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Compare Xfinity vs. ADT Home Security Home Security Systems

What’s the difference between Xfinity Home Security and ADT Smart Home Security? See how our editors compare the two companies below.
Last Updated: October 11, 2024
Xfinity Home Security
3.0 / 5 - Average
#10 in Home Security Systems
ADT Smart Home Security
4.9 / 5 - Excellent
#2 in Home Security Systems
vs

Key Facts

  • 24/7 professional monitoring
  • Schedule a callback
  • Voice remote and smart home control
  • Smoke monitoring, remote thermostat control and live video monitoring available
  • Xfinity home app
  • Customize your system

🏅Best Monitoring & Equipment

Get ADT Security starting at $29.99*

  • Google Nest Cams¹, Doorbells, Sensors & more
  • A Leader in Home Security for 150 Years
  • 24/7 Monitoring & Video Surveillance
  • Possible Savings on Homeowner's Insurance²

Click here to get a free quote from ADT

² Some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance. Please consult your insurance company.


ADT is one of the biggest names in home security in the United States, and XFinity is owned by Comcast, one of the country’s largest cable providers. Though both companies are recognized as giants in their fields, this review will attempt to answer the question of whether XFinity’s ten years in home security can measure up to ADT’s near-century and a half of experience. 

If you’re considering becoming a customer of either XFinity or ADT, it’s important to make sure you do two things: get quotes from both, and do some comprehensive research. While asking your friends and neighbors who have systems from either company is a good place to start, we recommend you go a step further, and do some more in-depth sleuthing. Consumer review websites are always a good place to start, as well as with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and J.D. Power, the latter of which conducts a yearly study in home security customer satisfaction.

To help you make an informed decision between ADT vs XFinity, we’ve compared them across several factors, including their equipment offerings, monitoring services, contract and pricing models, technological integration, reputation, and financial strength. 

OVERALL RATINGS

  Xfinity ADT Home Security
Equipment 3.3/5 5.0/5
Monitoring Options and Technology 3.5/5 5.0/5
Value 0.0/5 5.0/5
Contract/Subscription Flexibility 2.8/5 4.5/5

Home Security Basics

  Xfinity ADT Home Security
Installation
Professional
Professional
Ability to Reallocate System
Wireless Sensors
Control Panel
Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm

When you’re looking for a home security company, or shopping around for any other sort of major home decision, it’s always a good idea to start by making a list of what exactly you’re looking for. Think about whether you want add-ons such as surveillance devices and home automation features, or if a basic, no-frills system is more in accordance with your style and budget. Are you moving soon? And if so, do you want to be able to take your system with you?

XFinity and ADT have very similar basic characteristics, though further on we will get into specifics that differentiate them. Both companies require professional installations rather than DIY, although both companies also make their systems fairly easy to relocate. ADT’s and XFinity’s systems both include a central panel, from which wireless devices are controlled. And finally, both companies also feature event triggered or silent alarms. 

However, ADT’s focus is mainly on functioning as a home security system company. For its part XFinity, as befits its primary nature as part of a cable TV conglomerate, bills itself as a one-stop shop where customers can bundle their home services together.


Sensor & Device Comparison

The type of sensor that a company uses, in combination with the array of available placement options, can not only make a company better suited to a consumer’s needs, but even make them safer in the long run. For instance, live surveillance and life safety devices such as panic buttons or medical alerts can be particularly useful for elderly or disabled family members. Live surveillance options can also be well suited to these users, as well as allow parents a greater degree of control and peace of mind over their children’s whereabouts. However, consumers should also be aware that the more devices they add to their system, odds are it will increase the overall cost. 

In comparing ADT vs XFinity’s device offerings, it’s automatically obvious that ADT has a much larger equipment range, including Crash & Smash protection, garage door sensors, and glass break protection—which XFinity doesn’t. Other devices that ADT offers and XFinity doesn’t is flooding monitors, doorbell cameras, panic buttons, and medical alerts. All in all, ADT provides considerably more equipment for very similar prices (more on that further on), with more advanced features, and the ability to control the system via mobile app.  

Intrusion Protection

Xfinity
vs
ADT Home Security
  • Door & Window Sensors
  • Motion Sensors
  • Recessed Door Sensors
  • Door & Window Sensors
  • Garage Door Sensors
  • Glass Break Protection
  • Motion Sensors
  • Recessed Door Sensors
  • Crash & Smash Protection

Environmental Protection

Xfinity
vs
ADT Home Security
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Temperature Change
  • Smoke
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Flood
  • Temperature Change
  • Smoke

Surveillance

Xfinity
vs
ADT Home Security
  • Indoor Cameras
  • Outdoor Cameras
  • Tilt & Pan Cameras
  • Live Surveillance
  • Event-triggered Surveillance
  • Indoor Cameras
  • Outdoor Cameras
  • Doorbell Cameras
  • Tilt & Pan Cameras
  • Live Surveillance
  • Event-triggered Surveillance
Xfinity
vs
ADT Home Security
  • Panic Button
  • Medical Alert

How do their monitoring services compare?

The way in which a home security company handles security threats or alarms is crucial to their customers’ level of satisfaction. After all, the majority of a user’s interactions with their company will probably be during the high-stress situations of emergency situations or false alarms, (other than their monthly payments). How well the company’s monitoring center personnel responds to the crisis goes a long way—staff should be professional and efficient, response times should be quick, and questions or complaints should ideally be handled promptly. 

Though many companies outsource their monitoring services, and this can be a great alternative for smaller companies, larger businesses tend to own their own centers. This means that the company’s professional imprint is guaranteed throughout the whole process. The best centers will usually have multiple backups and types of monitoring technology as failsafes, in case of a wide-scale emergency or power outage. In fact, it’s always a good idea to verify whether your security company has more than one center, precisely for this reason.

The differences between XFinity’s and ADT’s systems continue when we look at their monitoring services. ADT owns its 6 monitoring centers, which receive signals over cellular, broadband, or landlines. Aside from the basic 24/7 professional monitoring and police dispatch, ADT technicians can also dispatch fire department or medical personnel, and can even talk to customers via a 2-way intercom on the central control panel. In contrast, XFinity’s professional monitoring only offers police dispatch—and we couldn’t find information regarding its monitoring centers. 

  Xfinity ADT Home Security
Monitoring Options
Professional Monitoring
Professional Monitoring
Monitoring Technology
Cellular
Broadband
Cellular
Broadband
Landline
Professional Monitoring Services
24/7 Professional Monitoring
Police Dispatch
24/7 Professional Monitoring
2-Way Intercom
Police Dispatch
Fire Department Dispatch
Medical Dispatch

Pricing & Cost Comparison

Home security companies generally follow one of two types of business models. Either they don’t charge anything upfront, and fold an equipment charge into their monthly fees; or customers purchase the equipment outright, and then only pay for their monitoring services. The former option almost always requires that customers sign a 36-month contract, whereas the latter can be paid according to different schedules. Some companies which focus on DIY monitoring, allow users to only pay for professional monitoring at their convenience, with week-long or monthly plans. Others require a contract, but it’s usually at a shorter term than the industry’s standard 3 years. 

The large upfront fee of the second kind of business model can be discouraging to some consumers, who may not have that kind of available cash. On the other hand, it does eliminate the need for a monthly charge, or the often costly cancellation fee associated with the contract-type arrangement. Consumers should make a careful analysis of their budget in order to determine which type of security is more in line with their financial situation.

Both ADT and XFinity require a contract (two- and three-year terms, respectively), and monthly fees for monitoring begin around the same price point of $30, give or take. They also charge installation fees, although there may be promotional discounts that waive this fee, in the case of XFinity. Where XFinity really shines is in its ability to bundle several different services into one. Thanks to its parent company, Comcast, XFinity’s most comprehensive plan includes not just home security and monitoring, but also over 260 television channels, and download speeds of up to 250Mbps—all for $159.99 a month, for the first year, with a 24-month contract. ADT, on the other hand, focuses solely on home security and therefore its most expensive plan is much less, at just $58.99 a month. 

  Xfinity ADT Home Security
Monthly Fee (min)
$29.99
$29.99
Number of Available Packages
1
Equipment Starting Cost
$99.00
Contract Required
Minimum Contract Length
2 months
36 months
Cancellation Policy
The termination fee is $1,100 (minus $100 for every three months service was kept) for preferred accounts.
ADT's cancellation policy requires a minimum 36-month contract, with early termination fees applicable if you cancel before the end of the term. To cancel, you need to contact ADT customer service directly, either by phone or in writing, to initiate the cancellation process. ADT may also offer a six-month money-back guarantee if they are unable to resolve system-related issues within the first six months of service. Be sure to review your contract for specific terms and any potential charges associated with early termination. To cancel, customers must call by phone, at (800) ADT-ASAP or (800) 773-1391. Online cancellations are not available.
Warranty
lifetime
90 Days on Equipment + Labor; Extended Warranty w/ Subscription

Contract & Price Fine Print

Disclaimers: A 36-month monitoring contract is required (24 months in California). Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment, and services selected. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers are subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit is required. A security deposit may be required. **ADT Money-Back Guarantee: Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. Requires purchase and continual monthly payment of both QSP (Quality Service Plan, ADT’s extended limited warranty) and professional monitoring from the time of original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.

What technology integrations are available?

Home security companies are increasingly looking to integrate their systems with users’ computers and mobile devices, enabling consumers a far larger degree of control of their system, both while they’re in the home or out. Some companies go even further, incorporating appliances, thermostats, locks, and other features into the same system that controls the home’s security. 

While this may seem like just bells and whistles, or tech for tech’s sake, there are very real benefits these types of features can offer. For instance, a smart thermostat can regulate the temperature in your home automatically, and end up saving you money. Smart illumination can help make you safer, by allowing you to turn on the lights remotely when you’re coming home late at night. Or it can just be convenient, giving you the option of locking and unlocking your door from your phone when the housekeeper or houseguest needs to be let in. Whatever the reason, the fact of the matter is that more and more home security companies are incorporating this type of technology, though not all.

In the case of ADT vs XFinity, their technological offerings are fairly similar. Both companies have apps for iOS and Android, and can send email and text alerts to customers in case of a situation. The companies’ cameras can provide live surveillance for their customers, and both companies also have remote arm or disarm features accessible via app. However, ADT offers geo-location services as well, with a GPS systems connected to your smartphone which can detect when your device is within your home or its immediate environs. As soon as the system detects the phone entering or leaving the house, the settings activate automatically: regulating the temperature in the room, turning light off or on, or sending automatic reminders if you forgot to set the alarm. This functionality is available with the company’s smart-home Pulse upgrade but not with its more standard packages.

Likewise, XFinity also offer this type of functionality with its more premium plans, such as the X1 Starter Secure Triple Play, which includes home control. This can mean lighting control, thermostat control, electronic door locks, or event-triggered automation.

Mobile Access & Alerts

Xfinity
vs
ADT Home Security
  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Email & Text Alerts
  • Live Surveillance Feed
  • Remote Arm/Disarm
  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Email & Text Alerts
  • Live Surveillance Feed
  • Remote Arm/Disarm
  • Geo-location Services

Home Automation

Xfinity
vs
ADT Home Security
  • Lighting Control
  • Thermostat Control
  • Electronic Door Locks
  • Event-triggered Automation
  • Lighting Control
  • Thermostat Control
  • Appliance Control
  • Electronic Door Locks

How do their reputations compare?

A company’s reputation is comprised of many different elements, beyond just its reviews or financial strength. When judging this factor, consumers should think about existing clients’ testimonials regarding the whole purchase experience, from how well the company’s representatives answer questions or communicates important information, to whether complaints are handled promptly, attempting to satisfy the customer. This last point is particularly important, as it’s probably the most contentious interaction a customer will ever have with a company. 

ADT and XFinity both have very similar scores across organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot—and neither of these are particularly good, to be honest. If you look closely, you’ll find that XFinity’s number of total reviews is considerably higher than ADT’s, despite having been in business considerably less time. This I because XFinity’s BBB rating is combined with its parent company’s, Comcast. These number can therefore be quite misleading, as both positive and negative reviews may relate to completely different functions, such as internet service or cable TV. 

Another consideration has to do with certifications. Though these may seem superfluous, the industry-standard certifications of monitoring centers given by the Underwriter’s Laboratory, Factory Mutual, or the Electronic Security Association, can all be excellent indicators of the center’s track record and ability to correctly handle emergency situations. In this case, ADT prominently displays its certifications from various different organizations, while XFinity does not.

  Xfinity ADT Home Security
Trust Pilot Rating
3.9 out of 5
BBB Rating
B+
A+
Number of BBB Positive Reviews
1,016
Number of BBB Neutral Reviews
38
Number of BBB Negative Reviews
1,680
Date Collected
2018-08-06
2024-07-18
Year Founded
1963
1874
Xfinity
vs
ADT Home Security
  • Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)

Contact & Additional Information

  Xfinity ADT Home Security
Homepage URL
Company Phone
(877) 591-2503
(888) 238-2727
Headquarters Address
1701 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
1501 Yamato Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431

Final Verdict

ADT Smart Home Security has a higher overall rating than Xfinity Home Security. ADT Home Security scores better than Xfinity across: Equipment, Monitoring Options and Technology, Reputation, Technology Integration, Value, and Contract/Subscription Flexibility.


Customer Comments & Reviews

kroll246
5/5/2022
ADT Smart Home Security review
ADT is a extortionist. sent me to collections one week after I paid in full and then canceled my account. ADT extorted $25.13 when I called them up they said there was nothing they could do once it went to collections they told me to talk to the collection agency, they then told me I have to talk to ADT. I think ADT owns that collections agency cuz it has the worst rating on it internet. This is all because they bill you one month after you cancel your account for some reason they have the right to bill you 30 days after you cancel your account. that's like making an extra car payment once you've paid it off it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I told him you might as well bill people for six months after they cancel, that way you can make more money. this company is a joke. whatever you do don't get anything from them.Please tell 10 people this story and have them tell 10 more people maybe we can put these extortionist out of business


A
Alex
8/19/2021
ADT Smart Home Security review
We got new windows and the window people ripped out our ADT devices. We consulted ADT about getting new equipment and they quoted us something like $2,000 for the whole house (granted this is a large house). Then we ended up going with another security monitoring company. I had to call ADT to cancel the service and they literally kept me on the phone for 15 minutes tying to get me to stay. Needless to say it was a very annoying experience.


C
Cheri M
2/3/2015
ADT Smart Home Security review
Love it!


R
Regina N
1/25/2015
ADT Smart Home Security review
I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE, GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EFFECTIVE RESPONSE. SAVED MY MUM LIFE SO I RECOMMEND IT