We reviewed the five best home security systems in Minnesota. We rated and reviewed home security providers based on affordability, customer satisfaction, price, and more.
Comparing the best Minnesota home security systems
Information accurate as of May 2021 *J.D. Power’s 2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale. Why we chose it SimpliSafe is the top choice for Minnesota residents with its affordable pricing and flexible plans to choose from. Users can also opt-in to SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring services for just $0.50 a day or about $15 a month. Pros:
AffordableThe simple DIY setup processFlexible plan options
Cons:
Equipment is expensivePoor customer service ratings on BBBAdd-on features can be pricey
Equipment available:
Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camerasWindow and door sensorsMobile phone control panelEnvironmental sensorsSmart locks, lighting, and thermostat
Plans & pricing:
Standard monitoring: $0.50/dayInteractive monitoring: $0.83/day
Why we chose it Ring comes in at a close second because of the company’s sensor capabilities. From flood sensors to carbon monoxide alerts, Ring can help prevent both break-ins and accidents in the home. Pros:
Quality smart-device connectionsTop-end equipmentQuick installation process
Cons:
Starter kit can be priceyApp has poor ratingsNo Bluetooth capabilities
Equipment available:
Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camerasWindow and door sensorsMobile phone control panelEnvironmental sensorsSmart locks and lighting
Plans & pricing:
Basic plan: $3/monthPlus plan: $10/month
Why we chose it Out of all the top home security systems MN has to offer that we’ve chosen, Abode is the most affordable and doesn’t force customers into contracts. Aside from its affordable costs, Abode is also a favorite for how easily it connects to smart home devices. Pros:
Cheapest of security plansFlexible plansNo contracts
Cons:
The trial period is shortExpensive installationNot rated by J.D. Power
Equipment available:
DoorbellMotion detectionIndoor and outdoor camerasDoor sensorWindow sensor
Plans & pricing:
Standard plan: $0.20/dayPro plan: $0.66/day
Why we chose it Arlo’s camera lineup is impressive, to say the least. With high-definition capabilities, Arlo offers some of the best cameras on the market. Pros:
Access to 4-K videoSimple self-monitoring processQuality cameras
Cons:
Not rated by J.D. PowerOnly battery-powered camerasNo door or window sensors
Equipment available:
SpotlightFloodlightMotion detectionIndoor and outdoor cameras
Plans & pricing:
Smart plan: FreePremier plan: $2.99/mo. (1 camera) or $9.99/mo. (up to 5 cameras)Elite plan: $4.99/mo. (1 camera) or $14.99/mo. (up to 5 cameras)
Why we chose it While Blue by ADT is the most costly of the top home security systems we’ve listed, their professional monitoring offers peace of mind. If you choose to go with Blue by ADT monitoring services, the security company will alert authorities as well as offer backup for your camera footage in case of any issues. Pros:
High-quality professional monitoring services$500 for theft protectionStrong customer satisfaction ratings
Cons:
More expensive monitoringRequires a hub for devicesApp has been reported to lag
Equipment available:
Indoor and outdoor camerasMotion detectionDoor sensorWindow sensorSmoke sensorCarbon monoxide sensor
Plans & pricing:
Professional monitoring: $19.99/mo.DIY monitoring: Free
Home security in Minnesota: What you need to know
Minnesota crime statistics
When it comes to Minnesota crime statistics, it depends heavily on where you live, but overall, the state mostly has a lower crime rate than the national average. False alarm fees also vary depending on where you live. In Minneapolis, for example, the city will charge $30 for the first false alarm, then $100 for the second, then $200 for the third, and after that, an additional $100 for each alarm. However, there is no annual permitting fee in Minneapolis. Below are a few crime statistics to be aware of if you’re considering a security system to install for your home:
Violent crimes in Minnesota occur far below the national average of violent offenses at 2.36 people per 1000 residents.Property crimes in Minnesota occur a little less often than the national average at 20.79 people per 1000 residents.Your chances of being a victim of property crime in Minnesota is 1 out of 48 people.
Research your neighborhood
One of the safest cities in Minnesota is the small town of McGregor, located in the northern part of the state. The chances of becoming a victim of property crime in McGregor, Minnesota is1 in 10,000, which is significantly lower than the state’s overall 1 in 48. Overall, McGregor has an extremely low crime rate per square mile and the chances of you encountering a violent or property crime here is very low. However, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the largest city in the state, as of April 2021, there have already been 5,383 property crimes and 1,325 violent crimes reported, according to data from the Minneapolis police. Use this crime map for more information to learn more about your city, town, or even neighborhood.
Register your home security system in Minnesota
It’s important to register your home security system with your city so that, if the worst was ever to happen, your local law enforcement and emergency workers could respond as soon as possible. Registering your home security system in Minnesota differs depending on where you live. Here is an example of how to register your system with the City of Saint Paul: Visit the city website and click on the Alarm Permit Application. City of Saint Paul, Department of Safety & Inspection375 Jackson Street, Suite 200St. Paul, MN 55101
How to choose your Minnesota home security system
Interior/exterior cameras
In Minnesota, the winters are very harsh, so all cameras should be rated for your area’s climate. Can your outdoor cameras withstand blizzard conditions or humid summers? Make sure the camera has high weather ratings to keep your home security cameras in the best working conditions, whether it’s a hot summer day or a frigid ice storm.
Control panel
Be sure to research your options for a control panel, as you’ll want one where it isn’t easy to get lost down a rabbit hole trying to turn your alarm on or off. Opt for a simple setup or, if not, make sure to spend time getting familiar with the device so, in case of emergency, you won’t find yourself fumbling with your control panel.
Compatibility
While smart hubs are a convenient way to run your home, you’ll want to make sure your security system is compatible and offers support for Android, Google, and iOS devices. Save yourself the headache of having to call tech support down the road. Be sure to do some research to establish which security systems will run best with various operating systems to avoid any bugs.
Storage
If you’re living in an area of Minnesota that’s heavily populated, like Minneapolis, you’ll want to make sure your motion-activated cameras have enough storage to capture the important things going on around your home. Unnecessary triggers could take up quite a bit of space and leave you with no storage space if something happens in your home. When setting up your security system, make sure your cameras are pointed at the important places and angled to where they won’t pick up any random foot traffic or animal activity.
Window/door sensors
In Minnesota, the winters are cold, and the summers are hot. Since the region experiences such extreme ranges in temperature, you’ll want to make sure your window or door sensors’ specifications are prepared for anything that gets thrown their way. You’ll want all your devices, especially your sensitive sensors, to be waterproof and able to operate well when it’s 13 degrees Fahrenheit.
Local vs. national companies
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.
