In this piece, we’ll break down the ADT costs to give you a better idea of how much you’re spending and what you’re getting in return. (Spoiler: as one of the most expensive systems we review, ADT isn’t the best value for everyone, but it’s going to depend on what you want.) Of course, it’s not truly free, because security companies typically already roll their equipment price into the contract length and monthly fees. But at least you’re not spending a ton up front or paying a separate equipment fee every month.
Keypads/control panels/hubs Sirens Environmental sensors Door/window sensors Motion sensors Carbon monoxide/smoke detectors Smart locks Smart lights Smart thermostats Garage door controllers Indoor cameras Outdoor cameras Doorbell cameras Medical alert devices
We wish we could tell you how much this equipment costs and how long your repayment commitment would be for those who will pay out of pocket. But ADT doesn’t usually share equipment prices. The company suggests that the equipment needed for each home varies so widely that it doesn’t make sense to talk price before a consultation. Be that as it may, in today’s age of research-based shopping, we think withholding prices is a disservice to users.
The Essentials Plan and Complete Monitoring Bundle are landline-only. Your monthly fee will be much lower, but most of ADT’s best features won’t be accessible (including the Command app). The Premium Bundle II + Cellguard plan includes a cellular monitoring connection. The ADT Command Tier 1 Remote Access plan finally gets you access to the app (formerly known as the ADT Pulse app, now known as ADT Command). The ADT Command Tier II Video Security plan adds 24/7 video surveillance. The ADT Command Tier III Video Security + Home Automation brings you—yup, you guessed it—smart home automation features.
Every plan comes with around-the-clock professional ADT monitoring, which means that ADT will watch your system for any breaches. With ADT, you gotta pay to get set up, and you gotta pay to get out. Or, in other words, you must pay both installation and cancellation fees. If you finish your contract and don’t want to sign up for a new one, you won’t have to pay a cancellation fee. But to be safe, check in with ADT shortly before your contract expires. Some customers have found themselves erroneously signed up for contract renewal. If you’re looking for the cheapest system possible, then no, ADT isn’t worth it. It’s $$ compared to most of the rest of the market. You can get a perfectly good system from another home security company at a fraction of the cost. If you’re looking for the Prada of home security, then yeah, ADT is a good choice. When you can afford it, the name alone carries intrinsic value. To learn more about ADT, check out our comprehensive ADT review.
