Brinks vs. Guardian Protection

Brinks and Guardian Protection comparison

Brinks and Guardian Protection both offer high-quality home security and home automation systems. While the companies both offer packages and require contracts, they vary in their contract terms, installation options, alarm types and more.

Installation and cost

brinks home security logoguardian protection logo
Installation typeProfessionalProfessional
Installation fee$200 to $450Included in all packages
Upfront cost$199 to $699Varies by equipment
Trial period30-day risk-freeNone listed
Contract terms36 monthsTypically 60 months; month-to-month options available
brinks home security logoProfessional$200 to $450$199 to $69930-day risk-free36 months
guardian protection logoProfessionalIncluded in all packagesVaries by equipmentNone listedTypically 60 months; month-to-month options available

Monitoring plans and pricing

brinks home security logoguardian protection logo
Monitoring price range$39.99 to $49.99/month$45.99+
Monitoring optionsProfessionalProfessional
Self-monitoringNot offered
Upgraded self-monitoringNot offered
24/7 professional monitoring$39.99/month$45.99+
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
guardian protection logo$45.99+Professional$45.99+Not offered

Security equipment

brinks home security logoguardian protection logo
Wired or wireless?WirelessWireless
Camera optionsIndoor and outdoor camerasIndoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
Keychain remote
Siren
Panic buttonMedical panic button
Yard sign
brinks home security logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor cameras
guardian protection logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor camerasMedical panic button

Smart-home features

brinks home security logoguardian protection logo
Smart locks
Smart lights
Smart thermostat
Garage door control
Temperature sensor
Water sensor
Smoke detector
CO detector
brinks home security logo
guardian protection logo

Technology

brinks home security logoguardian protection logo
Mobile app
Mobile app monitoring
iOS rating3.84.7
Android rating2.93.5
Notification/alert optionsPush and textPush, email and text
Home automation capabilities
Voice integration
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
Other integrationsApple TV
brinks home security logo3.82.9Push and textApple TV
guardian protection logo4.73.5Push, email and text

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

brinks home security logoguardian protection logo
Overall star rating3.61.6
Verified customer reviewsBrinks reviewsGuardian Protection reviews
brinks home security logo3.6Brinks reviews
guardian protection logo1.6Guardian Protection reviews

All information accurate as of publishing date.

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    About Brinks

    Brinks has a large selection of home security and home automation options to choose from. The company encourages you to install your own security system, which saves you from paying installation costs. The technology is wireless and simple to install.

    Brinks plans

    Brinks offers three equipment packages, but you can add equipment to them as needed.

    • Smart Security Essential: The basic package is $199. 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 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: The most complete Brinks package costs $699. It 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

    Happy Brinks customers describe timely service with smart and knowledgeable reps and say they would recommend the system to others. Those who had issues with the service mostly commented on long hold times and multiple calls to resolve issues.

    The technician was exceptionally knowledgeable for the work. He took time to explain everything he did to me. Made sure I understood everything. He walked me through the process thoroughly.”

    Sampson of Andover, CT

    About Guardian Protection

    Guardian Protection offers several options for home security and safety. The company is not available everywhere, and it’s not upfront about costs. Unlike many modern security companies, it requires wired installation for many items. You’ll also need a lengthy contract with no trial period.

    Guardian Protection packages

    Guardian Protection has nine packages to choose from:

    • Bachelor(ette) Pad: This package comes with 24/7 monitoring, a control panel, three door/window sensors, a smoke detector, a motion detector and a video doorbell.
    • Burglar Buster: The Burglar Buster comes with 24/7 monitoring, a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a glass break detector, smart automated light modules, an indoor camera, an outdoor camera and a siren.
    • Family First: This equipment package includes 24/7 monitoring, a control panel, five door/window sensors, a motion detector, a smoke and heat detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a video doorbell, a smart door lock, an indoor camera and an outdoor camera.
    • Frequent Flyer: This package comes with 24/7 monitoring, a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a smoke and heat detector, a video doorbell, a smart door lock, a smart automated light module, a smart thermostat, a smart garage door opener and an indoor camera.
    • Healthy (Green) Home: This package has 24/7 monitoring, a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a smoke and heat detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a smart automated light module, a smart thermostat and a room temperature sensor.
    • Home Security Essentials: The Home Security Essentials package includes 24/7 professional monitoring, a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector and a smoke and heat detector.
    • Pet Parent: This package comes with 24/7 professional monitoring, a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, two smoke and heat detectors, a carbon monoxide detector, a smart door lock, smart automated light modules, a smart thermostat, an indoor camera and a room temperature sensor.
    • Protect My Parents: This package is designed for older adults and has 24/7 professional monitoring, a control panel, five door/window sensors, two motion detectors, a smoke and heat detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a medical pendant.
    • The Works: Guardian Protection’s most comprehensive equipment package includes 24/7 professional monitoring, a control panel, five door/window sensors, a motion detector, a smoke and heat detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a medical pendant, a video doorbell, a smart door lock, a smart automated light module, a smart thermostat, a smart garage door opener, a glass break detector, an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, room temperature sensors and a siren.

    What Guardian Protection customers say

    Guardian Protection customers mostly leave positive feedback on ConsumerAffairs, though some customers have described issues with scheduling service and contracts. Satisfied customers frequently leave positive comments about the customer service team, monitoring service, system price and mobile app.

    Everything's been as advertised as well. The system does exactly what we need it to do and I like being able to control it from our smart phones and see the cameras. It's very convenient and I like it.”

    Steve of Troutman, NC

    Bottom line: Brinks or Guardian Protection?

    Brinks and Guardian Protection both offer robust home security options. Both companies also include a number of smart home automation options for convenience. There are some major differences, however, including contract length, type of equipment and trial periods.

    • Brinks is best for customers who want a shorter commitment and a trial period and would like to install the equipment themselves.
    • Guardian Protection is best for customers who want a wide choice of curated equipment packages and don’t mind signing a longer contract.
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