ADT vs. Xfinity: Quick comparison
 |  | |
| Coverage |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Starting equipment cost | $599 | $150 |
| Starting monitoring fee | $28.99/month | $10/month |
| Contract terms | 36 months | 24 months |
| Trial period | 6 months | Not stated |
| Installation | Professional | Professional |
| Camera options | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell |
| Home automation | | |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Availability | Nationwide | 39 states |
| iOS rating | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Android rating | 4.6 | 4 |
ADT vs. Xfinity: What's the difference?
ADT is the hands-off security solution: a certified technician handles setup, 24/7 monitoring runs continuously and Google Nest integration adds smart home capability. With more than 140 years in the industry, ADT carries one of the most recognized names in residential security.
Xfinity Home is Comcast's security and smart home offering, built to work alongside its internet and cable services. It's aimed squarely at existing Comcast customers who want a single monthly bill and a professionally installed system without switching providers.
What we like about ADT
- Service reliability: ADT backs its service with guarantees, including theft protection and a six-month money-back guarantee.
- Smart integration: ADT connects with Google Nest cameras, doorbells and smart locks, enabling features like facial recognition.
What to consider: Committing to a three-year contract is the primary trade-off for ADT's professional service. Equipment costs are also on the higher end, particularly when compared to self-install alternatives.
What we like about Xfinity
- Service integration: Xfinity Home consolidates billing across all Xfinity services, making account management straightforward for existing customers.
- Widespread availability: Because it operates wherever Comcast provides service, Xfinity Home is accessible to millions of households nationwide.
What to consider: Xfinity Home requires bundling with Xfinity Internet, which means non-Comcast customers generally can't access it. You'll also need to keep a minimum internet subscription active to maintain your security service.
ADT vs. Xfinity: System and installation
Both ADT and Xfinity require a professional technician to handle setup. Here's how each company approaches the installation process.
ADT system and installation
- System type: ADT runs on wireless equipment that communicates over cellular networks, and every plan includes professional monitoring.
- Installation options: A certified ADT technician handles the full setup. Installation typically runs $99 to $199, though promotions frequently waive this fee.
ADT equipment costs
ADT equipment packages start at $599 and can exceed $1,500 depending on the size and complexity of your setup. Financing is available, allowing you to spread equipment costs across your contract term.
Xfinity system and installation
- System type: Xfinity Home uses wireless equipment with cellular backup. Smart devices like lights, locks and thermostats are managed through the Xfinity Home app, with automation handled via the Xfinity xFi Gateway and touchscreen panel.
- Installation options: An Xfinity technician must perform the installation. Fees vary by package but are frequently waived or discounted through promotional offers.
Xfinity equipment costs
Starter kits are priced between $150 and $300 upfront. Equipment is generally sold in bundled packages and may require a down payment if you choose to finance.
ADT vs. Xfinity: Monitoring plan costs
ADT draws on its established monitoring network to deliver traditional professional coverage, while Xfinity wraps its monitoring into a broader home services package.
| | |
| Coverage | | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Monitoring price range | $28.99 to $59.99/month | $10 to $65/month |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | | |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | $28.99/month | $65/month |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | $59.99/month | $65/month |
ADT monitoring plans
- Monitoring type: Professional 24/7 monitoring is included on all ADT plans.
- Secure: Starting at $28.99 to $34.99 per month, this entry-level plan covers burglary, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring.
- Smart: Starting at $39.99 to $44.99 per month, this tier adds smart home automation and remote control through the ADT app.
- Complete: Starting at $49.99 to $59.99 per month, this plan includes cloud video storage, video verification for cameras and doorbells and smart home automation through Google Nest.
Contract commitment: ADT requires a 36-month agreement in most states, with a 24-month option available to California residents. Early cancellation triggers a fee equal to 75% of the remaining contract balance.
Xfinity monitoring plans
- Monitoring type: Xfinity offers both self-monitoring and professional monitoring tiers.
- Xfinity Smart Home: $10 per month. With 24/7 continuous video recording for up to six cameras but does not include police dispatch.
- Xfinity Home Security: $65 per month. Includes professional monitoring and cellular backup.
Contract commitment: The Home Security plan generally requires a 24-month contract. The Smart Home plan at $10 per month is typically month-to-month with no long-term commitment.
» COMPARE: SimpliSafe vs. ADT
ADT vs. Xfinity: Equipment and technology
ADT offers an extensive equipment catalog with Google Nest compatibility, while Xfinity relies on a closed, proprietary system built around its own hardware and app ecosystem.
| | |
| Coverage | | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Wired or wireless? | Wireless | Wireless |
| Camera options | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell |
| Video doorbell | | |
| Control panel | | |
| Motion sensor | | |
| Entry sensor | | |
| Glass break sensor | | |
| Keychain remote | | |
| Siren | | |
| Panic button | | |
| Yard sign | | |
| Smart locks | | |
| Smart lights | | |
| Smart thermostat | | |
| Garage door control | | |
| Temperature sensor | | |
| Water sensor | | |
| Smoke detector | | |
| CO detector | | |
| Mobile app | | |
| Mobile app monitoring | | |
| iOS rating | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Android rating | 4.6 | 4 |
| Notification/alert options | Email, text and push | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | | |
| Voice integration | | |
| Amazon Alexa | | |
| Google Home | | |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
What ADT customers say
ADT holds an overall positive rating on ConsumerAffairs. Many satisfied customers highlight a smooth installation experience, pointing to technicians who walk them through how the system works. Some reviews mention frustration with false alarms and difficulty canceling service. Feedback on customer service was mixed, though a number of customers specifically noted courteous interactions and prompt response times.
“ADT responded real quick when I applied. They were respectful and hooked the system up real quick. They also explained everything. I don't have any difficulty with the system. I just put my code in and if we go up, I just turn it off.”
— Kristy of Amarillo, TX
What Xfinity customers say
Xfinity Home has mixed reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Customers who are happy with the service frequently praise the HD cameras, mobile app control and competitive pricing, describing the overall package as a solid value. Dissatisfied customers tend to focus on customer service frustrations, particularly being transferred between multiple representatives before getting an issue resolved.
“I do like my Xfinity Home security service. I like the keypad by the door and how I can set it when I leave and when I go to bed each night. I'm glad I've never had an intruder but I know if I did I could count on Xfinity Home security service to keep me safe and send the authorities in a hurried manner.”
— Britain of Smyrna, TN
Bottom line: ADT or Xfinity
Choose ADT if you want a hands-off security setup with a long track record and don't mind locking into a multi-year contract. The cost is higher than DIY alternatives, but you're paying for decades of monitoring infrastructure and established service guarantees. If lower costs and flexibility are priorities, a self-install system will serve you better.
Choose Xfinity if you're already a Comcast customer and want the simplicity of a single bill covering internet and home security. It delivers solid smart home features, but the requirement to bundle with Xfinity Internet makes it a non-starter for anyone outside the Comcast ecosystem.
» MORE: SimpliSafe vs. Xfinity
