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ADT Packages and Equipment: Plans and Monitoring Pricing
Updated September 8, 2021
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Founded way back in the 1860s, ADT Security Services is by far the oldest and most-established home security provider in the U.S.1 Today, ADT serves 8 million customers and counting. From our experience, they offer reliable service, professional installation, and the best guarantee in the business. But with all the accolades, you might be thinking ADT is somewhat expensive for the average consumer. So we got to the bottom of their pricing, packages, and monitoring costs. And we’re sharing all the important details with you here.
Learn more about Travis and our methodology →
We’ll cut right to the chase. ADT prices range from $28.99 to $59.99 per month, plus upfront costs for equipment and installation. Now, we admit these prices are a bit steep for home security. But as you’ll see, ADT operates differently than many other providers. That is, they go above and beyond where it matters most.
In some ways, ADT is part of the “old-guard” of home security companies. Unlike newcomers to the market such as Ring or SimpliSafe, ADT doesn’t require you to purchase their equipment outright. Instead, you can finance it over time. When you finance, you can pay monthly for the equipment plus the cost of monthly monitoring. While ADT does require a long-term contract, you receive some of the highest-quality equipment on the market. You can read more about their equipment selection in our full review of ADT.
| ADT Packages | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic | $28.99 per month |
| Secure | $45.99 per month |
| Smart | $49.99 per month |
| Video | $56.99 per month |
| Complete | $59.99 per month |
If you go with ADT, they offer five main security packages that combine security equipment with ADT monitoring. We found that these five package options offer something for everyone.
The company is known for highly training technicians who get the job done right. From our experience, they are fast and friendly, and your tech will stick around after the install to teach you how to use your system. Most competing brands don’t offer this level of premium service. Again, it’s a bit old-fashioned, but sometimes old-fashioned is exactly what people want.
Did You Know: Companies like ADT that offer professional installation are more likely to include a guarantee and an extended product warranty.
You’ll also have to factor in ADT’s soaring costs for add-ons and upgrades. Big-name manufacturers like GE and Honeywell make ADT products.2 So expect to pay upwards of $60 for a single entryway sensor, approximately twice the price of the industry average. Almost all of ADT’s equipment, from their environmental sensors to their security cameras, are more expensive than the competition. Nevertheless, these devices are also superior to other products we’ve tested. So if your budget allows, it might make sense to buy with quality in mind and enjoy your equipment for the long haul.
ADT security packages are not ideal for people who move around often. They are also not a great fit for the younger crowd who desire cheap and nimble home security. ADT plans make the most sense for homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for at least three years. It’s for those who desire robust home protection and home automation and don’t mind paying for it. Before you decide one way or the other, let’s dig deeper into ADT packages and pricing so that you can make an educated decision.
Did You Know: While ADT isn’t the best system for folks who move around often, they do offer a moving program with some pretty impressive deals if you happen to be relocating with ADT. Read all about it in our breakdown of the ADT Moving program.
Our staff is great at researching and testing systems and comparing it to similar security options, but we wanted to see what ADT customers have to say about the product and the service they receive over time. As of May 2020, we’ve surveyed 184 ADT customers and asked them to rate ADT in 10 different areas, including an overall rating. Below is a summary of their ratings.
As you read through the following options, remember, you can upgrade or modify these plans to better suit your needs. That’s a nice thing about ADT. They provide flexible package options, not just one-size-fits-all plans like other companies.
But before digging into the different packages, here are a few key ADT stats to consider:
| Days Tested | 30+ |
| Installed By | Professional |
| Cost | $28.99+ per month |
| Best For | 24/7 Monitoring |
| In Business Since | 1874 |
And with that, let’s break down ADT’s package options to see if there’s a fit for you.
ADT Basic offers basic home protection for a reasonable monthly cost. The price is $28.99 per month and includes the security equipment (separate cost) plus 24-7 professional monitoring through either a landline or cellular connection. This package supports fire, carbon monoxide, and flood monitoring services as well if you choose to purchase these devices. In our experience, $28 per month for basic home protection is a touch pricey. Most of the systems we’ve tested offer similar value for around $20 per month. Bear in mind, you don’t pay for ADT’s equipment beforehand, and they offer higher-quality devices than other brands.
ADT Secure comes with everything the basic plan offers, plus home automation and remote arming and disarming. It costs $45.99 per month, which isn’t bad for total home security and smart home controls. This option definitely gave us greater command over our system. It includes the ADT Pulse app for remote access and controls. You’ll also enjoy instant alerts sent straight to your smartphone, notifying you of any suspicious activity.3
As far as smart home features go, ADT uses Z-Wave technology to power your smart home equipment. This functionality allows you to control various home commands on one platform directly from the convenience of your smartphone. Overall, we think this package is quite the upgrade from ADT’s base package, and it only costs $9 more per month (plus the cost of equipment). In our experience, the Secure plan is where ADT begins to offer true value.
Finally, the ADT Complete plan combines the features from the other packages with their Remote Secure Video upgrade. This package gives you access to video support if you want to set up security cameras around your home. But it comes at a healthy price increase, putting your expenditure at $59.99 per month, plus equipment costs, as there’s no video monitoring without video cameras.
With ADT Complete, you’ll be able to tap into live video monitoring, allowing you to view your video feed from your ADT cameras, anywhere, any time. This plan worked well for us during testing, but it’s a bit pricey for our taste, especially considering some companies offer video monitoring for only $10 per month.
FYI: If you move frequently, you can easily transfer your ADT security service to a new location.
You can customize your ADT system with the following add-ons, upgrades, and accessories:
As far as features go, you can expect the following from ADT’s packages:
MOBILE ALERTS |
Wireless security customers can get mobile alerts from ADT alarm systems and emergency operators. Mobile alerts plus remote control and monitoring give customers control from virtually anywhere. |
24-7 MONITORING |
Each ADT monitoring plan includes 24-hour service to dispatch police and first-responders. |
WIRELESS SECURITY |
ADT specializes in both wireless and hardwired security. Wireless equipment installation leaves no permanent marks. Wireless ADT plans can support remote monitoring, remote control, and home automation. |
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS |
Optional security cameras let you monitor your home from virtually anywhere in the world. Stream live video and access saved clips with your mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer. |
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION |
ADT professionally installs its security systems to ensure that customers are well-protected. Get professional installation of your wireless or hardwired system! Customers can also transfer their equipment from other security companies. |
HOME AUTOMATION |
Home automation provides extra security, plus it saves time and money. Use biometric voice recognition and ADT’s mobile app to automate your home’s alarm, lights, thermostat, and more. |
REMOTE CONTROL |
Control your wireless security remotely with the ADT mobile app and ADT keychain remotes. Each ADT keychain remote has four buttons: Arm, Disarm, Panic, and LED Light. |
HARDWIRED SECURITY |
An international leader in hardwired security, ADT has installed millions of systems. Installation is professionally done whether you’re getting ADT monitoring for the first time or transferring your service to a new home. |
ADT packages are a touch expensive compared to other brands we’ve tested. This trait may be ADT’s biggest weakness. Sometimes this bargain comes in the form of waived installation fees or a percentage-off discount on monthly plans. From what we’ve seen, these providers are constantly changing it up to keep people on their toes. If you’re considering ADT, it’s worth researching these discounts. Learn more about current ADT deals and promotions here.
Did You Know: Some insurance companies offer a discount on home insurance if you have a monitored home security system like ADT installed.4
Throughout our research and testing, ADT shined in several categories. Their packages and pricing are straightforward, and their monitoring costs are reasonably priced for what you get, especially the ADT Smart plan. Also, the company offers a generous 6-month, money-back guarantee, which is the best guarantee we’ve seen in the industry (certain restrictions apply). Overall, ADT users can expect their dollars to stretch with these products and services. All in all, the value is certainly there for those who can afford it.
But it bears repeating — ADT isn’t for everyone. If you’re the type who prefers no contracts and cheap monitoring, or free self-monitoring for that matter, then we recommend looking at systems offered by Ring, SimpliSafe, or Abode. With these brands, you’ll spend more money initially, but you’ll own the equipment from day one, and you’ll only be on the hook for $10 to $20 per month for monitoring. With that said, if you value 24-7 monitoring from true professionals, and you plan to live in your home for several years, then ADT likely has the ideal package and plan for you.
No, not all ADT packages need Internet access. You will need an Internet connection if you want to use home automation and smart home devices in your ADT home security package.
ADT is short for American District Telegraph, the original name of the company when it was founded all the way back in 1874.
Yes, ADT does offer security system devices that have Wi-Fi connections, but most of them need to be powered via a wired AC connection.
Yes, ADT requires professional installation. An ADT technician will visit your home to install the equipment.
ADT’s professional installation typically starts at $99 and increases in price depending on the equipment you decide to have installed.
Yes, ADT requires contracts. ADT’s required contract length starts at 24 months and varies depending on your location and agreement terms.
Yes, professional monitoring services are required when you sign up with ADT.
Yes, ADT works with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.
Yes, ADT works with Google Assistant.
The monthly cost of ADT starts at $28.95 a month and increases in price depending on the equipment and, packages and plans you decide to go with.
If the power goes out, your ADT system will run on a battery backup for up to 24 hours.
Yes, ADT has panic buttons. You can get an ADT panic button pendant and wear it around your neck or as a wristband.
Yes, ADT charges early termination fees so it’s important to review your agreement before cancelling.
ADT. (2020). Our History.
https://www.adt.com/about-adt/history
Protect America. (2017, November 10). Who Manufactures ADT Security Systems?
https://www.protectamerica.com/home-security-blog/faqs/who-manufactures-adt-security-systems_14744
ADT LLC. (2020, January 16). ADT Pulse ®. Google.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adt.pulse&hl=en_US
Gleeson, P. (2019, March 6). How Much Is a Monitored Alarm Insurance Deduction? Zacks Investment Research.
https://finance.zacks.com/much-monitored-alarm-insurance-deduction-11838.html
As Managing Editor for SafeHome.org, Rob Gabriele has written and edited over 1,000 articles in home security. His expertise is in smart home automation and home protection with thousands of hours of testing and research under his belt. Formerly a reporter and producer for the USAToday network, Rob has been a writer and editor for over 10 years. He holds a Master’s of Science with an emphasis on writing from the University of Montana, and he currently lives in the Reno/Tahoe area of Nevada.
