Alder Home Security Review
Alder Home Security is a Utah-based home security company with over ten years in the industry. They have home security systems for DIY installation available in all 50 states, and professional installation is available in most areas.
Alder is worth considering if you're looking for a comprehensive security system with a 30-day moneyback guarantee. They're primarily a fit for homeowners who aren't planning on moving any time soon.
In this Alder Home Security review, we'll be taking an in-depth look into the company and its products.
Here's how we graded Alder:
- Hardware: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Alder has all-around solid hardware, with a free base package including a new touchscreen control panel with a fully cellular connection. Higher-priced packages can provide you with additional door sensors, life safety sensors, and more
- Customer Service: 4 out of 5 stars. Alder's customer support is excellent, with knowledgeable and helpful support agents. The response time is also among the fastest in the business; customer service is one big selling point for Alder. Negatives include upselling and sometimes unclear specifics regarding pricing
- Pricing: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Alder is quite costly compared to competitors and has a confusing, unclear pricing structure. While the base package is free, a long-term contract is required, and overall the systems offered can be quite costly
- The Mobile App: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Alder's smartphone app is quite simple and does the job, but it has a 3-star rating on the App Store and a 3.1-star rating for Android. Customers seem to prefer the older Alder app
- SmartHome Capabilities: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Our SecurityNerd found the smart home options a little disappointing. Some Alder equipment is Z wave compatible; however, since replacing the GC2, it's lost that capability. All Alder equipment is, however, compatible with Amazon's Alexa.
Nerd Pros
You can set up a Hostage Code on Alder's control panel. This is designed so that if you're ever in a hostage situation and the offender asks you to disarm the security system, you can discreetly enter the Hostage Code. Alder will quickly and discreetly notify emergency services.
Nerd Cons
The 36-month contract is a negative unless you're sure you're not moving soon.
Equipment available from Alder Home Security
Alder Home offers a free basic security package with a three-year contract, which includes:
Basic System
- Touch Screen Control Panel
- Two door/window sensors
- Motion sensor
- Base station hub
Optional upgrades include:
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Medical alert pendant
- Flood and freeze detectors
- Smart smoke detector
- Additional sensors
- Video doorbell
You can choose to upgrade and purchase additional equipment to go with your base package. This is a cellular-based service meaning it doesn't require wi-fi or a landline to run.
The Alder mobile app
Alder has a smartphone app called Alder Security, which served as our control panel away from home. We tested both iPhone and Android versions and found that it was a simple app that smoothly controlled our security system and let us have a look at what was going on in our house via live video feeds. You'll be able to receive push notifications for motion detection alerts, view your security cameras stream, arm and disarm your alarm system, customize your sensors, and check your activity log; it's a pretty basic app. In terms of features, the app isn't perfect.
With that said, it was easy enough to use. The iOS version is rated three stars on the app store, while the Android app has a 3.1-star rating. Some common complaints refer to users not enjoying the upgrade (from the old app) and the app randomly logging users out, which interferes with the app's promise to alert you to break-ins or other issues at home.
Alder smart home capabilities
Our SecurityNerd always tries to find the most innovative products that can become part of a comprehensive smart home system. It's excellent that Alder can work with Alexa, but it's a bit disappointing that it doesn't work with other features like Google Assistant. Only older Alder equipment (using the GC2 touchscreen control panel) is Z-wave compatible, which allows for integration with Z-wave smart thermostats and other home automation components.
The video doorbell cameras have two-way audio, allowing you to see who's ringing the bell and talk to them. You can tell a delivery person where to leave your parcel, communicate with a friend, or otherwise make it seem like you're home - even if you're not.
Alder customer service
Alder's customer service is steadily improving, and their team seems knowledgeable. Alder's team answered our call quickly, and the sales rep seemed happy to help our SecurityNerd purchase a system. However, they did seem to be very focused on upselling, which is to be expected. With that said, our interaction with them was limited. On the one hand, the lack of transparency in pricing is a considerable negative. On the other hand, Alder is committed to working on its customer service experience. They launched a Trustpilot in 2019 and have implemented a 30-day money-back guarantee in response to customer feedback.
Alder has a B rating with the BBB and several hundred registered customer complaints from Alder customers, overall this is an area that they need to improve in, but they seem to be committed to offering that improvement.
Alder coverage
Alder offers coverage in all 50 states (for DIY install and monthly monitoring). Professional installation may be more limited, and we'd encourage you to contact them directly to enquire about this, as it's not clear if they cover all states with this service.
Alder Home Security pricing and packages
Alder's pricing isn't as transparent as it could be, but our security nerd did manage to get ahold of some pricing information, which we're advised can always be subject to change. When purchasing your Alder Security system, here are some things to consider.
Activation fee: you'll pay anywhere from $49 upwards for activation with Alder. Many home security companies don't charge an activation fee at all. However, Alder does.
Monthly fees: The monthly monitoring services start at $34.99. However, plans are also available for $45,$55, and $65 per month.
Installation costs: There are no direct upfront installation costs; you'll pay for your installation costs throughout a three or 5-year contract.
Equipment costs: The basic package is "free" when you sign up for a three-year or 5-year contract.
Costs are quite low if you sign up with the basic package. However, you can upgrade to the standard package (which will set you back around $55+ a month).
Alder's basic package includes:
- Touch Screen Control Panel
- Two door/window sensors
- Motion sensor
- Base station hub
Alder's standard package includes:
- Three door/window sensors
- Two motion detectors
- Touchscreen control panel
- Indoor camera
- Key fob
You can also purchase additional equipment on an a la carte basis. This is another casualty of unclear pricing, but some possible additions include:
- Extra door/window sensors
- Additional motion detectors
- Kami outdoor camera with AI
- Yi indoor camera with the two-way talk
- Key fob for remote arming/disarming
- Smart smoke/CO detector
- Freeze and flood detectors
- Medical alert pendant for seniors
The Bottom Line
Overall, for homeowners looking for a new security company, Alder offers an excellent security service with good security equipment and unique selling points and functionalities, including the hostage code feature and brilliant response time from the monitoring center (3.4 seconds is much faster than the industry standard).
Though Alder does offer a trial period of 30 days, many companies are offering potentially better smart home options at a similar price point, such as ADT. But there are key negatives as well. The sales reps have been reported to use pressurized sales tactics, and there is limited home automation compatibility compared to other similarly priced providers.
About the Author
Erin Maloney
Erin is a freelance video producer and writer based out of Florida. She works with major retail companies and digital startups as a brand storyteller. When Erin's not writing, you can catch her scuba diving and spending time with her dog (not at the same time).