An Honest Review of ADT Home Security

Getting the ADT System Installed

Like we did with previous ADT security systems we tested, we had our latest-generation ADT equipment professionally installed. We thought we’d call that out because this generation of ADT equipment is also available for DIY installation.

That is a welcome change, but we wanted to get the full ADT experience so we went with professional installation. Overall, we’d say that ADT’s install job was better than other companies that offer both DIY and professional installation. SimpliSafe, for instance, offers professional installation through a third-party service, and the difference showed when we compared SimpliSafe and ADT.

The ADT Installation Process

It took us two days to arrange an ADT installation. Here’s how it went:

• First, we called ADT and scheduled a free consultation. They were able to get someone out to our home the next day.
• During the visit, the consultant assessed our home’s hazards and vulnerable points. They also talked us through the equipment and features that can address those dangers, and then scheduled us for next-day installation.
• On installation day, two technicians arrived to install the equipment, brief us on how to use the system, and help us set up the ADT+ app.

We found the whole installation process friction-free. Sure, same-day installation would’ve been super, but assessing the quality of service alone, there’s no doubt in our minds that ADT is one of the best professionally installed security systems.

The Downsides

Our 10-year-old analog control panel still attached to the wall

There’s nothing much to complain about ADT’s installation process, except one thing. We still have 10-year-old ADT equipment at home, and the technician just left it there untouched (see above). That means we’ve got this nice, sleek new system right next to outdated, clunky equipment. We wish ADT offers a free removal service, especially for repeat customers like us.

ADT Equipment We Tested

We kicked off our months-long testing right after installation, and right away, we could tell that ADT’s latest security system measures up when it comes to durability, reliability, and aesthetics.

It helps that ADT now offers Google Nest devices, including all of their cameras and some smart home devices. We particularly like Google Nest Cam’s facial recognition. Over the first few weeks, we trained it to recognize us and friends who frequently come over. Then, we used facial recognition to enable the Trusted Neighbor feature, but more on that below.

For now, let us show you exactly which components from ADT we tested:

• 1 base station
• 3 door/window sensors
• 1 motion sensor
• 1 Nest Doorbell
• 1 Nest Cam Battery
• 1 Nest Cam with Floodlight
• 1 Yale smart lock
• 1 ADT yard sign
• 1 pack of 4 ADT window stickers
• ADT Plus app

How Much We Paid for ADT

We used the prebuilt Front Door Protection package ($739) as the foundation of our ADT system, then we added a couple of Nest Cams to round out the bundle. All in all, our ADT system cost us a little over $1,000. That sounds expensive, but a SimpliSafe system with the same components costs $920. Considering we got Nest Cams and a branded smart lock (Yale) with our ADT package, we think the $80 difference makes sense.

We did have to sign up for a monitoring plan. That’s mandatory for professionally installed ADT systems, but optional for ADT Self Setup. Prices start at $24.99 per month, but since we got security cameras, we needed the Complete Monitoring plan, which can cost up to $49.99 per month. With it, we got:

• 24/7 professional monitoring
• Access to the ADT+ app
• Smart home features
• Facial recognition for Nest Cams
• 30-day cloud storage for Nest Cams
• Access to the Trusted Neighbor feature
• And more…

Also note that even though we paid for our equipment upfront, we still had to sign a three-year ADT contract. We also paid nearly $200 in installation fees. On some occasions, ADT offers deals to offset the cost. They sometimes offer free equipment or even discounts as much as 50 percent. Those are things to consider if you’re deciding if ADT is worth it.

ADT Monitoring Plans

You’ll notice there’s a monitoring fee price difference between ADT Self Setup and pro-installed systems. Self Setup plans cost $10 less in general. We don’t know why either, but that’s another thing to keep in mind. Besides signing a contract, you’ll pay a higher monthly fee if you go with professional installation. Those things make ADT’s professionally installed systems less-than-ideal for renters and apartment residents who need flexibility and affordability.

>> Other Options: The Best Security Systems for Apartments

ADT Pricing vs. The Competition

As for how ADT compares to other top security systems, see the table below.

We’d say that with ADT’s current pricing, they’ve now entered the “affordable” category. They used to charge $40 to $60 per month for monitoring. The $24.99 starting price now is more approachable compared to that. DIY systems like Ring and abode are still more affordable, but $24.99 per month for a company of ADT’s caliber is a sweet deal worth checking out.

Our Experience With Our ADT Security System

Assessing a security system is more than just about looking at the bottom line. In this section, we’ll discuss our experience with every piece of ADT equipment we tested, highlighting both their best and worst qualities.

ADT Base

The ADT Base with the numeric touch keypad, emergency help buttons (right side) and dedicated arming/disarming buttons (left side)

WHAT TO EXPECT: The ADT Base is a cylindrical device that plugs into a wall outlet and has a built-in touch keypad on top. It’s the central unit of every ADT system that replaces the touch screen control panel that previous ADT systems used to have. Since the ADT Base was designed to sit on a flat surface instead of being mounted on a wall, expect it to take up more space. We suggest placing it on a console table near the front door for easy access.

BEST AND WORST FEATURES: The ADT Base may look simple, but it’s loaded with safety features. We like that it has a battery and cellular backup built in. It’s the ADT system’s main communication line to the monitoring center, so it’s crucial that it can work during temporary power and internet outages. As an added safety layer, it can produce alarm sounds as loud as 85 decibels from three feet away. It was loud enough to drown out the sound from our TV.

That said, we’re torn about the simple interface. A touch keypad is user-friendly. Anyone from teenagers to seniors can use it to arm/disarm the system or call for help with the dedicated fire, police, and medical emergency buttons. At the same time, it’s nowhere nearly as useful as the previous ADT system’s touch screen panel. With our touch screen ADT panel, we could check activity logs and watch clips recorded by its built-in camera. We couldn’t do those with the ADT Base, simply because it lacked the technology.

UNEXPECTED FINDINGS: We found a couple of nice touches – the LED ring indicator and the system tones.

The LED ring indicator is present in both the ADT Base and the wireless keypad. It lights up a different color and with different patterns depending on the system’s status. Here are a few we tried:

• Active alarm: Blinking red light
• Lost connection: Bottom left quarter blinks red when Wi-Fi connection is lost; top right quarter blinks red when not communicating with ADT servers
• Successful arming: LED ring turns solid blue for around two seconds
• Disarmed and ready to arm: LED ring is off, but a green light around the disarm button turns solid green
• Sensor problem: When one of the sensors is disconnected or has a low battery, the disarm button turns solid yellow

We were also pleasantly surprised by the new system tones. The bulkier ADT Base has better speakers than the ADT touch screen panel, so it produces better sounds. When arming the system, for example, the ADT Base’s exit delay timer sounds like a game show countdown – lower, more defined tones (thump, thump, thump…) and much less annoying than the high-pitched beeping sounds the touch screen panel produced.

ADT’s Sensors

A look at ADT Entryway Sensors

WHAT TO EXPECT: Entryway sensors, also called door/window sensors, are the backbone of every home security system. They detect when the window or door they are attached to are opened, alerting the system to possible break-in. We made sure to have one entry sensor placed on each exterior door and window on the first floor.

As for motion sensors, we installed one on each floor in heavily trafficked areas. The one on the first floor monitors the living room area, through which anyone making their way around the house has to pass. The one on the second floor is at the end of the hallway between our rooms, facing the stairs. Because we haven’t protected the upstairs windows, we asked the technician to position it to monitor as much space as possible.

Finally, we purchased three glass break sensors. That’s because if a burglar decides to break a window, the attached entry sensor won’t detect it. We mounted a glass break sensor on the wall facing the sliding glass door that leads to our back porch. We placed the other two in common spaces on the first floor.

BEST AND WORST FEATURES: We were impressed with ADT’s selection of sensors. They are smaller and slimmer than most sensors we’ve tested, including sensors from Vivint, Ring, and Frontpoint. See our Ring Alarm review; Ring’s entryway sensors are about the same size, but they look bulkier than the ones we got from ADT because of the shape (comparison image below).

Comparing door sensors from Ring Alarm (above) and ADT (below)

It’s also worth noting that ADT’s motion sensor can ignore pets up to 85 lbs (large-breed dogs). Most pet-friendly security systems we’ve tested can only ignore pets around 60 lbs. We tested this when we sat for a friend’s English Labrador for three days, and the dog never once triggered a false alarm.

As for downsides, we think ADT could do better with more sensor options. We didn’t see a garage door sensor, or an outdoor-rated entry sensor for tool sheds. There’s a premium entry sensor available that can also detect vibrations (i.e. when someone tries to break down your door), but that’s it.

UNEXPECTED FINDINGS: We’ve tested all kinds of home security sensors and at this point, nothing surprises us anymore. But if we’re talking about things that we found impressive in ADT’s sensors, the battery life is at the top of the list. The wireless motion sensors powered by CR123 batteries can last up to seven years.

ADT’s Glass Break Sensor

Sensor Specs:

• Door/window sensor dimensions – 3.1″ H x 1.6″ W x 1.2″ D (77.8mm x 39.7mm x 30.2mm)
• Door/window sensor type – Contact/magnetic
• Motion sensor dimensions – 4.1″ H x 2.3″ W x 1.5″ D (104.1mm x 58.4mm x 38.1 mm)
• Motion sensor detection range: Area of 35 by 40 feet
• Pet-friendly motion sensor: Ignores pets up to 80 lbs
• Glass break sensor dimensions: 3.7” H x 3.7” W x 1.1” D (94mm x 94mm x 27.9mm)
• Glass break sensor detection range: Up to 25’ radius

ADT’s Cameras

The only camera we couldn’t have installed ourselves is the Nest Cam with Floodlight, as it requires hardwiring

WHAT TO EXPECT: You can install Google Nest Cams yourself. The Nest Cam (indoor/outdoor, battery) and Google Nest Doorbell are battery-powered and mount easily to surfaces. ADT also offers a wired Nest Cam that plugs into an outlet. The Google Nest Cam with floodlight requires hardwiring from an electrician or professional installation from ADT.

BEST AND WORST FEATURES: The best feature is definitely facial recognition. Google Nest is at the forefront of this security camera technology, and they have the highest accuracy rates among the best facial recognition cameras we’ve tested. You can read more about the Nest Cams in our separate Nest Cam review.

The second-best feature is Trusted Neighbor. With the help of facial recognition, ADT can identify incoming guests. If it’s someone you added to your trusted list, and if the conditions are right, ADT can unlock the door (provided you have a compatible smart lock) and disarm the system automatically. We used it to let a friend in so they can water our plants while we’re on vacation.

View in your Home!

An exclusive feature from SafeHome. See ADT’s newest offering, the Google Nest Cam Outdoor, in augmented reality!

As much as we like ADT’s Nest Cam range, it’s not perfect. For starters, the cameras lack local storage. If your internet drops out, you might miss out on recorded events. The resolution is only up to 1080p as well. That might be fine for most homes, but we would still like to see a 4K option in the near future.

ADT’s App & Web Dashboards

Solid hardware that does its job is important, but some buyers forget the software side of the equation. If you can’t navigate your way through your security system’s app, there’s a good chance you’re going to make a mistake, and that could compromise your security.

All our videos were front and center, which meant it took less time to review footage. In minutes, we were able to see the dog that came by and sat on our front porch for twenty minutes, clock the nosy neighbor that had walked by trying to see what we were up to, and know what time the postal worker delivered the mail.

In fact, we discovered that the online dashboard offers more information and customization than the control panel. For instance, it let us create automations and schedule routines.

We will say, though, in our own tests, we found that the dashboard is better accessed from a computer or tablet than a phone. Nonetheless, we believe the ADT app is one of the best home security mobile apps right now, right up there with Vivint and SimpliSafe.

New ADT Features, Including Trusted Neighbor

We’ve outlined all the equipment ADT offers plus what you can expect from the dashboard and app. That’s a lot of information to digest, and by this point you may have lost track of all the biggest changes ADT has made in the last couple of years. So let’s review those, just to give you a sense of just how much this company has adapted recently to meet changing marketing demands.

Here are a few changes to note:

• Google Nest Devices: ADT now offers Google Nest cameras exclusively. In addition, it offers the Nest thermostat.
• Hub: Instead of a touchscreen control panel, ADT Plus now comes with a router-like base station with a built-in keypad. A screenless touch keypad is also available as an add-on.
• Sensors: ADT has redesigned its sensors to look more rounded and modern. It also added a Premium Door Sensor to its product lineup, which comes with shock/vibration detection to detect forcible entry.
• Smart Home Compatibility: ADT has expanded its compatibility with third-party brands to include new equipment from Netgear and Yale as well as new device types like lamp and appliance modules.

Installation

Perhaps the biggest change at ADT is the fact that systems can now be self-installed. Don’t worry, you can still get professional installation for an extra fee, and ADT is one of the best in the business at getting equipment up and running. For years, though, the company just didn’t trust homeowners to do their own installs, so this is a significant shift that can save you money.

Trusted Neighbor

Finally, ADT launched a feature called Trusted Neighbor. Trusted Neighbor takes advantage of Google Nest Cam AI features to make controlling your system more convenient. It gives people you trust automatic access to your home. Think of it like giving someone you trust a copy of your keys, except you don’t have to go to the trouble of cutting keys and you have more control over when people come and go.

The basis of the system is facial recognition. You introduce trusted neighbors, friends, and family to your Google Nest Cams. Then, when the Nest Doorbell sees them approaching, it sends a signal to ADT and your smart lock. A couple of taps on their smartphone, and the door unlocks and the system disarms.

You can set up custom entrance times or create event-based rules. Set a schedule for your house cleaners or pet sitters, for example, or make an arrangement with a neighbor to get your pets out to safety in case your ADT system detects fire.

We’re big proponents of community-based safety. You’re always safer when you know you’re neighbors and everybody in your neighborhood works together to keep each other safer. In that context, ADT’s Trusted Neighbor program is a total game changer.

Living Day-to-Day with ADT

We’re big believers that a user-friendly security system should sort of fade into the background of your life. It should fit right into your lifestyle rather than require you to change your routines just so you can stay protected. And we can say that ADT was just the right fit for us.

The ADT+ app works great. It’s easy to navigate, and it has everything you need to monitor your home’s security. We were actually surprised to see Nest Cam live footage straight on the app. When we tested Cove, we had to use a separate app for security camera monitoring because like ADT, they offer security cameras from a third-party supplier.

A Look at ADT’s App

We’d also like to commend ADT’s reliability. We experienced a four-hour power outage one weekend night, and instead of going down, the system continued protecting our home. We actually ran some break-in simulations during this time. Our alerts went through to the monitoring center. All the core functions worked. The only components that went down were the Nest Cams. They are internet-reliant and couldn’t stream live videos and record activities during the outage.

>> Related: Do Wireless Systems Work During Internet Outages?

ADT Monitoring

Besides their equipment and app, one of ADT’s best aspects is the monitoring. It’s the best in the business when it comes to professional home security monitoring, hands down. Our reason for saying that? It has 12 alarm response centers in the U.S. monitoring for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Six of those facilities cater to residential home security. In comparison, most other companies have just one or two. Vivint has two in Utah and Minnesota, SimpliSafe and Frontpoint use a third-party service, and Ring has one.

What We Liked:

• SMART Monitoring: A text-based communication system that can speed up alarm verification by group-texting family members. You can cancel false alarms or verify real emergencies through a link.
• Video verification: If you have cameras, ADT’s monitoring center can access them briefly to verify an alarm. Verified alarms are often prioritized by the police.
• Fast response: When we simulated a break-in, we were on the phone with an ADT monitoring agent in under a minute.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Price: We didn’t mind paying $49.99 per month for the monitoring service, but it’s on the higher end of the monitoring pricing spectrum.
• Contract: We are locked-in for the next three years. If we ever have to cancel, we’d have to pay a hefty early termination fee.

ADT Response Times Vs. The Competition

We ran a few simulations to see how fast ADT responds when an alarm is triggered. Here’s how the times compare to some of our other favorite brands.

ADT had the fastest response in all tests. We received near-instant text messages to confirm or cancel the alarm. If we didn’t respond, ADT called to check our well-being. You can read all about our testing in our guide on the best home security system response times.

ADT Contracts

ADT contracts are no longer mandatory. There are only a few circumstances where you might need a contract, such as when financing equipment, securing an ADT deal, or choosing professional installation. Before you sign on the dotted line, we recommend reading these terms and conditions carefully.

• Contract length: Financing contracts with Affirm are up to 12 months, and ADT contracts are up to 36 months.
• Cancellation policy: You are entitled to a 60-day money-back guarantee, but after that, you are subject to early termination fees. It is 75 percent of the remainder of the contract, including monitoring and equipment costs.
• Moving policy: ADT Self Setup and professionally installed system customers need to call ADT to confirm they can relocate the equipment. If you can’t, ADT supplies a free starter equipment bundle to get you going.

>> Learn More: ADT Home Security System Contracts in 2025

ADT Customer Service

We’ve been singing praises about our ADT system, but here’s where things get dicey. If you read through ADT customer reviews online, you’ll find a ton of negative feedback. We find that that’s the case for most alarm companies. Even Frontpoint, which we hailed for having excellent customer service in our Frontpoint review, receives a lot of flak online from disappointed customers.

We think we’re just more inclined to post about a negative experience than carve out time to detail a positive interaction with a brand – unless of course you write home security reviews. We do, so here’s our experience with ADT customer service; both good and bad.

The issue: About a month after our ADT system was installed, we installed a new mesh router for better Wi-Fi reception. And of course, we wanted our ADT cameras to connect, except that they wouldn’t. We spent about 20 minutes trying to troubleshoot it on our own, but to no avail. That’s when we decided to call ADT.

Our first interaction: We spoke with Patty over the phone. She was a native English speaker, very kind, and empathetic – apologetic even. We were with her on the phone for over 20 minutes, during which time we realized that it was the new mesh Wi-Fi system that was causing the issue. The cameras were set up to connect to our old Wi-Fi network. Although she couldn’t ultimately get us squared away, she found someone in the company who could.

They scheduled us for a call back with Ian from tech support. We’re not sure why the camera wouldn’t let me connect it to a new network – something we’ve been able to do with our other wireless security cameras – but the problem bothered us a lot less than the fact that Ian didn’t call us back until 1:30 pm the next day. If you’ve purchased a home security system, you want it up and working as soon as possible. That was interaction one.

Our second interaction: The next day, we took a late lunch so we could be home during the scheduled callback. We called ADT again, waited five minutes, and then gave them our secret passcode. We spoke with Ian and he had to remotely access our cameras to “learn them back in.” 10 minutes later, We were finally able to see the cameras from the ADT app.

Well, it was nice to have real humans to talk to. And as for Patty and Ian, I give them two thumbs up. They were professional, they explained the issue well, and they found a solution. It wasn’t the perfect customer support experience, but it was pretty solid.

How ADT Compares to the Competition

One way you can tell a system is grade A? If it has features you can’t get with other systems. ADT has that going for it.

For example, ADT’s equipment is a cut above most systems on the market. Compared to the sensors from our SimpliSafe review and Cove review – both good systems – ADT definitely has an edge. ADT also stands behind its hardware with the industry-best six-month money-back guarantee.

ADT’s professional installation service also stands out. It took us only two days to have an ADT technician come to our house. We don’t remember Brinks’ buying process being that fast when we tested the Brinks security system. More importantly, we loved the “white-glove service” approach of ADT.

ADT’s biggest competition is Vivint. It’s a neck-and-neck race between the two. We’d say that Vivint is the better smart security system. It’s high-tech. For example, you can control automations and smart home devices from the control panel. It can even learn your preferences and routines to some degree. ADT lacked in that area. On the other hand, though, ADT is a much more streamlined home security system. It’s easy to use and the monitoring service is on point.

If you’re sure that you want a professionally installed and monitored security system, we recommend reading our Vivint vs. ADT comparison. That will give you an idea of how the two best security systems of that kind compare.

Will ADT Deter Burglars?

In any case, having a security system is a good burglar deterrent. Just the mere sight of a security company’s yard signs and window decals might convince a burglar that your home is not worth the trouble. That’s especially true if the company’s name is ‘ADT,’ one of the most recognizable brands of home security.

Home Security Expert Rob Gabriele Tests ADT Home Security System

Striking fear into the heart of a would-be home invader is one thing. In a concrete, practical sense, does ADT get the job done? No question. The 85 dB siren may not be loud enough to carry down the street, but if you’re breaking into a home and standing a few feet from it, it’s loud. Keep in mind, 81-percent of burglars enter through the first floor.2 That means the siren will be the first thing to confront them once they’re in.

The other asset ADT has going for it in the war with burglars is that the company now offers Google Nest cameras. If an 85 dB siren doesn’t deter burglars, you can be sure the two-way audio these cameras come with will. A loud, booming voice when you’re not expecting it should startle a potential thief away.

Final Verdict on ADT

Now, the final verdict – Is ADT a good security system? Yes, there’s no question about it. ADT offers high-quality professional installation, sturdy equipment, and the industry’s largest network of monitoring centers. Plus, it partnered with Google Nest to amplify its smart home capabilities.

That said, it’s not perfect for everyone. We only recommend their DIY system for renters, otherwise you need to sign up for a long-term contract. It also costs more than some competitors. Just take a look at SimpliSafe’s prices or Cove’s packages to see for yourself.

Ultimately, ADT offers a well-rounded security system. Even though it’s not the cheapest, they still offer solid value thanks to their premium features that outclass budget alternatives.

Our Methodology

Our process of reviewing and rating home security products begins with researching the different companies and security systems available. After rigorous research, we purchase the systems and bring them into our home.

We then go through the installation process – either we install the system ourselves if it’s a DIY system or observe installation for professionally installed systems. Once installed, we put the system through dozens of simulated burglaries, home invasions, and package theft situations to see how well it can protect our home.

A typical home security test will take us several days to several weeks, and it’s not uncommon that we’ll test and tinker with products for several months. Our aim is to fully understand what it’s like living with the system so that we can give an honest and unbiased recommendation. That’s our promise to our readers like you.

ADT FAQs