ADT Home Automation Compatibility and Integrations

Over the years, ADT has worked to offer a number of home automation solutions for folks who want something more than just home security. The company, which is known for its high-quality security systems with reliable monitoring, now provides a variety of ways to connect and manage a complete smart home.

Today, ADT sells a handful of home automation products — everything from smart thermostats and smart lighting, to smart smoke detectors, cameras, and more. These smart devices are all managed using either the ADT touchscreen control panel or mobile app (for us, we prefer controlling our system with our smartphone). You’ll be able to control your lights or close your garage door remotely, from pretty much anywhere in the world.

ADT also integrates with Google Home and Amazon Alexa for hands-free voice assistance. Don’t worry, we’ll get into all of ADT’s home automation capabilities in this guide.

Z-Wave Protocol

Say it in your best nerd voice: Z-Wave Protocol. Since ADT runs on the Z-Wave platform, this means their systems are compatible with hundreds of different smart products. If you’re just dabbling with smart home technology, this might not seem like a big deal. But if you ever foresee building out a complete smart home ecosystem, having the Z-Wave protocol could make all the difference when it comes to really geeking out. And ADT has it in spades.

This wireless protocol enables all Z-Wave smart devices to seamlessly communicate with one another. And it will allow you to add new smart gizmos and gadgets to your system over time, as your budget allows (and as your spouse allows!). So we were quite happy to learn that ADT is built on Z-Wave.

The ADT Control App Dashboard

Like all the best smart home security systems, ADT offers an app — aptly named the ADT Control app — that conveniently houses all of your commands. This means you can access and control each of your devices with a simple flick of a thumb. Now, is ADT’s app the best we’ve seen? No, that accolade goes to Vivint’s smart home system (check out our full review of Vivint). But you’ll still be able to customize modes, set automations, check on sensors, stream live security camera footage, dim lights, dial-in the thermostat, and on and on — all from the ADT app.

Of course, the app is where you’ll arm and disarm your system as well. So if you’re anything like us, you’ll spend a good amount of time fiddling with features and watching video footage in the app. See below for an image we snapped of the app’s dashboard.

ADT App Options Menu

Professional Installation

Before we dive into all the different smart products and integrations that ADT offers, it’s important that you know it’s all installed by the pros. This means you won’t have to roll up your sleeves or break a sweat. But… it does mean you’ll need to pay a pesky installation fee (between $99 and $199) and wait around for an installation tech to set you up.

Not the end of the world, and honestly, we prefer professional installation for smart home products. Your ADT install technician will get your smart smoke detector, smart locks, and other intelligent gadgetry up-and-running. And they’ll do it right the first time. Finally, before they leave, they’ll even show you the ropes on how to use your new home automation system. Worth it.

ADT’s Smart Products

Keep in mind that while ADT sells a lineup of neat products, their Z-Wave system can support a seemingly endless array of third-party devices. As long as a smart home product is Z-Wave compatible, there's a good chance it will work with your ADT system. With that said, ADT currently offers the following smart home automation devices:

• Smart Light Bulbs
• Smart Thermostats
• Smart Locks
• Smoke Detectors
• Smart Switches
• Live Video (doorbell, indoor, and outdoor cams)
• Touchscreen Control Panels

ADT Smart Home Integrations

ADT Works with Alexa

ADT home security systems work with Alexa, Amazon's voice assistant. Simply say, “Hey Alexa, tell ADT to arm my home” to arm your system. Just note that you can’t disarm your system using Alexa. (And good thing! If you were able to disarm using voice control, a burglar could potentially yell through the front door “Alexa, disarm my system” to gain easy entry.) You can also access other connected, smart home features using ADT’s Alexa integration.

To get going with this, you’ll need to add the ADT smart home skill to your Alexa app or through your Amazon account. Once you do, you can ask Alexa to provide a wide range of services for you, including helping you to connect to your system from any area of your home. Keep in mind that ADT Pulse systems work with Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Show, and Echo Input devices. We’re big fans of ADT’s Alexa integration; but honestly, we’re seeing this pairing offered more and more by smart home security systems.

ADT Plays Well with Google Home

If you’re considering purchasing an ADT security system and monitoring plan, and you already have Google Home products, you may be happy to know you can connect the two with seamless ease. ADT works great with Google Assistant, allowing you to use your voice to control a variety of functions with your ADT Pulse system.

Using nothing but your voice, you can ask Google Assistant products, including your Google Home, to arm your home security system. And similar to the Alexa integration, you can control your home’s ambiance (lighting, temperature, etc.) by flexing those vocal cords. Just remember, while this is a neat convenience to have, it’ll cost you for the Google smart products.

The entire setup process is quick and easy, taking about five minutes in the ADT Control app. And once in place, you can use it for most ADT functions. Here are other highly-rated security systems that work with Google Home.

ADT & Apple HomeKit

If you are using the Apple HomeKit line of products, you may run into concerns connecting it to your ADT system. Currently, there is no way to link ADT with Apple HomeKit. However, this doesn’t mean this integration will not be available in the future. Apple continues to make its products more competitive and compatible and, at some point, we think it’ll provide access to ADT systems.
That said, you can use your ADT Control App on your Apple smartphone and Apple Watch. Yes, that means you can arm your home and turn on the lights with your watch (pretty slick, right?). If Apple compatibility is important to you, you can check our our list of the best security systems compatible with Apple.

ADT & Google Nest Integration

In addition to working with Google Assistant, ADT has developed a closer relationship with the Google Nest smart home ecosystem. Google Nest offers smart home products, including smart thermostats, smart security cameras, and video doorbells with facial recognition.

If you have an ADT system, you can integrate a number of Google Nest products such as the Nest Cam (wired), Google Nest Thermostat, and Google Nest Doorbell (battery).

One other aspect of ADT’s Google Nest integration is that its new DIY security system, ADT Self Setup, offers Google Nest equipment for video monitoring and home automation. The full line of Google Nest Cam and the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) work with ADT Self Setup. You can also buy Google Nest smart speakers and displays straight from ADT Self Setup and link them to your security system.

ADT & IFTTT Integration

IF This Then That, or IFTTT for short, is another great option for customizing your home automation features with ADT.
You can enable this integration in the ADT Control app.

With IFTTT, a type of internet-based smart home protocol, you can create various connections to your smart home features and devices, including your ADT home automation products.

There are more than 100 IFTTT channels available, giving you plenty of intelligent actions and automations to choose from. For instance, you can ask your system what the temperature is outside, and you can even set your system to automatically disarm at sunrise… but only if the garage door is closed. We like the flexibility here, as you can get pretty granular with IFTTT. If you’re a die-hard IFTTT user, we recommend looking into our review of the best IFTTT home security systems.

ADT Now Supports Sonos Smart Speakers

Sonos smart speakers now integrate with the ADT Control app. You can play your favorite tracks, crank up the volume, and put your favorite playlist on shuffle straight from the app. We’ve seen this pairing listed on ADT’s website, so the two companies are definitely collaborating to bring you a smarter home (and we like it!).

ADT Home Automation Cost & Fees

So… how much is ADT home automation going to cost you? Great question. And although ADT is one of the more expensive security systems with 24/7 monitoring we’ve used, they have reasonable monthly prices for security and smart home automation. And… unlike many DIY brands, you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to get started with ADT. Just pay by the month, and you’re in business. Here’s our latest shakedown of ADT’s prices, packages, and plans.

And see below for a highlight-reel list of ADT’s subscriptions and monthly fees.

ADT Home Security and Automation Plans

Also, there are a few other costs to consider before pulling out your pocketbook. For instance, you’ll have to factor in installation and activation fees. And if you want to purchase smart devices — like thermostats, lights, smart locks, etc. — then you’ll need to purchase those items upfront. It can add up, but then again, you are here because you’re interested in transforming your house into a smart home, right?

Here are the additional costs and fees associated with ADT home automation:

Extra Costs and Fees

ADT Contracts

One last thing that’s worth mentioning is that ADT requires a contract. Now, this really shouldn’t scare you away, as this allows your costs to be spread out over months and years. Some companies require you to purchase your smart home equipment up-front, which can cost hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. No thanks.

ADT’s contracts are 36 months minimum, unless you live in California. If you’re in the Golden State, you’ll only be on the hook for 24 months. We understand that contracts aren’t always fun, so if you’d rather a home security system with more flexibility, check out our roundup of the top security systems with no monthly fees and no contracts.

Final Words: Is ADT Home Automation Worth It?

We think ADT is worth it, but only for certain people. Since the company requires professional installation and long-term contracts, we typically only recommend ADT to established homeowners. If you’re a renter, you’d be better off with a DIY system like SimpliSafe or Frontpoint. (You can read our in-depth SimpliSafe review to learn more about the growing trend of DIY security.)

But if you care about reliable monitoring, and you have the money to spend on smart products, you’ll have a field day with ADT’s home automation capabilities. Since it works on the Z-Wave platform, you can integrate literally hundreds of smart products into your home.

It also works with Alexa and Google Home for voice controls, and it even connects with IFTTT, Sonos smart speakers, and Samsung SmartThings for good measure. So yes, we definitely think ADT is worth your consideration for home automation. But if you want security + automation, you might want to read our guide to the best home automation security systems available.