ADT

ADT

 4.2/5 (678 reviews)

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Overall Rating4.2 out of 5
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About ADT

ADT provides home security and alarm systems with features like entry sensors, motion detection, smoke alarms and leak detectors to help ensure your home, family and belongings are protected from intruders and environmental disasters. The company offers professionally installed systems available with top-of-the-line equipment for intrusion detection, video monitoring and smart-home automation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Variety of products
  • Reliable service
  • Smart-home connectivity
  • Six-month money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Limited video capabilities
  • Installation cost

Bottom Line

ADT offers customized alarm and security systems with smart-home automation features and 24/7 monitoring. With ADT Pulse, the system can be connected to Amazon Alexa and your smart-home devices.

Top ADT Reviews

Rated with 5 stars
Verified

ADT's customer service is great. My understanding of what I was getting was awesome. I like the security of knowing my house and personal belongings are protected. Also, the addit...

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Rated with 5 stars
Verified

… Having the system makes me feel more secure in my own home because you don't know what's going to happen. I like it good and I'm happy with ADT. The cameras were not in the pack...

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Our editor’s take on ADT

ADT’s plans are ideal for homeowners and others looking for a professionally installed and monitored home alarm system. The company requires longer commitments than some DIY competitors and doesn’t have a month-to-month option, but its variety of products and financing plans make it a strong candidate for anyone who doesn’t mind the contract length.

How customers rated ADT

ADT is an established home security company that offers a range of security solutions for residential and commercial properties. Based on reviews from ConsumerAffairs, it appears that customer service is the most common topic mentioned by reviewers, with about two-thirds of those reviews being negative.

Reviewers note that product reliability has improved over the past year when compared to previous years, however, and the products have remained consistently easy to use. Reviewers rarely mention issues with shipping or delivery, and the star rating for ADT has remained fairly consistent.

How satisfied are reviewers with ADT?

Star ratingHigh satisfactionNeutralLow satisfaction
4.2 / 5 411 (76%) 25 (5%) 100 (19%)

Overall, 18,771 people have found the reviews for ADT on ConsumerAffairs helpful.

Our analysis of the reviews on our site surfaced the following trends: 

  • Customer service is the most mentioned topic by reviewers, with about two-thirds of people leaving reviews on ConsumerAffairs having negative experiences.
  • ADT’s product reliability has improved over the past year when compared to previous years.
  • Reviews left on our site indicate that service technicians have gotten worse over the past three years.
  • ADT’s products have stayed consistently easy to use.
  • The company’s star rating has remained fairly consistent.
  • Customers rarely mention shipping or delivery.

Customer service: Fair

ADT has received mixed feedback from reviewers on ConsumerAffairs regarding their customer service interactions. While some customers have reported positive experiences with helpful and knowledgeable representatives, others have expressed frustration with long wait times, unresponsive customer service, and difficulty canceling their service.

Ease of use: Excellent

Reviewers on ConsumerAffairs have generally given ADT's security systems positive feedback for their ease of use. Many customers have reported that the installation process was straightforward and that the system is easy to navigate and operate.

Some customers have reported technical difficulties with the system, though, including false alarms and difficulties connecting to the mobile app. As with any technology product, individual experiences vary. It's crucial to thoroughly research and assess the system's capabilities before purchase.

Product reliability: Good

Many customers have reported that the system works as expected and provides reliable security, but a few reviewers have expressed frustration with technical issues such as false alarms or malfunctioning equipment.


Compare ADT to other home security companies

Rating# of reviewsInstallationMonitoringMandatory commitment*Equipment package starting costsMonitoring costs
ADTADT4.214,620 Professional (included with online purchases) Required 36 months (60 months if financing equipment) Start at $599 to $1,387 $45.99 to $59.99 Read Reviews
Vivint Smart HomeVivint Smart Home4.729,096 Professional (included with online purchases) Required Typical contract is 60 months; month-to-month available with upfront equipment purchase Start at $997.99 to $2,827.92 $19.99-$29.99+ Read Reviews
FrontpointFrontpoint3.98,054 DIY Required 36 months (if financing) Start at $402.96 to $790.91 $49.99 per month Read Reviews
*Does not include optional financing plans

ADT equipment and technology

ADT customers can customize their home security packages with additional equipment. Some of ADT’s most popular home security equipment options include:

  • Digital touch-screen panel: The digital panel is included with all plansand serves as the main control point for your ADT security system.
  • Door/window sensors: These sensors detect when someone opens a door or window while your system is armed and alert you via text message.
  • Motion detector: The company’s motion detectors send you custom alerts when a sensor is triggered. ADT states pets do not set off the company’s motion detectors.
  • Google Nest cameras: ADT offers several types of Google Nest camera, including battery-powered indoor/outdoor cameras, cameras with floodlights attached and wired cameras intended for indoor use.
  • Google Nest Doorbell: ADT uses the Google Nest Doorbell, which lets you answer your door from virtually anywhere. The video doorbell function on the ADT mobile app lets you view who is on your front porch in real time and features high-definition video with dewarping technology and two-way audio.

ADT also offers a variety of Google Nest smart-home devices, including Nest Wi-Fi routers, thermostats and the Nest Hub. The company also offers smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, flood detectors and smart door locks. Optional equipment are also eligible for 0% financing over five years.

ADT plans and cost

Monthly costs for ADT home security packages range from $28.99 per month to $57.99 per month. Equipment costs range from $599 to $1,387 and up, depending on what optional equipment you choose. If you don’t want to pay upfront, you can get 0% financing for 60 months, bringing the costs from $9.98 to $23.12 per month. Installation fees range from $99 to $199.

Each plan also requires a monthly cost for monitoring and the company’s quality service plan, which runs from $45.99 a month to $61.99 a month.

You can choose from several ADT home security system packages, including:

  • Build Your Own ($55.97/month): This is ADT’s least expensive option and comes with a digital touch-screen panel, three window/door sensors and motion detector. The equipment costs $9.98 a month for five years, and monitoring and the company’s quality service plan costs $45.99 a month.
  • Smart Home ($64.14/month): ADT’s mid-tier package includes a digital touchscreen panel, three door/window sensors, one motion detector and one smart door lock. The equipment runs $14.15 a month for five years, and monitoring and services adds an additional $49.99 a month.
  • Video and Smart Home ($83.11/month): The company’s most comprehensive package includes a digital touch-screen panel, three door/window systems, a motion detector, a smart door lock, a Google Nest doorbell  and a Google Nest camera that can be used indoors or outdoors. The equipment costs $23.12 a month, and monitoring and services cost $61.99 a month.

For more, see how costs compare for ADT vs. Vector, ADT vs. Xfinity, ADT vs. Cove and ADT vs. Guardian Protection.

FAQ

How does ADT work?

Once you activate your ADT alarm system, it can report a notification, such as a crossed motion sensor, in any monitored zone within your home. If a sensor triggers, the system transmits a signal through a landline or cellular connection. ADT monitoring centers receive this alert and begin coordinating a response until the threat is over.

You can arm ADT home security systems either directly on the control panel or through the ADT app, ADT Control. ADT Control gives you instant alerts of activity, access to live video footage and control over your entire system, including smart locks, smart lighting, climate control and your security devices.

Monitoring requires a three-year agreement, and termination fees apply for breaking a contract.

If you like the idea of professional monitoring but don’t want to sign a contract, check out ADT Self-Install, a DIY option.

How long are ADT contracts?

ADT contracts are typically 36 months for the monitoring agreement and 60 months for financing equipment.

How long does ADT take to install?

ADT offers quick, professional installation to ensure your equipment is set up properly. Depending on the size of your home, it could take less than an hour. Larger homes could take a little longer. Here’s what you can expect from the installation process:

  1. To prepare for your ADT home security installation, ensure your home has power, a working phone line or Wi-Fi connection and accessible outlets near potential camera locations.
  2. On the day of the installation, technicians arrive to set up your system. For hard-wired setups, installers run wires through the home to each device and sensor, including all door, window and motion sensors.
  3. The technician will walk you through how to use your ADT home security system so you’re confident you’re using everything correctly.
  4. Once the equipment is in place, personalize your protection with customized alerts, video monitoring and emergency alarms.

Professional ADT installation costs start at $99 and vary based on the monitoring package, equipment and features you select. ADT offers a 90-day warranty following the installation. During that time, any necessary service comes at no charge.

Can I add cameras to my ADT system?

Yes, ADT offers Google Nest cameras that can be added to any system with a video monitoring plan.

Do you need a landline for ADT?

ADT systems can work with or without a landline.

Is ADT worth it?

We think ADT is worth considering if you want a professionally monitored home security system. People nationwide trust ADT, and it's an industry leader in security monitoring.

ADT offers several products and solutions to help protect homes and families, including an easy-to-use mobile app that sends text alerts and lets you control everything from your mobile device. Plus, the technology connects with smart-home devices for convenient automation.

ADT Reviews

Over 10k reviews since 2012
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2 featured reviews
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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Rated with 4 stars
Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
Original review: April 1, 2023

ADT did a virtual. I'm not that good with that kind of stuff because I never had to do it. I did it but it didn't work. In the middle of the night, our alarm would go off. It was a nightmare. Then they sent somebody out. They guaranteed that it was okay. They weren't gone a day, I had trouble with it. We ended up having a new system put in. My husband and I were out at physical therapy, and I had left my phone in the car so I didn't get the alert. When I went in the car and I looked at my phone, I said, "We gotta get home. It says our alarm's gone off."

We came home with the sheriff, the state police, the county police, and the city police all around my house. They came through and everything was okay. But then I called ADT and I said, "This is very upsetting. This is a brand new system." They had to send someone out. I said, "I won't be charged for this, will I?" The kid said, "I don't think so, ma'am. I'm putting it in my notes because it's under a warranty for so many days." It was the entrance door to my garage. Every time we went out, I didn't even shut the door then the alarm went off. ADT sent someone out and it was the sensor. He had to put a new sensor back on. That was fine and we haven't had any trouble since.

However, I was charged for the visit. But the girl was gracious enough. She took it off. I said, "From what I understand, I could probably have gotten a better monthly rate." She gave me one, but she gave me a number to call. And when I called, the rep said I can only do that once a year. Since she lowered the rate, there was nothing they could do. But they were super nice and they tried to do what they could. The techs that came here were also very nice. What's very frustrating for me is when I call and I get someone that I can't understand. Also, when I couldn't understand somebody, and I'm on the phone forever and they end up hanging up on me. But that's the only thing.

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 2, 2023

    I went with ADT because I wanted to be sure that I was going to get consistent service and that my security was not going to go down constantly, lose power, or have a problem and need constant repairs. I called them for something and while I was talking to an ADT rep, they said, "Oh, looking at your system, it's outdated. And I'll say January 1st, it's not going to work any longer." I said, "Why is that?" They said, "Because we are upgrading from the 2.5 to 5." I have the equipment. I said, "Well, you know, I recently paid for and installed an outdoor camera with ADT. I have several other things." The person was telling me that none of the stuff that I had currently was going to work and that it would need to be replaced and they gave me a price of $1,800.

    I called back and spoke to a second person and I said just because they've decided to upgrade to 5G, I shouldn't have to be responsible for replacing all of my working equipment. They said, "Well, looking at your outdoor camera, that's going to work. Oh, and looking at this, that's still going to work. And this is still going to work." So, that was how the price went down to 1,100. I got to thinking about it again before I scheduled them to come out. I thought, "You know what? This is ridiculous that I have to put out $1,100 for working equipment." So, I called and spoke to a third person and the price came to $638. A number of items still worked. I did need to get a new panel. That was outdated, and I was fine with that. My indoor cameras are plug-in, so they're not remote. I can unplug it right now and put it in a different room. Why would I have to get new indoor cameras? I had three, but I went ahead and got two.

    When they came out, I had two sensors put on. So, that was beneficial to a slider and a window on my second floor, which I hadn't done just because it was on the second floor. So, that was okay and I was all right with that. As far as payments, it was supposed to be three payments of 200 and some dollars. I went into my bank account and 400 and some dollars had been taken out. So, that was quite a fiasco to try to get that resolved. That took probably several weeks. Finally, I spoke to a manager who gave me his direct phone line to call him if I had any other issues. He resolved the problem right away. When you call in, you first have to talk to the person who asked for all your security information. Then, they transfer you to another person and if that person is not the one to resolve your issue, you go to another one.

    So when I finally somehow reached this person in management, that was huge. He told me to call back if I needed anything else. I did call him one other time. I gave the extension that he'd given me, and they didn't want to transfer me. There's a reason that I have this direct line and this manager told me to specifically speak with him. I guess a lot of companies can be that way. Sometimes it’s very challenging depending on who you're speaking with. It might take four people to finally get things resolved or get to the right person. So, I understand that.

    The person who came out and upgraded everything was very pleasant and professional but cordial. And anyone who's come out before that, I get the same thing. Anytime someone has come out from ADT, they're all terrific. ADT is a great company. Their marketing is terrific. Their support people who come out to address issues are very good. They're very professional and timely. They call before they're going to be here. They always protect their feet. Overall, they do a very good job. I've been very happy about that.

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    Rated with 4 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Feb. 22, 2023

    The salesperson who came to my house was outstanding. He was very helpful. I had recently been widowed and he understood my security issues. He came up with solutions for all of them. The installation people were fantastic. But ADT had originally given me a really good estimate and when they came out to install it, the techs discovered that I needed $1,200 more worth of equipment that wasn't part of the original bid. I was annoyed but not really surprised.

    I've had two service calls since the system was installed. With the first one, we handled it on the phone, and the person was extremely responsive and helped me solve the problem. With the second issue, I was getting a message that a battery was running low, and then I was gonna have a systems problem. It turned out that the battery that was causing the issue was welded to my door frame. I called ADT and explained the problem. The first rep had no idea what I was talking about. But she referred me to the second rep who was very helpful. We tried a couple of things and she told me that I'm gonna have to move the battery connection to an exterior box. She said, “It's fairly simple to install. I could mail that to you and then we could give you directions or I can send someone out to do it for you.” I then said, “Well, my doors are 10 feet tall and I'm 5’ 2”. I better have someone come out.”

    We scheduled the appointment. The tech was terrific. But there were two issues. I did not get a notification that he was coming until after he arrived. Also, the rep never told me that there would be a charge for that when she walked me through the options. The tech said that it was a $59 service call. That's obviously a snag in the system. Other than that, the installers were excellent. ADT has responsive employees but they are less than honest about the true costs.

    3 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Jan. 28, 2023

    I'm 71 years old and I've never lived anywhere where I've ever had to have any kind of an alarm system. I didn't know how it worked or how any of it went. ADT seemed to be the most knowledgeable and the most friendly to explain those to me so I chose them. I was very pleased and grateful for how they took the time to explain and to make sure I understood. They didn't try to sell me anything that I didn't need.

    Clint was my sales rep and installer. He was a lovely young man. He was very patient and he explained and showed me every piece and what it did and why it did it. He was very pleasant and very knowledgeable. He went around my home and told me, "These windows don't need it because they're on the second floor. And if they can reach them, they can have it." I also have a sunroom that has windows all the way around it and he said, "We're not gonna put an alarm on each one of those windows. That's ridiculous. We'll put a glass breakage alarm in there." If any glass in that room broke, then it would set off the system. It was very smart. He was very good about spending my money wisely. I got his card.

    Something else that ADT did is the next day, I opened up the door without remembering that I had it set. The alarm went off and it scared the bejesus out of me that I couldn't remember my number to turn it off. It was very loud. ADT called and asked if I was okay. I said, "I'm fine. I just don't know how to shut this off. I don't remember my number." And it was written right there. The representative said very calmly, "Look on your screen, go down to the bottom, and you see that little square around there?" I said, "Yes." And she said, "Touch that." And I did, and she said, "There's the keypad. Now, remember your number and put it in there." I did and it shut off the alarm. That representative was so pleasant that she just calmed me down enough that I could remember my number. ADT is wonderful. Call them.

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Dec. 12, 2022

    I had ADT in Marietta, Georgia for a while and I loved it. I felt very safe and comfortable with it. When I moved into the Fort Oglethorpe area, we were in a less desirable neighborhood and it was very important to have a security system on the house. ADT is a deterrent to some degree. My system is selected for my personal needs and I liked that a lot. The only thing I wasn't able to get lately that they had, that they were running a program for was the camera doorbell. Unfortunately, the system I had was a little bit antiquated compared to that. I was not in the financial area where I could replace everything just to be able to do that. But I could still do a camera system separately.

    What I really like the most in my ADT package is the independence of having the fob on my keychain and being able to set my alarm as I need to. I like the feeling that my home is protected from fire by the alarm system. If ADT doesn't get me immediately on the cellphone, they call the authorities who then check my house out. Also, my alarm is very easy to work with, with the caretakers who come with my animals and stuff.

    Also, the response time was amazing. It's less than 10 minutes which is the difference between night and day on things. I've had nothing but good service from them. And when I've had a problem with my bill going up, I would call them and talk to them, and due to years of service and loyalty, they would work with me and try to negotiate my bill down a little bit. That means a lot to me as a consumer. They've been really good as far as making me feel like I'm a valued customer and that goes a long way. They are Johnny-on-the-spot with what I want them to do

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    Rated with 4 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: May 22, 2023

    ADT provides the basics and that’s all I need. It meets all my standards. I just have the panel. I have one sensor by my front door and sensors with the windows and the door. In general, I feel safer, with the exception of one issue going on with updating my contact information. One time, when my alarm went off, I never received the call. Then, it would bypass me. The police will come out to my property and call my mom, and freak her out. Some interfaces also weren't communicating. It was changed in one place but not the other. I haven't had my alarm trigger in maybe six months. So, hopefully, it has been resolved.

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: May 22, 2023

    I am well satisfied with the reps. They are very professional and knowledgeable. I would give ADT a 99 out of 100. However, once in a while, if the internet’s out, it beats. ADT has other things I don't like about the system but I’m secure with them. I would recommend them over some of the companies I've been affiliated with over the years.

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: May 22, 2023

    When I had to add someone else's code to the system, I called and the reps walked me right through. They stayed on the line while I did it and checked it. The system works and that's all I care about. We added cameras, too, and I got them through Ring. Just a security system isn't enough, so I've got as much as I can do rather than having armed guards in here. All in all, I’d tell people to use ADT. They have a good system.

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: May 22, 2023

    Back when I had a flood in my house, my power went out on the monitor, so ADT had to change the battery on that. I was pleased the day the rep came out to service and put the new battery in. She was very cordial, polite and on time, and the PR skills are right there. She showed me what to do to keep the use of the battery down, and now I have it darker versus having it lit all the time on the monitor. That'll save me on my battery usage. I also needed to have the things in the front yard replaced, because one was broken off due to either the wind or bad weather or my yard guy. ADT has worked out fine for me, but I wish it was a little cheaper. The cost is steep because I'm a divorced person, just myself, and I was hoping I'd get a senior citizen discount being 64 years old.

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: May 21, 2023

    We've had great service and we've had them since 2000. They always respond. Even on a couple of occasions when our dog set the alarm off, they were really good about understanding that and making sure the police were not called. When the battery went out on our control panel and they got the battery out a day early than they said it would. Our bill comes out automatically out of our account and we don't have any issues.

    ADT is not that expensive and the monitoring is excellent. They do a great job and I would choose them over Ring. A lot of those systems can be hacked and from what I've been told, it's very hard to hack the actual ADT system.

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    ADT Company Information

    Social media:
    Company Name:
    ADT
    Year Founded:
    1874
    Address:
    1501 Yamato Road
    City:
    Boca Raton
    State/Province:
    FL
    Postal Code:
    33431
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.adt.com

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