ADT vs Protection 1 Security System Comparison
ADT now owns Protection 1, and their systems are available along with the original ADT equipment.
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Last Updated on Feb 15, 2024
- Professional installation on all systems
- 24/7 monitoring centers nationwide
- 150+ years of home security innovation
- Equipment included in monthly packages
- Basic, smart, and video-backed home security
- Cellular communication on most packages
ADT and Protection 1 have an extensive market presence in the United States and Canada. They offer quality components manufactured by Honeywell, considered among the best available. Each company works with local installers and sales personnel. The majority of their packages work on cellular networks.
Before we get too deep into the details though, there’s something important to understand about these two brands. In 2016 a company called Apollo Group Management acquired ADT and merged it with Protection One. This means they are essentially the same company, but two separate entities with slightly different services and price points.
So which one is better? Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. Below we compare ADT vs Protection 1 monitoring contracts, cost differences, user ratings, warranties, and more to help you make an informed decision. Overall, we prefer Protection 1, but ADT may be better suited for particular households.
Similarities
- Cellular transmission
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
- Honeywell technology
- Excellent customer service record
- Two-way voice
Differences
- ADT has a six-month refund on installation only. Protection 1 has no refund policy advertised
- Protection 1 uses landline only for the least expensive package
- Protection 1 offers Geo-fencing
Comparison Overview
Protection 1 and ADT have excellent home security products and monitoring services. Both companies use Honeywell home security devices, but ADT recently partnered with Google to offer more high-quality security cameras and doorbells.
ADT and Protection 1 use independent dealers to install and service their systems. Contract lengths are also the same.
ADT and Protection 1 own and operate proprietary monitoring centers throughout North America. The centers have all appropriate licenses, training requirements and backup systems in the event of catastrophic failure.
The smartphone app ratings are identical for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry. Any Z-Wave product will work with either system.
Winner and Loser Categories
Company Reputation
Winner: Protection 1
ADT continues to suffer from a large number of complaints. The majority of concern is with pushy salespersons, lack of transparency, and strict contract enforcement policies. Though their satisfactory resolution rate is high, they usually have a high number of BBB complaints.
Protection 1 has fewer complaints registered against the company at the BBB and on user forums and home security sites.
Pricing
Winner: Protection 1
ADT charges more for activation and installation than Protection 1. The monthly monitoring charges for ADT are higher except for the top packages. Protection 1 charges $10/month more for video monitoring.
When you include the amount of equipment provided under the package terms, Protection 1 comes out ahead.
>> Learn More: See a more in-depth look at ADT’s pricing and costs
Contract
Winner: Tie
The three-year contracts offered by both companies have almost identical terms and conditions.
Packages and Contents
Winner: Protection 1
Protection 1 offers more equipment than ADT does with all its packages except for the basic one. Each company offers the same sensors or detectors with their least expensive packages.
Protection 1 also offers an image capture motion sensor, whereas ADT provides a motion sensor without image capture.
Ease of Installation
Winner: ADT
Both companies receive high marks overall from consumers for their installation and service teams. That being said, ADT has a much larger network of local dealers, which gives you more flexibility when shopping around. Finding two or more ADT dealers in a city is not uncommon.
Equipment Quality and Technology
Winner: ADT
Honeywell has some of the best equipment in the home security market. The pricing for individual components a user might want to add to their system is approximately the same. And while both systems use Honeywell products, based on our tests, ADT uses better technology overall, especially considering that the ADT Pulse app (or the newer ADT Control app) makes it so easy to control your system from your smartphone.
Warranty
Winner: ADT
ADT advertises a six-month return policy, but only on installation. Protection 1 has no warranty advertised.
Service
Winner: Tie
ADT and Protection 1 provide service free of charge if there is a problem with your system. Ratings for their services are universally high.
Comparison Summary
ADT and Protection 1 both offer quality products and services. Overall, ADT comes out ahead, but only slightly so. Learn more in our ADT review.
You get slightly more product and a few more bells and whistles in the higher-end initial package offering with Protection 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Given that ADT now owns Protection 1, there’s a ton of confusion surrounding the two companies and their systems, so we’ve tried to clear things up.
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Is ADT the same as Protection 1?
ADT is not the same as Protection 1; technically, they are separate brands under the ADT umbrella, as ADT merged with the company in 2016, according to the South Florida Business Journal.
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Is Protection 1 still in business?
Protection 1 is still in business and available for purchase on its website.
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What is the best home security system to buy?
The best home security system to buy is either ADT or Cove. ADT is a reputable alarm company with lots of modern equipment and features, such as home automation. It also offers reliable 24/7 professional monitoring. On the other hand, Cove offers DIY security systems at affordable prices, all while providing professional monitoring for as low as $17.99 per month.
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Did ADT get bought out?
Yes, in 2016, a private equity firm called Apollo Global Management acquired ADT for almost $7 million; this is also when ADT merged with Protection 1.