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Your home should be a haven for you and your family to live without fear. Installing a quality home security system can add 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and app control. Newer systems also emphasize interoperability and privacy by design, including on-device AI that reduces false alerts and limits cloud exposure, as highlighted by emerging programs like the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark and baseline guidance from NISTIR 8425.
ADT is the giant of the industry and trusted by 6.5 million customers. Today it sells two distinct experiences: professionally installed ADT Smart Home packages with multi‑year monitoring, and a DIY path, ADT Self Setup, with month‑to‑month monitoring. ADT lists clear starting prices online: professionally installed tiers begin at $45.99/mo for Secure/Home Security, $49.99/mo for Smart Home, and $59.99/mo for Video & Smart Home (ADT Packages & Pricing). ADT Self Setup professional monitoring starts at $24.99/mo and can be canceled any time (ADT Self Setup).
Scout Alarm is a DIY‑focused competitor with simple, contract‑free plans: $9.99/mo for self‑monitoring and $19.99/mo for 24/7 professional monitoring (Scout Monitoring Plans). Below we compare Scout vs. ADT for pricing, plans, contracts, customer service context, tech features, and installation so you can decide which fits your home.
ADT
ADT Home Security offers professionally installed ADT Smart Home packages and a DIY option (ADT Self Setup) controlled in the ADT+ app. Listed starting prices for pro install are $45.99/mo (Secure/Home Security), $49.99/mo (Smart Home), and $59.99/mo (Video & Smart Home) with equipment/installation typically separate (ADT Packages & Pricing). ADT Self Setup professional monitoring starts at $24.99/mo with no long‑term contract (ADT Self Setup); both tracks integrate Google Nest cameras/doorbells for video.
Pros
- Choice of professional installation (ADT Smart Home) or DIY setup (ADT Self Setup via ADT+ app) source
- Deep Google Nest integration and video verification features in Video & Smart Home tier source
- Transparent listed starting prices: $45.99/$49.99/$59.99 for pro tiers; $24.99/mo for DIY monitoring source source
Cons
- Multi‑year agreement is typical for pro‑installed packages (36 months; 24 months in California) source
- Early termination fee commonly 75% of remaining monthly charges for pro‑installed plans source
- Installation/equipment fees and local permits may apply; higher monthly cost than DIY competitors source source
Scout
Scout Alarm offers simple, wireless security systems you install yourself. Monitoring plans are contract‑free: $9.99/mo for self‑monitoring and $19.99/mo for 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular and battery backup features (Scout Monitoring Plans).
Pros
- DIY, peel‑and‑stick setup; renter‑friendly and no hardwiring source
- No long‑term contracts; cancel anytime; low‑cost pro monitoring at $19.99/mo source
- Cellular/battery backup features with professional monitoring (Always On+) and insurance certificate source
Cons
- No professional installation services (DIY only) source
- Smaller ecosystem and market visibility vs. larger DIY brands; often absent from major 2024–2025 shortlists source source
- Video storage and certain camera/cloud options may add fees; verify at checkout source
| Monitoring Options | Monitoring Prices starting at | Installation Options | |
| ADT | Professional | $45.99/mo | Professional |
| Scout | Professional | $19.99/mo | DIY |
Data as of 2025; sources: ADT, Scout
Plans
ADT
ADT offers two paths: professionally installed ADT Smart Home packages with three monitoring tiers, and ADT Self Setup (DIY) with month‑to‑month monitoring.
ADT Secure/Home Security provides 24/7 professional monitoring for intrusion and life‑safety with ADT app access; listed starting price is $45.99/mo for monitoring (term required; equipment/installation extra). Source.
ADT Smart Home adds automation control for locks, lights, and thermostats; listed starting price is $49.99/mo (term required). Source.
ADT Video & Smart Home adds Google Nest video (cameras/doorbells) and video verification features; listed starting price is $59.99/mo (term required). Source.
Scout
There are two monitoring plans from Scout.
Scout Always On (self‑monitoring) costs $9.99/mo and includes app alerts and remote control; no professional dispatch. Source.
Scout Always On+ includes 24/7 professional monitoring for $19.99/mo, adds cellular and battery backup features, and provides an insurance certificate. Source.
Who is it best for
ADT
- ADT Secure/Home Security — Best if you want pro monitoring from a nationwide provider with pro installation and clear starting price ($45.99/mo) source.
- ADT Smart Home — Best for whole‑home automations (locks/lights/thermostats) managed in the ADT+ app source.
- ADT Video & Smart Home — Best for integrated video with Google Nest devices and verified response workflows source.
Scout
- Scout Always On — Best for budget DIY users who want app alerts for $9.99/mo with no contract source.
- Scout Always On+ — Best for contract‑free 24/7 professional monitoring at $19.99/mo with cellular/battery backup features source.
Contracts and Pricing
ADT
ADT’s professionally installed packages generally require a multi‑year agreement: the residential services contract specifies a 36‑month initial term (24 months in California), followed by month‑to‑month renewal unless otherwise noted. Installation and permit fees may apply. Source Source.
If you cancel a pro‑installed plan during the initial term, ADT typically charges an early termination fee equal to 75% of the remaining monthly service charges. Source. ADT Self Setup offers a no‑contract alternative with month‑to‑month monitoring starting at $24.99/mo you can cancel anytime. Source.
Listed starting prices help you compare tiers: pro‑installed monitoring starts at $45.99/mo (Secure/Home Security), $49.99/mo (Smart Home), and $59.99/mo (Video & Smart Home) with equipment/installation separate; local promos can affect upfront costs. Always request a written quote itemizing monitoring, equipment, installation, and any early‑termination terms before signing. Source Source.
Scout
Scout offers home security with no long‑term contracts. Monitoring is month‑to‑month (or annual) and cancelable at any time. Source.
Scout Always On (self‑monitoring) is $9.99/mo; Always On+ (24/7 professional monitoring) is $19.99/mo. Video storage and certain camera/cloud options may add fees depending on your selections. Source.
Equipment is sold a la carte or in starter bundles for DIY installation; verify current bundle contents and pricing at checkout. Source Source.
Customer Service
ADT
Public ratings for ADT are mixed: customers often praise professional installation, nationwide service, and integrated Google Nest video, while common pain points involve contracts, early‑termination fees, billing/cancellation friction, and technician scheduling. To gauge current sentiment, check ADT’s live review profiles: Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and the ADT+ app listings via ADT’s app page (ADT+ app). For objective context on scale and retention (e.g., total customers and attrition), consult ADT’s latest Form 10‑K on the SEC site (SEC filings). Industry-wide satisfaction drivers (price/value, customer service, app ease, monitoring) are summarized in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Home Security Satisfaction Study.
Tip: When comparing local service quality, note the BBB profile’s letter grade and complaint volumes (12‑month and 3‑year) and read any “Pattern of Complaint” notes; then compare with recent ADT+ app reviews that mention the migration to ADT+ and Google Nest to see whether issues are improving. Cross‑check numbers and dates on the day you purchase, as these figures change frequently.
Scout
As a smaller DIY provider, Scout’s ratings footprint is lighter and can be more volatile. Customers highlight easy setup and no‑contract flexibility; negative themes include support response times, occasional hardware reliability concerns, and shipping/fulfillment delays. Review current scores and recency on Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs. Check update cadence and app feedback in the app stores to assess whether recent firmware/app releases have resolved issues.
Ease of Installation
ADT
ADT offers professional installation for ADT Smart Home packages—ideal if you want a technician to place sensors, wire doorbells/cameras when needed, and verify everything works. For DIY, ADT Self Setup ships ready‑to‑install gear and uses the ADT+ app for step‑by‑step guidance (naming devices, testing zones, and configuring automations). This hybrid approach lets you choose pro help for complex devices while keeping the rest DIY. Source Source Source.
Scout
Scout is DIY‑only. Most devices are peel‑and‑stick with app‑guided setup, making it renter‑friendly and quick to install. The Help Center includes installation guides, troubleshooting, and contact options if you need assistance during setup. For best results, plan device layout, test connectivity and sensor range before permanent mounting, and name/test each zone in the app. Source Source Tips.
Further Reading
The Best DIY Home Security Systems
Tips for Building Your Home Security System
FAQs
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