Offering a brief overview and comparison of the home security monitoring services provided by ADT and Monitronics

ADT and Monitronics are two leading providers of home security systems. Both providers also support their home security systems with monitoring services, which add extra layers of security and assurance for customers. Comparing the monitoring services offered by ADT and Monitronics will give you a better understanding of which provider will best serve your home security needs.

security system

ADT overview

ADT franchises itself to local dealers who sell and service the company's equipment, but the monitoring services are nationally managed through a network of centers.adt home security monitoring services

ADT's monthly monitoring packages are based on the technology used in monitoring communications. The standard monitoring packages available from ADT are:

Essential: (starting at $36.99/month) Uses a standard telephone landline

Premium: (starting at $42.99/month) Uses a standard telephone landline and a two-way voice system

Cellular: (starting at $44.99/month) Uses a cellular connection and doesn't need a phone line

Total Protection: (starting at $47.99/month) Uses a standard telephone landline and a cellular connection for backup

ADT's dealers handle all installations. Self-installation is not an option. Often many dealers offer same-day installation where they will send a trained and certified technician to survey your premises and to install home security alarm equipment. Many dealers offer free installation with a contract, so you should check your local area for dealers with the best offers.

ADT offers 24-hour customer service by phone, email or chat. ADT allows its customers a six-month trial period to try its services and offers a full refund with returned equipment during that period. ADT offers a lifetime warranty on all its equipment known as its Quality Service Plan.

As an addition to its monitoring services, ADT offers an expanding set of options for home automation under its ADT Pulse label.

control panel

Monitronics overview

As its name suggests, Monitronics specializes in monitored home security systems.

A basic Monitronics system will include:

  • A control panel
  • An inside alarm
  • Motion detector
  • Three sensors for entry points

All Monitronics systems are professionally installed and covered by a lifetime warranty. The equipment is offered on a lease to clients, usually through a three-year lease agreement.

Monitronics home security & monitoring systems

If your Monitronics system alarm is triggered by an intruder, a fire or manually:

  • An instant signal is sent to the monitoring center, and an agent will immediately initiate contact with you either by a two-way voice system or by phone.
  • You will be asked to provide the agent with your password.
  • If contact cannot be made, authorities will be alerted and will come to your location to investigate the situation.

The two-way communication system lets you speak directly with one of Monitronics monitoring agents from anywhere in the residence. It is password protected so that only you or an alarm trigger can start the system.

For a complete explanation of the products and services available from Monitronics, click here ( http://www.monitronics.com/HOMESECURITY/HomeSecurityMonitoringSystem/tabid/66/Default.aspx ).

If you’re considering adding home security monitoring services to your home and believe ADT or Monitronics systems would be a good fit for you and your family, QualitySmith can put you in touch with local home security professionals.