Vector Security vs. Alert 360
What is the difference between Vector Security and Alert 360?
Vector Security and Alert 360 are two of the pricier home security systems on the market. These two systems have comparable smart-home capabilities and specs. However, when it comes to customer service and client satisfaction, Vector Security has a clear edge on Alert 360 from reviewers on our site.
Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | Professional | Professional |
| Installation fee | Included | $99 to $199 |
| Upfront cost | $99 to $199 | Equipment included in monthly fee |
| Trial period | One-year warranty on equipment | None listed |
| Contract terms | Varies | 36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront |
| Professional | Included | $99 to $199 | One-year warranty on equipment | Varies |
| Professional | $99 to $199 | Equipment included in monthly fee | None listed | 36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | $46 to $64 | $49.95 to $59.95 |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | — | — |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | — | — |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | Starting at $46 | Starting at $49.95 |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | $64 | $59.95 |
| $46 to $64 | Professional | — | — | Starting at $46 | $64 |
| $49.95 to $59.95 | Professional | — | — | Starting at $49.95 | $59.95 |
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 listed | Audible panel siren |
| Panic button | Medical panic button | Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel |
| Yard sign |
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Not listed | Medical panic button | |||||||
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Audible panel siren | Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | ||
| Smart lights | ||
| Smart thermostat | ||
| Garage door control | ||
| Temperature sensor | Not listed | |
| Water sensor | — | |
| Smoke detector | Not listed | |
| CO detector |
| Not listed | — | ||||||
| Not listed |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.7 | 4.3 |
| Android rating | 3.9 | 3.7 |
| Notification/alert options | Email, text and push | Email and text |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | Smart plugs | Rachio Smart Sprinkler, Sonos Wireless Speakers |
| 4.7 | 3.9 | Email, text and push | Smart plugs | ||||||
| 4.3 | 3.7 | Email and text | Rachio Smart Sprinkler, Sonos Wireless Speakers |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.3 | 1.7 |
| Verified customer reviews | Vector Security reviews | Alert 360 reviews |
| 4.3 | Vector Security reviews |
| 1.7 | Alert 360 reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Vector Security
Vector Security offers fully automated security systems with smart-home capabilities. Like most modern home security systems, Vector Security lets you view home security footage and control many smart appliances from the company app. Should you move into a home that already has a security system installed, one service that sets this company apart is it sometimes can activate the system and monitor your home using the existing equipment.
These are the states where Vector Security is available:
- Alabama
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
Vector Security packages
Vector Security customers must call for pricing — monitoring prices vary by location and depend on which package you choose. With contracts ranging from 36 to 60 months, Vector Security currently offers three monitoring plans, all of which include professional installation and professional monitoring:
- Essential Security: The Essential Security package offers a wireless control panel, three door or window sensors, a motion detector, a yard sign and window decals.
- Home Automation: The Home Automation package offers an appliance monitor, app monitoring, an interior camera plus all the features of the Essential Security plan.
- Connected Home: The Connected Home package adds a smart thermostat and a smart lock to all the features included in the Essential Security and the Home Automation plans.
What Vector Security customers say
Reviews for Vector Security systems are positive, with one reviewer stating they “couldn’t ask for better service.” Among the favorable reviews, customers talked about the polite and helpful technicians and being pleased with the quality of the product. A few customers had negative interactions with the customer service team, citing frustration at trying to get a representative to call them back.
We couldn’t ask for any better service than we have received from Vector. They are the best on top of any issue and the people that come out are the best. They check everything and cover everything. Always looking to improve."
– Lauren of Durham, NC
Alert 360
Alert 360 offers a full slate of smart-home integrations, including keyless entry and mobile app monitoring. All Alert 360 packages include professional installation. The company currently does not provide monitoring for renters. In the event of a service outage, the equipment has battery backup. Alert 360 also offers special pricing and packages for businesses, and if you already have a security system and would like to switch to Alert 360 monitoring, you can do so for $15.95 a month.
Alert 360 is not available nationwide. At the time of publication, it serves the Southern U.S. along with California, Colorado, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.
Alert 360 plans
Alert 360 only has one monitoring plan. Since Alert 360 monitoring plans vary by location, you may want to call for a free quote. All Alert 360 monitoring is professionally conducted by Five Diamond-certified monitoring centers in the U.S. Monitoring plans begin at $39.95 and cannot exceed $74.95 per month.
What Alert 360 customers say
Many reviewers of Alert 360 on ConsumerAffairs rate the service unfavorably. Criticisms of Alert 360 commonly include references to the equipment, such as low-quality cameras. The most frequent issue has to do with the company’s cancellation policy — many customers felt they were taken advantage of. It is worth noting that a few customers do report positive interactions with customer service.
I think these companies charge too much for monitoring. I like the fact that it is a wireless system. It is an easy system to use, and I am able to leave home with some degree of confidence that the alarm will detect any break-ins."
– Scott of Riverview, FL
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Bottom line: Vector Security or Alert 360?
Since many of their services and specs are so incredibly similar, these two companies are difficult to set apart. Neither Vector Security nor Alert 360 are available nationwide, however, so if you’re trying to choose between these two, it might depend on which ZIP code you live in.
- Vector Security is best for customers who don’t mind paying a little more for good customer service.
- Alert 360 is best for those who live outside of Vector’s service range.
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