'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.

While the winters may be cold and bitter in Minnesota, the state still carries a Midwest state's charm, peace, and quiet. 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.

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.

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit

Information accurate as of May 2021

Score: 4.4 | J.D. Power: 889* | Contract requirement: No |

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.

Score: 4.2 | J.D. Power: 882* | Contract requirement: No | 

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.

Score: 4.25 | J.D. Power: NR* | Contract requirement: No | 

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.

Score: 4 | J.D. Power: NR* | Contract requirement: No |

Arlo's camera lineup is impressive, to say the least. With high-definition capabilities, Arlo offers some of the best cameras on the market.

Score: 3.6 | J.D. Power: 880* | Contract requirement: No |

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.

*J.D. Power's 2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.

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:

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.

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 & Inspection 375 Jackson Street, Suite 200 St. Paul, MN 55101

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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 Maybe 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

While some companies still require a professional install, most security companies allow for and even encourage DIY home security installations. This way, you can have complete control over where your devices go to serve you and your home best. Customers can self monitor their systems as well.

We have narrowed down SimpliSafe as being the best Minnesota home security system. With its high rating from J.D. Power, quality cameras, and flexible plans for all types of homes, SimpliSafe easily became one of our top choices.

At $0.20/day, Abode is one of the most affordable home security systems on the market. Abode also doesn't lock you down into a contract and offers lots of flexible options.

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: