ADT means business. In more ways than one.
You probably know them as a home security provider. They’re one of the best security companies in the business, in fact. But ADT also offers commercial security solutions for business owners, too.
Now it's definitely not a one-size-fits-all business security solution, but they've earned their reputation as one of the most trusted names in the security industry. Their reliable equipment, rapid response times, and responsive customer service have kept them at the top for decades.
That's why business owners across the country are choosing ADT to protect against break-ins, theft, and potential liability issues. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything ADT for Business has to offer, and help you determine if they're right for protecting your commercial property.
As a business owner, you know that protecting your assets is a top priority. That means you’re going to need a high-quality security system from a provider that understands the particulars of protecting commercial property. And it sure doesn't hurt if that provider has been protecting American businesses for over 150 years.
ADT really knows security—they're the oldest alarm company in the United States. Because every business has different needs, ADT offers a spectrum of services including monitored intrusion detection, smart security, fire protection and monitoring, and more.
Even better, they offer professional installation for as little as $25 with a monitoring agreement. Professional installation typically runs several hundred dollars, so this is a significant savings.
So if you’re looking for a security partner that can be your eyes and ears at your business location(s) day or night and can protect your profits, employees, merchandise, and customers from crime and other disasters, keep reading because this review is all about ADT security for businesses.
FYI: ADT currently offers professional installation starting at $25 for business owners. You'll need to sign a monitoring agreement, but this represents substantial savings over standard installation costs.
About ADT for Business
ADT is well-known for their residential security systems, and the company has been in business for over 150 years, making them America's oldest security company. They employ upwards of 17,000 trained professionals in over 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada. ADT consistently ranks among our highest-rated security systems for businesses because of their reputation and reliability.
Did You Know? ? ADT protects over six million customers across North America. Check out our full ADT review to learn more about our experience with ADT for home.
To make things easy for business owners, ADT offers three different packages to choose from. In basic terms, the Secure package protects against intrusion, the Interactive package includes additional automation features, and the Complete package adds video surveillance to their already comprehensive list of services. Don’t worry, we’ll go into more detail and provide pricing information for all of these packages below.
In addition, ADT offers customer-friendly policies like a theft protection guarantee that will pay up to $500 of your insurance deductible if a break-in occurs while the system is armed. The company also offers a six-month money-back guarantee and same-day or next-day service.
Here's what we love about their approach. ADT sends a security consultant to your business for a complimentary risk assessment. They'll identify your specific vulnerabilities and help design a custom security solution that actually makes sense for your operations.
Keep in mind that ADT has several security options that vary depending on the size of your business. That said, if you’re a small business owner, you might want to have a look at SimpliSafe’s DIY business security systems. But if you have a medium- to large-size business, ADT is definitely a safe bet. The features include burglary monitoring with door/window sensors, video surveillance, remote access and controls, fire alarm monitoring, and more.
FYI: If you have a commercial business, ADT offers commercial security solutions to suit your space and security needs. Just expect to pay a pretty penny for it.
What Types of Businesses Benefit From an ADT Security System?
Businesses of any size and from any industry can benefit from ADT’s business security suites. That’s the beauty of a tailored business security solution. ADT understands that every business has unique security needs and faces different risks.
Think about it this way. A high-end boutique on Rodeo Drive faces completely different security challenges than a suburban dental office. Your location, hours of operation, inventory value, and foot traffic all play into your security needs. ADT takes all these factors into account when designing your system.
Here are just a few of the industries ADT works for:
Industries ADT Serves:
- Retail Businesses
- Restaurants (food and beverage)
- Pharmacy and Medical Buildings
- Health and wellness Offices
- Manufacturing Plants and Factories
- Professional Services and Offices
- Automotive Shops
- Home Offices
Why a Security System Is Important for Businesses
Let us share some sobering statistics. According to the National Retail Federation's 2023 Retail Security Survey, retail shrinkage exceeded $112 billion in 2022.1 Having a security system helps prevent both external and internal theft, protecting not just your premises but your bottom line.
A business security system, particularly one that includes security cameras, can also protect you from fraudulent lawsuits such as slip and falls, false accusations of discrimination, harassment, and other false implications and staged accidents that can damage your reputation and cost you in legal fees.
These incidents are surprisingly common. A 2023 study from the Chamber of Commerce found that small businesses pay $160 billion a year for tort liability.2 Having video evidence can be the difference between a costly settlement and a dismissed claim. While ADT won't prevent every incident, it provides crucial documentation and deterrence that every modern business needs.
ADT Commercial for Large-Scale Security Needs
If you need security on a larger scale, ADT offers a commercial security option, as mentioned. This includes custom integrated security solutions, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and access to their outsourced performance-based security subscription service, as well as providing National account and Enterprise solutions.
ADT Commercial serves a variety of industries including banking and financial services, energy and utilities, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, transportation and logistics, and healthcare.
This is truly white-glove service from start to finish. You can't just click “add to cart” for these systems (and honestly, you wouldn't want to). An ADT security expert will conduct an in-depth assessment of your facilities, operations, and specific risk factors to create a comprehensive security strategy. You'll also have to sign a long-term contract with ADT, but this is par for business security systems.
ADT Security for Businesses: Features & Tech
ADT prides itself on being able to properly identify vulnerabilities so it can help the business owner protect their good name and assets going forward. Here are some of the ADT security options for businesses.
ADT Security for Businesses, Features & Tech:
- Customizable business security systems
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Intrusion protection
- Video surveillance
- Environmental monitoring (Smoke, fire, flood, freeze, CO)
- Smartphone controls with event history timeline
- Smart automation (lights, thermostats, etc.)
- Fast response times (average 30 seconds or less)
- Free security risk assessment
- Skilled sales staff and technicians
- Cybersecurity solutions
All three of the packages include intrusion detection, hold-up alarm monitoring, temperature monitoring and flood protection.
The Interactive and Complete packages take things further with smart features that can actually save you money. They feature programmable climate control, remote arm/disarm capabilities, automated lighting schedules, and smart appliance management. From our testing, this is genuinely advanced technology that you'll only find with top-tier providers like Vivint for business and Frontpoint’s custom security systems.
Below we’ve provided further details on the most popular ADT security features for businesses. Keep in mind you’ll receive all or some of these features depending on the package you choose.
Burglary Monitoring
ADT operates 12 interconnected monitoring centers across North America that watch your business 24/7/365. These UL-listed facilities are staffed with trained professionals who can dispatch emergency services in seconds when an alarm is triggered.
Perimeter Protection
Strategically placed sensors quickly detect when someone tries to enter your premises illegally. These include door and window sensors, as well as outdoor cameras with motion-triggered recording.
Glass Break and Motion Sensors
Here's something cool. ADT's acoustic glass break sensors can distinguish between the specific frequency of breaking glass and other loud noises, reducing false alarms. When triggered, they'll immediately alert the monitoring center. The motion sensors use passive infrared technology to detect body heat and movement patterns, creating invisible security zones throughout your business.
Hold Up Button
ADT will discreetly place a hold-up button that, when pushed, will request an emergency response at your location. Hold up buttons aren’t only for banks and financial institutions, a retail or convenience store will also benefit from this added layer of security.
Business Automation Products
Business automation isn't just about convenience — it's about efficiency and cost savings. You can schedule lights to turn on/off automatically, adjust thermostats based on business hours, and even control small appliances remotely. Everything integrates with the ADT Control app, so you're managing security and operations from one dashboard.
Environmental Monitoring
ADT offers flood protection monitoring, high/low temperature control monitoring, fire protection and monitoring, and more. These environmental sensors can go a long way to preventing a disaster. They might also save you money on your business insurance.
Remote Access (remote arm and disarm)
This feature will enable you to arm and disarm your business's system from anywhere using your smartphone. It's particularly useful when you need to let in contractors or employees outside normal hours. You can disarm specific zones without compromising overall security. However, note that almost all business security systems offer remote access and controls these days.
Video Surveillance
No one wants to be at work 24/7. That’s why surveillance cameras were created — well, one of the reasons, anyway. Simply put, ADT can help you keep an eye on things while you’re not physically present at your business.
Their 1080p, high-definition cameras will help you pay attention to the details, and their night vision functionality means you’ll be able to keep an eye out even when the sun goes down.
You'll monitor everything through the ADT Control app, which means no bulky equipment taking up valuable office space. With these capabilities, you’ll be able to reduce liability, improve safety, reduce shrinkage, deter crime, and monitor your inventory. ADT offers both indoor and outdoor models in a variety of looks, too, to best fit your needs.
Cloud Video Storage
Cloud storage will record and store your surveillance videos offsite where you can access your video clips remotely from your mobile device. This feature provides you with 24-hour continuous recordings, will protect your video data from damage or destruction, and can help you avoid the need for video management software and equipment.
Onsite Video Storage
For businesses that prefer local control, ADT's network video recorders (NVRs) can store up to 8TB of footage. That's roughly 30 days of continuous recording from 16 cameras. The Smart Search feature uses motion detection algorithms to quickly locate specific events, and you can still access everything remotely through the app.
Access Control
ADT's access control systems use keycards, fobs, or biometric readers to manage who goes where and when. You can set different permission levels for employees, track entry/exit times for payroll, and instantly revoke access when someone leaves the company. This feature alone can eliminate the security risks and costs associated with rekeying locks.
Cybersecurity
ADT also has a cybersecurity feature that will help protect your business against threats to your networks and data. The cybersecurity ADT offers can safeguard against ransomware, malware, trojans, phishing attacks, destroyed data, privacy breaches, and more. But if you’re interested in shoring up your cybersecurity defenses, we highly recommend reading our in-depth guide to the best identity theft protection services for businesses.
ADT For Business Pricing: Equipment Costs and Monthly Fees
We can’t really give you a definitive answer as to the cost you’ll pay for ADT, as it completely depends on the size of your business and the level of security needed.
With that said, you can expect monthly monitoring fees to start at $47.99 and equipment to cost around $1,000. Some brands offer self-monitoring (no monthly fees), but we highly recommend professional monitoring for businesses. And thankfully, ADT has one of the most reliable monitoring services around. So… money well spent!
FYI: ADT charges various fees including installation, activation, and potentially early termination fees if you break your contract. Always ask for a complete breakdown of all costs upfront, including any potential charges down the road. Getting everything in writing prevents surprise charges later.
Our Final Thoughts on ADT for Business
We think ADT offers a great solution for business owners of all stripes. They combine intrusion protection with video surveillance, and a whole suite of smart automation products to keep the techy-type more than satisfied. But what we really like about ADT for business is their bespoke approach to outfitting each business owner with a system that makes sense for their business needs. In other words, it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Now, ADT isn’t a perfect solution by any means. We’d like to see more affordable equipment options, and we don’t exactly love the extra fees they charge. But still, pesky fees aside, ADT delivers great security packages for businesses of all types. So if you’re looking for a solution to protect your inventory, employees, and customers, then ADT likely has what you’re looking for.



