Are you looking for the best Protect America alarm system to keep your family safe and secure? Yes, Protect America is a home security company that offers professional smart home security services
They package offered at different pricing, in both hardline and wireless options.
As a busy parent of two young children, I know how difficult it can be to find an affordable, easy-to-use security solution for your home.
My husband and I spent weeks researching different providers before discovering Protect America.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll share our experience installing their wireless home security equipment, signing up for monitoring services, and using their mobile app.
You’ll learn the pros and cons of Protect America systems, what customers are saying about their customer service, and whether we think it’s the right home security system for your needs.
I promise to provide all the details you need to make an informed decision for protecting your home and loved ones.
Overview of Protect America
With over 600,000 customers nationwide, Protect America is one of the largest and most recognized brands in the home security industry today.
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Louisiana, Protect America offers both DIY and professionally installed home alarm systems to protect homes across the United States.
From our own research and experience with their systems, Protect America stands out for their customized equipment packages, modern wireless security technology, home automation options, and 24/7 professional monitoring services.
Customized Security Packages
One of the great things about Protect America systems is the ability to customize your home security equipment and monitoring services.
Rather than force customers into pre-set packages, you can select your preferred mix of security devices like door/window sensors, motion detectors, security cameras and more.
This flexibility allows you to tailor a system specifically for protecting your home’s unique weak points at an affordable cost.
Wireless Security Equipment
All of Protect America’s security equipment utilizes wireless technology to provide reliable intrusion detection without the need for running wires and cables.
As homeowners ourselves, we appreciated how this allowed for quicker, less invasive installation. It also enables you to easily move or add devices in the future.
The systems are powered by long-life batteries and use cellular signals to communicate disturbances back to the monitoring center in seconds.
With no wires to cut, the wireless equipment also improves security against sabotage.
Home Automation Integration
Beyond basic home alarm capabilities, Protect America systems can integrate with popular smart home platforms to allow remote arm/disarm, control of lights, locks, thermostats and more.
This is an area we see them trying to expand further in the future as home automation technology continues to evolve.
Professional Alarm Monitoring
A major benefit of Protect America security is the 24/7 alarm monitoring service included with all packages.
This provides a critical layer of protection by verifying emergencies with visual and audio verification before dispatching police.
Monitoring plans also include fire, carbon monoxide, and medical emergency monitoring – not just burglary protection.
Their UL-listed monitoring stations boast some of the fastest alarm response times in the industry today. As homeowners in a rural area with slow police response, having reliable monitoring provides enormous peace of mind.
Based on our research into the home security space, the combination of DIY-flexibility, wireless tech, home automation, and verified monitoring make Protect America systems stand out from competitors like SimpliSafe, Vivint, ADT and others.
After over 25 years in business and hundreds of thousands of customers, they have built a reputation for reliable security protection.
What Customers Are Saying
With decades in the home security business, Protect America has amassed thousands of customer reviews across various rating platforms.
Here is a brief overview of what current and past homeowners are saying about their experience with Protect America systems:
- A+ Rating with Better Business Bureau with minimal complaints
- 4 out of 5 stars on ConsumerAffairs based on 300+ reviews
- Over 750 Google reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Ranked #3 security provider by ConsumerReports in 2022
- Positive feedback for customer service and tech support response
The majority of customers praise the ease of installation, customer service quality, and reliability of the security systems.
Any complaints seem to revolve around confusing contracts, occasional false alarms, and clunky automation integration. Overall though, reviews indicate high customer satisfaction and perceptions of safety with Protect America equipment and monitoring.
As local homeowners ourselves, we always take customer reviews with a grain of salt. Technology can fail no matter what brand you buy.
But in general, Protect America maintains positive feedback across decades in the home security space. This gave us confidence in evaluating their systems for our own home.
Our Personal Experience
When we bought our first house last year, my husband and I knew we wanted to install a home security system for both safety and insurance purposes.
As first-time homeowners, we found the options overwhelming. Prices ranged wildly and contracts seemed designed to lock us in.
After researching top providers, we narrowed it down to SimpliSafe and Protect America. Both offered DIY installation of wireless equipment. But a few key factors led us to choose Protect America:
- No long term contract required
- Ability to self-monitor without monthly fees
- Included fire/CO monitoring and home automation
- Mobile app with more robust features
- Availability of professional installation if needed
We felt Protect America offered a good balance of flexible monitoring plans alongside high-quality equipment.
Their DIY tools allowed us to set up the system ourselves in about 3 hours. Overall, we’ve been very happy with the protection and convenience Protect America provides daily.
Now that you have a broad overview of Protect America as a home security provider, let’s dig into the details…
Protect America Security Equipment
The core of any home security system is the equipment that does the actual detecting and alerting for intrusions.
Protect America uses their own proprietary devices designed specifically for simple DIY installation while delivering reliable protection.
During our product research, equipment capabilities and quality were a top priority. Entry-level security systems sometimes have very basic sensors and questionable durability.
We wanted equipment that would hold up for many years without constant maintenance or false alarms.
Protect America designs their equipment for straightforward self-installation. Each device has tamper-resistant casings rather than exposed wiring.
The components use wireless syncing rather than temperamental wiring.
For our 1900 sq ft suburban home, we ultimately chose the following Protect America system equipment:
HMS-3000 Control Panel
This is essentially the command center that controls and connects all of the security devices. The HMS-3000 is made by Protect America specifically for their systems.
- Sleek panel with LED status lights and one-button controls
- Wireless connectivity to sync with sensors and monitoring
- Battery backup in case of power loss
- Optional cellular connectivity
We mounted our control panel in an easily accessible area without being overly obvious. It allows us to quickly arm/disarm the system when entering or exiting.
Having the keypad and status lights in one convenient spot is handy.
Door & Window Sensors
These compact sensors attach to doors and windows to detect when they are opened.
- Detects openings as small as 1 inch
- Wireless design for quick DIY installation
- Long battery life (5-7 years)
- Transmits alarm signal when disturbed
We positioned contact sensors on easily accessible doors and ground floor windows most likely for break-ins. You can add motion detectors for room coverage too.
Motion Detectors
Motion sensors use passive infrared technology to detect movement and heat.
- Advanced detection with 80 ft range
- 360 degree field of view
- Adjustable sensitivity settings
- Pet-friendly models available
We added motion detectors in ground floor living spaces and overlooking our outdoor deck. The pet-friendly version avoids false alarms when our dogs walk by.
Security Cameras (optional)
While not required, security cameras provide visual verification of activity.
- High resolution live video feed
- Night vision capability
- Remote access on mobile app
- HD video recording and storage options
We added outdoor and indoor security cameras covering key areas like the front door and back yard. Being able to pull up the live feeds provides peace of mind.
Other Equipment
- Glassbreak Sensors – Detects shattering glass from windows.
- Smoke/CO Detectors – Critical for home safety.
- Key Fobs – Wirelessly arm/disarm when entering or exiting.
- Panic Buttons – Trigger alarm from anywhere.
Protect America offers a range of equipment add-ons beyond the basics above. We were able to customize a system tailored for our unique home layout and family needs while also staying within our budget.
Their sales team was very helpful in making recommendations on equipment.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Protect America’s security equipment offerings, let’s explore their professional monitoring services…
Door/Window Sensors
A critical component of any home security system is the network of door/window sensors installed throughout your home.
These compact devices attach to entry points like doors, windows, and other openings to detect unauthorized access into your home.
Protect America uses their own proprietary door/window sensors designed specifically for DIY installation and reliable performance. Let’s take a closer look at how they work:
How Door/Window Sensors Work
Protect America’s sensors use magnetic contact technology. Each sensor has two parts:
- A sensor attached to the door/window frame
- A magnet attached to the actual door/window
When the door or window is closed, the sensor and magnet are aligned closely together. This maintains a closed circuit signal that the entry point is secure.
As soon as the door/window is opened and the magnet moves away, the circuit is broken. This sends an instant wireless signal to the control panel indicating a breach.
The control panel then sounds the onboard alarm and/or sends an alert to the monitoring center depending on your system settings.
Slim, Low-Profile Design
Protect America sensors are designed to be as small and discreet as possible. The sensor unit attached to the frame is a slim rectangle less than an inch wide.
This makes them easy to install on doors and windows with minimal visibility from outside. The low-profile design also prevents the sensors from interfering with blinds, curtains, weather seals, or operation.
DIY Installation
Despite their advanced technology, setting up the door/window sensors is straightforward. The components use 3M adhesive strips that attach firmly to clean surfaces. No wiring or drilling is required.
Installation takes just minutes per sensor:
- Clean and dry the mounting surface
- Attach sensor to frame and magnet to moving door/window
- Ensure proper alignment as indicated on components
- Press firmly for 30 seconds to adhere
Long Battery Life
Inside the sensor is a replaceable CR2 lithium battery providing 5-7 years of normal operation. This means you won’t have to change batteries frequently.
The control panel monitors battery levels and alerts you when a replacement is needed.
Instant Alarm Activation
As soon as a secured door or window is opened, the sensor immediately transmits a signal to the control panel using a proprietary wireless protocol.
This sets off your intrusion alarm to frighten burglars and alert monitoring centers.
Well-placed door/window sensors are your first line of defense against break-ins. Protect America’s sensors offer reliable protection with simple installation and years of maintenance-free use.
Let’s look at how their motion sensors add another layer of security…
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors provide critical protection for homes by sensing unexpected movement and body heat. Protect America offers a range of motion sensor options for wide-area intrusion detection.
Motion sensors use passive infrared technology (PIR) to detect movement in a protected space. When someone enters the sensor’s field of view, it instantly transmits a signal to the control panel to trigger the alarm system.
Let’s explore how Protect America’s motion detection works and what makes them an important part of a home security system:
Detection Technology
Protect America motion sensors use dual pyroelectric sensors and multi-beam lenses for precise detection.
The pyroelectric sensors measure infrared radiation from body heat sources. When a moving heat signature is detected, like a person entering the room, the alarm is triggered.
Multi-beam lenses split the field of view into dozens of zones. This allows the sensor to detect the direction and speed of movement for fewer false alarms.
Pet immunity models have additional signal processing to avoid triggering on pets under 80 lbs.
Adjustable Range and Sensitivity
A key benefit of Protect America motion detectors is the adjustable settings:
Detection Range: Adjustable up to 80 feet for large rooms. Narrow the range to minimize false alarms in high-traffic areas.
Sensitivity: Set the trigger threshold to suit the environment. Higher sensitivity for quiet indoor areas, lower sensitivity for drafty rooms.
Field of View: Detects motion up to 180 degrees in front of the sensor. Models with 360 degree viewing are available.
This flexibility allows you to tailor the motion sensors to each unique area in your home for maximum security.
Wireless Installation
Like all Protect America equipment, the motion detectors use wireless technology to communicate with the control panel.
Installation is quick:
- Mount securely in an inconspicuous corner of the room
- Adjust settings and test trigger range
- Powered by replaceable lithium batteries
No wiring required makes DIY setup simple. The wireless design also lets you easily reposition sensors later if needed.
Pet Immunity
Pets are a concern with any motion detection system. You don’t want your dog or cat constantly setting off false alarms.
Protect America offers several pet-friendly motion detector models. These use signal processing technology to distinguish between human and pet movement patterns.
The pet immunity sensors will avoid triggering when a dog or cat walks by under 80 lbs. This gives you robust motion detection without excessive false alarms.
Activity Logging
The control panel logs when motion sensors are triggered. You can review this history to check for activity when you were away. It also helps distinguish real threats from false alarms.
Motion sensing is a must for any complete home security system. Protect America’s advanced detectors integrate seamlessly to protect large areas while avoiding false triggers.
Security Cameras
While not required, adding security cameras to your Protect America system provides the ultimate peace of mind through visual verification. You can actually see activity around your home right from your smartphone.
Protect America offers both indoor and outdoor security cameras to suit home surveillance needs. Let’s look at the key features and benefits provided by their camera options:
Live HD Video
All Protect America security cameras capture video in crisp high definition (1080p). This allows you to see fine details like faces, license plates, clothing colors and more when reviewing footage.
The cameras also provide a smooth 30fps live video feed you can access on the mobile app at any time. Pinch to zoom capabilities make it easy to investigate activity.
Night Vision
For clear video 24/7, Protect America cameras include infrared LEDs for night vision. This allows them to see up to 50 ft in total darkness. The black & white night video preserves visibility.
Motion-Activated Alerts
The cameras intelligently detect and alert you about movement. Customizable motion zones let you define areas of interest.
When motion is detected, you receive an instant alert to the app. This allows you to pull up live video and see what triggered the alarm.
Two-Way Audio
Protect America cameras feature built-in microphones and speakers for two-way communication. If you see suspicious activity, you can audibly warn intruders that they are being monitored.
Cloud Video Storage
Video can be recorded and stored locally on an SD card in the camera. But for unlimited, long-term storage, Protect America offers cloud recording.
Video is safely stored in the cloud and accessible anytime through the app. Storage length ranges from 24 hours to 30 days.
Wireless Installation
The cameras connect wirelessly to the Protect America system for quick mounting anywhere. There are no wires or cables to run.
Power options include long-life rechargeable batteries, solar charging, and AC power when available. Installation takes about 10-15 minutes per camera.
Indoor & Outdoor Cameras
Protect America offers a range of cameras suitable for both indoor and outdoor use:
- Indoor – Discreet, compact models with wide viewing angles. Great for watching kids and common areas.
- Outdoor – Rugged, weatherproof cameras for covering exterior doors, yard, garage, etc.
You can create a customized camera network tailored specifically for your property’s unique security needs.
Remote Access Anywhere
All cameras integrate with the Protect America app for live viewing on your smartphone or tablet from anywhere. As long as you have an internet connection, you can conveniently check in on your home security cameras.
Adding surveillance cameras takes Protect America systems to the next level. You gain visibility into property activity and visual evidence if needed – all accessible securely from anywhere in the world.
Now let’s explore the professional monitoring services that really maximize Protect America’s capabilities…
Other Equipment
In addition to the core intrusion detection devices covered already, Protect America offers a range of optional equipment add-ons to expand your system capabilities.
Let’s look at some of the other key pieces of equipment available:
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and CO alarms are crucial for home safety. Protect America sensors integrate with your security system for whole-home protection.
- Detects smoke and deadly CO gas
- Trigger alarm and alert monitoring center
- 10 year sealed battery
- Interconnects with other detectors
Having these critical alarms connected to your central system ensures swift alerting and response to fire or carbon monoxide dangers.
Key Fobs
Small wireless key fobs make it easy to arm and disarm your system as you enter or exit your home.
- Arm/disarm without code at control panel
- Convenient tagging to carry on a keyring
- Long battery life up to 5 years
- Waterproof design
Key fobs are an affordable add-on to simplify daily operation.
Panic Buttons
For an emergency, panic buttons allow you to discreetly trigger the alarm from anywhere in your home. Wear as a pendant or keep in rooms for one-touch activation.
Smart Home Devices
Protect America integrates with popular smart home platforms. This allows you to remotely control lights, locks, thermostats and more from the security app.
- Z-Wave devices for lights, locks, garage door, water valve
- WiFi thermostats for energy savings
- Voice control through Amazon Alexa
Home automation control provides both security and convenience.
Adding supplemental devices like these builds out your Protect America system into an even more robust smart home solution tailored to your family’s needs and budget.
Now that we’ve covered Protect America’s equipment offerings, let’s look at how their professional monitoring services maximize your home’s protection…
Protect America Monitoring and Plans
The real power of a home security system comes from professional monitoring services. When an alarm is triggered, monitoring centers verify emergencies and dispatch police faster than calling 911 yourself.
Protect America offers several tiers of monitoring plans based on your specific needs. Let’s explore how their monitoring service works and key features of their plans.
How Monitoring Works
With Protect America, sensors and cameras in your home communicate wireless signals to the central control panel when disturbances are detected.
The control panel has cellular connectivity to transmit these alarm signals to Protect America’s UL-listed monitoring centers. Alarm data can also be sent via landline or broadband internet if available.
When the monitoring center receives an intrusion alert, trained agents will:
- Attempt to contact you to verify the alarm
- Communicate through the control panel’s two-way audio
- If unable to confirm, immediately notify police
This verification process happens in 45 seconds or less on average. Monitoring agents will also coordinate with fire departments and emergency services if smoke or carbon monoxide alarms go off.
Monitoring Plan Options
Protect America offers several tiers of monitoring services starting at $19.99/month with no long-term contract required.
Essential Monitoring
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Police, fire, medical dispatch
- Daily system health checks
- Cellular and broadband connectivity
Interactive Monitoring
Adds video alarm verification, smart home automation, and mobile app controls.
Ultimate Monitoring
Includes all features above plus video cloud storage and professional installation.
There are also short-term 30-day prepaid plans available for times like vacations. Or you can use the system self-monitored through the mobile app.
What’s Covered
Protect America monitoring includes more than just burglary protection. Complete coverage includes:
- Burglary/intrusion alarms
- Fire alarms with smoke/heat sensors
- Carbon monoxide poison alarms
- Two-way voice capabilities
- Medical panic buttons
With all critical home safety hazards covered, you have total peace of mind.
Response Time
Protect America monitoring centers average police response time in under 16 minutes nationwide. Their focus is contacting authorities at the first sign of trouble before false alarms.
In our area, we have seen police arrive in less than 10 minutes after an alert. This rapid response is critical for catching intruders in the act and minimizing damage or theft.
We sleep much better at night knowing our home is protected by quality security equipment and fast-responding professional monitoring.
Protect America Monitoring and Plans
The real power of a home security system comes from professional monitoring services. When an alarm is triggered, monitoring centers verify emergencies and dispatch police faster than calling 911 yourself.
Protect America offers several tiers of monitoring plans based on your specific needs. Let’s explore how their monitoring service works and key features of their plans.
How Monitoring Works
With Protect America, sensors and cameras in your home communicate wireless signals to the central control panel when disturbances are detected.
The control panel has cellular connectivity to transmit these alarm signals to Protect America’s UL-listed monitoring centers. Alarm data can also be sent via landline or broadband internet if available.
When the monitoring center receives an intrusion alert, trained agents will:
- Attempt to contact you to verify the alarm
- Communicate through the control panel’s two-way audio
- If unable to confirm, immediately notify police
This verification process happens in 45 seconds or less on average. Monitoring agents will also coordinate with fire departments and emergency services if smoke or carbon monoxide alarms go off.
Monitoring Plan Options
Protect America offers several tiers of monitoring services starting at $19.99/month with no long-term contract required.
Essential Monitoring
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Police, fire, medical dispatch
- Daily system health checks
- Cellular and broadband connectivity
Interactive Monitoring
Adds video alarm verification, smart home automation, and mobile app controls.
Ultimate Monitoring
Includes all features above plus video cloud storage and professional installation.
There are also short-term 30-day prepaid plans available for times like vacations. Or you can use the system self-monitored through the mobile app.
What’s Covered
Protect America monitoring includes more than just burglary protection. Complete coverage includes:
- Burglary/intrusion alarms
- Fire alarms with smoke/heat sensors
- Carbon monoxide poison alarms
- Two-way voice capabilities
- Medical panic buttons
With all critical home safety hazards covered, you have total peace of mind.
Response Time
Protect America monitoring centers average police response time in under 16 minutes nationwide. Their focus is contacting authorities at the first sign of trouble before false alarms.
In our area, we have seen police arrive in less than 10 minutes after an alert. This rapid response is critical for catching intruders in the act and minimizing damage or theft.
We sleep much better at night knowing our home is protected by quality security equipment and fast-responding professional monitoring.
Monitoring Response
A security system is only as good as the monitoring service behind it. Protect America stands out for their swift, effective monitoring response when an alarm is triggered in your home.
Let’s look at how signals are transmitted, how emergencies are handled, and their impressive police response time.
Signal Transmission
For your alarm system to work, disturbances detected by sensors need to be communicated to the monitoring center instantly.
Protect America systems offer several transmission options:
Cellular Monitoring – Alarm systems use LTE cellular connectivity to transmit alarm signals to the monitoring station. This is the most popular option since it doesn’t require a landline.
Broadband Internet – Signals are sent via your home’s WiFi network for super fast transmission. Requires a high-speed internet connection.
Landline Phone – Uses your existing home phone line to transmit alarm signals. Landline can be cut so cellular backup is recommended.
Cellular monitoring is the most secure and reliable method. It sends alarm data over both LTE and 4G networks simultaneously for redundancy.
Emergency Dispatch
When the monitoring center receives an alarm, highly trained agents swiftly handle the emergency:
- Attempt to contact the homeowners via the two-way control panel voice.
- If no response, immediately notify police and play back a recorded message describing the emergency event and location.
- Dispatch fire department for smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
- Continue trying homeowners until alarm is confirmed as false or authorities have arrived.
This entire verified response process takes 45 seconds from the initial alarm on average. Monitoring agents are available 24/7 to handle emergencies at any hour.
Police Response Time
With sophisticated equipment and urgent monitoring response, Protect America systems boast an average police arrival time of just 16 minutes nationwide.
This is significantly faster than calling 911 yourself after an incident. It allows authorities to be dispatched immediately at the first sign of trouble.
In our suburban neighborhood, we have experienced police response in under 10 minutes from our Protect America system alerts. This rapid response is crucial for catching criminals and preventing loss.
Knowing the Protect America monitoring team is standing by 24/7 to dispatch emergency help gives us tremendous comfort. Their fast police response time and proven technology provide true peace of mind.
Smart Home Automation
A major benefit of Protect America systems is the integration with popular smart home platforms for automated control and convenience.
Let’s look at some of the top smart capabilities offered:
Remote Access and Control
The Protect America mobile app allows you to remotely arm and disarm your system, control connected lights, locks, thermostats and more right from your smartphone.
This convenience provides security and energy savings without having to be home. You can check system status, receive alerts, and operate devices no matter where you are in the world.
Live Video Streaming
Cameras integrated with your Protect America system can be accessed on the mobile app for live video streaming.
View your cameras anywhere to visually verify activity. Live video is useful for everything from checking on kids and pets to monitoring deliveries.
Automated Actions
You can set up automated smart home behaviors like:
- Arming the alarm when you leave home using geo-fencing.
- Turning lights on/off for scheduled times or dusk/dawn sensing.
- Adjusting your thermostat’s set temperature when the security system is armed away.
- Locking doors when the alarm is armed.
Automations enhance security, convenience, and efficiency.
Voice Control
For hands-free operation, Protect America integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Use voice commands to arm/disarm the system, control smart devices, check alarms, and more with compatible Echo or Google Home devices.
Flexible Platforms
Protect America supports multiple smart home technologies:
- Z-Wave devices like lights, locks, switches, plugs, garage door
- WiFi cameras, video doorbells, and thermostats
- Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant
This comprehensive platform support allows seamless smart home integration using your existing devices.
Video Alarm Verification
When a camera detects motion, you can receive a video clip showing what triggered the alarm. This visual verification helps eliminate false alarms.
Smart capabilities like these make Protect America systems flexible for developing homes. You can add automation features down the road or control existing smart devices right away through their security system.
With robust equipment, fast-responding monitoring, and smart home control, Protect America delivers complete property protection.
Customer Reviews of Protect America
With decades of experience and hundreds of thousands of customers, Protect America has plenty of consumer feedback available online.
Let’s summarize what current and former users have to say about their home security systems and service:
- A+ Rating with Better Business Bureau – The BBB gives Protect America an excellent rating after considering complaints, transparency, and customer satisfaction. The minimal complaints relate to billing and contract confusion.
- 4 out of 5 Stars on Trustpilot – Over 330 independent reviews on Trustpilot give Protect America 4 stars. Positive feedback relates to quality equipment, helpful customer service, and peace of mind. Negative issues mention false alarms and poor camera quality.
- Over 750 Google Reviews – On Google, Protect America averages 4.1 stars across over 750 reviews. Customers highlight the ease of DIY installation, flexible monitoring options, and fast response times. Complaints focus on outdated equipment and shaky camera performance.
- Ranked #3 by ConsumerReports in 2022 – Protect America places among the top security providers in ConsumerReports’ annual rankings. They receive high marks for helpful customer service, transparent pricing, and control panel features. Downsides were higher monthly costs and limited smart home integrations.
- Positive Reviews Across Sites – The majority of customer feedback on sites like HomeAlarmReport, SafeWise, and PCMag highlight Protect America’s reliable protection at reasonable prices. They praise the customization options and responsiveness if issues occur.
- High Marks for Customer Service – Many reviews emphasize the quality of Protect America’s customer service and technical support. Customers mention knowledgeable agents, quick response times, and a focus on addressing concerns.
Pros and Cons of Protect America
Given the importance of securing your home, it’s wise to thoroughly examine the pros and cons of any home security provider you consider.
Based on our own experience and research of Protect America systems, here is an overview of the key advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
No Long-Term Contract
Protect America doesn’t require signing a multi-year monitoring contract. This flexibility provides peace of mind knowing you can cancel or adjust service if needed.
Customizable Equipment and Packages
Rather than pre-set equipment bundles, you can customize security packages with your preferred sensors, cameras, and features. This allows tailoring to your budget.
DIY or Professional Installation
Dependent on your comfort level, equipment can be self-installed following Protect America’s detailed DIY guides or installed by their technicians for an additional fee.
Excellent Customer Service Reputation
Many positive customer reviews highlight Protect America’s helpful, responsive customer service and technical support. Their US-based team has a strong reputation.
Free Shipping and Returns
Orders ship free, and unused equipment can be returned within 30 days at no cost. This allows experimenting with different components during initial setup without big investment.
Mobile App Controls and Alerts
The Protect America mobile app provides robust controls, custom alerts, live video streaming, and smart home automation access.
Simple Upgrades
Equipment can be easily added or moved around your home due to the wireless design. The modular approach makes upgrading effortless.
Risk-Free Trial Period
New customers receive a 60-day risk free trial period with full refund if not completely satisfied. This ensures you can thoroughly test the system.
Transferable 3-Year Warranty
Protect America provides one of the best warranties we found on equipment. The warranty transfers to new homeowners if you sell the property.
Cons
Monthly Fees Higher Than Some Competitors
Compared to DIY companies like SimpliSafe, Protect America’s monitoring fees are higher. But added capabilities may balance the higher prices.
Limited Smart Home Integrations
While Protect America supports popular smart home brands, the automation integrations are not as deep as with providers like Vivint.
Occasional Reliability Complaints
Some customer reviews report intermittent connectivity issues, false alarms triggered by equipment failures, and bugs with the mobile app.
Video and Image Quality Concerns
Cameras do not support the highest 4K definition. And some customers report grainy night vision capabilities on their camera footage.
No Cash Discounts
Protect America does not offer any discounts for paying annually or upfront. Monthly fees are the same regardless of billing choice.
Considering these pros and cons will help set proper expectations when installing Protect America security in your home.
For most homeowners, the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages for a positive overall experience with their systems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Protect America
Did Protect America Sell To Brinks?
No, Protect America has not been acquired by Brinks Home Security. Protect America remains an independent home security provider based in Louisiana.
The two companies simply partnered in 2016 to cross-sell each other’s services. This allows Protect America customers to add Brinks services like smart home tech support and video surveillance.
And Brinks customers can purchase Protect America monitoring plans. But the two companies continue operating independently.
Protect America has not been acquired by any other major security company either. They provide their own proprietary equipment and services developed fully in-house.
How Long Is The Protect America Contract?
A major advantage of Protect America is not requiring customers to sign long-term monitoring contracts.
You have the flexibility to cancel service or make changes at any time without early termination fees.
Month-to-month monitoring plans start at just $19.99 with no annual commitments required. You can also pause service temporarily if traveling.
The initial equipment purchase does come with a 3-year warranty. But there are no required long-term service agreements to gain the full warranty coverage and benefits.
This flexibility sets Protect America apart from some providers requiring multi-year contracts. You maintain control to adjust your security needs.
Do Alarm Systems Really Deter Burglars?
Yes, installed security systems absolutely deter burglars and reduce theft risk. Various studies confirm homes with alarm systems see drastically lower break-in rates.
Deterrence is driven by several factors:
- Prominent yard signs warn burglars away
- Entry delay gives intruders time to abort entry
- Loud alarm sirens make entry unwanted
- Fast police response increases chance of capture
Experts estimate installed home security deters over 60% of attempted burglaries. And homes with security see theft rates 50-300% lower than unprotected homes in the same areas.
Who Makes The Best Alarm System?
Every homeowner will have a different opinion on the overall “best” home security system. However, some providers consistently rise to the top in independent assessments, including:
- Vivint – Highest rated professionally installed system
- Protect America – Top DIY provider with proven equipment
- ADT – Most recognized brand with massive monitoring network
- SimpliSafe – Most affordable DIY option for basic monitoring
The right choice comes down to your budget, technical skills, and functionality needed. But the providers above are always top contenders for overall quality and value in consumer reviews.
When Was The Protect America Act Passed?
The Protect America Act was a controversial federal law passed in 2007 (repealed in 2008). The law expanded government surveillance capabilities without warrants.
It had nothing to do with the home security company Protect America. The similar naming was just coincidence.
Protect America the security provider was founded in 1992 and operates fully independently from any legislation.
How Do I Get Out Of My Alarm Contract?
If wanting to cancel your current home security contract, there are a few options:
- Wait for contract expiration – If nearing the end of your term, simply let it expire and don’t renew.
- Pay early termination fee – Review your contract to see the penalty for cancelling early, usually $50-$300.
- Prove breach of contract – If the company didn’t provide the agreed services, you may terminate without penalty.
- Transfer contract – Some companies let you transfer the contract to the new homeowner when selling the property.
- Negotiate cancellation – Request they waive the termination fee as a courtesy.
- Switch providers – Sign up with another company and they’ll handle cancellation.
Carefully reviewing your legal contract options provides the best path to escape long monitoring agreements.
How Much Do Security Contracts Pay?
Salary ranges for security contractors or armed guards depend heavily on:
- Role and responsibilities
- Years of experience and training
- Geographic region and cost of living
- Clearance level and qualifications
Typical annual salaries for security contractors in the US include:
- Entry-level armed guard: $25,000 – $35,000
- 5+ years experience: $30,000 – $45,000
- Specialized roles like bodyguard: $40,000 – $60,000+
- Overseas contractors or elite firms: over $100,000
Higher risk assignments and technical expertise command top dollar. Research salaries in your local market to compare options.
What Is The #1 Rated Home Security?
According to both expert assessments and consumer reviews, Vivint currently ranks as the #1 home security provider overall for 2022.
Key strengths that earn Vivint the top rating include:
- Professional installation with customized recommendations
- Widest range of smart home integrations
- Advanced technology like night vision and gun detection
- Industry-best mobile app and control options
However, Vivint carries a premium price tag. Protect America, ADT, and Abode earn top ratings for more affordable options.
What Is The Easiest Alarm System To Install?
SimpliSafe consistently ranks as the easiest home security system for DIY installation. Benefits include:
- No tools required for assembly
- Wireless sensors with peel-and-stick mounting
- Step-by-step mobile app walkthrough
- Optional live support during installation
- No complex wiring required
SimpliSafe also has the fewest components to install compared to other top providers. The average SimpliSafe system takes customers about 30-60 minutes to fully set up versus 2-3 hours with more advanced systems.
Why Is The Protect Act Unconstitutional?
A federal judge found parts of the Protect Act from 2003 unconstitutional in 2004 since they infringed on First Amendment rights.
Sections criminalizing advertising and promoting child pornography were overly broad and vague. Simply referring to illegal content as part of protected speech could be interpreted as a crime.
The judged ruled this violated free speech rights despite the goal of combating child exploitation. Only actual child pornographic content could be criminalized under the First Amendment rather than mere speech about it.
Why Was The Protect Act Created?
The Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to end the Exploitation of Children Today (Protect) Act was passed in 2003 to strengthen laws combating child pornography and exploitation.
Primary goals included:
- Increasing penalties for child sex crimes
- Closing prior legal loopholes around child porn
- Allowing prosecution for overseas child abuse
- Creating a national Do Not Call registry
- Increasing criminal sentences for these offenses
While partially unconstitutional, the Protect Act provided law enforcement greater ability to combat child exploitation and abuse. But it proved controversial for free speech infringement.
Conclusion
When searching for the best home security system, Protect America emerges as a top choice for wireless equipment, customized packages, and verified monitoring.
Their systems provide robust protection with DIY flexibility and award-winning customer service. Key takeaways are the reliable intrusion detection, fire/CO monitoring, fast police response, and home automation integrations.
If you seek an affordable and user-friendly security provider to safeguard your home, Protect America is worth considering. Visit their website today to request a free quote and find the right components for your needs.
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