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Brinks Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Alarm System Company Reviews

Brinks Review 3.5 Star Rating

Brinks

3.5 Star Rating
  • "A" rated and accredited by the BBB
  • 2-year equipment warranty
  • Minimum 3-year contract
  • Alarm system can serve as a hub for almost 120 smart devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home
  • Self-install or professional install

With over a million customers in North America, Brinks Home is one of the leaders in the alarm system industry and was named as a Best-in-State Winner for Customer Service by Newsweek.

3 equipment packages

There are three main equipment packages to choose from with Brinks Home alarm systems:

  • Smart Security Essential: this introductory kit includes the IQ 2.0 control panel, two wireless door sensors, and a pet-immune wireless motion detector. That control panel can be used as a smart home hub to control most home automation devices (Z-Wave, Amazon Alexa, Google Home).
  • Smart Security Complete: in addition to what you get in the Essential package, this tier adds a Skybell Slim Video Doorbell.
  • Smart Security Ultimate: Brinks' most advanced package adds an extra door sensor and an outdoor camera.

Connect up to 100+ smart home components

Of course, those are just the three base-plan packages; you can customize your alarm system to include any other features you desire. Your Brinks Home alarm system can be a hub for nearly 120 smart home devices, and you may want to consider extras like a smart door lock, flood sensor, or smoke/CO detector.

Call for a quote, expect it to be $$

What will it cost? Unfortunately, like many of the bigger-name home alarm system companies, Brinks doesn't let you price out your alarm system online. You'll have to contact them for a quote to get the details for the configuration you want to set up. Our research indicates that the Essential package usually starts at $199, and monthly monitoring will run you $39.99+. Of course, you may find out otherwise, depending on where you live and any promotions running at the time you set up your alarm system.

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Contracts? 3 years, minimum

Although you won't find this stated on the Brinks Home site, you should also expect a minimum of a three-year contract with your monitoring. In the past, they used to have a no-contract plan called Nest Secure, and we still found some references to that option in the FAQs, but it's not displayed anywhere in the current options. Again, this may depend on the authorized retailer you wind up with for Brinks Home service in your area.

Client feedback varies

Customers don't all report the same experience when working with a Brinks Home alarm system. On the one hand, the company earns a solid "A" and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and nearly 3,000 clients say this service is worth a perfect five-star rating. On the other hand, almost 25% of those who rated Brinks gave it the lowest possible score, and there were over 1,600 complaints filed with the BBB in the year prior to this review. True, Brinks' reps seem to be doing a good job of responding to those complaints - but we weren't happy to see people having a hard time getting their problems resolved without turning to the BBB for help. And yet, when you have over a million customers, you can expect to have your fair share of not-so-perfect situations - some of which can depend on the contracted installers, the shipping carriers for the equipment, and so on.

Best of the big-name alarm system brands

Among the big-name home alarm system companies, Brinks isn't a bad choice. They seem to have alarm systems with the least amount of hassle, and their costs aren't over-the-top expensive. Like most of their well-known rivals, Brinks Home could improve by offering more transparency pre-purchase; why not let prospective customers know exactly what their equipment and monitoring will cost upfront, instead of making them call for a quote? We'd also like to see some kind of clearly-stated return/satisfaction policy. Beyond that, though, a Brinks Home alarm system should offer you all the protection you need - just consider their higher-ranked competitors first.

Which Company Offers the Best Alarm Systems?

There are so many options today, from well-known providers that have been around for fifty years or more to brand-new companies selling DIY-installed, wallet-friendly home alarm systems and automation all in one.

You've got plenty of reasons to use an alarm system, whichever route you choose. Not only can they protect you against break-ins while you're away, but they can also give you extra peace of mind if you're one of the millions of Americans who find themselves working from home on a regular basis. Need to know who's at your door before you open it? Many systems will send live video right to your smartphone, letting you decide if you should interrupt that conference call with your team!

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Alarm System Company FAQ

As many as 21 million households in the US use a security alarm system to protect themselves from burglary, home invasions and other crimes. With almost four million burglaries each year, it's important to have round-the-clock monitoring and an immediate emergency response if someone tries to break in.
It doesn't have to be. There are two costs associated with all alarm systems: the equipment and the monitoring service itself. Some companies give you the equipment at no charge as part of your plan, but the monthly fees are often higher to account for the free gear. Other services may require you to pay for your equipment upfront, but your monthly charge will be lower than the competition. Most alarm systems have monthly fees ranging from the low $30s to the upper $50s.
In the past, alarm systems were 100% wired - and yes, they had to be installed by a professional. While there are still a handful of companies that use these types of systems (including a landline to monitor them), most services today use totally wireless technology. In fact, many alarm systems have equipment that you can install yourself in just a few minutes.
The most basic systems include a few door contact sensors and that's about it. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to include wireless motion sensors for the interior or exterior of your home, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors or even a panic pendant. The most advanced alarm systems give you options for video recording as well.
You might. If you got your equipment at no cost, chances are you'll be signing a contract of at least three years (ouch). If that doesn't appeal to you, consider an alarm system company where you purchase your equipment outright: they're less likely to require you to sign a contract to use their monitoring service.
You can rest assured that your alarm system provider wants to keep your business, and they'll make it as easy as possible if you move. Whether that includes setting up monitoring at your new address or even doing a full install, they will help you get it done. The easiest systems to move are the ones with do-it-yourself installation: move the equipment when you go, and don't forget to update the alarm company with your location.
Almost certainly. Savings typically range from 2-10%, depending on the type of alarm system you have and your insurer.
Many of today's popular alarm systems come with a 30-day risk-free trial. However, some companies have hefty fees for cancelling a contract prior to the end date, so you'll want to read all of the fine print before you commit to a provider.
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Continued from above...

What are the basics of an alarm system? Most packages come with a few window/door sensors and some kind of control panel. You can still find traditional equipment that includes a wall-installed panel, but most of today's systems have a portable tablet used to arm and disarm it. From there, the options are nearly limitless and can include indoor/outdoor cameras, video doorbells, smoke/fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and many other features to keep you feeling secure.

Beyond safety, alarm systems now give you plenty of choices for home automation. What might have seemed like space-age tech just ten years ago is commonplace: use your smartphone to turn down the thermostat before you get home from work, arm your system with a voice command even when you're already in bed for the evening, or sign into your system from your computer at work to make sure you really did remember to lock the front door (and take care of it if you didn't!).

With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to choose an alarm system. There are several things to keep in mind that can help make the decision clearer and lead you to the package that will meet your needs:

  • Features. What are the most essential components your alarm system needs to have? For most people, that will be the right number of window and door sensors to cover all easily-accessible entry points (such as the first-floor), and a control panel that works best for all occupants. Is there any nice-to-have equipment on your wishlist? That could include indoor video recording/storage, lots of home automation capabilities, and so on. Use your must-have and nice-to-have lists to determine if a provider has what you need.
  • Cost. There are several costs associated with an alarm system. This usually includes the price of the equipment (either upfront or monthly with a contract), monthly monitoring fees, and possibly installation. The company may tell you straight out what you can expect to pay, or you might have to reach out for a quote. Make sure to carefully read all of the terms and conditions before you commit, especially if your home alarm systems provider requires you to sign a contract of a year or more.
  • Service Area. Most home alarm systems companies service all 50 states, but some have limited coverage areas. Before you get too far into your research, check to see if you're eligible to be a customer and, if so, which authorized retailer might be responsible for your installation and service.
  • Reputation. What do clients say about their alarm systems? Is it worth the money? Have they been able to get prompt, professional support when equipment doesn't work properly? It's not uncommon for the larger companies to have thousands of complaints, but that's not cause for concern if they're responding appropriately each time.

TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best alarm systems available today. We're confident that this information will help you get the right protection to keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe and sound!

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