An Honest Review of ADT Home Security After Days of Hands-on Testing

My Experience with ADT Professional Installation

The first big difference when comparing ADT to many security systems: You can’t just buy ADT at your local Best Buy or Home Depot and set it up yourself. And I’m not totally sure why not. Most of the equipment isn’t hardwired, so setup would be pretty straightforward. I even followed the technician around and felt confident I could do the things he did – even the part where he climbed up a ladder and used a drill to install my security cameras.

ADT Outdoor Camera in Action

Maybe that’s the whole point though; ADT knows there are plenty of DIY security systems. There are so many, in fact, that ADT decided to create its own DIY brand, ADT Self Setup. (Read my ADT Self Setup review for more information.) But I think ADT wants its traditional security system to stand out by going for that “white-glove service” feel. I will say that I felt like a VIP just standing around as my personal technician did all the work. (And honestly, it’s no fun wandering around your house looking for the best places to mount your sensors and cameras.)

Here’s what the ADT signup and installation process looked like for me:

The shopping process for professionally installed systems like ADT usually takes three to five days. The final step, the installation, is what typically causes delays because you have to schedule an appointment. And where I live, the demand is usually so high that the earliest available dates are at least two days out.

With ADT, the whole process took two days for me.

• I called ADT on a Tuesday afternoon to show interest. I was told that they can arrange a free and no-obligation in-home consultation the next day.
• On Wednesday morning, the consultant arrived and explained the process. It took less than two hours. And after I confirmed my purchase, he had me sign my three-year contract with ADT. I scheduled an appointment next-day installation.
• Come Thursday morning, an ADT installation tech in a white van arrived to set up my security system. He finished in the afternoon. If you’re counting, that’s two days after I first called ADT.
• I spent my Thursday evening and the morning of the next day familiarizing myself with my new ADT security system. There was lots to learn.

ADT showed a sense of urgency in setting up my system, and I liked it. That said, I went to work late because of the in-home consultation and had to miss work for the installation – which I wouldn’t have needed to do if it were a DIY system – but I appreciated the short timeline from purchase to install. A burglary occurs in the U.S. every 23 seconds, according to an FBI report1, so I was eager to get ADT installed in my home.

ADT’s in-home consultation is a free and commitment-free service. My consultation took about two hours. The consultant walked around my house to identify hazards and vulnerable points. He pointed out the best places to install my sensors, and he also suggested additional components, like a security camera for my backyard.

My installation-day experience:

The installation tech arrived at around 9 o’clock in the morning. He was a nice guy, and he did a solid job, but it took him a little over six hours to get me set up. It was a long time, so set aside a full day for the install.

I also noticed that he didn’t follow the consultation plan. He put equipment in different places than the consultant advised. Check out the security camera placement on my back porch below; that was supposed to be for my backyard.

It seemed to me that the consultant and the technician had an architect-engineer dynamic going. The consultant was the architect who designed my system, but the technician – the engineer – had the final say. He was the one with the drill after all, and I trusted his judgment.

A Closer Look at ADT Outdoor Camera, Installed in Our Back Porch

What I Didn’t Like About ADT’s Installation:

The technician did a super job hiding most of the wires. He did great in hiding the control panel’s wire behind the wall, for example. But unfortunately, there’s a wire sticking out of my outdoor camera that is practically begging to be snipped by a burglar. Might as well put a “Snip Me!” sign on it. It’s on my to-do list to call them to fix it.

And unfortunately, my ADT technician didn’t take out my old ADT equipment. I feel that that should be a free service, especially for repeat customers such as myself. Instead, the old ADT control panel (pictured below) still sits on my wall like a fossil – not a good look for a mid-century modern home.

Old School ADT Equipment

What I Liked About ADT’s Installation:

On the brighter side, my technician stayed around after to show me how it all works, especially ADT’s app. I found this to be helpful. I may know my way around security systems, but this is my first time testing this particular ADT security system. That said, that part of the process might be overwhelming for some. Thankfully, the system is easy to learn on your own. If you can use a social media app, you can use ADT’s app.

All things considered, it was one of the better installation experiences I’ve had. ADT is right up there with Vivint when it comes to the best professionally installed systems. I’ve personally installed plenty of so-called DIY security systems, and I have to say that no system is truly DIY. I’m frequently on the phone with tech support wrestling with some configuration or something. That’s why professional installation is so attractive. And honestly, I don’t love ladders.

ADT Equipment

I have a couple gripes with ADT, but their security equipment isn’t one of them. In fact, their equipment is one of the best in the market, hands down. It’s made by GE, so there’s no cheap plastic or outdated aesthetics to worry about. I could tell everything was built to last – from the control panel to the door sensors. And it’s all made to blend in with your trim and interior decor. (They even had a brown sensor to match my brown door.)

ADT matched the entryway sensor to our trim color!

As much as I love SimpliSafe (it’s my #2 pick), their equipment just feels cheaper. So if you plan to keep your home security system for several years, it’s helpful to have gear that’s built to last, especially now that ADT has upgraded to a touchscreen control panel. Unlike my analog ADT panel that looks outdated now, I have a feeling that touchscreen keypads are here to last.

Here’s a look at the ADT equipment I purchased:

• 1 Control panel (the brains of the system)
• 4 entryway sensors, or door/window sensors
• 3 motion sensors
• 3 glass-break sensors
• 2 outdoor cameras
• ADT Control app

Other ADT equipment available:

• Nest cameras
• Doorbell camera
• Smart lock
• Smart thermostat
• etc.

Now, before getting into the individual components, you’re probably curious about how much a security system costs from ADT. Let’s cover that next before moving on.

Here’s What I Paid for ADT

I paid $1,200 for my ADT system, installation included. Sounds expensive, right? Well compared to Ring, SimpliSafe, and abode – three of our top DIY security systems – ADT is pretty pricey. But thankfully I was able to finance all of the equipment over three years and pay a very reasonable $30 per month (for equipment only).

That’s how it works with ADT. Instead of paying $500-$1,000+ upfront, you make monthly payments on your system over 24 to 60 months. It’s easier on the wallet. What I don’t love about this arrangement is that when my contract is up, I won’t own the home security equipment. I can still use it, but if I ever cancel, ADT gets it all back. (In hindsight, I should have canceled my old account. ADT’s technician might have taken my old equipment if I did.)

You’ll also have to pay $30+ for monthly monitoring, which rolls into your equipment charges. All in all, I’m paying close to $65 per month for everything (equipment and professional monitoring). The going rate for complete home security in the market is $50 to $65. I wouldn’t call ADT expensive. It’s still within the normal price range, but just on the higher side of the fence.

Keep in mind there are no hidden fees to worry about. And ADT even gave me a 6-month money-back guarantee. This is beyond standard and much appreciated. In fact, it’s the best guarantee in home security. The next-best guarantee is SimpliSafe’s 60-day guarantee. Most brands only give you a measly 30-day window to return your order, and some of the worst security systems don’t offer any guarantees at all. Just be sure to read ADT’s fine-print before trying to return your purchase.

ADT Plans

I don’t recommend ADT for folks who have the Dave Ramsey pay-cash-for-everything mentality. I also don’t think ADT makes sense for apartment dwellers or people who are renting their home. If either of those describes you, check out my roundup of the best security systems for apartments and the top home security for renters.

But I do recommend ADT for more established homeowners who plan to stay put in their home for at least 3-5 years. It’s why ADT ranks #1 on our list of the best security systems for homeowners.

Here’s how ADT prices compare to the competition…

ADT vs. The Competition

ADT’s Control Panel

The ADT panel can display family photos, which is a nice touch

What to Expect: The new ADT control panel is touchscreen, so I love that ADT finally got with the times here. It’s compact and there’s beauty in its simplicity. I just wish the screen was a tad bigger; it’s only 7”, compared to Vivint’s Smart Hub at 8”. I don’t mind displaying a beautiful piece of technology like that one.

The ADT control panel also seems well-built. It doesn’t feel cheap and plastic-y and there’s a good heft to it. It also features cellular communication as backup to Wi-Fi. Cellular backup is key, as it keeps your system functioning even if your power or Wi-Fi goes out. The best security systems offer cellular monitoring, and I wouldn’t recommend purchasing a system without this feature. The last thing you want is to have a storm come through, disrupt your Wi-Fi connection, and have to sleep with one eye open because your home is unprotected. Trust me, it has happened to me!

Best and Worst Features of the Control Panel: The ADT control panel functions as you’d expect it to. It controls the whole ADT system via arming modes. I just didn’t like that you can’t “silent arm” the system from the control panel. So everytime I set the alarm, it counts down loudly. It’s helpful in letting you know how much time you have left to exit your home, but it’s annoying if you have little ones that need their sleep (or else). Fortunately, you can ‘silent arm’ the system via the app.

Arming my ADT System

I also didn’t like that it only has an 85 dB siren. Compare that to Vivint’s (and most systems’) 100 dB siren. I could hear ADT’s siren upstairs, but if I’m upstairs in the shower or in the bedroom watching TV, I can only hear the alarm if I’m really listening for it. Another thing to note about the siren is that it’s a sustained wail rather than an oscillating wail (think reeeeeeeeeeeeeee instead of reee-reee-reee-reee-reee). This is pretty unique.

Unexpected Findings: There were a few things that definitely surprised me, first among which was how tidily the installation technician hid the control panel wire. I wasn’t used to this, since most control panels I test have a curly-cue wire hanging down from them that just looks awful. Just look at how neat it looks on the wall.

Rob Testing the ADT Control Panel

That said, the control panel looks a bit smaller in person than it does in the pictures. Maybe it’s just me, but I definitely had a larger screen in mind. On the bright side, though, there’s a front-facing camera on the control panel. You can’t take selfies with it, but it will take a snapshot of whoever tries to disarm the system so you can review who came and went from the activity log, like so:

ADT Control Panel Activity Log

Lastly, the control panel doubles as a weather station and a digital picture frame when on standby. Those were pretty much the only extra features, sadly. They’re nice, but they’re more for aesthetic purposes than anything else. I wish I could control my connected smart home devices from ADT’s control panel like I can with the Vivint security system I tested. All of ADT’s home automation features are exclusive to the ADT app.

Control Panel Specs:

• Dimensions – 7.68” W x 4.76” H x 0.708” D (195mm x 121mm x 18mm)
• Panic buttons – Police, fire, and medical
• Power – Plug-in cord (5V 1A, microUSB cable)
• Battery backup – 3.8V 2,000 mAh
• Wireless communication – Wi-Fi and cellular backup

How it Stacks Up:

I give the ADT control panel an A+. The Vivint Smart Hub is my gold standard, and compared to it, the ADT control panel falls short on some crucial features. The smaller screen size, lack of automation controls, and 85 dB siren were my biggest gripes, but it was a solid control panel all around.

ADT’s Entryway, Motion, and Glass Break Sensors

A look at ADT Entryway Sensors

What to Expect: Entryway sensors, also called door/window sensors, are the backbone of the ADT system (and every home security system for that matter). Using adhesives, the install technician mounted these sensors on every door downstairs. But I highly recommend you get these on every door and window. This time I skipped the windows to save some money, but I’m surely buying more when I schedule a visit to fix the exposed wires on my back porch camera. They cost $50 each.

As for motion sensors, I had two installed on each floor. The one on the first floor monitors the living room area. The technician made sure it has a view of my living room windows, considering I didn’t purchase entryway sensors for those. The one on the second floor is at the end of the hallway between our rooms, facing the stairs.

I also purchased three glass break sensors. I had one mounted on the wall facing the sliding glass door that leads to my back porch. And I had two mounted in the common spaces on the first floor. Can you spot the glass break sensor in the picture below?

Can you spot the glass break sensor

Best and Worst Features: I was actually impressed with ADT’s selection of sensors. One of our doors has brown trim, and ADT happened to have a brown door sensor. Either that or the technician spray painted it brown out on his truck. Whatever the case, it looks legit and blends in with my door. As for size, they are smaller than Vivint’s sensors, but a bit larger than Ring, Frontpoint, and abode sensors. Any bigger and I’d say too big, but ADT made the grade here.

Testing Out ADT’s Motion Sensor

There’s nothing much to note about the motion sensors and glass break sensors, other than they look outdated compared to Ring’s new motion sensors. You can see them in my Ring Alarm review. I prefer Ring’s small form-factor and sleek, curvy design over ADT’s rectangular and boxy design. That said, I don’t encourage buying a security system based on the looks of its sensors; that’s just something you might want to keep in mind.

Unexpected findings: I’ve tested all kinds of home security sensors and at this point, nothing surprises me anymore. But if we’re talking about things that I 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.

I also found it quite unique that ADT’s motion sensor can ignore pets up to 80 lbs. The technician showed me how to adjust the sensitivity at the back of the motion sensor, in case I ever get a pet.

The best feature I found, though, was the ability of the sensors to trigger security cameras to start recording when a sensor is tripped. Automatic recordings just make it easier to review an event and see what really went down. Was it a masked burglar or just a raccoon?

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

Rob Troubleshooting the ADT Outdoor Camera

What to Expect: ADT’s indoor/outdoor cameras are pretty bare-bones and honestly not worth the money. You’ll see that I had two outdoor cameras installed – one in front and one out back. Sure they’re well-made and offer the industry standard 1080p HD, but most cameras nowadays have this image quality. (If you want 4K resolution and advanced features, check out our Arlo Review and Lorex Review.) Other than a clear picture, the cameras didn’t do a whole lot. There’s no built-in siren, no AI facial recognition, and I found the night vision to be just passable. Not to mention I was on the phone with tech support for two hours trying to pair the cameras to the system.

Also note that ADT can get crazy with their notifications if you don’t dial-in your motion zones to reduce the sensitivity. Not exaggerating, I was getting 50-100 smartphone alerts per day for the first couple of days. Once I customized my zones so that it didn’t pick up passing cars, the alerts were few and far between.

Configuring Ground Zones on our ADT Outdoor Camera

The good news is that ADT now partners with Google Nest to offer customers some of the best cameras in the industry. So below I’ll highlight the Nest Cams best/worst features and specs (because again, ADT’s cameras aren’t worth the $250). If you get cameras from ADT, do yourself a favor and get the Google Nest Cams. I recommend two outdoor cameras and one indoor camera for most medium-sized homes.

Best and Worst Features: We tested the Google Nest Cams ourselves. You can read all about these AI-powered cameras in our Google Nest Cam Review. Our favorite features were the Familiar Faces feature (AI facial recognition), custom alerts, smart home automation routines, and the clear 1080p HD resolution with HDR (high dynamic range). Essentially, it keeps lighting balanced through algorithms so you get a clear image no matter what.

I like the Nest cameras because they are cutting-edge. Want to know when your little one comes home from school? You can arrange that with the Familiar Faces feature. You can also set it to ignore movement of animals and passing vehicles – and you can do that in under two minutes. With my ADT outdoor camera, I had to tinker with the activity zones for about 10 minutes. Oh, and the Nest Cams offer activity zones too, if that’s more your style.

My biggest issue with the Nest Cam is its lack of local storage. It uses cloud storage. When your internet is out, they can’t record all motion-triggered events. Fortunately, though, I found that the battery-powered outdoor model and the plug-in indoor model can store up to 1 hour of videos locally and then upload them to the cloud when they’re back online. That’s a good short-term solution, but I would have preferred if Google Nest expanded the local storage to at least 4 hours of footage.

Nest Cam Outdoor Specs:

• Dimensions – 3.27” W x 3.27” H (83mm x 83mm)
• Weight – 14.04 oz
• Resolution – 1080p HD w/ HDR
• Night vision – Infrared LEDs (up to 20’ illumination)
• Operating temperature – -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C)
• Power – 3.65V 6Ah lithium-ion battery (included 7.5W USB-A power adapter)
• Battery life – Up to 3 months depending on usage
• Wi-Fi connectivity – 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi

ADT’s App & Web Dashboards

These days, testing a security system requires more than just testing the hardware; you should also look at the software. And for my ADT system, I really liked the online dashboard. It put our videos front and center, making it a lot easier to review everything that happened in our house during the day. The online dashboard also offers much more customizations than the control panel, from creating automations to scheduling routines. That said, while testing ADT I found that it’s better accessed from a computer or tablet’s browser.

If you’re more of a smartphone than a laptop user, I recommend the ADT Control app. It’s not much of an upgrade compared to the ADT Pulse app they had before. But don’t get me wrong; it’s a solid app for controlling your security system and then some. It’s easy to navigate, it’s user-friendly, and it provides lots of options. Think of like a control panel but with lots of extra features like home automation and security camera live streaming. I still think it’s one of the best home security mobile apps, right up there with Vivint and SimpliSafe.

Living Day-to-Day with ADT

I’m a big believer 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 I can say that ADT was just the right fit for me.

The ADT app steals the show. I almost never touch the control panel, to be honest. I use the app to arm my system before heading out for my early morning jog because of the ‘silent arming’ option (Remember, the control panel doesn’t offer silent arming!). I also use it to control my smart lights and thermostat, and to activate smart routines. It’s just more convenient for me since I always have my iPhone in my pocket.

A Look at ADT’s App

I don’t hate the control panel at all, though. It’s a solid piece of equipment that offers exactly what I want from the brains of my security system: Flexibility and Reliability. Remember, it has a cellular chip, so it’s not reliant on my home Wi-Fi. For one reason or another, my internet goes out at least once a month. I can’t have a security system that offers protection only when it’s online. So that cellular chip definitely belongs in my ‘pros’ column.

Were there any downsides? Well for one, the security cameras. I’m not a big fan of their uber-sensitivity. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said I received over 50 alerts per day during the first few days. I also think ADT should have a DIY option if you’re buying additional sensors for your existing security system. As it stands, I’d have to hire a technician again to install the extra door/window sensors I’m planning to get. Those are just minor gripes though.

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. My reason for saying that? It has nine alarm response centers in the U.S. monitoring for police, fire, and medical emergencies. 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 I 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 I simulated a break-in, I was on the phone with an ADT monitoring agent in under a minute.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Price: I didn’t mind paying $35+ per month for the monitoring service, but I wish ADT offered a cheaper option.
• Contract: I’m locked-in for the next three years. If I ever have to cancel, I’d have to pay a hefty early termination fee.
• No self-monitoring option: Most DIY systems these days offer free self-monitoring for those who might not need professional monitoring all the time. ADT doesn’t – at least not for their professionally installed systems.

ADT Customer Service

I’ve been singing praises about my 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. I find that that’s the case for most alarm companies. Even Frontpoint, which I hailed for having excellent customer service in my Frontpoint review, receives a lot of flak online from disappointed customers.

I 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. I do, so here’s my experience with ADT customer service; both good and bad.

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

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

They scheduled me for a call back with Ian from tech support. I’m not sure why the camera wouldn’t let me connect it to a new network – something I’ve been able to do with all my other wireless security cameras – but I’m even more disappointed that the call back isn’t until 1:30 pm the next day.

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

Going back to what I said at the very beginning, is there anything that ADT offers that other companies don’t? Well, there are some.

For starters, the quality of ADT’s equipment is top-notch. Compared to the sensors from my SimpliSafe review and Cove review, ADT definitely has an edge. I’m leasing my ADT system for three years (the length of my contract and financing plan), and I’m all but certain that it will last for that long. ADT also stands behind its hardware with the industry-best six-month money-back guarantee.

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

ADT’s biggest competition is Vivint. It’s a neck-and-neck race between the two. I’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, I 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

On a more technical standpoint though, can an ADT security system really deter a burglar? I believe it can. While I noted earlier that the control panel’s siren is barely audible from the second floor of our house, 85 dB is loud enough if you’re standing a few feet from it. 81-percent of burglars enter through the first floor, so statistics is on our side.2

I also like that ADT offers Google Nest cameras now. These are cameras with loud and clear two-way audio, so if the siren is not enough, a loud booming voice seemingly out of nowhere should be.

Final Verdict on ADT

So now, the final verdict – Is ADT a good security system? There’s no question that it is. It offers high-quality professional installation along with sturdy equipment, it has the largest network of monitoring centers in the industry, and it has partnered with top brands like Google Nest to further improve its security system. It also offers solid complementary pieces, like the intuitive ADT app and the customizable web dashboard. Objectively speaking, ADT offers almost everything a homeowner needs to protect their home.

It’s not perfect, of course. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re renting or living in an apartment because of the long-term contract and professional installation. It’s also not the cheapest option around. Especially if you finance your equipment, you’re looking at a monthly bill of $60 or more. If you’re looking to pay less, take a look at SimpliSafe’s prices or even Cove’s packages. Those are more affordable, but keep in mind that you’d be sacrificing some of the more premium features you can get from ADT.

Ultimately, it’s your call. ADT is a well-rounded security system, so if you think it’s the right system for you, it has our seal of approval.

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