ADT Or Smith Thompson

Hi E.,

Smith Thompson all the way! They are locally owned, inexpensive, and have WONDERFUL customer service. Whenever our alarm goes off, they call within seconds, asking for our password and if everything's okay. They are wonderful! We have been with them now for 4 years, after switching from ADT. ADT's response time was HORRIBLE! Even on an instant alarm, they won't call until your alarm goes off for a minute--they said it's because they are such a big company and there are so many false alarms that they want to be able to give the homeowners time to react if it is a mistake. You and your family could be dead in a minute! I don't know about you, but I'd rather go through the embarassment of saying I accidentally set off the alarm than waiting for them to respond after a minute when I'm really in trouble! That's why we switched to Smith Thompson and have loved them ever since.

Good luck,
Jacqueline

Ditto. ADT is a rip-off. Smith-Thompson is cheap but reliable.

We use Smith Thompson. I'm not sure what the rate comparison is, but Smith Thompson is local to Dallas, which is one of the reasons we chose them. My mom uses them as well, in Plano. I've never had a problem with them, and when the alarm goes off, they call VERY promptly and wait for the password. They also are good about going through the list of people to call. And good about calling the police - my brother in law almost got into trouble because he didn't know the password, so the police got sent out.

We've been very pleased with them, and appreciate that they're family owned and local to the area.

Just remember that whoever you use, you may have to get an alarm permit.

We have used both services. We currently use Smith Thompson and have for 2 years now. We prefer Smith Thompson for a number of reasons. First, Smith Thompson has no long-term contracts (we pay quarterly), but you have a number of options in payment. Smith Thompson is less expensive also...I believe it is $16.95 a month for complete alarm monitoring. Third, Smith Thompson is locally-owned and operated and has been in business for many years. Smith Thompson is very reliable...they call us within seconds of accidently setting off our alarm. There are no hidden costs with Smith Thompson either.

As for ADT, the previous homeowners had used this service so we continued with ADT for a while (until we wised up). ADT forced us to sign at least a 1 year contract. ADT's monthly charges were double that of Smith Thompson. ADT is not local, it is nationwide so I don't feel you get the same level of service (i.e., it takes technicians a while to get out if there is a problem). ADT is reliable, but it should be since you are paying so much more.

For us, Smith Thompson was the only choice once our ADT contract expired. We would never go back to ADT.

I hope this helps.

We use and love Smith Thompson BUT we just found out that they are being bought out by ADT!!!!!!!!! So, I would go with ST for as long as they are still in business.