ADT Home Security Review | 2021

ADT is the oldest home security company in the industry, dating back to 1874 when the original founder, Edward Callahan, created a telegraph-based call box, which allowed homeowners to signal for help from their home to the company’s central office. Since then, ADT has become one of the most well-known home security providers available.

Our Advisor team reviewed ADT on a number of performance factors, such as usability, equipment, installation, monitoring and company reputation, comparing it against other top home security companies in the industry. We were particularly impressed with ADT’s experience and reputation, naming it the “Most Trustworthy Provider” and scoring it a 95 out of 100.

Keep reading to learn more about ADT’s services, equipment, pricing, monitoring plans and installation to determine whether it’s the right company for you.

*Certain restrictions apply

In addition to its 24/7 professional monitoring subscriptions, ADT provides its equipment to be installed at an up-front cost or on a monthly basis through the Flexible Financing option.* Each home security system comes specifically customized to your needs, and all service levels include a six-month, money-back guarantee.

*Financing requires 0% APR with equal monthly payments based on term/equipment selected. Well-qualified credit. Taxes addt’l. Early term fees apply. For full terms and pricing visit the website.

Below are examples of ADT’s different service level options and what’s included (not including monitoring):

Here are some equipment options for ADT home security systems and their monthly prices:

• Door and window sensors: $0.83
• Motion detector: $1.67

• Secondary wireless touch screen: $3.33

• Glass-break sensor: $1.67

• Indoor alarm siren: $1.48

• Outdoor siren and strobe: $2.92

• Wireless key fob: $0.83

• Combo smoke and carbon monoxide detector: $3.00

• Smoke detector: $1.67

• Carbon monoxide detector: $1.67

• Flood detector: $1.67

• Temperature sensor: $1.67

• Outdoor Pro HD camera: $4.83

• Video doorbell camera: $3.33

• Indoor Pro HD camera: $2.50

• Google Nest Mini: $0.82

• Google Nest Hub: $1.67

• Google Nest Hub Max: $3.82

*Prices accurate as of July 19, 2021 and are calculated based on a 60-month flexible financing option

Get a quote from ADT for your custom home security package by calling 888-285-6952 or filling out this form.

ADT releases top-of-the-line equipment and features when they’re available and gives homeowners their choice of smart home devices that integrate with its home security systems.

Here are a few ADT technology highlights that impressed our team:

• Touch screen control panel: One of the best devices from ADT is the touch screen system hub that can be used to control your home security system. This touch screen control panel makes ADT a great choice for homeowners who want to avoid relying on their smartphone to access most of the system’s features. Not only can the panel connect to Wi-Fi and cellular service for a steady connection, but it also allows you to arm and disarm your system and dim your smart lights.
• ADT mobile app: The ADT app gives customers the ability to live stream video camera footage, access their home security system’s features, such as arming and disarming the system, and connect to smart home devices for convenient home automation, including thermostat and smart lighting control.
• Cameras: All three of ADT’s security cameras have exceptional specs. The Outdoor Pro HD and the Indoor Pro HD cameras have 1080p Full HD resolution, night vision, two-way audio and motion detectors. The video doorbell camera features 720p HD resolution, two-way audio and a 180-degree field of view.
• Smart home automation: ADT is a great choice for those looking for a system that integrates with smart home technology. You can hook up smart lights, a thermostat, door locks, Google Home devices, Amazon Alexa and other devices compatible with Z-Wave or Wi-Fi. Connected smart home devices are controllable from the touch screen panel and mobile app.

ADT requires all customers to sign up for the monitoring service associated. It doesn’t give you the option to opt out of professional monitoring services, so you’re locked into paying a monthly subscription for 36 months. If you’re looking to monitor a home security system on your own and save on monthly fees, ADT might not be the right choice for you. Instead, consider ADT’s DIY home security option, Blue by ADT, or other DIY home security companies, such as SimpliSafe or Abode, for self-monitoring options.

Here are the five monitoring plans offered by ADT and their monthly prices:

• Traditional: Starting at $28.99 per month
• Secure: Starting at $45.99 per month
• Control: Starting at $49.99 per month
• Video: Starting at $56.99 per month
• Complete: Starting at $59.99 per month

If you’re ready to help protect your home from intruders or other dangers with 24/7 professional monitoring, call ADT at 888-285-6952 or fill out this form for a free quote.

Each service level from ADT includes professional installation, but the exact pricing depends on the amount of equipment you select and the size of your home. You can receive more information on your custom installation when getting a quote.

Overall, the installation process for ADT is quick and simple. A certified technician arrives during the allotted time, discusses your equipment and makes suggestions on device placement and any additional devices you may need. After discussing your package, the technician will set up your home security system and show you how to operate it.

ADT holds an accreditation and A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).* Negative complaints center around the company’s contracts, which leave little wiggle room for anyone who wants to cancel service, negative customer service experiences and poor installations. However, many of these complaints reference issues with third-party authorized dealers, rather than ADT itself.

A number of satisfied customers seem to have opposite experiences with the provider, referencing a responsive and quality customer service team as well as professional and timely on-site technicians.

Here are some examples of ADT reviews from its BBB page:

“I have been an ADT customer for 20+ years. I have 100% good things to say about ADT Security. ADT personnel are friendly, knowledgeable and professional, and their service representatives are always on time coming to my home. When I call, ADT always has someone there to answer my call. They are always there for their customers!” — Emily A.

“I had multiple issues with the security service from the beginning of my contract [with] techs arriving later than the scheduled ‘window’ time, installation not being completed in one visit, [my] system not [being] set up properly and the list goes on!” — Elizabeth T.

“The best in the business. Most innovative and supportive customer service. They have 24/7 customer service and monitoring. Always respond to any troubles associated with my alarm. Love them!” — Ricardo G.

“The customer service at this company is the worst. I was transferred 4 times and finally requested to speak with a supervisor. The ‘supervisor’ gets on the line and after asking a few questions, I get a busy signal. No one there is willing to truly help you or take accountability for their faults.” — Katrina B.

*BBB information accurate as of July 19, 2021

Our Advisor team has spent dozens of hours analyzing home security brands on their products, services and reputation to provide the most comprehensive analysis for our readers. To ensure each company meets the required standards to make our rankings, we have created an in-depth rating system.

Below is a breakdown of the factors we consider when rating companies, along with the weight of each factor. The best companies score highly across these categories.