Personal customized security packages
Overview
With more than 100 years of experience in the security and fire alarm industry, trust ADT to put together a complete range of home security systems that include cameras, life safety alarms, burglar alarms, and smart home integration. Our review will show you how reliable ADT is as a provider even when your internet connection is disrupted.
Highlights and Features
Here’s a list of some of the most impressive features of ADT’s security systems.
Wireless Option
ADT offers both wired and wireless functions on their devices. Wired devices are cheaper but it may take longer to install them. It’s also more challenging to set up wired cameras in certain locations. You can go completely wireless to make the installation process easier and simpler. ADT devices run on battery and have months of battery life. You will be notified through the app if the batteries on your cameras are running low.
Mobile and Landline Options
You don’t need to connect an ADT alarm to your WiFi. If you have a landline connection to a home or an AT&T mobile, you can connect your alarm system to either of these two. An AT&T plan is not a requirement to use ADT’s systems.
Two-Way Speaker
The main mode of communication with the user is via the two-way speaker in the burglar alarm. You can reach the emergency center through the speaker if there is an issue. ADT will also contact you through the speaker if they detect threats to your security.
Products from ADT
Home Security Camera
ADT offers both indoor and outdoor cameras from their own line. They also have doorbell cameras that they offer in partnership with Google Nest. If you’re looking for DIY cameras, the Blue by ADT line is your best bet.
The Nest doorbell camera has high-definition video and the ability to differentiate between familiar and strange faces. It can also detect if there is a package delivery, an animal, a person, or a passing vehicle. Although Nest is a Google device, it is completely compatible with ADT’s system and will send you notifications through ADT’s app.
Indoor and outdoor cameras from ADT’s line share the same intelligent technology, 1080p video resolution, and two-way speakers.
Home Security System
The Command Panel is ADT’s home security alarm which is a touchscreen panel that connects to your whole security systems such as cameras, sensors, and life safety alarms. You can remotely manage various devices like your smart locks or view footage from your security cameras with the Command Panel. This also acts as a burglar alarm. You can arm or disarm the alarm through the screen or with the mobile app.
The Command Panel features a two-way speaker and is connected to ADT’s monitoring center 24/7. This will be used to contact you if there is an emergency.
Life Safety Alarm
ADT’s life safety alarms include a smoke detector, a flood sensor, a carbon monoxide detector, and a panic button.
The smoke detector is a piece of smart equipment that can recognize harmless smoke from your cooking versus smoke patterns from a fire. It will also alert you via the command panel if you need to replace batteries or clean them. The carbon monoxide detector works just like the smoke detector except it alerts you of harmful CO levels. The flood sensor sends an alert if it’s submerged in water. There is also a wearable panic button that can connect you to ADT or emergency personnel in an instant.
Smart Home Compatibility
The Command Panel can be integrated with smart home devices such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa. It also features voice recognition and can be used as an extension of your smart speakers.
There is a dedicated line of smart devices from ADT that you can control through your mobile app or the Command Panel remotely. You will find smart locks, smart plugs, door controllers, and more.
Most of these devices can be set up with automated timers. For instance, you can set your lights to turn on at a certain time.
Available Plans and Prices
Professional monitoring services range from $36.99 to $62.99 and can be added to any purchase of hardware. There are different security and smart home automation levels afforded by each plan. All security systems charge a $99 installation fee.
There are certain ADT devices that need a more expensive monitoring subscription. The cameras only work with the Video & Home monitoring plan while smart home devices can only be integrated with the system if your plan is Smart Home Monitoring or more advanced.
| Secure Monitoring | Smart Home Monitoring | Video & Home Monitoring | |
| Price | $36.99 | $380.35 | $478.73 |
| Installation Fees | From $99 | From $99 | From $99 |
| Mobile Access | No | Yes | Yes |
| Smoke, CO, Flood Sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intrusion Detector | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Integration | No | Yes | Yes |
| Video Cameras | No | No | Yes |
What to Expect with ADT’s Services
Your ADT devices will alert the monitoring center when they are triggered. This could be from smoke or CO detection, activated burglar alarms, or camera catching suspicious activity. When your system sends an alert, ADT will notify you via phone and the Command Panel’s two-way speaker. If the monitoring center cannot connect with you, they will treat it as an emergency and dispatch the relevant authorities.
The monitoring team mainly uses push notifications from the app. If you do not have a mobile-enabled plan, they will connect with you with the two-way speaker. To minimize false alarms, it is suggested for users get the Smart Home Monitoring plan or the Video & Home Monitoring plan because their most basic plan does not include access to the mobile app.
Mobile App
ADT Control is the designated mobile app that you can access if you have a Smart Home or Video & Home Monitoring plan. This app acts like a twin to the Command Panel. You can get alerts if one of your alarms is activated, remotely view the camera feed, disarm your burglar alarm, and connect with your smart home devices. You can also contact the monitoring center through the app. ADT Control has over 300,000 reviews on Google Play and App Store.
If you have access to the mobile app, you can set your ADT devices to send out alerts when a potential threat is detected. There are certain alerts, like your smoke detectors, that need you to respond immediately. If you do not acknowledge the alert, the monitoring center will call the local authorities.
Installation Process
ADT is not a DIY system and installation must be done by professionals. The process usually lasts 3 hours for wired systems and 1.5 hours for wireless systems. Upon purchasing a system, you will be asked to schedule a 2-hour window in the calendar for the installation.
The cost of the professional installation starts at $99 and can vary depending on your location and how complex your system is. Once the technician arrives, they will survey your property to assess if you have sufficient protection. They will confirm the location of security features and suggest additional devices if called for.
The last half hour will be spent testing that the system is functioning as well as teaching you how to navigate the keypad and take advantage of your system’s features. They can also help with accessing the web portal or installing the ADT Control app.
Warranty and Contract
ADT’s home security system comes with a three-year lock-in contract in all US states excluding California where the lock-in period is two years. You can pay for your plan monthly with your bank account or credit card. If you cancel before the end of the contract, you may be charged 75% of your remaining balance until the end of the term.
Once the initial contract ends, the plan will renew to a monthly contract automatically. This can be canceled without fees as long as you provide 30 days’ notice. You can reach out to customer service if you want to cancel your contract.
If you have a problem with your home security system that ADT cannot resolve within six months, you are eligible for a full refund and return the equipment. There are more restrictions in this policy compared to your typical money-back guarantee. Being unsatisfied with your equipment does not mean you are eligible for a refund.
They offer the Quality Service Plan which is a warranty that covers equipment replacement and repair for a couple of dollars each month. There is no specific pricing available on their website regarding QSP. Without this plan, your equipment does not have any warranty coverage.
Client Service and Customer support
Customer service is available via online chat or phone support 24/7. The online chat support is quite responsive and can give you a reply in just a few seconds. There is also a help center abundant with resources as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions. They also have a blog and a newsroom where you will find more articles on home security and stories about ADT from the press.
ADT Vs. Other Home Security Providers
| ADT | Ring | Vivint | SimpliSafe | |
| Highlighted features | Professional guide and installment | Remote control and monitoring | Advanced technology | DIY security system |
| Warranty period | Yes (available add-on) | 1 year | Lifetime | 3 years |
| Money Back Guarantee duration | 6 months | 30 days | 3 days | 60 days |
| Mobile Accessibility | iOS and Android | iOS and Android | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Price | Starts at $28.99 | Starts at $3 (Professional monitoring for $20) | Starts at $19.99 | Starts at $9.99 |
ADT vs Ring
Ring can be used to protect your whole home but they really stand out with their smaller and more flexible plans. you can get one doorbell camera plus professional monitoring for only $3 a month. ADT is more focused on complete home security systems which makes them less suitable if you’re looking for single-item purchases. However, ADT is an established name with a great selection of packages and professional installation which makes them a great choice for complete home security.
ADT vs Vivint
Vivint offers advanced packages compared to ADT and other providers in the market. ADT has a smoke and CO detector which Vivint responds with combined fire, smoke, and CO detector that can be connected to an HVAC system to manage CO and fire leaks. Vivint’s cameras can also record 4k while ADT’s recording quality is at 1080p only. The main downside with Vivint is the price of a complete system which can set you back several thousand dollars upfront. ADT can provide you with a total security system at less than $1,000.
ADT vs Simplisafe
Simplisafe offers preselected packages that are easy to use, with a lifetime warranty and no lock-in contracts. Although the product range is not as big as ADT, the systems they offer are also generally more affordable. Simplisafe also allows you to choose between professional and DIY installation versus ADT which only offers professional installation. For those who want an affordable and flexible system, Simplisafe is a great choice. If you want more advanced features and smart home integration, it is better to go with ADT.
Bottom Line
With more than 100 years of experience, ADT is an established name in the home security industry. The product selection includes cameras, life safety alarms, burglar alarms, and smart devices. A bit pricier than its competitors, they offer reliable devices that will not fall short during an emergency.
There is a three-year lock-in contract and devices do not come with a warranty automatically. But if you want a provider that you can rely on in the long run, ADT is one of your best choices.
