1. ADT
With over 145 years of experience in the industry, ADT is one of the oldest security companies out there. People are familiar with their blue logo, but is this the optimal security system for your business?
What to Expect
ADT offers professional monitoring services that include 24/7 monitoring and police, medical, and fire dispatch. The company has six monitoring centers that use almost all types of monitoring technology, including broadband, landline, and cellular.
Equipment and Installation
ADT’s traditional plan includes a wireless control panel and door and window sensors. You can also get smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide monitoring systems, as well as motion sensors and security cameras for additional fees. All of this equipment has to be professionally installed by ADT’s team.
Pricing
ADT offers four pricing packages, with monthly fees ranging from $28.99 to $58.99. The installation fee is $99.
Pros
- 90-day limited warranty
- A large and old company
- Solid technology integration features
- Free installation fee on specific packages
- Six-month money-back guarantee
Cons
- No self-installation option
- Mixed customer reviews online
- Slow customer service
- Sales reps do not show up on scheduled appointments
The Verdict
You can count on ADT not going anywhere, as they’ve been in the business for a long time. They’ve updated their system to ensure it can keep up with the high-security demands of today’s world. Based on some of their clients’ feedback, it seems like there’s still room for improvement for ADT, especially when it comes to their customer service.
2. Wayne Alarm
Established in 1968, Wayne Alarm has been providing security equipment and systems to both residential and commercial establishments for decades.
What to Expect
When you take advantage of Wayne Alarm systems, you can enjoy professional monitoring that includes 24/7 surveillance; two-way intercom; and fire, medical, and police dispatch. The company uses both cellular and broadband as its monitoring technology.
Wayne Alarm has only one monitoring center, but the center is located in the heart of Massachusetts so the team can attend to your security needs as fast as possible.
Equipment and Installation
The system’s control panel comes in two types: basic or advanced full-color touchscreen. Wayne Alarm offers other home security equipment including doorbell cameras, alarm systems, home automation systems, smoke detectors, security cameras, and fire alarms. This is another security system that requires professional installation.
Pricing
Wayne Alarm offers three pricing packages with monthly fees ranging from $33.95 to $52.95.
Pros
- Locally based
- Fast response time
- Amazing customer service
- Systems can be tailored to meet your needs
Cons
- No available information on warranty and installation fees
- Only available for locally based businesses
The Verdict
Wayne Alarm is known for their fast response time of 30 seconds (as compared to the standard response time of 60 seconds). The swift response time can be attributed to their monitoring center and staff being locally based. If you plan to relocate or move out of Massachusetts, the efficiency of service you’ll receive may differ.
3. American Alarm
American Alarm was founded by three engineers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1971.
What to Expect
The company’s professional monitoring services include 24/7 monitoring; fire, medical, and police dispatch; and two-way intercom. American Alarm carries out these services through cellular and broadband technology in their monitoring center, which is CSAA certified and UL listed.
Equipment and Installation
When you choose American Alarm’s security system, you have the option to use either a cellular or landline system. The landline system has a cheaper monthly fee, but their upfront costs are almost the same. The company uses proprietary DMP equipment, including a control panel, wireless sensors, and alarm or siren.
Pricing
American Alarm’s pricing packages range from $27.55 to $76.95.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty and annual inspection
- Locally based
- Comes with a virtual keypad software, which can be accessed through an app in Android and iOS devices
- Video surveillance systems available
Cons
- Not much available information online about costs, warranty, installation fee, and other policies
- Available only in certain parts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire
The Verdict
American Alarm is one of the largest independent security companies in the market and offers an extensive list of home and business security systems and features. American Alarm uses proprietary DMP products, which are fairly reliable but tend to be expensive. However, not all security companies can handle DMP systems, so you may encounter some problems if you plan to switch to a different security provider in the future.
4. Cape Cod Alarm
Cape Cod Alarm is a family-operated business that has been in the market for over 35 years. If you live in Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts, read this review to determine if this is the best business security system for you.
What to Expect
Cape Cod’s cellular and broadband monitoring systems are operated at their only UL listed monitoring station. Aside from their dispatch and monitoring services, they also offer installation, repairs, upgrades, and training. The company’s monitoring and home automation systems can be accessed through an app.
Equipment and Installation
Cape Cod Alarm offers comprehensive security and home automation systems and the basics like carbon monoxide detectors, fire alarms, and smoke alarms. You can also use more advanced and innovative equipment like medical alert buttons; fire sprinkler suppression systems; motion, door, window sensors; and doorbell cameras. The company also offers energy monitoring systems that allow you to regulate your lights and heating systems remotely.
Pricing
There is no available information about the company’s monthly fees, installation fees, and warranty.
Pros
- Not limited to emergencies: the system will also notify the business owner of an open window or door
- Wide range of advanced, basic, and innovative security and automation features
- Remote access for the owners
- Multisite management for business owners
Cons
- No pricing information provided
- Some users reported false alarms and accidental police dispatch
- Apps have a few bug issues
The Verdict
Cape Cod Alarm has a variety of security options available, making them a versatile company when it comes to security solutions. However, they have a limited online presence and slow customer service, so a few clients have reported problems getting information about their products, services, and fees.
