You Should Know: ADT requires customers to sign a three-year monitoring contract right off the bat.
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March 22, 2023
When I discuss home security systems with clients, they almost always ask about ADT. And those inquiries about the veteran home security company don’t surprise me. For 145 years, ADT has been in the business of keeping its customers safe and secure. With more than six million customers and 17,000 professionals across the country, it’s evident many people trust ADT for their home security needs.
Because I work with older adults, I tend to look at security systems through a different lens. I not only look at the company’s products, pricing, and reputation, but I also look for the system’s ease of use, contract requirements, and remote monitoring options.
So, how does ADT stack up against the other home security systems? I know it’s an incredibly well-established system, but is it the best for older adults? By the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the answers you need and know whether or not you want ADT to be your next home security system.
While there is the option to purchase an ADT system online, I found the easiest way to buy the system was over the phone. While the website provided a lot of information in terms of systems, features and equipment, I found it a bit disjointed and not the most user-friendly, especially when it came to pricing options.
Unlike companies such as Vivint Home Security for seniors or SimpliSafe for seniors, ADT doesn’t clearly offer pricing options on their website; this requires a bit of investigating. Instead, calling a customer representative or submitting an inquiry through ADT’s website is your best bet. The phone number is plastered all over the site, so it’s easy to track down.
For those who don’t feel like calling but have questions, ADT makes it easy to chat with someone. A chat box appears on the screen every few minutes asking if you need help finding the perfect package. I was able to connect with a representative with the click of just one button. If I didn’t want to chat, I had the option to click the “no thanks” button and continue browsing.
For over 100 years, ADT’s served as a staple within the home security industry. Over the years, the company has managed to keep up with the ever-changing times and technologies to avoid becoming obsolete in the industry. So, what does ADT currently have to offer? Here’s a rundown of their security home systems options:
| Package Type | Package Features | Monthly Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Build Your Own | · 24/7 monitoring · Digital touchscreen panel · Door and window sensors · Wireless keychain remote · Motion detector · Yard sign · Professional Installation · Add on equipment available |
· Equipment starts at $9.98 per month or $599 upfront · Professional monitoring starts at $45.99 per month |
| Smart | · 24/7 monitoring · Digital touchscreen panel · Door and window sensors · Smart door lock · Smart plug · Wireless keychain remote · Motion detector · Yard sign · Professional Installation · Remote arm and disarm · Smart home controls · Customizable alerts · Customizable schedules · Customizable automations · Service and repair warranty |
· Equipment starts at $15.32 per month · Professional monitoring starts at $49.99 per month |
| Complete | · 24/7 monitoring · Digital touchscreen panel · Door and window sensors · Indoor HD camera · Video doorbell camera · Smart door lock · Wireless keychain remote · Motion detector · Smart plug · Yard sign · Professional Installation · Remote arm and disarm · Smart home controls · Customizable alerts · Customizable schedules · Customizable automations · Security cameras · Live stream from mobile devices · Record video clips · Save video clips · Service and repair warranty |
· Equipment starts at $17.82 per month · Professional monitoring starts at $57.99 per month |
You Should Know: ADT requires customers to sign a three-year monitoring contract right off the bat.
Now that I’ve given you an idea of what ADT has to offer, here’s a more detailed explanation about each of their options.
ADT’s Build Your Own package comes with a handful of pieces of equipment needed to give you peace of mind while at home or out and about. The company’s most basic package includes a digital touchscreen panel which serves at the center of the home security system, door and window sensors that trigger a high decimal beeping sound if an intruder is detected inside the house, and a wireless keychain remote to easily arm and disarm the system with just the push of a button. Also included are motion detectors that trigger lights on and off, yard decals and signs as a way to deter intruders from trespassing, and 24/7 professional monitoring.
The Secure Package, which is the most affordable package starting at $9.98 a month for equipment and $45.99 a month for professional monitoring, also comes with the option of professional installation. For older adults, having someone install the security system is an added bonus. The last thing I want is for one of my clients to get up on a ladder or higher surface to install a security camera. Because environmental factors can contribute to higher fall rates in older adults, having a professional install the system is the safest option.
This is ADT’s middle-tier package. Like the Build Your Own package, the Smart Package comes with a digital touchscreen panel door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a wireless keychain remote, as well as 24/7 professional monitoring and an option for professional installation.
In addition, the Smart Package includes a smart door lock so you can lock and unlock your door without needing to carry around a key, a smart plug to turn non-Internet connected devices into smart ones, and remote arming and disarming options through the ADT app. Having remote options is an added bonus for older adults who can sometimes be forgetful, which unfortunately is a normal sign of aging. With remote options, if an older adult forgets to arm their security system they can do so whenever they remember. It also makes it possible for caretakers or family members to take a look to make sure their loved one’s home is secured.
This is ADT’s most expensive package and is the only one that comes with a camera included in the package’s equipment price. With equipment costs starting at $17.82 a month and professional monitoring at $57.99, this package is for older adults who want to have both eyes and ears on all areas of their homes.
With an indoor HD camera and video doorbell camera, the Complete package offers a video option that’s not standard with the other ADT packages. The video doorbell camera makes it possible for you to view who is at the front door and speak to that person via the ADT Control App. For older adults who may have mobility constraints, the video doorbell camera gives them the option to see what’s happening outside their door before deciding if they need to rush to answer it.
Tip: While ADT offers pricing ranges on its website, it’s best to call the customer service line to get the exact amounts. Prices do vary depending on what kind of services you are looking for. Calling, as opposed to searching the website, will save you time.
ADT offers a variety of add-on devices that are compatible with the varying packages. It’s important to note that adding extra equipment will increase monthly payments, as this equipment is leased rather than purchased with a one-time fee.
| Add-Ons | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Indoor Pro HD Camera (1080p) | $2.50 a month |
| Outdoor Pro HD Camera (1080p) | $4.83 a month |
| ADT HD Video Doorbell Camera | $3.33 a month |
| Digital Touchscreen | $3.33 a month |
| Door/Window Sensor | $0.83 a month |
| Motion Detector | $1.67 a month |
| Smart Door Lock | $4.17 a month |
| Smart LED Light Bulb | $0.67 a month |
| Smart Plug | $1.17 a month |
| Combo Smoke/CO Detector | $3.00 a month |
| Carbon Monoxide Detector | $1.67 a month |
| Smoke Detector | $1.67 a month |
| Flood Detector | $1.67 a month |
| Temperature Sensor | $1.67 a month |
With thousands of monitoring professionals nationwide, ADT call center operators are available day and night in case of emergency. Operators answer the phones quickly, usually within the first few rings, and stay on the line until the issues are resolved. They will dispatch emergency personnel like police or the fire department in the event there’s an intrusion, fire or carbon monoxide leak. While the professional monitoring does cost between $45.99 and $57.99 per month, it’s a feature worth having, especially for an older adult who doesn’t live in an apartment building with a doorman. For those living in a home, it provides an extra level of protection.
In addition to professional monitoring, ADT comes with The ADT Control app. The app puts the home security command panel at your fingertips and makes it possible for both at home and remote access and monitoring. ADT Control app provides remote arming and disarming capabilities, instant alerts to smartphones informing users when their system status changes or when someone locks or unlocks their doors, and live video to keep eyes on the home when away.
In addition to home security systems, ADT provides medical alert systems, which is a plus for older adults. Just like with home security options, ADT offers three different medical alert system packages. The packages range in price from $29.95 a month to $39.99 a month. Each package comes with 24/7 professional monitoring, meaning you're covered whenever you need help.
While the home security systems and medical alert systems are different, it’s beneficial to have both home security and medical alert systems under the same parent company. The customer service representatives for both are helpful, knowledgeable and informative. Medical alert devices are popular among older adults, and ADT’s system, which you can learn more about in our ADT medical alert review, is definitely one to consider when shopping around.
Finding information on shipping, returns and warranties weren’t easy on the website, but after some digging, I was able to locate ADT’s policies. ADT is committed to providing customers with service as soon as possible, so if you order a system or piece of equipment, ADT provides either the same day or next day delivery.
ADT also offers professional installation for all equipment. A highly trained expert delivers the system and installs it for you while answering all of your questions. While ADT doesn’t have warranties, the company offers a six-month money-back guarantee in the event the system doesn’t work properly. It’s important to note, however, that the money-back guarantee option only applies if ADT has tried to fix the system multiple times with no success. The company also provides theft protection guarantee and pays up to $500 of insurance deductibles in the event a burglary takes place while the ADT system is armed.
FYI: ADT offers a six-month money-back guarantee in the event your system doesn’t work properly, or you have concerns with your service. However, the offer is only valid if ADT tries to fix the system multiple times and is unable to do so.
While ADT is one of the more expensive security systems on the market, it’s also one of the most reliable and one of the best home security systems for seniors. With professional installation, a variety of packages to fit any lifestyle and more than a decade of service, ADT is a system to consider, regardless of the price.
That being said, it is important to note ADT requires customers to sign a three-year contract. and for older adults that may be a deterrent as it can feel hard to commit to anything long term when aging. However, when it comes to ADT, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and is a home security system that gives both homeowners and caretakers the ability to breathe easy and know they are getting the best protection.
Yes, you should test your ADT system every 30 days, give or take. It’s also important to test the ADT security system if you make any changes to your Internet or phone service or do any home renovations. If there is a problem with the system during the test you can call for help. The support line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
ADT security systems come with a back-up battery that activates in the event of a power outage. The back-up battery lasts for several hours.
In the event of a move, ADT provides exclusive deals and discounts for already existing customers. ADT will either move your already existing system, help you set up a new system or re-activate an existing system. Calling a customer service representative is the best way to find out about moving deals.
