ADT is the oldest and most recognized name in home security, with a large professional monitoring network and decades of track record. That reliability comes with trade-offs: historically long contracts and a higher total cost than newer competitors. Here's our honest assessment.
Monitoring & reliability
ADT's core strength is its established monitoring infrastructure and professional install. For buyers who want a household name handling response, that peace of mind is real. Coverage and response are among the reasons ADT remains a default choice for many homeowners.
Contracts & cost
The main drawback is commitment. ADT plans have historically involved multi-year contracts (often around 36 months) with early-termination fees, and total cost tends to run higher than DIY or no-contract providers (verify current terms). If long contracts are a dealbreaker, that's worth weighing carefully.
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Who it's best for
ADT suits homeowners who prioritize a large, established brand and professional monitoring, and who don't mind a contract. Budget-focused buyers or anyone who wants contract flexibility will find better value elsewhere.
Already an ADT customer? See our ADT troubleshooting guide for cellular failure, beeping, battery and reset fixes, the battery replacement guide, and how to cancel ADT if it comes to that.
Bottom line
Verdict: ADT delivers established, professional monitoring — but often at the price of a multi-year contract and a higher bill. If you want the same professional install and 24/7 monitoring without locking into a long contract, CompareYourSecurity connects you with top-rated no-contract providers. Compare our top picks to find a better-value provider.