'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
The best home security systems in Columbus
Home security is important in Columbus, where property crime is common. As the capital of Ohio and the state's fastest-growing city, Columbus saw more than 26 000 reports of theft, burglary, and similar crimes last year. As such, it's no surprise that there's a high demand for home security systems in Columbus, Ohio.
With a proven home security system in place, you can protect your family and prepare yourself in the event of a break-in. We've put together a list of the six best security home providers in Columbus by evaluating several criteria, including price, contracts, and customer satisfaction.
Score: 4.4 | J.D. Power: 899* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
SimpliSafe makes it easy for customers to set up their home security system with bundled packages or DIY systems. Choose between a self-monitored or professionally monitored system.
Pros:
- Mix-and-match cameras and devices
- Multiple monitoring options
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Professional monitoring more expensive than competitors
- No smart home devices
- No touch-screen control panel
Equipment available:
- Indoor/outdoor camera
- Motion sensor
- Smoke detector
- Temperature detector
- Panic button
- Water sensor
Plans and pricing:
- Standard Monitoring: $0.50/day
- Interactive Monitoring: $0.83/day
Score: 4.2 | J.D. Power: 882* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
As an Amazon-owned company, Ring is best known for its high-quality doorbell cameras. Choose from a range of options, including wired and wireless video doorbells and indoor/outdoor cameras.
Pros:
- Wide variety of cameras and security devices
- Discounts available
- Integration with third-party devices
Cons:
- Storage requires subscription
- History of security issues
Equipment available:
- Video doorbell
- Indoor camera
- Outdoor camera
- Motion detector
- Smoke detector
- Panic button
Plans and pricing:
- Ring Protect Basic: $3/month or $30/year
- Ring Protect Plus: $10/month or $100/year
- Professional Monitoring (includes Ring Protect Plus): $10/month or $100/year
Score: 4.25 | J.D. Power: NR* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
If you're concerned about break-ins, Abode offers various motion and intrusion detector devices to give you increased peace of mind. Keep an eye on your windows, doors, and other entrances where intruders could break in.
Pros:
- Professional monitoring service cheaper than competitors'
- Hazard and window/door sensors available
- DIY installation
Cons:
- Only one security camera is available
- Basic control panel without a touch screen
- Cellular backup only with a subscription
Equipment available:
- Security camera
- Door/window sensor
- Glass break sensor
- Motion sensor
- Indoor and outdoor sirens
- Smart home power switch
Plans and pricing:
- Standard Plan: $6/month or $60/year
- Pro Plan: $20/month or $200/year
Score: 4 | J.D. Power: NR* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
With cameras that boast 12x digital zoom, high resolutions, HD night vision and wide-angle lens, Arlo snags the title of the highest quality camera with it' Pro 4 model.
Pros:
- Variety of camera models
- Multiple camera charging options
- Variety of accessories available
Cons:
- Only one camera with the basic plan
- No sensors available
- Video storage access only with a subscription
Equipment available:
- Security camera
- Video doorbell
- Floodlight camera
- Solar panel charger
- Rechargeable camera
- Charging station
Plans and pricing:
- Premier: $2.99/month (for single camera) or $9.99/month (for up to five cameras)
- Elite: $4.99 (for single camera) or $14.99/month (for up to five cameras)
Score: 3.75 | J.D. Power: 880* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
ADT is one of the biggest brands in home security, and while its DIY security solutions are a top pick, its experience in professional security monitoring can't be ignored
Pros:
- A free first month of monitoring
- Top-rated home security products
- Established company: 145 years in business
Cons:
- Monitoring service costs more than competitors
- Emergency services alert only with a subscription
- Motion and hazard detectors must be purchased with a security system bundle
Equipment available:
- Video doorbell
- Indoor camera
- Outdoor camera
- Door/window sensor
- Motion sensor
Plans and pricing:
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring: $19.99/month (first month free)
Score: 3.5 | J.D. Power: NR* | Contract requirement: No |
Why we chose it
In addition to its well-rounded selection of home security devices, Cove offers extra monitoring services with InstaText, LiveAssist, and RapidSOS to quickly connect you with authorities in case of an emergency.
Pros:
- Customizable bundles
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Military, first responder, and teacher discounts
Cons:
- It doesn't sell its own smart home devices
- No outdoor or doorbell cameras
- Cove Plus required to access smartphone control
Equipment available:
- Indoor camera
- Motion detector
- Door sensor
- Key remote
- Flood sensor
- Medical button
Plans and pricing:
- Cove Basic: $14.99/month
- Cove Plus: $24.99/month
*J.D. Power's 2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Home security in Columbus: What you need to know
Columbus, Ohio, crime statistics
Considering that Columbus has more crime than 95% of other communities in the Buckeye State, Columbus, Ohio, home security systems are definitely in demand. Most of the crime committed in the city is property crime -- including theft, burglary, and destruction of property.
Here's a quick look at crime rates in Columbus:
- In 2019, there were 30 600 property crimes reported in Columbus.
- In Columbus, most property crimes occur at victims' residences, followed by parking garages and highways/streets.
- According to a LexisNexis crime map, there are concentrated instances of burglaries in the university and Short North areas, as well as in the Hilltop and Linden neighborhood areas between March 2020 and March 2021.
Research your neighborhood
As the capital of Ohio and the home of Ohio State University, Columbus has many diverse neighborhoods, including Bexley, Clintonville, Franklinton, and Westerville.
If you live in or plan on moving to one of these areas, it's important to understand the crime rates in your neighborhood before investing in a home security system. Having this knowledge will help you determine how robust your system should be and whether or not you should invest in professional monitoring.
Find out about crime patterns in your area by checking out websites like NeighborhoodScout or Niche. On these sites, you'll get an idea about common crimes in the city, along with information about crime in particular neighborhoods. You can also check out local newspapers (like the Columbus Dispatch) to find media coverage about crimes near you.
Register your home security system in Columbus
In Columbus, Ohio, any new home security systems need to be registered with city authorities within 30 days of installation. It's important to submit your information accurately so that the city has an updated register of alarm systems and emergency responders have it in case of a break-in or accident at your home.
Here's how to register a security system in Columbus:
1. Visit the Columbus alarm registration website
2. Select "Apply for Registration and Pay Online."
3. Fill out the application or download the form and submit it through mail or in-person
4. Pay the registration fee
Like many other cities across the country, Columbus is committed to reducing false alarms. To do so, the city has established a False Alarm Reduction Program, which issues fees for repeated false alarms.
Residents with registered security systems aren't charged for their first false alarm, but a second violation costs $50. If you have three or more false alarms at your property, you'll pay at least $100 per offense.
How to choose your Columbus home security system
- Interior/exterior cameras: Evaluate your space and determine where cameras are most needed. Depending on your budget and how much crime is in your area, you might want to position a camera at each entrance of your home. If you're tight on money or not overly worried about break-ins, you might find that motion or glass break sensors are a good alternative to cameras. Also, confirm that your exterior cameras are suitable for outdoor use and can withstand harsh Ohio winters.
- Control panel: There are many different types of home security system control panels, including keypads or touch-screen devices. You'll need to decide what's best for you based on your personal preferences. If you're tech-savvy and comfortable using your phone, you could opt for a base station-style home security system. With these devices, a siren will sound, and you'll get an alert sent to your mobile phone if an alarm goes off. Alternatively, you could opt for a touch-screen device that displays alerts on the control panel itself.
- Compatibility: All of the home security companies on this list offer mobile apps, so you'll get a text, call, or push notification if there's been a disturbance at your property. Similarly, the systems we've highlighted above are compatible with various smart home technologies, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. If you use one of these devices or virtual assistants, it might be worth considering a home security system that easily integrates with it.
- Storage: If you decide to buy a video doorbell or security camera, most companies will require you to purchase a professional monitoring plan in order to save, share, or re-watch older footage. Otherwise, you'll only have access to live video, which isn't very useful if you need to go back and get footage from a break-in. Before purchasing a new security system, check with your provider to determine what type of plan you'll need to access and download stored footage.
- Window/door sensors: Many security home companies sell window and door sensors as part of a system bundle. These sensors are more cost-effective than interior and exterior cameras (as low as $25), so you might choose to buy one or two cameras and use sensors in other entryways at your home. Once installed, you can set up your sensors to send a mobile app notification whenever a window or door is opened.
Local vs. national companies
Pros of local security company | A deeper understanding of Columbus crime |
Cons of local security company | Might not have the newest technology |
Pros of national security company | Easy-to-find product reviews |
Cons of national security company | Difficult to arrange a one-on-one consultation |
Columbus home security systems FAQ
Can I self-install my home security system?
Yes. Most companies offer flexible installation options, so you can have your system professionally installed or set it up yourself. To get a better idea of the installation process, check out home security systems Columbus Ohio reviews.
What's the best Columbus home security system?
It depends on your budget and preferences. Each of the home security companies listed above offers its own advantages, whether you're looking for flexibility, ease of use, or affordability.
What's the least expensive home security system?
On this list of home security systems in Columbus, Ohio, Arlo offers the least expensive monitoring plan, starting at $2.99/month. However, the total price of your system will also depend on the equipment you purchase.
Methodology
We evaluated home security companies based on equipment cost, monthly costs, contract options, installation and customer satisfaction to determine our scores and create our best home security reviews. To compare home security companies with other providers across the board, we calculate each score based on the following:
- Monthly price: The lower the cost of a home security company's monthly contract, the higher the score. Inversely, the higher the cost of the monthly contract, the lower the score in this metric.
- Equipment cost: Affordability is important with home security, so we awarded higher scores to home security companies with lower equipment prices.
- Contracts: We reviewed the flexibility in contracts of the home security companies. The more flexibility, like having no contracts to bind customers for long periods, the higher the score.
- Customer satisfaction: With J.D. Power's 2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study, we assigned a score to each company based on the rating it received.
- Installation: Like with contracts, we award higher scores to companies with flexible installation options, like DIY or professional options.