Link Interactive is our winner here, costing you only between $30.99/mo. and $44.99/mo. Additionally, its locked monitoring rate ensures that you never pay more than your original rate. ADT, on the other hand, starts at $45.99/mo. and goes up to $57.99/mo. for monitoring services. ADT’s equipment costs are usually $599, while the customizable equipment packages vary with Link Interactive.

It’s a close one here, but we’re awarding this category to Link Interactive. Its equipment packages are customizable, which means you can choose exactly the type and quantity of products that best suit your home. ADT has high-quality equipment, but only the most expensive monitoring plan gives full access to all available features.

Though both companies offer smart home connectivity with their security systems, Link Interactive offers it with its Gold Plan for $39.99/mo., while ADT offers it at the Smart Protection level for $49.99/mo. Both work with Z-Wave technology, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. In both cases, smart products may incur extra equipment costs. Since Link Interactive’s home automation package is cheaper, they’re the winner of this round.

We’re awarding this category to ADT, with its impressive $500 Theft Protection Guarantee that helps cover your insurance deductible if a break-in occurs if your system is armed. The company also offers an extended warranty option for your equipment. Link Interactive only offers a three-year equipment warranty.

When it comes to flexibility and simplicity, Link Interactive offers superior contracts. Choose between three tiers of monitoring for a one-year, two-year, or three-year contract. ADT lets you choose your contract length with a minimum 12-month contract. The contract length will determine how much you pay for your equipment each month. Since ADT offers more flexibility they win this round.

ADT and Link Interactive installation policies appeal to different types of consumers. ADT provides professional installation for a typical fee of $99 but offers no DIY install options. Link Interactive charges no installation fee and offers only DIY installation, with specialists available via phone, email or chat. This category depends on your installation preference.