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ADT Review

Thursday, March 20th

2025 Alarm System Company Reviews

ADT Review 3.5 Star Rating

ADT

3.5 Star Rating
  • Security system kits from $194.98 to $744.92
  • Monitoring from $45.99 to $49.99 per month
  • Buy equipment upfront
  • Returns within 6 months
  • "A+” rating from the BBB

When it comes to alarm systems, ADT is a household name, with nearly 150 years of industry experience serving over six million residential customers nationwide. Many of you probably could point out an ADT alarm system in your neighborhood hallmarked by the familiar blue sign. Recognized by reputable publications like Newsweek, PCMag, and Forbes, ADT is celebrated online for its services, particularly its reliable monitoring. Operating nine customer service and monitoring centers, ADT promises uninterrupted coverage, which proves invaluable during emergencies such as power outages or storms.

ADT helps you build a kit

ADT's product selection initially appears as individual items but redirects to a page where you can build your own kit. The base kit includes essentials like the ADT Smart Home Hub, door/window sensors, a yard sign, window stickers, and the ADT+ App, starting at $194.98, with the final price contingent on additional device selections. ADT also offers both wired and wireless alarms to keep your home safe.

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Two kits to pick from

For those preferring pre-configured options, ADT offers two kits:

  • Starter: Priced at $389.96, it includes the Smart Home Hub, door/window sensors, a Google Nest Doorbell, yard sign, window stickers, and the ADT+ App.
  • Premium: At $744.92, it offers all Starter features plus Google Nest Cams, an ADT Smoke Detector, and a Water & Temperature Sensor.

Monitoring from $45.99 to $49.99

ADT's monitoring costs range from $45.99 to $49.99 per month, with higher fees for systems supporting remote video viewing and recording. Professional installation by ADT can cost over $500, and you are required to sign a contract with ADT, which may deter those seeking a commitment-free option.

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6-month money-back offers

While ADT offers a six-month money-back guarantee, system-related issues must remain unresolved to qualify for a refund. If ADT does solve the problem, you won't qualify for the money back. Of course, if the issues are resolved, you may not want to return the alarm system anyway. On the other hand, despite an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, ADT has garnered numerous negative reviews, particularly concerning equipment problem resolution. However, experiences vary based on local ADT partners, some of whom enjoy excellent reputations.

Best if you want a name-brand alarm

Is ADT worth considering? It depends on your priorities. While ADT has a lengthy history and complete monitoring coverage, the associated installation costs, long contracts, and above-average monthly fees may not suit everyone. But, if you're worried about outages or your alarm being offline with smaller companies, ADT may be a good service for you as their system works even during times other companies might not. If you value a renowned company and have the budget, ADT could be a viable option. Otherwise, you might find better value with a top-ranked alarm system provider.

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems?

Whether you rent or own your home, security is a top priority. With the costs of living and the need to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself, finding the right security solution is an important balancing act of top-notch service with value. Among the many ways out there to protect your home, alarm systems are gaining popularity for their reliability and effectiveness.

If budget is a concern, alarm systems provide a range of options that let you control your spending. You can decide how much to invest and what features to include. If you choose to skip professional monitoring or plan to add components later, alarm systems make these adjustments straightforward.

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Alarm System Company FAQ

As many as 21 million households in the US use a security alarm system to protect themselves from burglary, home invasions and other crimes. With almost four million burglaries each year, it's important to have round-the-clock monitoring and an immediate emergency response if someone tries to break in.
It doesn't have to be. There are two costs associated with all alarm systems: the equipment and the monitoring service itself. Some companies give you the equipment at no charge as part of your plan, but the monthly fees are often higher to account for the free gear. Other services may require you to pay for your equipment upfront, but your monthly charge will be lower than the competition. Most alarm systems have monthly fees ranging from the low $30s to the upper $50s.
In the past, alarm systems were 100% wired - and yes, they had to be installed by a professional. While there are still a handful of companies that use these types of systems (including a landline to monitor them), most services today use totally wireless technology. In fact, many alarm systems have equipment that you can install yourself in just a few minutes.
The most basic systems include a few door contact sensors and that's about it. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to include wireless motion sensors for the interior or exterior of your home, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors or even a panic pendant. The most advanced alarm systems give you options for video recording as well.
You might. If you got your equipment at no cost, chances are you'll be signing a contract of at least three years (ouch). If that doesn't appeal to you, consider an alarm system company where you purchase your equipment outright: they're less likely to require you to sign a contract to use their monitoring service.
You can rest assured that your alarm system provider wants to keep your business, and they'll make it as easy as possible if you move. Whether that includes setting up monitoring at your new address or even doing a full install, they will help you get it done. The easiest systems to move are the ones with do-it-yourself installation: move the equipment when you go, and don't forget to update the alarm company with your location.
Almost certainly. Savings typically range from 2-10%, depending on the type of alarm system you have and your insurer.
Many of today's popular alarm systems come with a 30-day risk-free trial. However, some companies have hefty fees for cancelling a contract prior to the end date, so you'll want to read all of the fine print before you commit to a provider.
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Continued from above...

Why worry about the security of your home or buying low-tech locks and keys when you can choose an alarm system that offers both simplicity and robust protection? When choosing an alarm system, your first decision is whether you want to monitor your home yourself using apps and camera feeds sent right to your smartphone or opt for 24/7 professional monitoring.

While professional monitoring adds extra costs, many find peace of mind knowing that their home is watched around the clock and that these services can trigger the alarm and even call law enforcement for you in the event of an emergency. Alternatively, you can save money by choosing to monitor the system yourself and keeping a close eye on alerts and notifications.

Next, think about the equipment you need for your alarm system. At a minimum, you'll likely need door sensors for all first-floor entry points and a panel or touchscreen hub for arming and disarming the system. Other popular components include indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and sensors for smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide.

Some companies allow you to purchase equipment individually, while others offer packages with the option to add extra components as needed. Keep in mind that adding advanced features like video cameras with storage may increase your monthly costs, but you have the freedom to choose what works best for you.

Now that you have an idea of what you want in an alarm system, how do you choose the right provider? Here are some important factors to consider:

  • Value. What do you get for your money? Does the company provide good service for the equipment you install? Are the components high-quality and durable?
  • Contracts. Will you need to sign a contract? Sometimes the cost of the equipment is included in the monitoring fee, which could lock you into a long-term commitment. If you don't want this, you may need to look at different options.
  • Satisfaction guarantee. What if you're not happy with your system? Can you get your money back? Does the provider offer a trial period or satisfaction guarantee?
  • Reputation. What do other homeowners say about their experience? Look for alarm systems that are easy to operate and responsive when there's an alert. Customer reviews and ratings from the Better Business Bureau can provide valuable insights into the system's reliability and the company's customer service.

To help you simplify your security, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best alarm systems available today. We hope this information helps you find the best solution to protect your home and loved ones at a price you can afford. This way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home, family, and belongings are safe, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most.

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