What is the difference between Brinks and Blue by ADT?
Both Brinks and Blue by ADT 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, Blue by ADT only offers DIY installation. Both companies offer 24/7 professional monitoring, but Blue by ADT also offers a self-monitoring option. Brinks provides a range of smart-home devices with automation, while Blue by ADT focuses on home security devices.
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, CO2 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.”
Blue by ADT is the DIY division of ADT. Home security systems from Blue by ADT 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.
Blue by ADT 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 $219.99.
Starter Plus System includes the base station, four door/window sensors, a motion sensor and the mobile app for $299.99.
The Blue wireless outdoor camera, Blue indoor camera and Blue doorbell camera are $199.99 each. You can add an outdoor camera kit for $499.97.
What Blue by ADT customers say
Blue by ADT 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”
Brinks offers either professionally installed or DIY home security systems, while Blue by ADT provides only a DIY option. Brinks has a wide selection of smart-home automation devices that integrate with home security, but Blue by ADT focuses on the basics of home security, such as sensors and cameras. Both companies provide 24/7 professional monitoring — but with Blue by ADT, 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.
Blue by ADT is best for those who prefer DIY and the freedom to choose professional monitoring with no contract or self-monitoring through the mobile app.
As a member of the ConsumerAffairs research team, Jessica Render is dedicated to providing well-researched, valuable content designed to help consumers make informed purchase decisions they can feel confident making. She holds a degree in journalism from Oral Roberts University.
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