Brinks is best for homeowners who want a modern, touchscreen-based smart home. It’s the top choice for those who want the freedom to install the gear themselves and integrate over 100 third-party smart devices without forced plan upgrades.
Jump to insightADT is best for homeowners who prioritize a fortress-like infrastructure. It’s the premier pick for those who want Google Nest integration and professional-grade equipment.
Jump to insightBrinks vs. ADT: Quick comparison
 |  | |
| Coverage |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Starting equipment cost | $500 | $599 |
| Starting monitoring fee | $39.99/month | $28.99/month |
| Contract terms | 36 months | 36 months |
| Trial period | 30 days | 6 months |
| Installation | Professional | Professional |
| Camera options | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell |
| Home automation | | |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Availability | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| iOS rating | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Android rating | 4 | 4.6 |
Brinks vs. ADT: What's the difference?
Brinks Home Security is a legacy name in home protection that has updated its offerings around smart home integration and professional monitoring. Its systems connect with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
ADT is the "set it and forget it" choice: pro install plus 24/7 monitoring with a long track record and Google Nest integration. With over 140 years in the industry, ADT is one of the most recognized names in home security.
What we like about Brinks
- Premium equipment: Brinks hardware runs on the Alarm.com platform, giving you access to a robust smart home ecosystem.
- Free installation option: On higher-priced packages, Brinks will waive the professional installation fee when you sign a contract, saving you $100 or more upfront.
What to consider: The 36-month contract with full early termination penalties is a significant commitment. Pricing also lacks transparency — you'll need a custom quote to get most equipment details.
What we like about ADT
- Service reliability: ADT backs its service with guarantees including theft protection and a six-month money-back guarantee.
- Smart integration: ADT connects with Google Nest cameras, doorbells and smart locks, unlocking features like facial recognition.
What to consider: The three-year contract is the main drawback of ADT's professional service. Equipment costs are also on the higher end, particularly when compared to DIY security options.
Brinks vs. ADT: System and installation
Brinks gives customers a choice between DIY and professional installation, while ADT exclusively uses professional installation. Here's what to expect from each.
Brinks system and installation
- System type: Brinks uses wireless, smart home-compatible hardware managed through a touchscreen control panel. Cellular communication keeps monitoring active even if your internet or power goes out.
- Installation options: Professional installation is the default. For select packages — typically those with equipment costs of $599 or more — Brinks waives the installation fee when you sign a contract. For lower-cost systems, installation fees begin around $100.
Brinks equipment costs
Equipment can be purchased individually or as part of a custom package. Door sensors run approximately $50 each, while the main touchscreen panel is around $349. A complete system starts at roughly $500 in equipment costs.
ADT system and installation
- System type: ADT uses wireless equipment that communicates over cellular networks. Every plan includes professional monitoring from day one.
- Installation options: A certified ADT technician handles the full installation, typically charging $99 to $199 — a fee that is often waived during promotional periods.
ADT equipment costs
ADT equipment packages start at $599 and can exceed $1,500 depending on your configuration. You have the option to finance equipment costs across your contract term.
Brinks vs. ADT: Monitoring plan costs
Both Brinks and ADT rely on established 24/7 professional monitoring networks, though their plan structures and price points differ.
| | |
| Coverage | | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Monitoring price range | $39.99 to $49.99/month | $28.99 to $59.99/month |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | | |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | $39.99/month | $28.99/month |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | $49.99/month | $59.99/month |
Brinks monitoring plans
- Essential Plan: Approximately $39.99 per month. Covers professional monitoring and smartphone control for sensors only.
- Smart Home / Video Plan: Approximately $44.99 to $49.99 per month. Required if you add cameras. Includes cloud video storage, video verification and smart home automation.
Contract commitment: A 36-month contract is standard with Brinks. If you cancel early, you're responsible for paying the remaining balance — a stricter policy than most DIY competitors.
ADT monitoring plans
- 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, though California residents have a 24-month option. Canceling early means paying 75% of your remaining contract balance.
» COMPARE: Brinks vs. Vivint
Brinks vs. ADT: Equipment and technology
Brinks brings strong smart home capabilities through the Alarm.com platform, while ADT pairs with Google Nest's expansive equipment catalog for a broader device ecosystem.
| | |
| Coverage | | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Wired or wireless? | Wireless | Wireless |
| Camera options | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell |
| Video doorbell | | |
| Control panel | | |
| Motion sensor | | |
| Entry sensor | | |
| Glass break sensor | | |
| Keychain remote | | |
| Siren | | |
| Panic button | | |
| Yard sign | | |
| Smart locks | | |
| Smart lights | | |
| Smart thermostat | | |
| Garage door control | | |
| Temperature sensor | | |
| Water sensor | | |
| Smoke detector | | |
| CO detector | | |
| Mobile app | | |
| Mobile app monitoring | | |
| iOS rating | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Android rating | 4 | 4.6 |
| Notification/alert options | Email, text and push | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | | |
| Voice integration | | |
| Amazon Alexa | | |
| Google Home | | |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
What Brinks customers say
Positive reviews say Brinks features professional sales staff and patient customer service representatives who thoroughly answer questions. Many highlight a smooth transition and reliable coverage when taking over accounts from previous security providers.
However, some customer reviews mention having to deal with unreliable equipment, as well as frustrating installation delays, aggressive sales pitches for upgrades and unexpected billing issues like escalating rates and hidden fees.
"We had one minor issue early on, but the company quickly addressed it and has since provided exceptional, reliable service. Professional team, prompt response, and great attention to detail."
What ADT customers say
Positive reviews say ADT features courteous installers and patient customer service representatives who go out of their way to explain the system and help troubleshoot issues. Many highlight the system's reliable monitoring response and quick customer support call times.
A few customer reviews mention having to deal with frustrating camera and app glitches, as well as missed installation appointments, inadequate equipment for certain areas and unexpected billing issues.
"The builders put ADT in the house that I'm in, and I've always stayed with it. They've been fine. I had a period where a few things were acting up, but over the years, the system has worked out."
Bottom line: Brinks or ADT
Choose Brinks if you want the flexibility of a DIY-first approach paired with an award-winning mobile app. It’s perfect for the tech-savvy owner who wants to build an automated home using proven Qolsys hardware and "Alarm Validation" tech that speeds up police response times by reducing false alarms.
Choose ADT if you want a completely hands-off security solution from the most established name in the industry. It’s the best fit if you value physical redundancy — like nine interconnected monitoring centers — and want your security system professionally engineered and maintained by a local expert.
» MORE: ADT vs. Cove
