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We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.
**Nest Doorbell Professionally Installed Free: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $56.99/mo. with QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $1,367.76), and enrollment in ADT EasyPay. Offer includes installation of one (1) Nest Doorbell with minimum purchase price of $599 after promotion is applied depending on geographic location. Maximum discount $229. Nest Doorbell includes wired or battery options. Offer available for new ADT customers only. Limit one per customer, not combinable with other offers. Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming, and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Expires 02/28/2024.
***$100 ADT Visa Reward Card: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $28.99/mo. (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from 695.76), and enrollment in ADT EasyPay. Requires minimum purchase price of $449. One (1) Visa Reward Card valued at $100 is redeemable seven (7) days after system is installed, wherein an email is sent to the customer's email address associated with their account with a promo code. The customer must validate the promo code on the website provided in the email and a physical card will be sent in the mail. Installation must occur within 60 days of offer expiration date to receive card. Applicable to new and resale sale types only. Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Expires 01/31/2024.
&THEFT PROTECTION GUARANTEE: Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements.
ADT MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.
*Traditional Security: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $28.99/mo. (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $695.76) and minimum purchase amount of $449. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment, and services selected. Applies to Traditional Service level only. Landline phone required. Offer available for new ADT customers only. Limit one per customer, not combinable with other offers. Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Excludes ADT’s Quality Service Plan (QSP).
GENERAL: Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. System remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only.
©2024 ADT LLC. All rights reserved. ADT, the ADT logo, 800.ADT.ASAP and the product/service names listed in this document are marks and/or registered marks. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. License information available at www.ADT.com/legal or by calling 800.ADT.ASAP. CA ACO7155, 974443, PPO120288; MA 172C; NC Licensed by the Alarm Systems Licensing Board of the State of North Carolina, 2736-CSA, 2397-CSA, 2381-CSA; NY 12000305615; PA 090797; MS 15019511.
Most families with security alarm systems agree that the biggest benefit they realize is the peace-of-mind that comes with 24/7 monitoring. No matter where you are – on the road, on vacation or at work – if something goes wrong, knowing that your alarm system will link you to the proper authorities is not only reassuring, but adds value to your everyday life. And with the latest technology, most systems allow you to see what’s happening in your home from any mobile device – no matter your location.
Home alarm systems have hidden monetary benefits that you might not be aware of. Your insurance company will look at an alarm system as an extra line of defense that decreases your risk of intrusion and fire; offering you a discount on your monthly payments. While the percentage varies depending on the providers and the sophistication of the system, many homeowners see their monthly insurance payments decrease by as much as 20%. Contact your insurance agent to find out more details. A good quality home alarm system will also increase the value of your home. Families are willing to pay more for a home if they feel that they live in a secure place.
What an alarm system includes depends entirely on the provider, your budget and your needs. The features offered by alarm companies can range from entry level systems that include basic motion sensors and alarms to full package deals with fire alarms, heat sensors and live-streaming video monitoring from your smart phone.
When purchasing an alarm system, you’ll need to decide whether you want a wired or a wireless system. Traditionally, wired alarm systems have been the go-to choice, but that trend has shifted with the increasingly sophisticated technology of wireless systems. The main benefit of the wireless alarm systems is the DIY installation and the ability to take your system with you if you move. This is ideal for those of us who do not want the hassle of dealing with service provider electricians.
While alarm system features and prices vary from provider to provider, they generally have the following interior and exterior monitoring options to select from:
If you have apprehensions of not being able to afford an alarm system – good news! Today’s alarm systems come in a variety of shapes, sizes and price, giving you the flexibility to pick and choose the must-have features you need to feel secure in your home. There are several upfront decisions you’ll need to make when shopping around – do you want monitored vs. unmonitored systems, wireless vs. hardwired and DIY vs. professional installation? Your final price is going to be directly related to how you answer those initial questions.
The average cost of the system installation and equipment ranges from $99 - $1,000, depending on the equipment you choose. After that, your monthly payments can start as low as $20 and go as high as $100. When you shop around, you’ll quickly realize that the cost of your system is affected by the technology you want. It’s like purchasing a car; the base price looks enticing, but the more features you add, the higher the end price. Features like security cameras and home automation are going to dramatically increase the cost. However, because you have complete control over your monthly costs by selecting the security features you need, almost anyone can afford some level of home security.
With so many options on the market and technologies that are continuously evolving, how do you choose one that is right for you and your family from all the best home alarm systems? While it can be overwhelming, you need to start by asking yourself what security features would make the investment worth it? What would make you feel secure? If your goal is to simply prevent burglaries and you’re not tech savvy, I would suggest that you go with a basic package with door and window sensors from any of the leading providers. However, if you’re keen on installing the system yourself and like the bells and whistles, I would suggest that you go with a DIY wireless system with home automation. While the equipment may be more expensive upfront, the month to month costs are not much more expensive than a basic package. With the additional features like smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detection, I would argue that the added value of preventing loss of life and property, is worth the extra price.
The biggest piece of advice is that you need to do your research before you jump into purchasing any system. Do not be pushed into buying from the first provider you call. Ask for customer references, a home demo and compare systems.
ADT is a reliable home security company with more than 140 years of industry experience. They offer a range of services, including 24/7 monitoring, professional installation, and a variety of equipment options such as cameras, door and window sensors, and smart home devices.
Andrew Sinden, Cybersecurity Expert at StarLinkHow, remarks that ADT is a "reputable firm with a long history of offering trustworthy and complete security solutions." This sentiment is especially reflected in ADT's many positive customer reviews and six-month money-back guarantee—the longest full refund window on our list.
Why we chose ADT: They use smart home integrations and provide comprehensive 24/7 protection. You can even monitor your home and control your security system from anywhere in the world with their mobile app.
Our experience: The installation was seamless and quick—the technician also helped us set up the mobile app and put up a yard sign saying the house had a security system installed.
Vivint is a highly rated company that provides a range of smart security kits. Their app gives you complete control of your home, letting you switch your lights on and off, monitor security cameras, and lock and unlock doors directly from your phone.
Raj, Chief Editor at WireQuality, calls Vivint "an innovative home technology provider" and remarks on their dedication to "ease of use, seamless connectivity, and enhancing safety and convenience for homeowners."
Why we chose Vivint: Vivint's professional installers evaluate your home before suggesting equipment, so you get personalized service from day one. They even provide energy management services to save you money on electric bills.
Our experience: We liked Vivint's Smart Deter technology, which wards off potential burglars with sounds and lights as soon as security sensors detect them.
SimpliSafe provides user-friendly, dependable, and customizable wireless security systems with 24/7 monitoring. You can choose the level of service you need for installation - professional or DIY, as well as the level of monitoring you'll need.
Eric Lee, Co-Founder of real estate investment firm REI Insiders, mentions that "SimpliSafe is a great budget option, and it's easy to install and use." Most of their devices are also plug-and-play, such as video doorbells and smart locks.
Why we chose SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe's wireless systems don't require professional installation, although they offer this as an option. And, all their contracts are month-to-month, so you don't have to commit to a yearly agreement like with other companies.
Our experience: It's straightforward to set up the monitoring system and mount components with the attached sticky pads. Access to customer service was also convenient—we especially liked their live chat feature.
