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
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."
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."
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.
