Link Interactive, owned by Costco, is a Do-It-Yourself home security company while AlarmForce systems need professional installation. You buy the Link components, which are pre-configured, and install them yourself. Link uses 2Gig sensors and detectors, while AlarmForce manufacturers and brands their own security components. Link Interactive sells sensors through Costco and their website and AlarmForce does so through the company website or other online retailers.
AlarmForce has seventeen North American proprietary monitoring centers. Link Interactive outsources their monitoring.
Link Interactive and AlarmForce primarily services their systems by phone, chat or online video.
Link Interactive, through its partnership with Costco, has widespread availability throughout the United States. AlarmForce is only available in five states.
We have done the research for you. Below we compare AlarmForce and Link Interactive monitoring contracts, cost differences, user ratings, warranties, and more to help you make an informed decision. Overall, prefer AlarmForce as the better no-frills, homes security system that offers more options to homeowners.
However, Link Interactive may be more suitable for some users depending on the elements you may be looking for in a security system and monitoring contract.
Similarities
- Smartphone apps are available free of charge.
- 100% wireless.
- No activation fees.
- Each company requires three-year contracts.
Differences
- AlarmForce has a full warranty on all installation and equipment for the life of the contract. Link Interactive provides a one-year warranty.
- Link Interactive systems offer full Z-Wave smart home appliance management. AlarmForce has limited capability to manage Z-Wave components.
- Link Interactive is DIY and AlarmForce requires professional installation.
- AlarmForce offers a separate, monitored medical alert
Comparison Overview Chart of Basic Packages
| AlarmForce | Link Interactive | |
|---|---|---|
| Package Name | Standard | Basic Fire and Security |
| Monthly Monitoring Fee | $25.00 | $24.99 |
| Equipment Cost | None | $134* |
| Activation and/or Installation Fee | None | None |
| Contract Length | 3 years | 3 years |
| Equipment Manufacturer | Proprietary | 2Gig (GE Compatible) |
| Cellular | No | Yes |
| Number of Door/Window Sensor | 0 | 3 |
| Motion Sensors Included | 1 | 1 |
| Smoke, Heat, and Freezer Sensor | 0 | 1 |
| Two-Way Voice Console | Yes | Yes |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
*Must be a Costco member to get a 5% discount on the equipment.
Comparison Overview Chart of Top Packages Offered
| AlarmForce | Link Interactive | |
|---|---|---|
| Package Name | Connect with Cell Wave | Smart Complete |
| Monthly Monitoring Fee | $41.98 | $42.99 |
| Equipment Cost | None | $630* |
| Activation and/or Installation Fee | $178.99** | none |
| Contract Length | 3 years | 3 years |
| Equipment Manufacturer | Proprietary | 2Gig and GE |
| Cellular | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone and Remote Access Management | Yes | Yes |
| Z-Wave Control | Yes | Yes |
| Video Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way Voice Console | Yes | Yes |
| Door/Window Sensor Included | 2 | 5 |
| Motion Sensor | 1 | 2 |
| Camera | 1 | 1 |
| Keychain Remote | 1 | 0 |
| Smoke, Heat, and Freezer sensor | No | Yes |
| Z-Wave Thermostat | No | Yes |
| Z-Wave Light/Appliance Module | No | 2 |
| iTunes App Rating | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Android App Rating | 4 stars | 4 stars |
| Blackberry App Rating | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars |
**May vary depending on local dealer offers*Must be a Costco member to get a 5% discount on the equipment
Comparison Overview
The sensor and detector technology used by AlarmForce and Link Interactive receives high marks from the vast majority of users. The Link Interactive 2Gig also is compatible with GE sensors. AlarmForce is proprietary and is not supported by any other manufacturer but the quality is excellent too.
Costco actively promotes Link Interactive and sells the products at all their outlets. You can also purchase the component from their website. AlarmForce sells through their website and online retailers.
AlarmForce and Link Interactive use cellular technology to connect to the monitoring centers. Both companies have 2-way voice enabled in the control panels so that homeowners can speak directly to the monitoring centers
AlarmForce offers separate medical alert packages with different rates for monitoring.
AlarmForce and Link require three-year monitoring contracts.
Both companies have Z-Wave and video compatibility.
Winner and Loser Categories
Company Reputation
Winner: Tie
The vast majority of users rate both companies highly. Link and AlarmForce have been in business for a number of years and have maintained an excellent reputation.
Pricing
Winner: Link Interactive
There is not much difference in the monthly monitoring pricing between the two companies. You must pay for the Link Interactive equipment upfront but you own it. AlarmForce essentially leases users the equipment. They provide the same number of sensors with each package. The cost to buy extra sensors and have them installed means it is less expensive, overall, to purchase Link systems.
Contract
Winner: Alarm Force
The AlarmForce three-year contracts have a relatively small early termination fee equivalent to three months service. Link Interactive charges industry standard early termination rates: the cost of the number of months remaining in your contract.
Packages and Contents
Winner: Link Interactive
AlarmForce has all the equipment that Link Interactive. However, Link Interactive has a broad range of video and smart home appliance controls not offered by AlarmForce.
Ease of Installation
Winner: Tie
Ease of installation depends on your personal needs. Link Interactive preconfigures the units. All you need to do it plug them in and they work.
AlarmForce uses professional installation but the outcome is the same.
Equipment Quality and Technology
Winner: Link Interactive
The general quality of both systems is excellent. However, Link edges out AlarmForce due to its versatility and ability to mesh with GE, 2Gig or any other compatible components.
Warranty
Winner: AlarmForce
AlarmForce has a full-refund return policy on all equipment and installation for the life of the contract. Link Interactive has a thirty-day, full refund, return policy.
Service
Winner: Tie
Both companies have excellent service ratings.
Comparison Summary
Link Interactive edges out AlarmForce though both companies offer similarly rated products and services. Learn more about Link Interactive at our full Link Interactive review.
If you need Z-Wave or video, Link Interactive has the better system. If you think you may have to cancel your monitoring contract, and do not need a lot of sensors and components to cover your residence, AlarmForce may suit you better. Learn more in our AlarmForce review.
Related: The Best Security Systems of 2019
