How Each Company Was Chosen
To help you better choose a home security system, we evaluated each company based on several key factors. These factors include:
- Company History
- Included Features
- Promotions and Discounts
- Bestselling Products
- Customer Reviews
- Expansion Capability
- Pricing Plans
- Monitoring Coverage
A Note About Customer Service
It’s true – many people mistakenly believe that some of the larger home security companies have a bad reputation. A quick glance at some of the complaints listed on “Ripoff Report” and “RateitAll” may make you think that security companies aren’t reliable. However, something many people don’t understand is that some of these complaints are related to improper care or utilization of a security device. For example, one customer complained that their smoke detecting sensor didn’t detect a fire right away. However, upon further research, they had placed the sensor in a hallway closet. While not every complaint is entirely not the fault of the company, it’s essential that you read online complaints with a critical eye. In many cases, a customer is much more likely to report a negative experience than a positive one.
Disclaimer – This article is for informational purposes only. The specifications, pricing models, monitoring plans and included features of any security system can change without notice. Furthermore, this article is not designed to promote or endorse any particular company’s home security products. When buying a home security system, it’s extremely important that you research thoroughly to find a system that can meet your specific security needs.
Honeywell Security
Many customers of Honeywell rate their monthly monitoring costs as being “very reasonable”. Some of the features included in Honeywell security systems include video monitoring, motion detection, remote operation and a “Radar Video Surveillance (RVS) System”. The RVS is an interesting device, since it combines “Ground or Waterside Radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), Video, and Thermal Sensor data” (from company website).
Melaleuca Security
Melaleuca Security is a fairly new division of Melaleuca, Inc. It expands on Melaleuca’s ‘home business’ model, allowing its customers to receive a discount on their security (and a potential income) by subscribing others to the service. While this option may not be for everyone, it should be noted that Melaleuca’s monthly costs are around $35 per month (for ‘non-members’), and $29.99 per month for preferred customers (which requires a yearly subscription fee). This company also offers specialized features such as CO2 sensors, flood sensors, glass break sensors and video surveillance packages.
LifeShield Security
LifeShield is not a very well-known security company, but so far, they have received significant positive feedback from their existing customers. While a bit more simplistic in features and pricing plans than other systems, LifeShield does not require its customers to sign a contract. This basically means that a customer is able to cancel their monitoring at any time, without incurring potentially expensive cancellation fees for ‘breaking contract’. Another unique feature of LifeShield is that they allow you to monitor multiple homes (such as the home of a relative or elderly parent).
ADT Security
ADT is arguably one of the most well-known home security companies, by some estimations holding over 51% of the home security market. The most basic of ADT’s security systems costs around $42.99 per month for burglary monitoring. Initial installation of the basic system costs $299, which is $99 after a mail-in customer rebate of $200. The main advantage of ADT (and why it is so popular) is that it is an established company with very good market recognition. Due to the size of the company, there is significant support for all features, troubleshooting issues and customer questions. However, it is very important to read ADT’s contract thoroughly, in order to avoid extra costs (such as cancellation fees). ADT’s security systems may not be for everyone.
Broadview Security
Broadview Security is a company that was previously known as Brinks Home Security. The most basic system is $99 to install, after a $150 mail-in rebate. The monthly cost of monitoring is $37.99 and up, which may require a customer to sign a long-term contract (usually 3 years) and enroll in automatic payments. The most basic installation package includes: keypad, two door/window sensors, motion detector, interior siren and the master control panel.
Related posts:
- 5 Popular and Trusted Car Alarm Brands
When you go to a dealership to purchase a new car, you will most likely find that it includes many “standard” features that weren’t present...
- Monitored Home Security System – Is it Worth the Cost?
Did you know that in 2002, there were 2,151,875 burglaries in the United States? Compared to other countries, the burglary incidents in the United States...
- Choosing the Best Home Security System
Read More Home Security Systems The home security market is rapidly expanding, giving you more options than ever for protecting your home’s security. However, with...
