ADT is one of the most well-known and largest home security companies in the United States. With over 7 million customers nationwide, ADT offers a wide range of security systems to meet the needs of homeowners. When considering getting an ADT security system for your home, one of the first questions that comes to mind is – how much does ADT cost?
The short answer is that the average cost of an ADT security system ranges from $28-$60 per month. However, ADT offers flexible packages and pricing, so costs can vary significantly based on the equipment, features, and level of monitoring you choose. Basic packages start around $28 per month, but can cost over $60 per month for more advanced systems with full home automation capabilities and professional monitoring.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the key factors that influence ADT’s pricing and service costs. We will cover the cost differences between basic security packages, monitored systems, and smart home add-ons. By understanding what goes into ADT’s pricing, you can determine the right security package for your home within your budget.
Cost Factors of an ADT Security System
When estimating the cost for an ADT security system, there are several important factors that contribute to the total price and monthly fees. These include:
– **Base package** – ADT offers tiered packages based on features and equipment. Entry-level packages typically start around $28/month.
– **Equipment costs** – Prices vary based on the security devices and number of sensors needed to properly secure your home.
– **Installation fees** – Installation and startup fees typically range from $99-$199.
– **Monitoring plan** – For professional monitoring, fees range from $36-$57 per month.
– **Smart home add-ons** – Options like smart locks, cameras, lighting controls, and thermostats increase costs.
– **Home automation** – Full home automation with voice assistant integration is premium tier pricing.
– **Contract length** – Longer contracts (3-5 years) reduce the monthly cost but increase overall commitment.
– **Home size** – Larger homes require more equipment and sensors which raises the price.
– **False alarm fees** – Too many false alarms can result in fines ranging from $50-$150 per incident.
We will explore each of these cost factors in more detail in the sections below. Understanding these elements will give you a better picture of what an ADT system will cost based on your home’s specific security needs.
ADT Security Packages and Pricing
ADT’s security packages differentiate based on the types of equipment, number of devices, monitoring options, and features included. The primary tiers ADT offers are:
**Basic Security Packages**
– **ADT Pulse** – Starts at $28/month. Includes basic security control panel, 1-3 door/window sensors, motion detector, keypad, yard sign/window decals.
– **ADT Command** – Starts at $36/month. Adds indoor camera, digital keypad.
**Smart Home Security Packages**
– **ADT Control** – Starts at $48/month. Adds home automation hub, smart door lock, HD outdoor camera.
– **ADT Automation** – Starts at $60/month. Adds voice control, smart thermostat, video doorbell, flood sensor, smoke detector.
**Premium Security Packages**
– **ADT Pulse + Video** – Starts at $52/month. Adds outdoor cameras for full video monitoring.
– **ADT Command + Smart Security** – Starts at $57/month. Includes entry sensors, motion detector, smart doorbell.
– **ADT Control + Smart Security** – Starts at $60/month. Doorbell camera, flood sensor, smart lock, Qolsys security panel.
As you can see, packages range from $28/month for basic intrusion monitoring to $60/month for advanced smart home security. However, final pricing depends on customization options and add-ons. We will take a close look at popular equipment add-ons and costs in the next section.
Cost of ADT Security System Equipment & Installation
In addition to the recurring monthly fees, the specific ADT devices and equipment installed will impact upfront and ongoing costs. ADT installers will customize a security system based on your home’s size, entry points, and vulnerable areas. Here are some of the most commonly installed ADT security devices and current pricing:
| ADT Equipment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Control Panel | $100-$300 |
| Keypad | $100-$200 |
| Motion Sensor | $30-$50 each |
| Door/Window Sensors | $15-$20 each |
| Glass Break Sensors | $40-$75 each |
| Smoke Detectors | $60 each |
| Carbon Monoxide Detectors | $70 each |
| Flood Sensors | $50 each |
| Panic Buttons | $50-$100 |
| Security Cameras | $100-$300 each |
| Doorbell Camera | $200-$350 |
| Image Sensors | $150 each |
| Smart Thermostat | $250-$300 |
| Smart Door Locks | $199-$299 |
| Yard/Window Signs | $20-$50 |
With an ADT security system, you can expect to pay around $200-$500 in equipment costs alone, not including any installation fees. Most ADT packages come with 1 control panel, a keypad, and a few entry sensors or motion detectors. Adding additional devices like cameras, glass break sensors, smoke detectors, and smart home devices increases the total equipment costs.
In addition to the price of security equipment, ADT typically charges a standard installation fee to get your system professionally set up and activated. This installation fee ranges from $99-$199 based on your package and equipment needs. Complex installations may cost slightly more, especially if wiring or additional labor is involved.
Overall, the average ADT customer spends $300-$700 in upfront costs between equipment and installation fees. This is in addition to the ongoing monthly monitoring charges. You can minimize these costs by choosing more basic packages unless you specifically need advanced features or whole home coverage.
ADT Monitoring Fees and Plans
All ADT security packages come with the option for professional monitoring, where an ADT call center will receive alerts and dispatch emergency responders if an alarm goes off. Professional monitoring provides an extra layer of security and assurance. But it does add to your monthly costs.
Here is an overview of ADT’s monitoring fees:
– **Basic landline monitoring** – $36/month
– **Enhanced cellular monitoring** – $45/month
– **Interactive monitoring** – $55/month
– **Video monitoring** – $57-$65/month
Cellular and interactive monitoring provide more advanced communication with ADT’s call center, faster emergency dispatches, and remote access/control of your system. Video monitoring packages add the ability to stream footage from security cameras to ADT’s call center.
For most homeowners, the standard landline monitoring plan is sufficient for basic burglary and emergency monitoring. Cellular and interactive services provide convenience and enhanced response capabilities. But keep in mind these premium monitoring plans raise your monthly ADT costs by $10-$20 per month.
You also have the option to use ADT on a self-monitoring basis, without any monthly fees. But most security experts recommend professional monitoring for maximum home protection. Later in this guide we’ll compare the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional monitoring.
ADT Smart Home Integration Pricing
Beyond intrusion monitoring, ADT offers integrations with a full suite of smart home systems and devices. Adding smart security devices like cameras, lighting, thermostats, locks, and more provides complete home automation and control. But integrating your ADT system with smart devices also increases the price.
Here are some of the most popular smart add-ons and their average pricing:
– Smart doorbell camera – $100-$200
– Smart thermostat – $200-$250
– HD outdoor security cameras – $150-$350 each
– Smart plugs – $25-$50 each
– Smart lights – $15-$75 each
– Smart locks – $100-$250 each
– Water leak detector – $50 each
– Voice assistants – $50 for setup
Complete integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant also costs around $50 to program the compatibility features.
The more smart devices and integrations you add, the higher your equipment, installation, and monthly costs climb. Basic packages like ADT Command and Control offer some smart devices in the box. But fully integrating just a few smart home systems can add $500+ in upfront costs and raise monitoring fees by $15-$25 per month.
ADT Service Contract Lengths
Another factor that impacts monthly ADT pricing is the length of your service contract. Like most home security companies, ADT offers discounted monthly rates if you commit to a longer service term.
Contract lengths available include:
– **12 months** – Higher month-to-month rates
– **24 months** – Lowers monitoring fees 5-10%
– **36 months** – Reduces monthly costs 10-20%
As you extend your ADT contract, monthly fees decrease. However, the longer service terms also increase your early termination fees if you need to cancel your ADT service. Cancellation fees typically amount to 75% of your remaining contract balance.
When budgeting for a new ADT system, balance the monthly savings from longer contracts against the greater early termination fees. For most homeowners, a 24 month term offers a good middle ground with decent monthly rates and acceptable early termination fees.
Factors That Increase ADT Pricing
Throughout this guide we’ve touched on the main elements that raise ADT pricing for security systems. To summarize, the primary factors that contribute to higher ADT costs include:
– Large or multi-story homes needing more equipment/sensors
– Adding monitoring for outbuildings like garages or guest homes
– Integrating smart home tech like cameras, lighting, thermostats
– Upgrading to cellular or interactive monitoring plans
– Selecting shorter contract terms (higher monthly rates)
– Frequent false alarms leading to fines
– Living in an area with higher equipment/labor costs
– Choosing premium packages like ADT Automation or Control + Smart Security
– Adding video storage or other add-ons to your package
– Financing equipment through ADT instead of paying upfront
Focusing on a straightforward, basic system suited for your home’s size and security needs is the best way to control costs. You can always add on additional monitoring, equipment, and integration features later on if needed.
Average ADT Costs – By Home Type
Based on the pricing factors and costs we’ve covered, here are the average price ranges for ADT security systems based on home type:
**Apartments/Condos**
– Upfront equipment + installation: $150 – $300
– Monthly monitoring: $28 – $40
Small living spaces like apartments and condos require minimal equipment. Basic systems with a control panel, a few entry/motion sensors, and cellular monitoring typically meet needs. Monthly costs remain on the affordable side.
**Single-Story Home**
– Upfront equipment + installation: $350 – $600
– Monthly monitoring: $40 – $55
For single story suburban homes, you’ll need more sensors on doors/windows and motion detectors. Adding a few exterior cameras also improves security. Monthly fees increase slightly for additional monitoring.
**Large/Multi-Story Home**
– Upfront equipment + installation: $600 – $1000
– Monthly monitoring: $50 – $70
Larger homes with more entry points and vulnerable areas benefit from expansive equipment packages, smart integrations, and video monitoring. Monthly costs for premium systems understandably run higher.
As shown above, average ADT costs correlate closely with the size and security needs of your residential property. However, keep in mind these are just general estimates. Exact pricing depends on your chosen equipment, monitoring options, and package customization.
DIY Security vs. Professional ADT Monitoring
One way to save money on home security is to take a DIY (do-it-yourself) approach. DIY systems like SimpliSafe let you purchase equipment outright without any monthly fees. However, DIY security lacks the key advantage of live monitoring and response that services like ADT provide.
Here is an overview comparing DIY security vs. ADT’s professional monitoring:
**DIY Security**
– No monthly fees
– Purchase equipment outright
– Self-monitoring limits response
– Easy self-installation
– More responsibility for maintenance
– Less overall equipment capabilities
**Professional ADT Monitoring**
– $28-$60 monthly fees
– Long term service contracts
– Live monitoring dispatch
– Professionally installed
– Ongoing system maintenance
– Advanced equipment options
– Smart home integrations
While DIY security offers more affordability and flexibility, professional monitoring provides much greater security capabilities and protection. Before opting for a DIY approach to save money, consider whether you are comfortable entirely managing your home’s security with limited monitoring response.
How Home Automation Impacts Security Costs
One of the biggest cost factors for ADT systems is integrating smart home tech and full home automation features. Automation may seem like an appealing upgrade. But consider whether you truly need comprehensive smart home integrations with your security system.
Here are the main impacts of adding home automation to your ADT system:
– Adds $200-$500+ for smart devices/equipment
– Increases monthly service fees by $15-$25
– Complicates installation process
– Requires advanced technical skills
– Provides abundant features most don’t need
– Can integrate ADT with other smart platforms
– Enables home control from anywhere
Homeowners seeking complete connected living will benefit from ADT’s automation capabilities. But adding too many extraneous smart features also inflates costs with limited practical value. Focus on basic entry, motion, and monitoring first before adding home automation upgrades you may not fully utilize.
Cost Saving Tips for an ADT Security System
Based on the pricing breakdown above, here are some top tips for saving money on your ADT home security system:
– **Start small** – Get a basic package suited for your needs and add on later as desired.
– **Self-install** – Forgo professional installation if you’re comfortable setting up the devices yourself.
– **Buy equipment upfront** – Avoid financing fees by purchasing equipment outright instead of on payment plans.
– **Choose longer contracts** – Contracts for 2+ years secure the lowest monthly monitoring rates.
– **Limit smart devices** – Only get the automation features you’ll actually use regularly.
– **Consider DIY options** – Affordable DIY systems work for basic monitoring needs.
– **Take security basics first** – Focus on entry, motion, and environmental sensors before adding cameras, lights, and thermostats.
– **Prevent false alarms** – Too many false alarms lead to pricey fines from police responses.
Following these tips will ensure you don’t take on unnecessary equipment or monitoring costs. Focus on vital security protection first, then add supplemental features if they fit comfortably within your budget.
Conclusion
ADT offers flexible home security solutions scaled to meet your protection needs and budget. By understanding the key factors driving ADT’s pricing, you can identify the right system package for your home at a reasonable monthly cost.
Entry-level packages provide basic intrusion monitoring starting around $28 a month. Comprehensive smart home integration with advanced equipment can cost $60+ per month. Overall, focus on your home’s unique security requirements and you can likely find an ADT system to fit both your safety needs and budget. Their customizable equipment bundles and contracting options make balancing features and affordability manageable for most homeowners.