AT&T Digital Life Review: Great Equipment, High Price Tag

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• Pros and cons
• Compare plans
• Price
• Features and equipment
• Customer service
• Our recommendation

Overview

AT&T Digital Life offers solid options for home security packages. Unlike other telecom companies, AT&T Digital Life lets you use its security systems without being an AT&T customer for cable or internet service. AT&T also offers à la carte options so you can customize your home security package to fit your needs.

Unfortunately, that flexibility comes at a steep price. At $39.99 a month, AT&T Digital Life’s entry-level package is notably pricier than most security-only companies’ cheapest packages. On top of that, AT&T Digital Life will also charge you an up-front one-time equipment fee starting at $549.99.

AT&T’s two-year contract is shorter than a lot of security companies’, but if you cancel early, you’ll be charged a pretty hefty early termination fee. That could certainly put a damper on things, depending on your budget.

AT&T Digital Life offers three packages, all of which require credit approval and cost a bit more than average. No matter what package you choose, you’ll have to pay up front for all your security equipment—$549.99 for the first- and second-tier packages, and $849.99 for the premium package.

The prices for AT&T’s home security offerings get steeper if you add extra security equipment to your package. If you wanted to add a video camera to your Smart Security package, for example, your monthly fee would go up by only $9.99—but you’d be responsible for a one-time equipment fee of $199.99 up front.

Because of that, we recommend being absolutely sure about choosing AT&T before you commit to a contract. As soon as 14 days after installation, choosing early termination will cost you around $640 for the most basic package. If you do cancel before your 14 days are up, you may have to pay a $99 restocking fee for all equipment you return.

The equipment included with an AT&T Digital Life security system is pretty standard. But one particular bright spot among its offerings is the conversion kit. For $99.99, you may be able to reuse your preexisting wired door and window sensors with your new AT&T security system.

During installation, your technician will let you know what can and cannot be used with the kit—it can be a great way to save a little coin and make use of preexisting security equipment.

Feedback on customer service for AT&T Digital Life is mixed. While the equipment is high quality, some customers complain about poor installation procedures, high costs, and extra fees.

Customer service can also be spotty. In terms of convenience, AT&T excels. It offers customer service specifically aimed at Digital Life customers 24/7 with options to call or chat online. In my own experience, chatting online was straightforward: there wasn’t a long wait time, and my representative was knowledgeable.

It looks like AT&T is betting on customers to call in or chat with their representatives too. Only the most basic security package is listed online, and to get any information about the other two, you have to open an online chat or call the AT&T Digital Life customer service number.

AT&T Digital Life offers a solid service as far as home security goes. But the name recognition is doing most of the work. If you want the same equipment quality with more flexible contract terms and state-of-the-art home automation capabilities, you’re better off with Vivint. You’ll get more comprehensive security for the same amount of money, if not less.

How do you think AT&T Digital Life compares to our best home security systems? Tell us in the comments!