ADT Security System Review
This company has stood the test of time and is ahead of the curve in terms of home security. We tested their latest system, and here’s what we found.
What We Like
- Trusted company: With over 150 years in business, we felt comfortable with choosing ADT right off the bat.
- Smart home integration: ADT works with a variety of third-party smart home products, including Google Assistant and Alexa. These integrations make it possible for users to control their home security system with their voice, or create smart home commands that can make life easier and more convenient.
- User-friendly app: The ADT Control app was easy to use on both iPhones and Androids alike.
What We Don't Like
- Professional installation only for classic ADT systems: With the exception of the new ADT Self Setup security system brand, all ADT systems require professional installation. While that means less work for users, it also means an installation fee applies.
- Monitoring contract: A binding, monitoring contract is required to set up ADT monitoring. The contract term is usually three years, although it can last as long as five years if you have your equipment financed with a 60-month installment term.
- Monthly fees aren't lowest-price available: The monthly fees scale with your security system, so if you have a large home or if you get smart home and video monitoring equipment, expect to pay a higher monthly fee.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a security system that's trustworthy, ADT is your best bet. With over 140 years in business, ADT offers professional monitoring that'll give you and your family peace of mind plus protection.ADT packages are up to 40-percent off if you spend $750 or more on equipment, 20-percent off if you spend at least $450, or 15-percent off if you spend at least $250.
We’ve known about ADT for a long time. When we started this journey of reviewing security systems, ADT was one of the first systems we brought into our home. That’s because we were already aware of ADT’s reputation that it had built over a century. Throughout the years, ADT has lead the market in home security innovations, and it has been at the center of many technological breakthroughs.1
Through all the years we’ve known ADT, the brand has never been stagnant. It always has something in the works or new features rolling out. It quickly adapts to technological advancements, and it’s usually on the frontlines when it comes to offering the latest innovations.
As good as that sounds, choosing a security system for your home has less to do with company background than security system performance. So in this review, we’re going to discuss our first-hand experience with the latest professionally installed ADT security system, the ADT Control. We took it for a test drive recently and we’re ready to share with you our findings.
In this review, our security experts tested ADT’s security system. Let’s see how it stacks up!
Key Features
Control panel | ADT Security touchscreen panel |
---|---|
Wireless controllers | Key fob and panic button |
Indoor camera | ADT Indoor Camera or Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired) |
Outdoor camera | ADT Outdoor Camera, Nest Cam (battery), or Nest Cam with floodlight |
Video doorbell | ADT Video Doorbell Camera or Google Nest Doorbell |
Overall Rating
- Professional installation on all systems
- 24/7 monitoring centers nationwide
- 145+ years of home security innovation
Our Hot Take on ADT Home Security
With a 9.8 out of 10 rating from our team of security experts, ADT is as close to perfect as security systems can be. Our scoring method takes into account factors such as features and pricing, but also our very own hands-on experience with the system. And after living with ADT for several weeks, we concluded that right now, it is the best home security system for most people.
Notably, we found that ADT offers the best equipment options and a reliable monitoring service. ADT also stands behind its industry-leading six-month money back guarantee, which is one reason we found this brand trustworthy.
How ADT Performed
Having been around for a century and a half, ADT has had plenty of time to develop and refine its products and services. We remember looking at ADT about a decade ago when it still had the ADT Pulse system. It was a marvel at the time, able to protect your home and make it smart through automation. Eventually, though, other companies caught up, and with rising industry standards, ADT had to make changes to stay on top.
Replacing the ADT Pulse system, the company launched the ADT Control, the system we tested for this review. In many ways, it’s similar to the older product. It still offers conventional protection through security sensors and monitoring, it retained its smart home capabilities, and it still had access to ADT security camera offerings. At the same time, the ADT Control is a huge upgrade to the ADT Pulse system, particularly in the user-experience department.
The ADT Control system we tested offered multiple convenient ways to manage our home security, from the touchscreen control panel that comes standard with the system and the free-to-use ADT control app. There was even a smartwatch app for our Apple Watches and voice control through Google and Amazon smart speakers and displays.
That last one was our favorite. We own several smart speakers and displays from both Amazon and Google Nest, and with ADT’s integration with Alexa and the Google Assistant, we were able to fully control our home security with just our voices. In some ways, it made us feel as though we time traveled to the future.
Another aspect we liked about ADT products was their durability. Most pieces of equipment were made of hardened plastic that remained durable throughout the months we had them installed.
Lastly, we liked how inclusive ADT’s technology is. Anyone from your tech savvy son to your elderly grandparent should be able to operate an ADT home security system with ease. If you keep reading below, we’ll relay our first-hand experience with each device we tested and you’ll see how easy they made home security.
FYI: ADT is making strides not just in the home security space but also in the commercial security market. ADT just launched Everon, a revamp of ADT Commercial’s customer engagement platform to provide business security customers easy and convenient access to their systems. This type of innovation is one of the reasons that ADT is also one of the best business security systems.
Video Review of ADT
Do you prefer seeing and listening to reading? Watch our video review of ADT, which will show you the system and cameras in action.
Our video reviews let you see the footage from ADT’s cameras, day and night. Ready to build your dream security system? Get started here.
Components of the ADT Security System
Everything above should give you a nice overview of ADT, but with home security systems, you have to look under the hood, so to speak, to see how they perform. To start, we assessed every single component that came with our system, which included the following:
- Digital panel
- Contact sensors
- Motion sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Keychain remotes
- Emergency buttons
- Video doorbells
- Outdoor cameras
- Indoor cameras
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Flood sensors
That’s quite a list, but trust us, you’ll want to read our experiences with each one of them.
Digital Panel

The digital panel was our control center. Essentially, it let us control ADT’s arming modes — we could either disarm, arm away, or arm stay.
- Disarm: This mode, which we used whenever we were home and actively moving around, disarms all motion sensors so our movement wouldn’t trigger a call to the monitoring center. The environment sensors (smoke alarms, flood sensors, etc.) remain active to alert us of a safety hazard.
- Arm stay: This is a customizable mode designed for when the user is home but wants to keep some security sensors armed. We set our security system to this mode at night before we go to bed, and we configured it to keep our front door entry sensor and first-floor window sensors armed, but our indoor motion sensors disarmed to prevent alerts when we go for a midnight snack.
- Arm away: As the name implies, this mode is for when the user is away, which was exactly how we used it. Essentially, it turns on all sensors (including motion sensors) so the system is at the ready to report anything unusual, from movements indoors to smoke or flooding.
That was the primary use of the control panel, but it was also responsible for controlling and creating automations through the smart home devices we integrated. Now, this is a two-parter.
First, we were able to control the devices manually, like turning on smart lights or setting the thermostat. Of course, we already had apps for those, so we only ever used the control panel for that purpose when we’re already near it. We didn’t like walking to it (it’s in our hallway near the front door) just to control our smart devices.
Now, the second smart home function was more useful, at least to us. Through it, we were able to create automations and schedules that controlled our smart devices autonomously and automatically. The process was one-and-done. For example, we set the thermostat to go to energy-saving mode whenever we leave, indicated by the system’s “arm away” status. We also set our lights to turn on at exactly 6 p.m. After configuring those automations, they ran without any further input from us.
Features aside, the digital panel’s design also stands out. It’s a literal tablet that is less than an inch thick. It’s thicker than an iPad, of course, but as far as control panels go, it’s sleek. Its exact dimensions are 7.68 x 4.76 x 0.71 inches. It’s also not hardwired. It comes with a power cable that plugs into a wall outlet, and since it has battery backup, it is technically portable. At times, we took it with us to bed, keeping it on the nightstand overnight for easy access to our security system. We still highly recommend plugging it in, though, as you don’t want it to run out of juice.
Contact Sensors

We placed the contact sensors on doors, windows and their respective frames so that we were notified whenever they were opened or closed. Because they are wireless, the sensors were easy to install and test out. Plus, we appreciated the fact that ADT had a bunch of contact sensor options in terms of installation and size. There are the regular ones pictured above, smaller ones if you want something more discreet, and recessed door types, which are completely inconspicuous. Recessed door sensors bore right into your door frame, making it practically invisible. We have one for our sliding glass door.
Expert Advice: Put contact sensors on any windows on the ground level of your home.
Keychain Remote
Aside from advanced control options (app, touchscreen panel, voice, etc.), ADT supports more traditional ways to control the system. One example we tested was the keychain remote, which we recommend for households with members not comfortable using smartphones or a touchscreen panel. The keychain also proved to be a much simpler way to arm and disarm ADT.
There’s nothing fancy about the keychain remote — it looks like a remote car key with a button for arming and another one for disarming ADT. It came in handy, however, whenever we had to disarm the system while carrying bags of groceries or whenever our hands were full on the way out. We loved that it was light and that it attached right to our keychain.
The keychain remote is also good for emergencies. It has a panic button that, when pressed within the touchscreen panel’s range, calls ADT’s monitoring center for help. We haven’t had the chance to use the feature in a real emergency, but we thought it would be useful for household members with medical conditions as well.
Motion Detector

Motion detectors are staples of home security systems. They detect movement using passive Infrared, which means they only trigger when the moving subject emits body heat such as humans or pets. The motion sensor from ADT has a 35 by 40 feet detection range, which was more than enough for our living room.
If you have pets, we confirmed with the technician that the sensor can be adjusted to make it pet-friendly, meaning, pets’ movements won’t trigger it. They showed us a toggle switch at the back of the sensor that, when switched to pet-friendly mode, adjusts the sensor’s sensitivity so pets no longer trigger it but humans still do.
Glass Break Sensors

Although it may seem redundant with the motion and entry sensors, some intruders will break in by smashing glass, and for those instances, there’s a glass break sensor, which has a 25-foot range. We adjusted the sensors’ sensitivity, as we tend to be a bit clumsy with glasses, to the lowest sensitivity out of four options. Like the motion detector, the glass break sensors are wireless with a five-year battery life and tamper protection, which was confirmed in our testing.
Emergency Button

The emergency button, otherwise known as a panic button, gave us quick and easy access to emergency services. Thankfully, we didn’t have to use it, but if you or someone you live with is prone to medical emergencies, this button can come really handy.
Through the control panel, you can set up which emergency services the two buttons will connect you to. You can contact the police, fire department, and medical responders. Since no one living in our house has a serious medical condition, we opted to set the buttons to call the police and fire department.
We like the simplicity of the emergency button. You can clip it to your clothes, wear it as a necklace, or put it on a wristband. Those wearing options make it so that the button is easy to access wherever you may be within the house. Of course, you can also keep it on your night stand in case of a late-night robbery. In fact, that’s where we kept the button most of the time. One nifty feature of the panic button is the recessed button itself. Thanks to this, it’s not prone to accidental “butt dials” and false alarms.
ADT Video Doorbell Camera
ADT offers two options for video doorbells. We love video doorbells in general because they let us answer our doors from anywhere, but ADT’s first option, the ADT-branded video doorbell, wasn’t a big hit in our home. It features a 720p HD camera, not as clear as our preferred 1080p HD like that of the Ring Video Doorbells. However, as far as the field of view went, it was 180 degrees, giving us the widest possible picture of our front yard. We were also impressed with the camera’s infrared night vision and two-way audio, which actually reduced the amount of background noise we heard compared to similar models.
Another downside was that the doorbell requires hardwiring. It wasn’t the process itself that we didn’t like because ADT sent professional technicians for the installation; rather, it’s that it requires that your home has an 8-24 VAC doorbell setup. If you don’t have that kind of setup, you’re better off with the second doorbell option.
ADT Video Doorbell vs. Google Nest Doorbell
Features | ADT Video Doorbell | Google Nest Doorbell |
---|---|---|
Resolution | 720p | 1080p with HDR |
Viewing angle | 180 degrees | 145 degrees |
Night vision | Infrared | Infrared |
Operating temperature range | -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit | -4 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit |
Wireless connectivity | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi |
Power | 8-24 VAC | Wired or battery |
ADT’s second option is the Google Nest Doorbell, which comes in wired and wireless (battery-powered) options. ADT has a standing partnership with Google, so some Google Nest cameras work with ADT systems.
The Nest Doorbell features a 1080p camera with HDR (fights glary and shadowy pictures), has person and facial detection, can detect packages dropped on your porch, and has a ton of security features built-in. It’s actually one of the best doorbell cameras in the market right now, which is fitting for ADT, one of the premier home security systems.
Between the two options from ADT, we recommend getting the Google Nest Doorbells. And sometimes, with ADT deals, you can get one for free or at a highly discounted price.
ADT Outdoor Security Camera

Of course, having a camera at our front door wasn’t enough. For us, we also wanted to get an outdoor camera for our backyard. ADT’s outdoor camera features an impressive line of technology. For starters, it has a 1080p HD resolution (much better than the ADT doorbell and the older outdoor camera they used to offer). It also sports a wider camera lens – 130 degrees, to be exact – which is just right for our yard (and maybe yours, too, unless you have a wide front yard).
The camera also includes person detection, which it uses to deliver insightful alerts. It doesn’t just tell you when motion is detected in your yard, it also tells you if it’s a person, pet, or vehicle. We found this feature reliable, and thanks to it, we didn’t have to check our camera footage all the time. After all, there’s a neighbor’s dog that likes sniffing around our yard, so we only really want to know if there’s a person walking to our door or a vehicle pulling up.
Of course, since it’s an outdoor camera, the ADT Outdoor Camera has to be rugged. As long as you don’t submerge it in water, it should be fine. The device has IP 66 protection (dust tight and water tight), it works in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and its mounting stand is secured to a surface through screws.
Reading those descriptions alone might conjure up an image of a large and bulky outdoor camera, but in reality, the ADT outdoor camera is compact. It measures just 3.15 by 4.6 inches, and it has a thickness of about 1.5 inches. It didn’t look out of place at all when we installed it on a wall facing the street.
ADT Indoor Security Camera
Finally, there’s the indoor camera. The indoor camera actually looks exactly like the outdoor camera; bonus points for uniformity. However, its features are slightly different. It has the same 1080p HD resolution, but it has a wider, 140-degree field of view. It’s also not weatherproof and it only works if the temperature is between 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
One feature we really appreciated was the Zones. With it, we got to limit the motion detection range of the camera to only the area where monitoring was necessary. We set it up in our living room, facing the TV. Without the Zones feature, we would have been bombarded with alerts anytime we were watching TV. But since we set up the motion detection range to exclude the couch and TV from the detection range, we didn’t have that problem.
Third-Party Security Camera Options
Besides its own equipment, ADT entered a partnership with Google Nest to integrate Nest Cams into the ADT system. We’ve mentioned the Google Nest Doorbell above, but two more Nest cameras work with ADT, namely, the Nest Cam (battery) and Nest Cam (wired).
This was a good move, in our opinion, because it gives us options when it comes to cameras. ADT cameras are impressive, but since Google Nest is a tech company, it has more resources and time to create even better and more feature-rich products. Those are exactly what the Nest cameras are.
The Google Nest security cameras are on our list of the best security cameras because of their impressive video quality (1080p HD with HDR) and their artificial intelligence — but don’t fret, it’s not the type of AI that could potentially destroy us. The AI on the Google Nest Cams make it possible for them to detect people and recognize faces, which are certainly useful in home security.
ADT offers the Google Nest Cam (battery) and Nest Cam (wired), both of which offer similar features but with different setups. The former is an indoor/outdoor camera powered by batteries, while the other is a plug-in type indoor camera. Additionally, ADT offers the Google Nest Doorbell.
Smoke Detector

If a smoke detector goes off and no one is around to hear it, does it even matter? Well, if it’s a WiFi-connected smoke detector from ADT, then the answer is a resounding yes. To test this out, we burnt toast and can confirm that we, along with ADT’s monitoring team, received an alert.
We’re glad we did this test. Because of it, we discovered that ADT smoke alarms are interconnected, meaning, if one goes off, all the others installed in your home go off too. That’s a small but potentially life-saving feature. No matter where the fire started, everyone in the house will be made aware.
Carbon Monoxide Detector

While we couldn’t exactly test the carbon monoxide detector by producing a dangerous amount of CO, we can tell you that ADT’s version is tamper-protected, has an LED light and alarm, plus a hush button, which seems like it would definitely come in handy.
Flood Sensor
Finally, there was the flood sensor, which can detect water leaks before they turned into full-blown floods.
ADT also offers other smart home products like smart light bulbs, thermostat, plugs, and garage door controls, but since they’re only tangentially security-related, we didn’t test them out for this review.
Home Automation with ADT

Our ADT system worked with the Amazon smart home ecosystem, meaning we could tell Alexa2 to control it, including arming and disarming the systems and controlling smart lights, locks and thermostats. The same applied to the Google Nest smart home ecosystem and Google Assistant. Using our Nest Hub Max, we were able to control our ADT system with our voices. Unfortunately, if you’re using Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem for your smart home, it doesn’t work at all with ADT.
FYI: ADT works with Alexa and Google Assistant, but not with HomeKit, and by extension, Siri.
Now, aside from voice assistants, we were also able to set up our system with Internet of Things, or IoT devices from Kwikset, Liftmaster, and Sonos.3 And as detailed earlier, we used the ADT control panel to manage those devices. Besides the examples we gave above, we also had the smart locks open our doors when the smoke and CO alarms went off so we could quickly get out if necessary. This all occurred automatically, which was not only convenient but super safe.
Recently, ADT also started working closely with Google Nest, a smart home powerhouse that makes the Nest Cam Battery we reviewed as well as smart thermostats, smart doorbells, and smart smoke alarms. This partnership allowed us to integrate top-quality security and smart home products into our ADT system seamlessly.
All in all, we were satisfied with how ADT fit into our existing smart home, but it might not be the best choice for those already in the Apple HomeKit ecosystem. As far as Apple goes, the only security system we’ve reviewed that works with Siri is abode. Learn more in our abode review.
ADT Self Setup: A New Breed of ADT Security Systems
Besides the ADT system that we tested, ADT has launched a new security system under the ADT Self Setup brand, which is essentially a DIY equivalent of the professionally installed ADT security system.
The ADT Self Setup system offers the same types of components as the one we tested, from security sensors like motion and entry sensors to life safety sensors like smoke alarms and flood sensors.
The ADT Self Setup system supports security cameras and home automation as well, but instead of ADT products, it uses Google Nest products. Specifically, ADT offers the Nest Cam (battery), Nest Cam (wired), Nest Cam with floodlight, and the Google Nest Doorbell (battery). You can also get Google Nest smart speakers and displays.
Although the ADT Self Setup system is self-installed, it’s professionally monitored by ADT, which brings us to the next part of our review: ADT’s monitoring plans.
ADT’s Monitoring Plans
One thing you have to remember before buying an ADT system is that professional monitoring is and will likely always be a part of the deal. There are no options to self-monitor ADT security systems.
Professional monitoring means monthly fees, and ADT’s pricing ranges from $40 to $60 per month, although the exact number will differ based on your equipment and services.
Truth be told, those prices aren’t the lowest in the industry. If you’re looking to save money, there are companies that offer monitoring for as low as $19.99 per month (looking at you, SimpliSafe! Read more in our SimpliSafe review.) That said, ADT’s pricing isn’t half bad. It actually falls around the industry average, and it could make sense to go with ADT despite it seeming expensive if you’re looking for premium professional monitoring and cellular backup. Besides, there are ADT deals all throughout the year to help you offset the cost.
Also, if you want access to ADT’s monitoring network but don’t want to spend as much as an average ADT customer does, you could go with ADT Self Setup. Basic monitoring starts at $24.99 per month, but if you have Nest Cams in your system, an additional $10 per month fee will apply. The $10 fee enables video verification and gives you access to Nest Aware, Nest’s subscription service that unlocks cloud backup and smart features like Familiar Face Alerts. Learn more from our page all about Nest’s subscription and equipment pricing.
ADT’s monthly costs aren’t set in stone; rather, they’re dependent on the equipment & monitoring plan. Ready to get set up? Learn more.
Is ADT Monitoring Worth It?
Now we know how much the monitoring service costs, but is it worth it? That’s subjective to your budget and what you’re looking for in a monitoring service, but we can give you a couple of facts that might help you decide.
First, when we tested ADT’s monitoring service by triggering the alarm several times throughout our testing phase, it gave us a response time of more or less 30 seconds each time. That’s the industry average, and although there are faster systems out there, we consider 30 seconds to be the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to cancel the response call if it’s a false alarm, but not too long that it gives burglars a chance to take your stuff and bolt.
Second, ADT has nine fully-redundant monitoring centers. The significance of that is even if one facility fails to operate – for example, if there’s a natural calamity in its area – ADT’s monitoring will continue. These nine facilities are spread out throughout the country, and they are all linked together.
In our book, those are pretty good stats for ADT monitoring.
Our Installation Process with ADT
Since ADT is professionally installed (except for the ADT Self Setup system we discussed earlier), we didn’t have to lift a finger to get our security system up and running. Even better, now that ADT has partnered with Dish Network, we were able to get security and entertainment installed all at once.4 Of course, we did have to pay a negotiable installation fee just as we did for the rest of our equipment and services from ADT. That’s a bit annoying.

We discovered that, in the past, ADT’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals have included free video doorbell installation, but that didn’t help us at all when it came to a full-system installation. In the end, ADT is only a good choice for those that definitely want professional over DIY installation.
On the bright side, the ADT technician showed up on time, was professional, and was able to finish installation in more or less an hour. ADT told us in advance to set aside at least a two-hour window in case the technician runs late or the installation takes longer, but we didn’t expect the installation process to be that fast and efficient.
The ADT Control App (Formerly ADT Pulse)
ADT did require us to get professional monitoring, but we still had control over our system similar to self-monitored systems. A smartphone app served as our main point of access to the system. Now, you might notice that there are two ADT apps: ADT Pulse and ADT Control. When we first tested ADT, they had us use the ADT Pulse app.Later, they released the ADT Control app.
Those who started using ADT before the ADT Control app was released are supposed to use ADT Pulse. Meanwhile, new customers get access to the ADT Control app. However, the two apps have the same main functionalities, and besides a few aesthetic improvements, we didn’t notice any significant difference between the apps. Using both apps, we were able to arm our security system, create schedules and automation, control connected devices, receive notifications, and access live footage of our cameras. The only requirement was that we connect our smartphone to the internet.
We found the apps for iOS5 and Android6 really easy to use, and other ADT customers agreed with us, rating it with a 4.8 and 4.6, respectively. The ADT Pulse app was actually one of the least-buggy security apps we’ve reviewed, so this is a great feature of choosing ADT. As for the new app, its 4.8 star rating on the iOS and Android app stores indicates that it works just as well.
The ADT+ App
There’s a new ADT app in town, and it’s called the ADT+ App, which was first announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023.
This app allows users to set up, control, and monitor compatible smart home devices both from ADT and Google Nest. It’s also a key ingredient to the new ADT Self Setup system, which unlike traditional ADT systems, will let users install and set up their own home security equipment.
That’s just the beginning. ADT plans to integrate controls for third-party smart home products that use Matter, a royalty-free smart home standard. This will allow users to control compatible smart lights, smart thermostats, smart locks, and other smart home products using just the ADT+ app.

ADT’s Customer Support

ADT offers 24/7 phone support, email support, and live chat, in addition to their online help center7. But in our experience, we found that the quality of the support we received was hit-or-miss. Don’t get us wrong; ADT is far from the worst security system in the market. We received great service from ADT a lot of times, but also less-than-ideal service some of the time. So that’s something to keep in mind.
Speaking over the phone was really time-consuming and we found that most representatives didn’t know how many infrared sensors their indoor camera has, a seemingly simple question. Additionally, it was frustrating to not be told directly how much their products and services cost. However, we found the live chat feature to be superior over the phone line in terms of how quickly we got our answers.
Tip: If you need help with ADT, use live chat before you call them over the phone.
Find out if ADT can protect your home like other home security systems
We tested ADT and compared it side-by-side with other brands to give you the full picture.
Recap of the ADT Security System

ADT has a huge reputation to uphold, and as far as the actual system goes, we were pretty impressed, save for the indoor and outdoor cameras. But like we’ve said, ADT has already improved its camera lineup since we last tested it, which goes to show that ADT is evolving for the better. They even earned a spot on our best home security system list. When it came to easy functionality and a user-friendly app, the company impressed, but it’s not the most flexible around and therefore only good for some people and not others.
Who We’d Recommend ADT For…
- Someone who wants 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup: If you have $40 to $60 a month to spare for added security, ADT will work for you.
- Anyone okay with signing a long term contract: ADT may be a better choice for homeowners rather than renters.
- Someone who wants professional installation: If DIY installation isn’t for you, you’ll love having your ADT security system professionally installed, especially since ADT has partnered with Dish Network for installation services.
Who We Wouldn’t Recommend ADT For…
- Someone that wants to self-monitor: ADT’s 24/7 professional monitoring is among the most trustworthy in the smart security market, as the company has been around for over 140 years. However, if you don’t want professional monitoring, there’s no option to self-monitor only.
- Anyone on a budget: We think ADT’s cost reflects their quality; in other words, you pay for what you get. However, if you’re looking for the absolute lowest-cost home security system around, ADT may not make as much sense.
- A person that wants DIY installation: We loved ADT’s professional installation because it ensured that our system was installed correctly, plus, we didn’t mind sitting back and relaxing while someone else took on all the work. But if you don’t want to pay for professional installation, ADT may not be for you. Rather, check out the ADT Self Setup security system.
With over 140 years in business, ADT has proven itself to be a trusted home security provider. Find out how to build a package for your home.
ADT FAQs
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Why is ADT better than SimpliSafe?
ADT is better than SimpliSafe in terms of smart home security equipment and monitoring. All ADT plans include professional monitoring not just for security, but for other types of incidents like fire and carbon monoxide leaks as well. ADT also offers a wider range of products that includes home automation equipment like smart locks, smart lights, and smart thermostats. And lastly, ADT has been around much longer than SimpliSafe. In fact, it’s the oldest security company in the U.S. today.
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What is a good alternative to ADT?
ADT is one of the old guards of the home security industry, and over the years, many have tried to match its level of service. For instance, SimpliSafe and Frontpoint are more affordable alternatives if you want inexpensive equipment and monitoring with good quality service and products. Vivint is another possible alternative. Vivint is best if you’re into smart home automation, as that is the area where Vivint really excels. That said, ADT still stands as one of the best home security systems available.
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Is it better to have a wired or wireless home security system?
That depends. A wired system works for older homes with a landline and with existing home security wiring. On the other hand, a wireless system is better for more modern homes. The advantage of wired systems is that the monitoring fee is usually lower. Professional monitoring via landline usually costs under $30 per month. Wireless security systems, however, offer more features, which may include home automation, video monitoring, and remote smartphone control. Whichever you prefer, though, ADT has a security system for you.
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What is better, ADT or Vivint?
Both security systems have pros and cons. For instance, ADT has a more robust home security system and monitoring. You can fully customize your security system, enjoy modern features, and get a high level of customer service. Vivint, on the other hand, offers a stronger smart home security platform. Built around a touchscreen control panel and with home automation features built-in, Vivint is a solid option for smart home enthusiasts who also want to protect their homes.
Both ADT and Vivint are on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of price, and both require professional installation and monitoring. While it’s difficult to say which is better, we lean toward ADT as our top pick.
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What is the highest rated home security system?
With a score of 9.8 out of 10, ADT is currently the highest rated home security system in our book. ADT takes the top spot because of its competitive prices, high-quality equipment and monitoring service, hassle-free professional installation, and solid reputation as a home security company.
ADT. (2020). About ADT. adt.com/about-adt
Amazon. (2020). ADT Pulse App. amazon.com/ADT-LLC-Pulse/dp/B01NARHJWE
ADT. (2020). ADT Pulse Approved Devices. adt.com/pulse/approved-devices
ADT. (2021). ADT and DISH Network Partner to Bring Smart Home Security to More Customers.
news.adt.com/news-releases/news-release-details/adt-and-dish-network-partner-bring-smart-home-security-moreApple App Store. (2020). ADT Pulse App. apps.apple.com/us/app/adt-pulse/id355736423
Google Play. (2020). ADT Pulse App.
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adt.pulse&hl=en_USADT. (2020). ADT Help. adt.com/help