Quick Look at ADT
| Company Overview | |
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| Frequently Asked Questions | |
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| What do ADT reviews say? | ADT has received a 4 out of 5 star rating from many verified customer reviews on BestCompany.com.
Overall, customers enjoy working with ADT and are grateful for the professional monitoring they provide. Reviews consistently mention great customer service and high quality equipment. Because ADT is a well-known brand, even the yard signs are recognizable to would-be burglars and help homeowners feel safe. Negative ADT reviews focus on the long contract length and expensive prices. |
| Is ADT a good security system? | ADT is definitely a good security system — in fact, the company offers one of the highest quality security systems out there. Paired with the 145+ years of home security expertise, ADT's security system is a great option.
Though customers may take issue with their contract requirements and cancellation fees, these are realities of every traditional home security company. It is because of ADT's expertise and security system quality that we highly recommend the company to interested customers. |
| What sets ADT apart? | There are a few qualities that make ADT unique.
ADT Home Security was founded in 1874 and is one of the oldest home security companies. Another quality that sets ADT apart is that they also offer medical alert techonology. The ADT medical alert products can be purchased alongside the standard home security package from ADT. With ADT's professionally installed systems, every customer can have the added comfort of fall detection with ADT's medical alert system. |
| What is ADT Command and Control? | ADT Command & Control is the company’s answer to home automation — the service allows customers to connect, manage, and monitor their home devices from pretty much anywhere with the ADT Control app. ADT Command is ADT's touchscreen panel that allows customers to control their system in their home.
With ADT Command & Control, customers can view live video feed, control the thermostat, turn on/off lights, and use the smart lock to lock/unlock doors when they’re away along with other smart home capabilities. |
About ADT
ADT is one of the best smart home security companies.
The one word we'd use to describe ADT: reliable.
Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, ADT (American District Telegraph) was founded in 1874 and is one of the oldest home security companies in the world. ADT offers professionally and self-installed home security systems in all 50 U.S. states.
ADT’s Company Experience
ADT has over 300 locations across the United States, 9 monitoring centers, and reportedly, the largest network of security professionals in the home security industry.
As one of the oldest home security companies, ADT boasts an over-abundance of home security experience.
Providing both individual and business security solutions, ADT seeks to be the industry’s one-stop shop for home security needs.
Do Customers Like ADT?
ADT has received a 4/5 star rating from customer reviews on BestCompany.com. The majority of customers have had positive experiences, with 75% of the reviews being 4- or 5- stars. Only 14% of reviews were negative and gave the company a 1- or 2-stars review.
The positive customer reviews mention:
- Friendly monitoring and customer service representatives
- ADT sign may scare potential threats
- High quality equipment
- Safety devices protect home
The negative reviews refer to:
- Issues with third party providers
- Long contract commitment
- Expensive upgrading equipment
Several reviews mentioned the cost of ADT. While it is more expensive than other home security companies, many customers find comfort in the quality of equipment and well known brand name. As one customer put it, "You can't put a price on safety."
How Much Does ADT Cost?
- Monthly Monitoring: $28.99 - $59.99
- Packages: Starting at $9.98/month for 60 months (or $599 upfront)
- Installation Fee: $99 - $199
ADT is relatively tightlipped about its pricing, but customers can find pricing information if they know where to look. The reason we like ADT's price is because you get a high level of service and equipment quality with ADT.
Equipment Packages
ADT offers three different equipment package configurations on their website: Secure Home, Smart Home, and Video and Smart Home. You can add more equipment to any packages for additional fees.
- Secure Home
- Detects intrusion
- 3 sensors - door & window
- 1 motion detector
- Voice control
- Touchscreen panel
$9.98/month for 60 months or $599 today
- Smart Home
- Secure Home package
- Access to mobile app
- Smart home automation
- 1 smart door lock
$14.15/month for 60 months or $849 today
- Smart Home and Video
- Smart Home package
- Video security
- Stored video clips
- 2 cameras
$14.15/month for 60 months or $849 today
Those interested in the ADT mobile app or an outdoor/indoor camera, will need to pay more for the more comprehensive home security packages.
Installation Prices
Additional security camera equipment and smart home devices can be purchased with each package. Prices below are shown in full, but equipment can be paid off with monthly payments for 60 months, 36 months, or 24 months.
Video Security
- Nest Outdoor Camera: $309
- Google Nest Doorbell: $229
- Nest Indoor Camera: $199
Additional Home Security
- Door/Window Sensor: $50
- Motion Detector: $100
- Secondary touchscreen: $200
Safety Devices
- Smoke Detector: $100
- Combo Smoke/CO: $180
- Flood Detector: $100
Smart Home Automation
- Google Nest Mini: $49
- Google Nest Hub Max: $269
- Smart Door Lock: $250
ADT also offers the following equipment, but pricing information is not disclosed:
- Security Key Fob
- Yard Signs
- Panic Button
- Smart Garage Controller
- Smart Plugs
ADT Monthly Monitoring Prices
The price of monthly monitoring increases with each monitoring plan.
Monthly monitoring price for each package (prices include ADT's optional QSP "Quality Service Plan" @ $7/month):
- Secure Home: $45.99/month
- Smart Home: $49.99/month
- Smart and Video Home: $59.99/month
Most home security service providers still do not offer video surveillance as a service. So if this is an important feature to you, you'll want to consider ADT.
What is ADT’s Installation Process?
Professional Installation
ADT itself offers professional installation services
Installation scheduling for new ADT customers is generally pretty flexible. New customers are encouraged to schedule an installation as soon as they become a customer.
It is not unheard of for ADT installation experts to install a new system the same day the customer purchases it.
Each installation professional is certified and receives specialized electronics training.
These experts will come to your home at your earliest convenience and install your equipment within the package selected, as well as any additional equipment you may choose to add on.
DIY Installation
If you are looking for a Do-It-Yourself home security company, Blue by ADT is a new ADT acquisition which provides customers with DIY installation options.
We also recommend looking into Cove if you are interested in purchasing a DIY home security system.
ADT’s COVID-19 Measures
ADT is dedicated to requiring quarantine for employees who report being sick and will even offer those employees full compensation for two weeks during their quarantine period.
Call center employees at ADT report having more in-depth conversations with customers in order to reduce the need for sending out technicians to customers homes.
Additionally, all field technicians are issued additional sanitation, cleaning, and protective equipment to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees alike.
All field members also undergo daily personal wellness checks before working.
And perhaps most impressive of all, ADT has temporarily suspended all unsolicited, door-to-door sales practices.
How Long is ADT's Contract?
ADT’s minimum contract with their professionally installed system is 36 months — this is one of the higher contract lengths among modern home security companies. ADT also offers month-to-month monitoring contract options with their self-installed Blue by ADT system.
Newer home security companies have understood that the contract lock is the main complaint and the subject of most negative home security reviews.
This negative opinion of long contract lengths is one of the main motivators for change within the home security industry.
If you are looking for a home security company without a contract, we recommend Cove and Vivint.
What Are Some ADT Benefits?
ADT Smart Home Technolgoy
ADT offers most high-tech smart home automation devices found at other top home security companies.
Smart locks, garage controllers, smart plugs to control lighting and appliances, Z-Wave wireless technology for connection to smart devices, and voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant all combine to make ADT a reasonable solution for home automation.
The only thing left to consider is whether the price of home automation from ADT stacks up well against other top home security companies.
ADT also has a home security app available as an upgrade.
Money-Back Guarantee
With their professionally-installed systems, ADT offers a six-month money-back guarantee on installation and monitoring fees* if ADT cannot resolve system related issues in the first six months of the contract. This 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 6 months of the contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.
Additionally, according to the company's website, ADT offers a theft protection guarantee.
If your home has a burglary while your ADT system is armed, ADT will pay up to $500* towards your insurance deductible.
*Subject to terms and conditions of the Residential Services Contract.
Our Recommendation
ADT offers a video surveillance option, a helpful mobile app, a money-back guarantee, and a theft protection guarantee. Additionally, ADT offers a variety of high-tech products with their monitoring service: digital control panel, cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, motion detectors, and more.
While some customers have complained about the contract length and monthly monitoring prices, most say that it is worth it to have high quality equipment with such a well-known home security company.
We highly recommend ADT for customers who want a reliable home security company, smart home technology, friendly customer service, and professional installation.
