There are many different home security systems on the market in Columbus, but they aren’t all equal in terms of quality, cost, offered equipment, and more. To help you select a security system that’s right for your home, the This Old House Reviews Team evaluated the best home security systems available in Columbus, Ohio. Read on to learn about our top recommendations.

The 6 Best Home Security Systems in Columbus

ADT: Best Overall Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration Alder: Best for Medical Alerts SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration Abode: Best for Customization

Compare Home Security Systems

1. ADT Home Security

ADT is the This Old House Reviews Team’s top recommendation for a home security system. The trusted security provider has more than 140 years of experience, offers a six-month money-back guarantee, and operates the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the country. ADT also serves millions of customers across the U.S. You can purchase this optional add-on equipment at a one-time charge:

Indoor and outdoor cameras Video doorbell camera Touchscreen keypad Glass break sensor Smoke detector Flood sensor Carbon monoxide detector Panic button

Learn more: ADT Home Security Review

2. Vivint Smart Home Security

Vivint offers streamlined home security systems that can provide seamless smartphone and smart home integration. The systems can be easily synced with third-party devices like the Kwikset smart lock, Philips Hue smart light, and the Nest thermostat. Vivint’s high-tech equipment comes with features like advanced camera analytics that notify you when people and packages arrive at your doorstep.
Vivint offers a set of five home security packages. If you don’t want to invest in the most expensive package but are interested in features like video surveillance and Wi-Fi-enabled storage, consider the Video Security Bundle Package.

Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit: The starter package features all of the essential devices, including a touch screen panel that can be controlled via the mobile app, two entry sensors, a motion sensor, a water sensor, and The Smart Hub. Additionally, this package includes a $100 credit toward purchasing extra sensors. Home Security System Bundle: This package includes all of the devices offered in the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit, plus a smart smoke detector that can integrate with your security system to unlock smart locks if the smoke alarm system is triggered. Smart Home Control Bundle: This bundle features all of the equipment from the two preceding packages, along with a smart thermostat, smart garage door opener, and a smart lock. A Vivint Smart Home Video Plan is required to use this package. Video Security Bundle: This bundled package combines the Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit’s equipment with video surveillance, including an indoor camera, a doorbell camera, and an outdoor security camera. This package also offers Wi-Fi-enabled storage that archives playback recordings. A Smart Home Video Plan is required to fully use this package. Smart Complete Bundle: This smart package offers extensive protection, combining the automation of Vivint’s Smart Home Control Bundle with all of the equipment from the Video Security Bundle.

Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review

3. Alder Home Security

Alder operates with a different format than most other home security systems in this review. The majority of home security providers offer a variety of premade packages with specific equipment offerings. However, Alder lets you customize your unique package by choosing the devices you want. Alder also has an impressive average response time of 3.4 seconds—one of the fastest in the industry.

Alder Packages & Equipment

You can select the specific devices you want to create your unique Alder home security system.

Touchscreen Panel: The panel is the basis of the Alder home security system, using a cellular connection to remain functional even if internet is unavailable. Indoor Security Camera: This camera uses a wide-angle lens and operates with night vision. Additionally, the camera allows two-way talk for real-time interactions with people at your door. The high-tech camera can also pick up the sound of a baby’s cry and will send you alerts when someone in your house requires special attention. Outdoor Security Camera: The outdoor camera has impressive features like night vision and a specialized wide-angle lens that can monitor a large area. Other standout features include mobile notifications, motion detection, and two-way audio. Motion Sensor: These sensors use infrared technology to detect motion inside your home. If a motion sensor is tripped, the system will notify the control panel, alerting you and the monitoring center to a potential threat. Door/Window Sensor: When the system is armed, the sensors will send notifications if a window or door is opened. If the system isn’t armed, the base station will chime if a window or door is opened. Smart Smoke Detector: These smart detectors send alerts before smoke signals start and also act as carbon monoxide detectors. Medical Alert Pendant: Designed for seniors who live alone and customers with medical issues, the alert pendant notifies emergency services when the button is pressed. Flood and Freeze Detectors: These detectors send notifications when they detect excess water in your home. Good places to set up these detectors include near sinks, major piping in basements, and near appliances that use water. Doorbell Camera: This device shows you a livestream of your door and alerts you when someone arrives.

Alder Pricing

Alder’s pricing information isn’t listed on the provider’s website because its packages are all customizable. However, customers can call Alder directly to discuss costs. Alder systems require a three-year contract. Monthly monitoring prices begin at $39.99.

Learn more: Alder Home Security Review

4. SimpliSafe Home Security

SimpliSafe offers five premade home security packages, along with one customizable package that gives you the option to build a package that fits your needs. The Foundation Package is a good fit for customers who are interested in a basic starter package that comes with all the must-have equipment.

“The Foundation” Package: The starter package includes all of the must-have devices, including a base station, key pad, entry sensor, and motion sensor. “The Essentials” Package: Building on The Foundation Package, The Essentials Package adds on extra cameras for heightened security. “The Hearth” Package: This package adds on special equipment like a siren and a keyfob to The Essentials Package’s offerings. “The Knox” Package: The Knox features all of the security equipment included in The Hearth Package. It also comes with six entry sensors, the most of any package. “The Haven” Package: This package provides comprehensive security and includes all of the essential equipment, plus a temperature sensor, water sensor, and panic button.

You can customize your personal SimpliSafe security package by following these three steps. The Standard Monitoring Plan from SimpliSafe costs $14.99 per month, while the Interactive Monitoring Plan costs $24.99 per month.

Learn more: SimpliSafe Home Security Review

5. Frontpoint Home Security

Frontpoint is a DIY home security system that offers customizable smartphone notifications, which are ideal for customers who are frequently on the go. There is no contract requirement, and the system is very durable. The system comes with crash and smash protection that guarantees you’ll receive notifications when a door opens or a motion sensor is activated, even if the control system is damaged or destroyed. Frontpoint provides four home security packages. All of the packages include a hub, keypad, at least two door/window sensors, and one or more entry sensors. If you are interested in going a step above the most basic package but don’t want to pay for extra frills, consider the Safe Home Everyday Package, which includes all essentials plus a few extra sensors for added protection.

“Safe Home Starter” Package: The starter package features must-have equipment, including a hub, keypad, one motion sensor, and two door/window sensors. “Safe Home Everyday” Package: This kit features every piece of the starter package’s equipment, plus an extra motion sensor and door/window sensor. “Safe Home Select” Package: This package offers additional features like a glass break sensor and a smoke and heat sensor. “Safe Home Preferred” Package: The preferred package offers the most comprehensive protection, including all of the equipment from the preceding packages, along with an additional camera.

Frontpoint customers have two different payment options for added flexibility. They have the option to purchase the Frontpoint security equipment upfront or finance it through the payment service Affirm, which offers a 3-, 6-, or 12-month payment plan.

Learn more: Frontpoint Home Security Review

6. Abode Security

Abode offers versatile home security systems that allow you to connect up to 160 different devices for comprehensive, customizable protection. The provider also has flexible plans that require no long-term contracts. Abode’s self-monitoring is simple and straightforward, making it a good choice for customers who prefer DIY monitoring. Abode offers four home security packages. The major distinctions between the packages are that two operate with the Gen 2 Gateway, while the other two use the iota All-in-One Gateway. The iota All-in-One Gateway offers more advanced technology, with a built-in streaming camera and motion detector.

“Smart Security Middle” Package: This basic package includes the streamlined Gen 2 Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, one motion sensor, one sticker, and three door/window sensors. “Iota Kit Middle” Package: This package builds on the foundation of The Smart Security Middle Package, featuring the iota All-In-One Gateway, one keypad, one key fob, and three total door/window sensors. “Smart Security Kit Elite” Package: This comprehensive package uses the Gen 2 Gateway and features one keypad, one key fob, one sticker, a pair of motion sensors, and four mini door/window sensors. “iota Kit Elite” Package: This extensive protection package includes the iota All-In-One Gateway, a keypad, a key fob, four mini door/window sensors, and one motion sensor.

Learn more: Abode Home Security Review

Our Conclusion

The This Old House Reviews Team researched a range of home security systems and found that the best home security systems available in Columbus are ADT, Vivint, Alder, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and Abode. Each of our recommendations offers extensive protection with all of the essential features. We always suggest that you reach out to several home security providers to find the system that fits your needs. You can use the tool below to contact some top home security providers:

What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Columbus, Ohio

What is the best home security system available?

We believe that ADT is the best home security system available because they offer a six-month money-back guarantee, have nearly 140 years of industry experience, and run the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the country.

How much does it cost to get a home security system installed?

The typical fee for professional installation is a one-time cost that ranges from $99 to $199.

How much is ADT monthly?

The price of your ADT security system will depend on the package and monitoring plan you choose. Here is a breakdown of ADT’s costs:

“The Essentials” Package: $7/week; $27.99/month “ADT Pulse® Remote” Package: $13/week; $53.99/month “ADT Pulse® + Video” Package: $15/week; $59.99/month “ADT Pulse® Home Automation + Video” Package: $15/week, starts at $59.99/month

More on Home Security Systems:

Best Home Security Systems of 2022 Best Wireless Home Security Systems of 2022 ADT Home Security Review (2022) Vivint Home Security Review (2022) SimpliSafe Home Security Review (2022) Alder Home Security Review (2022) Frontpoint Home Security Review (2022)

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for home security providers is on a 100-point scale based on 10 factors:

Number of systems (5) Special features (10) Installation options (5) Connectivity and smart home automation (15) Pricing (15) Contract period (5) Warranty (15) Trial period (15) Usability (5) Trustworthiness (10)

Our Reviews Team reviewed 32 companies and spent 744 hours researching and testing out products to help us compare home security systems on key factors such as package options, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Read more on our methodology here. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.