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The best home security companies pair modern devices with effective monitoring options. In 2025, ADT’s professionally installed systems center on ADT SMART Monitoring with Google Nest–centric equipment, while its DIY pathway (ADT Self Setup) offers no‑contract professional monitoring. Abode emphasizes DIY flexibility with Free, Standard, and Pro plans plus unique on‑demand 3‑ or 7‑day professional monitoring. ADT typically requires a multi‑year agreement for pro installs, whereas Abode operates month‑to‑month with optional annual discounts. If you’re deciding between Abode vs. ADT, compare monitoring structure, contract terms, installation preferences, and verification features using the latest provider pages and independent reviews (ADT packages; U.S. News ADT overview).
ADT
ADT security currently markets three professionally installed tiers — Secure, Smart, and Video & Smart — under ADT SMART Monitoring. These range from core intrusion and life‑safety monitoring (Secure) to home automation (Smart) and full video features with verification tools (Video & Smart). DIY shoppers can consider ADT Self Setup for month‑to‑month pro monitoring without a long‑term contract.
Pros
- U.S.-based, redundant monitoring infrastructure operated by ADT (ADT 24/7 Monitoring).
- SMART Monitoring features like Alarm Messenger and video verification designed to reduce false alarms and speed response; aligns with modern verification workflows such as TMA AVS‑01 and ASAP‑to‑PSAP where supported.
- Professional installation with Google Nest devices and ADT+ app integration; video features available on Video & Smart tier.
Cons
- Higher monthly costs than DIY options; monitoring pricing is quote‑based and commonly begins in the mid‑$40s per month for pro‑installed packages, reaching ~$60+/mo with video features (ADT packages; U.S. News).
- Multi‑year service agreement typically required (about 36 months; 24 months in California), with early termination charges (ADT packages).
- Installation and equipment are separate line items; final total varies by equipment mix, promotions, and local permits.
- List prices are not published online for pro installs; exact quotes require address and equipment selection.
ABODE
Abode security offers Free (self‑monitoring), low‑cost Standard, and Pro plans, all without long‑term contracts. The Pro plan adds 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup, and Abode uniquely provides on‑demand 3‑ or 7‑day professional monitoring blocks for temporary coverage (plans; plan features).
Pros
- No long‑term contracts; cancel or switch plans anytime; optional annual prepay discounts (Abode plans).
- Among the lowest-cost paths to 24/7 pro monitoring in DIY security; Pro commonly in the low‑$20s per month; Standard in the single digits (Abode plans).
- On‑demand professional monitoring available in 3‑ or 7‑day blocks for travel and short‑term needs (Abode plans).
- DIY setup is standard; integrates broadly with HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Z‑Wave; automation via Abode CUE.
- Optional professional installation available in many areas (selectable at checkout).
Cons
- Most advanced features (cellular backup, full monitoring) require the Pro tier.
- Smaller scale than ADT’s nationwide pro‑install operation and owned monitoring centers.
- Hardware and monitoring are purchased separately; total cost depends on kit and add‑ons.
- Trial and warranty policies may be shorter than some legacy providers; review terms before purchase.
| Monitoring options | Monitoring prices starting at | Installation options | |
| ADT | Professional (ADT SMART Monitoring) | Quote-based; commonly mid-$40s+/mo (pro install) | Professional |
| Abode | Professional/on-demand/DIY | Standard ≈ $6–$7/mo; Pro ≈ low-$20s/mo | DIY/professional |
Data as of 11/07/25
Plans
ADT
ADT’s Secure, Smart, and Video & Smart packages include 24/7 professional monitoring and essential equipment, managed via the ADT+ app. Secure focuses on intrusion and life‑safety monitoring. Smart adds home automation and control. Video & Smart adds cloud video features and video verification that integrate with SMART Monitoring tools like Alarm Messenger to streamline verification and reduce false dispatches (ADT packages).
ADT’s verification approach is designed to speed emergency response by improving event confidence and, where available, tying into public safety workflows such as TMA AVS‑01 alarm validation scoring and ASAP‑to‑PSAP for automated signal delivery.
For DIY shoppers, ADT Self Setup offers month‑to‑month professional monitoring options without a long‑term contract, including a security‑only tier (commonly mid‑$20s/mo) and an upgraded video tier (commonly mid‑$30s/mo).
Abode
Abode offers three plan tiers (Free, Standard, Pro). Free supports self‑monitoring with basic notifications and smart‑home integrations. Standard (about $6–$7/mo, with an annual discount option) unlocks advanced app features and Abode CUE automation plus expanded activity/video timelines. Pro (~$21–$22/mo) adds 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup and priority support and is designed to qualify for insurance certificates in many cases (plan details).
Abode uniquely offers on‑demand 3‑day or 7‑day professional monitoring blocks for vacations and short‑term needs without changing your base plan (Abode plans).
Who is it best for
ADT plans
- Secure — Best for homeowners who want professionally installed, always‑on monitoring and a straightforward setup.
- Smart — Best for those who want pro monitoring plus smart‑home automation and ADT+ app control with Google Nest devices.
- Video & Smart — Best for users who want integrated video, cloud recording, and verification features to help speed response and minimize false dispatches.
Abode plans
- Free — Best for DIY beginners comfortable with self‑monitoring and basic notifications.
- Standard — Best for renters and budget‑conscious users who want enhanced self‑monitoring, CUE automations, and flexible add‑ons without contracts.
- Pro — Best for families and second homes that need 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup and an insurance‑friendly certificate.
Contract and pricing
ADT
ADT’s professionally installed packages use quote‑based pricing that commonly starts in the mid‑$40s per month for Secure and can reach ~$60+/mo for Video & Smart, depending on equipment and promotions (U.S. News). Standard terms typically require a 36‑month commitment (24 months in California). Equipment and professional installation are separate charges and are often financed; taxes, permits, or add‑on services may add cost.
If you terminate early, ADT contracts commonly assess a significant portion of the remaining balance (often up to about 75% of the remaining monthly service charges), per offer footnotes and independent summaries (ADT packages; U.S. News).
Abode
If your decision between Abode vs. ADT is driven by flexibility and price transparency, Abode typically has the edge.
Abode publishes clear monitoring prices: Standard is usually about $6–$7/month and Pro is about $21–$22/month, with discounts for annual billing. The Free plan is included at no charge. On‑demand professional monitoring blocks (3 or 7 days) can be added for short‑term coverage without changing your base plan.
You can cancel or switch plans online at any time without a long‑term contract. Across subscription services, regulators now require “click‑to‑cancel” and clear consent for recurring charges; the U.S. FTC’s 2024 Negative Option Rule mandates simple, same‑channel cancellation, express informed consent, and annual reminders for non‑physical‑goods subscriptions (FTC rule). Verify the latest cancellation flow and auto‑renewal terms on the provider’s site before enrolling.
Abode hardware is sold separately via kits (e.g., iota All‑In‑One or Abode Security Kit) or build‑your‑own bundles; final cost depends on equipment selection.
Customer service
ADT
ADT maintains a BBB profile and an active Trustpilot page; ratings and themes change over time, so check the latest feedback. Common review topics in this category include contract terms, cancellation experiences, and installation or billing questions. To contextualize consumer feedback: Americans reported more than $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, a record at the time, per the FTC; and the American Customer Satisfaction Index indicates national satisfaction levels in the mid‑70s on its 0–100 scale in 2024 (ACSI). Given that nearly all consumers read online reviews when choosing local services (BrightLocal 2024), scan recent BBB/Trustpilot comments alongside provider terms before signing.
ADT’s SMART Monitoring emphasizes enhanced alarm verification (e.g., Alarm Messenger and video verification) intended to reduce false dispatches and accelerate response where supported by local agencies.
Abode
Abode’s BBB listing and Trustpilot reviews also reflect a mix of experiences, with customers often highlighting value and flexibility at the Pro tier. As with any subscription service, apply the latest consumer‑protection guidance: review cancellation flows (see the FTC’s 2024 Negative Option Rule) and verify plan disclosures and reminders. BrightLocal’s research shows consumers heavily weight recent reviews; read the newest comments and responses from the company (2024 survey).
On the service side, Abode Pro monitoring includes cellular backup and priority support per the plan description (plan features).
Ease of Installation
ADT
ADT provides professional, in‑home installation for its packages. Installation and equipment are priced separately from monitoring, with fees disclosed in your personalized quote (ADT packages). Technicians install and integrate Google Nest devices, configure the ADT+ app, and review system operation. For reliability and alarm verification, ADT’s platform is built around SMART Monitoring, which supports enhanced verification and modern dispatch workflows. For networked homes with many cameras, consider upgrading to Wi‑Fi 6/6E or Wi‑Fi 7 for better throughput and latency (Wi‑Fi Alliance) and follow home‑network hardening best practices (FTC network security).
Abode
Abode is designed for simple DIY installation with an iOS/Android app guiding hub placement and sensor pairing. If you prefer not to self‑install, optional professional installation is available in many areas and can be selected at checkout. Abode’s ecosystem supports broad third‑party integrations (HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Z‑Wave), and CUE automations can be configured to run locally for responsiveness. When planning smart‑home integrations, look for platforms that support modern interoperability such as Matter/Thread alongside legacy protocols (CSA Matter 1.4), and consider privacy‑forward devices that process video/AI analytics on‑device. Segment IoT devices on a separate SSID/VLAN and use strong credentials and WPA3 (FTC guidance).
In terms of home automation, each package gives you access to CUE — Abode’s home automation platform — which supports robust, conditional routines and sunrise/sunset triggers. Pro monitoring adds cellular backup for resilience during internet outages (plan features).
Further reading
- https://www.reviews.com/home/security-systems/best-diy/
- https://www.reviews.com/home/security-systems/best-wireless/
