ADT vs. Brinks Home Security System Comparison

Our Brinks home security system we compared against ADT.

ADT and Brinks are two of the oldest home security companies in the industry, but neither is showing their age. Both continue to offer the latest security equipment and add new features to professional monitoring plans, like smart home automation.

But, there are some significant differences. For example, Brinks required us to sign a 36-month commitment, while ADT gave us the option to pay month-to-month without signing a contract. Here’s a breakdown of both brands to help you decide the best system for your needs.

These Google Nest Cams are safe to use inside and outside.

Similarities Between ADT and Brinks

After using both systems, we found a surprising amount of overlap in features and tech. Here are some similarities shared between ADT and Brinks when providing security services:

• Installation: Both brands offer DIY and professional installation — just in case you’re uncomfortable installing devices yourself.
• 24/7 Professional Monitoring: ADT and Brinks respond instantly to alerts from your security system.
• Trial Period: You can get your money back if you change your mind. However, Brinks only offers a 30-day trial period, while ADT offers six months.

Main Differences Between ADT and Brinks

Although several similarities were discovered during testing, we also noticed many key distinctions between the two. Significant differences between ADT and Brinks include:

• Price Transparency: ADT’s prices are available for everyone to see on its website, while Brinks requires calling for a personalized quote.
• Contract Commitment: Brinks requires a 36-month commitment to become a client. ADT used to require contracts but has since switched to month-to-month payments, though financing options are still available.
• Medical Alert Devices: ADT offers devices  that allow users to emit an alert in case of a medical emergency, while Brinks does not.

Brinks and ADT Head-to-Head

When purchasing a security system, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of what you’re getting. Here is a more extensive comparison between Brinks and ADT to help you make the right decision.

ADT’s Features

The latest ADT system we reviewed comes with a lot of new features courtesy of its partnership with Google. ADT has ditched its bulky, 720p resolution cameras and upgraded them with the sleek-looking, 1080p HD Nest Cam range. But, the cameras can do more than just watch over your property.

You also gain all of the Nest Cam technology like intelligent motion detection. Nest Cams know the difference between your neighbor walking up your driveway and your dog chasing its tail in the front yard. You’ll get customized notifications for different alerts.

What’s even more impressive is how Nest Cams and ADT use facial recognition with your security system. If you’ve asked your neighbor to bring in delivered packages while you’re on vacation, the Nest Cam will recognize them and send a notification to their phone to disarm the security system and smart lock.

The Google Nest Cams in our ADT system used facial recognition technology to tell us who they saw in their alerts.

Brinks Features

We recommend Brinks for home automation enthusiasts. Instead of switching off lights and locking doors before you go to bed, Brinks can handle these chores and more for you. You don’t need to be a computer scientist to set these up. The app walks you through it step-by-step.

What’s even more impressive is that these automation features extend to over 1,000 Z-Wave- and Zigbee-compatible devices. When we reviewed Brinks, we set up a rule for our Sonos speakers to play loud music when an alarm is triggered. Just in case you don’t have any cool music lined up, you can always set the automation for the lights to flash instead.

Winner: Draw

Here are some of the ways we customized Brinks to match our needs.

Contracts and Warranties

Not long ago, you had to sign a contract to become an ADT customer. But, the company no longer requires you to sign on the dotted line. You can pay month-to-month and leave whenever you want. The only ADT contracts that exist today are for financing equipment, and they’re for a maximum of 12 months.

>> Check Out: Best Home Security Systems for Poor Credit Scores

Brinks requires a 36-month commitment for all customers. One of the benefits of locking yourself in is that the equipment warranty is for the entire contract term. If anything goes wrong, then Brinks will replace it. ADT only offers a 12-month warranty for most equipment.

Winner: ADT

Plans and Pricings

Brinks and ADT take very different approaches to plans and pricing. Let’s start with Brinks pricing, because there’s not a lot to reveal. They don’t advertise any equipment prices or subscription plans on the website. Brinks wants you to call for a personalized quote. It’s not necessarily a bad thing — it means you’ll only pay for what you really need.

As for professional monitoring plans, we know it ranges between $39.99 to $49.99 per month. That’s pretty steep, especially when you’ll need the most expensive plan if you want security camera support.

Our brand-new ADT hub features a touchpad on top to deactivate the security system.

ADT equipment packages range between $349 and $1,574. However, you can also build a security system from scratch. You’ll need the ADT Base and an entry sensor at minimum, but you can add as many Nest Cams, motion detectors, and hazard sensors as you want. As for professional monitoring, here’s what ADT charges.

Like Brinks, you’ll need the Complete plan for security camera support. We recommend signing up so you can access some of those smart motion alerts mentioned earlier.

Winner: ADT

Equipment and Options

Both security systems offer everything you need to secure your home. ADT has equipment bundles you can start with and add extra devices, whereas Brinks will organize a home assessment so you get a tailored solution.

One of the biggest differences is how you’ll physically interact with the system. ADT has gone from a stylish touch-screen panel to a physical hub with a keypad. Brinks offers a top-of-the-line touch panel. You can use it to integrate smart home devices, set up customizable alerts, and activate your system. We even uploaded an image to the panel so it appeared as a digital photo frame when it wasn’t in use.

Unpacking the Brinks touch panel before deciding where in the house it will go.

But, overall, we think ADT’s equipment range is more advanced, especially with the inclusion of Nest products. Brinks cameras are missing features like video verification, which can speed up emergency responses.

Winner: ADT

Installation

You can set up an ADT or Brinks system yourself. Installing a security system is easier than you think, especially with these two brands. A lot of the equipment is wireless, so all you need to do is pick a spot and connect it to Wi-Fi.

>> Learn More: The Best DIY Security Systems of 2025

However, we always recommend opting for professional installation. No one knows how to set up a home security system better than a technician. They not only choose the best places for maximum coverage, but they also ensure everything is installed correctly for complete peace of mind.

Winner: Draw

Installing our ADT entry sensors next to our Ring devices for another comparison we’re working on.

Emergency Response Time

If (or when) that dreaded emergency happens, you’ll want to be able to reach the monitoring center ASAP. Thankfully, both ADT and Brinks offer different mediums of communication.

Brinks support.

If you choose to go with ADT, your system can connect with the monitoring center via Wi-Fi, landline, or cellular connections. ADT will also send you an SMS once your alarm is activated. You can respond to the message to verify or cancel the alarm. If you don’t, ADT will call to check on you.

Brinks, on the other hand, only offers Wi-Fi or cellular. This is fine by us, as the only reason you’d really need a landline connection is if you live in a rural area. If that’s you, check out our best home security systems for rural areas.

Winner: ADT

Final Thoughts: ADT vs. Brinks Security Systems

Choosing the right security system for you depends on two key things: what you need and how much you are willing to pay. Overall, both ADT and Brinks are reliable, and we don’t think you’ll regret choosing either company. That said, we give the edge to ADT — for reliability, advanced equipment, and industry-leading professional monitoring.

ADT has an excellent reputation nationwide. Some of the prices are comparable Brinks. However, you’re not locked into a contract and you get access to features like facial recognition and video verification, which Brinks doesn’t offer.

But, if ADT isn’t for you, then Brinks is a great alternative. The company has been around since the 1800s for a reason. Brinks is reliable, the equipment is user-friendly, and you can integrate over 1,000 Zigbee and Z-Wave smart devices.

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