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Your home is your most valuable possession, so keeping your home safe and sound is critical. ADT is a home security company providing quality service to more than six million customers. It’s a popular company among homeowners.
This ADT review covers various details about the company and what it offers to help you determine if it’s right for you.
Pros
- Large monitoring network
- DIY and professional installation
- Offers a 30-day trial period and six-month money-back guarantee
Cons
- Requires a 36-month contract (24-month in CA)
- No self-monitoring packages available
- Relatively expensive monitoring plans
Customer reviews
Excellent
Lowest monthly fee
$19.99
Table of Content
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ADT At a Glance
ADT is one of the market’s oldest and most popular home security companies. It’s also one of the most established, founded in 1874. Today the company has over 170,000 professionals in 200 locations around the country, serving over six million customers.
As one of the oldest home security companies, ADT offers the longest money-back guarantee (six months).
The company also claims that users’ alarms can reach 911 centers eight times faster than traditional voice handling speeds for participating centers connected to ADT’s SMART monitoring.
Professional monitoring plans for traditional ADT home security systems range from $45.99 per month to $59.99 per month. DIY home security systems range from $219.99 for the Starter System to $419.99 for the Premium System, and you can add professional monitoring starting at $19.99 per month.
ADT offers three home protection packages professionally installed by their expert technicians. In 2020, the company announced Blue by ADT, a DIY home security platform to cater to customers who prefer self-monitoring home security solutions.
In addition to home security systems, ADT offers many smart devices that can be added to your system and controlled remotely through the app (more on those below).
Thanks to its extensive network of monitoring centers and its history of over 150 years in the industry, customers continue to trust ADT for their home security needs. Forbes Advisor named ADT the Best Pro Monitoring security company on our Best home security companies list.
How It Works
You can purchase equipment packages, individual components, and monitoring plans directly on ADT.com. From there, you’ll have to schedule an appointment with an ADT technician to get the home security system installed.
For expert advice, you can call, email, or request a free quote to have an ADT specialist come to your home, assess your security needs, and provide a home security system customized to your needs.
ADT Plans and Pricing
The cost of a home security plan depends on the type of equipment included, whether professional monitoring is available and installation and activation fees.
ADT’s home security plans are divided into three primary packages, each of which can be customized to fit your needs. The three packages include the Secure Home, Smart Home and Video and Smart Home. All three include professional set-up and installation.
Build Your Own Custom Home Security
ADT lets customers build their own home security system. It starts with the base home security system (Secure Home), and you can add all the necessary devices.
The Build Your Own system starts at $799 for 60 months or $479.20 upfront. Pro monitoring for this option starts at $45.99 per month.
Home Security Packages
ADT offers a comprehensive package option with pro monitoring services. All home security packages include 24/7 professional monitoring, theft protection, service and repairs, a six-month money-back guarantee, and professional installation.
Monitoring Plans
ADT home security packages require a professional monitoring plan. Monthly monitoring includes 24/7 professional monitoring from highly trained ADT experts. If the system detects a burglary, fire or carbon monoxide leak, ADT will contact emergency services on your behalf.
Build Your Own—Perfect Home Security Starter Package
The BYO plan is perfect for the homeowner only looking for basic protection. This plan will alert homeowners of intrusions and smoke or CO leaks.
Smart Home—Full Control with Outstanding Protection
The Smart Home monitoring plan is ideal for homeowners with smart devices looking for a more hands-on approach to home security. This plan offers remote app-based system control to disable alarms and control other smart devices.
Video and Smart Home—Comprehensive Protection
The Video and Smart Home plan is the most comprehensive professional monitoring option ADT offers. It includes remote access to live cameras and trigger-based video surveillance. This plan is ideal for homeowners with a second home or small children.
Installation and Add-Ons
ADT trains technicians to install your security system properly, and it’s included with all its home security packages. All technicians are employed and trained by ADT, so you can rest assured they’re experts in the system. This professional installation option makes ADT an excellent choice for those who don’t want to worry about the installation process.
In addition to its basic home security packages, ADT offers add-ons for video security, additional home security equipment, life safety devices and home automation devices.
Fine Print
Each of ADT’s three security packages requires a minimum 36-month contract and enrollment in ADT Easy Pay. There’s an option to choose to finance your home security system for 24 months, 36 months or 60 months, in which case your monitoring contract term will be the same as your financing term selected.
In the case of early termination, ADT may charge up to 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term.
All home security systems and products are covered under QSP, ADT’s extended limited warranty plan. Labor and replacement parts are covered for ADT-installed equipment only. If ADT technicians are required to visit your premises, ADT will charge an assessment fee of $59 per visit. Monthly fees are based on equipment.
Furthermore, ADT offers a Theft Protection Guarantee. If your home is burglarized while your ADT system is armed, ADT will pay up to $500 of your insurance deductible. They also offer a six-month money-back guarantee, including the installation and all monitoring fees you paid within that time frame.
Smart Home Integration
ADT offers smart-home functionalities with some of its packages. ADT includes a smart lock in its Smart Home package and Google Nest Cam and Doorbell on the Video and Smart Home package.
ADT home security devices work with Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, and Google Assistant. The company’s platform lets you integrate IFTTT, Rainbird, Sonos, Zipato, Lutron, Google Nest Mini, Kwikset, Z-Wave and Samsung SmartThings.
Smart Hub Home System
The ADT Control app is your home’s smart hub system. It allows you to control approved devices, including:
- Smart lights
- Smart thermostats
- Garage doors
- Google Nest Doorbells
- Smart plugs
- Security cameras
- Smart door locks
- CO and fire sensors
- Flood sensors
System Performance
The ADT Command smart home touchpad is the point of access to all things home security. The touchscreen dashboard lets you arm/disarm your alarm, stop a trigger, adjust settings, add devices and control all your home security systems from one place. ADT says their system’s alarms reach 911 centers eight times faster than traditional voice handling speeds.
High-Tech Cameras
ADT does not make security cameras. Instead, they offer Google Nest Cameras. At the moment, you can add up to three different video cameras:
- Outdoor Google Nest Cam: Features intelligent alerts, familiar face alerts, flexible mounting options and offers up to 30-day event video history.
- Google Nest Cam with Floodlight: Features intelligent alerts, built-in adjustable floodlights and 10-day continuous recording with 30-day event video history.
- Indoor Google Nest Cam: Features intelligent alerts, two-way talk, 24/7 live view and 30-day event video history.
Mobile App
The ADT Control app brings the ADT Command platform to your mobile device. The app has 4.8 stars reviews on both iOS and Android. The app lets you:
- Remote arm and disarms your security system
- Receive instant alerts when your system status changes or a door is unlocked
- Smart home integrations to control your lights, door locks and climate control devices
ADT also offers SoSecure by ADT, a mobile app that helps you reach emergency services in seconds. SoSecure gives you three ways to get help from ADT – SOS Chat, SOS Slider and SOS Video.
How ADT Stacks Up
ADT vs. SimpliSafe
In terms of customer reviews, ADT wins over Simplisafe. However, SimpliSafe offers a more flexible plan for homeowners as it requires no contract. Simplisafe is also a more affordable option compared to ADT. SimpliSafe standard monitoring plans start at $14.99 per month. Unfortunately, SimpliSafe does not offer professional installation services, which might be a downside for some homeowners.
Learn more: SimpliSafe
ADT vs. Vivint
Both ADT and Vivint have excellent customer reviews. Many homeowners prefer the flexibility of Vivint, but ADT home security packages and monitoring plans are more affordable. Vivint requires a $99 installation fee, which ADT already includes in their home security packages.
Learn more: Vivint
What You Can Expect From ADT
Regardless of the home security system you choose, ADT requires professional installation. Luckily, all home security packages include professional installation.
Unless you choose the financing option, all equipment costs are due at the time of purchase. Pro monitoring fees and services will be charged after installation. All ADT home security packages include professional installation.
Is ADT Right for You?
ADT is one of the leading home security companies in the industry. It counts on customers’ trust and confidence. If you’re looking for a reputable company that offers professional installation and customizable packages, ADT is an excellent choice. ADT home security systems are also perfect for homeowners who want to integrate the home security system with Amazon Alexa or Google Home devices.
However, if you’re on a budget, ADT might not be the best option. Their monthly plan prices are higher than clothes in the industry and require a 3-year contract commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does ADT cost?
The pricing for ADT home security systems starts at $479.20 for a starter kit and an extra $45.99 per month for monitoring. However, ADT has the option to finance its home security packages.
How easy is ADT to install?
ADT claims that you can get your system installed and ready to go within an hour. However, ADT requires professional installation, which is included with its home security packages.
How is the system monitored?
ADT uses cellular and broadband to connect with its monitoring centers. Some ADT systems may also connect with a telephone line if equipped.
Will my pet set off the alarm?
No. ADT uses infrared technology sensors for motion detectors and most pets weighing less than 85 pounds won’t trigger a security alert.
What is ADT’s warranty?
ADT offers an extended limited warranty or Quality Service Plan (QSP), which covers the repair or replacement cost of the equipment. QSP depends on the price of the equipment and starts at $7.00. If an ADT technician is required to visit your premises, ADT will charge an on-site assessment fee of $59 per visit.
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