ADT Review
Professional installation & monitoring
- 6 month money-back guarantee. Certain restrictions apply*
- Up to $500 theft protection guarantee. Subject to terms of residential service agreement.**
- #1 in smart home security
- Personalized in-home consultations
- author: Kyle Bishop
- 05.08.21
- Comments
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Overview
ADT is well known for its security solutions. Established in 1874, this brand brings a wealth of experience and reliability to the world of home security. A market leader in its field, ADT currently services both homes and small businesses worldwide and employs over 17,000 professionals. With an unbeatable reputation in home security, ADT has been verified by BBB (Better Business Bureau) since 2013, and their latest check meets BBB accreditation standards. This is based on business operation length, complaint volume, complaint response, and if the complaint was resolved. ADT and Protect America, another well-known and respected security company, have now joined forces to provide even better home security systems and monitoring to people across the United States.
Plans & Pricing
To get a quote for your home, you need to contact ADT by phone or by filling out a simple online form. If you’re a home security novice, no need to worry, as ADT offers a customized solution based on your needs and budget. In addition, you can request a free home security consultation to help you decide on the best option for you.
There are three ADT monitoring plans available: Secure Home, Smart Home, and Video & Smart Home. Here’s what is included in each:
Secure Home Plan
The Secure Home Plan comes with professional installation, 24/7 alarm monitoring, security monitoring equipment, and monitored fire, flood and carbon monoxide detection. Monitoring starts at $45.99 per month.
Smart Home Plan
This plan includes everything as the Secure Home Plan. What’s different is that it gives you the option to arm and disarm your system remotely through the ADT Control App. That means that you can use it with smart home security equipment (also available from ADT) like smart locks. Monitoring starts at $49.99 per month.
Video & Smart Home Plan
The Video & Smart Home Plan, in addition to everything included in the Smart Home plan, is also compatible with HD indoor cameras, video doorbell cameras, allows you to view live video streams remotely, and customize alerts. Monitoring starts at $59.99 per month after installation fees.
All plans require professional installation, which means each customer has to arrange for a certified technician to come to the home and professionally install the system. DIY installation is simply not an option.
If you fall victim to theft, ADT offers a Theft Protection Guarantee which has you covered for up to $500 of your insurance deductible, providing your ADT system was armed.
One point that’s worth mentioning is that ADT charges for an extended warranty whereas most home security providers offer at least a few years, if not a lifetime equipment warranty for free.
Features and Functionality
ADT’s technology ensures each customer can thoroughly monitor their home. The advanced technology allows monitoring of temperature, flood, fire and smoke, carbon monoxide, burglary, and medical alert monitoring.
Monitoring
ADT provides 24/7 professional monitoring to all of their customers through their own monitoring centers spread across the United States. If an alarm is triggered, the ADT team will immediately pick up the alert and contact the homeowner and also send emergency dispatch if needed.
Alerts
As a customer, you get full control over the monitoring of your property, with notifications sent via mobile phone. Indeed, the ADT Control app is among the best in the business, allowing you to control every aspect of your home security systems from your phone or tablet.
Home automation
Communication between the ADT monitoring centers and the homeowner is delivered through the two-way security panel communication system, the smart voice sounder, and the motion detection which sends alerts directly to the homeowner.
Ease of Use
The equipment ADT provides is reliable and simple to use, with the hardware for a basic plan including a control panel, door sensors, and window sensors. Home automation options are easy to set up, and you can control pretty much anything remotely using the ADT Control app.
Pros & Cons
- Personalized quotes
- Free on-site consultation
- Customized solution for your needs
- Long standing reputation
- 6-month money-back guarantee by ADT*
- Requires professional installation
- Mandatory cancellation fees
Customer support
ADT’s searchable online help center contains all the information you might need regarding your system, including online manuals and guides. The support team is contactable by phone during business hours, with email support also available for less pressing issues.
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Phone Support
Customer Service is available over the phone Mon-Thurs 8:00am-10:00pm, Fri 8:00am - 9:00pm and Sat 9:00am-8:00pm EST. -
Live Online Chat
Live chat available on site -
Email
You can also email them online to request a call back. -
Video Tutorials
Each topic on the help page has a video tutorial. -
FAQ
Each topic on the help page has its own FAQ section. -
Blog
A blog is available on the ADT website under "Resources".
Final Word
When you choose an ADT home security system, you’re getting comprehensive security monitoring from one of the most established companies in the industry. With a six-month money-back guarantee and one of the best reputations in the industry, ADT systems are an amazing option. You may find that an ADT system is a bit rough on the wallet, but its equipment is designed to meet the needs of every homeowner, and you get the peace of mind that comes with working with one of the most established names in home security. ADT provides and install the equipment. It’s worth noting that ADT does not manufacture the equipment it installs. ADT monitors and services the equipment after it is installed.
We make the best effort to present up-to-date information; however, we do not guarantee the prices and terms of each of the brands. The above shall not be considered as an expert or professional advice for any matter.
*ADT Money-Back Guarantee: Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.
**Theft Protection Guarantee: Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements.
