Brinks and Alert 360 offer wireless home security and home automation options. Both companies also offer 24/7 professional monitoring. While both companies provide 36-month contracts, only one has a month-to-month option. When choosing which is best for you, it's important to compare features.
Installation and cost
Installation type
DIY or professional
Professional
Installation fee
$200 to $450
$99 to $199
Upfront cost
$199 to $699
Equipment included in monthly fee
Trial period
30-day risk-free
None listed
Contract terms
36 months
36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront
DIY or professional
$200 to $450
$199 to $699
30-day risk-free
36 months
Professional
$99 to $199
Equipment included in monthly fee
None listed
36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
$39.99 to $49.99/month
$49.95 to $59.95
Monitoring options
Professional
Professional
Self-monitoring
Not offered
—
Upgraded self-monitoring
Not offered
—
24/7 professional monitoring
$39.99/month
Starting at $49.95
Upgraded professional monitoring
$49.99/month
$59.95
$39.99 to $49.99/month
Professional
Not offered
Not offered
$39.99/month
$49.99/month
$49.95 to $59.95
Professional
—
—
Starting at $49.95
$59.95
Security equipment
Wired or wireless?
Wireless
Wireless
Camera options
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
Keychain remote
Siren
Audible panel siren
Panic button
Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel
Yard sign
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Audible panel siren
Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel
Brinks provides customers with state-of-the-art home security and home automation technology. The company is transparent about its pricing and offers the option of DIY installation. It does provide professional installation if needed, but it ensures the technology is simple enough to install on your own. Brinks does require a contract.
Brinks plans
Smart Security Essential: At $199, this is the basic plan. It includes a control panel, a motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $39.99 a month.
Smart Security Complete: This middle plan costs $349. It includes one control panel, one video doorbell, one motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $44.99 a month.
Smart Security Ultimate: At $699, this is the most robust Brinks plan. The plan includes one control panel, one video doorbell, one motion sensor, three door sensors, one outdoor camera and one yard sign. Monitoring services cost $49.99 a month.
What Brinks customers say
Brinks has overall positive reviews and ratings on our site. Happy customers frequently highlight the company’s prompt service, knowledgeable reps and professional installation techs. The wall panel could be a little brighter, according to one reviewer. Other customers mention long hold times when contacting customer service.
I had to have my panel replaced recently, and the tech came out and explained everything to me and took his time to make sure we understood how the panel works and all the changes he made. The system is easy to use and performs everything we needed to do. It works as advertised and everybody can use it including my granddaughter. It’s a great service, it’s a great company, and their customer service is outstanding.”
Alert 360 offers smart-home security and home automation. It provides professional installation and monitoring and has multiple plan options. The website isn’t very transparent about pricing, but you can request a free quote online or by phone.
Alert 360 plans
Alert 360 offers commitment choices: You can pay for equipment and installation upfront or pay month-to-month instead.
Smart Door Lock: This plan costs $44.95 monthly, plus the price of installation. It includes a touch-screen panel, a keyless door lock, one motion sensor and three door/window sensors.
Smart Home Video: This plan is also $44.95 monthly, plus the cost of installation. It comes with a touch-screen panel, a wireless HD indoor camera, one motion sensor and three door/window sensors.
Door Command: This plan costs $50.95 a month, plus installation. The plan includes a touch-screen panel, a smart video doorbell, a keyless door lock, one motion sensor and three door/window sensors.
Complete Smart Home: The most comprehensive plan costs $54.95 a month, plus the price of installation. It includes a touch-screen panel, a keyless door lock, a wireless HD indoor camera, a motion sensor and three door/window sensors.
What Alert 360 customers say
Alert 360 has mixed reviews on ConsumerAffairs, with satisfied customers describing professional service and any issues being resolved to their satisfaction. Other customers express concern over equipment functionality and difficulty canceling their contract.
[Jacob] did an incredible job today installing a deadbolt on our front door! He arrived early, was efficient and professional. Thank you for a great experience! The quality and level of service Alert 360 provides is outstanding!”
Both Brinks and Alert 360 offer professional monitoring and smart-home technology. The main difference between the two companies is the commitment requirements — while both have lengthy contracts if you finance your equipment, Alert 360 offers a month-to-month option if you buy your equipment upfront.
Brinks is best for customers who want to save on the cost of professional installation by installing their home alarm systems themselves.
Alert 360 is best for customers who don’t want a long commitment or contract and don't mind installing the equipment themselves.
