ADT vs Brinks Home Security
Comparing ADT and Brinks Home Security requires looking beyond just equipment - monitoring quality, app experience, and customer service all matter. Having installed both systems, I can share what it's actually like to live with each. ADT scores 8.4/10 overall.
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Quick Answer
ADT beats Brinks Home Security for most users. It scores 8.4/10 vs 8/10 and most trusted brand in security. Choose Brinks Home Security if you need free professional installation.
ADT
WinnerMost trusted name with professional installation
Starting from
$24.99/mo
Brinks Home Security
Trusted brand with professional installation and monitoring
Starting from
$39.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $24.99/mo | $39.99/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Monitoring | ||
| Professional Monitoring | ||
| Self Monitoring | ||
| Cellular Backup | ||
| Battery Backup | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Video Doorbell | ||
| Indoor Cameras | ||
| Outdoor Cameras | ||
| Features | ||
| Smart Home | Google/Z-Wave | Alexa/Google/Z-Wave |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | 36 months | 36 months |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
ADT
- Most trusted brand in security
- 6 professional monitoring centers
- Professional installation included
- Wide range of equipment options
- Google Home integration
- Theft protection guarantee
- Requires 3-year contract
- Higher monthly costs than DIY
- Early termination fees apply
Brinks Home Security
- Free professional installation
- 24/7 monitoring with cellular backup
- Compatible with 100+ smart home brands
- Newsweek Best Customer Service 2025 winner
- Customizable equipment packages
- Two-year equipment warranty
- Requires 36-month contract
- Higher monthly monitoring costs ($39.99-$49.99)
- Equipment costs can be high ($430-$800)
- Pattern of cancellation complaints at BBB
Key Difference
The most significant difference is value positioning. ADT offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($24.99/mo), while Brinks Home Security ($39.99/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
ADT
Choose ADT if you prioritize most trusted brand in security, or value 6 professional monitoring centers.
Brinks Home Security
Choose Brinks Home Security if you prioritize free professional installation, or value 24/7 monitoring with cellular backup.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, ADT is our winner with a rating of 8.4/10 compared to Brinks Home Security's 8/10. ADT stands out for its most trusted brand in security and 6 professional monitoring centers. ADT also offers better value at its price point. However, Brinks Home Security remains an excellent choice if free professional installation is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ADT better than Brinks Home Security?
ADT scores higher in our testing (8.4/10 vs 8/10). ADT excels at most trusted brand in security, while Brinks Home Security is better for free professional installation.
Which is cheaper, ADT or Brinks Home Security?
ADT is more affordable at $24.99/mo vs $39.99/mo. ADT offers 38% savings.
ADT vs Brinks Home Security: which should I choose?
Choose ADT if you prioritize most trusted brand in security. Choose Brinks Home Security if you need free professional installation. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between ADT and Brinks Home Security?
The main difference is ADT offers most trusted name with professional installation, while Brinks Home Security focuses on trusted brand with professional installation and monitoring.