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 150 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 monitoring based in the U.S. Its geographical range for installations is more limited than ADT.

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. It also offers DIY options, but functionality may be limited without a monitoring subscription. ADT serves most parts of the U.S., including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

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 detailed online pricing for both equipment and monitoring makes comparison shopping difficult. Alert 360 is available in only nine states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia. It does not sell equipment for DIY installation.

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 primarily uses wireless equipment that connects through cellular networks. All plans include professional monitoring.
• Installation options: A certified technician installs everything, typically for $99 to $299 (you can sometimes get the installation waived with promotions). However, DIY installation is available with ADT Blu.

ADT equipment costs

ADT equipment packages start at $199 for a basic package, which includes one base, one door or window sensor, a yard sign, a window sticker and access to the ADT+ app. However, this minimal setup may not be enough for most homes, and the price can increase substantially as you add additional components. You can finance both equipment and installation costs over a 12- to 60-month term.

Alert 360 system and installation

• System type: Alert 360 uses wireless security equipment that integrates with its smart home platform. Users can 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 functionality.

Alert 360 equipment costs

Alert 360 equipment starts at $315 for its starter package, which includes professional installation, a touchscreen control panel, one wireless motion detector, three door or window sensors, a yard sign, window decals and app access.

Equipment for the highest-tier plan, which comes with three additional smart devices and one additional security device, costs $790. All equipment can be financed through the company’s payment plan options.

ADT vs. Alert 360: Monitoring plan costs

Both ADT and Alert 360 offer professional monitoring.

ADT monitoring plans

ADT offers three monitoring plans for professionally installed systems:

• Secure Monitoring: Designed for systems with no cameras or smart devices, the Secure plan covers intrusion detection only. It also includes MySafety, a personal security monitoring and alert service within the ADT+ app.
• Smart Monitoring: This plan includes everything in the Secure plan, but adds smart home automation.
• Complete Monitoring: The Complete plan is for homes with both cameras and smart home devices. It includes cloud video storage, live video feeds and smart home automation. It also features access to the Trusted Neighbor feature in the ADT+ app, which allows users to grant temporary access to their homes to specified individuals such as family members or house sitters.

Pricing for ADT’s monitoring plans is highly variable. The monthly cost typically starts at $49.99 for professional install customers, but depending on the equipment package and contract terms you choose, you may be eligible for discounted subscription fees as low as $29.99 a month.

ADT’s DIY install series is called ADT Blu. Professional monitoring for ADT Blu clients usually costs $34.99 a month, but can run as little as $24.99 depending on your system and contract. ADT also offers self-monitoring options starting at $9.99 per month for those who install their own systems.

Contract commitment: For professionally installed systems, ADT requires a 36-month monitoring 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. ADT Blu customers can opt for a month-to-month plan.

Alert 360 monitoring plans

Pricing for Alert 360’s professional monitoring plans depends on which equipment package you choose:

• Starter: Around $42 per month ($1.41/day)
• Advanced: Around $46 per month ($1.54/day)
• Pro: Around $49 per month ($1.64/day)
• Premium: Around $52 per month ($1.74/day)

Contract commitment: A 36- 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 from a company with a long operating history and well-established monitoring infrastructure. If you prefer flexibility and lower costs, more DIY-forward options may 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 detailed upfront pricing or DIY options, other providers will be more accessible.

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