Top Home Security Companies

ADT

• ADT stands for American District Telegraph. Formed in 1874 as a telegraph service, ADT evolved with technology over time to become one of the most recognized security companies in the United Sates before being sold to Tyco in 1997. ADT subcontracts its security systems, meaning that local dealers install the systems and ADT then monitors them. Because of this, the quality of customer service and overall satisfaction can vary from dealer to dealer, but all of the equipment is ADT-authorized. ADT has four regional command centers. If one center goes down because of an earthquake, flood or other disaster, another center takes over for that district, providing uninterrupted service regardless of the circumstances. ADT protects government buildings, airports, Fortune 500 company offices and over six million homes in the United States.

  ADT Home Security Systems
  (800) 720-8991
  adt.com

Broadview Security

• Broadview Security is the new name for Brinks, which was founded in 1859 as an armored transportation service. Since then, it has become one of the leaders in risk management services worldwide, operating in over 50 countries. Broadview Security is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited with them since 1986. Broadview advertises that all of their security equipment goes through testing with Underwriters Laboratories, an independent testing organization. One difference between Broadview and ADT is that while you buy the equipment from ADT and own it outright, Broadview's equipment is leased to you.

  Broadview Security
  (888) 531-2723
  broadviewsecurity-home.com

GE Security/Protect America

• General Electric has its own security division and, like ADT, subcontracts equipment to local installers. GE manufactures the equipment and gives local companies the right to call themselves "GE dealers," but the local companies are responsible for monitoring. One of GE’s biggest dealers is Protect America. According to SDM Magazine, Protect America ranked in the top 10 in volume of systems installed for three years in a row. They have been in business since 1992 and specialize in system installation as well as broadband monitoring services.

  Protect America
  (800) 951-5136
  protectamerica.com