Head-to-Head Home Security Comparison
You have knocked down the competition to red versus blue. Both are good companies with proven track records and shorter term agreements compared other companies demanding 60 month contracts. You can easily move nationwide with either and they both give a generous starting package.
Why are they so different then? Primarily it comes down to installation.
Protect America box opening shown – self install security
Protect America is easy peel and stick technology (DIY security) where the equipment gets shipped to you. It comes activated and installation is done typically under one hour. When installing it ourselves for this review, it wasn’t as big of an undertaking as we initially thought it would be.
With ADT users get it installed by a professional technician
Users looking into doing security cameras may want to use ADT so a professional can install it. By doing a self-install, users save $99+. However, if you are the average person and don’t want to screw anything up especially when it comes to a home security system then ADT is your choice with a professional tech installing it for you.
Which sign will you be putting in front of the home today?
You will realize the two is price, convenience and add on’s such as home automation gadgets. ADT Pulse has more home energy saving options and equipment (read about it here). With that being said let’s get into the details.
Comparison Chart
ADT |
Protect America |
| $49.99-82.14 / Month $99 Starting Costs |
$19.99-54.99 / Month $0 Starting Costs |
| Professionally Installed or DIY | Do-It-Yourself Installation |
| 36 Month Agreement | 36 Month Agreement |
| GE & Honeywell Equipment | GE Equipment |
| Pulse Home Automation | Alarm.com Automation |
| Security Cameras | Security Cameras |
| Founded in 1874 | Founded in 1992 |
| B+ BBB Rating | A- BBB Rating |
| $99 Move With You Cost | $0 Move With You Cost |
| Renters allowed | Renters, apartments etc. allowed |
| CO2, Fire, Police 24/7 | CO2, Fire, Police & Medical 24/7 |
| Best: Reputation and package for average person | Best: Starting & overall price |
|
Read ADT’s Review
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Who has the Better Deal?
Assuming you choose the average package with either company then you will be paying around $45/month. You will get a few more security devices (window sensors, motion) with Protect America in any package. Protect America runs promotions more frequently.
Promos: $850 of Equipment with ADT — Up to $1400 with Protect America
With both companies you will get a full starting package of window & door sensors, panel and motion detector as well as free smart device control.
No products found.
Mobile & Smart Device Control Review
Protect America security system control via smartphone app
ADT Pulse app shown on iOS device
You can turn on and off either security system with any smart phone with either company. ADT has their own app named Pulse. This controls the system from any smart device. Protect America uses a 3rd party app called Alarm.com (dozens of companies do) and it works great but lacks the features that the Pulse app has.
Protect America currently does not offer smart thermostats and other energy saving devices that Pulse’s system does. They have integrated with Alexa and you can control your system using that device. Both give you notifications and you can see what’s going on at your home through cameras.
Protect America’s basic security system shown; updated in July of 2017. Alexa control now available
ADT basic security system shown; updated early 2017
My Security System is Better than Yours…
Use these pictures to decide for yourself whose equipment you would want in your house. They both use the same manufacturer for majority of equipment (GE) but overall ADT has newer gadgets whereas PA is still using the SimonXT panel that has been around for years (have now upgraded to touchscreen). There are additional touchscreen panels you can add for convenience throughout the residence.
No products found.
Protect America’s equipment:
ADT’s security equipment:
OurFinal Verdict Between these Two Companies
The blue and white sign is known by millions and they have a history that is hard to beat. But if there was ever a true contender then Protect America is that company. A healthy history and A- BBB rating, they know what they are doing in this industry. Stay away from ma and pa shops as they often go out of business or sell out and your monthly monitoring costs increase. Let us know who you are going to choose or have any questions for our experts below.
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William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Last update on 2023-05-14 at 03:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cooper says
I have been researching and researching. I have narrowed it down to these two. It sounds like both are good choices. This article has been really helpful. I think I just need to pick one.
Evon says
I have ADT installed. This is the second year of my contract and i have no regrets. The customer service is commendable when I have needed them. The app took some time to learn how to control everything, there is just so many things you can do with it compared to Protect America’s app!
Farrello J. says
Such a close call. ProtectAmerica offers more equipment and zero charges for relocation. This is perfect for renters. ADT, on the other hand, offers newer gadgets and a proven track record. My choice being ProtectAmerica doesn’t seem like a bad one.
Sanders says
Protect America has great packages and promotions but I don’t want to install it myself. That’s just me, it want professionals to install it correctly. I don’t trust myself to do it!
Mark B. says
You didn’t discuss life time warranty and service call which are free with ADT. Also the fact that the contract is month to month after the inital first 3 years for ADT making it in my opinion the best.
Charles Feldman says
This is a great side by side comparison chart. If we’re just looking at the price point, then Protect America would be the logical choice. However, there are so many factors at play here including the quality of equipment, reputation, and level of support, among others. For DIY people, the choice is clear, but I personally would like a professional to install my home security system to make sure that things work okay and without glitches. Now that Protect America offers installation for a fee, then choosing becomes tougher. But I believe that either way you choose, you get a good product. You’d just be spending a little more for ADT.
John says
I was pleasantly surprised by how well the installation went with Protect America when I decided to do it myself. The security system may not be as far advanced as ADT Pulse is but I am happy with it and have several features that the other doesn’t. Both are great companies, my parents have ADT so I think I just wanted to try someone else. Either way you are good to go!
Desirae Robb says
This is a very good comparison. In fact, it is the main reason that I come to this site. Having an in depth look at things like this is a great help!
Jordan says
Between the two, I think I would go with ADT. They are more nationally known and a trustworthy brand. Both of them seem excellent, though.
Edison Joshuah says
A friend of mine got them so I came here to check them out before doing the same. He has sweet equipment and I really like the Protect America app he uses on the phone. It’s been reliable on business trips etc. so I went ahead about got it using the 888-936-2878 number provided here! Thanks
Samuel says
I just love these kinds of reviews where you can see both of them head to head. Without something like this, it is quite difficult to decide. I was liking Vivint when I started browsing your site but now I feel more attracted to Protect America because of their starting costs, move with you at no cost feature and as you said, they have the most equipment included with their starting package. Not to mention their excellent BBB rating. Tough choice between the two but I think I will choose Protect America.
Mark L. says
Good head to head battle we have here! I like to have it all with a cherry on top so that is why I got ADT’s Pulse over the smaller guys. But like you said in the article, can’t really go wrong with either company. At least you know you aren’t signing up with a piece of crap company like Vivint.
Nathan says
Very comprehensive comparison between the two. Really tired of the depressing service provided by my present service provider and was thinking of making a switch. I was fixed from so many days between Protect America and ADT. On one hand, Protect America has got slightly cheaper packages, more equipment per buck spent as compared to ADT, but on the other hand, ADT is ADT after all. Everyone uses it and has the trust level of a mother.
In the present context, which one will be your recommendation for me? I can spend around $40 a month. Let me know!!!
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Nate, at $40 flat we recommend PA then. Best of luck!
Zue says
I got Protect America since they have been around 10 yrs and they have always been helpful whenever I needed help. I was very reluctant to buy a security alarm system for my home’s security and family. I have installed it by myself and saved some money, It was very easy to set up and I didn’t face any issues getting it connected.
Alan J. says
Nice comparison I must say. I have ADT in my house and my friend has Protect America and I can say with authority that ADT is definitely a better bet. Not just because I have it but I have very closely watched and analyzed the packages, security equipment, customer service, etc. which really puts ADT on the top but my friend does pay less than me a month with Protect America.
Shawn says
I am afraid I have to agree. ADT is more but it is better. I had Protect America for a year and I just simply didn’t like it. Their customer service is great but ADT is easier for me and more reliable. I have been with them for 2 years. I like the comparison. Don’t think they are bad, they just weren’t for me. Very friendly people work for PA.
Marc says
WOW, this comparison is based on the real statistics. Both the companies have reputation in the industry. But, it is important to choose the company, which can meet your needs. This post assisted me a lot in comparing them. Thanks!
William Scot says
With low start up cost and monthly costs, plus the same 36 month agreement, it looks like Protect America is a good place to at least start.
Margaret Adams says
Yes it is. We have this system and at first I was thrown by the contract length, but we have not thought about another company since it was installed.
Red Killmore says
With the two company paired up side by side here, it is nice to see the similarities, as well as the differences. At least you can make an informed decision based on the information you see. Sometimes you can even tell what you are losing when paying less.
Jackson Young says
Wow, seeing all of the add on pieces side by side makes me feel like self-installation would be overwhelming. I’m not a DIY type guy, but I thought that I could do it. But, we live in a big old house, with 19 windows (I just counted them), 5 exterior doors, and heave only knows what for antiquated wiring. This article confirmed, ADTs for me because of reputation and the fact that I won’t have to install the system.
Keaton says
Wow! I’ve never heard of Protect America, but they sound like a very solid and reputable service. They compare very well with ADT. I’ll have to look more into them to see what all they have to offer. Thanks for the info.
Heather Smith says
It’s true, those blue and white signs are already known by most people and that alone can be enough to deter anyone from breaking into your home. But, I’m curious about Protect America…never hear of it until now–it sounds like a pretty good deal!
Erica says
I like the fact that you can take the system with you with Protect America and it works with renters. That makes the contract much more manageable. And since I’m an IT tech the install shouldn’t be too hard to deal with. I’ve always thought that I would go with ADT since I’d read so much about them, but being a renter, Protect America really makes the most sense.
Jen says
I had never heard of Protect America, but it sounds pretty decent. I’d probably still go with the ADT name, but it’s good to have options.
Jane Hoyle says
Yeah it seems Protect America isn’t that bad. A friend of mine uses the service and loves it and from this comparison with ADT it doesn’t seem to be far off from how good ADT is. Though I think I’m still leaning more towards ADT these days.
Maddie W. says
Good comparison of the two companies but I wanted to add a few things. Protect America has quicker response times (I use them) and my friends who have adt dont get as quick of response but they still do get one at least haha. You get a little more free equipment with Protect America but ADT definitely has higher end equipment and you dont have to set it up yourself.
Gabrielle says
Maddie, how long have you used Protect America? I’m on the fence between these two and would really love some input! My sister moved away and right now I live alone and I really want to buy one of these two systems. The initial costs balance out with the DIY installation so now they both look the same.
Kim N says
This is great to have all of this information side by side. The cost alone might make me lean more towards PA, even though I would have to install it myself. But ADT is pretty renowned. Glad to find a site that’s done it’s homework to make it easier for me.
Alarm Reviews says
Good point Kim, however Protect America did recently add a ‘pay for install’ service as well. This is the closest line up of companies in terms of history and services provided so it can be a tough comparison. Glad we could help!
Jake Birchall says
ADT wins hands down in my mind but I do have experience with both. If your looking for a quick, cheap alternative the Protect America probably is your best choice. My advice is spend the extra $99 and get the installation done for you. They both have two way over voice cell modules which is nice (a new standard). PA has more online material and conveniences with your account membership but Pulse is a much better app to control your home. If you want home automation and the latest then for sure you will want ADT. At least both of these companies have been around for awhile unlike Frontpoint which I see going under any one of these days.