If you’re looking for a reliable, flexible home security system and you’ve narrowed your search to Blue by ADT or Bay Alarm, there are some important considerations you should take into account. The two services come at home security from different angles. Blue by ADT is a DIY home security solution, offering flexibility and affordability, whereas Bay Alarm is a full-service professional home security solution, offering a more robust level of service. It’s also worth mentioning that Bay Alarm only serves a few states (Washington, California and Arizona). If you’re in one of those states, your final choice will depend on what you’re looking for, but we’ll help you make your decision by looking at the key differences between the two services here.
Our Home Security Review Winner: Bay Alarm
Both Blue by ADT and Bay Alarm are great choices for a variety of types of customers, but they are very different companies. If you are in Arizona, California or Washington, Bay Alarm is a great choice for personalized service, high-quality equipment and monitoring, a full range of services and a robust company that will be there when you need it. If you’re not in Arizona, California or Washington, or you’re looking for a more streamlined, affordable solution, Blue by ADT is the choice for you. Especially if you have some technical skill, its DIY install process should be a breeze, and the flexibility of the month-to-month agreement and low overall cost are great reasons to choose Blue by ADT.
Service | Blue by ADT | Bay Alarm |
|---|---|---|
Monthly monitoring starting price | $19.99/mo. | $35/mo. |
Minimum contract length | No contract | 36 months |
Extended no-risk return period | 30 days | 90 days |
Installation (DIY or Pro) | DIY | Professional |
Guarantees | None | None |
Warranty | 1 year | 1-year equipment warranty |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
Safety Score | 8 | 7.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue by ADT and Bay Alarm Home Security
Blue by ADT offers a variety of pre-arranged packages, but its most popular arrangement is its build-your-own package. Bay Alarm emphasizes custom, personalized solutions, so the best way to determine your Bay Alarm package is to contact the company for a consultation.
Both Blue by ADT and Bay Alarm offer 24/7 professional monitoring services. Blue by ADT requires no contract, whereas Bay Alarm requires a 36-month contract. Blue by ADT’s monitoring cost is $19.99 per month, and Bay Alarm starts at $35 per month.
You can self-monitor your Blue by ADT system for free. Bay Alarm only offers professional monitoring.
Blue by ADT is ideal for renters since its systems are flexible, installation is do-it-yourself, and there’s no long-term contract. Bay Alarm doesn’t offer the same flexibility as Blue by ADT.