ADT professionally installed plans require a 36-month monitoring contract with an early termination fee of approximately 75% of your remaining balance — the highest contractual commitment of any brand we track. Before comparing plan prices, understand what it costs to leave. This page covers both contract paths (professional install and self-setup) with full 3-year calculations.
What's on this page: Equipment costs · Monitoring plan table · Contract Risk Index score · 3-year total cost · Hidden costs · Who should buy ADT. Updated April 2026.
Figures sourced from public pricing pages, user-reported data, and direct brand verification. No brand pays to appear. See our methodology →
Affiliate disclosure: SecurityCompassHQ may earn commissions from some links on this page, including as an Amazon Associate when you purchase through Amazon links. Commissions do not influence our scores or recommendations. See full disclosure →
ADT offers two paths: ADT+ self-setup ($229+ equipment, no contract) and professionally installed ($299–$599+ equipment, includes installation). Professionally installed equipment is proprietary — it does not work with other monitoring providers.
Key equipment facts
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Secure (Self-Setup) | $24.99/mo | $299/yr | 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, intrusion detection. DIY install. No contract. |
| ADT Smart (Self-Setup) | $29.99/mo | $359/yr | Everything in Secure + smart lock, thermostat, garage control. DIY install. No contract. |
| ADT Complete (Self-Setup) | $39.99/mo | $479/yr | Everything in Smart + cameras, 30-day video storage (Nest Aware), video verification. DIY install. No contract. |
| ADT Secure (Pro Install) | $34.99/mo | $420/yr | Same features as Secure Self-Setup + professional installation. 36-month contract required. |
| ADT Smart (Pro Install) | $39.99/mo | $480/yr | Smart home control + professional installation. 36-month contract required. |
| ADT Complete (Pro Install) | $49.99/mo | $600/yr | Full camera and smart home package + professional installation. 36-month contract required. |
Contract Risk Index (CRI) — High — Caution
Highest lock-in risk of any brand we track
ADT professionally installed plans require a 36-month monitoring contract. ADT+ self-setup plans have no contract.
ETF: Professional install ETF: approximately 75% of remaining contract balance. Example: cancel at month 12 of 36 on the Complete (Pro Install) plan at $49.99/mo = ~$900 ETF (24 months remaining × $49.99 × 75%). Formula: months remaining × monthly rate × 0.75. Calculate your exact ADT ETF → · Full ETF breakdown → · Contract length guide →
Cancellation
For a full step-by-step guide to canceling ADT without unexpected fees, see our guide: How to Cancel ADT →
Got a quote from a salesperson?
Decode the real contract terms, ETF exposure, and 3-year total before you sign.
Our 2026 Contract Risk Index scores all 9 brands on lock-in risk from 1 (no contract) to 5 (high penalty).
Estimated 3-year total
$1,100 – $2,600
Pro Install low: $299 equipment + $99 activation + ($34.99 × 36) = $1,658. Pro Install high: $599 equipment + $199 activation + ($49.99 × 36) = $2,598. Self-Setup: $229 + ($39.99 × 36) = $1,669 (Complete tier, no contract)
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Open Cost Calculator →Ideal for
Homeowners who want professional installation, the most recognized monitoring brand for insurance documentation, and the largest US monitoring network.
Not ideal for
Budget-conscious buyers, renters, or anyone who may need to move or cancel within 36 months — the ETF is significant.
See our full editorial review for the complete scoring breakdown:
See side-by-side pricing, contract terms, and camera quality for the systems buyers most often compare to ADT:
How to pair this with a full alarm system
If you need sensors, keypad coverage, and professional dispatch, these are the best-fitting full-system routes.
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