Monitoring plan | Cost | App access | Video |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $27.99/mo. |  No | No |
| ADT Command Tier I | $52.99/mo. |  Yes | No |
| ADT Command Tier II | $58.99/mo. | Yes | Yes |
Info current as of publish date.
*Landline monitoring only. Some restrictions apply. See full disclaimer.
ADT's reputation and experience make it one of the most trusted names in the industry. Add in the company's nine 24/7 monitoring centers—more than any other home security brand—and it's no surprise ADT is a household name.
But all that quality comes at a cost. ADT's prices for security and all the perks (video monitoring, smart home control, and ADT app access) can cost more than $60 a month.
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
140+ years of home security experience
Monitoring centers across the country
Landline and cellular monitoring
Professional installation and security consultation
Smart home control available 
Long-term contracts
Pricey add-ons and upgrades
Installation fee Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more videos like this one! Learn how to protect your home, your loved ones, yourself, and your belongings.
Package | Monthly cost | Monitoring type | ADT app access | Live video | Smart home integration | Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter pick | Essentials* | $27.99 | Landline | No | No | No | View Packages |
| Landline pick | Complete Monitoring Bundle | $36.99 | Landline | No
| No | No | View Packages |
| Budget pick | Basic Security + Wireless Connect | $44.99 | Cellular | No
| No
| No
| View Packages |
| On-the-go pick | ADT Command Tier I Remote Access | $52.99 | Cellular | Yes | No | No | View Packages |
| Video pick | ADT Command Tier II Video Security | $58.99 | Cellular | Yes
| Yes | No | View Packages |
| Top pick | ADT Command Tier III Video Security & Home Automation | $62.99 | Cellular | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| View Packages |
Info current as of publish date.
*Landline monitoring only. Some restrictions apply. See full disclaimer.
Besides the Essentials kit, ADT monitored plans differ from tier to tier, each sweetening the deal with new features or equipment options.
The Essential Plan includes the basic Essentials kit and standard, landline monitoring. What's missing is the Quality Service Plan that offers extended warranty protection and a deal on any service calls you may need during your contract. This plan also misses out on the 6-month money-back guarantee.
The Complete Monitoring Bundle is a basic landline-connected Essentials package plus the Quality Service Plan. If you live in a rural area or want to protect a vacation home in the country, this is an affordable option that comes with extra warranty and service protection.
Basic Security and Wireless Connect is the same, but with a cellular connection. This connection allows for some nice perks, like voice control with Amazon Alexa It also allows you to skip the wiring that comes with landline service. Hardwired systems take longer to install and can be clipped or damaged by intruders.
The ADT Command Tier I adds remote access into the mix through the ADT Control app. Remote access lets you monitor and control your system from your phone. Whether it's an open window or a full-blown system alert, you'll know. And for $6 more, you can add live video with the ADT Command Tier II.
Finally, the ADT Command Tier III comes with a steeper installation fee, but you'll get smart home and automation features to make up for it. This system starts with the same equipment as the other plans—plus live video (when you add a security camera) and a lamp module to add smart lighting to your system. Turn on the light from your ADT security app to make your home seem occupied or to keep your pets company while you're away.
Still have questions? We have more details in our breakdown of how much ADT costs.
ADT's monthly fee includes your equipment costs and over the course of a 36-month contract, you'll still pay less than what you'd lose if you had a break-in. ADT's most expensive plan comes out to about $2,400 over three years—the average loss from a burglary is $2,800.
Brand | Best for | Lowest monitoring price | Starter equipment price | Contract required | Installation | Smart home compatibility  | Learn more | Read review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Vivint | Best overall | $29.99/mo. | $599.00 | No * | Pro | Amazon,
Google, Z-Wave | View Packages | Read review |
 Frontpoint | High-end DIY pick | $34.99/mo. | $99.00 | No | DIY | Amazon,
Google, Z-Wave | View Packages | Read review |
 SimpliSafe | Reader favorite | $14.99/mo. | $229.00 | No | DIY | Amazon, Google | View Packages | Read review |
 Cove | Best customer experience | $14.99/mo. | Quote required | No * | DIY | Amazon, | View Packages | Read review |
| ADT | Most experienced | $27.99/mo. | $0.00 | Yes | Pro | Amazon,
Google, Z-Wave | View Packages | Read review |
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer.
If you're looking for tried-and-true home security monitoring and want the pros to handle installation, ADT is worth it. You'll pay more for setup and monitoring, but you won't have to lift a finger after making the initial phone call.
See how ADT monitoring and equipment compares:
Where ADT beats every other security company hands-down is its professional monitoring centers. ADT operates its own centers that alert the police or other emergency responders, and it has more monitoring stations than any other security company.
This matters to you for two big reasons—well-trained operators and monitoring support redundancy.
ADT trains all of its operators and has total control over how your call for help is handled. And with nine monitoring centers, you'll never be stranded without help when you need it.
If one center goes offline for any reason (think hurricanes, the polar vortex, etc.), monitoring will be automatically transferred to another center that's still up and running.
All ADT equipment packages are professionally installed by trained technicians and come with an Essentials kit to lower up-front costs.
The Essentials kit includes:
*With $99 installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies. See SafeStreets.com for full offer details, terms, and conditions.
You'll get the most out of the ADT touchscreen panel with a cellular connection and ADT Control app. In an emergency, the panel will connect you with an ADT monitoring center, and you can speak directly with someone through the panel.
It also connects with smart devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant so you can control it with your voice to arm, disarm, or make adjustments in the sensors or your smart equipment.
The ADT touchscreen panel is multi-lingual and has 12 hours of battery backup that kick in when the power goes out, keeping your home safe during storms or other power outages.
See how it compares with other touchscreen panels.
The top two plans offer video monitoring with ADT security cameras. The indoor camera shoots in 720p HD video, and you can watch your home live or check recordings in the backlog.
When the system's sensors or cameras detect motion, you'll get a notification so you can tune in and see what the camera sees. This way you can tell if it's just your pooch prowling around the house or a real emergency.
Get all the details in our ADT security cameras guide.
*With $99 installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies. See SafeStreets.com for full offer details, terms, and conditions.
ADT Command touchscreen panel
Window and door sensor
Motion sensor
Keyfob
In addition to using the ADT security app to control your system, you can tell your ADT home security system what to do when you add voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
ADT recently teamed up with Google to offer ADT customers Google Nest† products and greater integration. You can now purchase Google Nest products through ADT and have them installed by a technician. Here's how you can use them:
The highest monitoring plan is required to use smart home devices and voice commands.
In December 2021, ADT purchased rooftop solar panel provider Sunpro. ADT customers in 22 states can now integrate their security system and smart home with Sunpro’s energy management tools.
ADT uses Z-Wave technology in all its smart security equipment. That means your ADT system can integrate with third-party smart home devices like a Nest Thermostat.
And ADT makes it really simple by offering compatible smart home devices along with its security equipment—so you can get all your smart security shopping done at once.
The downside is the price. You can't get home automation with basic ADT home security packages, so you're looking at a base monthly monitoring rate of $62.99 per month.
But when you break it all down, that's just over $2 per day for smart home automation and professional monitoring that you control through the new ADT Control app (replacing the ADT Pulse app) on your phone.
If you're a new ADT customer and pay for remote access, you'll need to download the newer ADT Control app. ADT released it in 2020 to replace the ADT Pulse app. Customers can use Google Nest products with both apps.
All ADT alarm systems come with professional installation, which means you don't have to worry about the best place to install the control panel, window sensors, and other equipment.
It also means you have to let a stranger into your home and arrange a time to meet them, which could add up to a half-day off work. Last but not least, you'll pay an installation fee to get your ADT system installed, starting at $99—and that has to be paid up front.
But we are talking about a high-end alarm system that you're counting on to protect your home and family. When the stakes are that high, the time (and financial) commitment for a pro install is definitely justified.
The real cherry on top with an ADT installation is the comprehensive risk assessment.
All of ADT's installers are highly-trained security advisers. Every installation includes a whole-home risk assessment that identifies the best security solutions for your home.
Security advisers evaluate both the inside and outside of your home so they can make recommendations that address all of your home's security vulnerabilities.
And they're not supposed to recommend extra devices if you don't need them—but they are obligated to point out all potential security risks so you can make the most informed decision.
We suggest being prepared in advance for a bit of a sales presentation along with the risk assessment. Just make sure you know what your budget is and stick to it.
ADT is a bit old-fashioned when it comes to contract terms: its contracts are a minimum of 36 months. ADT's contract-only approach can make ADT a no-go for renters and others who may need to move within one to three years.
We'd like to see more contract options available like the choices Link Interactive offers—12-month, 24-month, and 36-month contracts.
If you decide to cancel your service with ADT before the 36 months are over, you could be subject to a hefty cancellation fee. Generally, you can expect to shoulder 75% of the remaining contract if you decide to opt out of an ADT contract.
While ADT's equipment and monitoring are high quality, we recommend reading the fine print before signing on with an ADT plan.
Compare ADT's cancellation policies with other major home security companies on our cancellation policy page.
If you like ADT's reputation but aren't sure about a contract, check out Blue by ADT. This is a new DIY brand that comes with all the convenience of a boxed security system plus ADT's 140+ years of home security experience. Read our full Blue by ADT review.
We've always been fans of guarantees that put customers first, and ADT has two that stand out.
The Mover's Package Guarantee makes it affordable for you to take your ADT system with you if you move after being a customer for 24 months.
The 6-Month Service Guarantee offers you a full refund of all service fees paid if you are displeased with ADT's service (and they can't make it right) within the first 180 days of your contract.
All of the ADT plans we reviewed (except the Essential plan) come with the Quality Service Plan (QSP) at no extra charge.
This is basically the company's equipment warranty. With the QSP, you don't have to worry about extra costs for service calls or paying to replace broken equipment.
Depending on the ADT authorized dealer where you purchased your ADT equipment, there may be extra monthly fees charged for the QSP.
ADT excels with a long-standing reputation and customer-first guarantees, but those don't always translate to the company's authorized retailers—making customer service hit-or-miss depending on who you're dealing with. But the ADT authorized dealer we recommend, SafeStreets, scores high marks.
There's no denying that over 140 years of experience and the trust of more than 6 million customers is a solid endorsement of ADT's home security systems.
But quality equipment and stellar monitoring services can be overshadowed by mishandling from third-party dealers. There are a few things you can count on from ADT's customer service:
Here's a look at current ADT reviews and ratings for customer service and satisfaction:
Ratings as of publish date
As familiar as the blue hexagon is, just what does the name mean? ADT is an abbreviation for American District Telegraph. When the company started more than 140 years ago, it used the snazzy new tech of the telegraph to connect homes and alert the first ADT office that something was wrong.1
When you're shopping for security, you're really looking for a company that you can trust in an emergency, and ADT has a proven track record. ADT’s higher costs can be worth it if you’re looking for a security company with a long-standing reputation and decades of experience.
We consider ADT a luxury home security brand, but that’s not what everyone is looking for. If you want ADT without the contract, give Blue by ADT a look.
For more ADT-specific questions, visit our page devoted to ADT customers' frequently asked questions.
Like most home security companies, there are a number of ADT monitoring packages to choose from.
In addition to monthly monitoring costs, you also need to consider:
Because ADT offers so many options and upgrades, it’s easy to end up with a customized ADT package that is more expensive than its competitors.
Just be sure to keep a tally as you work with an ADT security pro to put together the right package for your home. If budget constraints are a factor, let your representative know up front how much you can afford.
ADT started the home security business in the United States. In 1874, American District Telegraph connected homes in a Baltimore neighborhood, and ADT has been in operation since, according to the brand.
A cellular failure alert on our ADT control panel means that the panel (your system’s brain) couldn’t send a signal to an ADT monitoring center (the people who contact emergency dispatch for you). You’ll want to resolve the issue so you arm your system feeling confident that it’s connected to help.
Potential causes of an ADT cellular failure alert
Potential solutions
ADT offers wireless home security equipment that makes it easy for renters because wireless security doesn’t require you to drill into walls.
The best way to set up security if you’re renting is to schedule an in-person consultation where an ADT representative can assess your needs and propose a package designed specifically for your space.
But be aware that ADT’s control panel is usually wired into the wall. And its contracts are a minimum of three years, so you'll need to stick around your current place if you don't want to deal with cancellation fees.
If either of those reasons are deal-breakers, you might want to look at other options like SimpliSafe, the new DIY Blue by ADT system, or Link Interactive that are basically peel-and-stick.
ADT operates its own monitoring centers. Its nine monitoring centers means you get the benefit of “redundant monitoring.”
Redundant monitoring means that if one center goes down due to a power outage or an extreme weather event, the homes monitored by that center are automatically transferred to another center.
This means you’ll always have the protection of 24/7 monitoring with ADT, even if something happens to take a monitoring center offline.
ADT requires a 36-month contract, and they do charge early termination fees if you cancel your service before the end of your term.
If you drop ADT in the middle of your contract, you’ll owe the company 75% of the remaining balance of your contract.
ADT leases its equipment, but the company doesn’t require customers to return equipment at the end of a contract.
The price of equipment is included in your monthly payment; however, ADT is known to offer special deals that may eliminate the equipment cost when you sign a monitoring contract.
Talk to a representative to find out what deals are available when you set up your ADT home security system.
To review of ADT, we dug into the company's history, reputation, pricing, equipment, customer service, and smart home capabilities.
To evaluate each of these areas, our team did the following:
Learn more about how we review and rank security brands and products in our full methodology.
ADT is certifiably the worst company I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. I have been going back and forth with them for over 3 months over hardware upgrades they gave in return for me signing another contract. All of the upgrades they provided have failed to work since day 1. I’ve had over 6 tech visits (paid for some) and the issues persist. I have been exceedingly patient and calm but they refuse to even engage with me in solving this issue and have instead claimed my expectations are too high. I get 150-200 error notifications PER DAY about cameras, extenders, etc. going offline. I have only a handful of clips that my system managed to record over the past months as they are always offline and require power cycling to come back online (climbing multiple ladders to reach the outlets). Instead of acknowledging any issues with their product, they basically dare me to go elsewhere as they know I’m under contract. I will be buying out almost the entirety of my new 3 year contract as I cannot deal with paying for services that are not provided — not to mention their ineptitude and/or indifference in providing any semblance of customer service. Seriously, RUN from this trash as fast as possible. Signing this contract was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done as an adult.
Do not use ADT. They will not work with you and will attempt to get one over on you every chance they get. We were half way through a 3 year contract when we decided to move 15 minutes down the road to a better place. We were told that they are unable to transfer our service and we would either have to pay 750 dollars or sign a new 3 year contract. ADT is a scam and I will never recommend them to anyone and they will be hearing from the Better Business Buroeau because this has been the worst experience with a business I have ever had.
Worst customer service!!!!
I called them to get some information about ADT and they started chasing me everywhere to buy their service. I said that I am interested in their product and one of the supervisor is not ready to accept that on call and started pushing with his words to buy the service. I disconnected the call that day but still they tried calling and I didn’t answer the call. Finally a guy claiming himself to be the territory manager of my area stopped by at my address around 7pm and started offering ADT service. he wore the mask below his nose (not even taking any precautions in this covid situation) and again started explaining about his offers. I told him I am not interested right now and I am in between a meeting but no! he is not ready to listen anything and kept self inviting himself for next day to talk about the ADT service. I told that if I am interested then I will call and talk to you guys but I don’t allow any face to face conversation in this pandemic with anyone. still started pushing with his self invitation. Finally he left his no. and want me to call him and talk about it! I don’t know if there’s a block option for these guys! if someone says no then it’s a no! don’t push yourself too hard!!!!!!!
I want to warn people about this company. They 6 years ago I signed up for what I thought was a monthly plan. I had no idea they committed me to a contract.
I decided to cancel recently, only to discover that I had $612 remaining on a contract I didn’t even know existed.
I spent nearly 2 hours on customer service. I was placed on hold numerous times and transferred at least a dozen times to different customer “service” agents.
I pleaded with them to be reasonable, considering I have been a customer for 6 years. None of that mattered, and in the end I paid the $612 to get rid of this scam company.
Bottom line up front: If you are considering this company, know that they are contract based and will deceive you into signing up for a big contract that you can’t get out of unless you pay the remaining balance.
There are other security options like Arlo and Ring, that you can easily install yourself (unlike ADT, which will charge you hundreds of dollars for installation fees), and you are NOT committed to any contract.
I signed up for Ring. I paid a one time fee of $30 for the year. With that I get real time alerts on my phone and can watch footage any time on the app. If I see someone suspicious or receive an alert, I can call police immediately. The time it would take for me to review the live footage and call police using Ring services is less than the time that an ADT agent would be notified that your alarm went off, then call you to verify if is a false alarm or not, and then call police if it is not a false alarm.
I have never been so livid about a piss-poor company like ADT. If you are a current customer who is paying a monthly rate, you might want to know that you are under a contract and committed to this lousy company until your hefty balance is paid off.
If you’re not a customer, avoid this company like the Covid.
Very informative review, detailed and accurate. Yes, the biggest negative with ADT is the 3year contract. Not sure why the company tries to prevent customers from leaving by doing so, if its services are really good. Or, it is just a ripoff of customers for its 140y of reputation? The truth is that it should do just the opposite if it’s truly a reputed, quality Co. Therefore, its “customer first” pledge seems merely an empty slogan – from a ADT cstomer
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