Vector Security vs. Guardian Protection
What is the difference between Vector Security and Guardian Protection?
Vector Security and Guardian Protection both offer security and smart-home products at a reasonable price. Vector sells systems without an upfront fee and includes monitoring and installation in the overall cost. Most Guardian packages require a 60-month monitoring package, but the system itself may be cheaper — so while there are many similarities in their products, the structure of the two companies' plans is much different.
Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | Professional | Professional |
| Installation fee | Included | Included in all packages |
| Upfront cost | $99 to $199 | Varies by equipment |
| Trial period | One-year warranty on equipment | None listed |
| Contract terms | Varies | Typically 60 months; month-to-month options available |
| Professional | Included | $99 to $199 | One-year warranty on equipment | Varies |
| Professional | Included in all packages | Varies by equipment | None listed | Typically 60 months; month-to-month options available |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | $46 to $64 | $45.99+ |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | — | — |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | — | — |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | Starting at $46 | $45.99+ |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | $64 | Not offered |
| $46 to $64 | Professional | — | — | Starting at $46 | $64 |
| $45.99+ | Professional | — | — | $45.99+ | Not offered |
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 | |
| Panic button | Medical panic button | Medical panic button |
| Yard sign |
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Not listed | Medical panic button | |||||||
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Medical panic button |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | ||
| Smart lights | ||
| Smart thermostat | ||
| Garage door control | ||
| Temperature sensor | Not listed | |
| Water sensor | — | — |
| Smoke detector | ||
| CO detector |
| Not listed | — | ||||||
| — |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Android rating | 3.9 | 3.5 |
| Notification/alert options | Email, text and push | Push, email and text |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple Siri | — |
| 4.7 | 3.9 | Email, text and push | Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple Siri | ||||||
| 4.7 | 3.5 | Push, email and text | — |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.3 | 1.3 |
| Verified customer reviews | Vector Security reviews | Guardian Protection reviews |
| 4.3 | Vector Security reviews |
| 1.3 | Guardian Protection reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Vector Security
Vector Security is a smart-home security provider that offers multiple packages and benefits. Vector has three packages, each of which includes installation and monitoring in the cost. These packages include many different products with multiple benefits. Some customers might find the website hard to use, however.
Vector Security packages
- Essential Security: Starting at $44.95 per month, the Essential Security package is a good place to start for most people. This package includes a wireless control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector and a SecurityCare Plus warranty plan. With this package, customers do not have to make an upfront payment.
- Home Automation: For $59.95 per month, customers receive security and home automation solutions with the Home Automation package. This package includes a wireless control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, mobile app access and a video camera. This plan requires a $99 upfront payment.
- Connected Home: Starting at $69.95 per month, the Connected Home package offers more benefits and products than the other two options. With this option, you receive a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a video camera, a smart thermostat, a door lock and mobile support. The Connected Home package requires a $149 upfront payment.
What Vector Security customers say
Vector Security customers comment on positive experiences with a knowledgeable service team, attention to detail from the installers and friendly representatives. Some negative reviews detail issues with canceling contracts.
Would definitely recommend. Service is always reliable and the technicians are courteous and knowledgeable. Regular technician, David, is friendly, thorough and capable. He did an upgrade on the system and has come back to handle a couple minor issues. We are very satisfied with the services provided by the company."
– Flora of Fayetteville, NC
Guardian Protection
Guardian Protection offers a large range of packages, including ones for aging adults living on their own, single homeowners, tech lovers and more. These packages are designed for specific cases, which makes it easier to decide the right one for you. Pricing, however, is more difficult to find, which can be frustrating.
Overall, Guardian offers many different types of security and automation equipment for a wide variety of customers. It also offers two packages: a base package and one without a contract.
Guardian Protection packages
- Base package: The base package is for customers willing to sign a 60-month contract. This package starts at $149 and includes the 3-1-1 system: an IQ2 control panel, a motion detector, three door/window sensors and a doorbell camera. Monitoring starts at $49.99 per month for 60 months.
- No contract: For customers who don’t want a contract, there is a no-contract option for $1,249. This price includes the same 3-1-1 system and one month of monitoring.
What Guardian Protection customers say
Guardian Protection customers frequently mention satisfaction with the customer service and installation team. They also say the equipment works well and that they enjoy the remote access from the app. Some customers commented on issues with contract terms and cancellation.
The installer of our Guardian did a very professional job. The reps over the phone have been professional too. Whenever I need them, I call them and I can reach them. If I have a problem or question, they answer it. The system is good for the price. We get that thing, where the garage doors open and I like that."
– Regina of Detroit, MI
Bottom line: Vector Security or Guardian Protection?
Where Vector Security and Guardian Protection differ most is in how they approach packages and pricing. Vector combines its costs into one monthly payment, with monitoring included, while Guardian’s pricing is a little more complicated. Both are limited a bit geographically.
- Vector Security is best for someone who wants to streamline their security system with simple package offerings and one straightforward payment structure.
- Guardian Protection is best for someone who wants a package based specifically on their needs and is willing to sign a long-term contract.
