How Much Does A Home Security System From ADT Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost range for ADT home security is between $599 and $1,049—this includes initial equipment costs and monthly monitoring fees.
• The exact cost customers will pay depends on the package and monitoring plan they choose, and any additional equipment they purchase.
• An ADT security system has many benefits, including a solid reputation, excellent customer service, and professionally installed security equipment.
• ADT systems are meant to be installed and monitored by a professional, but the company also offers a separate DIY system called ADT Self Setup to cater to customers who prefer to install their equipment themselves.

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Home security is a crowded market, and customers trying to sort out services and costs have a big job ahead of them. The advent of DIY security systems has some consumers looking at less expensive options that utilize self-monitoring via smartphones instead of professional monitoring. For many, however, professional monitoring is what makes their space feel truly secure. Some will lean toward names they recognize as long-standing members of the home security community, such as ADT. This is with good reason: These companies have stood the test of time and promise a solid track record that customers can trust.

ADT has been protecting homes in the United States for 145 years, and through that time has honed its services and products to meet the demands of a changing marketplace and ever-shifting technology. But how much does it cost to secure a home? Different packages, levels of monitoring, contract lengths, and endless add-ons can make this picture confusing.

When totaling ADT security costs, customers can expect to pay between $599 and $1,049 up front. The exact price can vary both in equipment costs and monitoring fees. There are also financing options available. Some other considerations for customers to take into account are seasonal specials, cash-back opportunities for choosing different packages, and potential savings on homeowners and renters insurance policies—and of course, the value of the peace of mind that comes from being protected.

How does ADT work?

To begin, customers will need to decide what they are looking for. ADT’s plans have two components: equipment and installations as one charge, and monthly monitoring as another. These fees are separately itemized depending on the package a customer chooses, but they can be bundled together in a monthly charge or financed. ADT has broken its plans into six basic packages: three with professional installation and three with DIY installation. Each of these offers add-on equipment and services for an extra cost, but the basic packages should help most customers choose the right level to start with.

Next, customers will choose the level of monitoring they prefer, which is based partly on the equipment package they’ve selected and whether they’ve included smart-home monitoring. These choices will directly impact the cost of the security camera installation. Customers will need to speak with an ADT Solutions Advisor to finalize the plan for their home and get a customized quote. Finally, an ADT technician will install the equipment in the home and ensure that it is up and running.

How much does ADT cost per month?

ADT monthly costs vary by package, and there are also several options for payment. Each package has a fee for equipment, installation, and monthly monitoring, and customers have some choices in how they pay for these three components. The traditional packages provide three options: a large down payment at the beginning of the 3-year contract plus a lower monthly monitoring fee; a monthly charge that includes monitoring and spreads the equipment cost over the course of the contract; or $0 down financing of the equipment for up to 60 months plus a monthly monitoring charge.

• The Build Your Own Package with professional installation starts at $599 for equipment and $45.99 per month for monitoring ($55.97 total monthly cost). It includes a touch-screen control panel, three door and window alarms, a motion detector, 24/7 monitoring, and professional installation. Customers can choose to upgrade to a seven- or 10-piece equipment package for an additional cost.
• The Smart Home Package includes everything that comes with the Secure Home Package plus the ability to add smart devices. The Smart Home Package starts at $919 for seven pieces of equipment plus $49.99 per month for monitoring (or $65.31 per month total) with the option to upgrade to the nine- or 12-piece package for an extra fee. Customers can also add smart LED light bulbs, garage door openers, smart plugs, and smart door locks for an additional cost.
• The Video & Smart Home Package includes the offerings from the Smart Home Package plus cameras and one free doorbell camera for as low as $1,049 for equipment and $57.99 for monitoring ($75.47 per month total). This package starts with nine pieces of equipment, but it can be upgraded to an 11- or 15-piece set for a higher price.
• The Build Your Own Package with DIY installation costs $194.98. It comes with a smart hub and one entry sensor, and customers can add the specific devices they need to build a truly customized packages.
• The Starter Package costs $389.96. It includes a smart home hub, two entry sensors, and one battery-powered Google Nest Doorbell.
• The Premium Package costs $744.92. It builds on the Starter Package, adding two Google Nest cams (one wired indoor camera and one battery-powered indoor or outdoor camera), a smoke detector, and a flood and temperature sensor.

Factors in Calculating ADT Cost

Part of the reason computing the total cost of an ADT security system can be complicated is that there are so many factors to consider—every home and every customer’s needs are unique, and since ADT provides options to meet these individual needs, isolating a single price per package is complicated.

Equipment

ADT equipment costs can be relatively high depending on the package a customer chooses. The best deals by far are the packages ADT has already assembled—the Build Your Own Packages (one with pro installation and one with DIY installation), the Smart Home Package, the Video & Smart Home Package, the Starter Package, and the Premium Package. Adding on to those packages allows true customization of the system and will still save customers money over designing their own package. This cost can be paid up front or spread over the life of the contract. A 60-month interest-free financing option is available, but customers will want to be aware that this option extends the contract length to 60 months as well.

Monitoring

ADT offers 24/7 professional monitoring with all of its packages for a set monthly cost based on the equipment a customer has selected. ADT monitoring costs $45.99 per month for the Build Your Own Package, $49.99 per month for the Smart Home Package, and $57.99 per month for the Video & Smart Home Package. Professional monitoring for ADT Self Setup packages costs $24.99 to $34.99, depending on what equipment is included in the system.

Installation Fee

All of ADT’s packages include professional installation, with the exception of ADT Self Setup. Those who choose to assemble an a la carte package or add significant equipment to an existing package will pay extra for that installation. However, ADT’s installation technicians boast an average tenure of 9 years, so they’ll assess the best locations for the equipment and install it properly. For most packages, the cost of ADT installation is around $150.

With ADT Self Setup the customer is the installer, so there’s no installation charge. The only ADT Self Setup installation cost is for tools needed to install the security system.

Contract Length and Money-Back Guarantee

The length of a standard ADT system contract is 36 months, so customers are committing to 3 years of service when they sign up, and an early-termination fee applies. To offset the unease that new customers might feel about such a commitment, ADT offers a 6-month trial period. If ADT is unable to resolve problems or concerns with the system, the customer will receive a refund of the fees paid for equipment and installation. There are a number of conditions that limit this guarantee, so it’s a good idea for customers to read the fine print carefully and ask the dealer questions to clarify the policy.

For those who choose to take advantage of the 60-month, 0 percent APR financing of the equipment cost instead of paying for it up front or choosing a 36-month period, the contract will extend to 60 months to match.

Cancellation Fee

Although customers may terminate their services if an issue arises in the first 6 months that cannot be resolved, in other cases a cancellation fee may apply. If a customer needs to cancel their contract after the initial trial period is up, they may be charged up to 75 percent of their monthly fees for the rest of their contract term.

Moving Fee

ADT offers a series of programs for existing customers who move to a new home, including significant discounts on installation and credits to their account when they arrive in the new home. If an upgrade is required (for example, if the new home doesn’t have a landline, which requires moving to a cellular-based plan and equipment), programs are available to offset the additional costs. Since ADT is a nationwide company, there’s no need for customers to worry about service interruption. As long as the company is contacted to make the switch to the new home, the customer won’t be charged cancellation fees.

Add-Ons

The packages provide a solid base, but what if they aren’t enough? Adding a few extra sensors to the package can be relatively inexpensive, but after adding several types of security cameras and smart devices, the costs can add up quickly. Customers will also want to remember that package costs include the equipment itself, the installation, and potentially an additional monthly monitoring charge, so they’ll want to work with an ADT agent to avoid choosing more add-ons than they need.

The ADT Control App, which is available with the purchase of a Smart Home or Video & Smart Home Package, allows homeowners to arm and disarm their system from their smartphone and alerts them to problems. Customers will want to consider whether this capability is worth the price of upgrading to a pricier system when choosing between packages.

Homeowners Insurance Savings

Homeowners insurance companies love it when homes are protected by security systems. Repairs after a forced-entry burglary are expensive: Insurance policies will have to cover the cost of stolen valuables, damage to the doors or windows of the home, and potentially costs associated with identity theft. Because they know that burglars are significantly less likely to choose homes with security systems as their targets, there is often a homeowners insurance discount for having a security system—sometimes as much as 20 percent. ADT also offers a Theft Guarantee: If a burglar breaks into a home while the ADT system is armed, ADT will cover up to $500 of the insurance deductible, which means saving on premiums and potentially on the deductible as well.

ADT Packages and Monitoring Plans to Choose From

There are many variables to consider when choosing home security components and debating home security costs. Sitting down and paging through the array of sensors, cameras, smart-home devices, and monitoring options is likely to leave customers completely lost. ADT has created three basic packages to simplify this process. Each package includes the equipment appropriate for a certain level of protection along with some elements of choice, so it’s possible for shoppers to customize what’s important and add on as needed.

ADT systems can make you and your family feel safe and secure thanks to first-class technology and standard-setting professional monitoring. View all options available from ADT.

Build Your Own Package (Professional Installation)

ADT’s most basic package is the Build Your Own Package. This package provides traditional home security with a range of additional equipment that can be added, including glass-break sensors, panic buttons and key fobs, indoor and outdoor sirens, and home protection devices such as monitored thermostats, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and flood sensors. This additional equipment will add to the package price and the monitoring fee. The monitoring charge for the Secure Home Package is $45.99 per month.

Smart Home Package

ADT offers a Smart Home Package that enables customers to control lights, plugs, and door locks from a smartphone app and include those features in their monitoring plan. Smart LED light bulbs, garage door controllers, and extra smart door locks and plugs are available, and Google Nest, Alexa devices, or other existing smart devices (such as the best motion sensor light switches) can be linked to the ADT system for complete monitoring and smartphone control of the home. ADT does not offer its own smart-home devices, so if that is a priority, customers may want to consider comparing Vivint vs. ADT for more options. Current customers, or new ones who want to connect an existing system, will use the ADT Pulse system to control their devices through a smartphone app. New customers will use the upgraded ADT Control system, which includes a touch-screen control for smart devices in addition to the mobile app. Monitoring for the Smart Home Package costs $49.99 per month.

Video & Smart Home Package

The Video & Smart Home package will round out monitoring for those interested in adding video security to their home. Including everything available in the Smart Home package, the Video & Smart Home package adds an HD indoor camera, a video doorbell camera (included for free), remote viewing of live video streams from both, and customizable alerts. Additional HD indoor cameras, video doorbell cameras, and HD outdoor cameras can be added to this package for additional equipment and monitoring fees. There are three equipment options for this package, and monitoring costs $57.99 per month for each option.

Build Your Own (ADT Self Setup)

The ADT Self Setup Build Your Own Package is designed for customers who prefer a DIY installation option and may be comparing SimpliSafe vs. ADT. While a professionally installed ADT system might not be a realistic option for the best security systems for an apartment, ADT Self Setup is aimed at customers who prefer not to have professional installation, or renters who can’t have permanent or hardwired equipment installed. With this system, installation is DIY and connects with the home’s Wi-Fi system. The Build Your Own package includes a smart home hub and an entry sensor and costs $194.98. Monthly monitoring costs start at $24.99.

Starter Package

Customers who prefer to start with a mid-range option may want to consider the Starter Package, which costs $389.96. This package includes a smart home hub, two entry sensors, and a Google Nest Doorbell. From there, customers can add extra equipment to design their ideal DIY home security system. Monitoring for this plan starts at $24.99 per month.

Premium Package

The Premium Package, which costs $744.92, includes all elements of the Starter Package with the addition of an indoor wired Google Nest Cam, a battery-powered indoor or outdoor Google Nest Cam, a smoke detector, and a flood and temperature sensor. Like the Starter Package, monitoring for the Premium Package starts at $34.99 per month.

Benefits of Choosing ADT

Why do most people consider home security systems? The answer is simple: They’re looking for peace of mind. They want to make sure that their home and family are safe, both when they’re home and when they’re away. While all home security companies provide an increased sense of security, ADT offers some benefits beyond what most companies provide.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

With the exception of ADT Self Setup, all ADT equipment is installed, maintained, and serviced by professionals, and the monitoring is done by experienced professionals. Professionals know exactly where to place security cameras, what types of equipment will work best for individual homes, and how to troubleshoot any issues that arise during installation. And really, while self-monitored systems are inexpensive and convenient, is it preferable to get a phone notification when the glass breaks in a window downstairs, or is it better to have someone whose heart isn’t racing automatically call for help and make sure the home is safe?

Protect your home and family with a top-notch security system. ADT’s professionally installed systems don’t just alert you to threats—they help both prevent and deter them. View ADT services and pricing.

Reputation and History

ADT has been servicing security needs for more than 145 years but has clearly moved with the times: The company has adapted to cellular service as customers dropped landlines, and it has partnered with other companies such as Google and Amazon to integrate smart technology. As consumers shifted toward DIY systems, ADT built a system that uses its carefully vetted technology in a DIY installation format that is linked to a professional monitoring service. Even with these changes, ADT reviews have mostly remained consistently high, and the company has upheld its reputation as one of the best home security systems out there.

Customer Service

ADT customer service is generally highly rated, and customers who have to move, upgrade their services, or experience problems with their system are able to contact the company for assistance at any time. While this experience comes at a higher cost than some services, the benefits available indicate that ADT values its customers highly.

Who is ADT best for?

An ADT alarm system is ideal for customers who want a full-service home security system that will be handled almost entirely by professionals. Agents will work with customers to build a system tailored to their home and security needs, either by phone or through an in-home consultation, then install the system, teach the homeowner how to use it, and monitor it continuously. Because of the relatively long 3-year contract, ADT is a good choice for consumers who are fairly certain that they want a long-term security solution.

ADT is also a great option for renters or customers who prefer to handle their own home security. ADT Self Setup allows for DIY installation of high-quality equipment (which means equipment can be easily removed at the end of a lease). It’s a flexible option that provides extra security for renters (and possibly a discount on renters insurance) without being locked into a long contract and possibly the forfeiture of a security deposit because of wall damage.

How to Pick the Right ADT Package for You

Home security is a highly personal choice. The goal of home security is twofold: It provides significant protection of the home’s structure and contents through physical signage, careful monitoring, and connections to law enforcement, but it is also tied to emotion. For some people, basic protections such as monitored window and door sensors, glass-break sensors, and a motion detector in the entryway are all they need to feel secure. But others need more coverage to feel safe: streaming video, the ability to check the ADT app to make sure the garage door is still closed, the ability to change up the pattern of lights turning on and off while they’re away, and more. ADT’s starter packages are an indication of the range of options available. Customers can start with the level that feels best, then consult with an ADT agent to see how to customize their system without buying more than is needed.

ADT protects your most valuable investment—your home—in the event of an emergency, while providing something invaluable as well: peace of mind. View more from ADT now.

How to Save Money on ADT Cost

The cost of full-service home security is not insignificant. And if this level of security is a priority, it’s obviously worth it—but it’s also worth looking for opportunities to reduce the overall cost.

• Watch out for offers. Before ordering, check the ADT website for any current specials. As most companies do, ADT has a running and ever-changing list of specials in a dedicated tab on its home page: free cameras with purchase, extra sensors and free installation if you choose a particular package, and other offers that can help reduce home security cost.
• Utilize existing equipment. Check to make sure your home doesn’t already have a system in place: If previous owners installed a system, ADT can work with the existing system and upgrade it for a lower cost.
• Ask about insurance discounts. Check with your homeowners insurance company to see whether it will lower your rates after you have a security system installed. ADT provides a Certificate of Monitoring to prove that your system is active.
• Stick to the necessities. Choose your equipment carefully, and think about what you really need (you can always add more later). Just because your neighbor has cameras on every window doesn’t mean you need that many, and while a doorbell camera on a back door may be necessary in some situations, for many people it’s not. It’s easy to get carried away, and costs increase with every additional device.

FAQs

For many people, the first foray into home security systems is overwhelming. There are too many choices, too many decisions, and too many warnings they’ve heard from others about what to watch out for. These are a few of the questions that are often asked about home security systems and their answers for reference.

Q. Does ADT charge for equipment installation?

Costs for installation vary, but they are usually around $150. For an equipment and monitoring package, the installation charge is wrapped into the start-up fee. This installation fee includes maintenance and repair on the equipment, along with professional installation, so customers can be certain that the equipment is properly installed and working correctly.

ADT Self Setup is designed for DIY installation, so there’s no installation charge beyond the customer’s time and energy.

Q. Can ADT be hacked easily?

All security systems can be hacked. But ADT has made it so difficult to hack that it’s not worth the effort for the vast majority of hackers. A 2016 lawsuit alleging that ADT could be hacked too easily encouraged all home security companies to carefully re-examine their protocols and upgrade their security. First, security systems that include monitoring, as ADT does, also monitor systems for hackers and intrusions, so even if the system is hacked there will be immediate protective action taken long before the hack reaches the customer’s individual system. Second, the aftermath of the lawsuit and the general increase in cameras as part of a home security system have led to higher-grade security cameras with better encryption, making it much more difficult to locate them in the first place in order to hack into them. ADT’s cameras are regarded as being some of the most secure on the market.

Q. Does ADT have a panic button?

Yes. ADT’s Emergency 2-Button Panic device can be added on to any of its three major packages and is designed to work with the ADT Control system. The button is wireless and can be worn on a wristband or lanyard or clipped to clothing. To prevent accidental activation, customers will need to press and hold both buttons simultaneously to alert an ADT agent, who will contact the appropriate assistance immediately. Whether a customer has fallen in their home and needs help or is feeling unsafe for another reason, the panic button makes it possible to summon help as quickly as possible.