Full Comparison Between the Two Home Security Giants
So you have narrowed it down to these two companies. Hopefully we can get it narrowed down better than the flipping a coin option for you. We will go over their history, pricing and equipment and let you decide who to choose. They are both national (available in all states) with great customer feedback. However, LifeShield has gone under 2 big merges since 2013 which can be a bit of a mess. With that said lets dive into the pros and cons.
Comparison Table
ADT | LifeShield Security |
| $49.99-82.14/monthly $99 Installation Cost | $29.99-$44.98 $49-$149 Starting Cost |
| Professional Installation | Do-It-Yourself (Free) OR Professional Install ($99) |
| CO2, Fire, Police | CO2, Fire, Police, Medical |
| Renters allowed (new for 2016) | Renters allowed |
| 32 Month Agreement | 60 Month Agreement (Not recommended) |
| Founded in 1874 | Founded in 2004 |
| Best overall History | Good starting package |
| B+ BBB Rating | B+ BBB Rating |
| Honeywell & GE Equipment | Proprietary Equipment |
| Pulse Home Automation | Proprietary Home Automation |
| $99 Move with you fee | $0 Move with you fee (Because you unhook and move the equipment yourself) |
| Military Discount ($2/Month) | Has been acquired by DirecTV who has been acquired by AT&T.
Customers may have to use ATT Digital life and as of 2016 we recommend not choosing Lifeshield as your security company. |
888-285-0760Read our ADT Reviews | Read LifeShields Review |
- DIY security from ADT. Yes, that ADT. Get really smart security you can easily install yourself. With no contract....
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- No strings. Ever. ADT won't lock you into any long-term contracts.
Why one over the other:
They are both reliable home security companies and you have nothing to fear in the way of getting ‘ripped off’ or scammed. LifeShield has a sturdy 10 year history and are actually the inventors of the wireless alarm system. They recently merged with DirecTV to be able to offer a security company to their current customers much like Comcast home security does but their services etc. haven’t changed. ADT’s history blows all other companies out of the water in length and have bought out several large companies along the way such as Brinks, BroadView and dozens of local shops.
Why people choose LifeShield over ADT:
- Save $99 on installation by doing it yourself.
- Know friends and family who have positive feedback
- Lengthy customer support hours
- Great promotions and touchscreen control panel
Why people choose ADT over Lifeshield:
- Better history and known name & brand.
- Great equipment and home automation
- Standard 36 month agreement
- Guarantees of alarm working and preventing break-ins.
Who has the better equipment?
Comparing basic package to basic DirecTV/Lifeshield does. But for energy saving equipment and home automation ADT Pulse blows them out of the water. You also are leasing the equipment with your contract fee of 60 months with Lifeshield whereas with ADT you outright own your equipment after the 36 month period.
You be the judge, here are pictures of each companies equipment they have available:
Lifeshields:
ADT’s:
*Please note that ADT equipment may differ from dealer to dealer and newer equipment is available by choosing Pulse.
Our Verdict
Everyone reading this with a brain to think should choose ADT. They will get the security system up and working within 1-2 days and you will not have to think of it again. Because LifeShield is in such a whirlwind of buyouts currently, we recommend staying far, far away from them. It is no fun to have your contract switched to new providers, automatically renewed, new customer support etc. For this reason, choose one of the top security systems ranked as they will not be switching around their brand name for years to come.
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Last update on 2025-12-03 at 00:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ed says
I agree, but are reliable companies, I’ve used them both in the past. I just prefer a shorter contact so I can negotiate better equipment and services now often.
Jacob says
Lifeshield is the good choice for home security but ADT is the best choice. I can tell the difference as I tried both of them. ADT is way better than any other companies.
Lugard says
I agree with your line of thought. I use ADT and although Lifeshield seems a good choice, the millions of people using ADT can’t all be making a wrong choice.
Shirley Bunn says
Well, if this is easy enough for me to install myself, I would consider it. However, I will most likely take the $99 one time fee route and have the professionals take over and tell me how to run the system.
Francisca says
Happy customer of ADT’s for 19 years. I know they have improved their system alot compared to Lifeshield who is in a merge mess. Their equipment is all proprietary too which means if it breaks or you want to switch companies it can be a big hassle compared to going with a GE or Honeywell company.
Adelaida Powell says
Wow, that is a long time! I could use your recommendation just based on that. Thank you for posting your experience.
Grantland Rice says
I appreciate the reviews, I currently use ADT, but after receiving a call today from life shield I am considering changing to life shield once my contract is up with ADT. If you are an existing Direct TV customer and in good standing they are offering their top of the line package along with many upgrades as freebies along with a touch pad, 2 infrared cameras that takes color photos. I have looked up upgrading my system with ADT and the cost to upgrade is pretty high. I can pretty much get what I want through life shield and get $10.00 off my direct TV bill. One other thing that has me seriously considering them is the hours of their customer service, I just got off the phone with their accounting department. Either way both are reliable companies which is a relief to customers around the Nation.
Danny Welsh says
I find that both companies will appeal to the average person but certain things that ADT does better and that is why I feel they are number one. Their customer service as never failed me. I have been with other companies and would wait around for sometimes hours before I get an answer on the phone! ADT is right there when you need them. I am not saying it is a mistake to switch but I have not found better myself.
Olivia says
I was going to pick ADT because they seem like the best from all the security companies out there but now that I see this side by side review, Lifeshield looks more attractive for possibly the younger crowds who are okay with change and moving around alot. What other companies have medical emergency protection?
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks for the feedback Olivia! The other companies that allow emergency pendants without extra costs in monthly monitoring are: Protect America and Vivint. You can read their reviews here as well.
Nicole says
Liked the comparison a lot. Will contact both ADT as well as LifeShield tomorrow to get some information regarding their plans and services.
As, I’m new to all these things, both companies look fairly reasonable to me after reading your comparison review. Will see how things go from here. Will keep you updated!
Tim says
Pretty close to be honest. On one hand, you just can’t beat ADT, which is the grandfather of all home security companies in overall experience. But on the other hand, some pros like DIY, slightly better packages and equipment does make LifeShield Security too a decent option, especially for those who want the best bang for their bucks. Overall, I too share the same thoughts as you. Good comparison.
James Gwen says
I am glad someone breaks these companies down. I have been trying to decide for months and this helped me out a lot. Everyone kept saying ADT because it is better that didn’t help me with anything. After reading reviews and comparing companies on your site, I am going to go with ADT.
Robert says
When I bought a new house, I was thinking about its security maintenance. When I came in contact with this review post, it removed my all stress. This post helped me in choosing the right security company in an easy and fast manner. Thanks!
Helen says
These two companies seem to be paired up quite closely. I like the military discount each month, but on the other hand, the start up promotions for LifeShield are quite nice.
Diana says
Thanks for including the information about renters allowed versus no renters allowed. It didn’t even occur to me that some vendors wouldn’t take me because I’m a renter. I’m a little confused to as why they would turn down the money if I still am in the credit range they demand? Thanks for the guidance.
Alarm Reviews says
Great comment. Companies that take on free installation and other perks put up a lot of money to gain that customer. It can take them the full contract lengths sometimes (for equipment, installation and dealer fees) to break even and then it is on those 3rd thru 6th+ years that they generate profit. Security companies are in it for the long haul as are most home owners, however, renters are typically only there for a month or two so they may not find the customer acquisition to be worth it.
Jack says
Both of them are reliable companies but I decided to go for ADT and I had a false alarm this summer – I’m pointing fingers at my cat – but except this everything is topnotch. Their customer service is very friendly and reliable so nothing to complain off yet.
Sienna Davis says
It really seems to me that Lifeshield is the better deal for the same thing if not more, since ADT doesn’t have medical emergency protection. I’ve been interested in finding a good home security system for some time but never knew what was best. Super helpful! Thanks!
Heather Smith says
I’ll be in the market for a Home Security system soon! I only just started my research and I can tell you that finding Alarm-Reviews.net has been the best! Thanks for these great reviews. Making my decision will be so much easier.
Heather Smith says
I will soon be in the market for Home Security once I buy my house. This is a great comparison between ADT and Lifeshield. Thank you for the details. This will be a big help in making my decision!