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What Is Alder?

Alder provides home security systems and professional monitoring services. They also offer home automation products and their security systems integrate with Arlo and Ring cameras. Based in Utah, Alder is one of the fastest growing alarm companies today.

Alder Service Area & Coverage Map

Alder's Brief History

Alder is an alarm company that started locally in Utah with only a few hundred clients that has grown exponentially and now has tens of thousands of customers from all 50 states. The company hasn't been around for too long. Adam Schanz, the founder of Alder, established Alarm Protection Technology in 2008 and began offering services in Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Florida. In 2011, they dropped the "Technology" and renamed to Alarm Protection. The name didn't stick, however, which is why in the same year, they changed their name to Alder.

A History Of Disputes & Controversies

One undeniable fact about Alder is that its past is riddled with legal disputes and controversies.

Around 2015, ADT filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Alarm Protection Company, claiming that the use of the initials APT (which sounds like ADT) is an underhanded tactic to confuse ADT customers. ADT also claims that APT's logo looked similar to their logo, adding to the customer's confusion. Alarm Protection Technology, which re-branded to Alder shortly thereafter was cleared of the charges in 2016.

In the same year, the television magazine Insider Edition released undercover footage following an alleged Alder door-to-door salesman. The salesman was filmed using deceptive tactics to get homeowners with existing alarm systems to switch over to Alder. In one instance, he claimed to be working with GE there to upgrade the system. In other instances, he was filmed saying he's there to replace the old ADT yard signs with a newer yard sign. ADT filed another lawsuit regarding this matter. In May 2017, Alder and ADT reached a settlement agreement.

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Alder Security Equipment & Services

Alder's primary focus is providing customers security systems and monitoring services, but the company also offers limited fire, home hazard, and medical emergency protection as well as home automation integrations.

In the area of home security, Alder offers door/window sensors, PIR motion sensors and glass break sensors. They back up these sensors with an alarm panel that's connected to the monitoring center 24/7. If any of the sensors were tripped, the panel will send an alarm and trigger a response from the monitoring center.

Alder also offers smoke/heat detectors, flood/freeze sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, and personal emergency response systems (PERS). These products can also be linked to the monitoring center for professional monitoring, but will likely increase your monthly fee.

Finally, Alder's system integrates with Alexa for voice control and Yale for lock automation. The system also allows you to add security cameras manufactured by Xiaomi, Ring, and Arlo.

Cellular Monitoring

As for its monitoring service, Alder offers cellular monitoring only. It's the most secure and reliable way of sending alarm signals to the monitoring center because it uses cellular signal. Unlike landline and broadband monitoring, cellular monitoring is impervious to line-cutting and less prone to disruptions.

3-Second Average Response Time

When it comes to emergencies, every second matters. Alder prides itself in its industry-leading 3-second average response time. This means that on average, it only takes around three seconds for an alarm to be transferred to a live monitoring agent after the alarm signal is received by the monitoring center's automated system. Compared to other companies, 3 seconds is an incredibly short response time.

Smartphone Access

Along with its monitoring services, Alder offers smartphone access via the free-to-download iOS and Android app. Using the app, you can access, monitor, and control your security system. You can also use it to control smart home products and watch security camera footage.

Download the Alder Security App: iOS/Android

For more information on Alder's features, check our our in-depth Alder equipment and service review. If you're looking for pricing information, we also discussed that in details in our Alder Deals Review.

Awards & Ratings

  • C+ BBB Rating (BBB.com)
  • Utah Business' 11th Fastest Growing Company (2016)
  • Mountain West's 10th Fastest Growing Company (2016)
  • Stivie Gold Winner: National Sales Team of the Year (2017)
  • Stivie Silver Winner: Consumer Product of the Year (2018)