Link Interactive vs. Alder Home Security

Our Analysis

Link Interactive and Alder are two of our top-pick home security companies, and if they are your two top options as well, then congratulations! You've picked highly-competitive, feature-rich, and overall great security systems.

Their Similarities

• Nationwide Availability
• Wireless Equipment
• A Contract is Required
• Affordable Monthly Fees
• Professional Monitoring

Their Differences

• Online Availability — You can buy Link Interactive security systems online without having to speak to a sales rep. You can't do the same with Alder.
• Contract Length — Alder's contract term is always three years. Link Interactive allows their customers to choose between a one-year, two-year, and three-year contract.
• Home Automation — Link Interactive offers full-home automation. Alder's home automation offer is restricted to third-party integrations.
• Cameras — Link Interactive sells their own cameras. Alder integrates with cameras from third-party brands.

Sales & Pricing Comparison

Sales Process

Link Interactive has always been one of the easiest alarm company to buy a security system from. They have a streamlined online sales process where you can build out your security system, choose a monitoring package, and set up service. If you prefer talking to a sales rep, they also have a sales line where you can get a free consultation. Alder, on the other hand, prefers being more personal. An in-home visit or over-the-phone consultation is needed to set up service. They also regularly send door-to-door sales reps to neighborhoods across the country. However, take note that Alder has a history of sales misrepresentation, so when dealing with a door-to-door sales rep, be sure to verify their identity using Alder's website.

Winner: Link Interactive

Pricing

Link Interactive's monitoring rates range between $30.99 and $44.99 per month. The entry-level plan is home security-focused, while the mid-level and highest-tier plan offers smart home capabilities and video monitoring features, respectively. Alder is not as candid about their monitoring rates as Link Interactive. You must request a quote to find out their pricing in your area. However, by secret shopping Alder, we've found that their entry-level rate is around $35 per month.

Winner: Link Interactive

Equipment Purchase

One thing to like about Link Interactive is that you can build your own security system using the devices they offer instead of choosing packages with a pre-determined device inclusion. From the start, you can choose between a free, basic control panel or a $200 upgraded control panel with built-in security sensors and smart features. Then, depending on your panel, you can choose each individual device you want added to your system. The final cost is then computed before check-out, with discounts applied based on your contract length. With Alder, customization is also possible, but you will do it with a sales rep. They will help you pick out devices for your system and then give you a final quote. Keep in mind that some sales reps might try to upsell you by offering additional devices or upgrades you don't need. Our suggestion is to keep an open mind about their recommendations, but be firm on your decisions.

Winner: Link Interactive

Installation

Link Interactive and Alder both offer DIY security systems that you can self-install. There are no installation or activation fees involved. Their systems are wireless, making them pretty easy to install. However, if you prefer pro-installation, you can ask both companies to send a technician for a small added cost.

Winner: Tie

Key Features & Tech

Standard Equipment

Link Interactive's standard equipment is inclusive of a control panel and sensors of your choice. The control panel is free, but it's a basic panel with slightly outdated features. If you want a better security system, they offer a $200 Qolsys IQ control panel with better features. Alder's standard equipment includes a touchscreen control panel with advanced features. This panel is included no matter which monitoring package you choose.

Winner: Alder

Home Automation

Link Interactive and Alder's control panels also support home automation. With Link Interactive, you can access home automation features if you're subscribed to the mid-level or higher plan. Link Interactive offers smart locks, smart lights, smart thermostats, and most other smart home products. The entire smart home platform is tied together by Link Interactive's smartphone app, which also integrates your security system with Alexa and other third-party smart home brands.

Alder doesn't offer home automation products, but they do have partnerships with third-party brands through system integration. You can connect Alder's security system with Alexa and enjoy voice control features as well as Yale smart locks for door lock automation and control.

Winner: Link Interactive

Cameras

Similarly, Link Interactive sells security cameras designed for their security systems, while Alder offers cameras from third-party brands. Link Interactive's security system also supports more cameras. They have an indoor camera, and outdoor camera, and a video doorbell. Alder only supports Arlo Pro indoor/outdoor cameras, Yi Home indoor cameras, and Arlo Audio Doorbells, which isn't a camera but works similarly to a video doorbell.

Winner: Link Interactive

Smartphone Access

One key aspect of using a Link Interactive or Alder system is smartphone access. Using their respective apps, you can control your security system, access and customize your system settings, and receive alerts wherever you are in the world. Link Interactive's app is the Alarm.com app, which was made possible because the equipment Link Interactive uses is from Alarm.com. Alder's app is an app specifically designed for their security system.

Winner: Alder

Monitoring Method

Link Interactive uses cellular monitoring. Out of the three primary methods used by alarm companies—landline, broadband, and cellular— cellular monitoring is the most secure and reliable because it uses wireless signal and doesn't rely on the availability of your landline or internet connection. In addition to cellular monitoring, Link Interactive's upgraded control panel supports broadband backup. If the system fails to transmit alarm signals to the monitoring center, it will try to use your Wi-Fi and internet connection to send the alert. Alder also uses cellular monitoring.

Winner: Tie

Customer Service Experience

Contract

Both companies require a contract, a legal document obliging you to use their service for at least the number of months agreed upon by you and the alarm company. With Link Interactive, you have the choice to sign a one-year, two-year, or three-year contract. With Alder, you're required to sign for a minimum of three-years and maximum of five years.

Winner: Link Interactive

Early-Termination Penalty

One important detail written in the contract is the early-termination penalty. It's a penalty for those who will cancel service without finishing their contracts. The more months remaining in your contract, the higher the penalty. With Link Interactive, the penalty is computed by summing up the monthly fee of the remaining months in your contract, also known as your contract balance. 75% of that amount will be charged to you as a penalty. With Alder, the penalty is 100% of your contract balance and is similar to a contract buyout.

Winner: Link Interactive

Return Policy

Fortunately, with Link Interactive, there's a 30-day buffer period after you sign the contract. During this period, you're allowed to cancel service, return your security system, and get your money back without losing a single penny. This is their way of showing that they stand behind their products and services. Alder doesn't have a similar policy, but according to U.S. federal law, consumers should be allowed three days to return their security system after signing the contract. This provision is also called the Right of Rescission.

Winner: Link Interactive

Moving Policy

Another important thing to know is your alarm company's moving policy. In case you have to relocate, it's vital to know whether or not you can take your security system with you and if there are other fees to be paid. With Link Interactive, you can take your security system with you and there are no other fees to pay and no contract extensions. With Alder, each situation may be treated differently. They might allow you to take your system with you, but extend or restart your contract or require you to buy a new security system.

Winner: Link Interactive

The Bottom Line: Who Wins?

Although Alder is a great alarm company, it's clear that Link Interactive is better. Not only do they have better features and better pricing, they also have better policies that benefit their customers. Customer service is another important factor. While products and features decide how much security value your security system can add to your home, a company's customer service can have a huge effect on your overall experience. With that being said, we recommend that you choose Link Interactive over Alder. You can learn more about Link Interactive here.