Traditional Commercial Grade Security
Founded in 1874, ADT is one of the oldest and largest home security companies in the world. It has a long track record as a security company and almost everyone is familiar with their blue logo.
Their newer equipment has fixed most of the security holes that plagued earlier versions. However, ADT still has room for improvement, as evidenced in numerous online reviews.
Consumers expressed concerns over malfunctioning equipment and how long it takes for ADT customer service to respond to support tickets.
ADT is the largest security service provider in the U.S. and Canada, and it has been protecting its customers for over 140 years. The equipment available varies by area and dealer, but customers can choose from Honeywell, General Electric, and ITI manufactured systems.
ADT Commercial features excellent security monitoring services and provides businesses with 24/7 video surveillance. In the event that a security alarm becomes triggered, ADT’s security professionals will alert the appropriate emergency responders on your behalf. The same protection applies to homes in situations involving burglaries, fires, and carbon monoxide leaks, depending on the security package consumers opt for.
Customizable security packages allow business owners to tailor security solutions to suit their business’s needs. Professional equipment installations start at $149 and include three indoor cameras with free installation. The standard ADT Commercial packages include:
Business owners can opt for additional services for each of ADT’s security packages, such as:
| Installation | Professional |
| Equipment Manufacturer | Honeywell, GE, ITI |
| Ability to Reallocate System | |
| Wireless Sensors | |
| Control Panel | |
| Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm |
Monitored intrusion detection safeguards businesses in the event of a break-in using professionally installed security sensors that can detect movement, pressure from impact, and breaking glass.
If someone enters the building and triggers the sensors, ADT agents receive an alert and will immediately notify authorities of the intrusion. Subject to terms and conditions, ADT also offers up to $500 off of insurance deductibles in the event of a burglary with the intrusion detection system already armed.
| Monitoring Options | Professional Monitoring |
| Monitoring Technology | Cellular Broadband Landline |
| Number of Monitoring Centers | 6 |
| Monitoring Center Type | Owned |
| Professional Monitoring Services | 24/7 Professional Monitoring Fire Department Dispatch Police Dispatch Medical Dispatch |
ADT is not very transparent about the pricing of the plans or equipment. For example, you are unable to see at a glance the price of motion detectors, additional control panels or carbon monoxide detectors. Potential customers should be aware that there are often additional fees that will raise the total bill when all is said and done. Plus, ADT tends to raise its rates on their customers.
ADT offers some free equipment as part of their packages, typically older or refurbished, that offers fewer features than systems made by other companies.
A new ADT customer will be able to take advantage of its lowest monitoring plan, however, this plan does not come with free equipment installation or the extended limited warranty. You will be required to sign a monitoring contract. Most 1 to 2-star ratings left by ADT customers complained about the company’s 36-month service contract minimum.
| Monthly Fee (min) | $28.99 |
| Monthly Fee (max) | $58.99 |
| Number of Available Packages | 4 |
| Installation/ Activation Fee | $99.00 |
| Equipment Starting Cost | $0.00 |
| Contract Required | |
| Cancellation Policy | Early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial 36-month term. |
| Warranty | 90 Days Limited Warranty |
ADT offers solid technology integration in comparison to other providers. With features like email and text alerts, live surveillance, and remote arm/disarm, functions you can access through their solid iPhone and Android apps.
While ADT offers quality name-brand products like Google Nest doorbells and Nest indoor cameras, adding a single upgrade to a customizable package can raise upfront costs by several hundred dollars.
Many ADT customers have voiced concerns in public reviews that they are generally unhappy with the company and its customer service. Several reviews cited problems with sales reps not showing up for scheduled appointments, and long waiting times on hold with customer service.
Other reviews from ADT customers using its monitoring services have mentioned that they were charged high cancellation fees and expensive rates for installation and service visits.
ADT has been sued in multiple instances for selling unsecured equipment to their customers. The $16M class action settlement in February of 2018 being the most recent.
| Trust Pilot Rating | 2.2 out of 10 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Number of BBB Positive Reviews | 10 |
| Number of BBB Neutral Reviews | 4 |
| Number of BBB Negative Reviews | 214 |
| Date Collected | 2022-09-24 |
| Year Founded | 1874 |
Overall Score