Editor's Rating | |
---|---|
Overall | |
Monitoring Services | |
Alarm Equipment | |
Pricing | |
Customer Service |
Positives
- Polished mobile apps
- Extensive home automation
- High-quality equipment
- Alexa integration
Negatives
- Customer service concerns
- Pay extra for smart locks
ADT is a true security veteran that has been in the home protection business since 1874. While home security has certainly changed a lot since then, the company has remained a dependable provider of security equipment for homeowners and small businesses. ADT’s home security service offers everything you need to keep your home secure, including burglar alarms, cameras, and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. The company also offers uncomplicated smart home control via the ADT mobile app. Alarms are easy to set up with the option of having professional installation, and a lifetime warranty covers all your equipment. To top it all off, ADT’s monitoring cost is low – at just $36.99 per month – and you can call 718-691-3415 for more information about a subscription.
Security Equipment
The heart of ADT’s security package is ADT Command, an easy-to-use touchscreen keypad that serves as your main hub. Command is used to control your alarms and sensors, which you can do by using either the touchscreen or separate key fob and app. The hub also comes with two-way voice communication, allowing you to quickly get in touch with the police, fire department, and ADT’s support team. This voice communication technology also means that you can integrate ADT with Alexa or Google Assistant to add to your home automation. You don’t need to worry about your internet dropping as ADT Command makes sure that you’ll always be connected by switching to cellular networks as a backup when the Wi-Fi isn’t working.
Additionally, ADT’s mobile app comes with a handy key fob that you can use to arm and disarm the alarm remotely. There’s also a panic button, which alerts ADT to contact local emergency services for help.
ADT comes with motion sensors as well that, when triggered, automatically record video clips that you can watch on the app. To avoid getting false alarms, you have the option of changing the sensitivity level depending on the size of your pet – so you won’t get an alert when your dog has a sudden case of the zoomies. The door and window sensors will also send you a text message if someone opens a door or window while your alarm is turned on.
Monitoring
ADT provides 24/7 security monitoring with a team of experienced professionals ready to help in any situation within seconds. In case the system detects anything, you’ll receive alerts by text or through the app. Of course, ADT doesn’t just protect your home from external threats like intruders. The system also includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flood sensors to keep your household safe from the elements.
ADT Control
ADT Control is the company’s mobile app, and it’s impressive with a user-friendly, streamlined, and responsive design. Control lets you access all the service’s devices on the go, allowing you to remotely arm and disarm, alter the thermostat, and switch on lights. Plus, you can watch everything going on in your home in HD by clicking the play button from the app’s dashboard. You also have the ability to swap between different cameras and view saved video clips – a particularly helpful feature to see who’s at your front door whether you’re at home or away.
We really like that there’s a system history in the Control app that shows you everything that ADT has done – like the last time alarms were set or when someone logged into the dashboard. There’s also a helpful filter to help you browse through past actions.
SoSecure
ADT offers an extra app called SoSecure that isn’t for home security – it’s to keep you safe no matter where you are. Essentially, SoSecure works as a panic button that allows you to communicate with ADT directly through the app or by SMS. In case of an emergency, you can alert ADT’s support team, who will have access to your location through your device’s GPS. If necessary, ADT’s team will alert the relevant service of your whereabouts and get in touch with a list of your emergency contacts.
Home Automation
The ADT Control app handles all automation features. From there, you’re able to control your alarm and set up geofencing, which switches the lights on automatically when you’re close to home.
If you don’t mind paying for some extra equipment, then it’s possible to take home automation even further. ADT sells smart locks and keypads, which can be opened remotely. If you want to do the same with your garage, there’s also a garage controller. Finally, ADT also offers smart plugs, so you can link up to pretty much any electronic device you want.
Pricing
Although ADT’s pricing system isn’t the easiest to navigate, rest assured that prices for the service are more than reasonable. What makes it tricky is that there are different ways of buying ADT – either directly or through a third-party seller. The latter can sometimes get you a better deal. But it’s possible to protect your home for just $36.99 per month, including free equipment, a $99 installation fee, two bonus wireless remotes, and a free $100 Visa gift card. You can find out more information by calling 718-691-3415. If you find a great deal but want to increase your home automation even further, then you can buy additional pieces of equipment from the ADT store.
You can cancel your ADT subscription at any time but, but you’ll have to call the customer support team directly to do so for security reasons. When canceling, it’s likely that ADT will first give you plenty of reasons to stay with the service. And, if you have a lot of time left on your contract, you may need to pay a fee depending on how long is left on your agreement.
Customer Service
Although ADT has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, customer comments about the experience with support are far from ideal – with some users reporting insufficient support for their subscriptions and equipment. However, there are plenty of ways to get in touch with ADT, either through the 24/7 live chat, by phone (calling 718-691-3415 between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. CT), or through the company’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter profiles.
The ADT website is full of helpful information. There’s an extensive FAQ guide, manuals for all the security equipment, and how-to videos. You can also check out the company’s YouTube page for instructional videos or even find them through the ADT Command touchpad.
Bottom Line
ADT earned its status as a top security provider thanks to its strong focus on innovation and 24/7 monitoring. Its security equipment is high quality, with the touchpad the pick of the bunch – helping your home stay secure and automated. But it’s the ADT Control app that is the real standout. It’s well designed, easy to use, and lets you view your cameras in high definition from wherever you are. The SoSecure app is also great as an extra precaution to install on your phone that will help keep you safe outside the house too. Still, we are concerned about the feedback from customers about ADT’s support, with many users reporting poor experiences. But if you want well-priced home security, then ADT is well worth considering.
Ms Neimark says
In Requesting closure of the account, I responded correctly to requests for:
1. Name on the account
2. Address of Service
3. Phone number connected to the
account and
4. The password
Neither the customer service rep nor her supervisor accepted my cancellation request . I called the funeral home, and they were kind enough to email me my father’s death certificates. Once I emailed his death certificate to Protection 1, I received a generic email back offering that they would evaluate my request. I consider this degrading, adding insult to injury. As a homeowner, I would
N E V E R consider using Protection 1.
Daniel (Best Reviews Team) says
Hello Ms Neimark. We’re very sorry to hear about your loss. Hopefully, your issue was resolved in the meantime. However, keep in mind that this review is for ADT, not Protection 1, which is owned by ADT, but a different service. Still, we thank you for sharing your experience and let other homeowners know more about Protection 1. Have a nice day.
Connor Nolta says
I’ve heard great things about DIY security systems, but I needed my house protected by a security system installed by professionals. They came right on time to a scheduled appointment and were courteous and very professional. Ever since then the system has been flawless
Weston Wright says
I’m sure every company offers competitive equipment. However, my purchasing decision was based upon what I think are the 2 most important qualities to look for in a home security system: 1) Monitoring and 2) Perceived effectiveness and/or protection level. In my mind, ADT wins by a landslide in both categories. The yard signage alone is a difference-maker. Burglars must be hugely deterred even just by an ADT sign in the yard.