What is the difference between Xfinity and Alert 360?
Xfinity and Alert 360 offer DIY and professional home security systems. Both offer options without an upfront cost, and both require professional installation. Alert 360 does require a monthly contract, but Xfinity has a trial period. Both offer about the same benefits when it comes to types of equipment and services.
Installation and cost
Installation type
Professional
Professional
Installation fee
$100
$99 to $199
Upfront cost
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
Equipment included in monthly fee
Trial period
30-day money-back guarantee
None listed
Contract terms
Two years
36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront
Professional
$100
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
30-day money-back guarantee
Two years
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
$30+
$49.95 to $59.95
Monitoring options
Professional and self-monitored
Professional
Self-monitoring
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
Upgraded self-monitoring
—
—
24/7 professional monitoring
$30+
Starting at $49.95
Upgraded professional monitoring
$40+
$59.95
$30+
Professional and self-monitored
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
$30+
$40+
$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 specified
Audible panel siren
Panic button
Via touch-screen control panel
Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel
Yard sign
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
—
—
Not specified
Via touch-screen control panel
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Audible panel siren
Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from 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
Not listed
CO2 detector
—
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Customers have heard of Xfinity for its wireless services, including television and internet, but now the company is offering security packages. With Xfinity, you can combine your security payments with the cost of its other services. These packages include access to multiple security equipment options and benefits and require no upfront payments. Professional monitoring starts at $30 per month. Xfinity customers must pay for DIY monitoring, starting at $10 per month.
Xfinity packages
Base Home System: This system is designed for homes with one or two entrances and is fairly minimal. Equipment includes a control system, a motion sensor, three door/window sensors and a yard sign. You can make one upfront payment of $360 or finance it for $15 a month for 24 months.
Complete Home System: For bigger homes, the Complete Home System is an ideal choice. This package comes with an indoor/outdoor camera, five door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a wireless keypad, a control system and a yard sign. This package is $480 upfront or $20 a month for 24 months.
Ultimate Home System: The Ultimate Home System includes the most equipment: 10 door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a wireless keypad, two indoor/outdoor cameras, a control system and a yard sign. This package is $25 a month for two years or $600 upfront.
What Xfinity customers say
Xfinity customers leave mixed reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Customers who like the service call it a good value and say they particularly enjoy being able to control their system through Xfinity’s mobile app. Other customers describe some general issues dealing with the customer service team and problems resolving issues and canceling contracts.
I was supplied alarm pads, door sensors and a camera. I especially like checking on my home while I’m out for the day. I’ve had no problems with false alarms. The one time my alarm went off the police were there in 5 minutes."
Alert 360 is the fifth largest residential security provider in the United States. The company offers a mobile app and four security packages. Alert 360 is only available in 26 states, and professional installation is required. But, with its $1,360 insurance deductible reimbursement, customers might find more savings in the end when they choose Alert 360.
Alert 360 packages
Smart Door Lock Package: This system includes a keyless door lock, a wireless motion sensor and three wireless door/window sensors. It starts at $44.95 per month.
Smart Home Video Package: The Smart Home Video Package comes with a wireless indoor camera, a wireless motion sensor and three wireless door/window sensors. It starts at $44.95 per month.
Door Command Package: This option comes with a keyless door lock, a doorbell camera, a wireless motion sensor and three wireless door/window sensors. You have your choice of an additional indoor camera or keyless lock. Prices start at $50.95 a month.
Complete Smart Home Package: This package includes a touch-screen panel, a video doorbell, a keyless door lock, an indoor camera and window/door sensors. You have your choice of an additional indoor camera or keyless lock. Monthly costs start at $54.95.
What Alert 360 customers say
Alert 360 has mixed reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Common themes from happy customers revolve around professional service and effective resolutions to complaints. Customers who experienced issues mentioned malfunctioning equipment and difficulty canceling their service.
Their service is excellent and customer service is above par, but their cancellation clause which I found out when I was thinking about getting a better deal is unfair."
By combining monitoring in the monthly cost, Alert 360 may be more affordable on a monthly basis, but Xfinity lets you combine the cost of your internet or cable for a more streamlined experience.
Xfinity is best for customers who care about streamlining their internet and TV with their home security.
Alert 360 is best for customers who don’t want to pay an additional cost for monthly monitoring.
As a member of the ConsumerAffairs research team, Jessica Render is dedicated to providing well-researched, valuable content designed to help consumers make informed purchase decisions they can feel confident making. She holds a degree in journalism from Oral Roberts University.
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