Home security provider Alder Security

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Alder Security is an American home security company that balances DIY systems with 24/7 surveillance. These systems occupy an increasingly crowded middle ground between high-end and entry-level security solutions. This will deter some customers who prefer a completely do-it-yourself service or a high-end end-to-end solution. However, for customers looking for an affordable home security network with 24/7 surveillance included, we definitely wouldn't turn down Alder's offerings as the best home security system for you. .

Alder Security does not disappoint or inspire us (Image credit: Alder Security)

Plans and prices

Talking about home security pricing is always a challenge since most vendors do not post their pricing models online. Alder is no exception and to receive a quote, customers should contact the company. However, we can still discuss the accessibility of an Alder Security system in general terms. Alder Security systems are more affordable than other high-end services like ADT, Vivint, or Verisure. In fact, the installation is a DIY and the associated costs are non-existent. Alder Security also doesn't include an in-person security service like Verisure's Guard, which keeps the price down. Based on our analysis, the monthly fee is typically between $30 and $50 per month, which puts the company at the lower end of the line of high-end home security products. So the company is likely to appeal to customers who want a 24/7 monitoring service, but don't want to pay excessive monthly fees. Like many high-end home security providers, Alder Security requires new customers to sign up for a three-year contract. Cancellation fees are high, so purchasing an Alder Security system requires a long-term commitment to the company. Total costs over three years vary between €1,200 and €2,000 per month.

The company does not publish its prices on the site (Image credit: Alder Security)

How does it work

Alder Security combines a do-it-yourself setup with high-end 24/7 surveillance, setting the company apart from many of its competitors. After contacting the company and receiving a quote, your material will be sent directly to your home. It is then the responsibility of the user to install the system, although this is done quickly and is unlikely to be a problem for the vast majority of customers. Once the system is in place, you have immediate and continuous access to the monitoring center 24/7.

Alder Security provides DIY systems with premium 24/7 surveillance (Image credit: Alder Security)

Functions and services

The control panel is the centerpiece of any home security system. It links the different sensors and cameras and provides functionality to the user. So when judging a home security system, the control panel is one of the first places we look. Fortunately, the Alder single panel is especially impressive. The 7" touchscreen is definitely a plus, as is its 4G network capability. We also like that it's completely portable, allowing the user to place it where it's most useful. Mounting on a wall is also possible if preferred. However, the panel user interface is somewhat limited and does not provide any innovative functionality.It allows you to arm and disarm your system and communicate with the monitoring center 24/7, but not is useful to many others.The lack of smart home features is disappointing.

Alder Simple Panel is easy to use and works as described, but doesn't have many features (Image credit: Alder Security) In recent years, most home security service providers have evolved to provide not only protection against theft, but also protection against fire, flood and gas leaks. Alder Security is no exception. The smart smoke detector is a completely wireless sensor that will alert you to any fire or CO2 leak in your home. We appreciate that the system sends an alert to your phone before the alarm goes off.

Smart smoke detectors are now a standard feature of home security systems (Image credit: Alder Security) Similar to the smart home detector, the flood detector protects your home against water leaks. Flooded bathrooms or basements can quickly destroy an entire home, so this is definitely a great addition to your Alder Security system.

Not all home security vendors offer flood detectors, so that's a huge bonus (Image credit: Alder Security)

Customer service and attention

The online customer support page offers a wide range of how-to videos and tutorials, making it easy to manage your Alder Security system. We are impressed with this easy to navigate support framework. Customers can also contact the company via email or phone number, and existing customers have 24/7 access to the monitoring center in case of an emergency. However, we feel compelled to criticize the company's website. Home security systems are quite a large investment for most families, so we would expect a vendor's website to provide detailed information and details. Unfortunately, the Alder Security website has a lot of images and buzzwords, but not much technical or detailed information. This makes it difficult for potential customers to compare the company with its competition.

We were impressed with the online support options (Image credit: Alder Security)

Competition

Alder Security's closest competitors include premium services like ADT, Vivint, and Brinks. ADT and Vivint are more expensive, but include professional installation and ongoing maintenance, which could appeal to older customers who are less mobile or tech-savvy. Brinks is similar to Alder Security in that both are primarily a DIY service, but with 24/7 monitoring included. This saves costs but requires a greater investment of time by the user. While there's little to separate these competitors, Brinks offers a broader range of hardware options. If you're looking for a completely homemade security solution at minimal cost, you might want to consider a service like Abode. For just a fraction of the cost of a premium solution, users can install a relatively feature-rich and reliable system.

Final verdict

Alder Security offers competitive DIY systems with 24/7 monitoring, making them more affordable than end-to-end solutions, but more powerful than full DIY systems. However, the company does not offer any innovative features and has a rather limited range of hardware options. While there aren't many major negatives, there's also little to inspire us.

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