9.2
Overall Score2 days ago
Protect America
verifiedHeadquartered in Austin, Texas, Protect America provides self-installed home security systems, monitoring services, and automation solutions, and has serviced nearly half a million homes since 1992. The company offers 24/7 professional monitoring through Criticom Monitoring Services. Protect America's monthly fees range from $19.99 to $42.99, which includes free equipment such as a control panel, motion detectors, door sensors and window and door/window sensors. While many do-it-yourself home security companies nickel and dime customers on equipment costs, Protect America provides free equipment with no upfront fees.
The Good
- Free Equipment
- Low Monthly Fee (as low as $19.99)
- No Installation Fees
- Home Automation Features
- Lifetime Equipment Warranty
- 24/7 Video Monitoring
- Time in Business
Free Equipment
While other home security system companies offer free equipment, few match Protect America in both the quantity and quality of the free equipment. Protect America offers the following free equipment with most of its packages for alarm systems: One control panel, three door and window sensors, and one motion detector. The free door and window sensors have a 5-year battery life and can be quickly and easily self-installed. The wireless sensors have a horizontal coverage range of 25 feet and can detect movement by intelligently sensing head emissions (though they are pet-friendly, ignoring movement from objects 40 pounds or less).
Low Monthly Monitoring Fee (as low as ($19.99)
Compared to the seemingly countless security provider options, Protect America is an alarm company that beats out competitors on one of the most important factors: price. At a monthly cost as low as $19.99/month, customers get 24/7 professional monitoring services for a very competitive rate, especially considering the free equipment that is included. Compared to other do-it-yourself solutions, this price is very low. Most self-installed security system companies who offer free equipment simply make you pay for it in the form of high-cost monthly monitoring services. This isn't the case with Protect America.
No Installation Fees
Unlike many other home security companies, Protect America does not charge installation fees. When you sign up for their services, you don't have to risk a burglar targeting your home before you can afford the cost of home security installation. You can get Protect America's protection right away.
Home Automation Features
At less than $20/month, you usually shouldn't expect your home security package to include home automation features; however, Protect America does include wireless control options. Through the company's app, customers are able to view camera footage and control their security system, door locks (additional equipment cost) and lights/appliances (additional equipment cost) from a smartphone.
Lifetime Equipment Warranty
All equipment is covered by a lifetime warranty, meaning Protect America will ship replacement parts for all defective equipment at no charge to the customer. In addition, Protect America provides home security monitoring through landline (least expensive), broadband and cellular communication; it's a rarity for a security company to provide all three of these warranties in the residential security system industry. This type of superior customer service is another way Protect America has set itself apart from its competition.
24/7 Video Monitoring
Protect America has 24/7 live video monitoring for their security cameras. There is also a two-way voice capability that enables communication on both ends.
Time in Business
Protect America has been in business since 1992. Having a home security company that has ample amounts of experience in alarm systems and burglar & theft situations can give homeowners peace of mind that their home and family will be in good hands. Protect America has had decades to develop a home security system and alarm monitoring company that is efficient, trustworthy, and affordable.
The Bad
- Cellular Monitoring (Recommended) Starts at $41.99/Month
- 36-Month Contract
- Cancellation Terms
36-Month Contract
Perhaps the least appealing feature of the alarm company is its 36-month contract. While lengthy contracts aren't unusual in the home security system industry, many do-it-yourself providers similar to Protect America have nixed contracts completely; however, a somewhat lengthy contract is much more common for companies who offer the low-cost monitoring fees and free equipment like Protect America does.
Cancellation Terms
The terms of Protect America's contract aren't particularly forgiving either. If a customer decides to cancel their contract before the 36-month term, Protect America requires them to pay the full remaining balance. Many security providers only require customers to pay a percentage of the remaining balance. Consumers should make sure they carefully read the contract and fully understand the terms before they agree to a long-term agreement.
Cellular Monitoring
While Protect America flaunts monthly prices "as low as $19.99," the fine print informs us that this cost is for landline monitoring only. For customers who want cellular monitoring and remote access to their system, packages start at $41.99/month. The higher cost for the cellular monitoring is due to the increased services and features available (such as remote control of a security camera, real-time alerts from motion sensors and other home automation features) that are not available with landline monitoring only.
The Bottom Line
With an impressive array of free equipment, affordable monthly monitoring service, zero upfront costs, and a free moving option, Protect America is one of the most affordable security systems on the market today. Protect America offers an attractive lifetime warranty on its equipment, a full range of monitoring options, as well as home automation features. However, if you are not interested in signing a two-year contract (which can become expensive if you wish to cancel early), Protect America may not be the best fit. However, consumers may feel more comfortable signing a long-term contract after they read some of the Protect America’s reviews (shown below). These reviews indicate that Protect America beats out most of its competition in terms of value for price and customer service and satisfaction.
Call our recommended rep over at Protect America below.
1-(855) 969-9248
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User Reviews
Professional company! Great to work with
Based on reviews and ratings, I decided to become a Protect America customer and signed up. But there are many misconceptions in these reviews. Here is my brief experience: 1. No Equipment cost - I had discussed my home in detail with the agent and based on that he suggested the equipment. There ‘IS’ a cost to equipment which they put as upfront cost (200-500$ depending on what you expect) and eventually my equipment was 3 window sensors short than what initial agent had suggested. So I ‘PAID’ again to get the window sensors. 2. Monthly fee and discounts - For a monthly fee, I was quoted 49.99$ and there was an ongoing discount of 20% off for monthly costs (available as per website). When I asked for that this cost is INCLUDING the discount. So probably their costs are > 62$, if I believe that agent gave me any discount (which also I doubt). 3. Installation - The worst part, if you do not have hours and hours to deal with people (I would suggest paying 99$ to other security companies like ADT as they give you back 100$ gift card if you choose ADT pulse or other programs). Even when you are paying for the equipment, they send you ‘used’ equipment (my garage door opener had attached Velcro and had missing part and couldn’t be connected to my account because of some technical issue which couldn’t be handled on a weekend). The expert agent agreed that it ‘may’ have been a returned equipment sent to you (which I am sure looking at it). Also, when you do partial installs (because you do not have 5-6 hours in stretch) and ask them for a call back the next day at 9 AM CST, no one calls in time. One day I waited till 9:40 and called myself and other day someone called at 11 AM. So they do not value your time too. So, if you think that your time has a value (worth > installation costs asked by other companies, 99$), would strongly suggest to go for some other company that values time and has a cost effective installation. My conclusion – I still am in 30 days of my return back guarantee and despite having spent 6-8 hours, I still couldn’t get things completely installed (because of missing parts and inability to register at their end). Hence, I think it is better to return it to prevent long-term frustration and high monthly fee as well as contracts (there are many that have no contracts and at this price provide better service). Since this company is rated as one of good ones, I really worry about dealing other companies (which are rated less than them) but I know of my experience with them for sure but am willing to give others a try.
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 20, 2018
Hey Prashant, we appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. At Protect America we are always looking for ways to improve using valuable customer insight. Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions!
Cary walked me through the installation process without a hitch. The app is simple and easy to navigate.
Very high pressure to give my credit card to schedule a visit to my home. I was ready to have the install done that day but I was not giving my credit card for a consult. They lost a customer. Also tried to tell me that their system had a lifetime warranty that the locals did not offer but they were hiding the cost in the monthly monitoring.
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 16, 2018
Hey Rich, we’re sorry to hear that you felt pressured. At Protect America our main goal is to educate and protect. We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback. Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions!
very informative customer service and installation handled very professionally. Products arrived quickly and easy to DIY
Verified Customer
They ranked high in the research we didi before purchasing a Protect America security system. We like the fact that we could and did install the system ourselves. I wish PA would proactivly test our system on a monthly basis and contact us with feedback after the testing. PA does not seem "trigger happy" about calling us when we briefly set-off our alarm accidently...but it is comforting when we get a call after setting of the alarm and not shutting it down immediately/fast enough.
Verified Customer
They gave an offer to upgrade when signing my contact which i did not take it at that time. But later when I called and told them about the offer and asked for an upgrade they went back and checked my records and told the offer was not made to me. There is no reason for me to lie for saving some little bucks but felt very bad when i was told that there is no offer made in the records
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 13, 2018
Hey Premkumar, we’re sorry to hear about your situation. At protect America we strive to be as sincere and reliable as possible. If you’d like, feel free to DM us with additional details so that we may assist you. Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions.
Verified Customer
When, my alarm went off I was not able to reach them, they told me I could reach them 24/7, I left messages and no one returned my call.
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 13, 2018
Hey Aquilla, we’re sorry to hear about this. At Protect America we try to be as receptive and informative as possible. Could you please DM us the full name of the account holder so that we may assist you with this? Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions.
Verified Customer
There interface with Alexa doesn't work for lots of people, me included..look it up
Verified Customer
I got them because i thought they are good and less expensive than ADT. I live ADT
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 13, 2018
Hey Chinonso, we appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback. At Protect America we are always looking for ways to improve ourselves through valuable customer insight. Thanks, and please let us know if you have any question.
Verified Customer
They are good at helping out when needed
Verified Customer
Easy set up and the app for use when away from home to arm and disarm.
Verified Customer
The overall value of the equipment and service is excellent. The are that keeps me from giving them a 5 is the associated software applications. Neither the mobile app or PC application has the ability to "do it all". Some task can only be completed in one of the applications. The division of when you need to which app is not clearly defined and can lead to frustration. The Customer Service people can help you figure things out. The end user has no access to the documentation they have.
Verified Customer
Rapid response to an accidental trigger Is an indication of the efficiency of the system
Verified Customer
Price and equipment they offer for the price.
Verified Customer
Consider the value of customers and willing to protect everything of your stuff
Verified Customer
Meets all our security needs at a reasonable price.
Verified Customer
Would be a 5 excepy mobile app is weak compared to alarm.com
Verified Customer
Great customer service, easy install and quick response to alarms
Verified Customer
Easy install,good customer service, devices work well
Verified Customer
Service is great. Product supplied to stick alarm objects on doors, windows, and walls awful!
Verified Customer
It's too expensive for the equipment provided
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 13, 2018
Hey Tiffanni, we’re sorry to hear that you feel like our equipment is too expensive. At Protect America we strive to offer high quality security equipment at the best price. Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions.
Verified Customer
Installation was simple, they were very helpful when I ran into any problems, and pricing was upfront. No hidden costs.
Verified Customer
Not overly impressed,I was not given what I was told. System works ok cell phone fair to good at best.
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 13, 2018
Hey Dan, we’re sorry to hear that you didn’t receive what you were told. At Protect America we strive to be as transparent and informative as possible. If you’d like, could you DM us with some additional details so that we may assist you? Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions.
Verified Customer
Great service. Wasn't happy that the price was for a land line but the wifi connection was more.
Verified Customer
The only reason I gave them a 4 instead of 5 is you have to do all of the installation on your own while someone waits with you on the phone the entire time. It is easy to install but I'd rather have someone do the installation and not have to do it myself.
Verified Customer
Difficult to contact; monthly communication and system test
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 13, 2018
Hey Tim, we’re sorry to hear that you had trouble contacting us. At Protect America we strive to make it as easy to contact us as possible. If you’d like, feel free to DM us with additional details so that we may reach out and assist you with this issue.
Verified Customer
Easily accessible, system is user friendly
Have set up a in home service for me...Great and thank you.
I don't like the service, they never have anyone to assist. At this time I am paying for something that is no use to me and I will be making a higher complaint out side of this company.
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 13, 2018
Hey BJ, we’re sorry to hear that you aren’t happy with our service. At Protect America we strive to be as responsive and helpful as possible. If you’d like, could you please DM us with additional details so that we may assist you? Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions.
Excellent service from Jarrett, he explained procedure and expectations very clearly and in terms which produced trust.
I had no problem with installation. Customer service is fast and very helpful. I have no issue recommending this company.
Protect America is phenomenal. They are so friendly and helpful and the system was so easy to install. I’ve had mine for over a year now and I just absolutely love it. And might I add, the price point is beyond excellent for the amazing quality of service that they give you.
Verified Customer
When I contacted them about the equiptmet, i received bad customer service, and was suggested to buy my own tape when i have had their service less than a year.
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 07, 2018
Hi there, we’re sorry to hear that you had a negative experience with our customer service. At Protect America we strive to treat our customers with care and as part of the family! If you’d like, could you DM us with additional details so that we may assist you with this issue? Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions!
Verified Customer
`the system never installed only activated
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 07, 2018
Hey Ralph, we’re sorry to hear about this. At Protect America we strive to make our installation process as easy and straightforward as possible. Could you DM us with additional details so that we may assist you? Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions!
Verified Customer
Customer service does not respond to inquiry. Was promised a certain amount of equipment to sign up for service but did not get the equipment once contract was signed.
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 07, 2018
Hi there, we’re sorry to hear about this. At Protect America we strive to be as responsive as possible. If you’d like, could you please DM us with additional details so that we may assist you with this? Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions!
Verified Customer
Had to install the system myself. Being an electrician this was not a problem. Some may have difficulty in doing this installation.
Verified Customer
Ease of installation , customer service is excellent.
Verified Customer
A three year contract is way too long. Other than that, Protect America is not any better than other good services.
Reply from Protect America
Protect AmericaAug 07, 2018
Hey KD, we appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. At Protect America we’re always looking to improve though valuable customer insight. Thanks and please let us know if you have any questions!
Verified Customer
it has Interference Audio and Wireless some times which cause not to be able to review your property after three are five tries then you can get on line .