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High-tech security and home automation at your fingertips
ADT’s advanced security and home automation systems — ADT Pulse and ADT Control — offer flexibility, convenience, and high-tech features.
When it comes to home security, convenience is key. That said, “convenient” can mean a lot of different things, depending on who you ask. For us, it means having intuitive, at-your-fingertips, comprehensive control of your home security system whether you’re physically in your house or away. With ADT Pulse and Control systems, you’ll have access to all of that and more.
Pro Tip: If you’re interested in professionally monitored video surveillance at your property, now’s a great time to look at ADT. When you sign a 36-month ADT Video contract, you’ll receive a free Nest Doorbell and Cam. For more information on why this is such a great deal, you can read our review of the Nest’s camera offerings and our in-depth look at the Nest Doorbell.
But before we get into this too far, there’s something to mention. ADT is phasing out its Pulse system to the more unified Control system. Launched in 2019, Control is the company’s latest generation system — including a feature-rich web portal, a powerful app, and an in-home touch-screen panel. Both systems have tons of great features, and we’ll talk more about those here. Though it’s still functional, if you’re a new customer Pulse won’t be available — you’re going to have to go with Control. Not to worry, though, both systems have great features that we’re going to unpack here.
ADT Pulse and ADT Control come as part of an equipment and monitoring package — specifically, one that supports home automation capabilities. There are three ADT monitoring and pricing plans: Secure Home, Smart Home, and Video and Smart Home. The Secure Home plan starts at $56 per month for monitoring and basic equipment, the Smart Home plan starts at $65 per month for monitoring and smart home capabilities, and the Video and Smart Home plan starts at $75 per month for monitoring and video (security cameras and recording).
Now we know these prices might seem a bit high when you compare them to some more bare-bones, DIY options, but keep in mind you’re paying for equipment rental and monitoring at the same time. If you’re looking for a professionally monitored, high-quality system that you won’t have to lift a finger for, ADT is likely your best option.
That said, if you’re looking to save some money while still getting strong performance, you might want to read our review of SimpliSafe or our latest analysis of Frontpoint. Just keep in mind, these systems might be a little more labor intensive.
FYI: In our ADT review, we revealed how valuable these systems are. Although the price tag might seem a little steep at first, the added convenience and peace of mind they offered made the cost well worth it.
ADT Pulse and ADT Control have the same core set of home automation capabilities and home security controls. There are some additional features to ADT Control, which we’ll go over in a bit, but first let’s look at the cool stuff they both do.
Pro Tip: Cut your energy bill by automating your lights, thermostats, and other smart devices. And keep an eye on your electrical devices on-the-fly with the ADT Pulse/Control app, so you never waste energy when no one is home.
FYI: ADT’s Pulse and Control apps are both highly rated. ADT Pulse earns 4.8 stars in the Apple App Store and 4.5 stars in the Google Play Store. ADT Control earns a strong 4.8 stars on both platforms.
The ADT Control system has many of the same features as the older ADT Pulse platform, but with a few significant upgrades. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re a current Pulse customer, you don’t necessarily have to upgrade if you’re happy with your current system. If you’re new to ADT, though, here’s what you’re going to be getting:
Did You Know: ADT runs on the Z-Wave platform, which means their systems are compatible with hundreds of different smart products. Read our guide to ADT’s home automation capabilities.
ADT Pulse and ADT Control are both strong security and home automation systems. In fact, ADT made our list of best home automation security systems when ADT Pulse was the name of the game. Now that Command and Control are here, ADT’s home automation capabilities are even greater, and the whole system is more intuitive.
The Command touch-screen panel acts like a smart tablet, giving you control of all of your home devices on a single interactive screen. And built-in Alexa, plus geo-fencing capabilities, are valuable perks that you just don’t find in the average security system.
All this adds up to ADT being a leader in home automation. If you want to have a truly smart home — and you can afford a little more than average for quality equipment and 24/7 professional monitoring — ADT is the way to go. However, if you’re only interested in a few select home automation features, the ADT price tag may not be worth it.
It wouldn’t hurt to do some comparison shopping with other top contenders. A good place to start is our guide to this year’s best home security systems. (You’ll notice ADT is right there near the top.) We think ADT has what it takes to protect you and to transform your house into a smart home with a smooth experience using the system.
ADT. (2021). Command – Geo-Services FAQs.
https://alpha.adt.com/help/394.html