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Protect America no longer sells new systems; existing Protect America customer accounts were acquired and are now serviced by Brinks Home. For current, comparable professionally monitored plans, Brinks Home tiers commonly run about $40–$55+ per month depending on video features and smart-home integration (see Brinks Home plans). If you prefer lower-cost, no‑contract DIY options, leading choices include Ring Alarm professional monitoring at about $20/mo (Ring Protect Pro) and SimpliSafe Fast Protect at about $29.99/mo (SimpliSafe monitoring). Landline‑dependent systems are now a niche: roughly three‑quarters of U.S. adults live in households with no landline according to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey (NHIS wireless substitution), making landline‑only plans impractical for most households (older charts like this one understate today’s wireless‑only share).
Historically, Protect America offered a mix of landline, broadband, and cellular monitoring with simple equipment bundles and “no‑upfront‑cost” gear tied to multi‑year terms. Today, the typical model at pro‑install providers separates equipment cost from monitoring, with multi‑year agreements common for professionally installed systems (Brinks Home plans; ADT plans; Vivint pricing). By contrast, DIY providers like Ring and SimpliSafe sell equipment upfront and offer contract‑free professional monitoring (Ring; SimpliSafe).
The Claim
Simple and affordable home security systems.
Is it true?
Not for new customers — Protect America no longer sells new systems. For legacy customers, Protect America’s packages were straightforward, and today’s comparable offerings at Brinks Home remain simple in structure but are priced in the ~$40–$55+ range depending on features (Brinks Home plans). Truly “budget” pro monitoring today is more commonly found with DIY providers like Ring (~$20/mo) and SimpliSafe (~$29.99/mo).
Three legacy equipment packages and three monitoring paths (using your home’s landline, broadband, or cellular service) made Protect America easy to understand at the time — the bundles mainly differed by sensor count. Those specific packages are discontinued, but the general approach persists across the industry: pick equipment sized to your home and choose a monitoring path (IP and/or cellular) that supports the features you want. With most modern systems, app control and smart‑home integration require broadband and/or cellular connectivity.
As for how sensors communicate with a monitoring center and first responders, cellular and broadband are the standards within each package tier. Cellular paths typically enable full mobile app control and more robust backup options (control the system with your phone) and make it easier to add smart‑home devices over time (remote control).
Landline monitoring is now a niche option. CDC survey data indicates that about 72–75% of U.S. adults live in wireless‑only households with no landline (NHIS resource; latest tables). If you live outside cellular coverage and lack broadband, a landline path can still be valuable — but for most households, IP/cellular options are the practical default.
On affordability, Protect America’s once‑advertised $20 landline plan applied only to its smallest legacy bundle and is no longer available. Comparable professionally monitored plans today are typically around $40–$55+ per month from Brinks Home and other pro‑install providers (Brinks Home; ADT; Vivint). If your priority is the lowest monthly price with no long‑term contract, look to DIY options like Ring Protect Pro (~$20/mo) or SimpliSafe Fast Protect (~$29.99/mo).
Product Overview
Best for
Legacy Protect America customers seeking straightforward, professionally monitored security now serviced by Brinks Home, or shoppers who want a simple pro‑installed system with clear plan tiers.
Not for
Those who want a no‑contract, DIY system with the lowest monthly monitoring costs or buyers prioritizing cutting‑edge smart‑home ecosystems and Matter‑native devices without multi‑year terms.
Features
| Price per package | Protect America has discontinued new sales; legacy Copper, Silver, and Platinum packages are no longer offered. Comparable Brinks Home monitoring commonly starts around $39.99/mo for essential intrusion monitoring and about $49.99–$54.99+ with video features (Brinks Home plans). DIY alternatives include Ring Protect Pro (~$20/mo) and SimpliSafe Fast Protect (~$29.99/mo). |
| Standout features | Legacy DIY self-install (Protect America); 24/7 professional monitoring; lifetime equipment warranty while monitored (legacy); economical landline option (now niche given wireless-only prevalence). |
| Number of locations/states served | U.S. nationwide coverage via pro monitoring; legacy Protect America accounts are serviced by Brinks Home. |
| Fees | Expect early termination/liquidated damages if cancelling during the initial term and an advance notice requirement to avoid renewal; exact obligations depend on your signed agreement and provider (Brinks Home Help Center). |
| Terms | Legacy Protect America agreements commonly had ~36‑month initial terms; current Brinks Home pro‑install plans typically involve multi‑year agreements. |
Simple DIY installation
Legacy Protect America systems were self‑installed and activated by phone, with no separate professional installation fee. Today, former Protect America customers are supported by Brinks Home, which generally provides professional installation for new systems (Brinks Home plans). If you prefer DIY, contract‑free options like Ring Alarm and SimpliSafe keep install simple and avoid activation fees. Legacy references like Protect America SMART Connect applied to Protect America’s historical app experience.
Works with Z-wave devices
Third‑party integration remains essential for modern home security. Z‑Wave is still a reliable sub‑GHz option, and newer ecosystems increasingly unify devices via Matter controllers and bridges, allowing legacy Z‑Wave and Zigbee gear to work alongside newer Thread and Wi‑Fi devices (Matter 1.3; Matter 1.4). Many systems also support voice assistants like Amazon Alexa. For long‑range or large‑property needs, Z‑Wave Long Range extends coverage and network size (Z‑Wave LR).
Free, warranty-backed equipment
Historically, Protect America provided equipment at no upfront cost in exchange for a multi‑year commitment, and offered a lifetime equipment warranty while monitored. In today’s market, most pro‑install providers separate equipment from monitoring and often finance hardware over the term, while DIY providers sell kits upfront with month‑to‑month monitoring (Brinks Home; ADT; Vivint; SimpliSafe).
A Breakdown of Protect America Home Security Options
| Protect America Copper Package | Protect America Silver Package | Protect America Platinum Package | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen control panel | No longer sold (legacy package) | No longer sold (legacy package) | No longer sold (legacy package) |
| Door/window sensors | Discontinued bundle | Discontinued bundle | Discontinued bundle |
| Motion detector | Discontinued bundle | Discontinued bundle | Discontinued bundle |
Optional add-ons from Protect America
- Video monitoring and cloud recording
- Smoke and CO monitoring
- Smart locks and access control
- Smart garage door control
- Water leak detection and smart shutoff
Possible Drawbacks
Requires credit check
Professional installation providers commonly run a credit check or require equipment financing approval; terms vary by provider and market. If credit criteria aren’t met, a deposit or upfront equipment purchase may be required. Legacy Protect America customers should review their original agreement and any subsequent Brinks Home terms; note that eligibility for legacy offers like the Low Price Guarantee no longer applies to new systems.
Short decision period for big commitment
Multi‑year initial terms are standard for professionally installed systems. Return windows, trial periods, and cancellation terms vary by provider and by how you purchased (in‑home, online, or by phone). Former Protect America customers should confirm current obligations and notice requirements with Brinks Home (Brinks Home Help Center).
Difficult to cancel
Protect America’s online terms are legacy references and do not govern new sales (terms and conditions). Today, former Protect America accounts are handled by Brinks Home; cancellations typically must be initiated through Brinks Home Customer Care and may require advance notice, with early termination charges if you are still in the initial term (Brinks Home Help Center).
While legacy Protect America documentation referenced a free “move kit,” relocation and contract transfer options are now administered by Brinks Home. Check current guidance for moving your system or changing responsibility (Brinks Home Help Center). Historical resources such as the move kit page apply to legacy accounts only.
If you plan to cancel at the end of your term, providers commonly require advance notice (often around 30 days) to avoid renewal. Review your agreement for the renewal mechanism and notice window, and follow the current Brinks Home process if you are a former Protect America customer (Brinks Home Help Center).
The Competition
| Install | Legacy DIY (Brinks Home: Professional) | Professional or DIY (Self Setup) | Professional |
| Monitoring | Professional | Professional | Professional |
| Starting Price | N/A for new customers; Brinks Home typically ~ $39.99–$54.99+ (plans) | From ~ $24.99 (Self Setup) to ~$50–$60+ (pro install smart/video) (plans; Self Setup) | From ~ $39.99+ (varies with video and devices) (pricing) |
| Package Options | 3 core legacy bundles (discontinued) | DIY Self Setup and multiple pro-installed tiers | Customized bundles |
| App Store Rating | Varies by storefront and device; verify in Apple App Store and Google Play (Apple guidance; Google Play device-specific ratings) | Varies by storefront and device; verify in Apple App Store and Google Play (Apple guidance; Google Play device-specific ratings) | Varies by storefront and device; verify in Apple App Store and Google Play (Apple guidance; Google Play device-specific ratings) |
| Contract Length | Legacy ~36 months; Brinks Home commonly multi‑year | Self Setup: month‑to‑month; Pro install: typically 36 months (24 in CA) (ADT terms) | Month‑to‑month if equipment purchased upfront; up to 60 months if financed (Service Terms) |
| In Business Since | 1992–2020 | 1890 | 1999 |
| Warranty | Legacy lifetime while monitored (no longer sold to new customers) | Varies by plan and promotion | Limited warranty; optional service plans available |
Protect America vs. ADT
Protect America no longer sells new systems; legacy accounts are serviced by Brinks Home. If you’re deciding today, ADT offers both professionally installed systems and a DIY Self Setup path. ADT’s Self Setup monitoring starts around the mid‑$20s per month, while professionally installed smart home/video tiers commonly run ~$50–$60+ and involve multi‑year terms (ADT Self Setup; ADT plans). Choose ADT if you want a Google Nest‑centric platform and the flexibility to go DIY or full‑service pro install; use Brinks Home for a Protect America successor path with comparable pro‑install plans.
Protect America vs. Vivint
Protect America’s legacy value was simplicity and price transparency; it did not specialize in first‑party smart‑home hardware. Vivint focuses on fully integrated, professionally installed systems with proprietary cameras and active deterrence features, with monitoring that typically starts around the high‑$30s and scales with video and devices (Vivint pricing). Contracts depend on equipment financing: month‑to‑month if you buy hardware upfront; up to 60 months if financed (Vivint Service Terms). If you want a tightly integrated smart‑home experience and pro install, Vivint stands out; for a direct successor to Protect America’s model, compare Brinks Home.
Protect America Home Security FAQ
The Bottom Line
Protect America is no longer taking new customers; legacy accounts are now serviced by Brinks Home (details). If you want the lowest monthly pro monitoring with no contract, consider Ring Protect Pro (~$20/mo) or SimpliSafe Fast Protect (~$29.99/mo). If you prefer professionally installed, full‑service systems with advanced smart‑home and video options, compare Brinks Home, ADT, and Vivint. For smart‑home compatibility, Z‑Wave remains reliable, and Matter’s recent updates broaden cross‑platform device support (Matter 1.3; Matter 1.4). App ratings change continuously and can differ by region and device; verify current scores directly in the Apple App Store and Google Play (Apple guidance).
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