An Honest Review of ADT Home Security

Getting the ADT System Installed

ADT started the whole home security industry a century and a half ago, and for most of its 150-year existence as a company, it required all customers to go through a more traditional buying process. That meant having a one-on-one conversation with a customer service agent who would then recommend a security system that would fit the user’s needs. ADT would then schedule an installation appointment, and professional installers would do the dirty work.

ADT still does things this way, but it now also offers a DIY approach. You can buy the system online, set it up yourself, and then choose how you want it monitored. That approach applies to the ADT Self Setup we reviewed that, while it offers more installation and monitoring options than the classic ADT system, comes with the same physical components as the professionally-installed one.

Of course, we wanted the full experience, and ADT prides itself on its white-glove service, including professional installation. That’s why we went with the more traditional buying process anyway.

ADT Outdoor Camera in Action

The Process

Now, if you want white-glove service, it’s not going to happen overnight. The entire process with ADT typically takes between three and five days. A lot of this time is spent on consultation and installation. You have to schedule appointments, and depending on where you live, availability can be limited. We managed to get everything done in two days, which, given all the steps involved, was impressive.

• The first step was calling ADT and asking for a consultation. Those are pretty easy to schedule, and ADT was able to get someone out to our home the very next day. Incidentally, these consultations are also free, and there’s no obligation to buy.
• We initially called on a Tuesday. The consultant arrived promptly on Wednesday morning. The entire consultation took around two hours, but our consultant gave us all the details so we would know all the options and exactly what we were signing up for. After all, ADT contacts last for three years. Before she left, our consultant scheduled our installation appointment for the next day.
• Again, ADT arrived promptly on Thursday morning – two techs in white coveralls in a professional-looking white van. The setup lasted into the afternoon, but our techs were careful about where they placed equipment, and they explained everything about how the system works. Just a note: ADT now offers Google equipment, and our techs were trained in how to use Nest cameras and thermostats, so by the time they left, we were experts in all the bells and whistles.
• By Thursday evening, we had a home security system. We spent the rest of that day and most of the next putting it through its paces and seeing just what it could do.

Frankly? All that was a lot. We had to stay home from the office for a couple of days, when we could have installed a DIY system over the weekend or in the evenings. But we’d argue that home security is serious business, and ADT knows that everything must be done right to truly protect a home from burglars, thieves, and home invaders. The consultants and technicians were thorough. They identified hazards and vulnerable points. They knew what kind of equipment we needed, and they knew where to place it for maximum coverage. Easy to see why ADT tops our list of best professionally installed systems.

A Closer Look at ADT Outdoor Camera, Installed in Our Back Porch

The Downsides

Remember, we said ADT had its share of issues? Most of these are minor, but we want to be sure you know what you’re getting when you invest in one of these systems.

First, while our installation tech did a great job of hiding most of the system’s wires, they missed one on our outdoor camera. It’s practically begging to be snipped by a burglar. Our to-do list includes a call to ADT to get someone back to our house to fix it. These techs have a lot to do – these systems have some complex components. We can forgive a missed wire or two – as long as ADT will correct the situation.

The bigger problem for us is that ADT just leaves all the existing security equipment in your house, even if it’s ADT equipment. That’s not something a tech misses. It’s company policy. These systems are complex enough that we’re not qualified to take them down. That means we’ve got this nice, sleek new system now right next to a lot of outdated, clunky equipment. ADT couldn’t maybe offer some sort of free removal service? That would seem like a perk, especially for repeat customers like us.

Old School ADT Equipment

ADT Equipment

So much for the installation. What did we make of the equipment?

If we’re doing an honest review, we’re going to find problems with systems, and we’ve already mentioned a couple. When it comes to equipment, though, we have absolutely zero complaints to make about ADT. Durability? Reliability? Aesthetics? Whatever category you want to use as a measure, ADT measures up.

It helps that ADT now offers Google Nest devices, including the Nest Hub, the complete line of Nest cameras, Nest Doorbells, and even Nest thermostats. Equipment is definitely not one of them, though. Google packs its products with some of the most advanced tech in the industry. The Nest doorbell, for example, is one of the few doorbells on the market that offers facial recognition. When our normal mailman was on vacation, we knew it. As for sensors – entry sensors, glass break sensors, and motion detectors – ADT relies on GE to manufacture these, and you’re just not going to find any equipment more dependable than GE equipment.

ADT matched the entryway sensor to our trim color!

As much as we love SimpliSafe (it’s #2 on our list of best systems), the company’s equipment just feels cheaper than ADT’s. If you plan to keep your home security system for several years – and let’s face it, the world isn’t getting any safer – it’s helpful to have gear that’s built to last.

Our ADT package included

• 1 base station
• 3 door/window sensors
• 1 motion sensor
• 1 Nest Doorbell
• 1 Yale smart lock
• 1 ADT yard sign
• 1 pack of 4 ADT window stickers
• ADT Plus app

There are plenty more devices available from ADT, though, including:

• Nest Indoor cameras
• Nest Doorbell cameras
• Nest Smart thermostats
• Glass break sensors
• Smart locks
• Smart lights
• Smart plugs
• Keypads
• Keychain remotes

All-in-all, equipment is one of ADT’s strongest points, and this is a company with a number of strong points.

Here’s What We Paid for ADT

We paid $719 for our Front Door Protection system. ADT used to be one of the more expensive systems out there, but that price is comparable with systems from Ring, SimpliSafe and abode – three of our top DIY security systems. Plus, ADT runs frequent sales these days. You can often find equipment as much as 40 and even 50 percent off.

Beyond your initial equipment purchase, You’ll also pay between $24.99 and $49.99 per month for monthly monitoring. The price varies depending on the features and how the equipment was installed. For the cheapest package price, you’ll want a Self Setup package, as each plan is $10 cheaper per month compared to the professionally installed packages.

The Secure plan includes coverage for just sensors, though for an extra $5 per month, you can add control for smart locks, lightbulbs, and other smart devices. The Complete plan gives you smart home features plus professional monitoring of your cameras.

ADT doesn’t offer self-monitoring for professionally installed systems. It does for self-installed ADT systems, but of course, you’re always better off with professional monitoring. That way you don’t have to worry about checking system alerts yourself when you’re at the movies, or at the beach, or – you know – sleeping and stuff. Keep in mind, though, that ADT requires you to sign a 36-month monitoring contract for professionally installed plans but not for Self Setup packages.

Here’s a complete rundown of what you’ll pay for with ADT packages.

ADT Plans

ADT works but isn’t ideal for apartment dwellers or people who are renting their homes because of the contract. If either of those describes you, check out our roundup of the best security systems for apartments. ADT is really most ideal for established homeowners who plan to stay put in their homes for at least 3-5 years.

Here’s how ADT prices compare to the competition…

ADT vs. The Competition

ADT’s Control Panel

The ADT panel can display family photos, which is a nice touch

What to Expect: The ADT control panel we tested was touchscreen. It’s compact and there’s beauty in its simplicity. We just wish the screen was a tad bigger; it’s only 7”, compared to Vivint’s Smart Hub at 8”. We don’t mind displaying a beautiful piece of technology like that one.

The ADT control panel also seems well-built. It doesn’t feel cheap and plastic-y and there’s a good heft to it. It also features cellular communication as backup to Wi-Fi. Cellular backup is key, as it keeps your system functioning even if your power or Wi-Fi goes out. The best security systems offer cellular monitoring, and we wouldn’t recommend purchasing a system without this feature. The last thing you want is to have a storm come through, disrupt your Wi-Fi connection, and have to sleep with one eye open because your home is unprotected.

Best and Worst Features of the Control Panel: The ADT control panel functions as you’d expect it to. It controls the whole ADT system via arming modes. We just didn’t like that you can’t “silent arm” the system from the control panel. So everytime we set the alarm, it counts down loudly. It’s helpful in letting you know how much time you have left to exit your home, but it’s annoying if you have little ones that need their sleep (or else). Fortunately, you can ‘silent arm’ the system via the app.

Arming my ADT System

A word on the siren. 85 dB isn’t bad, and it’ll probably startle home invaders. The industry standard these days is 100 dB, though, and if you think 85 dB will startle a potential thief, imagine what those extra 15 dB can accomplish. Let’s put it this way: We could hear ADT’s siren when upstairs. We had to really listen to hear it from the shower, though, or while in the bedroom watching TV. Turns out, thieves don’t just break in when you’re sitting quietly in your easy chair reading a book. Plus, you kind of want those extra 15 dBs to shake potential home invaders up. An alarm should be a deterrent rather than simply an annoyance. Oh, and the siren is a sustained wail rather than an oscillating wail – in technical terms, reeeeeeeeeeeee instead of reee-reee-reee-reee-reee. That’s more in the category of unique though, than disappointing.

Unexpected Findings: There were a few things that definitely surprised us, first among which was how tidily the installation technician hid the control panel wire. We weren’t used to this, since most control panels we test have a curly-cue wire hanging down from them that just looks awful. Just look at how neat it looks on the wall.

Rob Testing the ADT Control Panel

That said, the control panel looks a bit smaller in person than it does in the pictures. Maybe it’s just us, but we definitely had a larger screen in mind. On the bright side, though, there’s a front-facing camera on the control panel. You can’t take selfies with it, but it will take a snapshot of whoever tries to disarm the system so you can review who came and went from the activity log, like so:

ADT Control Panel Activity Log

Lastly, the control panel doubles as a weather station and a digital picture frame when on standby. Sadly, those were the only extra features. They’re nice and all, but they’re more for aesthetic purposes than for security or convenience. Ultimately, we prefer the hub that came with the Vivint security system I tested. It let us control all of our smart devices from a single location. All of ADT’s home automation features are exclusive to the ADT app.

All of ADT’s home automation features are exclusive to the ADT app.

Control Panel Specs:

• Dimensions – 7.68” W x 4.76” H x 0.708” D (195mm x 121mm x 18mm)
• Panic buttons – Police, fire, and medical
• Power – Plug-in cord (5V 1A, microUSB cable)
• Battery backup – 3.8V 2,000 mAh
• Wireless communication – Wi-Fi and cellular backup

How it Stacks Up:

We give the ADT control panel an A. The Vivint Smart Hub is our gold standard, and compared to it, the ADT control panel falls short on some crucial features. The smaller screen size, lack of automation controls, and 85 dB siren were my biggest gripes, but it was a solid control panel all around that got the job done.

ADT’s Entryway, Motion, and Glass Break Sensors

A look at ADT Entryway Sensors

What to Expect: Entryway sensors, also called door/window sensors, are the backbone of the ADT system (and every home security system for that matter). Using adhesives, the install technician mounted these sensors on every exterior door downstairs. We recommend you get these on upstairs windows as well. Burglars can be crafty when finding their way onto second floors, and most know that these windows are less likely to be protected. This time we skipped these windows to save some money. They cost $50 each. The great thing about ADT is that you can always purchase more equipment as your needs – and your budget – change. We’re already planning to add a couple more when we schedule a visit to fix the exposed wires on the back porch camera.

As for motion sensors, we installed one on each floor in heavily trafficked areas. The one on the first floor monitors the living room area, through which anyone making their way around the house has to pass. The one on the second floor is at the end of the hallway between our rooms, facing the stairs. Because we haven’t protected the upstairs windows, we asked the technician to position it so it can see as much space as possible.

Finally, we purchased three glass break sensors. That’s because if a burglar decides to break a window, the attached entry sensor won’t detect it. We mounted a glass break sensor on the wall facing the sliding glass door that leads to our back porch. We placed the other two in common spaces on the first floor.

Can you spot the glass break sensor

Best and Worst Features: We were actually impressed with ADT’s selection of sensors. One of our doors has brown trim, and ADT happened to have a brown door sensor. Either that or the technician spray painted it brown out on his truck. Whatever the case, it looks legit and blends in with the door. As for size, they are smaller than Vivint’s sensors, but a bit larger than Ring, Frontpoint, and abode sensors. Any bigger and we’d say too big, but ADT made the grade here.

Testing Out ADT’s Motion Sensor

There’s nothing much to note about the motion sensors and glass break sensors, other than they look outdated compared to Ring’s new motion sensors. You can see them in my Ring Alarm review. We prefer Ring’s small form-factor and sleek, curvy design over ADT’s rectangular and boxy design. That said, we don’t encourage buying a security system based on the looks of its sensors; that’s just something you might want to keep in mind.

Unexpected findings: We’ve tested all kinds of home security sensors and at this point, nothing surprises us anymore. But if we’re talking about things that we found impressive in ADT’s sensors, the battery life is at the top of the list. The wireless motion sensors powered by CR123 batteries can last up to seven years.

We also found it quite unique that ADT’s motion sensor can ignore pets up to 80 lbs. The technician showed us how to adjust the sensitivity at the back of the motion sensor, in case we ever get a pet.

The best feature we found, though, was the ability of the sensors to trigger security cameras to start recording when a sensor is tripped. Automatic recordings just make it easier to review an event and see what really went down. Was it a masked burglar or just a raccoon?

ADT’s Glass Break Sensor

Sensor Specs:

• Door/window sensor dimensions – 3.1″ H x 1.6″ W x 1.2″ D (77.8mm x 39.7mm x 30.2mm)
• Door/window sensor type – Contact/magnetic
• Motion sensor dimensions – 4.1″ H x 2.3″ W x 1.5″ D (104.1mm x 58.4mm x 38.1 mm)
• Motion sensor detection range: Area of 35 by 40 feet
• Pet-friendly motion sensor: Ignores pets up to 80 lbs
• Glass break sensor dimensions: 3.7” H x 3.7” W x 1.1” D (94mm x 94mm x 27.9mm)
• Glass break sensor detection range: Up to 25’ radius

ADT’s Cameras

Rob Troubleshooting the ADT Outdoor Camera

What to Expect: ADT’s indoor/outdoor cameras are pretty bare-bones and honestly not worth the money. You’ll see that we had two outdoor cameras installed – one in front and one out back. Sure they’re well-made and offer the industry standard 1080p HD, but most cameras nowadays have this image quality. (If you want 4K resolution and advanced features, check out our Arlo Review and Lorex Review.) Other than a clear picture, though, these cameras didn’t do a whole lot. There’s no built-in siren, no AI facial recognition, and we found the night vision to be just passable. Not to mention we were on the phone with tech support for two hours trying to pair the cameras to the system.

Also note that ADT can get crazy with their notifications if you don’t dial-in your motion zones to reduce the sensitivity. Not exaggerating, we were getting 50-100 smartphone alerts per day for the first couple of days. Luckily, once we customized our zones so that it didn’t pick up passing cars, we wound up with far fewer alerts.

Configuring Ground Zones on our ADT Outdoor Camera

The good news is that ADT now partners with Google Nest to offer customers some of the best cameras in the industry. So below we’ll highlight the Nest Cams best/worst features and specs (because again, ADT’s cameras aren’t worth the $250). If you get cameras from ADT, do yourself a favor and get the Google Nest Cams. We recommend two outdoor cameras and one indoor camera for most medium-sized homes.

Best and Worst Features: We tested the Google Nest Cams ourselves. You can read all about these AI-powered cameras in our Google Nest Cam Review. Our favorite features were the Familiar Faces feature (AI facial recognition), custom alerts, smart home automation routines, and the clear 1080p HD resolution with HDR (high dynamic range). Essentially, it keeps lighting balanced through algorithms so you get a clear image no matter what.

We like the Nest cameras because they are cutting-edge. Want to know when your little one comes home from school? You can arrange that with the Familiar Faces feature. You can also set it to ignore movement of animals and passing vehicles – and you can do that in under two minutes. With our ADT outdoor camera, we had to tinker with the activity zones for about five minutes. Oh, and the Nest Cams offer activity zones too, if that’s more your style.

Our biggest issue with the Nest Cam is its lack of local storage. It uses cloud storage. When your internet is out, they can’t record all motion-triggered events. Fortunately, though, we found that the battery-powered outdoor model and the plug-in indoor model can store up to 1 hour of videos locally and then upload them to the cloud when they’re back online. That’s a good short-term solution, but we would have preferred if Google Nest expanded the local storage to at least 4 hours of footage.

Nest Cam Outdoor Specs:

• Dimensions – 3.27” W x 3.27” H (83mm x 83mm)
• Weight – 14.04 oz
• Resolution – 1080p HD w/ HDR
• Night vision – Infrared LEDs (up to 20’ illumination)
• Operating temperature – -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C)
• Power – 3.65V 6Ah lithium-ion battery (included 7.5W USB-A power adapter)
• Battery life – Up to 3 months depending on usage
• Wi-Fi connectivity – 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi

ADT’s App & Web Dashboards

Solid hardware that does its job is important. But, some buyers forget to consider the software side of the equation. If you can’t navigate your way through your security system’s app, there’s a good chance you’re going to make a mistake, and that could compromise your security.

Keeping in mind how important software is, ADT’s dashboard impressed us. All our videos were front and center, which meant it took less time to review footage. In minutes, we were able to see the dog that came by and sat on our front porch for twenty minutes, clock the nosy neighbor that had walked by trying to see what we were up to, and know what time the postal worker delivered the mail.

In fact, we discovered that the online dashboard offers more information and customization than the control panel. For instance, it let us create automations and schedule routines.

We will say, though, in our own tests, we found that the dashboard is better accessed from a computer or tablet than a phone. Nonetheless, we believe the ADT app is one of the best home security mobile apps right now, right up there with Vivint and SimpliSafe.

New ADT Features, Including Trusted Neighbor

We’ve outlined all the equipment ADT offers plus what you can expect from the dashboard and app. That’s a lot of information to digest, and by this point you may have lost track of all the biggest changes ADT has made in the last couple of years. So let’s review those, just to give you a sense of just how much this company has adapted recently to meet changing marketing demands.

Here are a few changes to note:

• Google Nest Devices: ADT now offers Google Nest cameras exclusively. In addition, it offers the Nest thermostat.
• Hub: Instead of a touchscreen control panel, ADT Plus now comes with a router-like base station with a built-in keypad. A screenless touch keypad is also available as an add-on.
• Sensors: ADT has redesigned its sensors to look more rounded and modern. It also added a Premium Door Sensor to its product lineup, which comes with shock/vibration detection to detect forcible entry.
• Smart Home Compatibility: ADT has expanded its compatibility with third-party brands to include new equipment from Netgear and Yale as well as new device types like lamp and appliance modules.

Installation

Perhaps the biggest change at ADT is the fact that systems can now be self-installed. Don’t worry, you can still get professional installation for an extra fee, and ADT is one of the best in the business at getting equipment up and running. For years, though, the company just didn’t trust homeowners to do their own installs, so this is a significant shift that can save you money.

Trusted Neighbor

Finally, ADT also recently launched a feature called Trusted Neighbor. Trusted Neighbor takes advantage of Google Nest Cam AI features to make controlling your system more convenient. Basically you can now allow people you trust access your home. Think of it like giving someone you trust a copy of your keys, except you don’t have to go to the trouble of cutting keys and you have more control over where people come and go.

The basis of the system is facial recognition. You introduce trusted neighbors, friends, and family to your Google Cams, and they store a record. Then, when the Nest Doorbell sees them approaching, it sends a signal to ADT and your smart lock. A couple of taps on their smartphone, and the door unlocks and the system disarms.

You can set up custom entrance times or create event-based rules. Set a schedule for your house cleaners or pet sitters, for example, or make an arrangement with a neighbor to get your pets out to safety in case your ADT system detects fire.

We’re big proponents of community-based safety. You’re always safer when you know you’re neighbors and everybody in your neighborhood works together to keep each other safer. In that context, ADT’s Trusted Neighbor program is a total game changer.

Living Day-to-Day with ADT

We’re big believers that a user-friendly security system should sort of fade into the background of your life. It should fit right into your lifestyle rather than require you to change your routines just so you can stay protected. And we can say that ADT was just the right fit for us.

The ADT app is spectacular. Even when we’re home, we rarely use the control panel. The app is that simple. We use it to arm the system before heading out for morning jogs because it lets us turn on a ‘silent arming’ option. That feature isn’t available through the control panel. We also use the app to control our smart lights and thermostat, and activate smart routines. There’s something convenient about having control in your hip pocket.

A Look at ADT’s App

We don’t hate the control panel at all, though. It’s a solid piece of equipment that offers exactly what we want from the brains of our security system: Flexibility and Reliability. Remember, it has a cellular chip, so it’s not reliant on Wi-Fi. For one reason or another, our internet goes out at least once a month. we can’t have a security system that offers protection only when it’s online. So that cellular chip definitely belongs in our ‘pros’ column.

Were there any downsides? Well, as far as the user experience goes, nothing about ADT irked us. There were some minor annoyances – the lack of a ‘silent arming’ and limited home automation controls when using the keypad, for example – but our ADT system worked as expected. That doesn’t mean there isn’t anything bad about the system. As we’ll discuss next, there are a couple of catches you should know about when it comes to ADT’s professional monitoring.

ADT Monitoring

Besides their equipment and app, one of ADT’s best aspects is the monitoring. It’s the best in the business when it comes to professional home security monitoring, hands down. Our reason for saying that? It has 12 alarm response centers in the U.S. monitoring for police, fire, and medical emergencies. In comparison, most other companies have just one or two. Vivint has two in Utah and Minnesota, SimpliSafe and Frontpoint use a third-party service, and Ring has one.

What We Liked:

• SMART Monitoring: A text-based communication system that can speed up alarm verification by group-texting family members. You can cancel false alarms or verify real emergencies through a link.
• Video verification: If you have cameras, ADT’s monitoring center can access them briefly to verify an alarm. Verified alarms are often prioritized by the police.
• Fast response: When we simulated a break-in, we were on the phone with an ADT monitoring agent in under a minute.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Price: We didn’t mind paying $49.99 per month for the monitoring service, but it’s on the higher end of the monitoring pricing spectrum.
• Contract: We are locked-in for the next three years. If we ever have to cancel, we’d have to pay a hefty early termination fee.
• No self-monitoring option: Most DIY systems these days offer free self-monitoring for those who might not need professional monitoring all the time. ADT doesn’t – at least not for their professionally installed systems.

ADT Customer Service

We’ve been singing praises about our ADT system, but here’s where things get dicey. If you read through ADT customer reviews online, you’ll find a ton of negative feedback. We find that that’s the case for most alarm companies. Even Frontpoint, which we hailed for having excellent customer service in our Frontpoint review, receives a lot of flak online from disappointed customers.

We think we’re just more inclined to post about a negative experience than carve out time to detail a positive interaction with a brand – unless of course you write home security reviews. We do, so here’s our experience with ADT customer service; both good and bad.

The issue: About a month after our ADT system was installed, we installed a new mesh router for better Wi-Fi reception. And of course, we wanted our ADT cameras to connect, except that they wouldn’t. We spent about 20 minutes trying to troubleshoot it on our own, but to no avail. That’s when we decided to call ADT.

Our first interaction: We spoke with Patty over the phone. She was a native English speaker, very kind, and empathetic – apologetic even. We were with her on the phone for over 20 minutes, during which time we realized that it was the new mesh Wi-Fi system that was causing the issue. The cameras were set up to connect to our old Wi-Fi network. Although she couldn’t ultimately get us squared away, she found someone in the company who could.

They scheduled us for a call back with Ian from tech support. We’re not sure why the camera wouldn’t let me connect it to a new network – something we’ve been able to do with our other wireless security cameras – but the problem bothered us a lot less than the fact that Ian didn’t call us back until 1:30 pm the next day. If you’ve purchased a home security system, you want it up and working as soon as possible. That was interaction one.

Our second interaction: The next day, we took a late lunch so we could be home during the scheduled callback. We called ADT again, waited five minutes, and then gave them our secret passcode. We spoke with Ian and he had to remotely access our cameras to “learn them back in.” 10 minutes later, We were finally able to see the cameras from the ADT app.

Well, it was nice to have real humans to talk to. And as for Patty and Ian, I give them two thumbs up. They were professional, they explained the issue well, and they found a solution. It wasn’t the perfect customer support experience, but it was pretty solid.

How ADT Compares to the Competition

One way you can tell a system is grade A? If it has features you can’t get with other systems. ADT has that going for it.

For example, ADT’s equipment is a cut above most systems on the market. Compared to the sensors from our SimpliSafe review and Cove review – both good systems – ADT definitely has an edge. We’re financing our ADT system for three years (the length of our contract and financing plan), and we have no doubt it will last beyond that. ADT also stands behind its hardware with the industry-best six-month money-back guarantee.

ADT’s professional installation service also stands out. It took us only two days to have an ADT technician come to our house. We don’t remember Brinks’ buying process being that fast when we tested the Brinks security system. More importantly, we loved the “white-glove service” approach of ADT. It meant we could devote our time and attention to more important pursuits. Like Fortnite.

ADT’s biggest competition is Vivint. It’s a neck-and-neck race between the two. We’d say that Vivint is the better smart security system. It’s high-tech. For example, you can control automations and smart home devices from the control panel. It can even learn your preferences and routines to some degree. ADT lacked in that area. On the other hand, though, ADT is a much more streamlined home security system. It’s easy to use and the monitoring service is on point.

If you’re sure that you want a professionally installed and monitored security system, we recommend reading our Vivint vs. ADT comparison. That will give you an idea of how the two best security systems of that kind compare.

Will ADT Deter Burglars?

In any case, having a security system is a good burglar deterrent. Just the mere sight of a security company’s yard signs and window decals might convince a burglar that your home is not worth the trouble. That’s especially true if the company’s name is ‘ADT,’ one of the most recognizable brands of home security.

Home Security Expert Rob Gabriele Tests ADT Home Security System

Striking fear into the heart of a would-be home invader is one thing. In a concrete, practical sense, does ADT get the job done? No question. The 85 dB siren may not be loud enough to carry down the street, but if you’re breaking into a home and standing a few feet from it, it’s loud. Keep in mind, 81-percent of burglars enter through the first floor.2 That means the siren will be the first thing to confront them once they’re in.

The other asset ADT has going for it in the war with burglars is that the company now offers Google Nest cameras. If an 85 dB siren doesn’t deter burglars, you can be sure the two-way audio these cameras come with will. A loud, booming voice when you’re not expecting it should startle a potential thief away.

Final Verdict on ADT

So now, the final verdict – Is ADT a good security system? There’s no question that it is. It offers high-quality professional installation along with sturdy equipment, it has the largest network of monitoring centers in the industry, and it has partnered with top brands like Google Nest to further improve its security system. It also offers solid complementary pieces, like the intuitive ADT app and the customizable web dashboard. Objectively speaking, ADT offers almost everything a homeowner needs to protect their home.

It’s not perfect, of course. We wouldn’t recommend it if you’re renting or living in an apartment because of the long-term contract and professional installation. It’s also not the cheapest option around. Especially if you finance your equipment, you’re looking at a monthly bill of $60 or more. If you’re looking to pay less, take a look at SimpliSafe’s prices or even Cove’s packages. Those are more affordable, but keep in mind that you’d be sacrificing some of the more premium features you can get from ADT.

Ultimately, it’s your call. ADT is a well-rounded security system, so if you think it’s the right system for you, it has our seal of approval.

Our Methodology

Our process of reviewing and rating home security products begins with researching the different companies and security systems available. After rigorous research, we purchase the systems and bring them into our home.

We then go through the installation process – either we install the system ourselves if it’s a DIY system or observe installation for professionally installed systems. Once installed, we put the system through dozens of simulated burglaries, home invasions, and package theft situations to see how well it can protect our home.

A typical home security test will take us several days to several weeks, and it’s not uncommon that we’ll test and tinker with products for several months. Our aim is to fully understand what it’s like living with the system so that we can give an honest and unbiased recommendation. That’s our promise to our readers like you.

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