ADT Home Security Cost

Our Approach

We could just bottom-line everything on a page like this, just lay out all the costs associated with an ADT system and be done with it. In the end, though, that’s not going to tell you what you need to know. You don’t just need to know prices; you need to know what you’re getting for those prices. We prefer to focus on value rather than price.

As a result, we talk a lot in these price guides about home security systems. We tell you about our own testing and research. We look in-depth at equipment and monitoring. We provide you with other customers’ experiences. We focus on more than the system’s pricing when it comes to value. That way, prices are tied to something concrete.

If you’re just looking for prices, you can always head over to the ADT home page and look them up. If you want to know what kind of value ADT offers for the money, then you’ve come to the right place.

Big Changes at ADT

ADT’s control panel.

Credit ADT. This is a company with 150 years in the business and a solid reputation for reliability and customer service. Yet, as we note in our full ADT review, this is also a company that’s not afraid to reinvent itself. The truth is, that’s how you last 150 years in an industry as competitive as home security.

For instance, ADT used to require customers to phone in to get a quote. That’s a hassle when most other security systems let you buy components online. And so, ADT adapted. You can now buy and customize ADT packages online. Not only that, you can also choose how you want your system to be installed. If you want professional installation, ADT quotes you based on the size and components of your system. If you want to DIY, ADT ships the package to you with instructions on how to install it.

Perhaps the biggest change, though, is that for the first time, ADT is letting users monitor their own systems. It’s largely thanks to the new ADT+ app, where alerts are sent so you can react to them on your own. And while we still recommend professional monitoring – it’s one of ADT’s biggest advantages – there’s no denying that self-monitoring your system can save you money in the long run.

ADT Packages

So let’s talk packages. As part of its effort to simplify the purchasing process, the company now offers just three – the Security Starter, the Video Essentials, and the Front Door Protection packages.

Again, you can get any one of these three packages as both a professionally installed or self-installed system, and the package price is exactly the same (though, of course, you’ll have to pay extra for the professional installation – see below).

In addition, you can build your own package tailored to your home’s individual needs. We’ll get into that in the next section, but you’ll pay the same prices for both professional and self-installed equipment.

Expert Examined

From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert

I always advise purchasing a quality security system and ensure it’s installed correctly. The last thing you want is for your security system to malfunction or just not work when you actually need it. Security cameras are also helpful. As a police officer, the number one thing I would ask burglary victims is whether or not they had video footage of the crime. Video footage helps police to identify and hopefully apprehend the responsible culprits. Having quality cameras can also benefit your neighbors as well. Most modern cameras have a wide lens and can usually pick up footage of your neighbors’ houses or property as well.

ADT’s Additional Equipment Costs

As mentioned, you can always design your own custom system by choosing from ADT’s extensive list of equipment options. You can also add individual pieces to ADT’s premade packages.

If you’re going to do that, you need to know exactly what you’ll pay for each individual device.

You’ll notice this list doesn’t miss much. In fact, the only company out there that offers this selection and this quality of equipment is Vivint (check out our complete Vivint review Vivint for complete information). We might give the edge to Vivint when it comes to smart features, but these two are very close in features and reliability, as you’ll learn if you read through our head-to-head comparison of ADT and Vivint.

ADT’s Monitoring Packages and Prices

OK, we’re going to say it again: home security systems are exponentially more powerful when you add in a professional monitoring plan. You know without a doubt that someone has eyes on your property every minute of every day and can respond quickly to any emergency. And no one does professional monitoring better than ADT. The company has 12 interconnected monitoring centers scattered across the country, the most of any home security business. You’re never going to go wrong signing up for an ADT monitoring plan. That choice is easier now that the company has lowered the cost. ADT’s lowest-priced plan is just $29.99. That’s as cheap as a SimpliSafe plan. Plus, every plan now includes security camera monitoring.

Here’s a full rundown of ADT’s three professional monitoring tiers.

Here’s something we thought we’d never say: ADT now offers self-monitoring. That means you can order a top-of-the-line ADT system and never pay a monthly monitoring fee. One more time, say it with us: you’re always better off with professional monitoring. Now you have more options with ADT, though.

ADT’s Additional Fees

Now that you have a good idea of what each system and monitoring plan costs, let’s take a look at ADT’s additional fees. The short answer here is that there aren’t many. The only thing you’ll have to look out for is the Quality Service Plan, ADT’s name for their extended warranty.

ADT’s entryway sensors.

When I purchased my test system, I noticed that my monthly bill was a little higher than the $34.99 I’d been quoted. Nine dollars higher, to be exact. When I reached out to ADT, they explained it was covering the costs of replacing or repairing my equipment should anything go wrong. I also found out the warranty cost isn’t fixed, so expect it to go up if you’re protecting a larger property or if you require significantly more equipment than the average home.

ADT’s Installation Fee

Here’s another way things are changing at ADT. In the past, every ADT system required professional installation. There’s something to be said for that kind of service. It means an expert helps you decide where to place your equipment, and that makes your home safer. You don’t have to deal with wiring or any handyman issues. Plus, you get someone to explain how to use the system. ADT installation isn’t free, though. Prices start at $99, and depending on the system’s size, that cost can go up significantly. During our own testing, our installation costs ran us $150.

Enter ADT’s brand-new self-installation option. You get the same equipment at the same prices, but because you install everything yourself, you get to save money. ADT is still working out the kinks with its self-installation process. That’s to be expected from a company that has spent 150 years installing systems for its customers. You’ll find the instructions are all straightforward, though, and help is just a phone call away. ADT hasn’t given up its emphasis on customer service. Let’s hope it never does.

How to Save on ADT

I have a lot more on this topic in my guide to ADT’s deals and promotions, but the long and short of it is this: You’re rarely ever going to have to pay full price for an ADT system.

ADT is similar to Cove when it comes to promotions. They’re both usually running some sort of deal. (If you’re looking for a great DIY home security system, check out my review of Cove. Cove is one of the most affordable security systems out there.)

Now let’s move toward the company’s overall value, starting with my personal experience with ADT.

My Experience with ADT

First things first, I was extremely impressed with my ADT test system. I was so impressed I ended up hanging on to it beyond testing and now use it as a customer to protect my property. I’ll touch on certain aspects of the system, but let’s start with some quick pros and cons.

With the basics out of the way, here’s my experience with ADT — soup to nuts.

Purchasing ADT

I’ll be blunt. Purchasing an ADT system was a hassle some years back. You had to spend at least an hour talking to a customer service person, building out your system, negotiating the terms of your contract, and avoiding upselling tactics and unnecessary features. It was a massive headache that didn’t align with how great the actual system was in day-to-day use.

ADT’s motion detector.

Like I said previously, that’s all changed. ADT lets you piece out your system, install it yourself, and handle the majority of the transaction online, things are a heck of a lot easier. I was able to buy my test system in a matter of minutes without having to pick up the phone.

Installing ADT

If you go with the professional install, make sure you’re planning in advance. When I had my system installed, it took two days to schedule the consultation and the install. Then the technician was at my house for about six hours. They did a great job, but they didn’t remove any of my older ADT equipment that was in my home before I bought it. I feel that should have been included as part of the service. Some of the wiring could have been hidden better, to me at least. I didn’t have to lift a finger though, so it’s tough to complain.

My old ADT control panel.

Day-to-Day Life with ADT

A good security system is one that you rarely notice, and ADT fits that bill. After I had the system installed, I never had to think about it again. Frankly, the well-designed and intuitive ADT app steals the show. It’s one of the best home security apps available today. It’s so good I practically never touched the control panel; the whole system can be controlled with your smartphone.

ADT’s glass break sensor.

I also liked the redundancy built into this system. As a top cellular security system, ADT does not rely completely on Wi-Fi. So if your internet goes out (like mine does with frustrating frequency), you’re still protected.

Ultimately, I felt very safe while using my ADT system. Like I said above, it worked so well and was so comprehensive I ended up keeping it in my home for personal use. I don’t say that about a lot of systems, but ADT is definitely one of the best available.

ADT’s Benefits

There are a lot of benefits to using an ADT system in your home. It’s a robust system that’s customizable to your specific security needs. Their reputation, which has been built over a century and a half, speaks for itself. When it comes to keeping your property secure, ADT is the gold standard.

My Thoughts On ADT’s New Security System and Features

Before I end this page, I’d just like to give you a quick glimpse at the changes ADT has been making lately, especially the new security system called ADT Plus and the new Trusted Neighbor feature.

Price-wise, ADT Plus changes a lot of things for ADT. It’s a system you can self-install for free or have professionally installed for a price. It finally kills the equipment divide between Self Setup and ADT. No matter the installation route you decide on, you’ll get the same equipment options.

Prices are slightly lower now, too. Unlike previously where the pro-installed ADT system had a markup on equipment pricing compared to Self Setup, ADT Plus costs the same no matter how it’s installed. That might not make much of a difference though because there’s still an installation fee if you take the professional installation route.

Perhaps the biggest change, though, is the Trusted Neighbor feature, which lets ADT Plus users give access to their smart lock and security system to people they trust – be that a neighbor, family, friend, or service provider. Trusted Neighbor automates the process by using the Nest Doorbell facial recognition to verify the identity of a trusted person. Once verified, the smart lock that comes with ADT Plus and the system itself will unlock and unarm.

ADT clearly put a lot of thought into Trusted Neighbor, as it offers useful customizations to make sure your trusted circle can only access your house at times or during events you’ve allowed. You can set time and event triggers – for example, let this person in only from 8 to 10 A.M. or only when the smoke alarm is set off.

I am yet to test ADT Plus and Trusted Neighbor, but I have high hopes for it. We’re working on testing it right now. However, until we’ve gone through the whole review process, the jury is still out. For now, let’s go back to the ADT system we finished testing – which by the way, offers a lot of the same equipment, features, and monitoring as ADT Plus.

Is ADT Worth It?

This brings us to the all-important question: Is ADT worth it? I’ve lived with an ADT system, and my answer is yes. It’s worth it. From the flexibility of their equipment packages to their powerful professional monitoring, ADT offers everything you could want to keep your home safe.

I can’t say they’re the most affordable option out there, but when it comes to security, you really get what you pay for. And what you’re paying for with ADT is a top-of-the-line security system that offers comprehensive protections.

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