Reviews Report
- SimpliSafe is the best home security system in Minnesota, with a Reviews.com score of 4.4 out of 5.
- Ring and Abode are other top Minnesota home security systems behind SimpliSafe with high-quality home security features.
- All of the best home security systems in Minnesota do not have term contracts for customers.
While the winters may be cold and bitter in Minnesota, the state still carries the charm, peace, and quiet of a Midwest state. However, even in a place like Minnesota where crime is low, it’s still wise to live on the safe side and be prepared just in case. This is where your home security system comes into play. Having a home security system is important for a home’s safety and well-being, and choosing the best home security system for your needs isn’t always easy.
At Reviews.com, 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.
The 5 Best Home Security Systems in Minnesota
- SimpliSafe: Most Flexible Home Security System
- Ring: Best Home Security System for Sensors
- Abode: Most Affordable Home Security System
- Arlo: Best Home Security for High-Quality Cameras
- Blue by ADT: Best Home Security for Professional Monitoring
Compare the Best Minnesota Home Security Systems
Simplisafe | Ring | Abode | Arlo | Blue by ADT | |
Reviews.com Score | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.25 | 4 | 3.6 |
Monitoring prices start at | $0.50/day | $10/month | $0.20/day or $6/month | $2.99/month | $19.99/month |
Contract length | None | None | None | None | None |
Cameras | IndoorOutdoorDoorbell | IndoorOutdoorDoorbell | IndoorOutdoor | IndoorOutdoorDoorbell | IndoorOutdoorDoorbell |
Sensors | Glass breakIntrusionSmoke/COFloodFreezePanic button | Glass breakIntrusionSmoke/COFloodFreezePanic button | Glass breakIntrusionSmoke/COFloodFreezePanic button | None | IntrusionFlood |
Smart home integration | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit |
Control panel | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app and keypad | Mobile app | Mobile app and keypad |
Information accurate as of May 2021
Most Flexible
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple DIY setup process
- Flexible plan options
Cons
- Equipment is expensive
- Poor customer service ratings on BBB
- Add-on features can be pricey
Equipment Available
- Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras
- Window and door sensors
- Mobile phone control panel
- Environmental sensors
- Smart locks, lighting, and thermostat
Plans & Pricing
- Standard monitoring: $0.50/day
- Interactive monitoring: $0.83/day
Most Simplistic
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Quality smart-device connections
- Top-end equipment
- Quick installation process
Cons
- Starter kit can be pricey
- App has poor ratings
- No bluetooth capabilities
Equipment Available
- Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras
- Window and door sensors
- Mobile phone control panel
- Environmental sensors
- Smart locks and lighting
Plans & Pricing
- Basic plan: $3/month
- Plus plan: $10/month
Most Affordable
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Cheapest of security plans
- Flexible plans
- No contracts
Cons
- Trial period is short
- Expensive installation
- Not rated by J.D. Power
Equipment Available
- Doorbell
- Motion detection
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Door sensor
- Window sensor
Plans & Pricing
- Standard plan: $0.20/day
- Pro plan: $0.66/day
Best for High-Quality Cameras
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Access to 4-K video
- Simple self-monitoring process
- Quality cameras
Cons
- Not rated by J.D. Power
- Only battery-powered cameras
- No door or window sensors
Equipment Available
- Spotlight
- Floodlight
- Motion detection
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
Plans & Pricing
- Smart plan: Free
- Premier 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)
Best for Monitoring
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- High-quality professional monitoring services
- $500 for theft protection
- Strong customer satisfaction ratings
Cons
- More expensive monitoring
- Requires a hub for devices
- App has been reported to lag
Equipment Available
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Motion detection
- Door sensor
- Window sensor
- Smoke sensor
- Carbon monoxide sensor
Plans & Pricing
- Professional monitoring: $19.99/mo.
- DIY monitoring: Free
*J.D. Power’s 2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
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 1,000 residents.
- Property crimes in Minnesota occur a little less often than the national average at 20.79 people per 1,000 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. To learn more about your city, town, or even neighborhood, use this crime map for more information.
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 to ever happen, your local law enforcement and emergency workers can 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.
- Fill out the owner contact information, information regarding your alarm company, information on any keyholders for your home, and your payment information.
- To register your alarm, you’ll need to pay a $39 fee to the city whether you’re singing up for the first time or you’re renewing.
- Mail in your application and fee payment to the following address:
City of Saint Paul, Department of Safety & Inspection
375 Jackson Street, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55101
How to Choose Your Minnesota Home Security System
Local vs. national companies
Pros of local security company | Connection to area Fast emergency dispatches Unique, flexible terms |
Cons of local security company | Little competition on prices Limited warranty options May be part of larger corp |
Pros of national security company | Recognizable branding Competitive pricing Robust warranties |
Cons of national security company | Unfamiliar with area Can be pricey Service may be slow |
Minnesota Home Security Systems FAQ
Methodology
We evaluated home security companies based on equipment cost, monthly costs, contract options, installation, and customer satisfaction to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best home security reviews. To compare home security companies with other providers across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com 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 prices on equipment.
- Contracts: Reviews.com 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: Just like with contracts, we award higher scores to companies that have flexible installation options, like DIY or professional options.