Protection 1 Security Solutions merged with ADT Home Security in 2016. Protection 1 was founded in 1988 and was headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois.
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Pros
- Multiple Package Options
- State-of-the-Art Technology
- Secure Move
- Safety Net
- Protection 1 and ADT
Multiple Package Options
Protection 1 offers a variety of packages to their customers: from basic home security which requires a landline phone to state-of-the-art home automation that utilizes a cellular signal that can be controlled from a mobile device.
Protection One also has a new DIY system for those interested in self-installation. For complete package details see the 'Equipment Review' tab above.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Protection 1 has been around for 27 years, but they have continued to evolve with modern technology. Their Smart control and video packages are all wireless making for easy, non-intrusive installation.
They utilize a cell signal so customers don't need to worry about an internet connection or having a landline phone. Protection One customers can access and view their home's activities via a smartphone.
This enables customers to view live video feed, track the armed status, lock and unlock doors, turn on and off lights, control the temperature of the home, etc. Here are some of the products and features Protection 1 offers through ADT:
- HD Security Camera
- Motion Sensor
- Smart Home Automation
- Remote Control
- Smoke Alarm
- Touchscreen Keypad
- Voice Control Integration
- Advanced Encryption Technology
- Digital Control Panel
- Cellular Monitoring
- Front Door Sensor
- Wireless Keychain Remote
- High Decibel Alarm
- Indoor Camera
- Outdoor Camera
- Doorbell Camera
- Smoke Detector
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Flood Sensor
- Emergency Button
- Automated Door Locks
- Automated Home Lighting
- Smart Thermostat
- Garage Door Monitor
- Smart Home Plugins
Secure Move
If a customer decides to move while in the middle of their contract, Protection One will install a new or existing system to the new home for the customer, and pay $150 of the activation fee.
The Secure Move feature really helps to set them apart in the industry, not many other companies in the industry offer a comparable service.
For complete details about Secure Move, see the 'Contract Details' tab above.
Safety Net
If the customer suffers a loss due to their home being burglarized or damaged due to fire, Protection 1 will pay up to $1,000 of the home insurance deductible. This is a unique feature that not many other companies offer, and we have taken this into consideration when calculating our expert score.
For complete details, see the 'Contract Details' tab above.
Protection 1 and ADT
In 2016, Protection 1 merged with ADT to become one of the leading professional monitoring companies in the United States.
Before merging with Protection 1, ADT was already the largest pure-play home security provider in the U.S., so its merger with Protection 1 was just an added bonus to propel the company to higher profits.
Working with larger companies has obvious benefits: better product quality, more skilled professional installation experts, more thorough alarm monitoring, and likely a better home security app. Joining with the ADT brand gives Protection 1 a definite advantage over its direct competitors.
This would have also given Protection 1 access to every additional monitoring center that ADT had, and vice versa.
Cons
- Several Additional Fees
- Long Contract Lengths
- Base Security Model Requires a Landline Phone
Several Additional Fees
Protection 1's main problem is that they require their customers to pay full-term for contracts even after cancelling their monitoring plan. Customers do have 14 days after signing the agreement to cancel the contract, but they will still be charged a $79 restocking fee.
Also, in their terms and agreements subsection Protection One states that additional equipment may need to be purchased, meaning that all of the advertised features may not be accessible without purchasing additional equipment.
Their terms and agreements also state that the equipment will remain the property of protection 1, so even after the service contract the equipment belongs to the company.
Prices may increase after the first 12 months of service as well.
Long Contract Lengths
Protection 1 has done a good job of keeping their monthly fees at reasonable prices.
This is due in part to their 36-month minimum contracts.
Keep in mind that if at any point a customer desires to leave the contract, the customer will need to pay off the remainder of the contract.
Base Security Model Requires a Landline Phone
Protection 1's base security model, "Secure" starts at an affordable rate of $34.99/moth with a 36-month contract.
However, the technology used requires the customer to have a landline phone in order to monitor the security system.
This technology is dated; not many have landline phones anymore and very few will have the desire to use the base home security system as a result. It also poses a security hazard as the phone lines can be cut before the alarm is ever tripped.
Our Recommendation
Protection 1 offers packages to meet just about everyone's needs; from basic home security to complete home automation with state of the art technology. Their prices range from $34.99-$54.99 with a 36-month minimum contract.
Protection One has customer service representatives that are readily available, with no automated phone systems and very short wait times.
If this is important to you, Protection 1 is worth considering. Protection 1 may require some additional fees; additional equipment may need to be purchased in order to perform all advertised features, and prices may increase after the first 12 months of service. Also, if customers desire to cancel their service they must pay off the remainder of the contract balance.
