Brinks vs. ADT Self Setup

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ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

What is the difference between Brinks and ADT Self Setup?

Both Brinks and ADT Self Setup are backed by years of experience in the security industry. While Brinks offers customized home security systems with a choice of professional or DIY installation, ADT Self Setup only offers DIY installation. Both companies offer 24/7 professional monitoring, but ADT Self Setup also offers a self-monitoring option. Brinks provides a range of smart-home devices with automation, while ADT Self Setup focuses on home security devices.

Installation and cost

brinks home security logoadt self setup logo
Installation typeProfessionalDIY
Installation fee$200 to $450None
Upfront cost$199 to $699$179.99 to $579.99
Trial period30-day risk-free30 days of free monitoring
Contract terms36 monthsNo-contract options
brinks home security logoProfessional$200 to $450$199 to $69930-day risk-free36 months
adt self setup logoDIYNone$179.99 to $579.9930 days of free monitoringNo-contract options

Monitoring plans and pricing

brinks home security logoadt self setup logo
Monitoring price range$39.99 to $49.99/month$24.99 to $34.99 per month
Monitoring optionsProfessionalProfessional or self-monitored
Self-monitoringNot offeredFree
Upgraded self-monitoringNot offeredNot offered
24/7 professional monitoring$39.99/month$24.99/month
Upgraded professional monitoring$49.99/monthNot offered
brinks home security logo$39.99 to $49.99/monthProfessionalNot offeredNot offered$39.99/month$49.99/month
adt self setup logo$24.99 to $34.99 per monthProfessional or self-monitoredFreeNot offered$24.99/monthNot offered

Security equipment

brinks home security logoadt self setup logo
Wired or wireless?WirelessBoth
Camera optionsIndoor and outdoor camerasIndoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
Keychain remote
Siren
Panic button
Yard sign
brinks home security logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor cameras
adt self setup logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor cameras

Smart-home features

brinks home security logoadt self setup logo
Smart locks
Smart lights
Smart thermostatCompatible with Nest
Garage door control
Temperature sensor
Water sensor
Smoke detector
CO detector
brinks home security logo
adt self setup logoCompatible with Nest

Technology

brinks home security logoadt self setup logo
Mobile app
Mobile app monitoring
iOS rating3.84.4
Android rating2.94.2
Notification/alert optionsPush and textPush notifications and email
Home automation capabilities
Voice integration
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
Other integrationsApple TVIFTTT
brinks home security logo3.82.9Push and textApple TV
adt self setup logo3.82.9Push and textIFTTT

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

brinks home security logoadt self setup logo
Overall star rating2.63.2
Verified customer reviewsBrinks reviewsADT Self Setup reviews
brinks home security logo2.6Brinks reviews
adt self setup logo3.2ADT Self Setup reviews

All information accurate as of publishing date.

Quick and easy. Get matched with a Home Security partner.

    Brinks

    Brinks offers home security and smart-home automation systems. All systems include a risk-free 30-day trial and a two-year product warranty. You can select from several packages or customize a system, and you can install the system yourself or opt for professional installation. The company offers integrated smoke, CO and flood detectors. You can manage your security system, locks, cameras, lights and thermostat from the app, and the cameras have two-way voice capabilities.

    Brinks plans

    Brinks offers three plans to choose from. You can also add equipment to the plans to customize your security.

    • Smart Security Essential includes a touch-screen control panel, two wireless door sensors and a wireless motion sensor. The price is $199, and monitoring costs $39.99 per month.
    • Smart Security Complete adds video surveillance. Components include a control panel, doorbell camera, motion detector and two wireless door sensors. The equipment is $349, and monitoring runs $44.99 per month.
    • Smart Security Ultimate comes with a control panel, doorbell camera, three wireless door sensors, a motion sensor and an outdoor camera. The price is $699, and monitoring is $49.99 per month.

    What Brinks customers say

    Brinks customers leave mostly positive feedback on ConsumerAffairs. Many comment on smart, knowledgeable service team members who quickly answer questions and explain everything adequately. Those whose experience was less than satisfactory mention long hold times when calling and delays in resolving issues. Overall, it seems most customers are happy with the system.

    Our Service man Arrived on time. He Did the work requested in a timely manner. He made smart suggestions and was knowledgeable and helpful. He answered all my questions. I would not hesitate to recommend this business to my friends and neighbors.”

    Debora of Katy, TX

    ADT Self Setup

    ADT Self Setup is the DIY division of ADT. Home security systems from ADT Self Setup are wireless, basic and easy to install. Components are compatible with smart-home devices through Google Nest Mini. Choose professional 24/7 monitoring with no contract or self-monitor your system through the app. You can also speak to visitors or housemates through the system’s cameras, which have two-way talk capability.

    ADT Self Setup plans

    • Build Your Own starts with the base station and mobile app for $179.99. You can then add any additional equipment you’d like.
    • Starter System comes with a base station, two door/window sensors and the mobile app for $379.99.
    • Premium System includes the base station, four door/window sensors, a motion sensor and the mobile app for $579.98.

    The ADT Self Setup wireless outdoor camera, ADT Self Setup indoor camera and ADT Self Setup doorbell camera are $179.99 each.

    What ADT Self Setup customers say

    ADT Self Setup has largely positive feedback on ConsumerAffairs, with verified reviewers commenting on good prices, knowledgeable staff and quick response monitoring. Those who didn’t enjoy their experience with the company most frequently mention difficulties when trying to terminate their contract early.

    It is all very easy to use and it’s very convenient to be able to arm and disarm the system all from my phone. You can also watch your cameras from your phone. It was a very reasonable price and the installation was quick and easy. Overall I love our security system”

    Zac of Valparaiso, Indiana

    Bottom line: Brinks or ADT Self Setup?

    Brinks offers either professionally installed or DIY home security systems, while ADT Self Setup provides only a DIY option. Brinks has a wide selection of smart-home automation devices that integrate with home security, but ADT Self Setup focuses on the basics of home security, such as sensors and cameras. Both companies provide 24/7 professional monitoring — but with ADT Self Setup, you get an option to monitor your system yourself.

    • Brinks is best for those who need a complete home security and smart-home integration solution with professional installation and 24/7 monitoring.
    • ADT Self Setup is best for those who prefer DIY and the freedom to choose professional monitoring with no contract or self-monitoring through the mobile app.
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