ADT

ADT

 4.2/5 (564 reviews)
  • 5 stars
  • 4 stars
  • 3 stars
  • 2 stars
  • 1 stars

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.

Overall Satisfaction Rating

  • 5 stars
  • 4 stars
  • 3 stars
  • 2 stars
  • 1 stars

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

How do I know I can trust these reviews about ADT?
  • 4,214,734 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our FAQ.

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...

Read full review
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...

Read full review

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.

With the ADT SoSecure app, users can alert family or friends of their location or send an SOS for emergency response.

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 Blue by ADT, a DIY option.

ADT prices

Monthly costs for ADT home security packages range from $28.99 per month to $57.99 per month. Equipment costs range from $599 to $1,049. If you don’t want to pay upfront, financing costs from $9.98 to $17.48 per month for 60 months. Installation fees range from $99 to $199.

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

  • Essentials: For around $36 per month, you get three window and door sensors, an infrared motion detector and 24/7 professional alarm monitoring.
  • Total Protection: For around $44 per month, you get everything included in the Essentials package plus Safewatch Cellguard, which lets you connect the system through a landline.
  • Premium Protection: For about $56 a month, you receive everything in the other packages plus ADT Pulse, which includes home automation. You can monitor and manage the system and smart devices through the app.

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

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:

  • Wireless keychain remotes: The ADT key fob is a convenient, one-touch system that lets you arm or disarm your home security system. This device features simple, easy-to-understand icons that help reduce false alarms. The remote also includes a panic button that communicates with ADT and local emergency services.
  • Entryway contacts: These sensors detect when someone opens a door or window while your system is armed and alert you via text message.
  • Security cameras: ADT security cameras come in both indoor and outdoor configurations. The indoor cameras work in low-light conditions and provide live or recorded video, which lets you check in on your family or pets. The outdoor cameras send clips automatically when they detect motion and work well even in low-light conditions or adverse weather like rain or snow.
  • Google Nest Doorbell: ADT uses the Google Nest Doorbell, which lets you answer your doorbell from virtually anywhere. Whether you’re home or away, the video doorbell function on the ADT mobile app lets you view who is on your front porch in real time. These devices feature clear, high-definition video with dewarping technology and two-way audio.

ADT security FAQ

How long does it take ADT 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 indoor and outdoor camera options. You can view camera footage live if you want to check on your home or office.

You can add cameras to your ADT system as long as you have ADT Pulse. If you don't have a plan that supports cameras, you need to upgrade your service. You must add cameras one at a time, but your security system can support up to 10 cameras at any given time.

Video monitoring rates vary per month depending on the plan you select.

Do ADT cameras record all the time?

ADT’s security cameras can record continuously or only when they detect motion.

Are ADT prices negotiable?

Sometimes. You can negotiate a new monthly rate regardless of how long you’ve been an active user. For example, customers with longevity can request a loyalty discount that may lower their monthly fees.

Does ADT replace batteries?

Yes, ADT offers several battery replacement options, including a self-service option. It has a battery identification page on its website that helps you find and order compatible batteries as well as review instructions for installation.

Do I own my ADT equipment?

It depends. In the event that you terminate your contract with ADT, you keep some equipment, such as the ADT control panel, but not everything.

How long does ADT backup battery last?

The backup battery for an ADT-monitored security system lasts up to 24 hours after losing its connection to the power grid. You should keep the backup battery charged in case you need it as a power source.

Do you need a landline for ADT?

ADT systems can work with or without a landline.

Can I use my ADT equipment with another company?

Maybe. Some other home security companies can reprogram existing control panels to work with their monitoring systems. However, it's worth asking about specific items before you purchase additional equipment in case you ever choose to terminate your ADT contract.

How long are ADT contracts?

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

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. For more, see how ADT compares against our top picks for smart home security systems.

ADT Medical Alert is also available for older adults who want to feel safer at home and worry about falling or medical emergencies.

adt reviews summary

ADT Reviews

Over 10k reviews since 2012
Top reviews
  • Top reviews
  • Recent
  • Oldest
  • Most helpful
Any
  • Any
  • Rated with 5 stars
  • Rated with 4 stars
  • Rated with 3 stars
  • Rated with 2 stars
  • Rated with 1 star

A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

2 featured reviews
How do I know I can trust these reviews about ADT?
  • 4,214,734 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our FAQ.

Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
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.

Be the first one to find this review helpful

Not sure how to choose?

Get buying tips about Home Alarm and Security Systems delivered to your inbox.

    By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

    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.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Jan. 7, 2023

    I am extremely satisfied with ADT and I would not give them up under any circumstances. They are very efficient. Other than the past holiday when there was a couple of glitches and it took me maybe about five minutes to get through to them, they're great. I just call them up if I need them and they come always within a few days. Lately, we've been doing things on the telephone and they have technicians. They changed their thing where they don't have to come down there. It helps them and it gets me through it faster. They put a technician on the phone and we go through the diagnostics together, and they're very good at it.

    People should use ADT. I only had one problem in the many years that I've been using them, which got to be at least 15 years. We couldn't get it resolved but we finally did. I have a piece of property in Florida and I use ADT to take care of everything over there. Even when I'm not there, they find ways of fixing things up remotely. The system has its bugs but everything basically works well. I just had a problem with it and I couldn't figure out what zone it was. The person spent at least 15 minutes while I was going to each zone trying to figure out which one was causing the problem. We finally found it. It wasn't signaling that the battery was low or dead, and that was the problem, and we fixed it.

    ADT response

    Denaro- We're so very sorry to hear of the trouble you had with the system but are so glad to hear its been repaired! Thank you for your review and for being such an awesome part of our ADT family!

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    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

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 24, 2023

    My elderly parents responded to a ADT postcard indicating "free" ADT. I told them that this is a promotional item and nothing is free. They called ADT who sold them immediately into a system that they do not need, with every option imaginable. My parents are not in a mental state where they can make these decisions on their own but that did not stop the ADT sales person from signing them into a 5 year plan, at a price that they cannot afford. Since installation, they barely use it but have had 6 false alarms with emergency vehicles being sent to the house each time. To be fair, it may not be completely the system but could be also be operator error. They now want the system out as they recognize they should not have it. When I called just now, I was told the only option would be to pay off the hardware and remaining service plan for over $5000!! This is unreasonable as ADT took advantage of them and put them in this situation.

    They have lived in the same rural community for over 60 years and there is literally no crime. In addition, they have a very caring set of neighbors who watch over them. (They are the ones who call me to tell me that there are emergency vehicles there and did not know if it's my father's heart condition, my uncle falling, or my mother falling while recovering from knee surgery.) When they sold options, they referenced my fathers reduced mobility, and also the fact that they care for my 85 year old wheelchair bound uncle who has cerebral palsy. They now have more fear in using the system and triggering another false alarm. I offered to pay a fee for the installation and removal labor of the system. They could then repurpose the 4 month old hardware. It was restated that the only way out was by paying the $5000, or with 3 service calls where they cannot fix the hardware.

    I told them that they took advantage of them with features and duration and they may not even be here for another 5 years. There must be some way to deal with this issue. They stated that there would be no further obligation upon their death. I asked for escalation and was told there was none. Evidently the only way out of the contract obligation is to pay it in full now or with death. I have never been more disappointed in a response as ADT put my parents into this situation and took advantage of them. Beware of a company that preys on the elderly.

    ADT response

    Thank you for reaching out to us! We’re sorry to hear about this experience and we would like to further assist you in getting this resolved. Please reach out to us directly at Alwaysthere@adt.com. Please include the address/phone number to the account and a copy of your post.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 24, 2023

    This is the absolute WORST alarm company of all time. We used ADT Blue and when we moved residences our hub wouldn't connect. Despite countless hours on the phone with their outsourced customer service we were unable to connect and paid for service for months with ZERO connection and no one I spoke with at ADT had a shred of concern that we were paying for a service we weren't receiving. When I finally got so fed up I had to cancel service they refused to waive the cancellation fee and charged me $1,500 unless I agreed to stay with ADT. Don't waste your time, money, or energy on this awful organization.

    ADT response

    Thank you for reaching out to us! We’re sorry to hear about this experience and we would like to further assist you in getting this resolved. Please reach out to us directly at Alwaysthere@adt.com. Please include the address/phone number to the account and a copy of your post.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 24, 2023

    This company charge me for the last 5 yrs $142 dollars a month after I paid the whole camera system equipment and labor, and every time I have a problem I can’t get them to fix it, technician come and talk about charging me, when I tell him that I pay $142 a month for service and warranty they light and leave! I call customer service and nothing they can’t do, but only want to give me back $100. I always end up private local guy. They come and fix my issue (of course pay the local guy). Don’t get scammed by this company people.

    ADT response

    Hello Piero. We're sorry to learn of this frustrating experience you've been having regarding your cameras. Our team would be more than happy to review this further if you could please send us a copy of your review/concern, along with the phone number and address where the service is located to AlwaysThere@adt.com. Thank you.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 22, 2023

    The service is great, and especially, with the cameras. We just added one more camera. It's a really secure security plan and system. ADT is the number one in this area. But it's sad that we are terminating the service because we're moving out of state.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 22, 2023

    I've had ADT for over 20 years and I liked the service when I first started. I've done some upgrades and had some additional stuff installed. Everything is good. When I call customer service, sometimes I have to call more than once. But once I get a person who knows what they're talking about, it's good.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Loading more reviews...

    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

    Media

    VIDEOS & IMAGES