ADT
ADT is America's largest home security company — offering 24/7 professional monitoring from $24.99/month with Google Nest integration, the ADT Guarantee, and professional installation across all 50 states.
Available Plans
ADT monitoring plans (DIY self-setup pricing; all require a 36-month contract; professional installation adds ~$10/month): ADT Secure ($24.99/month) — 24/7 professional monitoring, entry sensors, indoor siren, cellular backup. ADT Smart ($34.99/month) — adds remote arm/disarm via the ADT+ app plus smart home device control (locks, lights, thermostat). ADT Complete ($44.99/month) — adds video camera monitoring with ADT agents reviewing footage during alarms. Equipment is purchased separately from monitoring and ranges from $200–$800+ depending on your home's size and device selection. ADT frequently offers promotional equipment packages for new monitoring customers. The 6-month money-back guarantee and the ADT Guarantee (up to $500 insurance deductible credit for verified burglaries) apply to all plans.
ADT Secure
$24.99/mo
ADT Smart
$34.99/mo
ADT Complete
$44.99/mo
About ADT
ADT is America's oldest and largest home security company, founded in 1874 and currently protecting approximately 9 million customers across the United States and Canada. With over 150 years of operational history, ADT has evolved from a telegraph-based neighborhood watch service into a sophisticated smart home security platform that integrates professional monitoring with Google Nest devices, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras under a single app.
ADT's core differentiator is professional installation combined with professional monitoring. Unlike DIY security companies where customers self-install sensors and manage their own system, ADT's standard plans involve a trained ADT technician who visits the home, designs the sensor layout for optimal coverage, installs all hardware, and confirms a live connection to ADT's monitoring centers before leaving. This white-glove approach results in systems that are properly calibrated for each home's specific layout — not just sensors taped to doors according to an app tutorial.
ADT monitors homes through a network of six nationwide Alarm Response Centers that operate 24/7/365. When an alarm triggers, an ADT agent contacts the customer to verify the emergency, then dispatches police, fire, or medical services with priority access. ADT's monitoring plans in 2025 range from the self-installed Secure plan ($24.99/month) to the Complete plan ($44.99/month) that adds video camera monitoring. The ADT Guarantee provides up to $500 toward a customer's homeowner's or renter's insurance deductible if a verified burglary occurs while the system is armed and monitored — a customer commitment that reflects ADT's confidence in its own service.
Best For
- ★Homeowners who want professional installation and expert system design for optimal home coverage
- ★Households that value the most established, experienced home security brand with the widest monitoring infrastructure
- ★Smart home users who have or plan to get Google Nest devices integrated with their security system
- ★Long-term homeowners comfortable with a 36-month commitment in exchange for professional service
- ★Customers who want the ADT Guarantee protecting their insurance deductible in the event of a verified break-in
- ★Households in any of the 50 states who want whole-home security designed by a certified security professional
Pros
- ✓America's most established home security brand — 150+ years of operational history and 9 million active customers
- ✓6 nationwide Alarm Response Centers providing redundant 24/7 professional monitoring
- ✓Professional installation by trained ADT technicians — optimal sensor placement for your home's specific layout
- ✓Deep Google Nest integration — Nest Doorbell, Nest Cam, Nest Thermostat, and Nest Hub all compatible
- ✓ADT Guarantee — up to $500 toward homeowner's/renter's insurance deductible after a verified burglary
- ✓Available in all 50 states with self-setup plans starting at just $24.99/month
- ✓6-month money-back guarantee on all residential monitoring plans
Cons
- ✕36-month contract required for the lowest monitoring rates — early cancellation costs 75% of remaining balance
- ✕Equipment costs are separate from monitoring and can be substantial for larger systems ($200–$800+)
- ✕Monthly rates are higher than DIY competitors — SimpliSafe starts at $22.99/month vs. ADT's $24.99 minimum
- ✕Professional installation requires scheduling an appointment — not a same-day setup
- ✕Customer satisfaction scores vary significantly by region and local dealer quality
- ✕Equipment may be leased (not owned) on some installation plans — check your agreement terms
Availability
ADT is available in all 50 US states and several Canadian provinces, making it the home security provider with the widest geographic reach of any professional monitoring company. ADT serves both urban and rural markets through a combination of directly operated ADT branches and a national authorized dealer network. Professional installation availability is typically within days of signup in most US markets. Self-setup (DIY) plans are available with equipment shipped to any address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ADT home security cost per month?
ADT monitoring starts at $24.99/month for the Secure plan (DIY self-setup, 24/7 professional monitoring, entry sensors). The Smart plan is $34.99/month (adds smart home control), and Complete is $44.99/month (adds video monitoring). Professional installation adds approximately $10/month to each tier. All plans require a 36-month contract.
Does ADT require a long-term contract?
Yes — ADT's standard monitoring plans require a 36-month (3-year) service contract. Early termination costs 75% of the remaining contract balance. ADT+ self-install plans offer more flexible 24-month or month-to-month options at higher monthly rates. The 36-month commitment enables the lowest available monitoring rates.
What is the ADT Guarantee?
The ADT Guarantee provides up to $500 toward your homeowner's or renter's insurance deductible if a verified burglary occurs while your ADT system is armed and professionally monitored. To be eligible, the system must be active, armed, and the burglary must be verified through ADT's monitoring process. This is not an insurance policy — it's a customer commitment credit.
How does ADT integrate with Google Nest?
ADT partners with Google to integrate Nest smart home devices — including Nest Doorbell, Nest Cam, Nest Learning Thermostat, and Nest Hub Max — into the ADT security system via the ADT+ app. You can view camera feeds, control your thermostat, and manage all security and smart home functions from a single app.
What is the difference between ADT Secure, Smart, and Complete?
Secure ($24.99/mo): 24/7 professional monitoring with sensors and siren — basic security. Smart ($34.99/mo): Adds remote arm/disarm via the ADT+ app plus smart device control for locks, lights, and thermostat. Complete ($44.99/mo): Adds video camera monitoring — ADT agents can review your camera footage during an alarm before dispatching emergency services.
Is ADT available in my area?
Yes — ADT is available in all 50 US states through company-operated branches and an authorized dealer network. Professional installation appointments are typically available within a few days of signup. DIY self-setup plans ship equipment to any US address for even faster activation.
How does ADT compare to SimpliSafe?
ADT offers professional installation, a 150-year reputation, Google Nest integration, and the ADT Guarantee. SimpliSafe offers no-contract month-to-month monitoring, DIY self-install in 30 minutes, portability for renters, and monitoring starting at $22.99/month. ADT is better for homeowners wanting expert installation; SimpliSafe is better for renters, frequent movers, and those who want flexibility without a multi-year commitment.