ADT and Xfinity offer smart-home security solutions across the nation. ADT has more than 145 years of experience in the security industry, making them a well-known name to most people looking for security solutions. Xfinity started as an internet and TV company and is just getting into this side of the industry, so its services are relatively new but more affordable. This guide outlines the details of each company and their services to help you make an educated purchasing decision.
Installation and cost
Installation type
Professional
Professional
Installation fee
$99 to $199 (may be included in package price)
$100
Upfront cost
$599 to $1,049 upfront or $9.98 to $17.48 monthly for 60 months
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
Trial period
6-month money-back guarantee
30-day money-back guarantee
Contract terms
36 months (60 months if financing equipment)
Two years
Professional
$99 to $199 (may be included in package price)
$599 to $1,049 upfront or $9.98 to $17.48 monthly for 60 months
6-month money-back guarantee
36 months (60 months if financing equipment)
Professional
$100
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
30-day money-back guarantee
Two years
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
$28.99 to $57.99
$30+
Monitoring options
Professional
Professional and self-monitored
Self-monitoring
—
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
Upgraded self-monitoring
—
—
24/7 professional monitoring
Starting at $45.99
$30+
Upgraded professional monitoring
$57.99/month
$40+
$28.99 to $57.99
Professional
—
—
Starting at $45.99
$57.99/month
$30+
Professional and self-monitored
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
$30+
$40+
Security equipment
Wired or wireless?
Wired and wireless
Wireless
Camera options
Indoor & outdoor cameras
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
—
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
Keychain remote
—
Siren
Not listed
Not specified
Panic button
Not listed
Via touch-screen control panel
Yard sign
Wired and wireless
Indoor & outdoor cameras
Not listed
Not listed
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
—
—
Not specified
Via touch-screen control panel
Smart-home features
Smart locks
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Smart lights
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Smart thermostat
Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen
Garage door control
Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster
Temperature sensor
—
Water sensor
—
Smoke detector
CO detector
—
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen
Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster
—
—
—
Technology
Mobile app
MyADT Mobile App for account management; ADT Control for system management
Mobile app monitoring
Yes, via ADT Control app
iOS rating
4.8 for MyADT; 4.8 for ADT Control
4.4
Android rating
4.4 for MyADT; 4.8 for ADT Control
4.5
Notification/alert options
App, text and email
Text, email, push and TV
Home automation capabilities
Voice integration
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
Not specified
Other integrations
SmartThings
Not specified
MyADT Mobile App for account management; ADT Control for system management
ADT is a nationwide security company that specializes in smart-home security. ADT sells security packages at three different price ranges to give customers more flexibility with their options. When customers buy a package, the installation is included in the price. Other benefits include a 30-day trial and a six-month product guarantee. While ADT can be expensive, the benefits outweigh the overall cost for some customers.
ADT packages
Secure Package: The Secure Package starts at $599 and includes a control panel, a motion detector and three door/window alarms. Customers can add additional equipment for an affordable price. Monthly financing is also available and starts at $9.98 per month for 60 months.
Smart Package: The Smart Package starts at $919. This package comes with the equipment from the Secure Package and a smart door lock and a smart plug. For financing, customers can pay $15.32 per month for 60 months.
Complete Package: The Complete Package starts at $1,049. This package comes with the entire line of equipment from the Secure and Smart Packages and adds an indoor camera and a Google Nest Doorbell. The company offers 60-month financing starting at $17.48 per month.
What ADT customers say
ADT has an overall positive rating on ConsumerAffairs. Many happy customers cite a positive installation experience with technicians that clearly explain the ins and outs of the system. Some customer reviews do note issues with false alarms and difficulty canceling the service. Customer service reports were mixed, but many customers commented on polite, respectful interactions and fast service.
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.”
Xfinity is known for its wireless solutions, but the company has recently emerged in the security space with smart-home security systems. It has a fairly wide product range, but there are a few significant gaps — the company does not currently offer a video doorbell, for instance. The company is still a good option for many people because there’s no upfront cost and the company has relatively affordable monthly fees. Many of the purchases include additional features like internet and TV access, which can help customers streamline everything wireless in one place. All purchases include a 30-day guarantee.
Xfinity packages
Base Home System: The Base Home System is $15 a month for 24 months or a one-time payment of $360. This is considered to be a good choice for homes with one or two entrances. This package includes a touch-screen controller, three door/window sensors, a pet-friendly motion sensor and a yard sign.
Complete Home System: For $20 a month for 24 months or a one-time payment of $480, customers can get the Complete Home System. This package includes a touch-screen controller, five door/window sensors, a pet-friendly motion sensor, a wireless keypad, an indoor/outdoor camera and a yard sign.
Ultimate Home System: The Ultimate Home System costs $25 a month for 24 months or requires a one-time payment of $600. This package is Xfinity’s most robust and comes with a touch-screen controller, 10 door/window sensors, a pet-friendly motion sensor, a wireless keypad, two indoor/outdoor cameras and a yard sign.
What Xfinity customers say
Xfinity has mixed reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Customers who enjoy the service frequently comment on the HD cameras, mobile app control and competitive pricing, calling the equipment and service a good value. Other customers express frustration with customer service-related issues, including being passed from rep to rep to get their issues 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.”
Where ADT and Xfinity really differ is in the product selection and price point. Xfinity does offer a DIY monitoring option for $10 a month, so that can be a good selling point for some customers. ADT video doorbells, which are a common security solution. Comparing the two is difficult, but weighing your needs and your budget is the best way to find the right solution for you when choosing between ADT and Xfinity.
ADT is best for someone who wants a well-rounded security solution (and can afford it).
Xfinity is best for someone who wants to streamline all of their wireless solutions in one easy place.
