When it comes to protecting your home, ADT is one of the most recognized and trusted names in the security industry. However, with multiple package options, equipment tiers, and setup preferences, many homeowners ask the same question: “How much does ADT cost per month?”
Below, we’ll explain everything—including monthly fees, equipment pricing, contracts, and hidden costs—so you can make the most informed decision possible. If you want to see ADT’s score and ranking, check here: ADT Home Security Review
ADT Monitoring Plans: What You Can Expect to Pay Monthly
ADT offers both professionally installed and DIY systems through its “Self Setup” plan. Here’s what you can expect in terms of monthly monitoring costs:
Plan | Monthly Cost | Type | Notable Features |
Secure | $29.99 | Self-Setup | Basic intrusion alerts, app access |
Smart | $34.99 | Self-Setup | Adds smart home controls |
Complete | $44.99 | Self-Setup | Includes video monitoring and cloud storage |
Secure Home | $45.99 | Pro Install | 24/7 monitoring, entry sensors |
Smart Home | $49.99 | Pro Install | Smart locks, remote arm/disarm |
Video & Smart Home | $57.99 | Pro Install | Cameras, smart home, video storage |
Equipment Costs: One-Time or Financed Over Time
Your monthly costs are only half the equation—ADT also requires an investment in hardware.
Package | Equipment Cost (Upfront) | Financing Option |
Secure Home | $599+ | Yes, 60 months |
Smart Home | $919+ | Yes, 60 months |
Video & Smart | $1,049+ | Yes, 60 months |
Self Setup Kit | $269+ | Yes, flexible options |
Note: Equipment can be customized with add-ons such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, cameras, smart plugs, and more.
Installation: DIY or Professional?
ADT offers flexibility based on how hands-on you want to be:
- Professional Install: Required for traditional ADT packages. Typically, it costs between $99–$199 (may vary).
- Self Setup: No installation fee. You install it yourself, which is easy for most users.
Contract Terms & Hidden Costs
- Contract Length: 36-month minimum for professionally installed packages (24 months in California).
- Cancellation Fees: If you terminate early, you’re on the hook for up to 75% of the remaining balance.
- Activation Fees: Some packages include one-time activation costs.
Always read the fine print. ADT often runs promotions, but they still require a long-term commitment.
ADT Pricing Examples
Let’s break down what you’d realistically pay in Year 1 for two popular ADT setups:
Example 1: Self Setup with Complete Plan
- Monitoring: $44.99/month x 12 = $539.88
- Equipment: $369
- Year 1 Total: ~$909
Example 2: Pro Install Smart Home Package
- Monitoring: $49.99/month x 12 = $599.88
- Equipment: $919
- Install Fee: $99
- Year 1 Total: ~$1,618
How Does ADT Compare to Other Security Brands?
Brand | Monthly Monitoring | Equipment Cost | Contract Required |
ADT | $29.99–$57.99 | $269–$1,049+ | Yes (Pro plans) |
SimpliSafe | $0–$27.99 | $200–$500 | No |
Ring | $0–$20 | $199–$600 | No |
Vivint | $39.99–$59.99 | $600–$2,000 | Yes |
Frontpoint | $18.99–$49.99 | $300–$600 | Yes |
ADT is ideal for those wanting professional monitoring, smart home compatibility, and a household name with 24/7 support—but it comes at a premium.
Smart Home Integration: What Works (And What Doesn’t)
ADT integrates with:
- Google Nest products
- Amazon Alexa
- Z-Wave compatible devices
Caveat: Some integrations require using multiple apps (e.g., ADT + Nest). Make sure your ecosystem is compatible for a seamless experience.
Long-Term Cost Breakdown (3-Year Estimate)
Package | Total 3-Year Monitoring | Equipment | Install/Other Fees | Total |
Smart Home (Pro) | ~$1,799.64 | $919 | $99 | ~$2,818 |
Self Setup (Complete) | ~$1,619.64 | $369 | $0 | ~$1,988 |
Bonus Tool: ADT Cost Calculator
Want to calculate your custom ADT cost based on your home size, features, and preferred setup? We built an ADT home security cost calculator to help you estimate your bill.
ADT Cost Calculator
Final Thoughts
ADT isn’t the cheapest home security provider, but it is one of the most robust. With customizable options, smart home integration, and 24/7 professional monitoring, the service delivers value where it counts. When choosing your package, just be sure to weigh the long-term commitment, equipment fees, and total ownership cost.
ADT also provides commercial home security, if you’re looking to get security for your business, check this ADT review: ADT Commercial Home Security Review