ADT Reviews
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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.
Featured Reviews
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… 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 reviewOur 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 rating | High satisfaction | Neutral | Low 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 reviews | Installation | Monitoring | Mandatory commitment* | Equipment package starting costs | Monitoring costs | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.6 | 15,000 | 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 |
![]() | 4.7 | 30,605 | 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 |
![]() | 3.7 | 8,058 | DIY | Required | 36 months (if financing) | Start at $402.96 to $790.91 | $49.99 per month | Read Reviews |
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- The technician will walk you through how to use your ADT home security system so you’re confident you’re using everything correctly.
- 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
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Reviewed Sept. 16, 2023
When I first called ADT on their 800 number, I paid some money and I got this credit towards equipment. The rep I talked to was eager but the rep I got after that was a little too eager and was doing a hard sell. He was trying to sell us things we didn't need and was a real go getter. I was a little put off by him. I knew he was going to try to sell us more, which he did, and our credit didn't go as far as I thought it would. It cost us another $300 beyond the credit we had. But he was very professional about the installation. Once we decided what we wanted and what we didn't, he went about and wired things up. He came over the evening before the movers came so we had an empty house with no furniture. He was there for a little more than an hour and was very efficient. Despite that, I don't want him to come again when we renew next February.
There was a $100 installation fee but you got it back supposedly so it didn't cost you anything. The problem was that you had to go to their website and print out your contract. At that time, we were unpacking boxes and I didn't know where the printer was. There was no way to do what we needed to do within the 30 days that we had to do it, so I never got that money back and I felt like they were giving with one hand and taking away with another. Other than that, we're very happy with the package that we got. We have alarms on the windows and the doors. We also have a glass breakage sensor on windows that don't open and we've got the electric eye that would trigger the alarm. We have a CO2 detector as well and the smoke detectors. We have movement sensors, too. We have a cat, so when we leave, we don't put it on the armed away because the cat's movement might trigger the alarm.
I like the idea that I have been contacted by the company, and whenever I've called, I've gotten immediate response. When I got hacked with a credit card, I had to give them a new one, and I got friendly and knowledgeable service. I also had an issue once with the smoke detector when I was trying to put a battery back in and it turned out that I shouldn't have done that. But the company called and resolved everything fine. With ADT, I sleep better knowing that the alarm’s on at night and that we're in a safe part of town where we live. The cost is also not that expensive as we're paying $53 a month right now. We've never had an issue with a break-in and we don't always remember to turn the alarm on when we leave, but the signs deter bad people. Somebody's going to think twice about whether they want to mess with the system or not, and even if we've forgotten to turn it on, I don't think they would take a chance.

Hello there! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. It's great to hear that you've had a positive overall experience with our security system and that you've found value in the services we provide.
I understand that your initial interactions with our representatives had some ups and downs, and we're sorry if you felt uncomfortable during the sales process. We always aim to provide helpful and informative guidance to our customers, so your feedback is important to us.
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Reviewed Aug. 26, 2023
My wife and I purchased the most expensive system that ADT has. We've got cameras inside the house, outside the house, essentially from every entrance, every exit and the 360s. And it has worked flawlessly. The guys will give their personal phone numbers and if you have any kind of problems, something they failed to do, they'll turn around and come right back. If you put the 360 cameras on the corner of a house, at that point, it can't see through your walls, but you can look around corners with it. And you can raise it up and look at a further distance. You can zoom and set it for its default settings. I'm 65 years old and I can run around my house on my ADT system. I'm sitting on a recliner and I got all my cameras up and in five seconds, I can tell you there's no one in my yard within 100 yards of my house.
We live on a farm and I've got a barn that I can see way out in the field. It's got expensive tractors in it. It's too far for Wi-Fi but it's well lit up. We had some scoundrels moving around our farm and I had an idea, so I called ADT. I asked to speak to a manager and when I told him my idea, he said he was gonna give me the phone number of the secretary to their VP and he wanted me to tell him what I told him. They used to have a system called ADT Pulse and they did away with that system. You had to download another software called Connect in order to see your cameras. To disarm and arm your house, you still sign in to ADT. It's just a different software with different cameras that have higher quality.
I spoke with the secretary and I said we had ADT Pulse. They sound like air raid sirens up on our roof on the north and the south end of our home to where it would draw attention. If it comes on, it sounds like a tornado is coming through. With their connect system, those horns didn't work. I was disappointed about that because they're 110. They're hardwired. I don't do the battery thing. If it's not hardwired in, I don't want it. I don't want to have to call every six months to have batteries put in our stuff and then tell me I've got to pay a fee for them coming out here. I talked to this guy and I said I could see my barn from the house and I got about $4,000 worth of signs that I had on Pulse that ADT just killed. It's just going to waste and the wires are hanging right behind the device that they put to record 30 days’ worth of 24-hour video off of six cameras.
I asked why they couldn't write the code and put a button on my phone that I could download or they could download to my phone that I could set those sirens off without calling the police if I saw somebody out there stealing something out of my barn and making them think that there was a motion detector at the barn. He's the secretary and he said he would talk to his boss. He said he liked it and would make a few phone calls to an engineer. There were seven guys that came, including the VP, and they built these little generators that plug in behind my system. He had his tech download it on my phone. They said they were gonna start marketing this and I was not gonna get any money for it, but I got what I asked for. As long as you know you're not getting ripped off and they don't go up exponentially, that's just the way it is. ADT couldn’t get any better. It beats the hell out of AT&T.

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate the 5 Stars.
Reviewed July 27, 2023
We signed up with ADT and they put in the sensors. Then, when we moved to our new house, we had them put in new sensors and kept our account with them. If it goes off, ADT definitely calls the phone numbers they have. Sometimes, it’s my phone that goes off and if I haven't answered, my husband's phone goes off and he answers it. So ADT definitely responds and asks us if we want them to call the police. In both cases, we did, but it turned out that we have French doors that are a little loose. So, when there was a thunderstorm and there was a big truck that went by, those two things set off the alarm. But in all these years, we’ve only had the alarm go off twice like that.
We use the Away button when we're going out and then, we use the Stay button. We had new batteries put in so we called and a serviceman came out and put the new battery in the thing on the wall. But we didn't check the battery on the one we have up here next to the bed. So, someone got on the phone with my husband and talked him through how to change that battery. The techs come out and do that for free and we appreciate that because it's part of our service. But we don't have to have that very often. I don't use the remote that often but I started using it recently, and it works well. It's nice not to have to come in and walk to the wall-mounted section to turn the system off.
In the beginning, there was a door chime that goes off whenever someone opens or closes the door. I used that for a while but we decided that was too much noise. I was a single woman for many years so I've always locked my doors. Even if we're out gardening, we lock the doors because people can get in your house if your back door is open and you're out front. So, I feel very safe because we have this system. If people wanna get a system that's very responsive, use ADT. A couple of times, we set the alarm off ourselves and did not get to it in time, and we got a text. If people want a group that's on top of it, ADT is the one I would get. The backup to the system with a real person is what's important.

Hello Carol. Thank you for being a loyal customer and part of the ADT family. Thank you for your 5 star review. Take care and stay safe!
Reviewed June 9, 2023
ADT's rep came by, started talking about the stuff that they offered, and I decided to go with it. Anything that I got from the salesman directly at the time of purchase, the equipment was free and just the service had to be paid for. And anything that I bought after he was done, I had to pay for the equipment and it was huge savings. When I first got ADT, I had everything installed. I had small issues with a couple of door sensors, and I didn't realize at the time that sometimes they use outside contractors to do their work. But the contractor that came, he came both times. Very nice guy.
I got the motion detector inside. I added two more doors to have the trip sensors on them. I got two of the Google Nest cameras, and I got one carbon monoxide detector that's hooked up, and I went back later and bought another one. I've heard a lot of people say that the cost goes up pretty bad after a while, but, so far, mine hasn't. Also, I like the 24-hour technical support. They are top-notch compared to everything else that I've seen.
I've had my sensors since December. Last month, it saved our lives, because we have liquid propane for our hot water heater, and there was an issue with it. It's in the basement. We got up early in the morning. I got up for a few minutes and wasn't feeling great, and the CO2 alarm went off and woke everybody in the house up. Also, ADT called my phone and my wife's phone simultaneously. And because it was a fire or CO2 life-threatening situation, they didn't wait to call. They called the fire department immediately and started repeatedly calling the person in the house until somebody answered, to make sure that everyone would get out. They got us out before the fire department even got there. For $50 a month, both my young children, my dog, and my wife are all alive today because of ADT. And it happened within less than a year of me buying the system.

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience with ADT. We are genuinely thrilled to hear that our security system has played such a crucial role in protecting your family and home.
Your testimonial regarding the prompt response from our team and the life-saving actions taken during the CO2 alarm incident truly highlights the effectiveness of our services. It's heartwarming to know that our 24-hour technical support and immediate contact with the fire department contributed to ensuring the safety of your loved ones. - Mazen
Reviewed 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.
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2023
The installers that came in and did the equipment were wonderful. When I first got ADT, they had to take over my equipment from another company, and the installer was really good, then another one came and set up my alarm system and thermostat. He was good too. I had no problem. They were very nice and courteous, and they got the job done.
When ADT had to take over the equipment, the price was high but I had to do it. Also, the monitoring price for the month is high, and I wish it can go a little lower, because I hear from other people that theirs is a bit cheaper than what I'm paying it. The girl that came to my house and sold me the equipment off told me that after I made a year with the monitor, I could call back and try to get a lower rate for monitoring. When I called back, they told me that that was not the proper information. They said, "Oh, no. You're not supposed to do that for the first three years." The rep said, "We're gonna give you a few dollars off," but they also said I wasn't supposed to get it right now.
I had more than one rep come. One came in and they had to come back and do something else. This was over a year ago, but they were both very nice. When I call ADT though, sometimes I have to hold on for a while. Besides that, I have the features that get hooked up to the police department and the fire station, and they're good. I have never had to use them, but I like the features.

Thank you for sharing your experience with our team Gina and we're so sorry to hear of your billing concerns. We're glad to hear your billing was corrected and we hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season!
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2023
I was paying $35 a month when it was Brink's and when ADT switched over, they told me if I could lock myself in with a five-year contract without going anywhere, they could lower the rate to $25.35 a month. I did that for five years. I just called back a month or two ago and locked myself in for another five years at the same price. I'm very happy with the company. They seem that their quality is Brink's quality that we had before. We've never had any problems. Any time I had an issue with the battery for the main system, they sent me one. I was grandfathered in with paying type of insurance for parts down when I had Brinks, and they went ahead and sent me a new battery at the beginning of this year with no charge. They walked me through everything I had to walk through. They did ask me if I wanted a technician out here, and I told them I was capable. I'm very happy with them and I'm not going anywhere.

Richard- We're so happy to hear about your awesome experience as an ADT family member and thank you for sharing your experience with our team! We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and a great rest of your week!
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2023
ADT was running a special for seniors that I decided to try them. The original installation people were great. But their prices to come out to do it are ridiculous. My system wasn't working, and I've had it for five years. I changed phone companies and so the system was disconnected from the phone line. When I called ADT to fix it, they wanted $245 just to come out. Then it was $75 per 15 minutes that they were here. So I told them, “Just cancel the service. I don't want it anymore then., I can't pay that. I'm 73 years old. I don't have that kind of money.” They transfered me to somebody who could fix it and they agreed to come out at no charge. They also offered me a lower rate for 12 months.
When the service guy came, he did a good job, but he didn't have enough batteries to do everything. So he had to make a second trip. They told me that the balance of the bill would have been around $400 for all the charges to fix it. But I didn't pay any of that. They waived all that, but they scare you to death with things like that. It’s wrong.

Hello Linda- We're sorry to hear of your frustrating experience! We do see that ADT was out to the residence in October and corrected your system issues at no cost due to your tenure as an ADT family member. We can also assure you as per you conversation with the ADT Account Management Team your rate has been adjusted to $30.78 prior to applicable taxes.
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2023
I like being able to view the cameras and I can set the alarm, disable the alarm, and do everything from away. Also, it's very easy to get in contact with someone. Since having the system, I feel very secure at night when I go to bed that if anything happens, I'm gonna be notified right away.

Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our ADT family Timothy and for sharing your experience with us!
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2023
The ADT representatives help me very well. The system functions fairly. I can send messages on my phone as far as if something’s burning in the house. When I'm cooking something and the smoke alarm goes off, they'll send me a text and ask me if I'm okay. I like the doorbell. It can tell me who's coming in front or the back door. ADT is a good service.

Thank you for your positive feedback and review!
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