ADT has been innovating home security systems for over a century, and while its offerings evolved tremendously throughout the years, one thing remained the same: its reliance on sensors. For decades, ADT's security systems have utilized sensors to protect their customers' homes from burglaries and intrusions. So we thought, why not feature these sensors and explain what they do and why they're important? That's precisely what we're doing in this review.
Also called door/window sensors, these affix to your entry points with peel-and-stick adhesives. When the alarm is set and your door opens, the alarm sounds and the burglar high-tails it out of there (that’s the hope anyhow). Keep in mind that ADT requires professional installation, so a technician will outfit your home with these sensors, meaning you don’t have to lift a finger. But you'll be looking at installation fees starting around $99.
With that said, once your system is up-and-running, you should have app-based smartphone controls if you chose the ‘Smart’ or ‘Complete’ tiers of service (the ADT app isn’t included in their basic ‘Secure’ plan). Armed with the mobile app, you can personalize your sensor settings and create custom alerts that match your lifestyle. Note that many cheaper DIY home security brands don’t offer this functionality. The app interface makes it simple to manage all your sensors from one central dashboard.
ADT App – all Sensors View
FYI: Tip: Name each sensor in the app based on its location (like “Main Door” or “Master Bedroom Window”) to quickly identify alerts and manage your system more efficiently. For more tips on using an ADT security system, read through our ADT review.
One last thing worth mentioning about ADT’s Door/Window sensors is that you can connect them directly into your home automation system. The ADT Pulse system uses Z-Wave technology, so your ADT sensors will communicate with the smart hub. If you’re not a smart home enthusiast, here’s what we mean: you can, for instance, set your cameras to record, lights to turn on, and garage door to automatically close when a sensor is tripped. Pretty neat!
Recessed Door Sensors
ADT also offers recessed door sensors, which we highly recommend if you own your home. These sensors embed into your door frame, making them virtually invisible when the door is closed. This concealed design is something rarely found with budget security brands. It sets ADT apart from roughly 90 percent of competitors.
ADT Door and Window Detector Sensor
Sure, recessed door sensors are a bit more invasive to install; the ADT tech will need to bore a hole into your door. But the clean, professional look is worth it. Plus, you'll never worry about adhesive failing or sensors getting knocked off by kids or pets. So recessed door sensors are the bees knees in our book.
FYI: If you’re interested in these premium sensors, we’d also suggest reading our hands-on Vivint smart security review, which is another top brand that offers recessed sensors.
Motion Sensors
Like all home security companies, ADT also sells motion sensors. These are mounted inside your home, and like the name implies, they detect motion from moving objects. If you're a pet owner, you can set your ADT motion sensor to ignore animals up to 85 pounds, dramatically reducing those annoying false alarms. Just like the entry sensors, you can also set your motion sensor to automatically turn on your smart lights when it detects movement. This alone will likely give an intruder a good startle.
ADT Motion Sensor
Unlike ADT’s door/window sensors, we actually like their motion sensor design. It’s fairly discrete, and when mounted in a corner, the white sensor blends in pretty well. The ADT motion sensor certainly gets the job done, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before.
Did You Know? The motion sensor sold by ADT can cover a room as large as 35’ by 40’. Depending on your ADT service tier and equipment, you can also set up a number of helpful motion-activated smart home automations. To dig deeper, check out our guide to ADT home automations.
Glass Break Sensors
If you opt for ADT’s glass break sensors, these neat little devices will sound your alarm if a burglar tries to force entry by smashing a window. With a tiny built-in microphone, these sensors listen for specific acoustic patterns associated with breaking glass. To minimize false alarms, ADT’s sensors only trigger after hearing both the initial thud of impact and the high-frequency sound of breaking glass.
ADT Glass Break Sensor
While we like the added layer of protection that ADT’s glass break sensors offer, they also have their limitations. For instance, if you accidentally break a wine glass at your next dinner party, the sensor might mistake it for a security breach, and the next thing you know your siren is blaring and the good vibes are gone (talk about a party foul). Just something to think about! Keep in mind that glass break sensors can hear a widow breaking from up to 25 ft away.
Environmental Sensors
ADT offers a number of environmental hazard sensors backed by their award-winning 24/7 professional monitoring. You can get smart smoke detectors that you can check on via ADT’s mobile app, along with other devices like water/flood sensors and carbon monoxide (CO) sensors. Working fire alarms alone reduce the risk of death in a fire by about 60 percent.1 With all ADT monitoring plans including environmental monitoring for free, they’ll notify you if any of your fire alarms stop working.
ADT Water Leak Detector Sensor
Pro Tip: Place ADT’s wireless water/flood sensors behind your washing machine and under your kitchen sink. At the first sign of a water leak, you’ll get an instant mobile alert and the monitoring center will receive the signal. Consider also adding them near water heaters, given that the average water damage insurance claim in 2023 exceeded $11,000.2
Garage Door Sensors
If you’ve ever accidentally left your garage door open overnight (oops), then you know just how handy ADT’s garage sensors truly are. With one, you can set your garage door to automatically close at specific times or after being open for a set duration — perfect for those forgetful moments. And if you’re away for the day wondering whether or not you closed your garage, you can always pop into the mobile app to find out. If it’s open, a simple flick of the thumb and the ADT app will close it remotely.
For some people, this extra protection might seem overkill. But it’s important to remember that an open garage door is like a juicy cut of prime rib to burglars and thieves. It practically invites trouble while advertising valuable items like tools, bikes, and vehicles to potential criminals.
ADT Sensor Prices
ADT sensor pricing varies significantly based on your package and current promotions. Individual door/window sensors typically range from $20 to $40 when purchased separately, though most customers get better value through bundled packages. But you might catch a deal if you go with an ADT authorized dealer.
Did You Know? Considering their lengthy contract terms and professional installation, ADT is best suited for homeowners who don't see a big move coming within the next two or three years. But should you decide to relocate while under contract with ADT, moving with ADT is made easier by their discounts for moving customers.
For specialty sensors, expect to pay $100 for garage door controllers or $60 for single purpose environmental sensors. The combined CO and smoke detector retails for $115. But again, although these products are made by the likes of GE and Honeywell, the prices are surprisingly affordable. The equipment isn’t as cheap as SimpliSafe and similar DIY home security systems; but this is ADT we’re talking about, a tried-and-true home security company that’s been around since Ulysses S. Grant sat in the Oval Office. In other words, your home is in good hands with ADT.
To learn more about their equipment cost and service plans, we highly recommend reading our ADT cost and pricing guide. It’s where we get into the nitty-gritty, brass tacks of owning ADT.
Final Words on ADT Sensors
As you can see, ADT offers a whole suite of sensors for its users. From door/window sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors, to environmental sensors and garage door controllers — ADT definitely has what it takes to secure your home. While the upfront investment is higher than DIY alternatives, you're paying for professional-grade equipment and industry-leading professional monitoring.
Similar to other security systems we’ve tested, you’ll be able to customize your ADT sensors in the Pulse mobile app. But remember, unlike the other guys, ADT offers those innovative recessed door sensors that we raved about.
All things considered, if you want to send criminals running for the hills, then we think ADT is one of your best options available… with two caveats… you’re an established homeowner and you don’t mind signing ADT’s contract. If you check those boxes, ADT delivers exceptional home protection that's hard to beat.
To explore other popular systems we’ve used, check out our complete guide to the best home security systems on the market today.
Citations
- National Fire Protection Association. (2024). Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires.
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/smoke-alarms-in-us-home-fires - Policy Genius. (2023). Water damage claim tips & statistics (Updated 2023).
https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/water-damage-statistics/
