Still, the choice of landline, broadband, or cellular plans illustrates the kind of variety and personalization that Protect America offers, and other home security companies don’t. And while you may pay more than the advertised price to take advantage of Protect America’s options – like the cellular plan required to control your system by app – money-saving elements are also built into the Protect America pricing structure. For example, you don’t pay for any home security equipment – you just pay for the monitoring plan – and that equipment comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Any malfunctioning device will be replaced at no cost to you for as long as you’re a Protect America customer.
The Claim
Simple and affordable home security systems.
Is it true?
Yes, for the most part. Let’s parse out “simple” first. Three equipment packages and three means of monitoring (using your home’s landline, broadband, or cellular service) seem like many options, but they are easy choices. All three equipment packages include just sensors and a control panel. They differ only in the number of sensors. You choose a package based on the size of your home. A big home with a dozen windows and doors you’d like to monitor would call for the Platinum plan, with 14 sensors. You pay more per month for the cost of monitoring all those devices, but you won’t pay any more out of pocket to receive those devices initially. All equipment is included with your three-year commitment. As for how those sensors communicate with Protect America’s monitoring headquarters and local responders, the choice will probably be straightforward. Broadband and cellular cost the same within each package, but only cellular allows you to control the system with your phone and tap into the possibilities of integrating further home automation devices. Since home security in 2019 means remote control, this is probably the only real option for many. Landline, on the other hand, is a niche offering, one that won’t be appealing or even possible for the majority of U.S. households without home phones. However, if you live outside of cell service and don’t get high-speed internet in your home, this is a valuable option and one that comes cheap. That gets us into the “affordable” side of things. Only the landline option with the smallest equipment package rings in at a highly competitive $20 per month. All other combinations of options cost the $40-$50 per month that you will find with practically any other home security option. Not a bad price, but if you are looking for the cheapest option, that might not necessarily be Protect America.
Product Overview
Best for
Those looking for a third-party compatible, no-fuss home security without upfront equipment costs.
Not for
Those interested in state-of-the-art smart home technology or those who don’t want to make a three-year commitment.
Features
Simple DIY installation
While somewhat misleadingly advertised as “free installation,” it’s true that you don’t have to account for installation or activation fees with Protect America. It’s professionally monitored, but the installation is DIY. No tools are required, however, and if you opt for the cellular plan, the Protect America SMART Connect will assist with set up and with configuring settings. You then call Protect America to activate your system.
Works with Z-wave devices
Free, warranty-backed equipment
Plenty of home security companies require you to buy the equipment, either upfront or spread out over the course of your contract. With Protect America, the equipment is free and yours to keep. Now, “free” may be the most illustrative word since you only get the equipment if you sign up for a 3-year contract, the monthly bills for which will be your responsibility even if you decide to terminate that contract. Still, there’s no additional cost for the sensors and control panel, plus the all-important yard sign and window stickers. As an added bonus, if anything goes wrong with your equipment while Protect America is monitoring your home, they will send you replacements at no charge.
A breakdown of Protect America Home Security options
Optional add-ons from Protect America
HD video serviceSmoke and fire monitoringSmart door lockSmart garage doorSmart lighting
Possible Drawbacks
Requires credit check
Protect America requires an Experian credit check of its new customers, which will register on your credit report. No one likes extraneous credit checks, but if you’re committing to one home security company long-term, that shouldn’t be a huge issue. That said, if that credit check reveals that you don’t have good enough credit, Protect America may require you to make a deposit. This extra deposit will be a credit in your account, but it’s an extra chunk of change that you may not be keen on parting with. And if you do make a deposit, you won’t be eligible for Protect America’s Low Price Guarantee, a price-matching offer for new customers.
Short decision period for a big commitment
In the home security industry, a three-year contract is fairly standard. Nevertheless, it’s pretty long. And unlike other companies, you don’t have the option to avoid a contract and pay month-to-month until after you’ve been their customer for those three initial years. What’s more, the trial period is just 15 days. If you decide that your Protect America home security system doesn’t work for you, you’ll need to cancel and get all the equipment in the mail within two weeks. If you decide to build out your home security system with further equipment from Protect America, you have a little longer to decide to keep them – 30 days.
Difficult to cancel
Protect America lists no solid information about cancellation on their website. Even the terms and conditions that they make available online fail to touch on the question of what you might be on the hook for if you try and get out before the contract’s 36 months are up. While Protect America makes it hard to cancel, they do give you workable options to continue your contract without penalty. First off, if you want to cancel because you’re moving, they give you the option to take your system with you – with no relocation fees. They’ll even send you a free move kit to help you take down your installed devices and put them back up in your new home. They also give you the option of transferring your contract to someone else – an option they call Change of Responsibility. And if you are committed to three years with Protect America, but aren’t interested in renewing for another term, keep on your toes. The company requires a 60-day notice of cancellation, or else it automatically continues your service on a month-to-month basis.
The competition
Protect America vs. ADT
The mix-and-match style of Protect America is unique amongst home security companies. But while the options appear numerous, there are only a couple of real options for most people. With ADT, the range of options is more viable. You get your pick of five plans that run the gamut from simple to sophisticated, with prices to match. On the other hand, Protect America looks customizable but actually offers few choices for around the same price. If you prioritize name recognition and already built-out device kits, ADT may be a better choice. If you’re looking for a simple landline option, Protect America has that niche offering for a great rate.
Protect America vs. Vivint
While Protect America doesn’t offer much by way of in-house home automation options, it does play well with Z-wave technology, and thus with a whole universe of third-party devices. But if you are going into home security with a mind to create a smart home, Protect America can’t compete with Vivint. That company is at the forefront of home automation, plus offers the month-to-month flexibility that Protect America reserves for only its established customers. And while both Vivint and Protect America boast lifetime warranties for their equipment, it’s good to note that that warranty doesn’t apply to third-party devices. So you may be better off purchasing Vivint’s line-up of home automation devices rather than piecing together equipment that Protect America won’t cover.
The bottom line
Protect America is carrying its home security offerings into the smart home future by integrating Z-wave technology and equipping its coordinated systems to be controlled by the app. But these gestures toward a tech-savvy security system fall short of the competition without compelling in-house devices and an app that garners around two stars on iTunes and Google Play.
Landline: This is the old-fashioned home telephone line. A landline is a great option for homes without high-speed internet or areas without cell service. Remember that the alarm capabilities can be literally cut off since communication relies on physical lines.Broadband: This transmission method connects your security system to your home’s internet via your modem or router. While much faster than a landline, it still doesn’t allow you to control the security system with your cellphone.Cellular: The current standard for home security systems, this method relies on cellular towers, just like your cellphone does. If you want to be able to control your home security system via the app, the cellular option is for you.
A basic, fully functional system, but one too compact and technologically behind the times to be a real option for most.
Name of Account HolderEmail address of your Protect America accountTelephone number with area codeDate your order was placedPrice quoted online by our competitorComplete Web address (URL) reflecting the lower price you found online for the same equipment and service you purchased from Protect America.
Instead, Protect America stands out for offering a truly affordable landline option that would be a great fit for rural homes or for remote control. Protect America also stands out for its online offerings, including a helpful customer resource center and online chat.
