Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Wednesday, November 6th
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:
This starts at $194.98 and the price cap depends on how many devices you add to your build before you check out.
Pick from two kits
ADT offers two other pre-built kits outside of the build-your-own option:
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
Select any 2 Wireless Security Systems to compare them head to head