Compare Top Providers
 Surety Home Security |  SimpliSafe Security | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.
Pros
- Month-to-month contract
- Home automation
- Flexible equipment configurations
Cons
- No professional installation
- Hard to contract customer service
- Some automation unavailable in mid-tier plans
- Best for Money-Back Guarantee
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT is a well-recognized name in the home security business thanks to its top-notch equipment, award-winning monitoring centers and commitment to customer service. For people who feel like you get what you pay for, it’s hard to beat ADT.
ADT prefers to provide a brief consultation before quoting a custom package. Contact ADT to get started.
★ 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
- 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 for Smart Homes
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint really shines when it comes to equipment. Perhaps no other provider has such an extensive catalog, which makes it an excellent provider for those who plan to install new equipment over time.
★ 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 up front
- 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)
- Short (3-day) trial period
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. Self-monitoring is free.Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
- Free self-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
- Research SimpliSafe
- Best for Customer Service
Frontpoint Home Security
Our rating7.6Starting at$44.99/moOur Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint recently changed its billing model to month-to-month contracts, which we believe shows that the company strives to stay on top of industry trends and cares about customer service. We also appreciate that Frontpoint’s equipment is compatible with the major smart home hubs.
★ 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 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
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 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.
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
Surety is an excellent solution for Columbus renters because of its wide selection of customizable equipment, easy self-installation, and month-to-month agreement.
Surety, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint are several providers that offer DIY installation and have online support centers for assistance.
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.
