ADT vs. Alert 360

ADT vs. Alert 360: What’s the difference?

ADT is the “set it and forget it” choice for security with professional installation, 24/7 monitoring and Google Nest integration. With more than 140 years in the business, ADT is one of the most established names in home security.

Alert 360 has provided professional security for over five decades. It focuses on a local service approach and U.S.-based monitoring. Shoppers looking for fast online price comparisons may find Alert 360 less convenient.

What we like about ADT

• Service reliability: ADT backs its service with guarantees, including theft protection and a six-month money-back promise.
• Smart integration: It works with Google Nest cameras, doorbells and smart locks, offering features like facial recognition.

What to consider: The three-year contract is the biggest trade-off for ADT’s professional service. ADT also has relatively high equipment costs, especially compared to DIY options.

What we like about Alert 360

• Five Diamond certification: The Monitoring Association awards this to the most dependable monitoring centers, reflecting strong response time and system redundancy.
• Smart home integration: You can control lights, locks and thermostats directly from the Alert 360 app.

What to consider: The lack of transparent online pricing for both equipment and monitoring makes comparison shopping difficult. Alert 360 is also only available in a limited number of U.S. states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

ADT vs. Alert 360: System and installation

Both ADT and Alert 360 provide professional installation and use control panels with cellular backup. Here’s how the equipment and installation work with each company:

ADT systems

• System type: ADT uses wireless equipment that connects through cellular networks. All plans include professional monitoring.
• Installation options: A certified technician installs everything, typically for $99 to $199 (often waived with promotions).

ADT equipment costs

ADT equipment packages start at $599 but can cost more than $1,500, depending on your setup. You can finance equipment costs over your contract term.

Alert 360 system and installation

• System type: Alert 360 uses wireless security equipment that integrates with its smart home platform. Control systems via the Alert 360 app and devices like Amazon Echo. Systems include security panels, sensors and life-safety devices (fire, flood and carbon monoxide).
• Installation options: Professional installation is the only option. Local service teams install and test the system with the monitoring center to ensure proper setup and function.

Alert 360 equipment costs

Alert 360 equipment starts at $315. Equipment for the highest-tier plan, which comes with three additional smart devices, costs $790. All equipment can be financed with $0 down and $0 interest for 48 months.

ADT vs. Alert 360: Monitoring plan costs

Both ADT and Alert 360 come with professional monitoring.

ADT monitoring plans

ADT offers three monitoring plans to choose from:

• Secure Plan: Starts at $28.99 to $34.99 per month. Covers burglary, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring.
• Smart Plan: Starts at $39.99 to $44.99 per month. Adds smart home automation and remote app control.
• Complete Plan: Starts at $49.99 to $59.99 per month. Includes cloud video storage, video verification for cameras and doorbells and smart home automation via Google Nest integration.

Contract commitment: ADT requires a 36-month contract in most states (California residents have a 24-month option). If you cancel early, expect to pay 75% of what’s left on your contract.

Alert 360 monitoring plans

You can choose from four plans that Alert 360 offers:

• Basic: Around $42.99 per month. Includes a touchscreen panel, 24/7 professional monitoring, three door/window sensors and one motion detector. All plans come with these features, along with the Alert 360 app.
• Advanced: Approximately $46.99 per month. Adds one additional smart device.
• Pro: Approximately $49.99 per month. Adds two additional smart devices.
• Premium: Approximately $52.99 per month. Adds three additional smart devices.

Contract commitment: A 36-month to 48-month contract is typically required, especially when equipment costs are rolled into the monthly fee. A month-to-month option is available only if you purchase all equipment upfront.

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ADT vs. Alert 360: Equipment and technology

Compare the equipment and monitoring networks of these two pros.

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

What ADT customers say

Reviews for ADT frequently describe a very positive experience with knowledgeable and polite technicians who take the time to walk users through the system and ensure they know how to work it. Customers seem mostly satisfied with how the system works, with a few notable reviews that describe experiences with false alarms. ADT service is described as fast and professional.

What Alert 360 customers say

The most recent reviews on our site rate Alert 360 quite poorly. Many customers mention difficulty canceling service, billing issues and problems with equipment not functioning properly. Some reviewers also report poor responses from the company. Overall, many customers recommend exploring other security system providers instead of Alert 360.

A smaller number of customers report positive experiences, describing professional service and responsive customer support.

Bottom line: ADT or Alert 360

Choose ADT if you want reliable, hands-off security and don't mind committing to a long contract. It costs more than DIY systems, but you're paying for a long operating history and well-established monitoring infrastructure. If you prefer flexibility and lower costs, DIY options will suit you better.

Choose Alert 360 if you want service with full smart home integration and don’t mind getting a custom quote. If you prefer upfront pricing or DIY options, other providers will be more accessible.

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