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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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H
Henry E
11/17/2018
I have the system for about one year, this week I have called Seven time because the panel keep making a loud noise it's fixed for one hour then I have to deal with the noise again. Customer service is a disaster the worse service I have ever encountered with a large company like ADT. I Don't recommend this company.
2 People found this helpful.


Kim J
11/13/2018
DO NOT LISTEN TO A WORD THIS COMPANY SAYS WHEN SELLING THEIR EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES. I was sold ALL equipment under false pretenses and at the end of the day it is costing me thousands of dollars for useless equipment and NO protection. I bought $2k+ of equipment after being told that the equipment was transferable to a new residence since I was installing it in a rental residence I did not own. It was explicitly explained that I was renting and would be moving within 3 years and was promised I could take all equipment with me to be installed in another home. When I moved I was informed that the equipment cannot be transferred but that a $500 moving credit is given, however the new home... Read More
2 People found this helpful.


Terry D
8/10/2018
ADT is good, but expensive! If you want to add anything to the system, you must pay through the nose! Plus as soon as you change the system with a new product (ie: camera, internet access) your 36 month period will start all over again so they keep you hooked ! Nasty business practice this !!!
2 People found this helpful.


L
L H
11/3/2016
Sorry Company.. wants to run credit check even before we meet with the sales person. When we don't know if we going to use them or not. Customer service is rude. I refused to give social # and they got even ruder. Said they wanted to make sure we could pay for it and that we had a $100.00 for installing.. REALLY.... I don't think we would need security if we couldn't afford it. That was an insult there. Will never recommend them to anyone.
2 People found this helpful.


J
Joan J
10/25/2016
This is the scummy-ist company out there. They charged us $1250 for a 1/2 hour job (after hours) when our mag-lock door kept flying open - because of a battery issue. You can normally expect them to show up 2 weeks later to fix a problem - NO customer service & you generally will spend a 1/2 hour on hold trying to resolve a billing issue. I would not recommend ADT/Tyco to anyone. I'd give them 0 stars if I could
2 People found this helpful.


C
COREY N
9/29/2016
Stay away from this company! They employ thieves!! We have been customers for 10 years. Previously owned by brinks. Last week we had to have adt come to our home to reconnect our system after we had our doors to our home replaced. The gentleman employee came in and reconnected the system. In and out in an hour. Very little conversation and left with no paperwork to show he was here!!! Guess what happened next.....Today we found 2000.00 dollars missing from our 'hiding spot". This spot could not have been found unless someone was messing with the wiring to the house, in the basement. His fingerprints are here so he will be found . Yes, we reported to the police and will be pressing charges... Read More
2 People found this helpful.


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Vicente c
9/20/2016
no customers communication and rude representatives taking my business somewhere else
2 People found this helpful.


3/16/2016
Our alarm has been set off twice due to a basement sensor falling off the window. Each time, we received no phone call/response from ADT. Thankfully we were home, though it was frightening, but we had to stay up each time (of course this only happens when you're asleep, by the way, not a great way to be woken up) for the police to arrive, but it turned out each time there was no dispatch...i.e., no ADT response (no phone call to verify passcode, no follow-up phone call, just a text saying be wary of going into the basement).
2 People found this helpful.


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V R
5/29/2020
Their customer service is poor. I made an appointment. It was 30 days away!! I missed their call for confirmation before the day of my appointment and therefore they cancelled me! Then rescheduled for another 30 day appointment!! When I told them I was the widow of a disabled veteran they said they didn't care. Anything anyone says negative about ADT, believe them!
1 People found this helpful.


T
Thomas S
5/26/2020
I have been a customer for 30+ years. I recently had an issue and discovered that there was a "communication" error and a fixer is coming tomorrow. I rarely look at the screen; I simply punch in the code and lookmfor a red or green. light. Yesterday I saw "FC" appear on and off on the screen so I called ADT and they explained it was a failure of the system to alert the company I was initially told that ADT remotely tests the system monthly; today I was told by an ADT supervisor that it is MY responsibility to test the system monthly! The company does not do that service! We are 800 miles away for 4-6 months a year I explained, how am I supposed to test it? For all I know this... Read More
1 People found this helpful.



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