Many or all of the companies featured compensate us. Compensation and research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more

ADT Home Security Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.9 / 5 (Excellent)
249 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
Our content is free because we may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site. Learn more.
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

Are you a customer of ADT Home Security?
Submit a comment and tell other people about your experience!
Minimum 12 words.
 No maximum length.
* What's Your Rating?
To make this comment as helpful as possible for our community, please provide at least 2 sentences.

Customer Comments

Loading Reviews ...
L
Leslie K
1/22/2015
i scheduled an appointment based on sales person's assurance that i would have to pay approx. $50 monthly and would have a $750 credit on necessary equipment when they installed system. the technician arrived a couple days later and a few minutes into the conversation asked me if I had been robbed or my house had been broken into. When I said "no why are you asking that?" he responded that there had been many break-ins in my neighborhood. Pretty much the opposite of what all my new neighbors told me. When my dogs started barking and I joked about my live-in alarm systems he responded by telling me about people funding their dogs dead after break ins. After 2 hours waiting to go over... Read More
5 People found this helpful.


L
Lewis M
12/17/2017
I’m not sure how this site is ranking ADT so high, but among many other things wrong with this company, ADT cameras do not pick up movement at night. I called ADT customer service and told the rep that thieves had broke into my car TWICE in the past five months. The ADT cameras are literally pointed directly at my car but there was absolutely no footage found by me or the police. The rep said that ADT cameras do not have night vision or infrared so the cameras cannot pickup movement at night. That is KEY INFORMATION that none of the ADT reps told me when they were so vigorously pushing there products and services. So, what you can do to make my “experience better” is actually... Read More
4 People found this helpful.


M
Merry G
12/16/2017
This company is absolutely unethical in its business practices. They attempt to keep you in a 3 year contract forever. Anything you do, including upgrading your system and paying for the upgrades when they are installed, starts a new 3 year contract and the only way out is to pay 75% of the remaining contract. There are much better options out there who do not base their business model on "pay us or you are trapped forever". They are like the Hotel California- you can check out any time you like but you can never leave. I am choosing to pay off the remainder of the contract rather than stay with such a scumbag of a company. Oh I am sure it was in the paperwork somewhere that a three... Read More
4 People found this helpful.


C
Cindy
8/8/2017
I have been dealing with these scam artists for two days. Be careful because they will "bait and switch" after you think you have it all settled. They add additional charges for "permitting". Make sure you check with your municipality to see if the permits are actually required. They were charging me and additional $132.10 for an electrical permit and alarm permit that is not required in my area. They apologetically removed those charges AFTER I questioned them on the permitting issue. My advice is to look elsewhere and get all your facts before or they will add fees not necessary for your alarm system.
4 People found this helpful.


Susan V
8/4/2017
These people will not do anything for their customers other than take your payment if anything goes wrong do not expect good customer service.
4 People found this helpful.


A
Ang
4/12/2017
ADT, has horrible customer service. I have been a loyal customer for 9 years. I up-graded to Pulse 2 years ago. The equipment is nothing but junk. You know it's bad when a technician comes out to look at the system and tells you so. Then when you complain all they want to do is charge you for another upgrade. Customer service employees are very rude that includes the so called loyalty specialist. Do yourself a favor and choice a different company.
4 People found this helpful.


B
Babs
2/6/2017
Terrible service by technicians and sales.
3 People found this helpful.


J
Jerrime
1/16/2017
My contract is almost over... It's been a terrible 3yrs with ADT. It's not worth the money.
3 People found this helpful.


J
Jon R
12/26/2016
MILLION LOOPHOLES - Don't be fooled reads the fine print. You have ABSOLUTELY no protection if your house burns to the ground with out one alarm going off. Your family could die in a fire and not one alarm go off and are they not responsible for anything. Burglar alarms going off: Good luck with that. we were in the middle of fixing our system, please call the police yourself, and We have no signal from you system to help you; A million loopholes to get out of being responsible for anything that might cost them $$. My system cost close to 10K for my house and it did not matter. So be careful what you buy into. The installer was one company, and the service center another. You are dealing... Read More
3 People found this helpful.


D
dwkegley
12/15/2016
The worst in customer service there is. I had been with them for over 12 years and the local people are great but the main office people are the worst of the worst. Do not buy their service! They do not care about there customers.
3 People found this helpful.



Top Rated
Our Partner

Home Security Systems Starting at $28.99/Month

  • Real-time video surveillance from virtually any device
  • Offers the latest Google Nest* products: Nest Cams,* doorbells, sensors & more
  • Smart home automation & life safety products
  • 24/7 alarm monitoring
  • Professional installation