alarm systems, fire alert systems, video surveillance and home automation.
- Power Alarm: If you want to use the same home security company for your home and business, Power Alarm installs home security systems in both residential and commercial properties.
- Guardian Alarm: Guardian Alarm offers home security systems as well as medical alert systems and GPS asset tracking.
Surrounding Areas for Cleveland
Cleveland home security providers also provide service to the following Cleveland suburbs:
- Lakewood, OH
- Brook Park, OH
- Parma, OH
- Seven Hills, OH
- Garfield Heights, OH
- Mayfield Heights, OH
- Shaker Heights, OH
- Warrensville Heights, OH
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 Cleveland
With a large number of young professionals commuting to and from work in Cleveland, having mobile app access to your security system is essential for avoiding false alarms and keeping an eye on things at home when you can’t be there.
ADT is a well-known name around the country, and it’s our top pick for Cleveland homeowners as well. The company has a variety of packages to suit different lifestyles and budgets, and it’s been a leader in the security industry since 1874. Another national provider we’d recommend for Cleveland homeowners is Vivint for its innovative home security equipment.
SimpliSafe is our top pick for inexpensive home security. Their systems can be self-installed, helping you to avoid an installation fee, and you can self-monitor your home if you’d prefer. SimpliSafe also provides optional professional installation for $79 and professional monitoring starting at $14.99/mo.
All the smaller local Cleveland home security companies we researched offer professional installation for Cleveland area residents. National companies such as Guardian Protection, Vivint, and ADT also offer professional installation.
Cove, Frontpoint, and SimpliSafe are some of our top picks for DIY installation for Cleveland residents.