Although Alder isn’t the most well-known home security system, I’d heard excellent things about it and wanted to give it a try. So, after hours of study and days of in-home testing, I’m thrilled to share my findings with you – the good, the bad, and the unexpected.
Despite being a DIY security system, Alder’s pricing is slightly higher than other popular DIY solutions. (The costs of Ring Alarm and SimpliSafe are also lower.)
On the other hand, Alder comes with a friendly 7-inch touchscreen control panel that’s a lot of fun to use.
While many alarm businesses fail to stand out, Alder’s promise of a simple security solution and quick emergency response attracted our curiosity.
Alder claims to have a response rate that is ten times faster than that of other monitored alarm companies. We’re very interested!
You’re not alone if you’ve never heard of Alder. For the better part of the last decade, they went unnoticed.
We only became aware of them due to their vigorous marketing operations and Alder’s tumultuous relationship with ADT.
However, we aren’t here to pass judgment on Alder’s history. We’ve come to offer our thoughts on their security system, monitoring, and customer support. Let’s get started without further ado.
What Is Alder Home Security System?
Alder Security is a home security systems marketing firm with offices around the United States. They employ a legion of highly compensated, commission-based door-to-door salespeople.
With this aggressive sales technique, they have developed rapidly since their inception in 2008. However, as a result, Alder Security’s BBB rating has slipped to a dismal B-.
How Well Does Alder Home Security Works?
One of Alder’s main selling points is its simplicity, which we saw in our tests. Alder was simple to set up. We didn’t need any special tools or a computer to set it up.
We quickly followed their Quick Setup Guide and were up and running in about 15 minutes, just in time for our pizza!
When we were at home, we used the tablet-like control panel to control the system, and when we were away, we used the Alder app.
We also liked the UI’s simplicity, which came in handy when we were running late for work. With just one touch, the control panel may be armed.
Fortunately, we accidentally set off the alarm several times when testing Alder, although we didn’t have any real crises.
The emergency reaction was simple; the central station called our registered phone number to check on us and spoke with us immediately through the control panel.
We communicated with the agents via the control panel, explaining that we had forgotten to deactivate the system after arriving. After validating our identification, they understood and waived the alarm.
Pricing
Alder is a little pricey for what you receive, and it comes with a few surprises. Alder’s price isn’t always straightforward. Because the costs aren’t publicized or displayed online, you’ll have to call the company to determine what you’ll be spending.
Unlike companies like SimpliSafe, Nest Secure, and Ring Alarm, where all their rates are disclosed online, you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be spending upfront.
We know that monitoring fees start at $39.99 per month and can go as high as $54.99 per month after chatting with different Alder agents.
Alder combines its equipment fees with its monitoring fees, which is convenient if you don’t have enough money to pay for all of your gadgets at once. However, this strategy may end up costing you more money in the long term.
In comparison, a starting set from SimpliSafe costs $229 plus $17.99 each month for monitoring. Let’s say you add a $99 indoor camera to the mix. In total, SimpliSafe would cost you $543.88 in the first year (not counting taxes, etc.).
That’s still less than Alder would charge for starting equipment and monitoring in the same amount of time. With Alder’s $39.99 monthly monitoring price plus the $49 activation fee, you’d pay $528.88 in the first year.
Contract Of Alder Security System
A three-or five-year contract is required by Alder. There isn’t a contract-free option available. And, unlike Vivint or Link Interactive, Alder mixes your equipment costs with your monitoring fees, so your prices don’t go down to just monitoring charges once you pay off your equipment.
It will automatically renew at the end of your Alder contract’s term. In writing, you must notify the company at least 15 days before your contract expires if you wish to cancel it. It is not possible to cancel it online or by phone. Get your stamps ready; you’re going to be mailing that letter.
Fees
Most DIY security firms we’ve seen don’t charge an activation fee, but Alder does. Alder charges activation fees that range from $49 to $149.
We believe that’s a little ridiculous, especially since Vivint’s expert installation charge is only $99.
For less than the cost of activating your Alder system, you could have a professional set up all of your equipment (depending on your specific fee).
The only other price we’re aware of is Alder’s cancellation fee for early contract termination. In that instance, you’ll be responsible for 90% of the remainder of your contract.
Pros Of Alder Security System
Some of the pros of Alder Security Systems are:
- Affordable systems
- Easy DIY Setup 7-Inch Touch-Screen Control Panel
- Cellular Monitoring in 4G LTE
- Controls for your smartphone
- Silent Exit is a feature that allows you to exit quietly.
- Controls on the Key Fob
- Compatibility between Alexa and Z-Wave
- Sensors for the Environment
Cons Of Alder Security Systems
- Monitoring Is a Little Expensive
- Security Camera Integrations are Limited
- Home Automation Is Slightly Limited
- A system that requires a phone call to purchase
- The Mobile App Is a Little Sluggish
Alder Home Security System App
The Alder Security App provides the platform for interactive features and home surveillance. You can interact with this platform on your iOS, Android, and Windows devices, and through a conventional web browser.
This software enables your remote control over the security system and home automation capabilities and the ability to receive event notifications and see the video. In 2020, the Alder APP scored a 2.8 on the App Store and a 3.8 on Google Play.
Alder Home Security System Equipment
Alder’s essential security equipment is fantastic. It’s simple to operate and set up. Alder shines when it comes to equipment.
They don’t have a lot of fancy intelligent home bells and whistles, so they keep it simple. Standard sensors like door sensors, window sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide sensors are included, and a seven-inch touchscreen control panel.
The apparatus made of Alder is simple to put up (it only takes about 20 minutes). Alder’s YouTube channel also has several tutorials and support videos that you can use to figure out how to set something up without calling.
Customer Experience for Alder
Alder’s customer service isn’t exactly stellar, but it’s getting better. Alders has several customer services issues, particularly with their door-to-door sales representatives.
It’s improved in recent years, including adding a “Verify Rep” option to its website, which allows you to verify that the salesperson standing on your doorway works for Alder.
Alder’s Trustpilot rating of 3.5 stars is in the middle of the pack, and his Better Business Bureau rating may use some work.
Overall, we’d say Alder’s customer service is still a work in progress, but it’s far better than it was previously.
Alder Customer Service
We examined Alder’s customer service in addition to their equipment, monitoring, and app. When one of our door/window sensors began functioning strangely, we had the opportunity to test the quality of their support crew. When we did a connectivity test on the sensor, it showed up correctly on our control panel, but it couldn’t kick off an alarm even when the system was armed.
The agent with whom we spoke was knowledgeable. He walked us through troubleshooting the system over the phone till we figured out what was wrong. Who’s to blame? Because our back door opens outward, the sensor was always out of range of the control panel when we opened it.
We discovered that our walls caught the signal despite the control panel’s 100-foot range. What are the chances that this will happen?
Finally, the agent suggested moving the control panel closer to the back door or swapping the sensor and magnet locations. We did it this way such that the sensor element (the larger piece) stayed on the doorframe while the magnet (the smaller piece) stuck to the door, and it worked perfectly.
Conclusion on Alder Home Security System Review
Alder provides dependable home protection without a lot of bells and whistles. It isn’t an ideal system.
There isn’t any such thing. I wouldn’t say I like the restricted camera options and smart home functions, for example. And, to be honest, I don’t think the Alder app provides the best user experience.
On the other hand, knowing that Alder’s dependable 4G LTE cellular monitoring was always there made me feel relatively safe in my home, which goes a long way.
Everything was also straightforward to set up and use, and I had a lot of fun with the touchscreen control panel.
So, even if you’re new to home security, I believe Alder will be a good perimeter system for burglar detection.
Even if I’m not sold on everything Alder has to offer, it still checks the majority of the boxes for good home security.
So, if you’re thinking about building your system, it could be worth calling one of Alder’s sales agents. It’s not a horrible home security option.
FAQ About Alder Home Security System Review
Yes, Alder necessitates professional supervision. There is no option for self-monitoring.
Yes, Alder sells two security cameras from YI Technologies: an interior model and an outdoor type.
Although Alder’s mobile app is a bit unstable, it has a 2.2-star rating in the app store and a 3.3-star rating on Google Play. Because it’s still a new software, the kinks should be ironed out over time.
Yes! The 7-inch touchscreen control panel on Alder is fantastic. It’s well-made and has a lot of valuable features.
You are not required to sign a contract with Alder if you purchase your equipment in advance. However, paying for your equipment over time may be more inexpensive, in which case you’ll be required to sign a 42-month equipment financing contract.
References
- Is Alder Home Security a Scam? (thehomesecurityadvisor.com)
- Alder Home Security (safehome.org)
- Is Alder Home Security Good?
- Is Alder a Good System? (reviews.org).
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