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Our review of the ADT Fire & Security home security system, its unrivaled alarms, CCTV services, and video doorbells.
ADT is a long-established home security system company with over 150 years of experience. It is known for its bespoke array of systems that can be customised for each home and the 24/7 professional monitoring service included with each system.
The ADT Smart Services app allows you to control your system remotely and has the ability to connect to smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It’s worth noting that the ADT app is not compatible with Apple HomeKit.
Our experts have compiled everything you need to know about ADT home security systems to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your family and your home.
Rating: ★★★★
ADT is one of the most reliable and comprehensive home security solutions available in the UK thanks to its years of experience and proven track record. The company develops every system to your specific needs to ensure the highest level of security throughout your property.
The lack of transparent pricing may be an obstacle for some. An ADT technician needs to review your property or speak to you over the phone before offering a quote. You also need to sign up for an extended contract – between 24 and 36 months – that cannot be cancelled without paying the full contract fee.
That said, ADT’s positive customer testimonials and included professional monitoring make it worthy of consideration for households looking for the highest level of security.
Our experts consulted hundreds of customer reviews, media articles, technical documents and professional forums to review and compare ADT home security systems. We devised a detailed scoring system with a maximum score of 100 points.
We considered the following factors:
For more information, read our article on how we review home security systems.
ADT does not have a one-fits-all approach to home security; instead, it curates every package for each customer’s needs by offering a selection of devices in its home security systems. These devices include:
Every home security package has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s best to weigh them before making an informed decision.
Here are some advantages of partnering with ADT:
Make sure you consider the downsides, which include:
ADT’s useful app allows users to disarm the system remotely (image credit: ADT)
All ADT packages are personalised to your home, so everyone will have different components in their system. The company will also install your entire system from start to finish.
The ADT Smart Home Hub connects to other ADT devices in the home, and it will notify you if any device is triggered. ADT offers 3 different types of sensors – PIR motion, Shock and Dualtec sensors – that are placed in suitable locations. For example, shock sensors are best used on windows above flat roofs or on properties with large pets.
ADT’s video doorbell has motion sensors that can detect people approaching your home and has a 2-way talk feature so you can communicate with visitors. Indoor cameras boast 1080p resolution and infrared night vision, so you can keep track of your home day and night.
ADT home security systems are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. With Alexa, homeowners can control their system and smart home devices remotely using their voice. There is currently no compatibility between ADT and Apple HomeKit.
Our current top pick for the best home security system is SimpliSafe. The affordable pricing, range of packages and 24/7 professional monitoring support make SimpliSafe a great option for every household and budget.
In comparison, ADT lands third place in the race thanks to its long history in the industry and comprehensive service. ADT is a great choice for households looking for a hands-off approach because it takes care of the installation and will monitor your property for 365 days of the year.
Verisure is another reliable option. Similar to ADT, it offers professional installation services and professional monitoring. Verisure also creates bespoke packages and can give you a quote after you fill out an online form and speak to a representative over the phone.
Households on a budget can look to Abode and Ring. Both companies specialise in DIY packages that don’t require any professional assistance. Unlike ADT, both offer ready-made packages that can be upscaled and added to as needed, which makes them more desirable for households just stepping into the home security space.
Arlo is a great option for people who require video doorbells and outdoor security cameras. Selected Arlo devices come with 4K resolution cameras, so you can see what’s happening in your home with impeccable clarity. However, compared to brands like Abode and Ring, Arlo is fairly expensive.
You will need to speak to an ADT representative over the phone or ask a professional to visit your property to get a quote for your home security system. These assessments are free and can be done without committing to a package.
While we cannot offer an average price for ADT’s home security systems, we researched the current pricing for a range of ADT’s competitors to give you a better estimate of how much you may spend on a system.
| Home security system brand | Cheapest package cost* (excluding installation and subscription costs) |
|---|---|
| ADT | Based on quotation |
| SimpliSafe | From £284.96 for a 4-piece package |
| Ring | From £219.99 for a 5-piece package |
| Yale | From £190 for a 5-piece package |
| Abode | From £168.99 for a 4-piece package |
| Arlo | From £399.99 for a 6-piece package |
ADT offers 4 different subscription plans: Standard, Standard Plus, Comprehensive and All-Inclusive Maintenance. Our experts were unable to find a firm price for any of these plans after calling an ADT representative, although customer forums suggest the All-Inclusive Maintenance plan costs between £30 and £40 per month.
Depending on your ADT package, you will be privy to different levels of service from an ADT technician. Below, you can see what’s included in each plan.
“We had our new ADT system installed today by Adrian Cook. From the beginning, Adrian was professional and friendly and quickly got to work as he knew we had just moved in and had lots of other tasks to do… Adrian had a good knowledge of the system and gave us a comprehensive run down, ensuring we were completely satisfied before he left. Overall, a great experience [that] made us feel even more pleased we purchased the system.”
“Pricing structure is not clear. [The] contract was agreed [upon] on the basis of a combination of sensors and cameras and monitoring. The cameras were not what we expected, requiring ducting through key rooms rather than in [the] loft space. Told to speak to sales, but no response to [my] enquiry as yet. Not all equipment was available to be fitted, although all the money was taken, and no communication as yet as to when it [will] be coming. Unable to reliably set the alarm physically, relying on the app to do so. Individuals have been nice, and the equipment we do have is neat.”
“ADT gave me a first-class service. I was happy with the quote [and] gave the go-ahead, and as luck would have it, due to a cancellation, they were able to install it the next day. The installation was very good and the engineer was very helpful and explained everything. [We] could not be more satisfied now – we feel safe and secure. Thank you ADT.”
Households on a budget may find it difficult to work with ADT’s lack of transparent pricing compared to its competitors with ready-made packages and clearer costs.
However, if your budget is more malleable, ADT is a fantastic choice. Its personalised packages, exemplary customer service and proven track record in the home security industry make it a reliable, secure solution for all your home needs.
Rating: ★★★★