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ADT Self Setup

Name: ADT Self Setup
Rating: 3.2

3.2

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144 User Reviews

6.1

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3.2

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144 User Reviews

6.1

Overall Score

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Company Details

Monthly Monitoring Price

Starting at

$19.99 - $25.99

Contract Length

Month-to-Month

Money-Back Guarantee

30 Days

Cancellation Fees

None

Installation Options Offered

DIY

Security Camera Included

Yes

States Serviced

Time in Business

20 Years

Company Headquarters

2021 Cabot Blvd W Langhorne PA 19047

Number of Reviews 144

info Source of Information

LAST UPDATED: December 5th, 2023

Previously known as Blue by ADT, ADT has rebranded its product to ADT Self Setup. The security provider is a pioneer in DIY smart home security, offering Wi-Fi-enabled security products that are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Homeowners and renters can choose from three security sets or build their own custom security set to fit their needs. Low monthly monitoring starts at $19.99 per month to $24.98 per month plus tax. Read our full ADT Self Setup review below to see if the home security company is right for you.

Click here to go straight to ADT Self Setup reviews.

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The Good

Equipment Warranty and 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Remote Access on All Plans
No Landline Phone Connection Required
24/7 Professional Monitoring
Home Automation Options
Transparent ADT Self Setup Pricing

Equipment Warranty and 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

ADT Self Setup provides its customers with Wi-Fi enabled, wireless security products for up to 40% off. An equipment warranty is added to provide protection throughout the entirety of the service contract. All of ADT Self Setup products also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The 30-day money-back guarantee refund covers upfront costs, including activation fee when applicable, and shipping. Note that customers must return promotional items.

Remote Access on All Plans

The completely wireless home security systems use internet and cellular connections to monitoring centers. Users can use the ADT Self Setup app to arm and disarm the alarm system from any location. With four layers of protection (including high-speed internet, cellular signal, cellular text, and landline phone) and 24-hour battery backup, the home security system stays connected to help you stay protected.

No Landline Phone Connection Required

Customers have the option of using landline phone connection as an unrequired backup, but ADT Self Setup home security systems don't need a landline connection to operate; rather they operate via cellular and wireless networks.

24/7 Professional Monitoring

Three coast-to-coast monitoring centers help protect you day and night from burglary, fire, and flood. They are backed up with two generators and uninterruptible power supplies. These monitoring centers will immediately alert the customer and emergency service personnel the moment a signal alert is triggered.

Home Automation Options

ADT Self Setup has smart home automation included in all plans. With the free ADT Self Setup mobile app, you can manage your home security system and your smart home devices. ADT Self Setup systems are compatible with Amazon, Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT applets, and Z-Wave Plus devices. ADT Self Setup customers can access the following home automation functions directly from their smart device:

Locking and unlocking smart door locks
Dimming or turning on/off your lights
Turning smart outlets on/off
Controlling smart thermostat temperature and controls
Opening and closing your garage door

Transparent ADT Self Setup Pricing

ADT Self Setup has all pricing information listed on its website. The security systems are priced from $199.15 to $376.10. There is also an option to build your own custom security system.

Monthly monitoring is $19.99 without video storage and $24.98 (plus tax) with 30-day video storage. Available smart home security products with ADT Self Setup include:

Patented base station
Entry keypad
Security touchpad
Indoor camera
Outdoor security camera
HD video doorbell camera
Door sensor Window sensor
Pet-friendly motion sensor
Fire safety sensor
Glass break sensor
Nest thermostat
Carbon monoxide alarm
Flood sensor
Keychain remote
Yard sign and window stickers
30-Day cloud video storage

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The Bad

No Professional Installation
Company History

No Professional Installation

ADT Self Setup is a DIY installation home security system. ADT provides plenty of resources and customer support to help homeowners properly install their ADT security system, customers are responsible for installing every component themselves, which may lead to some issues including connectivity problems.

Company History

The company's overall history has been relatively unstable. The company was founded in 2004 and then purchased by DIRECTV in 2013, which then became a part of AT&T in 2015. In April of 2017, the former CEO of Blue by ADT, previously known as Lifeshield, acquired the company from AT&T and brought back the original self-installation platform with a direct-to-consumer approach.

However, in 2019, LifeShield was acquired by ADT. Recently rebranded to ADT Self Setup and with ADT support, the company is now taking product innovation to the next level, while continuing to make excellent customer service a top priority.

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The Bottom Line

ADT Self Setup offers total security solutions to customers across the United States. Monthly plans feature 24/7 professional monitoring, equipment warranties, and remote access from virtually anywhere. Starting at $19.99 per month for entire home coverage and included smart home automation features, service plans are competitively priced against other home security marketplace options. Ordering is easy on ADT Self Setup's website without credit checks or activation fees. There are also home automation options controlled through the ADT Self Setup mobile app that allows homeowners to synch their home security system and their smart home devices. To hear what past and current customers have to say, read ADT Self Setup home security reviews below.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.2

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144 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

24%

4 grade

28%

3 grade

13%

2 grade

1 grade

27%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Verified Customer

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V.N. DeKalb, IL

LifeShield's system is simple, easy to understand, easy to install, and it works effectively. I've had it for 3 years now, and I haven't had a problem with it; it's done everything I expected. The unit looks modern, it works effectively, and I'm very pleased. It's not like the previous system I had. The other one had 2 extensive wired systems that weren't reliable, and they always needed some sort of repairs. With LifeShield, I can control it with my iPhone; I love that! I would only recommend them to expand their product line, but besides that, it's been a very positive experience.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Cheryl Z Congress, AZ

I was pleasantly surprised that, whenever there was a problem, the police did come out, or the sheriff I should say. For some reason, the technician forgot to plug in the keypad into an outlet, and the system was operating mainly off the battery. Of course, the battery would completely drain, so that caused the police to come over. Fortunately, I already changed the battery and plugged it into an outlet. Besides that, it's very simple to use, however, I still think that having a dog would be a wonderful alternative.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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B. H. Mision Hills, CA

I decided to go with LifeShield because of a burglary to my house, and ever since, I have sleeping easier at night, not being worried when I'm away from home. However, the only thing I'd suggest them to polish is their alert notifications because the text messages and email alerts have a delay, they don't go out at all sometimes.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Martin Constanzer Phoenix, AZ

I am very happy with the assurance that we have, everything's safer when we go to vacations. With my phone app I can track what's going on the house, I can see who's in, and who's out the house. Their customer service is great, they're very helpful and responsive, it's easy to replace batteries or any warranted items. My only suggestion is if it was easier to get new cameras into the system, so it can worth the monthly fee.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous White Lake, MI

Lifeshield failed to deactivate a recent alarm that was set off due to a mistake from my part. I confirmed my information and requested to the agent that the alarm be stopped while on my way to work, but instead the police showed up unnecessarily. It was a major waste of time from my part and the part of the officer, which could have been easily prevented from Lifeshield.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Eric Jones Fort Lauderdale, FL

They should have regular updates on customer satisfaction. We've had some issues with the equipment, and we haven't really heard any feedback from LifeShield about fixing it or replacing it. We did appreciate the ability to look at the cameras when we're away from home, and to know that our home is safe when we aren't there.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Billie Brown Navarre, FL

My husband was going out of town a lot and I needed something to make sure I was safe, so I decided to go with LifeShield. I like the fact that it alerts me as soon as the door is open, so they gave me the secure feeling of knowing that if somebody opens the door, it will set off. Another thing I really like is the notifications you get when the alarm goes off, they call right away.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Allan Perkins Plant City, FL

Thinking positive about LifeShield, we just lock up everything and set the alarm every day, before we go to bed. However, the alarm has gone off, and we never had a call back from anybody. I would think somebody would call back and find out why the alarm went off. I don't know now if there's going to be any response, as far as local authority, if it goes off.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Micki Walsh Clarksville, TN

After my husband died, my car was broken into, so my son-in-law recommended a security system. I think the biggest benefit LifeShield has provided is that we feel safer now. We installed it ourselves, and it was actually very easy to install. Plus, technical support was excellent, and everything they've had to deal with has been terrific.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Angela Alexander Baltimore, MD

I purchased the system because I believe that it would keep my home, myself, and all my valuables safer. I would say that I appreciate that when an alarm goes off, they call to identify if there's a problem, instead of automatically sending over the base officers. I've had these few false alarms, but I've also had legitimate alarm go off. One thing I did notice is a deduction on my insurance policy.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Phil Gallegos Norwalk, CA

A few upgrades would be beneficial to the customers. We've had a few issues where the sensors didn't work properly. My wife set the alarm off, and she thought the alarm was on, so she walked away. When I got home, the alarm wasn't even on, so I guess the alarm didn't catch. My previous providers didn't install properly their systems, so this is my last hope, and besides that situation, it's been working just fine.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Richard Nichols Groveland, FL

It's been really handy. We feel pretty safe with it. The only negative thing we can think of is that my system was an older version, and it didn't have the cellular connection. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to update. Either way, it's been a good company.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Ann Block Woodsfield, OH

LifeShield is actually for my small business, and I like the fact that I'm notified and monitored. I can monitor who is entering and leaving the building, when it's locked, and other issues, Overall, I don't have any complaints; I'm very satisfied with the service.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Gary Schwertly San Diego, CA

We've really loved the LifeShield system! We've had it for about 3 and half years, and we've been very pleased with it! Due to technology upgrades, the equipment has changed. AT&T has offered us their own system, but LifeShield is still better. It gives us a peace of mind, knowing everything is protected when we leave. If someone were to try to break, there would be a response by our security system to call the police, or fire department, and that peace of mind is very important to us.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Fank Fazil New Windsor, NY

Overall, my experience has been great. I wanted to entirely secure my home and in case of an emergency being able to contact the police and fire department. I haven't had any problem with it, it works well and I am happy.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Lisa Correia Providence, RI

So far, I've been happy with the service I've been provided with. I'm at ease, especially during the night, it is good to know that a burglar would have to by pass a sensor just to get into the main level, it just gives protection and peace of mind to my family.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous Farmington, MI

We have had several false alarms, however, Lifeshield has always called us right away, before the police showed up. We like their Quick response time to the alarm when it goes off!!!!

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Phillip Petty Lonsdale, AR

We live in a remote area, so we needed an alarm system because we're not close to any responders. The fact that the system will alert us if there was ever an event has given us a peace of mind. I've been really happy with it.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Thomas Mcdaniels Massillon, OH

There was a little issue with the keyless remote because we dropped it and it broke. After calling, they sent me another one immediately. There was also a little problem with our camera, but it had more to do with our WiFi than LifeShield's actual camera, so basically, we've been issue free. It's given us a peace of mind.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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John Sparks Placentia, CA

We had Brinks for a long time, but the lower cost solution that LifeShield offered was the reason we switched over. They should take more advantage out of the smartphone integration, and stuff like that. Their website goes down quite a bit, and It makes it difficult to turn things on and off with the smart device when the website is down. Also, some of the equipment is low quality. Actually, the touch pad is very poor quality; it works, but it has a big crack, even though it sits on the table and never gets touched.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Rebecca Pruitt El Paso, AR

Usually there's kids in my house, and since it's a large home, most of the time I don't hear when somebody is knocking the door. I like that I know when somebody comes in and goes out, and that helps a lot to make sure the teenagers get home in time. I enjoy the system, but I do wish that it came with a camera instead of having to buy one.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Christopher Lewis Springfield, VA

I really like the 24 hour a day access to it. It's all set up with my doors, to open or close, and I can do that from anywhere. Plus, it has the option to call for emergency services in case of a fire, so it's not just for burglars.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Yan Chen Cherry Hill, NJ

Now, we don't have to worry about being inside or outside of our home if someone breaks in. It's provided safety and security to our house. I do have to say that the sensor sometimes happens to be off, even if we don't do anything.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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George Gentis Troy, OH

The kids are all grown up, so we really thought that we needed a little more security in monitoring all the doors and windows in the house. It's given us a little extra assurance when we're not home. I just think there should be more flexibility on the app. My telephone app failed to access the individual sensors, the alarms and stuff on it.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Mark Karsonovich Lake Worth, FL

I like the fact that I can check in on my house, and there's no real super benefit, but I know that the alarm will go off if there's a fire in my house or if somebody breaks in. The camera that were sold to me are supposed to be wireless, but they're not wireless. I got my bandwidth increased as much as it could go, and even like that, the cameras were like garbage, so we have to plug them in.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Lydia Lockett Pooler, GA

I purchased LifeShield to improve my safety, however, it'd be nice if they call when I set the alarm off by accident. That makes me think they don't monitor my system as well, and to be honest, I'm actually thinking about switching to another company.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Maurice Jennings Hartford, CT

There haven't been more burglaries since we got LifesShield. It's given my sister and myself more security. I just wish they gave me some of the old stuff we got when I first got the system. It's been a great experience using their service.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Leslie Lott Brownsboro, AL

We were victims of home break-in several years ago in a different home so when we moved in to this house, we knew that we needed this service. I'm very satisfied with the service. When our alarm has set off, they've been very good to contact me. My favorite thing is knowing that, even when I'm not here, I get the alert that the door has been opened, or the alarm has been set. It's exactly what I want it to be.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Sean Fleming Hillsborough Township, NJ

The service is great, but ever since they were acquired by AT&T, their hardware pieces weren't available on their website anymore. It's like they went out of business. Besides that, we've felt better away from home now. It gives us a sense of security.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Karen Miller Orting, WA

I'm really happy with it, and I like the fact that I can tell when people come and go from the house. I also like that it was portable. Actually, I had to move, and it was really easy to move.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Jeff Williams Chico, CA

Having their security system is a peace of mind! Plus, being able to configure it for emails and text alerts is great! However, I currently have a problem with the cellular getaway; it doesn't work anymore. I can't seem to get anybody to help me with it, so the $400 piece of equipment I bought seems useless.

6 years ago

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joe ullman Durham, NH

man, some of these criticisms are just BS. I've had this for over 10 years. Yeah, there were some installation issues but the customer service is excellent; they are always there and very helpful. Once it is installed i've had few problems that weren't related to dying batteries. Monitoring service is excellent; i don't know what these people are talking about. I've often gotten alarms that I didn't even know about because I didn't answer the phone. I get email, text or calls. Door and window monitors, motion sensors are all fine. Never had a problem. I have dogs and cats and the alarms never go off. Easy to use interface on web and phone. Maybe if I was doing it again i'd use simpliSafe because the monitoring fee is less but i'm happy with the existing system.

5 years ago

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maria reyes Balch Springs, TX

The Worst ever on customer help, and they don't care about the customer only getting their money, I had issues with the app not being able to login since April and I called since the problem started, they all answer the calls but nobody was able to fix the issue, therefore I paid for a service that not even ADT could fix, finally decided to cancel my service since there was no help in fixing the problem and they weren't willing to waive the cancelations fee, which I guess is fine I have to pay, but when they give me the total for the cancelation is $112.92 and they charge me $122.24. NEVER AGAIN I WILL GET ADT, the experience of being lied to every single time I called is the worst and they did not care once for their customer.!!!!!

4 months ago

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Verified Customer

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Ronnell Tyars Corona, CA

I'm able to look into my home when I'm away, so I like that. Plus, I get notifications about any unauthorized entrance. My only suggestion would be that they should have different camera sizes, and different prices as well.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Joe Story Kansas City, MO

It's been a satisfactory experience, but they should make the alarm sound in the new system louder. It's not very loud. It used to be 105 decibels with the old system, and now it's a lot quieter now.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Jay Barkman Santa Ana, CA

It's easy to use with different people, like our nanny and my grandparents. We can remotely turn it off and on, and use the cameras to assist us as well. We've just been happy with everything.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Kevin Staff Winston-Salem, NC

I've been happy with it. I've had it for over 5 years now, and things have worked well. Plus, it gives me a sense of security of having them when you leave your home, you know that it's protected.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Jeremy Fox Fort Worth, TX

So far, my experience with LifeShield has been very positive. There's not really anything I'd change about them, although, I really like the camera features.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Robert Keating Chalfont, PA

I wanted to replace an existent system in my house, so I chose LifeShield. So far, it's been excellent. However, it'd be great if they improve their communication, and a new equipment would be nice as well.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Francisco Palos McFarland, CA

We have a 5-year contract, and there's a lot of updated equipment is coming out that we would like to take advantage of. Unfortunately, we can't do any of that, so we're stuck with the old equipment. Besides that, I still like the fact that we'll be alerted if somebody entered our house.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Will Bullock Gilbert, AZ

I have experienced, personally, some issues with the system. Every now and then, I get a notification from the system, that our home security is disconnected. I essentially have to go and take the whole thing apart, and manually reboot it.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Barry Feck Nicholasville, KY

So far, I haven't had any concerns. I sleep better at night! My only suggestion would be that they should make the equipment a little more user friendly.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Pat Bishop Crossville, TN

One of the benefits of purchasing LifeShield is that nobody has entered the home if I have it on. Plus. I'm able to monitor it from wherever I'm at. We're fairly satisfied with the service.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous Yreka, CA

I just like the fact that I can view it in anytime on my smartphone. My wife feels more secure when I'm not home. Also, I like that we can leave our house, knowing that it's secure, and that's valued.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Eileen Zsoldos Stroudsburg, PA

I have a greater sense of security now, and I really appreciate the weather alerts. My only recommendation would be that they should find a way to help maintain their sensors. I've had a couple of sensors go bad on me.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Laura Nantovech Denver, NC

I've always had a security system, and the reason I chose LifeShield was that it's wireless and a self-install system. I'm happy with the system itself, except for the battery. Besides that, it works just fine.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Gail Davis Columbus, OH

To have a security system is to have an extra comfort. The benefit of being notified when stranger activity occurs or there's unauthorized entry, that is great. I'd like to suggest for Life Shield to upgrade their equipment, I feel that it lacks quality.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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steelerfan Bel Air, MD

They have been very helpful and responsive when I needed support and when my alarm went off a few times, the police were dispatched immediately.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous Middletown, IN

Because the distance from the base unit to the furthest door sensor sometimes does not detect the sensor. It is not possible for us to centralize the base to get it closer so there is some restrictions.

6 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Chong Lee San Jose, CA

I've benefited from the timestamp it gives when the doors open and close. I just wish it had a longer battery life, and that it came with more sensors.

6 years ago

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