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ADT Review

Wednesday, November 6th

2024 Wireless Security System 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

If you're considering buying a wireless security system, ADT is probably one of the first names that comes to mind. With nearly 150 years in the business and over six million residential clients in the US, ADT has been recognized by Newsweek, PCMag, Forbes, and other publications for their services. Many homeowners choose ADT for their excellent monitoring. ADT provides 24/7 coverage like any other provider, but its nine customer service and monitoring centers offer an extra layer of reliability. This extensive coverage is especially valuable during widespread power outages or storms, when smaller home security companies might struggle to provide assistance.

Start with a build-your-own system

While the ADT selection is available as individual products at first glance, trying to actually purchase any products leads you to a page where you can build out a kit. The kit starts with basic items and you can add anything else you like on top of it. The required items include:

  • 1 ADT Smart Home Hub
  • 1 ADT Door/Window Sensor
  • 1 ADT Yard Sign
  • 1 ADT Window Sticker
  • 1 ADT+ App

This starts at $194.98 and the price cap depends on how many devices you add to your build before you check out.

Best Wireless Security Systems

Pick from two kits

ADT offers two other pre-built kits outside of the build-your-own option:

  • Starter: This basic package costs $389.96 and includes:
    • 1 ADT Smart Home Hub
    • 2 ADT Door/Window Sensors
    • 1 Google Nest Doorbell (battery)
    • 1 ADT Yard Sign
    • 1 ADT Window Sticker
    • 1 ADT+ App
  • Premium: This more advanced package costs $744.92 and includes:
    • All of the features of Starter
    • 1 Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
    • 1 Google Nest Cam (outdoor/indoor, battery)
    • 1 ADT Smoke Detector
    • 1 ADT Water & Temperature Sensor

Not everything is wireless

However, during our research, we did notice that not all of the features in these kits are wireless. For example, the Google Nest Cam for indoor use is wired. While this doesn't change how easy it is to use with the rest of your system, if you're looking for 100% wireless home security products, you may not find that at ADT.

Monitoring from $45.99 to $9.99

Depending on where you live, ADT's monitoring costs typically start at $45.99 to $49.99 per month depending on which package you choose. The higher fees will apply if you have equipment for remote video viewing and recording. As a bonus, you can install your own system, but if you want ADT to do it, it can cost well over $500 to do so. There are also contracts required with ADT, which may not appeal if you're looking for something with no commitment.

Best Wireless Security Systems

Double-check the reputation of your local ADT

ADT offers a six-month money-back guarantee, but it has some conditions. To qualify for a refund, there must be a system-related issue that ADT can't resolve within the first six months. This means you can't simply change your mind about the system. Big companies often receive a lot of complaints, and ADT is no exception. Despite its "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, ADT has a significant number of negative reviews. Out of 2000 reviews outside of the BBB, 85% gave ADT the lowest rating of one star. Customers report major issues with resolving equipment problems. However, your experience can vary greatly depending on the local ADT partner. Some local partners have excellent reputations, so you may want to research the ADT retailer in your area.

Best for those who want a big-name

Is ADT worth the investment? It depends. We appreciate ADT's long history and extensive monitoring coverage. However, the high installation costs, long contracts, and higher-than-average monthly fees might not be worth it for everyone. If you have the budget and prefer a well-known company, ADT could be a good choice. Otherwise, you might get better value from a higher-ranked wireless security provider.

Where Can You Find the Best Wireless Home Security Systems?

Whether you're a renter or homeowner, there's a universal concern everyone has: security. Living in an apartment or home is expensive, and you want to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself. Among the numerous security options available, wireless security systems are becoming increasingly popular.

Why pay for complex wired installations and long-term service contracts when you can opt for a wireless system that offers flexibility and convenience? These systems provide robust security without the hassle, and when you move, you can easily take the system with you and set it up at your new place.

The Best Wireless Security Systems Compare Wireless Security Systems Compare Wireless Security System Reviews What are the best Wireless Security Systems Best Wireless Security System Reviews

Wireless Security System FAQ

Increasingly, the answer is yes. Unless you want to be one of the two million victims of break-ins every year in the United States alone, you need to protect your home and your loved ones.
Most homeowners choose a home security system for the round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring that at any time of day or night they have someone watching over their property. You could stick with a basic system that just includes sensors on all of the exterior doors, or you could choose a robust package with all of the bells and whistles.
That depends on what will give you the most peace of mind. Many customers today like to have video cameras at the door/doorbell at a minimum, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside the home. You might want to consider systems that you can control and monitor from your smartphone, that include flooding sensors or night vision cameras, or that have wearable panic buttons.
It might. If you choose a provider that includes all of your equipment "for free”, chances are good that you'll have a contract for anywhere from 1-3 years. If you prefer not to have a contract, you'll typically pay for your equipment outright and then just have month-to-month monitoring fees.
There are two costs associated with security systems: equipment and monitoring. You might be able to get your equipment at no cost, but you'll pay more for the monthly monitoring service -$45-$85/month, on average -and probably have to sign a contract of 1-5 years. On the other hand, if you buy your sensors, cameras, and any other system equipment outright, you could pay under $20/month for the monitoring. Either way you go, expect to spend more for your monitoring as you add features to your system like motion sensors and outdoor HD cameras.
You might think that if a system is wireless, it won't need to be installed by a professional - and, in many cases, that's true. Customers love the ease of security systems that they can set up on their own, take with them when they move, and rearrange as needed. However, there are still a few providers whose systems will require a visit from a technician to set it up properly.
Yes, most providers offer some kind of satisfaction guarantee, usually a 30-day timeframe to put your system to the test and see if it meets your needs. But, if you decide you're unhappy, what happens next varies by company: you may get a refund for what you've paid thus far, or you might be allowed to break your contract but not get any money back. Make sure you read all of the fine print before you commit to a wireless home security provider.
Unlike the security systems of decades ago that required hardwiring and landlines, most wireless systems are easily transferred from one address to another. The most important part is making sure that your provider has your most current address, in the event that emergency services need to be dispatched to your location.
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Continued from above...

The first decision to make when selecting a wireless security system is whether you prefer to monitor your home yourself using apps and camera feeds or if you want 24/7 professional monitoring. Professional monitoring usually involves extra costs, but many people find comfort in knowing that their home is being watched around the clock. If you prefer to save money, you can choose to monitor the system on your own.

Next, consider what equipment you need for your wireless home security setup. At the very least, you'll likely require 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 pieces of equipment individually, while others offer packages with the option to add extra components as needed.

If you're mindful of your budget, a wireless home security system gives you control over your spending. You can decide how much to invest and what features to include. If you opt out of professional monitoring or plan to add more components later, wireless systems make these adjustments easy. Remember that adding advanced features like video cameras with storage may increase your monthly costs, but it's entirely your decision.

Now that you have a general idea of what you want in a wireless home security system, how do you choose the right provider? Here are some 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?
  • 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?
  • Reputation. What do other homeowners say about their experience? Look for wireless home security systems that are easy to install or are particularly responsive when there's an alert or event. Customer reviews and ratings from the Better Business Bureau will be helpful to guide you.

To help you protect your home and loved ones, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most popular wireless home security systems available today. We're confident that this information will help you choose the best coverage at a price you can afford, allowing you to enjoy peace and security in your home. That way you can get back to enjoying your activities outside and at home with the confidence that your home, loved ones, pets, and possessions are protected.

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