Brinks vs. Ackerman Home Security

Ackerman’s cost for professional monitoring beats Brinks by $10 per month, costing only $19.95 per month in comparison with Brinks’ $29.99 per month. Equipment cost, however, is hard to pin down, as Ackerman’s systems are all customized. You’ll have to call for a consultation to determine your total cost.

Both Ackerman and Brinks offer 24/7 professional monitoring, and both do a great job of it. Ackerman’s better price is balanced by Brinks longer history, but both companies bring a solid offering to the table in this area. Neither offers DIY monitoring making this round a tie.

Both Brinks and Ackerman offer a variety of equipment including security cameras, window and door sensors, control pads and home automation. Brinks offers a few different package deals, but Ackerman’s equipment is always fully customized. This means you have to book an appointment to determine your cost, However, Ackerman pulls ahead in this round by offering to utilize any existing equipment.

Brinks requires a 36-month contract for its direct services, but with a Nest system, you have the option of a month-to-month arrangement. Ackerman requires a contract, and the length is actually unclear. Since it doesn’t specify on its website, you’ll have to book a consultation to find out. Brinks wins this round for being transparent and for offering a way to go month-to-month.

While Brinks does offer a two-year equipment warranty, that’s small potatoes compared to Ackerman’s 200% money-back guarantee. If your home is burglarized, Ackerman promises to pay 100% of your deductible, and then match that in cash up to $25,000. This is one of the most generous guarantees in the industry.

Brinks and Ackerman are neck and neck in home automation, both offering a variety of options such as smart locks, smart lights, voice control, thermostats and garage door controllers. Ackerman’s custom model means you’ll be able to pick and choose your equipment to fit your exact needs.