Protection One is a large, national security system company with offerings to protect both homes and businesses. The company offers four comprehensive home security plans with a long list of add-on features that provide access to home automation and web-based video surveillance features that enhance security. It requires long-term contracts, so its services are well suited for those looking for long-term home security solutions.
Pros
- Relies on ADT’s 150-year background in the security industry
- Merging with ADT simplifies systems, monitoring and smart compatibility
- Professional or DIY installations are available
Cons
- Limited warranties compared to some competitors
- Long-term contracts are required in most cases
At a Glance
Protection One is one of the largest home security systems in the nation. The company has helped secure millions of American homes since it first opened in the 1970s.
In 2016, a company called Apollo Group Management acquired ADT and merged it with Protection One, so the two are essentially the same company but technically two separate entities with slightly different services and price points.
Protection One currently holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Customers praise Protection One for its high-quality hardware and excellent professional installations, but complain about inconsistent customer service and unexpected fees.
With three home security packages to choose from and a large selection of add-on devices, you’re bound to find the right security system for your home with Protection One. All of the company’s systems are wireless, meaning landlines aren’t required and all devices can connect to the wireless control panel.
Featured Partners
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Vivint
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ADT
Customer Reviews
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Contract Required
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Lowest Monitoring Price
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Simplisafe
Customer Reviews
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Contract Required
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Lowest Pro Monitoring Price
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Protection One Security System Components
Protection One is so closely interwoven with ADT that its components and packages are exactly the same. In fact, clicking on the residential system links on the Protection One site will automatically bring you to the product page on the ADT website.
There are essentially three packages to choose from: Build Your Own, Front Door Protection and Total Safety. Each of these systems comes with a specific set of components:
There are also several add-on components that customers can choose from, including:
- Doorbell cameras
- Indoor cameras
- Outdoor cameras
- Floodlights
- Keychain remotes
- Motion sensors
- Water and temperature sensors
- Indoor sirens
- Smoke and carbon monoxide combination detectors
- Heat detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Smoke detectors
- Google Nest thermostats
- WiFi routers
- Google Nest hubs
- Smart locks
- Smart lights
- Smart plugs
- And light dimming modules
Protection One Smart Home Integration
As is the case with ADT, Protection One integrates well with Google Assistant and Amazon Echo platforms. These systems can mesh together to allow customers to control their security system, thermostats, lighting and other devices with their digital assistant. ADT systems are also compatible with Z-wave/Zigbee and If This Then That technology.
One of the benefits of using a Protection One system is that there aren’t any Wi-Fi gateways to deal with. These systems are entirely compatible without the use of additional components.
Fine Print
Protection One’s partner ADT requires a 36-month contract for monitoring services (24 months in California). If you cancel before the contract ends, you may face a cancellation fee that could be up to 75% of the remaining contract balance, so it’s helpful to be prepared for and mindful of that commitment.
In terms of warranty, ADT offers a six-month money-back guarantee if they’re unable to resolve system-related issues, which provides some peace of mind. Additionally, they offer a theft protection guarantee that covers up to $500 of your insurance deductible if your home is burglarized while the system is armed—subject to the terms of the Residential Services Contract.
For those concerned about health and safety, Protection One also provides a medical alert system that can connect you to emergency services at the press of a button, making it a great option for seniors or those with medical conditions.
Protection One Plans & Pricing
Protection One used to offer four separate security plans, each with its own price point and offerings. However, since moving to ADT systems, it offers the three plans previously mentioned: Build Your Own, Front Door Protection and Total Safety.
Build Your Own’s base systems costs $269.00, or $7.47 each month. Front Door Protection costs $778.00 or $9.99 each month. Total Safety costs $1,586.00 or $22.89 each month.
Video Storage
Previously, Protection One stated customers could access their cameras, control their angles, view live events and store up to 100MB of video. Since monitoring now runs through ADT, the company’s website states customers can store up to 6,000 clips per month.
Smartphone Controls and Smart Home Integration
Protection One customers can control, monitor and configure their security system remotely with access from the ADT+ app. The app can control thermostats, lights, locks and other products compatible with ADT systems, and it carries a 4.7-star rating with the App Store and a 4.3-star rating with Google Play.
Protection One offers a variety of add-on home automation devices, including smart locks, smart appliances, light switches and smart thermostats. Integrate these devices with your home to make it even more accessible. If you’ve ever wished you could turn on the kitchen light before heading downstairs for your midnight snack, you’ll love having a smart home.
Installing Protection One
There are a couple of installation options when it comes to Protection One, including DIY or professional. Wireless systems like these are typically straightforward to install, but folks who doubt their DIY abilities might not find the same peace of mind they would with a professional installation.
Installation fees for Protection One systems through ADT are generally around $150, which also includes an activation fee.
What We Like About Protection One
There are a lot of things to like about Protection One since it’s now using ADT as its main engine. First, ADT is over 150 years old and is the most trusted name in the industry. Also, we like that DIY and professional installation options are available, allowing customers to save money or turn their installation over completely to experts.
Finally, merging with ADT simplifies the choices in packages, monitoring and components. ADT’s systems are straightforward and easy to understand than Protection One’s were, allowing customers to make a better decision for their needs.
What We Didn’t Like About Protection One
The thing to dislike about Protection One is the same issue we have with ADT: Long-term contracts (which are at least 36 months long) aren’t ideal, and they’re expensive to get out of. Also, the relatively short warranty on installation and devices (just 90 days) is about half of what many other alarm providers offer.
How Protection One Home Security Stacks Up
Protection One Vs. Ring
The battle between Protection One and Ring is an interesting comparison. Protection One is essentially ADT under a different name, while Ring is owned by Amazon. Both companies offer excellent products, but Ring’s focus is more on affordability and simplicity. Protection One is a bit more expensive and is likely better installed by a professional. Both offer excellent customer service, but we give Protection One the nod for its ADT roots.
Protection One Vs. Vivint
Both Protection One and Vivint offer good customer service and uncomfortably long contracts. However, we gave the nod to Vivint because it seamlessly integrates with custom smart home systems, even more than ADT-backed Protection One systems do. We think this makes it a great choice for homeowners who are really leaning into smart home technology.
What Are People Saying About Protection One
One look at Protection One’s rankings on major consumer trust sites would point out that most customers are unhappy. Claims of paying for service but not actually being protected, shady billing services, no-show technicians and other issues are very common.
However, it’s important to note that the company has only recently gone to a fully ADT platform and that ADT does not suffer from the same intensely negative reviews. Most ADT customers are happy with the company’s services. We believe it may take some time for the positive reviews to start surfacing to the top.
Is Protection One the Right Home Security Company for You?
Because Protection One requires fairly long-term contracts (three years), it isn’t the right home security company for you if you don’t want to commit to one system for long. While you can move your system if you move to a new house during your contract term, it’s a hassle. Plus, Protection One will renew your contract and you will be tied to that system for another three years (two in California).
If you are looking for a longer-term home security solution, Protection One is a solid home security company choice. A sister company of well-renowned ADT, Protection One is one of the most experienced alarm countries in the United States.
The company also offers services to businesses, so it’s a great choice if you own a commercial building. But its prices are relatively high, so check out other home security options if you’re on a budget.
Featured Partners
1
Vivint
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Contract Required
Yes
Lowest Monitoring Price
$19.99
2
ADT
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Contract Required
Yes
Lowest Monitoring Price
$29.99
3
Simplisafe
Customer Reviews
Great
Contract Required
No
Lowest Pro Monitoring Price
$21.99
Methodology
To determine this ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed third-party data on dozens of home security companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
- Cost and contracts (15%)
- App reviews (15%)
- Customer reviews and reputation (15%)
- Customer support (15%)
- Features and smart home integration (20%)
- Options and equipment (15%)
- Warranty (5%)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Protection One now ADT?
Well-known security company ADT does own Protection One, so the two companies are merged. But technically, they are two separate brands.
How long are Protection One contracts?
Protection One requires customers to subscribe to a three-year contract, or a two-year contract if you live in California.
How do I cancel Protection One service?
Protection One does not accept requests for service cancellation online. Instead, you will have to call their customer service team for assistance.
How do I turn off a Protection One alarm?
Unplug the power supply and battery in the alarm panel box to power the alarm off. Plug it back in when the power down process is complete.
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