What to Know About ADT Home Security

ADT has been a familiar name in home security for a long time. Here’s how the company compares with the newer players in the ever-expanding high-tech home monitoring market.

What is ADT?

ADT is a customizable, pro-installed home security system with continuous monitoring. The company began in 1874 as American District Telegraph, with a residential call box developed in response to a break-in. That makes ADT the oldest home security company in the United States by a long shot. More recently ADT has evolved beyond home monitoring into connected home automation appliances, devices and detectors, including through popular smart home assistants Alexa and Google.

How Does ADT Work?

Start by getting a quote. That price will vary depending on contractors in your area. Go through ADT directly at ADT.com, or Google “ADT home security” to compare contractors. One factor to consider: If you go with ADT, you lease their equipment and are required to return it should you change providers down the road.

To ensure coverage in your area, ADT has six strategically placed monitoring centers across the United States. If there’s ever a weather event affecting your nearest monitoring center, another will step in for seamless home monitoring.

ADT and Third-Party Equipment

ADT uses a third party to manufacture their equipment, which can affect quality control. They also use third-party installation contractors.

Protectyourhome.com is the only third-party contractor with the title of ADT’s Authorized Premier Provider. Using Protectyourhome.com in no way guarantees a smooth and successful installation, nor gear that won’t break down. However, ADT doesn’t make you sign a contract until after the equipment install — helpful if you’re not totally satisfied with your third-party contractor.

How Much Does ADT Home Security Cost?

A basic plan costs less than $30 a month, providing three door/window sensors, an infrared motion detector and 24-hour alarm monitoring. It doesn’t include cameras or home automation. ADT’s most comprehensive plans top out at just under $60 per month, which includes security cameras, video surveillance and smart home automation capabilities accessible through an app and a touchscreen panel/control center.

Note that installation will run you another $100 to $200, depending on the equipment, installer, region and monthly plan. And you may want to add a warranty/quality service plan ($7/month) to save your bank account from unexpected service calls or equipment malfunction.

It’s also worth noting that you’ll likely lock into a 36-month contract upon sign-up.

Overall, the price is on par with other pro-installed security companies, although with ADT you can’t keep your equipment when you cancel.