ADT VS Protect America
Compare ADT Home Security and Protect America to find the best security solution for your home’s needs.
ADT Security vs Protect America Overview
ADT Home Security and Protect America serve two different customer bases: ADT serves customers who prefer a professional installation of their security systems, while Protect America serves customers who want to self-install their security systems. With both providers, you’ll get 24/7 professional monitoring, environmental monitoring and home automation features.
Compare ADT vs Protect America
Professional Installation
ADT takes the win for this round. With a professional installation, you can be more confident that your system is installed properly, and you can avoid any costly mistakes. A trained technician will come out to your home for a free consultation and make sure your system is ready to use. You’ll also be able to ask your technician questions and get tailored advice.
Protect America does not offer professional installation services. Customers will be able to self-install their security systems. One of the perks of DIY installation is that you’ll have more control over where you would like to place your equipment. With a professional installation, the technician will recommend optimal locations for your equipment. If you want more flexibility with placement and are more comfortable with navigating technology, we would recommend a DIY installation instead.
No Installation Fee
One of the perks of a DIY installation is that you can avoid paying an installation fee. With Protect America, once you receive your security system, you can install it yourself in an hour or less. This also prevents you from having to find a time that works best with your schedule for having a technician to come out and service your home. If you’re not comfortable with a DIY installation, then we would recommend ADT instead. The price of ADT’s installation service starts at $99.
Trial Period
ADT wins for our Trial Period category. So you can have ample time to try our your new home security system, ADT provides a 6-Month Money Back Guarantee. ADT’s 6-Month Money Back Guarantee is the lengthiest compared to other home security providers. Within this time period, you can try out your security system and determine if ADT is a good fit for your needs. But, if you are not happy with your security system, ADT will give you a refund for the cost of installation and/or any monitoring fees.
Protect America has a shorter period in which you can return your equipment for a full refund. With Protect America, you can return your equipment within 30 days in order to be fully refunded.
Pricing
Protect America takes the prize for this round. There are no upfront costs to pay when choosing Protect America’s services. For the basic Copper Package with a landline connection, you’ll only pay $19.99/mo. If you’d prefer cellular monitoring, with the Copper Package, you’ll pay $41.99/mo. Having no upfront costs for equipment is great for those looking for affordability. ADT’s pricing runs a little more expensive with the basic, Traditional Package which costs $28.99/mo.
Security Cameras
Both ADT and Protect America take the prize for this round. Below is a quick breakdown of the types of cameras you could get with each provider. ADT offers an indoor camera, outdoor camera and video doorbell camera. ADT indoor cameras provide clear, 720p HD video and live streaming, while ADT outdoor cameras are weatherproof and feature infrared night vision.
Protect America offers an indoor and outdoor camera. With Protect America’s security cameras, you’ll have 720p HD video, live streaming, night vision, and two-way audio. You’ll also receive notifications to keep you abreast of happenings around your home.
Mobile App Access
It’s a tie for both providers since their apps are apple-to-apples. Here some features of each provider’s app: arm or disarm your security system; control your lights, door lock, thermostat and more from anywhere; receive alerts and notifications; watch live video.
With ADT, you’ll also be able to receive notifications, control your security system and manage your smart home devices remotely. If you want to turn on your lights before arriving home to make it seem like someone’s there, you can do that with ADT’s mobile app and smart lighting.
Protect America also gives you remote access to your security system, smart home devices. With the SMART Connect app, you can arm and disarm your security system as well as receive emails and text notifications. You’ll need to choose a broadband or cellular connection for your security package in order to access and use the app’s features.
Summary: ADT vs Protect America
ADT and Protect America both have unique features that set their services apart. ADT is known for its longer trial period and money-back guarantee. Protect America is recognized for its affordability and no upfront costs.
Read more about our take on these providers
ADT & Protect America FAQs
Do ADT and Protect America provide professional installation?
ADT provides professional installation for its security systems, but Protect America’s security systems can be self-installed. The price of ADT’s installation service starts at $99.
Do ADT and Protect American require a contract?
Yes, ADT’s security services require entering into a 36-month contract (a 24-month contract for California residents). Protect America’s security services also require entering into a 36-month contract.
What types of packages do ADT and Protect America provide?
ADT offers three home security packages that you can choose from: Traditional, Control and Video. The basic, Traditional Package includes essentials like a control panel, alarm, sensors and signage. Protect America offers three security packages as well: Copper, Silver and Platinum. The Copper Package comes with a standard control panel as well, sensors and signage.
What professional monitoring options do ADT and Protect America have?
ADT has several professional monitoring options that vary in price and provide you with the 24/7 security your home needs. ADT also allows you to choose a landline or cellular connection for your monitoring. Protect America has three professional monitoring plans: the Landline Plan, Broadband Plan and the Cellular Plan. The cost of professional monitoring ranges from $19.99/mo. – $54.99/mo. depending upon the equipment package that you choose.
