What is the difference between Brinks and Xfinity?
Brinks and Xfinity offer quality wireless home security, and both have strong points. While Xfinity requires you to rely on its internet service, it also provides the option of self-monitoring. Brinks only has professional monitoring, but it doesn’t tie you to a specific internet or cellular provider.
Installation and cost
Installation type
DIY or professional
Professional
Installation fee
$200 to $450
$100
Upfront cost
$199 to $699
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
Trial period
30-day risk-free
30-day money-back guarantee
Contract terms
36 months
Two years
DIY or professional
$200 to $450
$199 to $699
30-day risk-free
36 months
Professional
$100
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
30-day money-back guarantee
Two years
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
$39.99 to $49.99/month
$30+
Monitoring options
Professional
Professional and self-monitored
Self-monitoring
Not offered
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
Upgraded self-monitoring
Not offered
—
24/7 professional monitoring
$39.99/month
$30+
Upgraded professional monitoring
$49.99/month
$40+
$39.99 to $49.99/month
Professional
Not offered
Not offered
$39.99/month
$49.99/month
$30+
Professional and self-monitored
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
$30+
$40+
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
Not specified
Panic button
Via touch-screen control panel
Yard sign
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
—
—
Not specified
Via touch-screen control panel
Smart-home features
Smart locks
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Smart lights
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Smart thermostat
Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen
Garage door control
—
Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster
Temperature sensor
—
—
Water sensor
—
Smoke detector
CO detector
—
—
—
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Brinks is a trusted name in home security. You can easily customize its plans, and there are a variety of home automation options. The wireless technology and transparent pricing make Brinks a solid choice in home security.
Brinks plans
Smart Security Essential: The basic plan is $199 and comes with a control panel, one motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $39.99 a month.
Smart Security Complete: This plan is $349 and 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: This plan is $699 and 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
Reviews for Brinks left on ConsumerAffairs describe timely responses from knowledgeable service technicians and overall friendly and professional service. Some customer reviews mention long hold times with customer service and the need to call a few times to get problems resolved. Most Brinks customers seem to be happy with the system.
Brinks' reps were very good, and everything was good. I'm more confident when I'm out of town, that I can look in on my property and see what's going on. I can see everything that's going on inside and outside my house.”
Xfinity home security is targeted at existing Xfinity customers or those interested in using its other services — the system only works with the company’s voice remote. You can choose professional monitoring or self-monitoring, and you can also choose between upfront payments and no-interest financing.
Xfinity plans
Self Protection: For $10 monthly, this no-contract option lets you use Xfinity internet to monitor your home with the Xfinity app. It requires an Xfinity camera, which you can purchase for $5 a month for 24 months.
Base Home System: This option costs either $15 a month for 24 months or $360 upfront. It includes a touch-screen controller, three door/window sensors and one motion sensor.
Complete Home System: This plan costs $20 monthly for 24 months or a one-time payment of $480. The plan includes a touch-screen controller, five door/window sensors, one motion sensor, a wireless keypad and one indoor/outdoor camera.
Ultimate Home System: This plan costs $25 a month for 24 months or a single payment of $600. It includes a touch-screen controller, 10 door/window sensors, one motion sensor, a wireless keypad and two indoor/outdoor cameras.
What Xfinity customers say
Xfinity receives mixed reviews on ConsumerAffairs, with some customers describing issues with customer service interactions and the time it took to get issues resolved. Those who had more positive experiences commented on the quality of the cameras and the easy-to-use app, and some thought the product was a good quality and value for the cost.
The cameras work well. The customer services is great at helping you solve [an] issue if one comes up. So far we haven't ... had [a] problem. But if we do this company seems to be on top its game.”
Brinks and Xfinity are both good options when it comes to home security. While Brinks is an option for any possible customer, Xfinity requires connection to its own internet and devices. Both companies have contract terms, but Xfinity also has the option to pay upfront.
Brinks is best for customers who want more home automation to pair with their security system.
Xfinity is best for those who want a self-monitoring option and are existing Xfinity customers or willing to switch.
