What is ADT’s 2-Way Voice and How Does it Work?

Why you can trust SafeWise
products considered
250+
research hours in 25+ in-home tests
10k+
years of combined experience
176+
homes and people protected
10M+

For over 13 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.

Celeste Tholen
Nov 21, 2022
Icon Time To Read2 min read

How it works

Like the name implies, ADT’s 2-Way Voice features work something like an intercom, but it’s much more powerful. In fact, it could help save a life. When your home’s alarm or a panic button is activated, two-way hands-free communication with the ADT monitoring center begins.

You and an ADT professional will communicate through a speaker and microphone that are built in to your alarm panel. There’s no need to find a phone. The ADT professional can hear exactly what is taking place in your home, determine your emergency, and send the appropriate help.

Protect your property
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the latest deals, home security tips, and in-depth reviews.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

When it helps

ADT monitored 2-Way Voice is especially useful during attacks and break-ins. If an intruder breaks into your home, getting to a phone may be impossible. But the dispatcher will hear and record the incident and get law enforcement on the way to help you immediately. Likewise, the ADT dispatcher can hear when a burglar is rummaging through your home and notify police immediately.

Additionally, people with medical conditions, the elderly, and children will find the feature easy to use and comforting. If you’re a parent of young children or you’re caring for an elderly relative, ADT monitored 2-Way Voice offers you the reassurance that your loved ones can activate the feature whenever they need it, and get help immediately, even when you’re not available.

More 2-way talk perks

Another advantage of ADT-monitored 2-Way Voice is that it helps enable the ADT dispatcher to determine the nature of your emergency quickly. They are armed with the critical information the authorities need, resulting in faster emergency response times for priority calls. When an emergency takes place or an accident happens, every second counts.

When you activate the alarm by mistake, 2-Way Voice enables the dispatcher to quickly confirm the false alarm. You’ll be spared the hefty fines associated with false alarms, and forgo the hassle and embarrassment of law enforcement rushing to your home.

And you don't need to worry about your privacy. The ADT dispatcher can only hear what’s happening in your home when your home’s alarm has been automatically activated due to a break-in or other emergency or when you manually activate it.

We recommend ADT monitored 2-Way Voice because it gets you the help you need fast, even if you can’t get to a phone. If you’d like to learn more about ADT monitored 2-Way Voice or other monitored services offered by ADT, check out our ADT Home Security Review.


Compare the best home security systems

Brand
Self-monitoring option
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Starter equipment price
Break-in deterrent(s) Icon Tooltip  Dark
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
Icon No  LightNo
$0.00Smart AI detection, Live agent intervention, Motion-sensor floodlight camera with two-way talkGoogle,
Z-Wave
Icon Yes  LightYes
~$250AI detection, Live agent intervention, Siren, Cameras with two-way talkAmazon,
Google
Icon No  LightNo
~$200.00Smart Deter lurker detection, Lights, Sounds, Motion-sensor floodlight camera with two-way talk Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
Icon No  LightNo
~$300Motion-sensor floodlight camera with two-way talkAmazon, Google
Icon Yes  LightYes
~$200Live agent intervention, Lights, Siren, Motion-sensor floodlight cameras with two-way talkAmazon, Z-Wave
Icon Yes  LightYes
~$75AI-powered alerts, Cameras with two-way talkAmazon, Google, Apple, Z-Wave, Zigbee
Icon No  LightNo
~$400†AI-powered alerts, Lights, Siren, Cameras with two-way talkAmazon, Google, Z-Wave

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer. *ADT $28.99 for landline system only. Full ADT disclaimer  Frontpoint's starter equipment package, valued at $386.93, starts at $69 with an optional contract.

Celeste Tholen
Written by
Celeste has dedicated her decade-long career to reporting and reviews that help people make well-informed decisions. She once oversaw the editorial strategy and production for SafeWise, with a goal to help everyone find the information they need to make their homes and lives safer. Now she is a contributing writer. Prior to SafeWise, she worked as an editor and reporter for KSL and Deseret News. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. In her free time, she volunteers at the local botanical garden and writers for the community newspaper.

Recent Articles

dangerous apps for kids
Dangerous Apps for Kids: What Parents Need to Know in 2026
Dangerous apps for kids include ones you’ve heard of (TikTok, Instagram) and some new arrivals....
Map showing location pins for the city in each state with the highest burglary rate.
The Most Burglarized City in Every State
We found the most-burglarized city in every state — it looks like burglars are equal...
Ring Alarm security system unboxed.
Ring Security vs. Frontpoint
Frontpoint is our pick in this DIY security system matchup. Its starter package is more...
Technician installing a smoke alarm
Best Smoke Detectors of 2026
We reviewed the top fire and smoke alarms for your home in 2026. Protect your...