ADT and Ackerman Security are two of the most trusted names in home security. Both brands offer their customers some of the most innovative high-tech features with their systems, including 24/7 professional monitoring services that will immediately alert emergency response agents of potential threats.
If you’re currently having trouble choosing a new home security service, you may want to compare the benefits of ADT and Ackerman Security to see if one of these brands is right for your needs and budget. But where to even begin? After all, research for something this important takes time, energy, and often the patience of a saint.
ADT Home Security Equipment
This is where we come in! Our try-before-you-buy philosophy has led us to the metaphorical doorstep of these two industry icons to find out exactly how they stack up against one another. If you’re currently stuck deciding between the two (or simply have them on your radar), this guide will help you along by providing more in-depth details on what ADT and Ackerman Security have to offer.
Did You Know? ADT is available throughout the U.S. and Canada, while Ackerman Security only offers service in four states.
Similarities Between ADT and Ackerman Security
After testing and reviewing ADT and Ackerman Security for ourselves, we can see how they’ve each gained such a solid reputation over the years. They both offer the basics you’d expect from a top-rated home security system such as video surveillance and 24/7 monitoring, as well as innovative new features like medical alerts and home automation options.
ADT Motion Sensor
Also, both systems must be installed by a professional. This is good news if you’re more of a sit-around-and- watch-while-others-do-the-work kind of guy (or gal), but bad news if you were hoping to show off those tech-savvy DIY skills you’ve been working on. Don’t worry, there will be other projects!
Here are a few more similarities between ADT and Ackerman Security that you should note:
- Both companies require you to sign a long-term contract. If you’re curious about ADT’s contract and generous 6-month money-back guarantee, you can learn more about it in our guide to ADT contracts.
- ADT and Ackerman have home automation options available with their systems, including smart locks, smart lights, and smart thermostats.
- Medical alerts can be included in most ADT and Ackerman packages which is a huge plus if you or someone in your household is elderly or has an underlying health condition.
- ADT and Ackerman both provide alerts via text, email, or phone. This way you can monitor your system from pretty much anywhere in the world.
- Both brands also offer home security packages for residential and commercial use.
Ackerman Security uses Honeywell equipment and devices in all their home security systems. Honeywell is a trusted brand in the industry and is used in many home security setups. ADT also uses Honeywell equipment in their setups, as well as products from Ademco, DSC, and Interlogix. The equipment is top-notch from both brands.
Did You Know? Ackerman Security has more than 50 years of experience in the home security industry. That might sound like quite the legacy, but compared to ADT’s 140+ years in the industry, Ackerman is an adolescent in home security.
Differences Between ADT and Ackerman Security
Both companies have clearly proven themselves to be reliable home security providers; but during our hands-on testing of their systems, we found plenty of differences.
Here are some of the key differences between ADT and Ackerman Security for you to consider:
- ADT is typically transparent about its pricing, while Ackerman Security is not so forthcoming. The former’s information is made available to the public via advertisement; however, Ackerman only provides cost details when you talk to a sales representative.
- ADT’s residential home security services are offered to homeowners in 47 states. Ackerman Security only offers their residential services to those who live in parts of Georgia, particularly in and around Atlanta. This is a clear limitation for Ackerman Security.
- ADT systems can use both landline and cellular connections to stay connected to the monitoring center. Ackerman, on the other hand, has recently switched to all cellular connections for their systems. However, the company does still sell landline security systems to their customers in Atlanta and doesn’t have any plans to cut those services in the near future.
- While both companies offer a money-back guarantee, Ackerman‘s includes 100-percent payment for their insurance deductible, as well as reimbursement for the same amount should your home be burglarized on their watch. ADT does have a similar guarantee, but only pays $500 toward the customer’s deductible.
FYI: Both Ackerman Security and ADT hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, meaning they are trusted professionals who offer great customer service.
Our Favorite Features and Tech
Both ADT and Ackerman offer a variety of features designed to make protecting your home easy and effortless. From energy management to carbon monoxide detection, the right features have the power to bring your system to life (smart home, anyone?) and provide a level of comfort and control you probably didn’t know you needed. Let’s have a look at how ADT compares to Ackerman Security in the features department.
ADT Features
ADT offers 24/7 monitoring with help from indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras, pet-friendly motion sensors, and medical alert pendants that include GPS. The company also provides homeowners with environmental sensors that are triggered if more moisture is detected in the air or if there is a sudden drop or rise in temperature. This can help with ADT home automation devices like their smart thermostats that help keep your home at the ideal temperature.
ADT Indoor Camera (left) and Outdoor Camera (right)
Additional devices may also be purchased to further enhance your ADT system. Those who want to remotely arm or disarm their home setup can do so using their convenient mobile app. All ADT Home Security systems are compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Z-Wave, and Z-Wave Plus devices.
FYI: ADT’s mobile app allows customers to access their system remotely, and it even works with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls.
Ackerman Security Features
Ackerman Security also offers home automation products such as smart lights, smart thermostats, and smart locks. They offer 24/7 professional monitoring services and have medical alert options for you to consider.
Additionally, the company provides several environmental monitoring devices, including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The ability to arm or disarm your system remotely using your smartphone device is also available. However, unlike ADT, Ackerman Security is only compatible with Google Assistant and Z-Wave devices.
Pro Tip: To learn more about environmental monitoring, head over to our smart smoke alarms and CO monitors guide.
ADT vs. Ackerman Security: Costs and Fees
While Ackerman Security generally offers more affordable options than ADT, it’s important to remember you often get what you pay for when it comes to high-quality security. Buy cheap perfume, buy cheap clothes, buy a cheap engagement ring for that special someone (we don’t actually recommend that), but we urge you not to buy too cheap when your safety and security is at stake. With that said, let’s have a look how ADT and Ackerman stack up in terms of pricing.
ADT Pricing
A $125 up-front installation fee is required for all of ADT’s home security packages (seems hefty at first glance, but stay with us). The traditional package, which includes 24/7 monitoring, costs just $29 per month. The control package, which includes home automation, costs $37 per month. And the video package that includes video surveillance costs $56 monthly. So, if you stick with the basics, a plan with ADT might still be doable if money is tight.
Ackerman Security Pricing
Unfortunately, Ackerman does not release their package costs to the public, and you’ll only learn about their prices while negotiating a contract. We did, however, dig up the following pricing info during our investigation: The company requires you to pay a $99 activation fee at startup and we found the least expensive package for Ackerman services to be around $20 per month. If you choose to add a landline, the price goes up to $29 and if you add on mobile access, the price is $35 per month.
Did You Know? Ackerman tells their customers they will receive an operator’s response within 45 seconds from the moment a security breach occurs.
Which Is Better: ADT or Ackerman Security?
While we can’t make the final decision for you, we do believe that ADT is the best option between the two based on customer satisfaction, value, and features. Their systems are much easier to use, and they offer a broad range of equipment options to choose from. ADT is also offered in more states across the country, which is a plus.
Both companies are excellent choices if you are looking for a home security system that offers home automation. ADT and Ackerman offer various smart home devices customers can add to their systems, such as smart lights, smart locks, garage door controllers, and smart thermostats.
ADT Carbon Monoxide Detector
These features are preferred by many who are looking for a more futuristic system that is up-to-date with today’s technology. With ADT, you must choose from their control or video packages to take advantage of home automation services. With Ackerman Security, you don’t have to choose a specific package and may customize your system as needed to include these devices.
Remember: Both companies offer you convenience and security in the palm of your hands with mobile apps that work on iOS and Android. This allows you to keep track of what’s happening at home while you’re at work or spending the night out with friends. As a bonus, you can maintain your home’s energy usage by controlling your lights or temperature even while you are away.
While ADT is our top choice, we still feel that Ackerman Security is a reliable option for home security (that is, if you live in their limited service area!). Ackerman offers their customers a full money-back guarantee and an affordable professional monitoring service. Their 24/7 monitoring starts at just $19.95 per month, while ADT’s professional monitoring service starts at $28.99 monthly and can go up to as much as $57.99 for the works.
To sum things up, ADT is the best choice for top-rated service and access to the latest features, while Ackerman Security is the better option for those wanting a reliable home security system that is similar to ADT, but less costly. Just keep in mind that you can only get Ackerman Security if you live within their restricted geographical boundaries.
