Best Home Security Systems: A 3-Way Comparison
Avoid Home Invasions and Residential Burglaries
You've identified that you need a home security system. We read about violent home invasions and burglaries all the time. On any given news program at any given time we hear about the horrifying after effects of unwanted home visitors. Let's face it. They aren't coming for dinner. They are coming for you, your family, and your valuables. So now what can you do? You might be next.
There are plenty of home security services available on the market and you might not have the time or patience to do the research on which service is best for you. I've narrowed your search down, with details, on three major players in the home security game - Slomin's Shield, ADT, and (my top choice) Xfinity Home.
(*Disclaimer - I am in no way affiliated with any of these companies. I am not trying to sell any alarm services. I am just an informed consumer speaking from personal experience.)
Home Alarm and Monitoring Service Offered For Around The Same Price
Slomin's Shield
| ADT
| Xfinity Home
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Price
| $30 per month + $99 quarterly
| $40
| $40
|
Cameras
| yes - no ability to record, live only
| yes - still shots only
| yes - 2, many recording options
|
Door Censors
| yes - 3
| yes - 3
| yes - 3
|
Window Censors
| yes
| yes
| yes - 3 door or window
|
Motion Censor
| yes - 1
| yes - 1
| yes - 2
|
Phone App
| yes
| yes
| yes
|
Control Lights
| no
| no
| yes - 2 outlets
|
Control Thermostat
| no
| no
| yes - new thermostat
|
Visa Gift Card Rebate
| none
| $100-$200
| $200
|
Installation Fees
| none
| $79
| none
|
Equipment Fees
| $850 without promotion
| $99
| $299
|
Touch Screen Tablet
| no
| no
| yes
|
Slomin's Shield
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Third Place Winner
www.slomins.com
Negatives:
- Website does not provide pricing or packaging.
- Upon requesting information with an online request form through their website, an unannounced representative will show up at your doorstep the next day.
- Price was $30 a month AND $99 every 3 months. So why not just say $63 a month, right?
- Not current with alarm trends (i.e. total home monitoring).
- Keypad not user friendly.
Positives:
- Reputable company.
- Hard wiring offered for windows and doors so no need for wi-fi.
- Assertive sales representative.
ADT
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Second Place Winner
www.adt.com
Negatives:
- Charge $79 + tax down payment just to come for an in house consultation. They will not come without paying it. I heckled for 45 minutes over this but eventually paid it.
- Charge for the first month 3 days after installation.
- Alarm services only (i.e. no total home management, lights and thermo).
- Camera only takes still shots every 15 seconds, no video.
- No touch screen keypad.
Positives:
- Easy refund of the down payment once I decided not to use their service.
- Reputable company.
- Friendly technician. He stayed for 3 hours just talking with us, but did not install a thing.
- Offered 1 keychain but heckled for 1 additional.
My Personal Photos of Xfinity Home Features
XFinity Home
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
1st Place Winner
xfinity.comcast.net
Negatives:
- No keychains provided.
- High cost for installation but can be spread over 6 months.
- Thermostat set for the wrong day and time and not provided with an instruction manual for thermostat
- Lots of sloppy wires that need to be hidden. They did not run electrical wiring or cable wiring through walls.
Positives:
- Ability to visually monitor my home through the live feed video cameras from internet anywhere.
- "Rule" settings allow me to choose when I want lights to adjust, cameras to adjust, and thermostat to adjust.
- Touch screen tablet is extremely user friendly and comes with fun or useful apps (i.e. weather and sports).
- Keypad is user friendly.
- Text and email messages for alerts.
- Stores sensor history, pictures, and recordings.
- Energy saver with thermostat setting options that can be controlled from anywhere.
- Ability to arm/disarm from anywhere using Internet or smartphone.
- House is totally tech'ed out and impressive.
So, I have to ask...
Which Service Would You Choose?
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, I am in no way affiliated with any of these companies. I am just a consumer who did some research. Hopefully, I have helped you in deciding which alarm system is best suited to protect your most important assets. Overall, I am happy with my Xfinity Home selection. I feel safe and in control at all times.
