We give ADT four stars because its reputation and experience make it one of the most trusted names in the industry. Add in the company's six 24/7 monitoring centers—more than most home security brands—and it's no surprise ADT is a household name.
ADT Home Security Review 2024
We tested ADT, talked to reps, and visited a technician training center to review this security mainstay.
Info current as of publish date.
*Landline monitoring only. Some restrictions apply. See full disclaimer.
Compare ADT costs
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full ADT disclaimer.
What makes each ADT plan different?
ADT monitored plans are customized and differ from tier to tier, each sweetening the deal with new features or equipment options. One of the best things about ADT's plans is that you don't have to fork over a bunch of money for equipment on top of the monthly fee—equipment is included as part of your monitoring contract. Here's the breakdown on plans:
Entry-level plans include basic home security equipment and standard landline monitoring. If you don't need all the technical bells and whistles, this plan will save you money and keep your home protected. You still get 24/7 professional monitoring and the expertise that comes with keeping people safe for a century and a half.
Low-tier plans bump up the service with a cellular connection and mobile app access. This keeps your system online no matter what, with no wires that could be cut or damaged. If you live in a rural area or want to protect a vacation home in the country, this is an affordable option that comes with extra convenience.
Mid-tier plans add live video on Google Nest cameras to the mix. You'll pay about $7 more per month, but you'll have the extra reassurance of seeing what's happening at your home. This is especially important if you live in an area where emergency services require video verification to respond to home security alarms.
High-tier plans give you absolutely everything you could ever want or need in a security system: top-tier equipment, 24/7 monitoring, remote access, smart home control, and live video surveillance. This is the ultimate home security level and is great for those who love technology, want smart home convenience, and have larger homes or property to protect.
Every ADT package includes the essential components you need in a system, but you can add extra devices too:
- Control panel, motion detector, three entryway contact sensors: included in every plan
- Smart lock: an option in plans with home automation integration.
- Google Nest Doorbell (battery) and Google Nest Cam (indoor or outdoor, wired or battery): you can select the Nest Cam that best meets your security needs.
- Google Nest Thermostat: a smart home option available with multiple plans.
ADT costs less than a potential break-in
ADT's monthly fee includes your equipment costs over the course of a 36-month contract, you'll still pay less than what you'd lose if you had a break-in. ADT's most expensive plan comes out to about $2,300 over three years—the average loss from a burglary is around $2,700.
Is it worth it to get ADT?
ADT is worth it if you want the reassurance and experience that comes with 147 years in business. That experience doesn't mean it's living in the past though—the security company offers modern video options and smart home integrations that work with your system to make your life safer and more convenient. And it's all backed by the support of nine monitoring centers.
If that sounds like a good value for the monthly cost and it's something you can afford, ADT can absolutely be worth it.
If you're looking for tried-and-true home security monitoring and want the pros to handle installation, ADT is worth it. You'll pay more for setup and monitoring, but you won't have to lift a finger after making the initial phone call.
ADT's six monitoring centers
Where ADT beats nearly every other security company hands-down is its professional monitoring centers. ADT operates its own centers that alert the police or other emergency responders, and it has six monitoring stations.
This matters to you for two big reasons—well-trained operators and monitoring support redundancy.
ADT trains all of its operators and has total control over how your call for help is handled. And with six monitoring centers, you'll never be stranded without help when you need it.
If one center goes offline for any reason (think hurricanes, the polar vortex, etc.), monitoring will be automatically transferred to another center that's still up and running.
ADT tech and equipment
What’s included in all ADT packages?
All ADT equipment packages are professionally installed by trained technicians and come with a starter kit to lower up-front costs.
The starter kit includes:*
- Control panel
- Three contact sensors for doors or windows
- Motion detector
- Yard sign and window decals (after all, ADT is the most well-known name in home security among homeowners and burglars! You need to show it off.)
*With installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies.
Control panel
You'll get the most out of the ADT touchscreen panel with a cellular connection and a mobile app. In an emergency, the panel will connect you with an ADT monitoring center, and you can speak directly with someone through the panel.
It also connects with smart devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant so you can control it with your voice to arm, disarm, or make adjustments in the sensors or your smart equipment.
The ADT touchscreen panel is multi-lingual and has 12 hours of battery backup that kick in when the power goes out, keeping your home safe during storms or other power outages.
Video
ADT is the only home security company to offer video monitoring with Google Nest security cameras. The cameras shoot in 1080p HD video, and you can watch your home live or check recordings in the backlog (if you also subscribe to Nest Aware).
When the system's sensors or cameras detect motion, you'll get a notification so you can tune in and see what the camera sees. This way you can tell if it's just your pooch prowling around the house or a real emergency.
Google Nest is a trademark of Google LLC. See full disclaimers.
ADT Command touchscreen panel
Window and door sensor
Motion sensor
ADT smart home features
Smart home compatibility
Voice control with Google Assistant
In addition to using the Google Home app to control your system, you can tell your ADT home security system what to do when you add voice control with Google Assistant.
ADT teamed up with Google to offer ADT customers Google Nest† products and greater integration. You can now purchase Google Nest products through ADT and have them installed by a technician. Here's how you can use them:
- Google Nest Mini (2nd gen): Control your system and connected devices with your voice by saying "Hey Google." You can arm your alarm, lock and unlock doors, turn lights on and off, set your thermostat, and make routines.
- Google Nest Hub (2nd gen): Do everything the Nest Mini does plus control your system through the hub's touchscreen.
- Google Nest Hub Max: Everything above plus you can view your camera feeds through the device—handy when you want to see who's at the door but have your hands full or for people without ADT security app access (like babysitters or kids).
If voice control sounds good to you, be sure you pick the right monitoring plan tier to use smart home devices and voice commands.
Google Nest is a trademark of Google LLC. See full disclaimers.
ADT and Z-Wave
ADT uses Z-Wave technology in all its smart security equipment. That means your ADT system can integrate with third-party smart home devices like a smart plug.
And ADT makes it really simple by offering compatible smart home devices along with its security equipment—so you can get all your smart security shopping done at once.
ADT installation
Pro installation
All ADT alarm systems come with professional installation by an authorized dealer, which means you don't have to worry about the best place to install the control panel, window sensors, and other equipment. Your professionally-trained installer already knows the best way to protect your space.
Note that ADT's expert installation comes with a fee —and that has to be paid up front. But at $99 or $199, that's still less than you'd pay for most DIY equipment.
Before you balk at an extra fee, remember that we're talking about a high-end alarm system that you're counting on to protect your home and family. When the stakes are that high, the time (and financial) commitment for a pro install is definitely justified.
Free risk assessment
The real cherry on top with an ADT installation is the comprehensive risk assessment.
Every installation includes a whole-home risk assessment that identifies the best security solutions for your home.
Security advisers evaluate both the inside and outside of your home so they can make recommendations that address all of your home's security vulnerabilities.
And they're not supposed to recommend extra devices if you don't need them—but they are obligated to point out all potential security risks so you can make the most informed decision.
We suggest being prepared in advance for a bit of a sales presentation along with the risk assessment. Just make sure you know what your budget is and stick to it.
ADT contracts and warranties
ADT is a bit old-fashioned when it comes to requiring a contract. ADT's standard contract is a 36-month commitment. The company's contract-only approach can make ADT a no-go for renters and others who may need to move within a year.
Is there a fee to cancel ADT?
No. ADT's full-service home security systems require a subscription that provides 24/7 professional monitoring plus your equipment costs, extended warranties (as applicable), and all extra features you want like smart home control and video. If you like ADT's reputation but aren't sure about a contract, check out ADT Self Setup. This is a DIY option that comes with all the convenience of a boxed security system plus ADT's 147 years of home security experience.
Does ADT work without subscription?
If you like ADT's reputation and are a renter, check out ADT Self Setup. This is a DIY option that comes with all the convenience of a boxed security system plus ADT's 147 years of home security experience without a contract.
ADT's customer-first guarantees
We've always been fans of guarantees that put customers first, and ADT has two that stand out.
The Mover's Package Guarantee makes it affordable for you to take your ADT system with you if you move after being a customer for 24 months.
The 6-Month Service Guarantee offers you a full refund of all service fees paid if something goes wrong (and they can't make it right) within the first 180 days of your contract.
Quality service plan
All of the ADT plans we reviewed (except the entry-level plan) come with the Quality Service Plan (QSP) at no extra charge.
This is basically the company's extended warranty. With the QSP, you don't have to worry about extra costs for service calls or paying to replace broken equipment.
Depending on the ADT authorized dealer where you purchased your ADT equipment, there may be extra monthly fees charged for the QSP.
There's no denying that 150 years of experience and the trust of more than 6 million customers is a solid endorsement of ADT's home security systems.
But quality equipment and stellar monitoring services can be overshadowed by mishandling from third-party dealers. There are a few things you can count on from ADT's customer service:
- Calls that are answered quickly
- Short hold times
- 24/7 customer service hours
- Same-day installation in most areas for no added cost
What does ADT stand for?
As familiar as the blue octagon is, just what does the name mean? ADT was originally an abbreviation for American District Telegraph. When the company started more than 140 years ago, it used the snazzy new tech of the telegraph to connect homes and alert the first ADT office that something was wrong.1
These days, it's no longer an acronym—it just means ADT.
FAQ
ADT's installation fee is either $99 or $199, depending on the monitoring plan tier you select, so ask specifically about it when requesting a system quote..
ADT started the home security business in the United States. In 1874, American District Telegraph connected homes in a Baltimore neighborhood, and ADT has been in operation since, according to the brand.
A cellular failure alert on our ADT control panel means that the panel (your system’s brain) couldn’t send a signal to an ADT monitoring center (the people who contact emergency dispatch for you). You’ll want to resolve the issue so you arm your system feeling confident that it’s connected to help.
Potential causes of an ADT cellular failure alert
- A power outage in your area could have interrupted service.
- Your panel’s backup battery could have been drained after a prolonged power outage (backup batteries are designed to last 24 hours).
- The wiring could be loose or damaged from construction, pests, or other causes.
Potential solutions
- Perform an ADT cellular failure reset by turning the control panel off and back on again.
- Check your system’s user manual to identify the issue. You can find system info on your ADT account.
- Call ADT if you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own or if you suspect wiring is the issue.
ADT offers wireless home security equipment that makes it easy for renters because wireless security doesn’t require you to drill into walls.
The best way to set up security if you’re renting is to schedule an in-person consultation where an ADT representative can assess your needs and propose a package designed specifically for your space.
But be aware that ADT’s control panel is usually wired into the wall. And its contracts are a minimum of three years, so you'll need to stick around your current place if you don't want to deal with cancellation fees.
If either of those reasons are deal-breakers, you might want to look at other options like SimpliSafe, the DIY ADT Self Setup system, or Link Interactive that are basically peel-and-stick.
ADT operates its own monitoring centers. Its six monitoring centers means you get the benefit of "redundant monitoring."
Redundant monitoring means that if one center goes down due to a power outage or an extreme weather event, the homes monitored by that center are automatically transferred to another center.
This means you’ll always have the protection of 24/7 monitoring with ADT, even if something happens to take a monitoring center offline.
ADT requires a 24-, 36-, or 60-month contract, and they do charge early termination fees if you cancel your service before the end of your term.
If you drop ADT in the middle of your contract, you’ll owe the company up to 75% of the remaining balance of your contract.
ADT leases its equipment, but the company doesn’t require customers to return equipment at the end of a contract.
The price of equipment is included in your monthly payment; however, ADT is known to offer special deals that may eliminate the equipment cost when you sign a monitoring contract.
Talk to a representative to find out what deals are available when you set up your ADT home security system.
How we reviewed ADT
To review of ADT, we dug into the company's history, reputation, pricing, equipment, customer service, and smart home capabilities.
To evaluate each of these areas, our team did the following:
- Conducted hands-on testing
- Met with ADT for demonstrations and to ask questions
- Visited an ADT technician training center
- Talked to current and past ADT customers
- Read hundreds of customer and expert reviews
Learn more about how we review and rank security brands and products in our full methodology.
