Blue by ADT vs. Brinks

Blue by ADT wins this category not only for having affordable equipment packages and professional monitoring but also for being completely transparent about its prices. The most expensive Blue package is the 15-piece home security system, which totals $295.12. Brinks’ comparable package — the Brinks Smart Security Complete — costs $799 and includes fewer sensors. If you want to keep costs ultra low, you can choose self-monitoring with Blue by ADT and avoid monthly fees. Blue by ADT’s professional monitoring costs $19.99/mo., whereas Brinks’ professional monitoring prices vary from $29 to $39/mo.

Both Brinks and Blue by ADT offer 24/7 professional monitoring that allows a trained response team to instantly evaluate any alarms that go off in your home and contact the appropriate authorities. Whether you’re home or not, these professional monitoring centers can dispatch responders to your home. Both of these providers are well established with years of experience: Brinks was established in 1859 and ADT — whose ADT monitoring centers cover Blue by ADT’s customers — was founded not long after in 1874.

Both Blue by ADT and Brinks design their equipment for fuss-free installation. Brinks’ equipment is peel-and-stick, whereas Blue by ADT’s equipment can run on either battery power or plug directly into a standard outlet. Although both home security providers make equipment with DIY installation in mind, only Brinks goes above and beyond to actively connect consumers with a professional installer if desired.

Blue by ADT and Brinks offer similar warranties and guarantees. Brinks offers a two-year limited liability warranty on its equipment. You can also return Brinks’ equipment within the first 30 days for a refund and no termination fee. Blue by ADT offers a one-year limited liability warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to a longer warranty, Brinks wins this category.

No matter what you buy from Blue by ADT, you’ll always pay on a month-to-month basis. And that’s only if you decide to purchase a professional monitoring plan. Want to self-monitor? Then you can purchase equipment from Blue by ADT and have no monthly contract at all. You can also go month-to-month with Brinks if you choose the Nest Secure package, but this provides limited functionality (no security camera, for example). Other Brinks equipment and monitoring packages, including the Nest package with equipment financing, have 36-month contracts.

Both Brinks and Blue by ADT offer a mobile app that allows customers to control and monitor their security systems while on the go. Blue by ADT’s app also features two-way talk capabilities and control your connected smart home devices. You can also disarm or arm your system and control your cameras. Brinks’ app also gives you the ability to create patterns for your connected smart lights and other equipment. Their app also includes energy management if you own a smart thermostat and remote video surveillance. Thanks to great functionality from both companies this round is a tie.