- ADT Security – Best Industry Experience
- Surety Home Security – Regional OH Provider
- Vivint – Best Smart Home Equipment
- SimpliSafe – Best DIY Installation
- Frontpoint – Best Professional Monitoring
Compare Top Providers
| Pro. monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $19/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Professional | DIY | 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 Columbus
Columbus is the capital city of Ohio, most populous city in the state, and the second-largest city in the midwest, behind Chicago, IL. With nearly 2 million people, the greater Columbus area is also the second-largest metro area in Ohio.
Columbus is a solid center of business and is home to a variety of Fortune 1000 companies, including American Electric Power, Cardinal Health, Nationwide, and one of the largest universities in the nation, Ohio State University. If you’re a Columbus resident or will be moving there soon, you may want to equip your home with a security system. For help with your decision, we’ve compiled information here about the best home security providers in Columbus.
Columbus Crime Statistics
Larceny-theft was the most reported crime in 2018, according to the FBI’s crime report, with more than 21,000 cases reported. Over 6,000 burglaries occurred, along with nearly 4,000 automobile thefts. On average, the chances of becoming the victim of violent crime are higher in Columbus than across the rest of the state. Here is a breakdown of the most reported crimes in Columbus:
- 21,323 incidents of larceny-theft
- 6,271 incidents of burglary
- 3,918 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 1,922 incidents of robbery
- 1,575 incidents of aggravated assault
Columbus Spotlight: Surety – Local Security Provider
Surety is headquartered in Columbus but also provides service on the national level. As a young company, started in 2011, Surety has grown and has great security options for families. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and nearly nonexistent customer complaints, Surety has proved itself to be a reliable and solid home security option. Surety has also partnered with Alarm.com, a third-party security provider.
Surety’s most affordable professional monitoring package starts at $19/mo., or you can opt for self-monitoring and get the same equipment package for $14/mo. Surety even offers a less expensive home automation package with self-monitoring for as little as $6/mo. Surety also offers several camera plans, including a $4-per-month plan which allows you to view cameras inside your home from anywhere. Surety’s agreements are month-to-month, so you never have to worry about being locked in.
Best Home Security Systems in Columbus
Our take
Surety offers a wide variety of plan options, all of which emphasize flexibility and affordability. If you just want to be able to view your home remotely, or if you want to implement a complete package with cameras, home automation, and professional monitoring, Surety has you covered.
What we like
- Month-to-month contract
- Home automation
- Flexible equipment configurations
What we don’t like
- No professional installation
- Hard to contract customer service
- Some automation unavailable in mid-tier plans
Starting at $45.99/mo
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT is known for its longevity in the industry and its certified monitoring centers. Choose from one of ADT’s four packages or customize to fit your needs.
★ Recommended Plan
ADT’s Video Lite Plan is nothing minor — you’ll get motion detection, smart home capabilities, and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $599. Professional monitoring starts at $54.99 per month.Pros
- 140+ years in business
- 6-month money back guarantee
- $500 Theft Protection guarantee
Cons
- 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
Winner of the 2020 IoT Breakthrough Award for its outdoor camera, Vivint is a leader in home security with its expansive equipment lineup and features.
★ Recommended Plan
Vivint’s Smart Home Service has a ton of features and devices to help you protect your home to include the basics plus home hazard monitoring devices. Equipment starts at $599.99. Professional monitoring starts at $29.99 per month.Pros
- Flexible equipment configuration
- Flexible payment options
- Variety of cutting-edge smart home devices and features
Cons
- Long contract if financing equipment
- Expensive equipment cost
- No DIY installation option
Our Take on SimpliSafe Home Security
Keep those pesky burglars away with a SimpliSafe security system. Choose from a range of packages and equipment, and get inexpensive professional monitoring.
★ Recommended Plan
We recommend The Barrington if you’re interested in SimpliSafe. This package combines intrusion detection and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $388.93. Professional monitoring starts at $14.99 per month.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 basic monitoring plan
Starting at $44.99/mo
Our Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Nationally recognized for its customer service, Frontpoint is a top contender in home security with a range of packages you can choose from.
★ Recommended Plan
For the basics—a hub, sensors, and signage—Frontpoint’s Safe Home Starter plan comes at an affordable price. Equipment starts at $319.95. Professional monitoring starts at $44.99 per month.Pros
- Month-to-month contract
- Renter-friendly services and equipment
- Good customer service
Cons
- 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 allAdditional local home security providers for Columbus
While Surety is a great choice for Columbus residents, there are also a number of other excellent home security options in the Columbus area including:
- All Secured Security: Local to Columbus, All Secured offers a staggering variety of home security, entrance control, automation, locksmith equipment, services and plans.
- Executive Security Consultants: Also based in Columbus, Executive Security has been in business since 1988 and focuses on affordable home security and professional installation.
- Sterling Protective Services: Another Columbus company, Sterling Protective Services offers both home and business security, as well as two free months for joining.
Surrounding Areas for Columbus
Home security companies in Columbus serve the city proper, surrounding towns, and suburbs in the greater metro area, including but not limited to:
- Bexley, OH
- Dublin, OH
- Gahanna, OH
- Grandview Heights, OH
- Granville, OH
- Hilliard, OH
- New Albany, OH
- Pickerington, OH
- Powell, OH
- Upper Arlington, OH
- Westerville, OH
- Worthington, OH
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 Columbus
What home security features are important for Columbus?
Since larceny-theft and burglary are the crimes most reported in Columbus, it’s wise to look for a good outdoor camera selection, professional monitoring, and entry detection options.
Which home security provider is the least expensive in Columbus?
Surety has a wide variety of options at low prices with a self-monitored system starting at just $14/mo. and professional monitoring starting at $19.99/mo. SimpliSafe is also a great national option with professional monitoring starting $14.99/mo
Which home security provider is best for Columbus renters?
Surety is an excellent solution for Columbus renters because of its wide selection of customizable equipment, easy self-installation, and month-to-month agreement.
Which home security providers allow DIY installation?
Surety, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint are several providers that offer DIY installation and have online support centers for assistance.
Do Columbus home security providers require a contract for service?
Most local Columbus providers require some type of long-term contract for their services, with the exception of Surety, which operates on a month-to-month basis.
