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Compare ADT vs. Honeywell
When considering ADT or Honeywell for your home security system, some major differences exist despite similar equipment. Your final choice depends on your upfront spending limit vs. long-term financial commitment, current home automation devices, and monitoring expectations. ADT ultimately offers greater functionality, but the trade-off is high monthly fees locked into a lengthy minimum contract. On the other hand, Honeywell represents long-term cost savings but lacks professional monitoring services.
Pricing
Winner: HoneywellWhen looking solely at the price of equipment, ADT's packages are cheaper than Honeywell's. However, purchasing a Honeywell home security system will ultimately lead to savings because there are no monthly fees. ADT not only has a monthly monitoring contract, but its home automation services require additional monthly payments.
Contracts
Winner: HoneywellHoneywell wins this category for offering its equipment and mobile apps with no contract. ADT, on the other hand, requires a contract that typically requires a minimum commitment of 36 months. The monthly cost of an ADT contract is for professional monitoring services and does not include the cost of the equipment.
Installation
Winner: HoneywellADT requires professional installation for its home security systems, whereas Honeywell's equipment is designed for a user-friendly installation. If you're more comfortable choosing professional installation, especially for the central Lyric control panel that is only available from professional installers, Honeywell provides a list of local service providers that can assist you. Due to the flexibility of choice, Honeywell wins this category.
Equipment
Winner: ADTAn ADT package can be customized to suit your needs, but typically includes a digital panel, entry sensors, key fob, motion sensors, and environmental detectors. Honeywell's Lyric panel is comparable and also includes a siren and glass-break detector. Both companies offer a variety of additional equipment to supplement their packages, including indoor and outdoor cameras and smart doorbells. ADT offers their own panic button and carbon monoxide detector, giving it a slight edge over Honeywell.
Professional Monitoring
Winner: ADTWhen it comes to comparing ADT and Honeywell in terms of professional monitoring, there is no contest. Honeywell does not offer professional monitoring services, but ADT's established network of certified monitoring centers can call emergency services on your behalf 24/7/365.
Home Automation
Winner: HoneywellBoth Honeywell and ADT offer home automation integration, but Honeywell's comes at no extra cost, whereas to use features on ADT's home automation app and video remote control costs $57.99 per month after a $99 installation fee. With Honeywell, you can integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, and IFTTT for free. ADT Pulse connects you to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Kwikset, Z-wave, and Apple Watch.
Differences: ADT vs. Honeywell
ADT is far more expensive than Honeywell but ultimately has more services. Because professional monitoring and mobile app management improve home security and peace of mind, even at an extra cost, we deem ADT the winner.
Winner |  Honeywell Home Security | |
|---|---|---|
Monitoring cost starts at | $35.99/mo. | No monitoring offered |
Contract length | 36 months | No contract |
Trial period | 6 months | No trial period |
Installation (DIY or Pro) | Professional | DIY with optional professional installation |
Guarantees | $500 Theft Protection Guarantee | 1-year warranty |
BBB Rating | A+ | D- |
Frequently Asked Questions about ADT and Honeywell
Honeywell offers two levels of home security packages, whereas ADT has three levels. You can create your own custom package with both services.
ADT has 24/7/365 professional monitoring included in all its packages. Honeywell does not offer professional monitoring.
Professional monitoring is required for ADT. Both Honeywell and ADT have mobile apps that allow you to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
Because professional installation is required by ADT, it would be a little harder to move the system to a new apartment or home if you decide to move. Honeywell’s DIY installation would make it easier to transfer to a new location.