9
Brands Reviewed
1,200+
Hours Tested
5
Scoring Dimensions
2026
Data Updated

ADT Cancellation Fee: What It Is and How to Calculate Yours

Here's the short answer

ADT charges approximately 75% of your remaining contract balance as an early termination fee (ETF). Calculate yours: (months remaining) × (monthly rate) × 0.75. A 36-month contract at $52.99/mo with 18 months left = ~$715. Self-setup ADT+ plans have no ETF.

The cancellation fee is the single most important number to know before you call ADT. This guide walks through the formula, examples at common rate levels, ways the fee can be reduced, and what to do if you decide to switch.

Affiliate disclosure: SecurityCompassHQ may earn commissions from some links. Commissions do not influence our recommendations or scores. See full disclosure →

Fee calculator: example scenarios

Use the formula months remaining × monthly rate × 0.75 to estimate your ETF. Common scenarios:

ScenarioMonthly RateMonths LeftEstimated ETF
6 months left$44.99/mo6 months~$202
12 months left$44.99/mo12 months~$405
12 months left$52.99/mo12 months~$477
18 months left$52.99/mo18 months~$715
24 months left$52.99/mo24 months~$954
Self-setup (ADT+)AnyAny$0 — no ETF

These are estimates. Your actual ETF is specified in your service agreement. Always confirm with ADT directly before making a switching decision.

When the fee can be reduced or waived

ADT's ETF is not always the final word. These situations have precedent for waiver or reduction:

Federal Cooling-Off Rule

You have 3 business days to cancel any contract signed at your home without penalty. ADT is legally required to notify you of this right in writing.

Military deployment (SCRA)

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act allows active-duty military to cancel service contracts without penalty when deployed. ADT must honor this — provide your orders in writing.

Service quality failure

If ADT fails to meet contractual service standards and cannot resolve the issue after documented attempts, you may have grounds to cancel without ETF. Document all service calls and complaints in writing.

Move outside service area

If you're relocating to an area ADT doesn't service, the ETF may be waived. Request a service area verification in writing before assuming this applies.

The retention team has discretion. Ask directly: "Is there any circumstance under which the ETF can be reduced?" Document the answer. Even a partial reduction is meaningful on a large ETF.

Full step-by-step ADT cancellation guide →

ADT cancellation FAQ

How much does ADT charge to cancel early? +
ADT's professionally installed plans charge approximately 75% of your remaining contract balance as an early termination fee. Formula: (months remaining) × (monthly rate) × 0.75. For a 36-month contract at $52.99/month with 18 months left: 18 × $52.99 × 0.75 = approximately $715. Self-setup ADT+ plans have no long-term contract and no ETF.
Is the ADT cancellation fee negotiable? +
Sometimes. ADT's retention team has discretion to waive or reduce the ETF in certain situations: documented financial hardship, military deployment (SCRA), home sale with ADT transfer declined, or service quality failures ADT cannot resolve. Always ask directly — the retention team can authorize reductions that standard billing cannot. Get any waiver in writing before you hang up.
What is the formula ADT uses to calculate my ETF? +
ADT's standard ETF is 75% of the remaining monitoring payments left on your contract. If your monthly rate is $44.99 and you have 12 months left: 12 × $44.99 × 0.75 = $404.91. Some contracts use a fixed ETF amount instead — your service agreement specifies which method applies. Check clause labeled 'Early Termination' or 'Cancellation Policy.'
Can I avoid the ADT ETF if I move? +
If you're moving to a new address within ADT's service area, ADT will typically transfer your contract and reinstall equipment — the ETF doesn't apply. If you're moving outside ADT's service area, you may be able to cancel without ETF — request this in writing before your move. ADT will ask for documentation (utility bill or lease agreement at the new address) to confirm.
Does ADT's self-setup (ADT+) plan have a cancellation fee? +
No. ADT+ self-setup plans are month-to-month — no contract, no ETF. The cancellation fee structure described on this page applies to professionally installed ADT plans, which require a 2–3 year monitoring contract. If you're unsure which plan you have, check your original service agreement or log in to MyADT.com to see your contract type.
What is the federal cooling-off rule and does it apply to ADT? +
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you 3 business days to cancel any sale of $25 or more made at your home without penalty. This applies to ADT door-to-door or in-home sales. The seller must give you a written notice of this right. If ADT did not provide this notice, the 3-day period may be extended. If you recently signed and want to cancel, invoke this rule immediately in writing.

No-contract alternatives worth comparing

If the ETF is the reason you're leaving, these systems have no ETF and no monitoring contract:

SimpliSafe

9.2/10 · No contract · From $22.99/mo

CSAA Five Diamond monitoring. 60-day money-back. Exit penalty: $0.

Full review →

Cove Security

8.0/10 · No contract · From $17.99/mo

CSAA Five Diamond monitoring. Lowest monitoring cost in the category. No ETF.

Full review →

Ring Alarm

8.8/10 · No contract · From $19.99/mo

Best for Amazon households. No ETF. Professional monitoring from $19.99/mo.

Full review →

Not sure what you need?

Answer a few quick questions and get a personalised security plan for your home or business.

Build my free security plan →

Takes 60 seconds · No email required to start