ADT Home Security Review

We give ADT  four stars because its 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. If that's just too much for your budget, try these ADT alternatives.

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Besides the Essentials kit, ADT monitored plans differ from tier to tier, each sweetening the deal with new features or equipment options. Here's the breakdown on plans offered by our recommended authorized ADT dealer, SafeStreets:

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.

Every ADT package includes the components you need in a system, but you can add extra devices too:

• Keypad/alarm, entryway contacts, motion detector, keychain remote, backup battery, sign/decals: included
• Glass break sensor: $199.00
• Shock sensor: $149.00
• Carbon monoxide detector: $229.00
• Smoke detector: $199.00
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector: $229.00
• Smart lock: $62.99
• Remote light module: $62.99
• Remote thermostat: $62.99

Still have questions? We have more details in our breakdown of how much ADT costs.

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:

• ADT vs. Vivint
• ADT vs. SimpliSafe
• ADT vs. Frontpoint
• ADT vs. Ring
• ADT vs. Brinks
• Alternatives to ADT

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:

• Keypad alarm with a backup battery
• Contact sensor for doors or windows
• Motion detector
• Carbon monoxide detector (optional add-on)*
• Smoke and heat detector (optional add-on)

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.

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:

• Google Nest Mini: Control your system and connected devices with your voice by saying "Hey Google." You can arm your alarm, lock and unlock doors, turn lights on and off, set your thermostat, and make routines.
• Google Nest Hub: Do everything the Nest Mini does plus control your system through the hub's touchscreen.
• Google Nest Hub Max: Everything above plus you can view your camera feeds through the device—handy when you want to see who's at the door but have your hands full or for people without ADT security app access (like babysitters or kids).

The highest monitoring plan is required to use smart home devices and voice commands. 

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.

All ADT alarm systems come with professional installation by an authorized dealer, 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 whole 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 installers who work form SafeStreets, an authorized ADT dealer, 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.

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:

• Calls that are answered quickly
• Short hold times
• 24/7 customer service hours
• Same-day installation in most areas for no added cost

Here's a look at current ADT reviews and ratings for customer service and satisfaction:

• Trustpilot rating for SafeStreets: 4.9 stars out of 5, Excellent
• ADT Control app on Google Play: 4.8 stars out of 5
• ADT Control app on the App Store: 4.8 stars out of 5

ADT partners with local dealers to provide its hands-on estimates, risk assessments, installations, and service support. One of the most common complaints we've read from people dissatisfied with ADT is that the local door-to-door salespeople can be pushy. 

We don't recommend signing a contract the same day you get a surprise visit from a salesperson. As we've mentioned, ADT's contracts are at least 3 years long, and you're on the hook for much of the remaining balance if you decide to cancel. Do some budgeting before you commit—especially if you're a new homeowner who's getting used to a new set of bills and all the surprises that come with homeownership.

And yes, ADT does seem to know when you've just bought a house. One of our writers here at SafeWise got calls and mailers from ADT within one month of signing her mortgage. If you're not ready for a security system, just tell them you already have one. The calls should stop, and you'll have some breathing room to call ADT when you're good and ready.

For more ADT-specific questions, visit our page devoted to ADT customers' frequently asked questions.

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:

• Conducted hands-on testing
• Met with ADT for demonstrations and to ask questions
• Visited an ADT technician training center
• Talked to current and past ADT customers
• Read hundreds of customer and expert reviews

Learn more about how we review and rank security brands and products in our full methodology.

• The Best Home Security Systems
• ADT Pulse Guide
• ADT Equipment Guide: Sensors, Cameras, and More
• ADT Medical Alert Review
• Xfinity (Comcast) Home Security Review

1. ADT, "Our History." Accessed October 15, 2021.