Upgrade to ADT Command from ADT Pulse

In 2019, ADT rolled out a new touchscreen security system with more smart home features called ADT Command. Prior to its release, the ADT Pulse security system provided home automation features and a mobile app but did not include a touchscreen control panel for ease of use or voice control. While ADT Pulse is still available for current customers, new customers who want those features will have to purchase the Command system.

The new ADT Command security system is a step above and gives you access to remote management with the Control mobile app. You’ll be able to issue voice commands through Amazon Alexa, and the Command system also works with devices from Kwikset, Z-Wave, and LiftMaster. You can purchase the ADT Command system for about $660. Professional monitoring for intrusion detection starts at $45.99 per month.

ADT Pulse is only available to current ADT customers, meaning you’ll need to have an existing security system. Pulse currently costs $52.99 per month and requires a $99 installation fee. You’ll be able to take advantage of the Pulse mobile app features; however, if you want to use voice control, you’ll need to upgrade to ADT Command.

With the ADT Command system, you’ll get a touchscreen control panel, motion detector or glass break sensor, door and window sensors, and a smoke detector. Here’s a breakdown of the features for each device:

• ADT Command Touchscreen Control Panel — Manage your home security system by touch with ADT Command’s 7-inch control panel. You can arm or disarm your system, as well as control smart lights, locks, and a smart thermostat. If you’re not near the panel, you can use the Control mobile app instead.
• ADT Motion Sensor — Cover rooms as large as 35-by-40 feet with ADT’s motion sensor. If any activity is detected while your system is armed, you’ll receive alerts by text by email. You can even set up your smart lights to turn on whenever motion is detected at night. ADT’s motion sensors are pet-friendly and can be adjusted for sensitivity.
• ADT Glass Break Sensor — Get protection for areas of up to 25 feet with ADT’s glass break sensor. If breaking glass is detected, you’ll be notified on your phone and an ADT monitoring specialist can dispatch the authorities right away. Using the ADT Control mobile app, you can also check your cameras and sensors to view any activity in your home.
• ADT Door and Window Sensor — Know when someone’s coming and going with ADT’s door and window sensors. You’ll get a text message if a door or window is opened while your  system’s armed. With ADT’s door and window sensors, you can also set up your camera to start recording whenever a sensor is tripped.
• ADT Smoke Detector — Get fast fire response with a monitored ADT smoke detector that senses both smoke and heat. This detector features flashing LED lights and sound indicators to let you know when there’s an emergency. In the event that smoke or fire is detected in your home, an ADT monitoring specialist will notify you and your local fire department.

For basic intrusion detection, you’ll pay around $660 for an ADT command system. You’ll receive these devices: a control panel, motion or glass break sensor, door and window sensors, and a smoke detector. Professional monitoring for an ADT Command system starts at $45.99 per month, providing you with a cellular connection to ADT monitoring stations. You can opt to pay for all of your equipment upfront or enter into a contract to pay for the equipment over the life of your agreement.

A number of devices and brands can be used with your ADT Command security system, including:

• Indoor cameras
• Outdoor cameras
• Video doorbell
• Smart lights
• Smart locks
• Smart thermostats
• Garage door controller
• Smoke and CO detectors
• Flood sensors
• Smart plugs

Brands and smart technology like Alexa, Kwikset, Z-Wave, and LiftMaster can also be used with your ADT Command System.

Home automation features carry over from the ADT Pulse mobile app to the Control app, but there are some new and distinct improvements you’ll find with Control.

• *New — Voice control with Alexa
• *New — More smart home integrations including Z-Wave, Kwikset, and other brands
• Remotely arm or disarm your home security system
• Check motion sensors
• View alerts
• Check cameras
• Turn on or off any smart lights
• Lock or unlock any smart door locks
• Adjust your smart thermostat
• Open and close your garage door

If you’re interested in becoming an ADT customer or need assistance with an existing account, ADT makes it easy for you to get in touch via phone, online chat, and social media. For general questions, you can check out ADT’s Help Center.

Currently, with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), ADT has an A+ rating but a one-star customer review rating. A number of customer reviews report issues with service cancellation, customer service representative transfers, and billing issues. Trustpilot gives ADT a 1.7 star rating with the grade “Bad”. Several customer reviews comment on bad customer service and trouble with cancellation. It’s worth keeping these comments in mind while deciding on the right security solutions for your needs. Know what your deal-breakers are when it comes to customer service.

ADT is one of the most recognized brands in home security with over 145 years of experience. The company continues to innovate its solutions with more peripherals and home automation features, showing that it wants to keep up with competitors and other innovators in the space. ADT not only stands out for its equipment innovations, but monitoring innovations as well. You can get a security system with cellular monitoring — not needing a home landline — and have immediate access to emergency response when you need it. Overall, we’re impressed with ADT’s steps toward innovation, but we’re also aware of the negative feedback provided on ADT’s customer service. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide which factors matter most before making your decision.