ADT Review

Having been in business for more than 140 years, ADT Home Security has become one of the most trusted names in the business. So far, they have served more than 8 million satisfied customers and have 18,000 professionals working in both the United States and Canada. Services extend beyond just keeping burglars off of your property.

What We Like

Diversity in features: We like that ADT offers a range of services that includes a variety of safety and rescue features as demonstrated in ADT reviews. For instance, they connect with the police if an intruder tries to break into a home, plus the systems are known to save family members from fires. Some home security plans even offer a key fob lifeline alert in case of a health emergency. They even install smoke, carbon dioxide and flood safety sensors. You not only receive protection against theft or violence but also can safeguard your home from environmental hazards.

24/7 monitoring: We like that the ADT security system will keep an eye on your home and automatically alert you wherever you are if a problem arises. You also have the option of adding a video surveillance service that will allow you to watch either live video or clips of incidences.

Home automation: You can set up operations controllable from anywhere.

Web and mobile access: This is where you can observe video surveillance action if you have that service. You can also control your lights, garage door, and locks from the ADT smartphone app. This gives you peace of mind because you can check on your home anytime you want from anywhere. Additionally, this is helpful if you want to make sure you remember to secure your home before you leave. Along with mobile monitoring, you also can receive text and email alerts.

What We Don’t Like

Having to learn a new system: It’s not that users cannot be taught how to use it. In fact, ADT does have a 24/7 customer service hotline that will take your requests, plus you will receive manuals with your equipment. However, you might find it frustrating if you never used a smartphone or if the setup is different than what you have now. Make sure you are ready to learn a new system before you purchase it.

Confusing plan pricing: We like the varieties of pricing packages available. It also is nice that you can sign up for the traditional package, which is one of ADT’s lower-cost solutions, if you don’t need much to secure your home. However, prices are not displayed on the website. They will tell you when you call, however, which can help if you want a customized solution for your home whether large or small. The only problem is, we were hoping they would provide a definite pricing scheme at least for the standard, non-customized packages. Also, we notice that they might only include some features such as video surveillance as an add-on, so it can become pricey.

Confusing (and long) contract terms: They do have a money back guarantee. However, we find that it is not always clear under what conditions an ADT alarm system can be returned. This, in fact, seems to be a top frustration expressed in some ADT reviews.

The Bottom Line

With all the extras available, ADT Home Security could be a perfect match for just about anyone, and the smart home alarms probably would not take much time to learn to use as long as you take advantage of available help. However, the people that might benefit the most are consumers that prefer using smartphones to automate and monitor their homes. Nevertheless, even if you know how to use smart alarm systems, you have to like them over the systems connected only by telephone.

If you are not accustomed to using smartphone apps, you might be better off with an ADT system connected to another type of phone. Having a successful experience with ADT might require that you spend a little extra time on the phone with customer service, but it may be worth it if you end up with the features you want in your home security plan. Not only that but they will walk you through all steps of the usage process, and you can receive help from the installation technician, too.

The ADT Home Security customer service team is usually thorough in their explanations of plans, pricing and contract terms. However, it might require that you not be afraid to ask any questions you have, especially about the payments and contract. Make sure you are clear about what features and services are included, and be certain you know under what circumstances you can return your system and receive a refund.