LifeShield Home Security no longer exists. ADT acquired it in 2019 and folded the technology into ADT Blue (now ADT+). If you are a former LifeShield customer or found an old review, here is what happened: DirecTV bought LifeShield in 2013, AT&T absorbed DirecTV in 2015, then ADT took LifeShield in 2019. The DIY tech survived but the brand is dead. We cover the full timeline and rank 3 replacements — Abode ($0-6/mo, no contract), Ring ($20/mo), and SimpliSafe ($18-28/mo).
Home Security Reviews
SpotCrime Review 2026: Free Crime Maps That Miss Half the Data — What to Use Instead for Real Neighborhood Safety
SpotCrime is a free crime mapping service that pulls police report data from thousands of agencies and plots it on an interactive map. Check what crimes are happening near your address, research neighborhoods before moving, and set up free email alerts for new incidents. Covers theft, assault, burglary, vandalism, and arrests. Data freshness varies by city — some update daily, others lag weeks. Best used alongside NeighborhoodScout and local PD sites for a complete picture.
Protect America vs ADT 2026: Protect America Is Gone — What Happened & Best Alternatives (Full Cost Comparison)
Important: Protect America has permanently shut down. The company filed for bankruptcy in October 2021, stopped accepting new customers, and eventually ceased all monitoring services. If you’re a former Protect America customer — or you’re searching “Protect America vs ADT” because you’re trying to decide between the two — this guide covers what happened, what […]
Best Window Alarm Sensors 2026: Complete Buyer’s Guide (5 Sensors Ranked, Costs & Installation Tips)
Window sensors cost $10-40 each and cover the entry point burglars use 23% of the time (FBI UCR data). Magnetic contact sensors ($10-20) detect when a window opens. Glass-break sensors ($25-40) detect shattered glass from 15-25 feet. Vibration sensors ($20-30) catch both. We ranked 5 sensors by detection range, false alarm rate, and battery life. Abode’s mini door/window sensor ($15) is the best value — works with Z-Wave, HomeKit, and CUE automations. SimpliSafe and Ring sensors cost $15-25 but lack Z-Wave and HomeKit. Installation takes 5 minutes with adhesive backing.
LiveWatch vs SimpliSafe 2026: LiveWatch Is Dead — Full Story, Brinks Transition & Better Alternatives
LiveWatch Security no longer exists. The company was acquired by Brinks Home (formerly Monitronics) in 2017 and fully absorbed by 2019. If you’re comparing LiveWatch vs SimpliSafe in 2026, the comparison is over — but this page will help you understand what happened to LiveWatch, where SimpliSafe stands today, and which modern systems actually deserve […]