Home Security Alternatives to ADT

Long contracts, high monitoring fees, frustrating sales reps—we get it. We've spent a lot of time over the years reviewing ADT-monitored home security, and despite its longstanding reputation as a lding home security provider, it's definitely not for everyone.

The good news is that there are several quality home security alternatives to ADT, and we've rounded them up for you. We'll show you how they compare when it comes to pricing, contracts, equipment, customer service, installation, and monitoring.

Vivint offers far more equipment than ADT, including an extra panic button, a smart light, a smart thermostat, and a unique Car Guard. Vivint's cameras also have a unique "smart deter" feature that sends potential porch pirates running. We're also big fans of the Vivint app, which makes smart home automation a snap.

ADT does pull ahead of Vivint in terms of experience and customer policies. ADT boasts over 140 years in the home security industry, whereas Vivint's been on the scene for around 20. Vivint's warranty is the shortest in the industry at just four months, whereas ADT offers a lifetime warranty.

You're expected to pay 100% of your remaining balance if you cancel Vivint, but ADT gives a slight break at 75%.

Read our Vivint vs. ADT review for our full head-to-head analysis, or check out our Vivint review.

With Frontpoint, you get a full suite of Frontpoint equipment (it's just missing an extra siren) that you install yourself. There's no contract, which means there's no cancellation fee. Frontpoint's equipment is covered under a three-year warranty, which is as good as it gets besides ADT's lifetime offering.

Read our Frontpoint vs. ADT review for our full head-to-head analysis, or check out our Frontpoint review.

If you don't want your equipment bundled into a package like ADT, SimpliSafe's Build My System tool can help you choose only the devices you need. But selection is limited—while it includes the basics like sensors and security cameras, its devices don’t include protocol for Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, so compared to ADT you won't get as many options for smart home automation.

Luckily, there are SimpliSafe outdoor cameras and the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro now. Plus, its systems are compatible with August smart door locks, Amazon Alexa, and Nest.

Read our SimpliSafe vs. ADT review for our full head-to-head analysis, or check out our SimpliSafe review.

You're pretty sure ADT-monitored home security system isn't a good fit for you, but the number of other home alarm system options is overwhelming. Where to start? Here are some things to consider as you shop around for an alternative to ADT.

Long contracts, a complicated moving policy, and high termination fees, are a big frustration for ADT customers, especially when an unexpected move hits.

If you think you might relocate within the next three years or you just don't want to be locked into a contract, look for a home security company with a portable security alarm system or no contracts or termination fees.

Getting a security system for free may seem tempting, but those systems are very basic, and they come with the burden of a three-year contract. Adding in extras like cameras and smart home control will cost you more in equipment, installation fees, and monthly monitoring fees.

It all adds up, and to get what you want, you may end up paying a lot more in the long run. Take the time to compare the costs over the course of three years before you decide which alarm system is right for you.

One of the strengths of an ADT-monitored system is its fleet of experienced technicians who can get your alarm system up and running for you without you having to do a thing.

But that installation comes with an extra fee, and many companies are now offering systems that require little to no technical expertise to install so you can do it yourself.

ADT alternatives include both DIY and professionally installed alarm systems, so it's important to consider which you'd be more comfortable with.

Just like with installation, you can go with a professional or a DIY option when it comes to monitoring your alarm system. ADT's mandatory professional monitoring with redundant security monitoring centers is great, but it definitely ups your monthly fees. If you want the reassurance of the ADT name without higher monthly costs, check out Blue by ADT, the company's DIY option. 

There are companies out there offering a choice between professional monitoring through a monitoring center, self monitoring through an alarm app, or some combination of the two. It's a good idea to decide which feels right to you before you start shopping around.

If you've already invested in smart home devices like a Nest thermostat, Amazon Echo, or Ring doorbell, you’ll probably want to find an alarm system that works with what you have so you can operate everything from one place.

While few alarm systems out there are compatible with everything, many are increasing their integrations every day, so it's a good idea to check and see what's compatible with your favorite devices.

ADT is kind of like a home security grandpa: it's old and wise, but it also holds on to some outdated notions like lengthy contracts, mandatory professional installation, and the idea that you have to be a homeowner to use their service. (Renters are referred to Blue by ADT).

Newer companies might not have the experience of ADT, but they have a lighter touch and are more in tune with what many of today's consumers are looking for with more flexible, budget-friendly, DIY systems. They're definitely worth a look if you're ready for something different.

• ADT Home Security Review
• The Best Home Security Systems
• ADT FAQs
• ADT Equipment Guide: Sensors, Cameras, and More
• ADT Pulse Guide