Brinks vs. ADT Blu

Brinks vs. ADT Blu: What's the difference?

Brinks Home Security is a legacy name in home protection that has modernized its offerings to focus on smart home integration and professional monitoring service. Systems connect with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

ADT Blu is a line of affordable do-it-yourself ADT home security products, with options for both professional and self-monitoring services. It features customizable packages, the well-reviewed ADT+ mobile app and no long-term commitments.

What we like about Brinks

• Premium equipment: Brinks hardware runs on the Alarm.com platform, giving you access to a robust ecosystem of smart home devices.
• Free installation option: While a long contract is required, professional installation is waived on higher-priced systems, which can save $100 or more upfront.

What to consider: The 36-month contract carries full early termination penalties, making it one of the stricter commitments in the industry. Pricing also lacks transparency — expect to request custom quotes for most equipment details.

What we like about ADT Blu

• Hands-on security: You can customize your package, handle installation yourself and decide whether to self-monitor or pay for 24/7 professional ADT monitoring.
• Month-to-month contract: There's no long-term obligation. Cancel your recurring payments at any time to end your subscription.

What to consider: Installation and setup are entirely DIY, and the product lineup may feel limited. The ADT Blu line is relatively new, and other ADT products are not compatible with it.

Brinks vs. ADT Blu: System and installation

Brinks offers professional installation with a touchscreen panel, while ADT Blu is DIY-only and controlled through the ADT Base and ADT+ app.

Brinks system and installation

• System type: Brinks uses wireless, smart home-compatible equipment managed through a touchscreen panel. Cellular communication keeps monitoring active even if internet or power is interrupted.
• Installation options: Professional installation is the primary method. For higher-priced packages, professional installation is available at no charge when you sign a contract. For lower-cost systems, installation fees begin around $100.

Brinks equipment costs

Equipment is available a la carte or through custom packages. Door sensors run approximately $50 each, and the main touchscreen control panel is priced at around $349. Complete systems start at roughly $500 for equipment.

ADT Blu system and installation

• System type: ADT Blu uses wireless equipment that connects to a central hub called the ADT Base. You manage everything through the ADT+ app.
• Installation options: DIY only. Setup is designed to be simple and straightforward, with a 24/7 help line available if you need assistance.

ADT Blu equipment costs

Bundles range from $199 to $699 and are fully customizable. Individual a la carte items are also available.

Brinks vs. ADT Blu: Monitoring plan costs

Brinks locks you into a longer professional monitoring contract, while ADT Blu gives you the choice of self- or professional monitoring with no long-term commitment.

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 for camera users. Adds cloud video storage, video verification and smart home automation.

Contract commitment: A 36-month agreement is standard with Brinks. If you cancel before the term ends, you're responsible for the remaining balance — a stricter policy than most DIY competitors.

ADT Blu monitoring plans

• Video Connect: $9.99/month. Covers unlimited devices, smart notifications and access to the ADT+ app.
• Self-Protect: $14.99/month. Includes everything in Video Connect, plus remote and local arm/disarm capability.
• Pro-Protect (without cameras): $24.99/month. Builds on Self-Protect with an emergency phrase, Alarm Messenger, MySafety and cellular backup.
• Pro-Protect (with cameras): $34.99/month. Includes all Pro-Protect features plus video verification. Life safety professional monitoring can be added for an extra $3/month.

Contract commitment: ADT Blu does not require a long-term contract. All monitoring plans renew on a month-to-month basis, so you can cancel at any time.

» COMPARE: Brinks vs. ADT

Brinks vs. ADT Blu: Equipment and technology

Brinks brings smart-home hardware and a touchscreen panel to the table, while ADT Blu offers customizable wireless packages managed through the ADT+ app.

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

Bottom line: Brinks or ADT Blu?

Choose Brinks if you want a professionally installed system with strong smart home features and round-the-clock monitoring. The technology and monitoring quality are solid, but pricing is less transparent than what competitors offer — and if shorter commitments matter to you, other providers give you more room.

Choose ADT Blu if you want a highly customizable system with DIY setup and no contracts. It offers wireless home security with transparently priced plans for both professional and self-monitored services, but keep in mind that not all ADT products are compatible with the ADT Blu line.

» MORE: SimpliSafe vs. ADT Blu