ADT Home Security Review

ADT now offers two primary paths: professionally installed systems (ADT Pro Install) that typically use multi-year monitoring agreements, and a contract-free DIY option (ADT Self Setup) with month-to-month professional monitoring. As of 2025, Pro Install monitoring commonly runs about $45.99–$61.99 per month depending on whether you add smart-home controls and video, plus separate equipment and installation charges; DIY monitoring is usually advertised around $24.99/month and can be canceled anytime (U.S. News, CNET). Both options support app control, and ADT has deepened Google Nest integration for Self Setup cameras and doorbells, with broader smart-home interoperability improving via Matter/Thread across ecosystems (Amazon developer, CSA Matter 1.5).

ADT Pros

• Two buying models: Pro Install with 24/7 monitoring and professional setup, or DIY Self Setup with month‑to‑month monitoring and no long‑term contract (ADT Self Setup).
• Six‑month money‑back guarantee on professionally installed systems if ADT can’t resolve qualifying service/installation issues, refunding monitoring fees and installation charges paid during that period (ADT Guarantees).
• Equipment purchase with financing options commonly up to 60 months for qualified buyers; portable Self Setup gear you keep if you cancel (ADT Terms).

ADT Cons

• Most Pro Install plans require an initial term (typically 36 months; often 24 months in CA) and an early termination charge if canceled during that term (commonly 75% of remaining monitoring fees) (U.S. News, CNET).
• Equipment and installation are separate costs for Pro Install; while promotions can reduce or waive fees, they increase total outlay vs. some low‑cost DIY competitors (ADT packages, CNET).

ADT Packages

Current as of 2025; actual pricing varies by location, equipment, and promotions.

*Monitoring shown; equipment and installation are billed separately for Pro Install. Financing is often available (commonly up to 60 months for qualified buyers). See ADT packages and terms for details.

ADT’s Pro Install tiers range from basic intrusion monitoring to smart‑home control and video. The Secure plan centers on door/window sensors, motion detection, and 24/7 professional monitoring. Smart adds app‑based control and automation through ADT’s app experience, and Complete adds video monitoring features. If you prefer no long‑term commitment, ADT Self Setup offers DIY equipment with optional, month‑to‑month professional monitoring typically around $24.99 (U.S. News).

Pro Install tiers include in‑home setup by an ADT technician and support for connected locks, lights, and thermostats. Self Setup leans on Google Nest video devices for cameras and doorbells, with cloud recording managed via separate Nest Aware plans billed by Google when chosen (ADT Self Setup).

Who is each ADT package best for?

ADT’s plans are configurable, with Pro Install for hands‑off setup and DIY for contract‑free flexibility. Here are common fits for the Pro Install tiers.

• Secure – Best for the basics

Focuses on core intrusion protection (entry sensors, motion, touchscreen panel) with 24/7 professional monitoring. Ideal if you want professional installation and a lower monthly rate within ADT’s Pro lineup (ADT packages).

•  Smart – Best for home automation

 Builds on Secure with mobile app control, smart alerts, and support for locks and lighting—good for users who want remote arming/disarming and automation via the ADT app experience (ADT packages).

•  Complete – Best for home automation with video

 Adds video support to Smart. If you prefer DIY, Self Setup can pair with Google Nest cameras/doorbells, with cloud storage managed through Nest Aware (separate subscription) (ADT Self Setup).

ADT Prices

Pro Install monitoring typically ranges from about $45.99 to the low‑$60s per month depending on features (smart controls vs. video). Contracts are standard for Pro Install—commonly 36 months nationwide and often 24 months in California—and ADT’s early termination charge is generally calculated as a percentage of the remaining monthly service charges (many independent sources cite 75%). For example, canceling with 24 months left at $45.99/mo could incur roughly 0.75 × 24 × $45.99 (about $827), plus any unpaid equipment balance. Installation fees are often quoted around $99–$199 unless waived by promotion. DIY Self Setup offers month‑to‑month professional monitoring commonly advertised around $24.99/mo with no long‑term contract (ADT packages, ADT terms, U.S. News, CNET).

Promotions can reduce equipment and installation costs or offer 0% APR equipment financing for qualified buyers, but taxes/fees vary by market. Always confirm your quote’s exact monthly monitoring price, installation/activation fees, equipment ownership and any financing terms before signing (ADT Professional Installation, ADT terms).

Ease of Use

With Pro Install, a technician configures devices and walks you through arming, disarming, and app features so you can use the system immediately. Self Setup guides you through installation in‑app and supports month‑to‑month monitoring. ADT’s support resources include FAQs, manuals, and troubleshooting, and the app experience supports alerts, schedules, and automation (ADT Professional Installation, ADT Self Setup).

ADT Types of Installation

Professional Installation

ADT’s Pro Install includes in‑home setup and configuration. Installation/activation fees commonly fall in the ~$99–$199 range when not waived by promotion, and equipment can be purchased outright or financed (often up to 60 months for qualified customers). Exact charges vary by system scope and location (ADT Professional Installation, CNET, U.S. News).

Pros

• Customized design and placement by a technician
• Hands‑on walkthrough of app and device operation
• Six‑month, money‑back guarantee if ADT cannot resolve qualifying service/installation issues in that period (ADT Guarantees)

Cons

• Scheduling lead time; installation and equipment are separate costs unless reduced by promotion

ADT Types of Monitoring

All Pro Install plans include 24/7 professional monitoring; Secure emphasizes intrusion sensors, Smart adds automation and app control, and Complete adds video support. If you want flexibility without a long‑term commitment, ADT Self Setup offers month‑to‑month professional monitoring typically around $24.99 with optional video features managed via Nest Aware for Nest cameras (U.S. News).

Additional Benefits

• Depending on your package, the ADT app experience lets you arm/disarm, receive real‑time alerts, automate lights and thermostats, view live video, and control smart locks (ADT packages).
• Voice and ecosystem integrations: Works with Alexa and Google; Matter/Thread support across platforms in 2025 improves cross‑ecosystem control via multi‑admin, enabling the same device to be managed in multiple apps (Amazon developer, CSA Matter 1.4).

Additional Drawbacks

• Pro Install equipment is purchased and often financed, adding to your monthly outlay until paid off; installation fees (~$99–$199) may apply unless waived by promotion (CNET).
• ADT’s six‑month Money‑Back Guarantee applies only to professionally installed systems and only if ADT cannot resolve qualifying service/installation issues; it is not a general satisfaction guarantee and excludes Self Setup. Refunds typically include monitoring fees and installation charges paid during that period (ADT Guarantees).

Compare Home Security Providers

* Our rating references published plan structures and independent evaluations, and incorporates industry benchmarks from sources such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and recent J.D. Power 2024 sector studies (1,000‑point scale), plus user ratings in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Provider prices shown reflect typical published rates as of 2025: SimpliSafe ($9.99 self‑monitoring; $29.99 pro), Frontpoint ($49.99 pro), Vivint (from $39.99; varies with cameras), and Ring Protect Pro ($20) (SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, Vivint, Ring).

** Pricing is for commonly advertised entry tiers; total cost varies with equipment, video storage options, and local fees. SimpliSafe offers multiple monitoring levels (self‑monitoring with camera recordings vs. Fast Protect pro monitoring); Vivint’s total bill often increases with cameras and equipment financing.

The Bottom Line

ADT remains a leading option if you want a professionally installed system with 24/7 monitoring, robust smart‑home support, and optional video. For contract‑free flexibility, ADT Self Setup provides DIY equipment with month‑to‑month pro monitoring. Independent outlets continue to confirm these two tracks and current pricing/term mechanics (U.S. News, CNET).

Therefore, if you want a high-quality home security provider with professional monitoring, ADT could be the best home security choice for you.

ADT Home Security FAQ

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