Buyers Review Guide for Choosing Guardian Protection Services
Guardian Protection Services is the largest privately held home security company. Also the only one to have purple as their primary color. They offer a sub-dealer program (like ADT or Monitronics) which allows them to focus on monitoring while dealers market their security system. They are headquartered in Pennsylvania and reach out as far west as Utah and Arizona. Before we go more into details, lets take a look at the good and the bad first.
Pros and Cons of Guardian Security
Pros
- Business security available
- 24/7 live monitoring
- Professional installation
- Free mobile control app
- Growing home automation line
- Wireless equipment
- A+ BBB Rating
- Costumer service feedback
- Intrusion/fire detection
- Available package for your pets safety
- Award-winning alarm monitoring
- Military & First Responders Discount
Cons
- Not available for renters
- High cancellation fee
- 5 year agreements
- Only available on specific states
For those who want quick facts of why or why you should not get it here they are:
Comparison Chart
Guardian Protection Services |
vs ADT | |
Starting Costs | $99 Installation | $99 Installation |
Monitoring Cost | $45.99+ /mo | $36.99+ /mo |
Equipment | Proprietary. Wireless with touchscreen 2gig panel | Pulse automation and Honeywell. |
Reputation: | Good history and BBB rating. Enough customers to trust into using | Best of all. Most trusted when protecting your home. Installed by a certified technician within 1-2 business days. Known and respected, a brand you can trust. |
Contract length: | 60 months. | 36 months, an industry standard. |
BBB Rating | A+ and accredited | A+ and accredited |
Founded: | 1950 | 1874 |
Monitoring: | 24/7, fire, medical and police | 24/7. fire, police separate medical monitoring. |
Customers:Availability:Contact: | Around 265,000+ as of 2016
20 out of 50 states. Local Guardian Dealership | Over 7 million
50 out of 50 states. Visit ADT or call 888-285-0760 |
Prices & Equipment
There are 4 primary packages you can choose that best fits the needs of your home
The Edge Essential. This includes your standard motion detector, panel and window/door sensors. It also comes with home control which is access to the smart phone app to arm and disarm the alarm system. The main thing this lacks is home automation but it is a great start for the average home.
We were still able to dig up what one would be generally quoted over the phone:
$59.99 / mo for the Edge premium package. Dealers like 1st Security may increase that another $5-10 a month in order to make a monthly fee from you as well. The other Edge packages will be $40-55 range plus local taxes. Expect $99-199 for installation and a possible activation fee.
New Package Available
- Bachelor(ette) Pad
- Burglar Buster
- Family First
- Frequent Flyer
- Healthy (Green) Home
- Home Security Essentials
- Pet Parent
- Protect My Parents
- The Works
Guardian Security Systems
Mix ‘n match available. They use GE wireless equipment. When getting installed some drilling may be required.
They have default set security systems but depending on a homes needs users are able to switch out sensors for other equipment needed. The smaller the package you get the more limited security system equipment will come with that. For review purposes, we are going to take a look at what would be available when choosing the ‘Edge Premium’ home automation package.
- Wireless control panel
- Streaming video recorder. This is a unique item to Guardian that many don’t use. This will be an extra out of pocket expense.
- Indoor security camera that has night vision
- Outdoor security camera available. Extra out of pocket costs will apply.
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Glass break detector
- Remote key-fob
- Medical pendant
- Door / window sensors
- Smart sensors
- Motion sensor which serves a dual purpose as image sensor
- Heat detector (connected to fire department)
- Regular motion sensor
- Smart thermostat
- Light control module
- Key less door lock. You are better off buying one from a hardware store
- This bundle contains Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd Gen) and Ring Video Doorbell (2020 release).
- A great fit for 1-2 bedroom homes, this Alarm Kit includes one Base Station, one Keypad, four Contact Sensors, one...
- Choose the Ring Alarm kit that fits your needs and detect even more with additional Alarm Sensors and accessories (sold...
History recap of Guardian Protection
Way back when…
Guardian has been around for a long time. Founded in 1950 they have continued to adapt their features and now offer life safety, home automation and security cameras along with the standard security system. While companies like ADT home security and LifeShield have been bought out multiple times, Guardian has grown steadily over the years without ever being acquired. This means you still get the very personal attention from customer service that you may not get in a large corporate company.
Their primary monitoring station is in Pennsylvania where it is staffed 24/7. They have extended customer support hours from 7 am to midnight daily. They continue to offer professional installation which is highly recommended whereas many new home security systems are self-install only. If you get installed by a dealer you can also rest assured that they are licensed professionals and have gone through all the business procedures in order to partner with Guardian.
Company Contact Information
Call: 1.800.857.5028
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m ET
Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET
Alarm Reviews verdict
This one is up to you. We have read through several negative and positive customer reviews about them. The contract termination fee is 20% which you will want to consider if moving and signing their long 5 year contract. There isn’t anything special or mind-blowing with them but they are a reputable company. If you want to get above average then we suggest you compare them to others.
Have you had any experience with Guardian or a door to door sales rep of theirs? Let us know how it was and your review below.
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Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Last update on 2023-05-14 at 03:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jacob Sussman says
Absolutely the worst customer service of any company. They are attempting to charge us $1100 for cancelling service when we cant take it to the new house and are moving. They are calling it an equipment fee since the equipment is cheaper when you have the contract. This is absurd for us since we have been with them for 4 years. Just avoid them and head to Brinks or use the new nest system which is fantastic. They also never offered us a pay by month or anything other then what they are claiming is a 60 month contract they signed without our permission
Nathan says
Hi Jacob, I’m sorry to hear you’re so dissatisfied with your services after we have been helping to protect your home for 4 years. I have looked into your account and see we offered to reduce the early termination fee to $750. If we can ever help you in the future with your security needs please let us know.
Sincerely,
Nathan D
Customer Satisfaction Advocate
Nathan says
Hello,
We apologize for the frustration; we do have a relocation program but notes on the account indicate you were moving and would not provide the new address and you had already elected to go with another company. Guardian makes a large upfront investment when installing or upgrading a security system and your signed agreement helps us recoup those costs. If you do not fulfill the terms of your agreement there is an early termination fee. If we can help explain the agreement further please email us at wecare@gpsx.net.
Sincerely,
Nathan D
Customer Satisfaction Advocate
Guardian Protection Services
Catie Smith says
I have been a cust-mer for over 8 years. Recently one of my motion sensors was erroneously causing the alarm to activate. I phoned Gaurdian and they set up a service appointment. The Tech arrived and puttered around my office for about an hour. He never discussed anything with me. Never talked to me about what was wrong, what he thought should be done, or a hint about the cost. He left without a discussion (I was sitting 20 feet away, with an open door). Yesterday I received a bill for $489. When I called to ask why the tech never provided me with an estimate, the rep immediately got nasty and said that ‘she had no mechanism to reduce the bill’ and
Transferred me to a supervisor’s voice mail. I feel that it would have been good for the tech to tell me what he wanted to do and provide me with a cost so that I could decide if I wanted to proceed. I would not be in business if I just showed up, proceeded with a repair without a discussion or an estimate and just send out a bill when done. I am seriously surprised by the lack of any communication or writing up an estimate for repairs.
Robert Ross says
I want to start off by saying DO NOT sign with a company like this if there is any chance you will be moving. The cancellation fees are horrendous. I was with Guardian for a few years and complications caused me to need to move and I was not able to bring their service with me so I had to pay out of pocket to cancel the contract. Was not a fun process.
Tony F. says
It happened to me and my wife. We loved the company but I got transferred to another area and ended up having to use money out of our pockets to cover the cost of canceling. It was horrible what they charged us after being with them for 4 years.
Joe Thomson says
I have never had an issue with this company and I have been with them for 3 years. I feel like a lot of these comments are focusing on the negatives of Guardian Security. No company is perfect and it isn’t the company’s fault if you don’t read the fine print. This was a good review and very fair in my opinion.
Sandra says
There is a difference though if you did and they still screw you over. This happened to me and my husband. I spent months trying to get things sorted out with my checking account. They kept taking money out as “payment” but I had the system uninstalled and removed form the home. It was a nightmare. They agree to terminate the contract because of a mistake on their end but they charged me for months after. My credit score has dropped so much as I was unable to pay it. Thankfully most everything else is in my husband’s name and this didn’t happen to his scores.
Alicia Raymond says
Hey Friends… So this is not my style.. but i feel it is only fair to warn people of what’s going on! @guardiansecurity has the most ridiculous policies I have ever heard! If you have signed a contract with them you have also signed that your contract will auto renew once you hit your term.
I sold my home in October 2016, I called Guardian to let them know it has been sold and that I will pay the remainder of my contract to keep the system up and running. My contract renewed in DECEMBER! The person on the other end of the line did not think this was important information for me to know. Therefore, it “auto renewed”. Now I am stuck paying $327.18 to buy out of the remainder of my contract.
After speaking to MULTIPLE people and being avoided for a week I finally had to settle with paying $100 even to get out of this contract and be able to “walk away”.
Here’s my problem. I am no longer a home owner… If i had moved to another home.. okay yes, you need to move your contract to that home blah blah blah… But they are making me hold true to a contract that is, in my opinion VOID because I have nowhere to have this service in which they provide! I am absolutely disgusted that I have to pay them ANY money at all but I am tired of fighting them!
Please just be warned!! Be sure to keep track of your contract date and the “Information you are responsible for” because there is NO negotiation or understanding from this company. Absolute and total crooks if you ask me!
#guardiansecurity #onepissedoffcustomer #goodbyecustomerservice
Rob Franklin says
This sounds horrible! I am sorry this happened to you. One of the main things I will ask up front is what would happen in the event I ever lost my home? Is there a clause to back out of the contract in this event? ect. ect. and if they can’t give me a straight answer and put it in writing I move on. I know a few people who love Guardian Security but in the even that you for some reason need to get out of your contract then things look very messy.
Margaret says
Guardian isn’t as bad as is been painted. Granted they have a long way to go but they do offer quality service for money. I have been with them for about 3 years of the regular 5 years contract and I feel they do deliver on their promise of securing my home.
ConradT says
I’m not sure I want to be tied down for 5 years in contract. That’s too long a period if their services are not up to par. And I’m not keen on paying 20% termination fee should their system don’t deliver as promised. I think there’s should be some form of flexibility in terms of pricing and contract length. More options can bring in more customers.
Artice Simpson says
They offer 36 month contacts now as well. Most of the time through the dealer.
Bill P. says
Yup I was able to get a shorter contract myself. I think it is worth looking into. May only be a local thing or something that depends on where you live. I feel like this is a much better option. 3 years is reasonable since most people live in one place for at least 3 years with no issues.
Patty says
Yeah, one of the salesman came to us with the information about Guadian Security. I was amazed to see the benefits he told me. I didn’t sign up right then but I since have and I am pleased with their services.
Nael says
I don’t have a problem with them but not sure I would go as far as to say I would recommend them. I will be switching security systems as soon as I am finished with their 3 year contract for a larger company that has better monitoring and equipment available.
Donald Costa says
Extremely disappointed with dealer Program and all their restrictions. Example not covering the cpu waisted at least six weeks of my time as a small business owner who already pretty busy very unprofessional experience would never waist any more of my time with a company like that! !!!
Heather W. says
I worked for this fine company for a few years and I can honestly say that we never had a customer complaint so I am sorry to hear you had that happen to you. I personally find the company to be good to work for and I have only ever seen them respect the customers and get done what needs to be done. You should have reported it because someone maybe should not have been at work that day.
Belinda Mitchel says
I searched for companies which offered some good features and Guardian was one of those at the top. I chose them over other security service providers because the device is wireless and because of the ease of installation – the fact that you can get to do it yourself. It’s easy and simple. Guardian team have all been good. Since installing the security device I feel safer and have fewer worries.
Jeff S says
I have been promised installation 3 times and still have never been called to let me know they were not coming. I have called and been promised that my system will be installed the next day but no show, no call. I can’t keep missing work. THEY DONT CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMER
Donald Costa says
Not only do they waste homeowners time but they just jerk me a small business owner around for 2 months promising me a dealer ship all kinds of excuses for why not responding to phone calls and numerous emails new vp, vacation wrong email took a day off from work to meet this guy after he rescued al least three times. Horrible warranty please for your own protection read the warranty no panel coverage or protection on systems with 10 or more zones. ADT much better, they are nice people with better coverage and I as a dealer can service all my customers.
joe says
They seem to be one of your average companies trying to take a piece of the home security pie. Not too many bad things about them but I don’t believe they are National and I would never get them compared to others equipment and deals.
mark says
Great company, the rep was helpful but after reading the reviews here on your site I can’t help but feel I got cheated out of a good deal. I paid $199 installation with Guardian and didn’t even get top of the line equipment like ADT or Protection One. Live and learn I guess, at least I know who to switch too once I am out of this contract.
karen says
We had Guardian installed in our home a little over a year ago. My husband and I like knowing our family and our home are protected whether we’re home or not.
Guardian is really easy to use– even our daughter has no problem arming and
disarming it. We have the interactive features
which make it convenient when I forget to arm
the system on my way out or if we need to let
the neighbor in while we’re away. It also sends
us a text when our daughter gets home from
school and disarms. Customer Service and
Central Station have always been helpful and
pleasant. The installer was pleasant, neat and
made sure we understood everything before
he left. Overall, we’re very pleased with
Guardian.
Frank says
I have Guardian systems installed in 2 of my home rental units. Previously I only had ADT and still am in contract for 4 of those systems. After numerous charges from the police departments in the localities of my rental houses for falsely triggered alarms, I will be converting those units to Guardian. Their customer service is phenomenal and you can understand them (no broken English speaking operators). The only bad part about Guardian is most people aren’t going to be able to get it and it’s impractical if you move around whereas ADT is not.
Rylan says
They seem like a hit or miss company. They have good qualities but their range is something that is left to be not so desirable. I read into so many companies and this one just doesn’t stand out. I came to find out they weren’t in my area anyways. I think if they go nationwide they can compete with bigger companies. It isn’t always good to stay to one area.
David Adams says
It sounds like a okay home security system and all, but I think I’m better off going with something more popular and useful in this case. Doesn’t help that they’re only available in 20 out of the 50 states either. Therefore I think I’m going to pass on these guys.