What is the difference between Xfinity and Blue by ADT?
Xfinity and Blue by ADT are well-known names in the home security industry. Xfinity is just entering the security business, so its prices are affordable and flexible. Blue by ADT is a somewhat new offering for ADT, but ADT itself has more than 145 years of experience. Both offer a wide range of products and benefits.
Installation and cost
Installation type
Professional
DIY
Installation fee
$100
None
Upfront cost
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
$179.99 to $299.99+
Trial period
30-day money-back guarantee
30 days of free monitoring
Contract terms
Two years
No-contract options
Professional
$100
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
30-day money-back guarantee
Two years
DIY
None
$179.99 to $299.99+
30 days of free monitoring
No-contract options
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
$30+
$29.99/month
Monitoring options
Professional and self-monitored
Professional and self-monitored
Self-monitoring
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
Free
Upgraded self-monitoring
Not offered
Not offered
24/7 professional monitoring
$30+
$19.99/month
Upgraded professional monitoring
$40+
Not offered
$30+
Professional and self-monitored
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
Not offered
$30+
$40+
$19.99/month
Professional or self-monitored
Free
Not offered
$19.99/month
Not offered
Security equipment
Wired or wireless?
Wireless
Both
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
—
—
Not specified
Via touch-screen control panel
Wireless
Both
—
—
Smart-home features
Smart locks
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Smart lights
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Compatible with Z-Wave devices
Smart thermostat
Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen
Compatible with Z-Wave devices
Garage door control
Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster
Compatible with Z-Wave devices
Temperature sensor
—
—
Water sensor
—
Smoke detector
CO2 detector
—
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Xfinity’s products cover a wide range of security and home automation solutions, and the company has monitoring starting at $30 per month. Xfinity does charge for DIY monitoring and doesn’t offer a video doorbell, which is one of the most common security options on the market today. You can finance your equipment to avoid upfront equipment costs and package your internet and cable service in your monthly bill, however.
Xfinity plans
Base Home System: This package comes with a control system, three door/window sensors and a motion sensor. Yard signs are also included. This package costs $360 as a one-time payment or $15 a month for two years.
Complete Home System: This package includes five door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a wireless keypad, an indoor/outdoor camera, a control system and a yard sign. It costs $480 upfront or $20 per month for two years.
Ultimate Home System: The Ultimate Home System comes with 10 door/window sensors, a motion sensor, wireless keypad, two indoor/outdoor cameras, a control system and a yard sign. This package is $600 upfront or $25 a month for two years.
What Xfinity customers say
Xfinity customers leave mixed feedback about the products and services in reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Comments from happy customers often include positive feedback about the cameras, mobile app and quality of the products, calling the equipment a good value. Other customers describe issues with dealing with customer service that influenced their overall opinion of the service.
They are excellent in what they do but are a little understaffed and usually have to wait a couple of days for [an] appointment. Their control module is ultra-modern and information about the security system is quickly available in [case] of a problem."
Before Blue by ADT, ADT only offered professionally installed systems. Blue by ADT offers the same experience as ADT with the added flexibility of a DIY system. Blue does not require contracts with its DIY packages. You can either build your own security package or choose from one of the company’s two prepackaged systems. Monitoring starts at $19 per month for all packages.
Blue by ADT plans
Starter System: For $219.99, the Starter System comes with a base station and two window/door sensors. You also receive the traditional ADT-branded stickers and yard signs.
Starter Plus System: The Starter Plus System is $299.99 and comes with a base station, four window/door sensors and two motion sensors. This package includes a yard sign and four ADT window stickers.
Build Your Own: You can build your own system starting at $179.99. This cost covers the base station. Additional equipment starts at $14.99.
What Blue by ADT customers say
Blue by ADT has an overall positive satisfaction rating on ConsumerAffairs. Reviews mention knowledgeable staff, good prices and satisfaction with the monitoring service. Many customers say they would recommend the service. A few people did say they felt the system was not user-friendly and that they didn’t enjoy the self-install process.
ADT is an awesome home security system! [...] We also got motion sensored doors and windows. When the alarm is set and it goes off, ADT calls you right away and asks if you are ok and in need of the police. I truly feel safe [knowing] we have this alarm system!”
Where Xfinity and Blue by ADT differ most is in their experience in the industry and the array of solutions offered. For example, Xfinity is limited in its smart-home voice integration options and doesn’t sell a video doorbell system, and Blue by ADT doesn’t have a glass break sensor or a smart thermostat. Picking between the two may come down to what specifically you want out of a system.
Xfinity is best for customers who want to streamline their internet and security into one easy service.
Blue by ADT is best for customers who prefer working with a company that has a lot of experience.
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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