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ADT Home Security Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.9 / 5 (Excellent)
249 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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ADT is a leading provider of security, automation, and smart home solutions serving consumer and business customers through more than 300 locations, 9 monitoring centers, and the largest network of security professionals in the United States. The company offers many ways to help protect customers by delivering lifestyle-driven solutions via professionally installed, do-it-yourself, mobile, and digital-based offerings for residential, small business, and larger commercial customers. ADT is located in Boca Raton, Florida. For this review, we will be focusing exclusively on ADT's professionally installed residential home security systems.

How is ADT Home Security rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Equipment
5.0/5
Monitoring Options and Technology
5.0/5
Value
4.5/5
Contract Flexibility

Overall Rating: 4.9 / 5 (Excellent)

With over 140 years of experience protecting properties in the United States, ADT is one of the most popular and dependable security providers in the nation, covering both homes and businesses. When you sign up for ADT service, equipment and installation are provided by one of ADT's professional installers. ADT provides ongoing monitoring services once your system is up and running. The company offers a combination of high-quality equipment, top-notch monitoring, and a wide range of customizable options that should meet the needs of any home.

Installation prices and fees vary based on package choice and upgrades. Other fees may apply for options and upgrades. ADT requires a 36-month minimum contract with applicable fees for early cancellation.

How does ADT Home Security work?

Equipment - 5 / 5

ADT scores high by providing professional installation and top-quality, relocatable products. Equipment is customizable to fit your needs and the layout of your home. A professional installer will visit your property to discuss security options, complete an assessment, and customize a security plan that works best for your house. Once the installation is complete, the installer will instruct the customer on how to use the system. Depending on the option you choose, security systems may include an event-triggered alarm, live surveillance, an assortment of indoor and outdoor cameras, motion sensors, door and window sensors, recessed door sensors, glass break protection, and crash-and-smash protection for their control panel. You can also opt for environmental protection, such as carbon monoxide, flood, temperature change and smoke sensors, as well as a panic button and an emergency alert button. New for 2022, ADT security systems feature the Google Nest doorbell. The highly-rated device features HD video and two-way audio. It can also tell the difference between people, packages, animals, and vehicles. Not too concerned about the neighbor's cat hanging out on your porch? You can customize the Google Nest doorbell to only alert you to the events that matter most to you.
Installation
Professional
Equipment Manufacturer
Honeywell, GE, DSC
Wireless Sensors
Control Panel
Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm

Security Monitors, Sensors, & Devices

Intrusion Protection

  • Door & Window Sensors
  • Garage Door Sensors
  • Glass Break Protection
  • Motion Sensors
  • Recessed Door Sensors
  • Crash & Smash Protection

Environmental Protection

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Flood
  • Temperature Change
  • Smoke

Surveillance

  • Indoor Cameras
  • Outdoor Cameras
  • Doorbell Cameras
  • Tilt & Pan Cameras
  • Live Surveillance
  • Event-triggered Surveillance

Life Safety

  • Panic Button
  • Medical Alert

Monitoring

Monitoring Options and Technology - 5 / 5

ADT offers unparalleled 24/7 cellular, broadband, and landline professional monitoring from nine different monitoring centers located across the country. Physical equipment includes emergency service notification options. Their equipment comes with a 2-way intercom that allows you to contact one of their fast responders anytime you need assistance.
Monitoring Options
Professional Monitoring
Monitoring Technology
Cellular
Broadband
Landline
Number of Monitoring Centers
9
Monitoring Center Type
Owned
Professional Monitoring Services
24/7 Professional Monitoring
2-Way Intercom
Police Dispatch
Fire Department Dispatch
Medical Dispatch

How much does ADT Home Security cost?

Contract Flexibility - 4.5 / 5

ADT offers five security system service plans to choose from: Basic ($28.99/month), Secure (45.99/month), Smart (49.99/month), Video ($56.99/month), and Complete ($59.99/month). Plans require a 36-month minimum contract. Additionally, in the event of early contract termination, ADT may require the client to pay 75% of the monthly charges due for the balance of the first 36-months. The company does offer a 6-month money-back guarantee and a limited warranty for their products (restrictions apply), but overall, ADT seeks a long-term commitment from the customer.

To help protect customers against the cost of unexpected service calls, ADT offers extended limited warranty protection, called their Quality Service Plan, or QSP. While ADT's electronic technology is designed to meet the highest standards, no manufactured equipment is 100% perfect. QSP adds additional coverage some customers might prefer.
Monthly Fee (min)
$28.99
Number of Available Packages
5
Contract Required
Minimum Contract Length
36 months
Cancellation Policy
To cancel, customers must call by phone, at (800) ADT-ASAP or (800) 773-1391. Online cancellations are not available.
Warranty
Limited Warranty

Contract & Price Fine Print

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. System remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required.

Technology Integrations

Technology Integration - 5 / 5

ADT offers a wide range of smart home integration options. Systems may be integrated with compatible lighting, door locks, and smart plugs with control via Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Depending on the security system selected, homeowners can monitor activities at their home with features like email and text alerts, live surveillance, and remote arm/disarm. These functions can be accessed through their iPhone and Android apps.

Compatibility

Google Assistant
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
IFTTT
Z-Wave
ZigBee
Z-Wave Plus

Mobile Access & Alerts

  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Email & Text Alerts
  • Live Surveillance Feed
  • Remote Arm/Disarm
  • Geo-location Services

Home Automation

  • Lighting Control
  • Thermostat Control
  • Appliance Control
  • Electronic Door Locks

ADT Home Security Reputation

Reputation - 5 / 5

ADT cares about providing homeowners with valuable security information. They offer educational resources on automation, home security, and health on their site. The company is certified by Underwriter's Laboratory.
BBB Rating
A+
Year Founded
1874

Certifications & Associations

  • Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)

ADT Home Security Summary

In Conclusion

ADT has invested in upgrading to the latest wireless technology to help protect your home and keep the installation process as streamlined as possible. Like many newer systems, ADT wireless security systems rely on radio waves to connect your home’s cameras and sensors to the control panel.

In addition, ADT operates six monitoring centers. In the event that your assigned monitoring center goes offline, a security breach or call for help from your home will be automatically rerouted to the next available center.

The ADT Essentials plan for basic digital monitoring service has a limited warranty on parts and labor, something that other competitors do not offer. If you want additional protection, the Essentials Plus package includes 2-way voice monitoring. Like all plans, this one includes monitoring for police, fire, and medical emergencies. However, both plans require customers to have access to their own landline phone.

Customers who do not have landlines can opt for the ADT Secure plan. This plan includes monitoring for police, fire, and medical emergencies and add the peace of mind that comes from knowing that an intruder cannot cut your home’s landline. There is an ADT protection plan for all budgets and needs.

ADT Home Security systems are very user-friendly, and during installation, the technician will show you how to use the equipment. There is technical support available to answer any questions customers have about the equipment. ADT offers professional installation, several monthly plans with competitive rates, and allows users to choose between wireless and hardwired systems. Keep in mind, though, that customers must sign a three-year agreement for all ADT security monitoring plans.

$100 Visa Reward Card Offer

ADT is offering a free $100 VISA Reward card to new customers who sign a 36-month contract with the company.*

* $100 VISA® Reward Card: AT&T $100 Visa Reward Card: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $28.99. (24-month monitoring contract in California total fees from $695.76)and enrollment in EasyPay. Requires minimum purchase price of $449. One (1) Visa Reward Card valued at $100 is redeemable seven days after the system is installed, wherein an email is sent to the customer’s email address associated with their account with a promo code. The customer must validate the promo code on the website in the email and a physical card will be sent in the mail. Installation must occur within 60 days of offer expiration date to receive a card. Applicable to new and resale sales types only. Card is issued by MetaBank®, NA, member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash assets or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Company Phone
(888) 238-2727
Headquarters Address
1501 Yamato Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431
Mailing Address
1501 Yamato Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431

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Customer Comments

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Amy
8/20/2019
I recently sold a home that I had a three year contract for an ADT security system. I read the contract word for word and on page 5, section 2 it clearly states that you may cancel your contract at any time and pay 75% of the remaining monitoring fees on your contract. I called a week ago to cancel the service and had the exact amount of the remaining 75%. After being on hold for over 40 minutes, the rep told me whe didn't have a copy of my contract. She informed me that I would have to give 30 days notice and then allow another 2 weeks for them to send me my final invoice for service. She could not tell me where in the contract that these parameters were stated. I then informed her... Read More
1 People found this helpful.


Rob C
7/24/2019
To Whom It May Concern, Please do not use ADT or their authorized dealer, Defenders, dba, Protect Your Home. I purchased fire detection from them that proved faulty because it did not notify me of the fire before my home was already engulfed in flames and burning down with my 3 dogs inside. Thankfully, I arrived home and was able to rescue my dogs. I was then informed that despite my home burning down I could not suspend or cancel my agreement and would thus have to pay out the remainder of the 36 month term with ADT/Protect Your Home which came out to over $1,000.00. Considering their faulty monitoring as well as equipment, I was more than willing to pay the $1,000 to be done with... Read More
1 People found this helpful.


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Terry W
7/4/2019
Deceptive Practice! For those of you who have or about to have the ADT Pulse System installed, arming it in the “Stay” mode using your smart phone ADT Pulse app, you do not have the security of “No Delay Entry” arming. If you have this system installed, you and your family are seriously at risk and you probably wasn’t informed of this during the sale of this service. I found this anomaly shortly afterwards or rather a couple months of having the system installed. One morning I accidentally opened the garage door while the system was armed and went into the garage and returned and the alarm did not trigger. At first, I’m thinking maybe the system malfunctioned, so I tested the system... Read More
1 People found this helpful.


working.deenawilson
6/13/2019
I CALLED TODAY ONLY FOR PRICING INFORMATION! I WAS EXTREMELY CLEAR THAT I DID NOT WANT MY CREDIT RAN UNTIL I DECIDED WHAT SERVICE I WAS GOING TO USE. THE OPERATOR #19426 LAURIE OR LAURA STATED THAT IT WOULD NOT HIT MY CREDIT AND I MADE IT VERY CLEAR I WAS NOT PERMITTING MY CREDIT TO BE RAN. WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF THE CALL,I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM EQUIFAX THAT A HARD HIT INQUIRE WAS OBTAINED. I HAVE FILED A DISPUTE WITH EQUIFAX AS WELL AS Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
1 People found this helpful.


rickymhs07
6/6/2019
ADT company is fraud, cheaters and liars. Their local service techs are very nice but the sales and managers are full of stories, unprofessional and liars. Watch your statement every month to see if these fraud have charged you more than your monthly service fees, watch it even though you are on a auto pay.
1 People found this helpful.


John B
6/5/2019
Terrible, terrible experience, worthless service. My 90-year-old relative forgot her security code. Her alarm was going off and she was distraught. She tried to phone the number on the keypad. It was out of service and there was no redirection! As contacts we got a phone call and said we would go round. When we did, we found no way to shut off the alarm. We tried the defunct number again. No success. We tried phoning back the number that had used us as contact. It did not accept incoming calls. I went on the web and eventually found a contact number. After digging deep down in a salesy menu, I got an answer. Meanwhile my relative's neighbors were asking what was going on and she had been... Read More
1 People found this helpful.


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Tori
5/20/2019
To say ADT's customer service is HORRIBLE is an understatement. It is May 20, 2019 and I have been trying since October 2018 to get them to send me proper bills and fix my system that is still not functioning properly. I contacted them by phone and emails several times. They responded here and there and 7 months later, my system still does not work properly nor have I received proper bills. I do however receive threatening letters from them. This "Executive Escalations Officer" is very rude. She never resolved the issue and has stopped responding to my emails. I noticed that other people left comments here but no one seems to have replied to them so perhaps this comment would remain... Read More
1 People found this helpful.


Lucie C
5/20/2019
DO NOT USE ADT - its a RIPOFF I've moved to a house in July 2018, the property is equipped with security cameras and I asked ADT if they could have their system plugged in our current cameras. Their answer "yes of course" They did their all sales pitch to me announcing me a price of $29 per month, which I found reasonable. The technician comes to our house and then tells us he probably can't connect the ADT system with our camera. Make a sign a document for installation and told us to call a number to ask for another technician to come and check the cameras. We called, and they told us they only can install their system with their own ADT cameras. FIRST LIE One month later I am... Read More
1 People found this helpful.


William G
5/9/2019
I’ve been a customer for over 12 years and a soon to be former customer. They sent the wrong battery and refused to send out a tech without a charge even with a service contract. They decided to upgrade the system since system is outdated. On the day of the install scheduled from 8-12 they called me at 9:30 to tell me they can’t make it. I’m cancelling my account this afternoon.
1 People found this helpful.


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James S
4/28/2019
As a business own er, I warn you to be cautious, careful and fearful of the fine print. Be aware that you will need to payoff 90% of you contract price to cancel. Installer just said we could cancel at any time. Forgot to mention with a huge penalty. They will tell you that it was in the contract and you agreed to those terms so you should not be surprised. To move to a new location is very costly also. Yes there are contracts and costs but there is also such a thing as ethical and not being manipulated by the fine print. Would never deal with this company again.
1 People found this helpful.



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