Security Showdown: Which Blue & White Company is the Best?
Seriously, you couldn’t get logo colors to match any better than these two companies have. Dark blue and white with bold font lettering. But we are guessing you didn’t come to this site to learn about the differences of their logos. Even though ADT has been around decades longer than Monitronics, Monitronics carries an old vibe to the company. Millennials and those under the age of 50 are going with companies like ADT or Frontpoint. These are two MEGA home security companies, both with millions of customers throughout the United States and internationally. So how do you go about slimming down the choice to choose one or the other? We will break down the prices, history, and crown the victor in this comparison.
Comparing the Two…
| ADT | Monitronics |
| $36+ / Month
$99 Starting Costs | $49+ / Month
$199+ Starting Costs |
| Professional Installation | Professional Installation |
| Founded in 1874 | Founded in 1994 |
| GE & Honeywell Equipment
Advanced Home Automation | GE Equipment
Basic Home Automation Available |
| Free Mobile Control on Smart Phones | Free Mobile Control on any Smart Phone |
| A- BBB Rating | A BBB Rating |
| 6.7 Million Customers | 1+ Million Customers |
| Headquartered in Florida | Headquarters in Dallas, TX |
| Renters allowed | Renters NOT allowed |
| National Dealer Program | Dealer Program (Security Networks) |
| Fire Monitoring Included | Fire Monitoring Equipment upsell |
| BEST of: Overall Company | BEST: BBB rating |
Call 888-285-0760 |
Learn more about Monitronics |
Who has the Better Security Equipment?
ADT has its proprietary Pulse system which wins hands down. They have their own app that controls the system, energy savings, smart thermostat and more. Monitronics did upgrade their panel to a touchscreen 2gig technologies in 2015 and use the 3rd party app ‘Alarm.com’ to control the system.
Both companies will give you the standard setup with door and window sensors, 1-2 Motion sensors, and a control panel that connects wireless to your phone. Adding cameras and automation features will add $10-15 to your monthly bill or you may be able to buy the add-ons for a one-time fee.
(ADT Pulse App running on tech gadgets)
No products found.
Ring, Ring – Can anyone Help Me?
We have tested each companies customer support in the following ways:
- Called for sales.
- Called for technician help & reported a problem
- Finally, called for emergency testing
ADT has more monitoring stations nationwide and doesn’t outsource its call centers to another country. Monitronics is more limited in their backup options and they don’t have as many call centers. During our tests, both companies answered the sales lines fastest (well Duh, who doesn’t want more money!) and ADT had the quickest alert response time in under 35 seconds. Because both are large companies you do have to go through automated system before getting a real voice online.
And the Winner Is…
ADT! Why? Brand reputation is huge. They treat you good and have stayed with the current trend of ‘smart homes’ and automation technology. There are benefits to joining something that is already working for millions. You get same or next day installation as well as equipment fixes, are able to move nationwide and when you do they install a new system in your house for free, and you get ADT guarantees so if a burglary does take place they act like an insurance company and will help recoup some of those costs.
Let us know your thoughts and any tips that may help others select which company to go with.
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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
Daniel Vargas says
Good to know the differences, thanks!
Precious says
8 million people can’t be doing it wrongly. ADT makes a more convincing argument in this comparison. maybe I am being biased cause I use ADT.
Theresa Hazeltine says
I am so happy with my ADT system. I absolutely feel more secure after having in Installed. Love most of the features. Highly recommended from me!
Naomi Perks says
Theresa, we both are in the same boat on this topic. I recently renewed my ADT contract for another three years. I strongly feel they are a better choice to most of the other security systems available.