ADT Security

Ranked number four on our list of best home security systems, ADT has over 145 years of industry experience. If you’re looking into ADT as your security provider, we recommend the Complete Package to give you security essentials, smart home automation and video surveillance all for $57.99 per month. This cost also includes ADT’s award-winning 24/7 professional monitoring service. Plus you get access to their mobile app, remote arming and disarming and two-way talk with ADT’s video doorbell and outdoor camera.

★ ADT’s Response to COVID-19: ADT is continuing to provide alarm response services and is working to resolve any customer concerns by phone as much as possible. If further assistance is needed, ADT will send out a technician to your home.

Cost: ADT security systems start at $599 for equipment. The base equipment includes everything you need for intrusion detection while higher-tiered packages can incur additional costs. ADT monitoring ranges from $45.99 per month to $57.99 per month. Installation starts at $99 but can be higher based on the equipment you choose.

Contract: At minimum, ADT requires a 12-month contract. This can vary depending on the package and equipment you choose.

Wired or Wireless: ADT offers both wired and wireless security systems based on your preferences. ADT technicians will work with you to decide on the best option for your home and to ensure the system is set up properly.

Monitoring: Each ADT security system comes with 24/7 professional monitoring, ensuring your home is secured around-the-clock by trained professionals. If you want to self-monitor your security system, we recommend considering Blue by ADT. 

Installation: All ADT security systems are professionally installed by certified technicians. You can schedule an appointment and a technician will come to your home to install and answer any questions you may have about your security system. 

Equipment: For the most basic ADT system, you’ll receive a digital control panel, alarm, sensors and signage. Additional equipment that can be added on to your security system includes ADT cameras, smoke detectors, smart locks, smart lights and much more.

ADT is one of the best home security systems on the market and our favorite for industry experience. The company beats out the competition in many areas. In addition to ADT’s extensive industry experience (more than 140 years), it also has some of the best guarantees. Your package comes with $500 in theft protection and 6 months of no-risk return, which you can’t find anywhere else.

ADT’s reputation and experience come at a cost, however. The company has one of the highest start-up costs on the market, and its monthly monitoring fees are higher than its competitors.

If you want to learn more about how ADT stacks up to the competition, check out some of these head-to-head comparisons:

• ADT vs. Frontpoint
• ADT vs. Vivint
• ADT vs. Nest

ADT packages start at $599 for equipment and require at minimum a 12-month contract. You’ll get professional monitoring and have access to ADT’s 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee and Theft Protection Guarantee. You can choose between a landline and cellular connection based on your home and needs. As always, if your security needs change, you can upgrade your package and purchase additional ADT equipment for surveillance, home automation and hazard monitoring. 

ADT only offers professional installation at this time, which starts at $99. The cost can increase based on the equipment you choose. For instance, if you purchase additional cameras and smart home equipment that needs to be installed, you could end up paying more for these add-ons.

ADT’s installation process consists of:

• Technicians come out on the day and time that works best for you
• They will review your order and the best placement for equipment
• The technician will give you an estimate of your install time
• Your ADT system is installed and you’ll get a run-through of how everything works

ADT offers professionally monitored home security to alert professionals in the event your alarm is triggered. Monitoring specialists will first contact you to verify the alarm and then notify the authorities if needed. 

With the Smart Protection, Video Lite or Protection Plus packages, you’ll also get activity notifications on your smartphone to keep you in the know. Here are several additional features the ADT app provides:

• See and speak to visitors using your camera and smartphone
• Arm/disarm your system and check its status
• Control smart home devices like smart lights, locks and doorbell cameras

With an ADT camera, you can watch live video on your phone and get push notifications whenever activity is detected. You’ll also get a video clip whenever motion is detected. 

Feel free to set up custom rules in the mobile app that allow you to be notified whenever you want. To play back video, simply open the app and select the camera you want to view video for. 

If you’re unsatisfied with your service or equipment, ADT offers a 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee to refund your installation and monitoring fees. ADT also has a $500 Theft Protection Guarantee that covers up to $500 of your insurance deductible if your home is burglarized while it’s monitored. This guarantee is already included in your service. ADT also offers extended warranties and a quality service plan to repair or place any defective equipment.

ADT’s service now includes smart home technology, which allows you to control your security system and other parts of your home from anywhere. Some of the company’s smart home technologies include:

• Smart locks: Use your smartphone as a key to remotely lock and unlock your doors.
• Garage controller: Open and close your garage door from anywhere with the ADT smart garage door control.
• Smart plugs: Use ADT smart plugs to control your lights and appliances from anywhere.
• Smart thermostat: Use the ADT mobile app to control the temperature in your home.
• Alexa compatibility: Pair your Alexa device with your ADT system and ask Alexa to perform tasks such as arming and disarming your system, turning lights on and off throughout the house, locking and unlocking doors and adjusting the temperature.