SafeHome.org may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
We may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
Should you get a home security system with Protection 1 or cut out the middleman and sign up with ADT?
Editor’s Note: This is an archived review. In April 2017, ADT acquired Protection 1, and the latter started selling ADT equipment. Even today, if you try to buy from Protection 1’s website, it leads you to ADT’s packages. We’re big believers that home security shouldn’t be complicated, so our advice is to cut out the middleman – in this case, Protection 1 – and buy straight from ADT. But before you do that, check out our ADT hands-on review.
Since Protection 1 no longer sells its own equipment, we’ll give you the bottom line right up top – even before, Protection 1 was decent but never really the best. Its prices were competitive but tended to go slightly above the industry average home security cost. It had advanced equipment and features, such as home automation, but it wasn’t up to par with the best home automation security systems from ADT and Vivint even at the time.
Protection 1 did show some flashes of genius, such as the triple-redundancy monitoring feature that sent alert signals to backup monitoring centers if the primary stations were unavailable. However, you can get the same from ADT now, which has 12 fully redundant monitoring facilities.
A lot has changed in the home security space since Protection 1 merged with ADT. Check out our home security buyer’s guide to learn how to pick a security system in 2025. You can also see our list of the best home security systems we recommend this year.
The Protection 1 review you’re about to read (if you really want to) is from when we tested the last security system they released in late 2016 and into early 2017.
Check out more recommendations from the SafeHome team:
Protection 1 offers wireless home security packages that employ triple-redundancy monitoring. This means that Protection 1 security systems use sensors throughout your home to communicate activity and potential threats. If an alarm is triggered, the signal routes directly to a Protection 1 monitoring center. If a center is unavailable due to severe weather or power outage, the signal is automatically routed to another center for seamless protection. At the center, a trained Protection 1 employee immediately tries to call you about the disturbance to check for a false alarm. The monitoring center will then evaluate the alarm to determine whether to contact emergency responders like police, fire, or EMS.
Keep in mind that Protection 1 installs and maintains all of their security equipment for the best home security possible. Their licensed security technicians pass rigorous background checks and undergo intensive training before ever stepping foot in your home. When you call for service, a person (not a machine) will answer the phone every time, and unlike most security companies, Protection 1 resolves service calls in just one day.
The best features of this system include:
Protection 1 can potentially save you money on your energy bills and your homeowners insurance, since some homeowners insurance companies offer discounts for homes with monitored security. In the event that your home is burglarized and you suffer a loss, Protection 1 may reimburse your paid homeowners insurance deductible up to $1,000. They also offer military discounts for USAA members. We noticed that Protection 1 is also currently offering free evaluation by calling 844-221-9426, if you are thinking of making the switch to their home security system.
Insider Tips: Do you already have a security system? You can switch monitoring to Protection 1 and upgrade to one of their security packages, ranging from $34.99 to $49.99 a month.
Secure | Secure+ | Smart Control | Video |
---|---|---|---|
34.99/mo | 44.99/mo | 49.99/mo | 54.99/mo |
+ $99 Upfront Costs* | + $99 Upfront Costs* | + $99 Upfront Costs* | + $99 Upfront Costs* |
View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages |
Services | Services | Services | Services |
24/7 Monitoring | 24/7 Monitoring | 24/7 Monitoring | Video Surveillance |
Intrusion Protection | Intrusion Protection | Intrusion Protection | 24/7 Monitoring |
Environmental & Life Safety | Environmental & Life Safety | Environmental & Life Safety | Intrusion Protection |
Monitored Fire & Carbon Monoxide Protection | Monitored Fire & Carbon Monoxide Protection | Monitored Fire & Carbon Monoxide Protection | Environmental & Life Safety |
Cellular Communication | Cellular Communication | Monitored Fire & Carbon Monoxide Protection | |
2-Way Voice | 2-Way Voice | Cellular Communication | |
Camera Integrated Motion Detector | 2-Way Voice | ||
Web & Mobile Control | Camera Integrated Motion Detector | ||
Energy & Home Automation | Web & Mobile Control | ||
Energy & Home Automation | |||
Equipment | Equipment | Equipment | Equipment |
Intrusion protection keypad | Intrusion Protection Keypad | Intrusion Protection Keypad | Intrusion Protection Keypad |
3 Door and Window Sensors | 3 Door and Window Sensors | 3 Door and Window Sensors | Indoor, Night-vision Security Camera |
Motion Detector | Motion Detector | Motion Detector | 3-Door and Window Sensors |
Smoke Alarm | Smoke Alarm | Smoke Alarm | Motion Detector |
Carbon Monoxide Alarm | Carbon Monoxide Alarm | Carbon Monoxide Alarm | Smoke Alarm |
Panic Button | Panic Button | Panic Button | Carbon Monoxide Alarm |
Environmental Alarm | Environmental Alarm | Environmental Alarm | Panic Button |
Keychain Remote | Keychain Remote | Keychain Remote | Environmental Alarm |
Image Motion Sensor | Keychain Remote | ||
Image Motion Sensor | |||
Options | Options | Options | Options |
Video Surveillance | |||
How does your home measure up when it comes to security? Take this quiz to see how you score, and get recommendations to protect your home.
Protection 1 is a full-service security company trusted by banks, jewelry stores, medical centers, and high-profile clients across the United States. The company has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and maintains a 97 percent customer satisfaction score. It is headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois, and serves nearly 2 million customers. In May 2016, Protection 1 merged with ADT, America’s largest provider of hardwired and wireless home security equipment and monitoring.
MOBILE ALERTS |
With Protection 1’s Smart Control package, you can program your system to send you mobile alerts for any activity or alarms. |
24/7 MONITORING |
All residential security systems are monitored 24/7 at Protection 1 central monitoring centers. Sensors throughout your home communicate activity and potential threats. If an alarm is triggered, the signal routes directly to a Protection 1 monitoring center. |
WIRELESS EQUIPMENT |
Protection 1 uses wireless equipment, so you don't need a landline. You also won’t need to worry about extra wires and cables that potential burglars can snip. |
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS |
Motion sensors from Protection 1 come equipped with cameras that take a color picture if unexpected movements occur inside your home. The system can text you the photo, email it to you, or you can check in on the camera with your smartphone. |
PRO INSTALLATION |
All security equipment is installed by certified security technicians who must pass rigorous training and background checks. |
SMART HOME OPTIONS |
Protection 1's Smart Control package allows you to control your home through automated thermostats, lighting, locks, and appliances. |
DISASTER PROTECTION |
Protection 1 protects against disasters by monitoring for extreme temperatures and flooding. |
REMOTE CONTROL |
Protection 1 allows you to remotely control with your phone or computer anything that you can control from the keypad in your home. You can arm or disarm your system and control any automated devices. |
POWER OUTAGE PROTECTION |
If the security center monitoring your home loses power, Protection 1 automatically routes your security monitoring to another center without interruption. |
MEDICAL ALERTS |
A remote panic button can alert the Protection 1 monitoring center of a medical emergency. |
Protection 1 has a lot to offer homeowners, but it certainly isn’t our top-rated security system (that would be SimpliSafe). Now, if you’re looking for a professionally-installed home security system that offers 24/7 monitoring, and you don’t mind paying a fairly steep price for video surveillance and other advanced features, then Protection 1 could be a safe bet for your home.
We are pretty impressed with the low $99 up-front cost, which gives you lots of equipment to work with. But the monthly monitoring price, which starts at $34.99, will certainly add up over time. Not into monthly subscriptions? Not to worry. See our list of the best no monthly fee home security systems.
Also, be sure to head over to our full roundup of the best home security systems on the market. You’re sure to find quality home protection that makes sense for your budget and lifestyle.