Does anyone have experience with ay alternatives to the big companies like ADT and Broadview? I have had ADT in the past and it is fine but a huge ripoff. I was looking at things like Smith and Armour but there is little out there that provides good information. From what I understand they all use the same monitoring centers so it really is just about pricing, honesty of business model, etc. Any experience good or bad would be appreciated.
dont pay for any of the hardware, dont pay installation, and dont pay more than 30/month, and make sure you get their best package, sensors where ever you want them etc. some of the larger companies have contracts with satellite/cable companies where they can lower your bill and make it seem as if you are getting security services for free but really the monitoring service they provide is all the same
+1 on monitoring service is all the same. I use Smith & Wesson - Houston. If you need a system installed, make sure you get one installed that operates off of cellphone towers rather than land lines.
www.simplisafe.com I have this. I ordered it all myself, installed all myself, set up all myself, and have been very happy. It works, it's cheaper than the big guys, it is tech savvy, etc. Email me through the board if you decide to use and perhaps we can both get discounts for a referral. (no, i don't work for them or anything, just always happy to save some money and refer a good product).
I have Smith Thompson and am very happy with them, especially at their price. It's around $17/month, and their customer service is top notch. I've had a couple of false alarms, and they called right away.
My parents have Smith Thompson as well. Cheap basic cellular monitoring. No issues so far. I have ProtectionONE and I am very happy with the service
They don't use the same monitoring centers... Well, maybe the specific ones you mentioned do, but overall, it's not the same center monitoring for every company, if that's what you meant. Basically you want to make sure: -They're open 365/24/7 -they have a back up power source in case of power outage/tornado/hurricane...check how long they can monitor after power is out -Will and/or can your contract be sold? This is how you can end up with a different company and monitoring station. -training and certifications of dispatchers Why do you say ADT is a rip off? Pretty much every company will try to start you at the highest rate possible, while giving you the lease number of system components...
More expensive monthly rate and if they ever need to come out to do something (tech support, having a new sensor put on a door, etc) it is pretty much guaranteed to be $200. And they always said I would have to pay extra to get it off the land line.
my parents have ADT...its getting way too expensive now. it used to be like 30$ per month..now its gone up to 35 or more..and that's for landline monitoring. i am going to give smith thompson a call and see.
Have you called and threatened to cancel? Some of them will easily lower the rate to keep you. They don't have a maintenance option? Insurance?
