Comparing ADT vs Ring

All the best security systems on the market today can protect your home against burglars, home invaders, and other criminals. Not all security systems are the same though. Each one takes a different approach. That’s why we encourage shopping around and comparing security systems before buying.

ADT and Ring make for a good illustration as to how different two security systems can be. They’re both from reputable companies. ADT is the oldest security brand in the country with over 150 years in service. Ring is the pioneer of the doorbell camera industry and now part of Amazon’s growing family of home technology. Beyond that similarity though, there’s a lot that separates ADT and Ring. Here’s a couple of examples:

• ADT absolutely takes the cake when it comes to professional monitoring and setup. It’s also top-tier when it comes to equipment quality and home automation.
• Ring Alarm offers professional monitoring, but it’s more popular for self-monitoring. Where ADT focuses on professional installation, Ring makes a point of offering ridiculously easy DIY installation.

We believe both systems are good in their own rights, but to compare them, we tested Ring and ADT side-by-side. We came up with one system that we liked better. That’s ADT. As for how we came to that conclusion, we’ll have to take you through our experience with both home security systems.

Arming my ADT System

Similarities Between ADT & Ring Alarm

The list of similarities between ADT and Ring is starting to grow. In the beginning, Ring was primarily a camera company, but it’s now deeply invested in providing full home security systems, including monitoring services. Meanwhile, ADT has undergone some significant changes as well. ADT now offers both self-installation and self-monitoring, and you can even pick out your own system online.

So, before we discuss differences, let’s consider some of the similarities between these two.

Reputation

Maybe the most obvious similarity is in just how well-known both of these companies are. ADT has been around for nearly 150 years, so it’s had a little more time to build a reputation and a loyal customer base – six million at last count. Despite having a much shorter history, Ring is no slouch in the reputation department either. Ring invented the video doorbell, the most popular piece of home security equipment in the industry. Ring’s doorbells helped usher in a new age of DIY home security, and the company has established itself as a leader in that new age.

Monitoring Options

Both companies offer 24/7 professional monitoring, and both companies now offer self-monitoring as an option. Ring is more well-known as a self-monitored system, while until recently ADT was strictly a professionally monitored system. Ring is still the best option if you want a true self-monitored system, and ADT is still the best option for professional monitoring, but the bottom line is that now you get to choose between them. We should also point out that both offer different monitoring plans, so you’ve got even more options to choose from.

App Control

Most security systems you’ll find today have mobile apps for control, but this is an area both Ring and ADT excel. Both their apps made our list of the best home security system apps of 2024.

ADT’s latest app is ADT+, and it powers the entire smart security system. It offers deep customization of features, it has access to connected smart home devices and security cameras, and although it was released in 2023, we found it easy to use and essentially bug-free.

Ring’s app, on the other hand, is like a well-aged wine. The Ring – Always Home app is the first app Ring released, but through updates and enhancements, it has become the user-friendly but powerful app that it is today. It offers complete control over any Ring security device, from doorbell cameras to the security system.

Ring Wireless Home Security System

Customer Service

Finally, as you’d expect from two well-known, popular systems, both Ring and ADT offer top-tier customer service. That’s evident in everything these companies do, but it’s perhaps most notable when it comes to their money-back guarantees. ADT’s guarantee is a generous six months (the best guarantee in the industry), while Ring Alarm gives you 30 days to return the system for your money back. In short, both companies make sure you’re happy with your system before you’re locked into anything.

Want to find out more about some of the recent changes at ADT? Check out our review of ADT’s self-setup systems.

Bottom line – while these are two very different companies, they both offer great value for the money. The question is, which approach to home security most appeals to you? We’ll get into that below, but you can get even more details by checking out our comprehensive Ring Alarm review and our ADT hands-on testing and review page.

Differences Between Ring Alarm and ADT

OK, so these two companies have some similarities. In fact, on paper, they’re starting to look more and more alike. They still take very different approaches to home security, though, and those differing approaches make them more dissimilar than similar.

What do we mean?

Let’s start with something basic: installation. Ring is a true DIY installed system and has been since the company was founded. It doesn’t offer professional installation (though the company does promise it can hook you up with local installers if you need them). This wasn’t the norm in the industry when Ring came around, and the company had to devote enormous resources to developing a self-installation system so simple anyone could do it. It’s also worth pointing out that self-installation is free, so you save money.

ADT, on the other hand, has always been a professionally installed system. Until recently, it didn’t offer a DIY option. And while the company has begun offering DIY-installed systems, professional installation remains its bread and butter. The thing is, a lot of people prefer that white-glove service. There’s no denying that it’s nice to put your feet up and let a professional do the job. Plus, you can count on ADT installers to know where to place equipment, and they thoroughly explain how everything works before they leave.

Ultimately, deciding between the two is a matter of preference. We all want what we want, and the nice thing is that with two great home security systems out there, we can all get what we want without sacrificing safety.

Next, let’s talk automation. Both companies provide customers with smart options, but their approaches are different. In keeping with its emphasis on a DIY aesthetic, Ring’s home automation capabilities largely run through exterior devices. You have to connect Ring to a hub device like Alexa or Google Home if you want smart features. You can do a lot with Ring, from using your voice to turn equipment on and off to connecting security equipment to other household devices like televisions and lights. That’s one reason why it appears on our list of best home security systems that work with Alexa. If you’re not interested in investing in one of these hubs, though, or you want a different smart home experience from what they offer, Ring can feel limiting.

ADT works with Alexa and Google Home, but it also offers its own home automation equipment. Ultimately, this allows for more features and integrations. Take ADT’s partnership with Google Nest, for example. Yes, many Ring cameras can tell the difference between people, pets, and packages. ADT’s cameras, though, come with facial recognition, so you can set your system to let in people you know and trust.

Once again, it all comes down to preference. You have to decide how much automation you need. We’re trying to come to an objective conclusion, though, about which system is best. In those terms, it’s always nice to have options. Even if you just think that somewhere down the line you might want to integrate smart home features into your home security — like thermostat control, smart locks, and automated lights — ADT is the better choice.

Now, if we’re talking installation options, Ring manages to best ADT. With many wireless cameras and peel-and-stick equipment, Ring systems can be set up and installed nearly anywhere. ADT requires you to be a homeowner before you can purchase one of its systems. That makes sense since ADT installations tend to be more permanent. The bottom line is that Ring Alarm is a great choice for rentals, homes, and apartments. Heck, you can even set it up in a dorm room. The nature of ADT’s offerings is meant for more established households.

You should also note that ADT might require you to submit to a credit check, especially if you’re applying for a financing plan. Ring, on the other hand, does not require a credit check or a contract. Just pay for the equipment up-front and you’re good to go; no contracts and no credit checks.

Nothing is simple when it comes to home security, though. While it might seem like Ring beats ADT when it comes to contracts and terms, the reality is more complicated. Sure, you won’t face any administrative hassles when signing up with Ring. However, credit checks, contracts, and payment plans can be a good thing when it comes to home security. Typically, it means you won’t have to pay for your equipment upfront; rather, you can spread the payments out over months and years so that you can afford the best equipment possible. We’ve seen this with other brands, too, like Vivint’s smart home security systems.

One last difference to consider is that you have the option of using solar panels to power some of the Ring home security cameras. ADT does not have any solar energy options at this time.

Standout Features & Tech

Perhaps the most important differences between these two home security systems, though, have to do with the specific features they each offer. Ultimately, these determine what kind of experience you have with the systems and just how safe they keep you and your family.

Keep in mind that features can vary depending on which packages and plans you select. Here’s an overview of what you get from each company, though.

Ring Alarm Features

The first thing to note about Ring home security systems is that there are different plans or tiers that you can choose to purchase. We mention it here because, as you go up in price, each tier has different features. That means the features we describe below can sometimes be plan-specific.

• Self-Monitoring Options: Ring offers customers the option to self-monitor their systems. That’s one of the key differences between these two companies. Ring does, however, offer some valuable features for those who prefer to monitor their own systems. First, you get real-time alerts any time the system is triggered. Once you’ve received an alert, you can immediately check live footage. If you’re looking to store that footage for later review, Ring offers cloud storage. You can record a single camera for as little as $4 a month, or for $10 a month you can sign up for unlimited cameras. Of course, it’s also worth pointing out that Ring does offer a professional monitoring plan. Not only that, but it’s $5 to $10 cheaper than ADT’s monitoring plan. We almost always recommend investing in professional monitoring since you can never be sure when something may go wrong at your house. A Ring Protect subscription connects your home security equipment to a monitoring center that keeps an eye on your property day, night, and while you’re at the dentist.
• Thirty-Second Call Response: If you should decide to take the plunge and invest in Ring’s professional monitoring, you can expect response times in the neighborhood of thirty seconds. Response time is the time it takes for the monitoring center to contact you once it receives an alert, and thirty seconds is among the fastest times in the industry.

• Alexa Compatibility: No surprise that Ring works seamlessly with Amazon’s Alexa platform. After all, Amazon owns the company. That means hands-free voice control of all your devices. You can arm and disarm cameras and other equipment without lifting a finger. Unfortunately, that’s about the limit of Ring’s smart capabilities. The system doesn’t work with Apple Homekit, for instance, and it can’t control other smart home devices such as thermostats, lights, and smart locks.
• Lifetime Theft Protection: Ironically, home security equipment gets stolen more often than you might think. We’re not entirely sure why. Maybe would-be thieves think if they take a camera, no one will be able to see them? Even though the camera footage is already in the cloud? At any rate, Ring replaces stolen equipment, and that theft protection plan never expires.

Ring Stick Up Cam

• Two-Way Talk: It’s one thing to be able to pull up real-time video when you get an alert. Ring cameras also come with two-way talk, though, so you can let would-be thieves know you’ve got your eye on them and the police are on their way. You don’t have to be facing an emergency to make good use of this feature. We use it while we’re at work to remind our cat that she’s not allowed on the couch.
• Video-Saving and Sharing with 180-Day Video History: The company provides the capability to share videos captured by Ring’s lineup of security cameras. The system can store video footage for up to 180 days. You will also have the option to save clips permanently if you capture the information that you need. It does come with a monthly fee though; $4 per month per camera or $10 per month for unlimited cameras.
• Snapshot Capability: Another cool feature of Ring home security systems is that you can take snapshots on your screen. This is basically like taking a photograph to capture a frame from your security footage with the viewing device.

ADT Features

ADT has been in the home security business for 150 years, so they’ve had time to figure out a few home security tricks as well. We’re sure that Ring would admit, in fact, that some of its best features were actually pioneered by early home security companies like ADT.

Below we’ve listed the main features that you get with ADT. You’ll notice pretty quickly that ADT systems are a bit more advanced than Ring Alarm systems. Keep in mind, thought, that Ring is a more expensive system as well.

• 24/7 Monitoring: Similar to Ring’s monitoring, with ADT’s 24-hour monitoring, an emergency response agent will always be ready to ensure that the proper course of action is taken in the event of a break-in or other crisis. We’ve experienced slightly faster response times with ADT, but both brands deliver in this category.
• Touchscreen Panel: ADT offers the Pulse touchscreen control panel. You can arm and disarm your alarm and customize other settings with the swipe of a finger. ADT edges out Ring Alarm in this category, as Ring only offers a push-button control panel.
• Home Automation Options: ADT’s home automation options allow certain appliances and equipment to be monitored, automated, and operated remotely from your phone or tablet. Being able to use your smartphone to operate your security system is a huge plus in our book.

• Two-Way Talk Capabilities: ADT offers two-way talk capabilities as well, just as Ring home security systems do. Being able to talk between devices in the home or remotely will come in handy more often than you might think.
• Mover’s Savings Package: ADT will work with you to save you money if you need to move. All you have to do is let them know that you are moving and they will schedule a re-installation. We like the flexibility offered here.
• Equipment Averaged into Monthly Payment: ADT’s equipment costs a little more than Ring’s, but where you have to pay for Ring equipment up-front, ADT lets you finance costs for up to five years. They’ll also combine these monthly payments with your monthly monitoring charges so you pay one flat fee every month. Sure, you can buy one piece from Ring and then add to your system a little as you go. There’s something nice about buying a complete system right up front, though. It means you get everything you need and don’t have to worry about holes that need to be filled. ADT gives you that. Ring doesn’t.
• Guaranteed Theft Protection: ADT offers a theft protection guarantee like Ring does. If your equipment is stolen, ADT guarantees replacement free of charge.

Blue by ADT Video Doorbell Installed

• Professional Installation: ADT will professionally install the equipment for you so that you do not have to worry about improper installation or the safety of your home. Although ADT’s installation is generally on-point, we have heard stories to the contrary, and we’ve heard that the service can vary from region to region. Something to keep in mind.
• Certificate for Use by Homeowners Insurance Companies: ADT will send you a certificate that can be turned in to your insurance company. Doing this will allow you to be eligible for certain rebates and reductions on your homeowner’s insurance policy.
• Six-Month Money-Back Guarantee: Customer service and support is paramount, and it’s a good thing that ADT is willing to back its promise of high-quality equipment with a six-month money-back guarantee. Here’s how it works: If your ADT system malfunctions, and ADT isn’t able to fix the problem within six months, they’ll refund your monitoring and installation fees.

ADT vs. Ring Alarm: Costs and Fees

The final important point of comparison is the cost of each home security system. After all, you’ll have to purchase the equipment (at least with Ring) and pay for a monthly monitoring service if you want to keep your home and family secure day and night. Let’s have a look at what you can expect to spend with each company.

Ring Pricing

Ring only recently began offering home security kits. Its basic five-piece kit costs $179.99, but you can expand that to up to 14 pieces for around $579.98. We often recommend going with a smaller kit to get started and then upgrading over time to suit your specific needs. That’s easier with a DIY system like Ring Alarm since the company doesn’t have to come back in and do additional installation.

And here’s a tip: Right now a lot of Ring’s alarm packages are on sale. Here’s a quick breakdown of the kits that are discounted:

Ring Alarm Sales

Once you purchase the equipment, you’ll have four Ring Protect plans to choose from. The first of these is the free option, which is pretty lean on features compared to the other plans. It does, however, come with motion-activated notifications, theft protection, real-time video, and two-way talk.

The Ring Protect Basic option costs $3.99 per month or $40 per year. In addition to the features offered in the free package, it offers snapshot capabilities, 60-day video storage, and video saving. This is the monitoring plan you’d choose if you were to install a Ring camera, but only one camera is covered by this plan.

The Ring Protect Plus package costs $10 per month or $100 per year and offers the same features as the Basic plan, only this plan covers an unlimited number of cameras installed at the same address.

Lastly, the Ring Protect Pro package costs $20 per month or $200 per year. This plan includes everything in the Plus plan, in addition to professional monitoring for the Ring Alarm.

To learn more about Ring’s offerings, have a look at our guide to Ring’s packages, plans, and pricing.

ADT Pricing

Let’s cut right to the chase: ADT is much more expensive than Ring Alarm, but you get what you pay for. Their Secure Home package costs between $58 and $61 per month (opposed to Ring’s $20 monthly fee). It includes 24-hour monitoring, three keypads, motion detectors, three window sensors, a siren, a back-up battery, and a remote. The good thing is that you don’t have to buy your equipment upfront.

If you want the works, consider going with ADT’s Smart Home package that costs $65 to $70 per month and gives you cellular connectivity, or go with the Smart Home + Video package for $75 to $82 per month, which comes with video support and smart home automations.

As you can see, ADT is more expensive than Ring on a monthly basis, but you won’t have to fork out hundreds of dollars on day one. Keep in mind though, you will need to enter into a contract with ADT for monitoring and equipment. Thankfully, they do offer that 6-month money-back guarantee that we mentioned earlier.

To really get a closer look, head on over to our in-depth breakdown of ADT’s pricing and plans here.

Which Is Better: Ring Alarm or ADT?

So which is better? Great question! It completely depends on your living situation, your budget, and the amount of features you want access to. For instance, if you’re looking for something quick and nimble that won’t break the bank, Ring Alarm is the system for you. We’d also recommend reading through our SimpliSafe review if you’re interested in a DIY system similar to Ring Alarm.

On the other hand, if you’re a homeowner who wants reliable monitoring and high-quality equipment (and you don’t mind paying for it), then ADT might be the better option. You’ll also have more smart home capabilities with ADT, which is something that we value. Either way, these are both great systems with solid reputations in the industry, so you really can’t go wrong here.