Side note: I remember when ADT installed my system and I asked my self how easy is this. Peel and stick installation and I’m paying what for this?

Thanks Gary for insight. The apps both companies have are available for iOS & Android. While I get what you are saying about being subject to fraud – that isn’t going to happen with Frontpoint. If they were doing this they wouldn’t have a A on BBB and they would be shutdown long ago. By mailing security systems (DIY) this enables them to reach to a larger national audience. We agree with you that the average consumer should pursue ADT if they are not comfortable with installing it themselves as security isn’t something you want to get wrong. But users can trust either company to monitor and safeguard their information. Best of luck!

Huhhhh. Security, define the word. Ask yourself, “mail order Security ” or professionally installed security (remember, define that word). We all have homes and we “try” to be handy men and end up making matters worst “trying” to save a few bucks, and end up spending more after we messed up! This is why I use ADT so they can come out and fix system if needed and I don’t have to be the one setting it up (or attempting to) at home.

We initially went with ADT because we needed an alarm installed quickly. And the realtor gave us a install credit.

Our home had a pre-installed ADT system which the former owners had let their contract lapse. The previous owners didn’t maintain much of anything around here we found out after the inspection and moving in. There is some maintenance you should be performing.. Batteries and keeping the squirrels out

So, the old system was a hard wired system. The installer came out and put a pulse system head unit in and wired all the wired alarm contacts/points into the existing box using wireless access points/relays.

It worked great but it was missing some items I had them come back out and installed cameras, smoke detectors and glass breaks. Two of my wired glass breaks were not installed correctly by the first installer and we had several alarms.

What we learned was the first installer was from a authorized dealer a contractor if you will. And the focus of the franchise is sales and installs.
The company was get in and out quick… Transfer your service.to ADT after some time.

What I discovered next was the alarm was not setup correctly.

They sent out a highly trained uniformed tech who fixed the quick install.

ADT fixed the mistakes on the second visit. The mother in law quarters has a secondary station operating on a partitioned system.

When we come home late or leave early… Our arrivals and departures are never bothering the mother in law. Our partitioned alarm systems call 911 services independent of each other. The first tech couldn’t figure this out. The ADT authorized dealer tech got it right the first time he came out.

We have three panels split between two partitioned systems. Both portions use existing equipment and cover merging zones such as the common area laundry room. The smoke alarms and heat detector which were installed on the first install all were brought into the new cellular box he put in. The strobes and horns operate independently of each other across the partition. The system is truly 2 systems in one. It is pretty much like a business zoned system which operates independent of the other system.

ADT fixed the shotty install by the contractor tech gave me a credit and upgrades for free. He ripped the old control box out and has installed a very positive and well designed upgrade with new panels and cell transmitter.

The use of legacy pre-installed sensors mixed with wireless sensors completes our system.

The ONLY thing I would ask ADT to provide next is to incorporate a full NVR with multiple cameras to work through the system and the Nest Camera with voice broadcast enabled so I can talk to the dog from work.

When you call this authorized dealer for ADT make sure you ask to have an employee of the company come out to do the install.

I don’t think another DIY system can do what our specialized home system now does for 56.00 a month.

ADT is using 3rd party installers now, I had one out today to give me a quote. I too am evaluating both companies and found that ADT mounts their control panel whereas FrontPoint’s is portable.

Hey Jimmy thanks for your thoughts! Agreed, it can be confusing. Cost wise would be Frontpoint highest ($150+ for activation) then ADT and then LiveWatch. ADT has the most home automation features between them, and yes the comments are real! People love having an installer but like you mentioned, everything is wireless now so the DIY setup that Frontpoint and LiveWatch offer is not a big deal now. The panel can be the hardest part if trying to conceal the wires (drill and put through the walls) as well as security cameras. If you want a basic system that you can do yourself, go with Frontpoint.

Hope that information helps and best of luck!