ADT and Bay Alarm are both robust security offerings, but ADT wins by default because it’s more widely available.
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3 min readYou’ve heard of ADT. You’ve heard of Bay Alarm. But you haven’t heard how each compares to the other.
If you’re contemplating one of these brands for your home security, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into ADT vs. Bay Alarm.
Medical alert devices
Bay Alarm Security is associated with a medical alert company, Bay Alarm Medical. (Think along the lines of Life Alert.) They’re related but have entirely different locations, CEOs, and logos. ADT has a medical alert system offering, too, which can come as part of an ADT home security package. Because Bay Alarm Security is so divorced from Bay Alarm Medical, we won’t compare the Bay Alarm and ADT medical alert systems in this review.
ADT vs. Bay Alarm package comparison
Company | Starting price | Contract | Home automation integrations | Learn more |
ADT | $28.99–$59.99/mo. | 36 mos. |  Yes
| View Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bay Alarm | Call for quote | 36 mos. | Yes
| View Plans |
Data effective 12/09/2020. Offers subject to change.
What we like about ADT
The biggest benefit of using ADT is the name. It’s like that cheerleader/class officer/prom queen from your high school that everyone knew by reputation.
ADT also brings you a complete professional installation. To the delight of grandparents everywhere, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to use ADT. (Not to mention that ADT offers an old-school landline alarm system.)
Finally, with ADT, you get the security of not one, not two, but nine monitoring centers. If one ADT monitoring center becomes unavailable, one of the others will pick up where it left off.
What we like about Bay Alarm
Bay Alarm Security is kind of like ADT on a smaller scale. It’s not available everywhere, but because of its well-ranked medical alert devices, its name is known even in places where it doesn’t provide security service.
But while ADT’s service is just so-so, Bay Alarm’s is incredibly well reviewed. It’s clear that Bay Alarm cares about its customers.
Like ADT’s, Bay Alarm’s home security systems are professionally installed to save you some hassle.
One other thing: we like the Bay Alarm Link app. Remote access apps can be a pain, but this one has a user-friendly design.
What should I look for in a medical alert?
Ideally, a medical alert system would include fall detection and a GPS device, but it really depends on the brand and package.
ADT and Bay Alarm pros comparison
ADT
- Far-reaching reputation
- Professional installation
- Multiple monitoring centers
Bay Alarm
- Excellent customer service
- Professional installation
- Bay Alarm Link mobile app
What we don’t like about ADT
You practically need a king’s ransom to afford an ADT system. The professional monitoring prices are so sky-high, they rival the Tower of Babel. And while we know the equipment prices are included in installation and monitoring, the exact prices of the devices are unknown. We know the equipment’s far from cheap, but we’re still trying to get ADT to share the exact prices.
What, you may ask, do you get for this princely sum? We’re not sure—ADT doesn’t even make its own equipment.
We also struggle with ADT’s customer service. ADT’s not known for helpful reps or installation techs. Part of that may be because of the brand’s fractured approach: ADT is represented by a bunch of different vendors and installers who work under the ADT label. That makes it easier to provide service across the US but harder to maintain a centralized standard. You can, however, choose to work directly with ADT if you wish to avoid third-party dealers.
Looking for a DIY security system?
If you're a fan of self-installation, ADT's DIY offering allows self-installation alongside self-monitoring options, month-to-month contract options, and reasonably-priced monitoring.
ADT doesn’t make its own equipment.
What we don’t like about Bay Alarm
Bay Alarm Security isn’t nationally available. You can get it in California and parts of Washington state and Arizona. But if you live anywhere else, no Bay Alarm for you.
Also, remember how we just decried ADT for not being forthcoming about its equipment prices? Bay Alarm also has that same problem, only 100% worse. Until you get on the phone for an estimate, you won’t even know monitoring or installation costs.
ADT and Bay Alarm cons comparison
ADT
- Expensive
- Equipment prices aren’t transparent
- Poor customer service
Bay Alarm
- Limited locations
- Equipment prices aren’t transparent
- Monitoring and installation fees aren’t transparent
Which one should you choose?
We prefer Bay Alarm’s customer service, but we can’t deny the star power of ADT.
It depends.
Bay Alarm’s only an option if you live in one of its service areas. But if you do, we urge you to consider it. We think the stellar customer service is worth at least getting a quote.
If you live elsewhere, it’s hard to go wrong with ADT. Sure, it’s expensive, and we think its approach to handling customers could use some help. But there’s power in that blue octagon.
Want to learn more?
Feeling unsatisfied with these recommendations? There’s still a whole world of home security out there. Check out some of our other reviews:
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