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ADT vs. Protection 1 Review
ADT is synonymous with home security. Drive through any neighborhood and you’ll probably spot more ADT signs — those telltale blue octagons — more than any other provider. Today, ADT remains the largest U.S. provider of professionally monitored residential security, serving a little over 6 million monitored customers and roughly one-third of subscribers by market share. Protection 1, once a separate competitor, has been part of ADT since 2016 and is no longer tracked separately; ADT later sold its commercial division in 2023, so legacy Protection 1 commercial operations sit outside ADT’s current reporting. DIY options have reshaped the category; a DIY home security provider can undercut pro-installed pricing, which has influenced how ADT packages its services.
For new residential buyers, comparing ADT and Protection 1 isn’t truly apples-to-apples anymore: Protection 1 is part of ADT, and new residential customers are routed to ADT. ADT focuses on professionally installed, professionally monitored systems with multi-year agreements. Legacy Protection 1 customers generally keep their existing plans and equipment, with support handled through ADT.
ADT vs. Protection 1 Overview
| ADT | Protection 1 | |
| Basic monthly plan price | About $49.99–$59.99 (typical Pro Install monitoring; varies by package and promo) | Not actively sold for new residential (legacy plans only) |
| Installation | Professional installation; one-time fees vary by market | Not applicable for new residential; legacy installs supported |
| States serviced | Nationwide U.S. | — |
| Theft protection | Varies by program; confirm at purchase | Not advertised for new residential |
| Terms | 36 months (24 in CA); early termination typically 75% of remaining monthly charges | Legacy contracts vary; new residential not sold |
Shopping experience
Both ADT and Protection 1 handle residential sales by consultation (often over the phone or online), so you’ll need to talk to an agent to get detailed pricing and device options. The upside is a custom plan and quote, with room to tailor equipment and promotions to your budget. The downside is limited price transparency until you speak with sales. To avoid surprises, request an itemized, written quote that shows equipment, installation, monthly monitoring, term length, and any early-termination fees.
Monitoring plans
ADT operates a nationwide network of redundant, owned monitoring centers and offers professionally installed tiers commonly presented as Secure, Smart, and Video + Smart. Monitoring typically runs about $49.99–$59.99 per month (equipment and installation extra), with a standard 36-month agreement (24 in California) and an early-termination fee that is often 75% of remaining monthly charges. Protection 1 does not actively sell new residential plans; existing customers generally retain their legacy service through ADT.
Remote control and home automation
ADT’s current systems use the ADT+ app with deep Google Nest integration for cameras, doorbells, and smart devices; legacy Protection 1 setups may use eSecure/Alarm.com-based systems. App experiences have improved industry-wide, but users still cite occasional glitches, so reliability and timely notifications remain key differentiation points. As for devices, ADT’s portfolio is modern and broad; legacy Protection 1 gear is generally older. Still, both ADT and Protection 1 communicate on the Z-Wave network, so you don’t have to rely on in-house products to make use of their security monitoring.
So which is right for me?
| If you… | Then you should go with: | Here’s why: |
| Are willing to pay for reputation and assurance | ADT | ADT remains the U.S. market leader in professionally monitored residential security — roughly one-third of subscribers and over 6 million monitored customers — so the brand’s deterrence value and service footprint are hard to match. Protection 1 is part of ADT and not tracked separately. |
| Value customer experience | Protection 1 | If you’re already a Protection 1 customer and satisfied with your setup, staying put can preserve your familiar hardware and terms. New residential buyers are routed to ADT; either way, prioritize clear pricing, contract details, and app reliability, and request a written, itemized quote. |
| Want to build a smart home | ADT | ADT integrates Google Nest devices with the ADT+ app and supports locks, lights, thermostats, and cameras; legacy Protection 1 systems are generally older Alarm.com-based setups. |
| Want to save a few bucks on basic monitoring | Protection 1 (existing customers) | Protection 1 no longer markets new residential plans. If price flexibility is your top priority, DIY systems typically offer lower-cost, month-to-month monitoring, while ADT’s professionally installed monitoring commonly runs about $49.99–$59.99 per month. |
How to Compare Home Security Providers
Smart home features
The home security options that lead today share core capabilities: comprehensive intrusion and environmental protection, smart-home integration, and strong customer experiences — from ordering to everyday use.
These last two — smart-home features and customer experience — are closely linked. J.D. Power ranks home security companies based on customer satisfaction every year. In the latest results, J.D. Power highlights perceived value, clear billing/terms, reliability, and mobile app experience as primary drivers of satisfaction.
When deciding between systems, factor in how you want smart home to work. ADT’s current platform integrates Google Nest devices with the ADT+ app, while legacy Protection 1 systems typically rely on older Alarm.com-based gear. Interested in mixing brands? Both ecosystems have supported Z-Wave, and broader interoperability is improving, so you can add third-party devices without relying only on in-house products.
DIY vs Professional
DIY self-install kits with optional, month-to-month monitoring have become mainstream and are often the cheapest path. ADT, by contrast, focuses on professional installation and professional monitoring at premium tiers, with multi-year agreements. Protection 1 no longer sells separate, new residential plans; existing customers typically keep their legacy terms.
Contract terms
Contract clarity matters. Before settling on a system, make sure you understand the total cost over time, how long you’re locked in, and any early-termination fees. ADT’s standard residential term is typically 36 months (24 in California), and early termination is often 75% of remaining monthly charges. Getting a written, itemized quote and plain-language summary of terms will help prevent surprises.
ADT vs. Protection 1 FAQ
What’s the difference between ADT monitoring and Protection 1 monitoring?
Both ADT and Protection 1 offer only professional monitoring for their home security systems. ADT uses a nationwide, redundant network of owned monitoring centers for dispatch continuity. Protection 1’s residential operations have been consolidated under ADT, so new residential customers are served by ADT. While professional monitoring means a higher monthly fee than self-monitoring, it can sometimes be offset by a homeowners insurance discount (often up to around 5–10% depending on the insurer and state). Check with your carrier for eligibility and proof-of-monitoring requirements, and consider that a professionally monitored system may qualify you for larger credits than self-monitored devices.
Do both ADT and Protection 1 offer smart home integration?
Yes. ADT’s current platform integrates Google Nest devices with the ADT+ app and supports smart locks, lights, thermostats, and cameras. Legacy Protection 1 customers typically use older Alarm.com-based gear and apps. Both ecosystems have historically supported Z-Wave and allow you to add third-party devices, so you can expand beyond in-house hardware.
Can I move with ADT and Protection 1 home security systems?
Yes. Expect to coordinate a new installation and, in many cases, a new agreement at your new address. Installation fees may apply, and offers vary by market and equipment. Existing Protection 1 customers should contact ADT to review options for relocating or upgrading their legacy systems.
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