Monitoring plan | Cost | App access | Home automation | Video |
| Essentials | $28.99/mo. |  No | No | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart | $49.99/mo. |  Yes | Yes | No |
| Video | $56.99/mo. | Yes | No | Yes |
| Complete | $59.99/mo. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Info current as of publish date.
*Landline monitoring only. Some restrictions apply. See full disclaimer.
We give ADT four stars because its reputation and experience make it one of the most trusted names in the industry. Add in the company's nine 24/7 monitoring centers—more than any other home security brand—and it's no surprise ADT is a household name.
But all that quality comes at a cost. ADT's prices for security and all the perks (video monitoring, smart home control, and ADT app access) can cost more than $60 a month. If that's just too much for your budget, try these ADT alternatives.
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Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
140+ years of home security experience
Monitoring centers across the country
Landline and cellular monitoring
Professional installation and security consultation
Smart home control available 
Long-term contracts
Pricey add-ons and upgrades
Installation fee
Dealers can be pushy 
Package | Best for | Monthly cost | Monitoring type | App access | Live video | Smart home integration | Learn more |
| Essentials* | Starter pick | $28.99 | Landline | No | No | No | View Packages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secure | Basic cellular pick | $45.99 | Cellular | No
| No | No | View Packages |
| Smart | Automation pick | $49.99 | Cellular | Yes | No | Yes | View Packages |
| Video | Video pick | $56.99 | Cellular | Yes
| Yes | No | View Packages |
| Complete | Top pick | $59.99 | Cellular | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| View Packages |
Info current as of publish date.
Besides the Essentials kit, ADT monitored plans differ from tier to tier, each sweetening the deal with new features or equipment options. Here's the breakdown on plans:
The Essentials Plan includes the basic starter kit and standard monitoring. What's missing is the Quality Service Plan that offers extended warranty protection and a deal on any service calls you may need during your contract. This plan also misses out on the 6-month money-back guarantee.
The Secure Plan is a basic cellular-connected package plus the Quality Service Plan. It also allows you to skip the wiring that comes with landline service. Hardwired systems take longer to install and can be clipped or damaged by intruders. If you live in a rural area or want to protect a vacation home in the country, this is an affordable option that comes with extra warranty and service protection.
The Smart Plan adds remote access into the mix through a mobile app. Remote access lets you monitor and control your system from your phone. Whether it's an open window or a full-blown system alert, you'll know. This connection allows for some nice perks, like home automation and voice control with Amazon Alexa.
The Video Plan costs about $7 more, but trades automation for live video access and monitoring.
Finally, the Complete Plan comes with a steeper monthly fee, but you'll get all of ADT's video and automation features to make up for it.
Every ADT package includes the components you need in a system, but you can add extra devices too:
Still have questions? We have more details in our breakdown of how much ADT costs.
ADT's monthly fee includes your equipment costs and over the course of a 36-month contract, you'll still pay less than what you'd lose if you had a break-in. ADT's most expensive plan comes out to about $2,200 over three years—the average loss from a burglary is around $2,700.
ADT is worth it if you want the reassurance and experience that comes with 145+ years in business. That experience doesn't mean it's living in the past though—the security company offers modern video options and smart home integrations that work with your system to make your life safer and more convenient. And it's all backed by the support of nine monitoring centers.
If that sounds like a good value for the monthly cost and it's something you can afford, ADT can absolutely be worth it.
We consider ADT a luxury home security brand, but that’s not what everyone is looking for. If you want ADT without the contract, give Blue by ADT a look.
Brand | Best for | Monthly cost  | Starter equipment price | Contract required | Smart home compatibility | Learn more | Read review |
| Best overall | $29.99/mo. | $599.00 | No * | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | Read review | |
| Budget pick | $17.99/mo. | $245.00 | No | Amazon, | View packages | Read review | |
| Quality DIY pick | $34.99/mo. | $129.00 | No † | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | Read review | |
| Most experienced | $28.99/mo. | $0.00 | Yes | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | Read review | |
| Best customer service | $17.99/mo. | Quote required | No | Amazon, Google | View packages | Read review |
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer.
If you're looking for tried-and-true home security monitoring and want the pros to handle installation, ADT is worth it. You'll pay more for setup and monitoring, but you won't have to lift a finger after making the initial phone call.
See how ADT monitoring and equipment compares:
Where ADT beats every other security company hands-down is its professional monitoring centers. ADT operates its own centers that alert the police or other emergency responders, and it has more monitoring stations than any other security company.
This matters to you for two big reasons—well-trained operators and monitoring support redundancy.
ADT trains all of its operators and has total control over how your call for help is handled. And with nine monitoring centers, you'll never be stranded without help when you need it.
If one center goes offline for any reason (think hurricanes, the polar vortex, etc.), monitoring will be automatically transferred to another center that's still up and running.
All ADT equipment packages are professionally installed by trained technicians and come with a starter kit to lower up-front costs.
The starter kit includes:*
*With installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies.
You'll get the most out of the ADT touchscreen panel with a cellular connection and a mobile app. In an emergency, the panel will connect you with an ADT monitoring center, and you can speak directly with someone through the panel.
It also connects with smart devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant so you can control it with your voice to arm, disarm, or make adjustments in the sensors or your smart equipment.
The ADT touchscreen panel is multi-lingual and has 12 hours of battery backup that kick in when the power goes out, keeping your home safe during storms or other power outages.
See how it compares with other touchscreen panels.
The top two plans offer video monitoring with security cameras. The cameras shoot in HD video, and you can watch your home live or check recordings in the backlog, depending on your plan.
When the system's sensors or cameras detect motion, you'll get a notification so you can tune in and see what the camera sees. This way you can tell if it's just your pooch prowling around the house or a real emergency.
Get all the details in our ADT security cameras guide and Nest cameras review.
*With installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies.
ADT Command touchscreen panel
Window and door sensor
Motion sensor
In addition to using the Google Home app to control your system, you can tell your ADT home security system what to do when you add voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
ADT recently teamed up with Google to offer ADT customers Google Nest† products and greater integration. You can now purchase Google Nest products through ADT and have them installed by a technician. Here's how you can use them:
The Smart or Complete monitoring plan is required to use smart home devices and voice commands.
In December 2021, ADT purchased rooftop solar panel provider Sunpro. ADT customers in 22 states can now integrate their security system and smart home with Sunpro’s energy management tools.
ADT uses Z-Wave technology in all its smart security equipment. That means your ADT system can integrate with third-party smart home devices like a smart plug.
And ADT makes it really simple by offering compatible smart home devices along with its security equipment—so you can get all your smart security shopping done at once.
The downside is the price. You can't get home automation with basic ADT home security packages, so you're looking at a base monthly monitoring rate of $59.99 per month.
But when you break it all down, that's about $2 per day for smart home automation and professional monitoring that you can control through the Google Home, ADT Control, or ADT Pulse apps on your phone.
All ADT alarm systems come with professional installation by an authorized dealer, which means you don't have to worry about the best place to install the control panel, window sensors, and other equipment.
It also means you have to let a stranger into your home and arrange a time to meet them, which could add up to a whole day off work. Last but not least, you'll pay an installation fee to get your ADT system installed—and that has to be paid up front. The installation fee varies based on the equipment you choose.
But we are talking about a high-end alarm system that you're counting on to protect your home and family. When the stakes are that high, the time (and financial) commitment for a pro install is definitely justified.
The real cherry on top with an ADT installation is the comprehensive risk assessment.
Every installation includes a whole-home risk assessment that identifies the best security solutions for your home.
Security advisers evaluate both the inside and outside of your home so they can make recommendations that address all of your home's security vulnerabilities.
And they're not supposed to recommend extra devices if you don't need them—but they are obligated to point out all potential security risks so you can make the most informed decision.
We suggest being prepared in advance for a bit of a sales presentation along with the risk assessment. Just make sure you know what your budget is and stick to it.
ADT is a bit old-fashioned when it comes to requiring a contract: it offers 24-, 36-, and 60-month contracts. ADT's contract-only approach can make ADT a no-go for renters and others who may need to move within a year.
If you decide to cancel your service with ADT before the term is over, you could be subject to a hefty cancellation fee. Generally, you can expect to shoulder 75% of the remaining contract if you decide to opt out of an ADT contract.
While ADT's equipment and monitoring are high quality, we recommend reading the fine print before signing on with an ADT plan.
Compare ADT's cancellation policies with other major home security companies on our cancellation policy page.
If you like ADT's reputation but aren't sure about a contract, check out Blue by ADT. This is a new DIY brand that comes with all the convenience of a boxed security system plus ADT's 140+ years of home security experience.
Read our full Blue by ADT review to learn more.
We've always been fans of guarantees that put customers first, and ADT has two that stand out.
The Mover's Package Guarantee makes it affordable for you to take your ADT system with you if you move after being a customer for 24 months.
The 6-Month Service Guarantee offers you a full refund of all service fees paid if you are displeased with ADT's service (and they can't make it right) within the first 180 days of your contract.
All of the ADT plans we reviewed (except the Essential plan) come with the Quality Service Plan (QSP) at no extra charge.
This is basically the company's equipment warranty. With the QSP, you don't have to worry about extra costs for service calls or paying to replace broken equipment.
Depending on the ADT authorized dealer where you purchased your ADT equipment, there may be extra monthly fees charged for the QSP.
ADT excels with a long-standing reputation and customer-first guarantees, but those don't always translate to the company's authorized retailers—making customer service hit-or-miss depending on who you're dealing with.
There's no denying that over 140 years of experience and the trust of more than 6 million customers is a solid endorsement of ADT's home security systems.
But quality equipment and stellar monitoring services can be overshadowed by mishandling from third-party dealers. There are a few things you can count on from ADT's customer service:
ADT partners with local dealers to provide its hands-on estimates, risk assessments, installations, and service support. One of the most common complaints we've read from people dissatisfied with ADT is that the local door-to-door salespeople can be pushy.
We don't recommend signing a contract the same day you get a surprise visit from a salesperson. As we've mentioned, ADT's contracts are at least two years long, and you're on the hook for much of the remaining balance if you decide to cancel. Do some budgeting before you commit—especially if you're a new homeowner who's getting used to a new set of bills and all the surprises that come with homeownership.
And yes, ADT does seem to know when you've just bought a house. One of our writers here at SafeWise got calls and mailers from ADT within one month of signing her mortgage. If you're not ready for a security system, just tell them you already have one. The calls should stop, and you'll have some breathing room to call ADT when you're good and ready.
As familiar as the blue octagon is, just what does the name mean? ADT was originally an abbreviation for American District Telegraph. When the company started more than 140 years ago, it used the snazzy new tech of the telegraph to connect homes and alert the first ADT office that something was wrong.1
These days, it's no longer an acronym—it just means ADT.
For more ADT-specific questions, visit our page devoted to ADT customers' frequently asked questions.
ADT's installation fee depends on the equipment you're having installed so ask specifically about it when requesting a system quote.
Like most home security companies, there are a number of ADT monitoring packages to choose from.
In addition to monthly monitoring costs, you also need to consider:
Because ADT offers so many options and upgrades, it’s easy to end up with a customized ADT package that is more expensive than its competitors.
Just be sure to keep a tally as you work with an ADT security pro to put together the right package for your home. If budget constraints are a factor, let your representative know up front how much you can afford.
ADT started the home security business in the United States. In 1874, American District Telegraph connected homes in a Baltimore neighborhood, and ADT has been in operation since, according to the brand.
A cellular failure alert on our ADT control panel means that the panel (your system’s brain) couldn’t send a signal to an ADT monitoring center (the people who contact emergency dispatch for you). You’ll want to resolve the issue so you arm your system feeling confident that it’s connected to help.
Potential causes of an ADT cellular failure alert
Potential solutions
ADT offers wireless home security equipment that makes it easy for renters because wireless security doesn’t require you to drill into walls.
The best way to set up security if you’re renting is to schedule an in-person consultation where an ADT representative can assess your needs and propose a package designed specifically for your space.
But be aware that ADT’s control panel is usually wired into the wall. And its contracts are a minimum of three years, so you'll need to stick around your current place if you don't want to deal with cancellation fees.
If either of those reasons are deal-breakers, you might want to look at other options like SimpliSafe, the DIY Blue by ADT system, or Link Interactive that are basically peel-and-stick.
ADT operates its own monitoring centers. Its nine monitoring centers means you get the benefit of "redundant monitoring."
Redundant monitoring means that if one center goes down due to a power outage or an extreme weather event, the homes monitored by that center are automatically transferred to another center.
This means you’ll always have the protection of 24/7 monitoring with ADT, even if something happens to take a monitoring center offline.
ADT requires a 24-, 36-, or 60-month contract, and they do charge early termination fees if you cancel your service before the end of your term.
If you drop ADT in the middle of your contract, you’ll owe the company 75% of the remaining balance of your contract.
ADT leases its equipment, but the company doesn’t require customers to return equipment at the end of a contract.
The price of equipment is included in your monthly payment; however, ADT is known to offer special deals that may eliminate the equipment cost when you sign a monitoring contract.
Talk to a representative to find out what deals are available when you set up your ADT home security system.
To review of ADT, we dug into the company's history, reputation, pricing, equipment, customer service, and smart home capabilities.
To evaluate each of these areas, our team did the following:
Learn more about how we review and rank security brands and products in our full methodology.
ADT $28.99 traditional package: $99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $28.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $28.99 per month ($671.76) for California. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The $28.99 Offer does not include Quality Service Plan (QSP). Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. Landline monitoring only.
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