ADT vs Ring

ADT and Ring home security systems are both very reputable companies even though they sit at both ends of the spectrum when it comes to professional services. Both offer state of the art technology but ADT requires a contract and professional installation while Ring is more hands-on and designed to be installed and monitored by the homeowner. Ring is also better suited for renters who may move more frequently than a homeowner.

Monitoring

ADT offers professional monitoring through call centers that have received the training they need to be able to act quickly in case of an emergency. ADT’s system can be either hardwired into your home or wireless using cellular service to connect with the caller center. Once an alert has been received, emergency personnel are sent to your home and notifications are sent to you and numbers on your contact list.

Ring home security is designed to be monitored by the homeowner. Professional, 24/7 monitoring is also available for homeowners and renters who want the convenience of having a third-party monitoring center take over the responsibility. If professional monitoring is chosen, emergency personnel are dispatched as soon as an alert is received. Notifications are also sent to the subscriber and their list of contacts.

Features

ADT home security is well-known for its extensive list of features including intrusion protection. Indoor/outdoor cameras, capability for full home automation, remote access, motion detection, and a video doorbell viewer that also includes two-way voice communication. ADT also offers medical alert devices that can be used both at home and away.

Ring’s most well-known feature is the video doorbell with two-way voice communication. In addition to the doorbell, Ring also offers entry sensors, motion sensors, and indoor/outdoor cameras. They also offer floodlights that can be used outside your home as an added security measure. Environmental hazard detection and partial home automation are also available.

Costs

ADT requires a 3-year contract and $125 upfront to start each package. You have the option of choosing between multiple packages that offer a wide selection of devices. In addition to the hub and base unit, this also includes the medical alert gear, entry sensors, motion sensors, environmental disaster detection, video doorbell viewer, and surveillance cameras. Packages start at $29 a month and go up to approximately $56 per month for the most expensive option. Read more about ADT’s pricing.

There are no contracts or service agreements with Ring. While the basic Ring Alarm package includes the hub, keypad, a motion detector, and 2 entry sensors, you can also add the video doorbell, indoor/outdoor cameras, and outdoor floodlights. It costs about $200 to purchase a basic package, depending on deals available at the time of purchase. Professional monitoring costs $20 per month or $200 per year, but if you want to self-monitor, $3 per month will give you 60 days of cloud storage for one camera. If you have multiple cameras, though, go with the Protect Plus plan for $10 per month or $100 per year to give all your cameras 60 days of cloud storage. Without these cloud plans, Ring cameras will only notify you of motion or doorbell ring alerts, but won’t record footage. Learn more about Ring’s costs.

Installation

ADT home security requires professional installation for all devices. To have the ADT system installed, you must pay the upfront fee and sign the contract. An appointment will be made and a technician will visit your home and install the system. If you choose to move, a technician will come to your home to uninstall the system. When you arrive at your new location, you will have to call ADT to schedule another installation.

The Ring home security system is designed to be easily installed with no additional tools or training. This makes it possible to move the system from one location to another without disrupting your service.

Our Take

ADT has been a well-respected home security system for over 100 years. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want professional monitoring and installation and don’t mind the contract or a slightly higher price tag. Read our full ADT review here to learn more.

Ring is the ideal home security system for people who want do-it-yourself convenience paired with both affordability and quality equipment. This is a great option for individuals who may want to move in the future. They can take the system down and re-install it in their new home without having to schedule an appointment to have a technician come to their home.